Updated: June 26, 2017
Originally Published: May 17, 2014
As a parent, I often find myself in a constant state of fluctuation when it comes to my choices. There are days when I lovingly prepare organic fruit smoothies for my son, and other days when he dines on Honey Nut Cheerios that have found their way onto my uncleaned floor.
Sometimes, I rise before my child, shower, and dress in something other than sweatpants, making sure I look somewhat presentable for any potential outings. Other times, I opt for elastic waist pants, skip the shower in favor of deodorant, and cancel plans that would require me to step outside.
Occasionally, I enthusiastically engage in building block towers, reading stories, and singing “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” with my son, while at other times, I struggle to muster the enthusiasm to entertain a baby for an entire day.
There are moments when I leap upstairs to retrieve my son from his crib as soon as I hear him stirring from his nap; however, there are also times when I crave just a few more minutes of peace and let him wait it out while I sit at the kitchen table doing nothing.
When my partner returns home from work, sometimes the kitchen is spotless, the floor is vacuumed, and dinner is in the works. Other times, the sink and dishwasher overflow with dishes, the floor is littered with crushed Goldfish, and I find myself pleading with him to order takeout, even if it stretches our budget, just to avoid cooking another meal this week.
On occasion, I set aside my phone and devote my full attention to my son; yet, there are moments when I get distracted by articles on parenting while neglecting him altogether. Sometimes, I can be incredibly productive after putting my son down for a nap, managing to write blog posts, wash dishes, and fold laundry. Other times, I invite him into bed with me for a blissfully unproductive two-hour nap, only to wake up to an overwhelming list of tasks still unfinished.
I sometimes feel empowered in my unique approach to motherhood, while at other times, I find myself comparing my body to that of another mother in line at the grocery store or feeling envious of a vacation that another family can afford but I cannot.
There are days when I feel incredibly fortunate to stay home with my son, while other days, I wish for responsibilities that extend beyond merely cutting food into tiny pieces or retrieving a toy lodged beneath the coffee table.
I embody the contradictions of motherhood; at any moment, I am a different mother than I was moments ago. I am flawed and inconsistent, capable yet inept—a palette of colors on a single canvas.
However, even in my moments of ineffectiveness, laziness, or simple missteps, I am always a good mother. And so are you. Even if your child indulges in snacks with artificial coloring, you find discussions about celebrity gossip more engaging than playtime, or you lose your patience when interrupted in the bathroom for the umpteenth time today. Remember, you are a good mom, just not a perfect one. Perfection is a myth that no one truly achieves all the time.
For those considering home insemination, resources like Make a Mom’s Baby Maker can provide valuable guidance. Additionally, Cryobaby’s Home Insemination Kit is recognized as an authority on this topic. For further information on donor insemination, American Pregnancy’s resource is an excellent place to start.
In conclusion, motherhood is a journey filled with ups and downs, and embracing the imperfect moments is what truly defines us as parents.
Keyphrase: Modern Motherhood
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