And If That's Not Motherhood, I Don't Know What Is

I made it through half a day with a pair of my daughter's underpants stuffed into my nursing tank as a makeshift, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-leaky-boob breast pad.

I didn't realize it until I went to nurse my son.

At the pediatrician's office.

At least they were clean.

I vowed to not become the sacrificial mother. But with two under three and my husband gone almost the whole week, it's hard not to give up some of the luxuries of life.

Or at least, what have become luxuries.

I'm embarrassed to say that I do not shower as often as I should. I haven't worn make up in a very long time. Considering I just put my closet and drawers together, I basically just grab whatever I can find and throw it on.

And my toenails? Oh my poor poor toenails.

But I'm making it through the day (barely). I've been cooking dinner, getting things unpacked, and entertaining my kids without having to use my fire baton, tap shoes, and Ethel Merman impression.

[On bad days, I do all three at the same time]

I'm looking forward to when our schedule settles. When we've finished unpacking and find our daily routine.

And when my son starts to sleep at night (hello, WTF? people!).

Until then, it's a few less showers. And apparently underpants as breastpads.

What do you sacrifice on a daily basis? And what do you refuse to give up?

Comments

[Dawn @ Coming to a Nursery Near You]

Yeah, no daily shower here. Twice a week. Hopefully. Although I haven't had to use nursing pads in about 5 months, I laughed - because mine became toys for my daughter around then anyways (the soothies did anyways). My sleep, definitely is sacrificed. My kid is up every 2 hours - 24 HOURS A FREAKIN DAY to nurse.

[kara]

I work full time so I can't sacrifice showers. My coworkers, students (and their parents) would be offended. What I do sacrifice is the work I used to bring home. It now gets done during contract hours unless it's report card crunch time. I also sacrifice reading grown-up books and most television. Since I do work, my time with my kiddos is precious.

[ImpostorMom]

I seem to sacrifice time for exercise but I'm hoping to change that soon. I also seem to have given up time with friends and TV. I gave up my yoga too and that makes me sad.

I shower every day mainly because I work outside the home. While on maternity leave there were some days that I didn't but I can't really go more than two days without being completely gross.

[FishyGirl]

My house looks like a bomb hit it all the time, the carpets crunch as I walk across it and God knows what sticks to the bottoms of my feet. I don't have much of a social life, and I drive a minivan. The showering? I'm lucky if I get to shower 3 times a week. Lucky! And I rarely, rarely get time to myself.

But! I won't give up my salon haircuts. I get fewer of them, maybe 2 or 3 a year, but it is my thing I won't sacrifice. I've sacrificed so much already, so that's it.

[Jill]

I will not give up my shower. I put up with several weeks of having a kid scream while holding the shower open to drench the whole bathroom, but I lived through it and have now had peaceful showers for three years. I do keep a messier house and I do sacrifice my social life for naps. I also seem to miss my chance to exercise for everyone else's schedules.

[Manic Mommy]

I just got back from my sister's house, watching her five (13, 11, 8, and twins, 3) plus my two (4 and 2). I had to take half a Klonopin to get rid of the claustrophobia.

Right now I'm practicing my yoga breathing in the basement while my toddler sleeps and the 11 year old niece and my 4 YO put together a puzzle.

I sacrifice breathing space. Parenting is suffocating, which is why I will stop at two or maybe three. On days like today, there's not enough oxygen.

[Kelly]

I refuse to sacrifice my shower. It's *quiet* in there, and I can dawdle for a few extra minutes and nobody notices.

I sacrifice my diet though. I'm sure you'd think that's nothing much, but as an insulin-dependent diabetic it carries a bit more weight. I do my best, and things will improve eventually. I have faith in that.

[Christina]

Oh, I take far fewer showers a week than should be allowed by law. And now that I'm staying home and the budget has been cut, I'm giving up a lot of little extras, like expensive, although yummy smelling shampoos and lotions. (Don't worry, still buying shampoo, just cheaper shampoo.)

What won't I give up? Computer time, mostly, and getting out for fresh air every day.

[Awesome Mom]

I give up showers and non toddler friendly clothing. My clothing has to be very washable and hide stains well.

[B]

I sacrifice my shower. I know it's gross, but a swipe with baby wipes in strategic places has taken the place of the daily shower and shave.

On the flip side, I do get dressed every day with shoes. I know that sounds fairly normal, but I have a 3YO, 2YO and a 4 month old. My husband is also gone most of the week. When we moved while I was 24 wks pregnant I spent several days in my pajamas. Never again.