MOTHERHOOD: A Glimpse Into The Life Of a Tired But Hopeful Mom

THE JOURNEY OF MOTHERHOOD

Dive into the day of a tired yet hopeful mom, balancing life’s challenges with love and resilience. Motherhood is tough but it is definitely worthwhile.

The alarm goes off, and as I reach over to silence it, I already feel the weight of exhaustion pressing down on me. It’s 5:30 AM, and the house is still quiet.

This is my only moment of peace before I wear my “motherhood cape” begin the whirlwind of the day. As a tired but hopeful mom, every day brings a new set of challenges, but I hold onto hope and the love I have for my family to get through it.

Motherhood and Morning Madness

– Waking Up the Kids:

– By 6:00 AM, the kids need to be up and getting ready for school. My oldest is usually cooperative, but my youngest, not so much. This morning, after a sleepless night due to his teething pains, he’s particularly grumpy. I scoop him up, offer some comforting words, and hope the day improves.

– Breakfast and School Prep:

– Breakfast is a chaotic event for moms. I manage to get toast and eggs on the table, while simultaneously packing school lunches. “Mom, I can’t find my homework!” echoes from the hallway. Amidst the frenzy, I remind myself to breathe and stay calm.

Test of Motherhood: Unexpected Challenges

– A Week from Hell:

– The last week had been one hell of a week for me and my family. It all started on Wednesday night when I dreamed that someone in my family was involved in an accident.

I woke up all sweaty and got on my knees to pray. It wasn’t clear who was involved in the accident, so my prayer point was more focused on cancelling, casting, and binding any form of domestic accident.

– Illness Strikes:

– The following day, my child became ill. His temperature was so high that we had to go to the hospital immediately. They took his vitals and sent us to the lab for tests, which revealed he had malaria.

The doctor prescribed medication, and we went home to administer it as prescribed while observing him closely.

– Bathing Incident:

Motherhood and Guilt

– In the evening, as I prepared to give him a bath, the unthinkable happened. Instead of taking water from the bowl of warm water, I accidentally scooped from the bowl containing hot water and poured it on my baby.

The realization hit me instantly, and I screamed, “Jesus, I have poured hot water on my child!” My husband, confused by my screams and our baby’s cries, took the baby from me. Thank God I quickly realized my baby needed to be placed under cold running water.

We ran the cold shower and then applied petroleum jelly. The incident left me terrified and guilt-ridden, but we managed to comfort our baby, and he eventually slept.

Hospital Stay and Recovery

– Hospitalization:

– By morning, his temperature was over the roof, coupled with the blisters from the hot water. We rushed back to the hospital, and this time, they admitted my son. Throughout this ordeal, my husband was a solid rock by my side, providing unwavering support and helping me stay sane during the most stressful moments.

– Discharge and Healing:

– After a few days, we were discharged. My son was fine and bubbly again, but I couldn’t shake off the guilt and trauma of that night. Stress and sleep deprivation had taken a toll on me, making me feel absent and overwhelmed. Having my husband by my side was invaluable; his strength and support kept me from going insane.

Daily Struggles and Small Victories

– Getting Through the Day:

– Back home, life continued with its usual demands. Cooking, cleaning, and caring for the kids while trying to find moments for myself felt like an impossible task. But amidst the chaos, there were small victories that kept me going – a smile from my baby, a heartfelt “thank you” from my older child, or a moment of quiet reflection during naptime.

1. – Self-Care is Essential:

– Dear moms, take this from a tired, stressed, and sleep-deprived mom. You need to get some sleep! You need to rest!

The only way to function at your full capacity and take better care of your family is to take care of yourself. Stop the supermom attitude and seek help when you need it. Sleep is important. Resting doesn’t mean you are lazy.

Afternoon Adventures

– School Pick-Up:

– The afternoon is just as hectic as the morning. School pick-up is a rush of traffic and coordinating schedules. My oldest has soccer practice, and my youngest has a doctor’s follow-up appointment. Balancing their needs while keeping an eye on the clock is a juggling act.

– Doctor’s Follow-Up:

– At the doctor’s office, we get the good news that my youngest’s condition is improving. The relief is palpable, but so is the realization that I need to take better care of myself to take better care of them.

Evening Routine

– Dinner Time:

– By the time dinner rolls around, I’m running on fumes. Yet, dinner still needs to be made, homework needs to be supervised, and bedtime routines have to be followed. Tonight, we have a simple meal of spaghetti and meatballs. It’s not gourmet, but it’s nourishing, and right now, that’s enough.

– Bedtime Stories:

– Bedtime is both a challenge and a cherished time. After baths and pajamas, we settle in for storytime. It’s a moment to connect and unwind. As I read “Goodnight Moon” for the hundredth time, I find comfort in the routine, and so do my kids.

Finding Moments of Peace

– Late-Night Reflection:

– Once the kids are finally asleep, I take a moment to reflect on the day. The house is quiet again, and I feel a mix of exhaustion and hope. Despite the challenges, there’s a sense of accomplishment. We made it through another day.

– Self-Compassion:

– I remind myself to be kind to myself. Motherhood is a journey filled with ups and downs. It’s okay to feel tired and overwhelmed. It’s okay to seek help and take breaks. I whisper a prayer of gratitude for my family and the strength to keep going.

Weekend Respite

– A Family Outing:

– On weekends, we try to plan small family outings to break the routine and create joyful memories. Whether it’s a visit to the park, a picnic, or a movie night at home, these moments of togetherness remind us of the love that binds us.

– Recharge and Reconnect:

– I also make sure to carve out time for myself. A relaxing bath, a good book, or a chat with a friend helps me recharge. Connecting with other moms who understand the journey provides a sense of community and support.

Advice for Fellow Moms

– Prioritize Self-Care:

– To all the tired and overwhelmed moms out there, you’re not alone. It’s crucial to prioritize self-care. Take breaks when you need them, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your well-being directly impacts your ability to care for your family.

– Embrace Imperfection:

– Embrace imperfection and let go of unrealistic expectations. It’s okay if the house is a little messy or if dinner isn’t perfect. What matters most is the love and care you provide to your children.

– Build a Support Network:

– Building a support network is essential. Lean on friends, family, and other moms who can offer support, advice, and a listening ear. Together, we can navigate the challenges of motherhood with strength and grace.

Motherhood is a journey filled with exhaustion, challenges, and countless moments of joy. As a tired but hopeful mom, I hold onto the love I have for my family and the hope for better days. By prioritizing self-care, seeking support, and embracing the imperfect beauty of everyday life, we can navigate this journey with resilience and grace.

NB: This story was shared by a tired mom, offering a glimpse into her daily struggles and triumphs. Sending love and light to all the tired and overwhelmed moms out there, you’re not alone. Be kind to yourself, and remember that you are doing an amazing job.