I am a mother.
I am “Mom.”
I am “Mommy.”
I am “Ma-Ma.”
I am “MOMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEE!!!”
My daily attire typically consists of yoga pants, though I rarely find the time to do yoga. I pair these pants with running shoes, even though running isn’t in my routine either. Often, my hair is hidden beneath a baseball cap—either because I haven’t managed to cover my gray roots or simply because I haven’t washed it in days. My nails are chipped, my undergarments don’t match, and I frequently wear my daughter’s unicorn socks. This is just how I roll.
Some days, I opt for jeans, steering clear of the dreaded “mom jeans” because even I recognize that faux pas. When it comes to date nights with my partner, I do dress up occasionally, but I genuinely prefer to lounge in my favorite sweats on our not-so-comfortable couch, indulging in reruns of classic shows like Friends and Seinfeld, all while my kids are snug in their beds just down the hall.
I find myself navigating the middle-class lifestyle, balancing the chaos and joy in our home. While I may not excel in housekeeping, I cultivate an environment filled with warmth and laughter. Cooking is not my forte; I’d love to improve, but I know deep down that I won’t. My freezer is stocked with frozen waffles, and my pantry is filled with white bread. Please don’t judge.
At any given moment, I could be facing six loads of laundry needing washing, five waiting to be folded, and four that still require putting away. I am the official chauffeur for our family minivan—affectionately dubbed The Golden Bus. It sports seven stick figure stickers on the back window (eight if you count the dog), a “my kid plays sports” magnet, and an assortment of Goldfish crumbs and empty water bottles scattered throughout. It’s a charming ride, provided you can overlook the aroma and the background noise.
I embrace my imperfections. I curse in moments of frustration and occasionally lose my composure, sometimes needing a timeout myself. I enjoy pinning creative ideas online, but the reality is that I rarely execute those crafts; Pinterest sets the bar far too high.
I’ve binge-watched countless series on Netflix, including six seasons of Gossip Girl, five of Breaking Bad, and six of Sons of Anarchy—definitely more hours than I’d like to admit while my kids were occupied. Maybe I should consider getting them each a puppy.
While my children are kind, my partner and I strive to lead by example, which fills me with pride. I can be a bit inappropriate, and I often find humor in situations where I probably shouldn’t. I don’t keep up with the news as I should, but I remain well-informed about my children’s lives; they are my universe.
There are moments I feel guilty about not spending enough time with them, yet there are also times I relish the thought of a break. And that’s perfectly normal. Some days, my love for them feels strong, while my patience may wear thin. Regardless, I love them every second of every day.
I strive to be a best friend to my children, and I hope that bond remains unbroken. While I don’t demand perfection in their academics, I do expect their best effort. Should they falter, they won’t face punishment but rather receive the support they need to improve. I believe in consequences fitting the action—no tears over spilled milk, but be prepared for some if you intentionally hurt someone’s feelings (and please, clean up the milk yourself; I’m your mother, not your maid).
Daily, I find myself mediating disputes, and I can’t help but sometimes root for one child over the other in secret. Mutual respect is paramount in our household, and that is non-negotiable.
In my mid-30s, I contemplated returning to school to pursue a nursing career, but life had different plans for me. Nonetheless, my “magic kisses” and character Band-Aids can do wonders for minor injuries. While I could never take on the role of a teacher, I hold immense admiration for those who educate our children.
Although my schedule doesn’t allow me to coach their sports teams, I enthusiastically support my kids from the sidelines—and I’ll cheer for your child too. It pains me that I’m not a stay-at-home mom, but my daily office routine helps maintain my sanity.
I wear many hats: storyteller, booger wiper, spider exterminator, toy locator, party planner, peacemaker, dream interpreter, homework assistant, and psychologist. I get compensated in kisses, and let me tell you, it’s worth it!
While my kids may spend excessive time on their iPads, I find myself glued to my phone. We all recognize the need for improvement in this area.
Sometimes, I am “that mom,” but that’s okay; we all find ourselves in that role at some point, whether we realize it or not.
I am thankful.
I am fortunate.
I am a mother.
Summary:
Motherhood is a complex journey filled with moments of gratitude, imperfections, and love. From juggling daily responsibilities to embracing the chaos of family life, mothers often navigate a blend of emotions. While they may not have the perfect home or culinary skills, the laughter and warmth they create are invaluable. Every mother experiences the highs and lows of parenting, finding pride and joy in their children while also seeking moments of personal space. Ultimately, motherhood is about love, support, and the unbreakable bond shared with one’s children.
Keyphrase:
motherhood journey