**The posts I write might contain affiliate links or be written in collaboration with businesses or brands. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.**
Dinosaurs In The Sink (a.k.a Things This Mommy Is Grateful For)
(repost from July 8 2008)
Something happens to us humans when we become parents. Our world becomes narrow and completely focused on our squirmy pink bundles of joy. It doesn’t change much as they grow either. Everything they do is exquisite..monumental…. the coolest thing we’ve ever seen. As parents, we have so many things to be grateful for…but sometimes it’s hard to remember that when your 2-year old defies keeping her clothes on, and your five-year old mouths off for the 567th time that day.
There was a dark and sad time in our life when being a parent seemed to be out of reach. After years of trying, our dreams came true and we were blessed with a child. That seven year wait has (I think) taken our gratitude to a new level. I always try to look on the bright side of life, even during the difficult times. Parenting is no different. There will be ups. There will be downs. There will be times that all you want is five minutes with someone NOT saying your name. When those moments/days hit, I remind myself, this too shall pass..and these are the things I am grateful for: for:
1. The honor of frantically racking my brain at 5 a.m….trying to think of something we have in the house that starts with “Q” that our son can take to show-n-tell that day.
2. That car seat seat belt strap that never seems loose enough, and has enough twists in it to double as phone cord, may make me mutter under my breath…but at least I have a kid to put in that car seat.
3. As the baby wakes up for the third time in one night, I remind myself I would gladly go without sleep for the rest of my life as long as I never have to feel the empty ache of childlessness again.
4. As I face-plant on the living room floor in the middle of the night, I remind myself how empty my house would be without that plastic Stegosaurus I just busted my foot on.
5. As we rewind Elmo In Grouchland for the 16th time that day, I remind myself there is nothing good on TV anyway, and these days of snuggling on the couch with our toddler while watching a furry red monster will too soon be gone.
6. As my four-year old hangs on me, whines and basically becomes my third leg, I try remember that, though she wants and NEEDS my attention me now, there will come a day when she will be too cool to even give Mom and Dad the time of day.
7. Even though part of me silently groans at the price of Pull-ups and kids shoes, I am just grateful I have little butts and feet to put in them.
8. In ancient B.C. times (Before Children) getting 8 hours of sleep was a priority and I would go to great lengths to make sure I got it. Now, I will gladly forgo sleep completely just to make sure my child’s fever stays in check in the middle of the night. Tomorrow is a new day and another chance to get a better night’s sleep.
9. I quietly cuss under my breath every time I take one of my children to the Doctor and wait in the waiting room for 45 minutes, only to be told; “it’s only a virus. It just needs to run it’s course”. But at the same time I silently say a big “THANK YOU” that it isn’t a diagnosis that involves a specialist, biopsy, or surgeon.
What are you grateful for?
I am grateful for a teen who actually appreciates his mom 🙂
I, too, feel the exact same way. I have 3 girls and all were a struggle to have. They’re teens now, a whole new set of “honors”, but I never resented a minute of it. Not the sleepless nights or the chaos or the messy house. It was a joy and a privilege, especially the middle of the night feedings. People used to think I was crazy when I said that was my favorite time with my baby, just the two of us in the quiet of the night. Perfect post.
Amazing post. For me gratitude is a whole lot it is for you: turning the minor annoyances upside down to look for the gold.
I missed your SITS day? Ugh. More importantly; you missed me.
I’m pretty sure when you perused hundreds of comments you were scanning for my moniker. Sorry to disappoint, but surely you know by now that your best bet is to lower your standards in my case. Then I NEVER (read; hardly ever) let you down.
You’re an amazing blogger. That’s why you had a SITS day, and you probably got a skillion new readers.
Go YOU!
You’re an amazing mom.
One tip; I always keep a Queer on speed dial for “Q” day. My neighbor Jed.
Or Q-tips. They’re easier to carry. Jed’s such a fatty.
Fantastic post and all so true. I couldn’t agree with you more! I am grateful that I no longer feel the need to be so perfect on the outside anymore now that I am a mom, there are so many more important things! I am grateful for unconditional love. Lastly, I am grateful for Oxy Clean for getting out all the tough stains that come with 2 boys, lol!
There is nothing worse than loneliness. Thank you for reminding us with your post that taking care of people is so GREAT in comparison. I don’t have children yet, but I have been trying for years to have a boyfriend that treats me right. Now that I have found him, there are things that he does that could potentially drive me crazy (like being a media dictator). But I will overlook those things because he is amazing.
I love your list of 9 things you are grateful for. They are very poignant.
http://www.FunnyPhotosContest.com. Submit CUTE or FUNNY photos and tell friends to vote. $2,000 in prizes. No entry fee.
You are so right about all of this!
Right this moment? I’m grateful for your blog. Off to look around some more…
Stay in touch!
This was a fabulous post:) Taking the time to find gratitude for the simple and sometimes unpleasant things really gives perspective on how much we actually have in our lives!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts:) HAPPY SITS DAY!!
xoxo
-The Fickle Nickle
I tend to think “GAH I’ve gotta get this DONE!” and sigh at the whining turkey who wants my attention. Then I realize how empty the place feels without her sounds- and make myself sit down with her on the floor and enjoy the world 1 foot off the ground.
i am gratful for:
1. the fact that no matter what happens in my day, putting my youngest to bed every night gives me the goosebumps..especially when he says “lubs you so much momma”
2. coffee
3. in-laws who take all 3 kids under 5 overnight!
i know its a lot to be gratful for, and i consider myself lucky for sure!
love the post.
Happy SITS day! Right now I am thankful that it is 3:00 and Valentine party day is over:)!
You are right. Life would be empty without the little ones and I am very thankful they are in our lives. They are definitely little blessings even when they are major stinkers!
I’m grateful for healthy happy children oh and they make me laugh hysterically!
stopping by from SITS 🙂
I love the positivity of this post! You have a great outlook on life : )
Hello! Stopping by from SITS. I absolutely agree with what you’ve said. No matter the chaos, craziness, screams, and messes it is all soooo worth it.
All well put. We do sacrifice so much but it’s worth it…all of it!
Stopping by from SITS on your special day. What a great post. It really helps put things in perspective and makes me appreciate my own children even more. You sound like a very wise woman who loves and appreciates her children for the gifts that they really are!
Happy SITS day! I hope you have a blessed day! 🙂 xo,KA
Amen! Having children really changes a person, I agree! And I think it’s all for the better.:D
I’m here from SITS. Congrats on being the chosen one today! 🙂
Rebecca
FreakyFrugalite.com
You totally nailed this! It’s so important to keep this in such a healthy perspective. Enjoy them while you can, even though some days are interminable, those kids really ARE going to be grown and gone before you know it. Of course, when I was your age I hated it when people told me that– now here I am doing the same thing… Sorry if I just did it to you!
Happy SITS Day!
What a wonderful way of looking at things. I have 6 month old twins. I also have a 16 year old boy. You have helped me remember what I am grateful for and why. It is sometimes hard to think this way when you are sleep deprived and have no time for yourself. However, you have reminded me. Thank you!
Please visit my blog:
http://www.twinbabiessoadorable.blogspot.com
My out-of-whack perspective has just been corrected. Thank you for the reminder. (Could I get that in mp3 so that I can just play it over and over on my Shuffle?)
Exactly. My life has only changed for the better since my little guy entered it and I am pleased that ’empty ache of childness’ has been filled.
Thank you for a lovely blog post.
Happy SITS day.
LisaDay
OMG… your blog takes me back to “mommyhood”… my last child left home and now has 3 babies of her own… my house is so quiet… love your blog! Sending to to my grandbabies mom…
Sandy
http://franticmommy.blogspot.com/
What a great list. In our house it is Duplo people you fall over – a bit less painful, I think.
Your list is sooo great– #1 and #2 are so me!! HAPPY SITS DAY!!!
This a wonderful post. Especially in the last part of winter, when everyone’s feeling a little cagey. Great reminders. And enjoy your day! Thank you.
Great post! It really hits home for me too, sitting here 30 weeks pregnant with baby number 4. Being a parent is the hardest job in the world – and yet the most rewarding. It’s good to sit back and remember the positives and to be grateful.
Congrats on your SITS day, enjoy all the love ♥
Happy SITS Day!!
This was a beautiful post!! It does make me especially sad though for my friend who wants to be a mother so badly and her dream has been dashed once again. Being a Mom is the hardest, bestest job ever!!!!
Happy SITS day! I am grateful my girls are grown up and happy and still love me. It makes all those moments like you mentioned worthwhile.
Happy SITS day. Reading your blog brought back memories for me of when my chaps were all so little – it really does all get so much easier xx
Happy SITS day! I have lived many of the those moments.
Happy SITS day!
BLOGitse
Happy SITS Day! I am so with you on the Queen Bee thing, am now following, love your blog. Coryanne
Happy sITS day!
I know exactly what you mean… we’re “waiting” again for baby #2 and it makes me appreciate #1 so much more!
Honestly, before I’d seen a you tube video called Ordinary Days, I am not sure what my response would have been. Now, I tell everyone how this video struck me and I would say that I am grateful for all the ordinary days with my family.
Stopping by from SITS to say Hi! I like your writing. I will be following you :)Stop by for a visit!http://extremepersonalmeasures.blogspot.com
Hey lass, you know it’s your SITS day, right? Happy SITS day hon…I’m sorry if you didn’t realise nut enjoy all the bloggy commenting love just the same!
I’m grateful for this large mug of tea; as the day progresses, I’ll become more grateful… ;O)
Great post! We Mommies have so much to be grateful for!
Happy SITS Day!
Warm lovely post about the joys and tears of motherhood. I’m so with you on all of this.
Have a great SITS day, new friend. I’ll be back to see you again.
gaelikaasdiary.blogspot.com
That was a great post… certainly food for thought. I laughed at the faceplant in the middle of the night… boy, that brought back some memories!
Popped over from SITS… someone (not mentioning any names, but you know who you are) ate all the breakfast burritos over there and I was hoping you had a couple left over…. or at least cake… some of the SITS featured bloggers pull out all the stops… I wonder if we could get Oprah to be a featured blogger… then she might give me a car?
Cheers Lulu
I am SO with you with the carseat straps!! I hate squeezing my daughter in to her seat, especially in winter with all her layers!
I’m grateful for all the extra laundry, all the extra dishes, and all the extra love and laughs that come with being Grace’s Mom!
Happy SITS day! I am grateful for many things but I try to find something everyday and put it on my side bar no matter how small it seems. 🙂
Great blog. Thanks for sharing and have a super fund day!!! Lia
What a great post! It’s so nice to stop and count your blessings.
I’m grateful for my stamina. I need it
Amen SITSta…happy day!
Jamie 🙂
Oh, I’m going to steal the term B.C.
Hope you have a great SITs day! I would follow you, but I already do.
Wishing you a Happy SITS Day! C 🙂
I am grateful for the milk my kids leave on the counter every morning before school. It means they had breakfast that morning and went to school with their bellies full.
Found you on SITS. Glad I did.
Hey happy sits day! I laughed about trying to find something that started with Q, and then I tried it. No nononono, that is not easy!
Great post!
Stopping by from SITS!!
Don’t have any kids – but you sound exactly like my sister. Great post. 🙂
cute post no wonder kids are the most wonderful gift of God ,i like ur blog please visit my blog too for some free print able valentine day cards at http://artscraftsnhobbies.blogspot.com
I like your gratitude list today. I’m grateful for loud, messy boys who say “You’re lookin’ good!” And, still hug me (even the big one – shhh- don’t tell is teen friends).
I am thankful for the contastant WHY???? At least he is smart enough to want to know what and why things happen.
More than that I am thankful for my guilty pleasure which is sneaking into his room before I go to bed to make sure he is completely covered in his bed and get another kiss (or ten) in
This really hits home, makes me think of my post yesterday.