Most families I know have two working parents. Often one, or both of the parents, spend time commuting. With kid(s) in daycare/school, and extra curricular activities, it's hard to imagine where parents "nowadays" (I sound like I'm 80) find time to fart, let alone fold the laundry.
Well, since I've returned to work after baby number two, here are five things we've done in an effort to stay sane:
It just does. Whether it's the jeans that used to fit that remain folded in the back of your closet, or the tears that now roll down your cheeks while watching Cottonelle commercials: you're different after you become a mother.
For some, the change is drastic. Others barely notice the shift - but it's there.
In two short weeks, my mat leave is over, and I'm heading back to my full-time day job. This hurts my heart. Not because I don't love my job (I do) but because I don't like working 40 plus hours a week and commuting. I'll miss my kids. A lot. There will be a huge adjustment period, and I'll actually need to start getting dressed before 2pm. And possibly start brushing my hair (if I have time.) I'm going to miss my afternoon snuggles, trips to the park, and spontaneous living room dance parties.
No, it's not sleep (though that would be amazing). No it's not a spa day, or time to herself, or help with the laundry, or a perfect bikini body. It's a little more abstract, and a little more ambitious...
But every Mom I know wants this: balance.
Yes, I know. It's like the unicorn of motherhood. That thing we're all striving for even though we know it doesn't really exist. But we're stubborn, and ridiculous, and dammit: we want to have it all! Right?
It's my second week back to work, and I can't help but think: "How do people do this? This whole "working" thing? This whole getting dressed in the morning thing?"
Don't get me wrong: staying at home with Cole was a TON of work. He is active and busy and we always did a lot with our days. But I was able to stay in my PJs if I wanted to. And I didn't have to brush my hair (okay—let's be honest: I still don't brush my hair. Seriously. I just found a mini dreadlock while combing through my hair with my fingers at my desk. Sigh.)
