Today, on multiple occasions, I cleaned poopy underwear. Not something I can say I really enjoy doing. My one year leave of absence, to take on the job of "stay at home mom", is slowly coming to an end. It has been a year of change, reflection, transition, tears, smiles, scraped knees, kites, and many many toilet adventures.
I've relished this time with my kids and can't even fathom a different routine on the horizon. It has been the toughest job I've ever done.
No pay. No breaks. Broken sleep. Free, unlimited whine.
Spending a full day with kids makes all other jobs seem... simple. After this stay at home mom position, I can do any job, blindfolded, with both hands tied behind my back. Bring it on!!!
Thinking back to those long winter days, training for the Olympic event of Snowsuit dressing, brings on a sudden hot flash. It's post traumatic stress disorder. How I felt like cursing every time I had to get them into their boots, snowsuits, hats, gloves,and scarves before the school bell went or someone had to go to the bathroom.
I admit, it was a hard year. I didn't always enjoy it. (Am I allowed to say that out loud?) The monotony of the household chores is pure drudgery. I had to remind myself everyday to take it one hour at a time. Enjoy the moment. Breathe. They will not be throwing sand at each other, or pooping in their underwear, or spilling their milk all over the table, wall and clothing when they are 17. Hopefully.
They are growing and this time will soon be behind us. September brings grade 1 and Kindergarten. The mommy groups, play dates, the glasses of red wine while reading a good mommy book helped get me through the rough patches.
Here are the top four. Each of these books describe how chaotic motherhood can be. My favourites are Everyone is Beautiful and Mitten Strings for God, Reflections for Mothers In A Hurry.
Everyone is Beautiful by Katherine Centre
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Ah, memories. I'm surprised you even got in time for reading! Someone gave us a copy of a book "The Highly Spirited Child" (or similar) after the first of three children was born. I do recall reading the first chapter..
ReplyDeleteSo glad you were able to join play groups. Enjoy it while you can. They grow up so quickly.
My fondest memory of returning back to work after mat leave was being able to finish a whole cup of coffee :-)