Mommin' Ain't Easy

I saw a blog named "I Love Naptime" today and I literally said "AMEN!" It helped that I saw this just after putting Link down for a nap.

Soon after, I saw this quote and it also spoke to me.

This morning, Lincoln and I went to the library. I checked out some books and let him run around the children's play room. While there, I met the sweetest mama. She had two little boys that played so well with Lincoln. As we talked, it was so refreshing to have adult interaction. Mom life can be really lonely sometimes, so it was nice to chat. Even though 99% of our conversations were about our children, it was still nice to have an adult around.

I'm not sure what bit me in the booty, but I'm really getting into the groove of being a mom and loving every moment of it. Maybe it was my 'coming to Jesus' I had with myself about my phone, getting Lincoln on a better sleeping and napping schedule, or I just finally woke up from being such a Mombie. I definitely love being a mom, but I think recent life events have taught me to enjoy the moments I get with my Link. It won't always just be the two of us. Even though I was ready to get pregnant again just a few days after Lincoln was born (call me crazy, but I LOVE being pregnant and want ALL the babies!), I am so grateful we've had such a good opportunity for one on one time. It will be over before I know it, so I'm soaking him up as much as I can.

Not long ago, my sister expressed to me that she felt like she was getting lost in her role as a mother. She had a girls night and went out with friends to find her "me" again. It was rejuvenating and exactly what she needed. Losing myself in my role as a mama is something I can definitely relate to. Most of the time I love being a mom, but there are also moments of pure exhaustion and utter frustration. Luckily, Thomas is there when I really lose my mind. The fussing and whining are too much for me some days, and I am grateful to have such an understanding husband that is willing to take a load off my plate. We both have very hard jobs, but having such a wonderful partner in this crazy thing called life has been such a blessing.

Even though my days revolve around Lincoln and activities I can do with him, I still enjoy it. I get to choose if we're going to stay home and hang out in jammies all day (rare but sometimes necessary), go to the library, a friend's house, or MOPS (or Target, let's be real). I thrive on a busy schedule and keeping up with an energetic tot. It's so hard some days, but so worth it.

Nap time is my "me" time. I can blog, waste time on my phone, clean, make dinner, etc. Sometimes, after a rough night with Lincoln, I sleep myself! Naps during the day are rare but GOLD!

Lincoln is so used to traveling and going everywhere with us, so it's nice that we can take him anywhere. Now that he's older, a babysitter is very tempting and something I want to make a habit. It's so important to have time alone with your spouse. Sometimes that 15 minutes (after fighting your toddler over bedtime) you get before you both crash just isn't enough.

I am always trying to think of ways to better myself to help make our marriage stronger. I'm not the best about staying positive, and I can be a bit crazy (okay, very crazy), but I wouldn't want to do life with anyone else. I want to always shield and protect my marriage. Thomas is so patient with me. I need to be better and lovingly polish our sacred bond.

I love that. I try so hard not to have an empty cup. I rejuvenate with my blog, spending time with sweet friends, and sometimes just laying around so I have energy to chase around my tot when he wakes up! Also, Diet Dr. Pepper. He is so good to me! ;)

My mama tribe saves me. Having time to chat, relate, complain, and learn from each other is so vital to being a mother. We need those connections. We thrive when someone can understand our frustrations and struggles. I learn so much from other parents and it has helped me become a better mother.

Mommin' ain't easy , but I love my life and having the opportunity to shape a tiny human into a decent human being.