in case you're wondering.
I was recently chatting with a friend online when she asked a probing question.
"How are you adjusting to life back in the States?"
Embarrassingly, the answer was, not easily. In fact, I feel overwhelmed on a daily basis.
There have been so many adjustments in the past few months it's hard to keep track of them all. But, by far, the biggest adjustment has been becoming a mother of three.
Truth is, I got use to the extra help I had in Singapore and now I'm paying for it. I've forgotten how to multi-task like I use to. For instance, how do you clean the bath tub (that your son decided to use as a toilet), calm a teething (yes, teething!) 4 month old, and make dinner and dessert in 45 minutes before the missionaries arrive?
In case you're wondering, dinner was late.
But it's not just the extraordinary circumstances that leave me flustered. I'm out of practice when it comes to paying bills and I've forgotten how much the laundry multiplies when you have a new baby. Shopping with three kids is a joke and our transition from dinner, to baths, and then bed is a disaster.
By the end of each day I'm exhausted--physically and emotionally. At times it feels like I've worked all day and yet, I've accomplished nothing. Then, in the midst of my defeat, Carly wants one more goodnight kiss, Wesley wants me to cuddle him as he falls fast asleep, and Lexie giggles and smiles when only I walk in the room. Why? Because I'm their mother. A mother of three.
And, in case you're wondering, I wouldn't trade that for the world.
photo taken January, 2010
10 comments:
you have three of the cutest kids I know - and I think you are adjusting just fine
And what a blessing it all is!
Can't wait to see you all in July!
Is having a target and potterybarn nearby at all redeeming? I can't even get my mind around having 3. I wish I was there to bring over a lasangna or something. You're amazing and the best mama ever. Love you guys!
treva- YES! potterybarn and target definitely have eased the pain.
Awww...so cute!
My gosh, that transition would be impossible anyways, but when you add an infant into the mix, UGH. I'm still figuring out how I'm supposed to get Isaac to school while Zoe is still sleeping, and play with Noah when Zoe is screaming, and fixing dinner when she needs to eat...it's a hard transition. I wish I could help!
This reminds me of how I felt the other day when Elle asked me... "Mom, is it better to be a kid or a Mom?".
I miss the care-free days of child hood, but I wouldn't trade my life now for anything!
And it seems like right when we adjust we're given more challenges.
Hang in there...
Love and miss you tons!! :)
You have a gift!! I love how you write and I adore the photo. I know you are doing and awesome job! I don't like transitions and dread that with any move. I'd wondered how you were adjusting. It's always just different. I wish you could have the best of both worlds.
what a darling picture!!
Go easy and give yourself a break. It looks like in the end, you've got the right attitude - you're a MOM! That's what we do and that's our job. It might be hard to see now, but it really does get easier as they get older and then there arrives the days you long for them to be little again! Enjoy as much as possible!!
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