Just one of those days

Have you ever had one of those days where you're just fed-up, exhausted and have absolutely NO patience left?? Yes, I'm sure we've all had those days, especially those of us who are parents.

Yesterday was one of those days for me. It had just been a long couple of weeks with Gavin being sick and then this week he was very needy, wanting my constant attention and John was at work most of the time. I was starting to get really frustrated and overwhelmed with not being able to get anything done or having ANY time to myself. He still doesn't sleep through the night, so even after bedtime I'm not guaranteed a good break.

I have these days from time to time...sometimes a little too often! I have learned to recognize that when I start feeling this way it is time to call in the reinforcements. We are very blessed to have such a great support system. Unfortunately my parents live 2.5 hours away but they still visit often and I'm so grateful that John's family are only a 10 minute drive away and are always glad to have Gavin over for a visit!

So I called them up and Uncle Easton saved the day! Gavin went over to play and I got to have the house to myself. I didn't really do anything exciting, but was just happy to have some time to myself and be able to organize some things and do some cleaning that I had been putting off.

Then today I got to go over to Leslie & Laura's for a scrapbooking day. This doesn't happen very often. It used to be something I did on a regular basis but once Mr. Gavin came along, that hobby kind of got pushed to the back burner! So it is always nice to spend time with the ladies, gossiping, eating, and maybe even accomplishing a few things. I came home at the end of the day missing my boy and feeling refreshed! I'm looking forward to spending the day with him tomorrow. I know I will have a whole lot more energy to chase after an energetic toddler and a whole lot more patience too. (How long it will last is another story!)

I know there is a lot of pressure on moms these days. We have all these ideas in our heads about what the perfect mom would do. We want to raise happy, healthy, respectful, intelligent little people and there are all these things "they" or "the books" tell us we should or shouldn't do. We worry what other people will think of us as parents. We try to make the right decisions and provide the best for our children. But there is barely enough time in the day for all the things you're "supposed" to do. It seems like by the time you cook one meal and then clean up afterwards, its almost time for the next one! When are you supposed to find time to do everything else?

What if someone was to drop by unexpectedly and discover your stash of dishes piled up on the counter, toys scattered all over the floor, while you chase after a half-naked screaming toddler who refuses to let you change his diaper?! Would they judge you for still being in your pajamas at 3pm? Would they think you're a bad parent for trying to pawn off a can of Zoodles as a well-balanced meal? WHY DO WE CARE?!! Why do we feel like we have to be perfect? We don't! Let's face it, none of us are! Even that friend you know who resembles June Cleaver and does EVERYTHING perfectly...I bet if you spied on her any day of the week you would see that she's just like you & I!

So don't feel like you have to do it all on your own. Don't feel like asking for help is a weakness. Its a STRENGTH! We all need a break from time to time. It actually makes us better parents! I promise.

Remember all those people that have told you so many times, "If you ever need anything, just ask." Why is it that we never ask??! Take them up on their offer! (These offers do not usually come with expiry dates!) Even if it is just to get an hour to yourself. Get in the habit of setting aside a little time for yourself at least once a week to do something you don't get to do as often as you should.

That leads me to my next question. What is your favourite thing to do when you have the house to yourself? Comment and tell me!