Ooh boy. This weekend was full of ups and downs. So much sweetness and fun and then one of the toughest days of parenthood we’ve had.
Parenting is a crazy ride. It tests you to your very core. It beats you down and shows you the absolute worst of yourself and best of yourself, all at the same time. This was me yesterday. I was challenged. I was hurt. I was brought to the brink of tears. I was shown just how strong I can be. We had a really fun outing planned, and then everything that could go wrong did, pretty much. And it all escalated. Sam BIT me, I was literally bitten by my toddler- yeah, that was NOT fun. He almost drew blood. We paid our entry into the pool, only to have him scream the whole time (even the water didn’t help, and he LOVES water!) so after like five minutes we just gave up and left.
And it ended with us just heading back home. It was frustrating and draining and three out of four of us were definitely crying in the car ride home.
It was hard and some days the effort doesn’t seem worth it.
But I always go back to this:
It’s worth it. The frustration, the tears, the seemingly wasted efforts. Its worth it. They are worth everything.
To get one smile. One belly laugh. One unexpected kiss. One big grin directed only at me. I’ll do it all, over and over again.
And I’ll say it for the millionth time (I won’t ever stop saying it):
It isn’t easy, but nothing good ever is. That’d be way too boring. ;)
xo
You’re doing great, Mommy! I know I’m on the outside looking in, but there’s a reason I’m drawn to your blog. You have a beautiful calmness and you know deep down what this mothering thing is all about…you’ve got this! :)
Aww Dana, thank you so so so much for your kind words. :)
xo
This made me cry-they are so, so worth it. You are such a good mom, and your perspective always encourages me and challenges me to stay positive!
Oh my gosh, thank you for saying that!! It means the world to me!
xo
I feel you mama! Parenting is tough and I have just the one, but it’s so worth it.
liz @ j for joiner
It is SO tough, but so very worth it, absolutely.
xo
I absolutely love your honesty. I’m a new first time mom and I can absolutely relate. It’s the hardest thing I’ll ever do! But that smile and when she reaches up to touch my face makes it worth every second, every sleepless night, every tear.
YES yes yes, amen times infinity!!! You are doing amazing!
xo
You are an amazing momma! Like you said it is worth it and I can’t wait to experience it all, the ups, downs, and everything in between.
You are going to be an awesome mama, Jen!! :) It’s the greatest thing.
xo
I love your honestly SO much. I always feel like social media and blogs are FULL of mamas who only talk about the good parts of parenting and maybe I’m at fault for comparing my life to theirs, but they always make me feel inferior. Whenever I read your stuff, I find myself like “yeah, YEAH!” :) So yeah. Thanks again!
Oh, girl, I am so guilty of comparing as well! It’s hard to feel like everyone else has it all together while I’m over here falling apart, but you have to remember: its’ a highlight reel, not the behind the scenes reality. I’m SO glad that you find my honesty refreshing- it is my entire goal of this blog, every time I hit publish!! Thank you so much for your kind words. I needed them!
xo
Oh he’s not the first toddler to bite his mom. And he won’t be the last. I think you did the exact right thing by turning around and going home. We do that all the time. The store, the park, you name it. When you reach that point and calling “uncle” is usually better for everyone. Good call.
We all cry.
Ahhh you’re making me tear up over here- thank you for your comment!!! I needed to hear those words. Exactly that. Thank you.
xo
aww you are SUCH a good mama!!!! we all have our days!!!! for sure!!!
Thank you sweet girl!!!! YOU are such a good mama too. :)
xo