Knowing that it probably won’t last forever doesn’t really help at the time though, and I’ve been finding myself feeling really cranky about it, annoyed that this little person is dragging me out of my comfy bed way before I would choose to be up. I’m especially annoyed if she wakes me up mid-dream because it leaves me feeling so spaced out all morning.
When my day starts with those feelings, they tend to lead to more bad feelings. I like to feel in control and quickly feel irritated that I’m not in control of something so basic as the time of day that I wake up. I want to have a few minutes peace to make a coffee first thing, but find I have to deal with various demands for milk and entertainment before I can get my caffeine fix.
I hear myself some mornings when I’m tired, snapping at the children to just be patient, to just wait a minute, and I really don’t like what I hear. That’s when I take a step back and bring it all back into focus. I remind myself how lucky I am, and how fleeting these early years really are, how it won’t be long before I’m not needed so much and that I’ll probably miss these days then. I remember how much I really have to be thankful for.
To be woken by a child calling for Mummy, and for that word to mean them. To be tired because they were needed in the night and again in the early morning for cuddles and comfort. To not even be able to go to the toilet alone because there was a child that loved and needed them so much they didn’t want to leave their side.
I so desperately wanted my children and I am so, so thankful that I have them. I remember when I was struggling in the first week at home after having my son, the thing that helped put it in perspective was thinking how lucky I was that I got to bring him home.
Parenting is damn hard work. I have my moments of utter frustration with being a Mother, when I just want a moment to myself. My children can leave me exhausted and drained of all I have to give. But ultimately, when all is said and done, I am thankful. I am thankful for 5.30 wake up calls. I am thankful for disturbed nights. I am thankful for the hundreds of times I hear ‘Mummy’ every day.
Because it means I am one of the lucky ones.
Parenting is hard, I feel so guilty when I complain as I remember a time that it nearly didn’t happen for me, but there is still no denying some days are tough and patience runs thin. Love this quote though as it holds such truth. #cuddlefairy, linked up after you xx
Parenting is definitely hard. There are loads of moments that are worthy of complaining about! I do find though that shifting my thinking to a position of gratefulness does really help! x
5:30– yup. That’s tough! I just love your positivity about it because parenting is SO challenging! We all get tired, grouchy, and impatient. And yes! We have so so much to be thankful for. It’s a matter of keeping that at the forefront in our minds. Lovely quote! Thank you for linking up with #candidcuddles! xx
Yeah, early starts are really tough! But I really do believe this quote! x
Such a great post and so true there is so much to be thankful for isn’t there, and like you my biggest achievement and pleasure in life is my beautiful boys x
Thank you, they really are something to be thankful for aren’t they! x
Always more to be grateful for than to be disappointed in. Love your way of turning it around and realizing it is a moment that doesn’t have to spill over into the rest of the day…. we are in control of our own attitude. I needed this reminder as much as you did… thanks for sharing on #CandidCuddles
“We are in control of our own attitude” – Yes! That’s the one thing we can always control! x
What a beautiful post, Madeline! I nodded my head the whole way through it!! You are right – it’s so hard being woke up and tired and grouchy. Focusing on the blessing of having children is a wonderful way to change your mindset and to be thankful for those wake ups and to be so important to another person. You are right on! Love it. Thanks so much for linking up with #candidcuddles x
Thank you Becky! x