Way back in 2008, when I only had one kid and I was new to the whole staying home full-time gig, I started this Mommy blog. I enjoyed writing and sharing my mis-adventures in motherhood and it kinda worked out for me– I started having free products sent to me for review and I was quickly becoming a part of an online community of women.
Fast forward through a couple more pregnancies/kids, a transatlantic move and all that it entails, an adoption process and I am lucky to post a pic of my three kids on the third of each month. Forget reviews and giveaways and even posting actual words most of the time.
I’ve realized that this chapter of life (the chapter with spilled grape juice and dirty finger prints on most pages) is a chapter of not doing it all. I don’t have super clean house. I don’t knit. Or sew. Or run an Etsy shop. Or write stellar blog posts each week. I can’t throw pottery on a wheel , or draw, and the thought of organizing my house makes me want to take a nap. I don’t run fast (and don’t even enjoy it). I can’t make a cup of coffee if it’s not instant.
And that’s OK.
Because I’m still figuring out what living on two continents looks like, and how to keep in touch with loved ones. And I try to feed my family a well-balanced diet. And I like to read. I am working through a home school schedule that fits us, and I’m learning a second language.
And sometimes I do this sitting beside a monstrous pile of laundry waiting to be folded and laid to rest neatly in drawers.
When Ladybug was a wee thing, I was helping her eat a popsicle on a swing when–no surprise– I ended up with red popsicle juice on my white shirt. I cringed at the mess, but Hubby smiled at me and said, “Mommy looks good on you.” That has stayed with me as I’ve struggled with balance (and my lack thereof…)
My point is that motherhood– much like a dress on a hanger in a store, fits us each differently because we are different. Some bloggers seem to be able to juggle a full writing agenda as well as run their households efficiently. Others find time to build a handmade business. Kudos. Motherhood looks good on you.
Some mommies were blessed with multiple babies at once and they spend hour after hour nursing baby after baby. They are lucky to get a shower once a week. Mommy looks good on you.
Some moms need to work outside the home, and they come home to a few precious hours with their kids filled with homework and reading and baths and dinner and bed. And then they fall into bed themselves. Motherhood looks good on you.
Some women gather babies who don’t look like them into their arms. Their hearts ache over the pain their children have already suffered. They might ache over their own losses. Mommyhood looks good on you, too.
There are moms who give their entire day, week after week, to home schooling. Patiently working with each child and waiting for the light bulb to click on in Reading, in Math, in Social Studies, in Science. Motherhood looks good on you.
There are moms who cook delicious, healthy meals for little people who would be happier with a bowl of Easy Mac. And they never thank the chef. Mommy looks good on you.
Some moms create with their children– building beautiful messes as they paint and draw and color and make. Mom looks good on you.
To you moms who work in the garden with your children, who schlep your kids on every grocery shopping trip, who potty with pint-sized audience in tow, who read Goodnight Moon every single night, who carry matchbox cars and crayons in your purse at all time, who share red popsicles with your children even though it might make a mess–
Mommy looks good on you.
