I Have a Love-Hate Relationship with Motherhood

Motherhood is total immersion. You don't get to do it part time, you don't get vacations and you don't get to quit. Even in those moments when you really, really want to and don't think you can handle another minute of whining or breaking up fights without literally losing your mind.

You have to try to demonstrate the behavior you want to see in your kids, be a good, responsible adult so your children will grow up to be one too and use appropriate language even when you stub your toe so you don't get a call from the principal asking you where your child learned that word.

You don't get sick days, you don't get peace and quiet, you don't get a constantly neat and tidy home, you don't get clean floors or windows for more than 5 minutes at a time, you don't get to take long bubble baths or enjoy spur of the moment nights on the town with your husband, much less your girlfriends, if you still have any left in the real world (Twitter and wine don't count as a girls' night out).

I'm often frustrated by my role as a mother. I know I should think positive thoughts for parenting is only as hard or as easy as you think it is (some say). But I'm just a faulty human.

However, I have to say, gratefully, that as my children get older and leave babyhood behind, I am coming to love motherhood despite its pitfalls. What makes me forget about dirty floors, piles of laundry and temper tantrums from hell? I'll tell you...

One moment watching my children play lovingly together
Watching the boy hug and kiss his sisters goodbye as they leave for school
The joy that lights their faces when Papa comes through the door
Being handed a note by my 6-year-old, when I'm very grumpy, that reads, "I love Momy!"
Chalk writing on the floor of the garage from one sister to another telling her she loves her.
Seeing them create recognizable animals with PlayDoh.
When they pretend they're being naughty but really they've sneaked away and cleaned their room!
When they read to me.
When they share their day with me.
When they want nothing more than a cuddle with their mommy.
My boy's warm, soft cheek after he wakes from his nap.

I know these days won't last long. My little girls are getting big. My toddler boy is nearly a preschooler. They are all that matter in this world. My love for them and theirs for me makes me forget every struggle and frustration. At least for one blissful moment each day.

Sister Love
A moment that makes it all worth it.