Thursday, September 27, 2012

Lessons in Motherhood

This has been an interesting week so far. My husband started school up again and he has an afternoon/evening schedule. I work full time from home with my two kids. I thought I could handle it! There's been a huge learning curve! First I am super spoiled and I get that. My husband has been home with me for the last 15 weeks. It's been wonderful! And I get to work from home so I don't miss out on the moments with my children. With that said holy cow! Two kids is hard when they are both screaming, your trying to work, the kitchen is a mess and you need to make dinner. I almost broke into tears the other night. I felt very overwhelmed and alone. Thankfully that moment of dispair passed by quickly. A thought came into my mind just start with one thing. So I did and I managed to make it through the night. I got dinner made and enjoyed time with my kids.
 
Later that same evening I was busy doing things for myself. I was watching TV for me instead of my son and trying to get my daughter to bed. After I got Elizabeth to sleep I continued to watch TV for me (I know selfish) then I looked out in the hall and saw my son looking at a book. I turned the TV off and scooped Benjamin up and the book and took him into his room. We climbed into bed and under the covers and cuddled together reading books. We only looked at a few books before Benjamin rolled over and cuddled into me and fell asleep for the night.
 
Today I had the same scenario again and I remembered the advice...start with one thing. I did some dishes and then started on dinner. I had just turned on the stove and was heating oil to cook some onions in them when my daughter started crying. I told her to hold on a few minutes. Elizabeth cried again. I looked at her and then quickly turned the stove off. Dinner could wait! I took Elizabeth into the living room and sat down and nursed her and she fell asleep.
 
What have I learned this week in motherhood? That dishes, laundry and my work will always be there. But my children won't always be. I'm trying to be better about stopping and enjoying the moment with them. Taking time to enjoy them even when they are screaming and crying. I'm so grateful to be a mother.

6 comments:

  1. This is such an important lesson, and what a blessing to be learning it now when they are so young! (And only two of them!) It took me having three children to realize that just by watching how quickly my older two have grown. You are a great mom... and some may see the lifestyle as spoiled, however I do not. I see it as survival. :)

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    1. Thanks Nichole! It's hard to learn when we have so many things we want to do ourselves or feel like we need to get done.

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  2. You are a wise mom. I waited to learn (or listen) the the lesson when Shaney had almost left home. I'm a slow learner. Good for you Em. You are amazing!!!

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    1. I love you Kathy! You are an amazing mother and friend! Shaney is going to do great because you were her mom!

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  3. Emily, you almost had me in tears because this is exactly how I feel a lot of the time lately! But unlike you I still haven't learned my lesson. Thank you very much for pointing it out! I can hopefully learn from your experience and enjoy my children!

    Oh and if you even need me to come take your kids for a few hours I am always here for you!! Love you!!

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  4. Great Job Emily! Your kids are blessed to have you for a mother!

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