Whining, Wine-ing & Winning

“Be a stay-at-home mom,” they said.

But they forgot to mention the job description.

What they didn’t say was how hard it would be.

The work. The dedication. The emotional roller coaster of running your own personal daycare for your own child — while trying to keep the house together, keep your sanity, stay hydrated, and have dinner ready for your hard-working husband.

Some days are harder than others.

The days when your child is in prime two-berty status, Google tells you it might be pre-menopause, and Flo decides it’s time for her monthly, uninvited visit.

The days with a sick toddler. Cramping mother. Dogs more curious than usual.

The days were there just are not enough hours after doctor visits, grocery runs, naps, and an overstimulated brain that wanted to write during nap time… but couldn’t make the thoughts make sense.

My poor husband got the wrath of it all on THIS DAY, and the only thing he did wrong was… well, nothing. He did everything right, but somehow my evil twin made sure he knew exactly what kind of day it was at Moos & Twos Daycare.

After the first full night of sleep I’ve had in who-knows-when, I woke up early enough for a quick “me morning.” I showered without a toddler breaking down the door and ripping open the curtain, had two hot cups of hot coffee, a peaceful breakfast, and even squeezed in a quick episode of Bridgerton (not appropriate for children… or tiny humans who repeat everything). In that quiet time, I had time to think about what a wonderful husband I have — and how lucky we are to have him.

He works hard every day. He washes the dishes after dinner without being asked. He takes the night shift with our toddler so I can scrub the toddler goo off myself (after already working his own shift). He wrestles our wild child into nighttime undies like a ninja and still asks if I need anything before he sits down.

He does it all with a smile on his face — without complaining about his day like I did about mine, so I sent an “I appreciate you” text… because he deserves to hear it, days like yesterday remind me how much he carries for our family — often without recognition.

He responded with love, like he always does.

Even when he has a hard day, he doesn’t bring his work home — but he sits quietly and listens while I bring my “work home”.

To the man I struck gold with:

I love you.

I appreciate you.

I’m grateful I get to sleep next to you every night… (well, plus a toddler — whole new blog).

In the chaos, the exhaustion, and the days when I feel like I’m barely holding it together — you keep me steady.

And I hope you always know…even on my hardest days, loving you is the easiest thing I do.

Because you’re my best friend.

Cheers — let’s have a nightcap and wine-d down.