My dear friend Courtney and I have been exchanging emails about the difficulty of mothering toddlers. Two and three year-olds are so willful and stubborn and challenging. When my patience is pressed I have to remind myself that my daughter isn’t even three yet…that the world is frustrating for her…that she doesn’t know how to properly express herself when she is happy or sad. I also struggle with the fact that SO much of my energy is spent on my daughter, leaving just barely enough for my sweet one year old son. He deserves so much more from me. Fortunately for me, he is a very patient and forgiving young fellow. Most of the time.
It is a lot of work for an exhausted mom! I like to say that no one said it would be easy, but no one ever said it would be this hard.
And just when I think I might lose my mind, they turn into absolute darlings and I feel like the luckiest, most blessed mom in the world. It is this crazy dichotomy that so neatly sums up motherhood; with all the sweetness comes a bit of sour, and vice versa.
I know someday too soon my babies will be all grown up and I will fondly reflect back upon my time as a young mother. When I am old and gray, I want to remember both the trying times and the blissful moments.
This is motherhood. And I love it:
Waking up waaaaaay too early every day. *** Waking up to bright and shiny faces, smiling with radiant joy at the sight of me!
Cleaning up a million crumbs and spills after every meal.*** Sitting down dinner with my family every night and writing in our gratitude journal.
Schlepping the kids to the car, buckling them in, taking them out of the car seats, etc. *** Singing along to a Little Miss Ann CD while we go for a drive.
Spending 15 minutes every night picking up toys **** Watching them have so much fun throughout the day playing with their toys.
Evie making a mess while she helps me prepare food in the kitchen. *** Working in the kitchen with Evie while she stands on her stool, asking a bunch of questions and making adorable comments about everything.
Planning a fun day/game/craft, only to have them meltdown and refuse to participate. *** Planning a fun day/game/craft and knowing that they had the BEST time ever.
The occasional stress that comes along with getting them to bed at the end of a busy day. *** Nighttime snuggles, cuddles and silliness.
Homemade Mothering is a movement that aims to simplify life and foster self-reliance while being kinder to our families and the planet. Its about encouraging people to get back to the basics when it comes to mothering and homekeeping. 
© Copyright 2024 Homemade Mothering | A Back to Basics Approach to Mothering and Homekeeping
Ah, thanks Maureen! Even though all parents have the same intense moments of frustration and joy, the feelings are strong that it’s hard to believe they aren’t unique to me and my family. It feels so good to know I’m not alone in this unchartered territory!
Well said Maureen! Enjoy every moment – they grow up so fast! I’m so thankful for every memory I have with my girls and can’t wait to see what the furture will bring us. There are moments that I have asked God for patience and there are monents I have prayed that never end. You are such an incredible Mom!
You captured the dichotomy well – life with little ones is certainly never boring, is it? Rare are the days that I don’t lose my temper and laugh out loud, often within the same hour. And one day it will seem so far away and long ago, as you say.