We lay together when the sun goes down.
One of them at a time, some times all of us at once.
It’s a bit of a ritual now.
Read MoreSometimes I wonder where my spark has gone.
⠀
I don’t always laugh at jokes like I used to. Probably because I never get the chance to hear the end of them.
⠀
The jump in my step is more of a drag right now. Probably because I’m carrying little children, and the heavy load that comes with them.
⠀
Read MoreI needed to pop into the supermarket. I was wearing my “I hope I don’t see anyone” attire. My matted hair was hidden under a cap, my sunglasses remained on for as long as possible and my milk stained top from breastfeeding in the front seat was disguised by a sweatshirt I found in the boot. I felt distressed at the thought of someone seeing me. But I had to go. I needed baby wipes. Why’s it always baby wipes?
Read MoreI’ve always been an emotional person, but since I’ve become a mother I cry at the drop of a hat.
About everything.
And anything.
Including things that have absolutely nothing to do with me but make me think of my children.
Read MoreBack to square one but with two. You have more experience this time, but there’s still a newness as you adjust to life as a fresh family of four.
Read MoreThe days right now consist of a lot of the mundane.
Changing nappies, wiping faces, finding breast pads, routine swaddling, cleaning sheets, soaking stains, hanging washing, using washing before it’s put away, finding sippy cups, sterilising breast pumps, feeding snacks, assembling something edible for dinner, scrubbing elephant shaped plates, bathing them, bathing them again, picking up toys, picking up clothes, picking up crusts, picking up everything for everyone.
Read MoreYesterday I was the surviving mum.⠀
I supervised screen time, we had takeaways for dinner and the washing was left on the clothes line.⠀
I was the let anything go mum, the let’s write off today mum, the let’s try that tomorrow mum.⠀
My fuse was short, my brain unmotivated, and my body tired.⠀
Wake time came too early and bedtime couldn’t come early enough.⠀
Nothing got achieved other than a huge pile of dishes, more washing and an overwhelming sense of guilt.⠀
Read MoreYou may not always see it, or feel it, or believe it,⠀
But they do.⠀
Your natural beauty,⠀
Your relentless power,⠀
Your captivating influence.⠀
Maybe not in the way you do,⠀
But they do.⠀
Read MoreIf only you knew,⠀
Not always giving you what you want is to help you, not hurt you.⠀
The lollies you reach for at breakfast, the scissors you want to play with and the thistles you long to pick like flowers. ⠀
I stop you because I’m protecting you.⠀
The worry for you is relentless, even if you think I’m stealing your happiness. ⠀
One day I hope you understand,⠀
One day I hope you know,⠀
But for now please be patient.
Read MoreWhen a mum tells you she’s exhausted what do you say?⠀
I normally encourage her to take a nap if she can, to take it easy and reassure her that it’s about surviving not thriving sometimes. ⠀
I also normally tell her that I’m tired too, that it’s hard and to be gentle on herself.
Read MoreA picture paints a thousand words, but those thousand words almost never tell the whole story.⠀⠀⠀
Whether the picture be on social media, through the windscreen of your car as you pass a cafe, or through your sunglasses as you engage with other mums at playgroup, the same applies.
Read MoreWe all feel vulnerable sometimes. ⠀ During the long nights that rid us of our sanity.⠀
The challenging days that test our patience like no other.⠀
The moments of self-doubt about all aspects of our parenting which kick us when we are down.
Read More