Jordan at MamaBlogga is running a group writing project and asks “What is motherhood?”
Before I had children, motherhood was an ideal, something to be achieved. I imagined it would be much like playing house with a sweet, little baby doll to occupy my days.
Once the children arrived, reality set in. We now have four sweet baby dolls that occupy every waking moment of our busy lives.
So now, eleven years after entering the realm of motherhood, what does being a mom mean to me?
Well, some days are all about sacrifice. With four children our resources are in short supply. The most important being time and patience. Not only do we want to give of ourselves equally to each child but we also want to eke out some time for ourselves (which doesn’t always happen). The sibling rivalry is enough to drive me crazy. Not to mention the opinions expressed by four budding independents (opinions that are often contrary to my own).
Other days are overshadowed with uncertainty. Am I doing right by my children? Am I giving them the guidance that they need? Am I ready for the future? Some days, despite all that I do, someone is still not happy. Yes, I know kids are that way, and I am outnumbered (you know the saying “…you can’t please all of the people all of the time.”) But still I wonder.
But most of the time I feel joy. I am happy to see the kids come home off the school bus because I have missed them. I look forward to reading to my daughter in the afternoons, just the two of us, because I cherish the cuddle time. And the love notes and drawings that I can’t bear to part with just melt my heart. Seeing the kids glow with pride in their accomplishments, and being there to help them with their disappointments puts everything in perspective.
So, you see, motherhood is synonymous with my life. They are one and the same. And there is no other place that I would rather be.
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I want to have four children (I think) and I worry about those same issues that you deal with. I’m so glad to hear that you’re still able to find joy in motherhood! I hope I’m that fortunate!
Thanks for participating.
Nice post. I agree no other place I would rather be.
So, you see, motherhood is synonymous with my life. They are one and the same. And there is no other place that I would rather be.
This is beautiful! I really liked the piece.
“we also want to eke out some time for ourselves”
Gosh, isn’t that true. I run around frantically once they’re in bed, trying to fit everything in. A hot beverage, some yoga, some meditation, some writing, some working, some husband-time, some cooking time …. and then at the end of the day I think, I didn’t get a darn thing done all day that I wanted to!
I love everything about this post! From your description of what you thought motherhood would be like (playing house), to describing the kids as budding independents. I just LOVE this!
Lovely! I just went through another stack of notes & drawings…Luckily I have a classroom where I can take a bunch, so I don’t create such a fire hazard at home
Great post. I’m the youngest of four, but I only have two.
“Before I had children, motherhood was an ideal, something to be achieved. I imagined it would be much like playing house with a sweet, little baby doll to occupy my days.”
Don’t I know it! As someone who is a deliberate parent — it took us almost three years to adopt our first child — I think about this all the time.
I have 3 children and find my patience and time are the shortest in supply. I often have to remind myself the craziness that is my life is fun and I love it
” . . .motherhood is synonymous with my life. They are one and the same. And there is no other place that I would rather be.”
I love the way you summed up your post. There is no place I would rather be either!
This is wonderful and so true – there’s definitely no place I’d rather be either! Beautiful post!
You sound like a wonderful Mom! I love way your concern for your children shines through and the lovely and thoughtful tone of this post!
I agree with you on so many points! I always thought I wanted 5 boys…I’ll be happy to get the one I have through to adulthood!
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