Mayday, mayday!!!

Does your house resemble a war zone, bombs going off at any moment (meltdowns/crying spells), somebody needs the paramedic (iky cold/teething), we are running low on supplies (diaper change/potty/nurse the baby/feed the toddler), train the troops (teachable moments)? How could we go through all of this without a few or a lot of mommy war wounds?!

Well, this week was one of those rough weeks that leaves its wounds. Jacob and Ellie both got sick. Ellie is in that separation anxiety phase. Jacob is still learning to be gentle with his sissy and share with others. Mario worked late and endless other things. Needless to say, I needed a mommy timeout.

This is not to say that I don't adore my children, that I am not grateful that I get to raise them, that I wouldn't rather spend time with them than anyone else in the world. But, in order to recharge and regroup for the hardest job in the world, sometimes mommy needs to take a break. A walk, a drive, a shower, a pedicure, a trip to the store, girl time, date night...the important thing is that it be KIDLESS!

Thank God for my sweet hubby because he knows all about the need for mommy timeouts. Friday after he got home he suggested I take a drive and grab some dinner. He would take the kids for a walk to the park. This also allows him to have alone time with the kids. A double bonus. Well, of course I had to argue :/ I knew it was what I needed, but for some reason I didn't want to go. Guilt about feeling like I needed a break, mommy separation anxiety, wifey separation anxiety??? He pushed the idea and I finally did leave. It was just what I needed. I came back, we ate dinner, gave the kids baths, tucked them in bed and spent some time catching up. What a great ending to a rough week!

It made me think about how much my perspective has changed on life. It might sound silly, but the little things mean so much more now that I am a parent. I find happiness and joy in lifes simple pleasures. Giggles, kisses, laughter, a drive with the windows down, getting dolled up, a glass of wine, an old movie, and many more. Life is so much sweeter now that I am a parent.

And in an effort to share some laughter, check out these mommy cartoons...take a breath, laugh and remember to not take yourself too seriously :)