This post is going to be all over the place. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
So it’s been a few days since I last checked in and, honestly, I’m not sure when I’ll be back again this week either. I spent the weekend away having a blast with some of my girlfriends at a bachelorette party in New Hampshire. It was so nice to just spend time with the girls, relax, and not have to worry about any other responsibilities…despite the fact that I knew there was so much waiting for me back at home.
I got home on Sunday, smothered my baby with a gazillion kisses, and then it was back to reality.
Uncle Dan came to visit us too and Lucas was teaching him how to read. Smarty pants.
So that whole reality thing. Man, I’ll tell ya…right now I feel like I’m just in a constant game of playing catch up with no end in sight. Sometimes, I like to think that I at least have it semi-together. This week? I’m a hot mess.
Being a working mom can be downright hard sometimes. I mean, don’t get me wrong; being any mom, whether you stay at home or work outside the home is no easy task, but I can only speak from my own experience. There are not enough hours in the day to do what needs to be done, and while I’ve known and accepted this for quite some time now, some weeks it’s more apparent than others. This week is one of them.
It doesn’t help the fact that our bathroom remodel still isn’t done, meaning that the contents of my bathroom are still randomly dispersed throughout our entire house. Everything is cluttered, dusty, and takes 10x longer to find because they’ve been thrown in one place or another. On the plus side, the bathroom really is looking amazing and should be done by this weekend (fingers crossed!).
On top of that, we’ve been in a mad dash to get the bathroom done and our house put back together before we have Lucas’s birthday party on Sunday. Yes, this Sunday my baby turns one. Now that I think of it, maybe that’s to blame for my feeling absolutely frazzled and emotional…?
We had his first birthday photo shoot on Monday night and we discovered that the child doesn’t like cake. He legit turned his nose up at it, wanted nothing to do with it, and only wanted Cheerios. I’m starting to question whether or not he’s really mine. On the plus side though…that did mean there was an extra cake smash cake to be had by his mama and daddy that night.
So I guess that’s really all I have with my ramblings there. Maybe it’s coming across super whiney and a little obnoxious…sure, there are certainly worse things I could be complaining about other than a messy house, not having enough time to make real meals, or losing my mind over the fact that my baby is turning one. But ya know what? We’re all allowed to be whiney and obnoxious every now and then. It feels good to just get it out there sometimes, admit that I don’t have it all together. And I’m sure (at least I’m hoping?!) that I’m not alone. Hopefully, once the craziness of my work week, the bathroom, and Lucas’s party subsides, it’ll be back to semi-smooth sailing for a little while!
But, since it is Wednesday and all, and this post is already a bit all over the place, why not throw in some highlights of yesterday’s eats for a little WIAW.
Lunch was a ridiculously packed salad with all sorts of veggies and deli turkey.
And dinner was some garlic-marinated grilled sirloin (OMG so good), corn on the cob, and fresh green beans from my dad’s garden.
Dessert is yet to be had, but we do have some frozen yogurt in the freezer, soooo…
And finally, I know I still need to do a recap of my hydration challenge with Propel and choose a winner for the giveaway. Once my scatterbrain has an extra second to think, I’ll be sure to get that together and choose a winner ASAP. I also feel like I have 101 other things I want to sit and chat with you all about once I find the time. Maybe one of these days soon!
So I shall return eventually…just not sure when this week.
Alexis @ Run Crush says
You have every right to feel a little overwhelmed! You’ve got a lot goin on in your life, lady. I hope the rest of this week flies by so that you can enjoy lots of fun family time and pictures at Lucas’s bday this weekend. I started reading your blog right around when he was born, and it’s been really fun to see him grow up this year! Congrats!!
Lynn says
Right there with you! It IS hard to work and be a mommy and you don’t sound whiney at all, you sound real. Sometimes I have a little tantrum of my own because there’s just so much to do and it will never get done and this frustrates and overwhelms me. I think it’s good to get it off your chest sometimes. I think this is when it’s the hardest, when they’re so little and dependent on us and unable to express themselves, or at least I tell myself it’s going to get easier to keep myself going.
Brynn says
In all honesty, no one does. But some days, weeks or even months seem much more difficult than others. And I can not imagine the excitement and emotion of watching your little one turn one. What an amazing time. Wishing you lots of luck this week and remember that the only thing that matters is that little guy.
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
Even without kids I can start to feel overwhelmed if I let too many things start to pile up! I have a ridiculous Type A personality most of the time and I’m a pro at daily to-do lists that help keep me feeling on top of things.
Linz @ Itz Linz says
I’m absolutely terrified of returning to work in just a couple short weeks – itz hard enough being a mom, like you said. I can’t imagine working all day and being away from William much less doing everything else around the house. And work. AHHH!
Kristy says
Not whiney or obnoxious!! I’m not even a mom yet and I can’t get it all done. I think it’s impressive when anybody balances a home, a baby and a full time job. You’re doing great!
Stacey M. says
You have every right to complain about feeling overwhelmed … I think we all do at some point or another. I do not have children yet, and I already feel overwhelmed! I mean, every time I turn around it’s someone’s birthday, anniversary, wedding, party, etc. that I have to get a gift/card for, prepare food for, etc. It really is starting to get a little ridiculous. On top of that, I’ve just started wedding planning for myself (for next October!). At some point, something’s got to give. I’ve just come to realize that the summertime is just too busy to worry about having a completely clean house and a perfectly pulled together meal plan while I’m trying to balance all of these other obligations. I’ll get back to regularly scheduled programming in September … maybe. ;)
Sorry that was long-winded … I guess I’m letting off some steam too! My point is just enjoy each day (especially the moments you spend with Lucas) and don’t worry about the rest. It will all work itself out eventually. Like my soon-to-be mother-in-law always says, “The dust will keep, but babies will not.”
Christy says
You are definitely not alone. I find its easier to take things a day at a time or even an hour at a time. Things seem less overwhelming that way. I keep reminding myself that this is temporary and one day I will wish for these little moments back. When your son grows up he isn’t going to look back fondly on a neat/tidy house. Spend time making memories. House work can wait. You are doing fine mama. Hang in there. http://www.scarymommy.com/pieces-of-advice/
Jessica @ Prayers and Apples says
We all get overwhelmed at times! :) (And this is coming from someone who doesn’t even have a lil person to chase after!) You def deserve to vent!
Quick question: How far in advance do you prep your salads? And do you throw all the ingredients in there at one time, or pack the toppings separate and then add when you’re ready?
Hope you have a great day! :)
Britt@MyOwnBalance says
Girl, complain away! I literally lose sleep over all the stuff I need to get done and can’t get done. I know its only going to get worse when the baby gets here, which makes me more anxious. There is never enough time, no matter what. I’m just trying to breathe through it and know that in the end, it doesn’t really matter. Everything will get done in due course.
Haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine says
He doesn’t like cake!? Ah! Maybe he’ll grow into it! Until then, more cake for you! :)
Lindsay @ Fit with Farrar says
I feel the same way – working a FT job, running a business, and being a Mom….I tend to feel like nothing gets my 100% because I’m stretched so thin! Thanks for posting this because you made me feel like it’s okay to complain sometimes! We’re not WonderWoman!
Stacie@SimplySouthernStacie says
Hope you week only gets better, Courtney! I am so in awe of working moms (heck, all moms really are rockstars in my book). As someone who works a full time job with no kids, I can barely find time to do all the things I need to do. I can’t imagine having to take care of a baby on top of that. You are doing great : )
Lauren @ Confessions of a First Time Mom says
Last year at my daughter’s cake smash photo shoot, she wouldn’t touch the stuff either. I too questioned if she was my child. Give Lucas some time…because this year she is OBSESSED with all things chocolate and cake. I feel like when they’re one, they’re only used to bland/healthy foods and the cake is just too much sugar/sweetness overload for them. But once they get a taste for it, there’s no turning back!
Megan says
I’m sure things will get better soon! It seems like you have a lot going on at once right now, and complaining is exactly what you need to help with your stress. I feel like I am always stressing myself out over everything and it is never helpful!
Courtney says
Breathe girl. That’s the best piece of advice I have. Seriously lol. I am a full-time working mama as well…my son just turned 3 & my daughter just turned 1 last weekend. Some days I literally feel like I’m losing my mind. & sometimes I really think I actually do lol. Hopefully Lucas is sleeping through the night so you can get some rest…my daughter still doesn’t sleep through every night, & that makes life that much harder! I’m having an especially tough time right now…always feeling like I’m forgetting things, that I’m behind in everything, & sometimes I feel like a bad mama. I’ve been super busy at work, going practically non-stop & I had my son’s birthday party to plan last month & my daughter’s coming up this weekend, I’m sure that has added to my stress level. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! & it’s totally okay to vent. You need to, so that you receive the support you so desperately need, as well as the reassurance that you are doing a great job! I have a mild form of OCD, & I’m usually such a neat, organized, in-control type of purpose. Lately I, too, have been a hot mess. One thing that is helping me tremendously is going back to planning/routines/writing everything down. It works for some people, but def. works for control freaks like me. My husband works full-time as well, w/a commute & is playing on a semi-pro football team so I often feel like a single mom. Not to mention it is next to impossible to go anywhere with both of the kiddos by myself without me feeling like I need to have a meltdown!
I actually bought an ARC customizable notebook & purchased ($10) a whole undated planner from polkadotposie on Etsy, & an ARC punch. With this set you can pretty much customize how you want to plan your month/week/day. It’s colorful & fun. Plus, there are a ton of free printables out there to help, like meal planners, bill trackers, cleaning routines, etc. I believe polkadotposie may even have something for a blogger. Just an idea. Hang in there mama, it will get easier. Eventually lol. *Hugs* from a mama that has been there :)
Courtney says
*person
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Take your time! Life and Lucas especially is WAY more important! Enjoy the celebrations!!!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
We definitely need a few minutes to rant every once in a while when we get overwhelmed! It’s hard to get it all done, even for those of us who don’t have a one-year old to chase after..so props for being able to do what you do!
Becky@TheSavedRunner says
I can’t imagine being a working stay at home mom! You are amazing!
Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl says
I’m totally with you, girl! As a working mom, there is never enough time in the day. :)
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
That salad looks really good. I love big salads with all kinds of stuff in it.
Laura says
You are doing awesome! I’m expecting my first baby this fall, and I’m most “anxious” (though trying to just take it as it comes) about returning to work post-maternity leave. The packing things up and pumping and leaving my baby and keeping the house clean and trying to workout… sigh. I think being a working mama is certainly more demanding from a fitting-everything-into-a-day standpoint than staying at home. (Not trying to start a “mommy-war”, but I think that’s hard to argue. I certainly understand that stay-at-home moms have different challenges.) Anyway, just keep swimming. i’m sure things will settle down after this weekend : )
Katie says
Dont feel bad for venting- I am having the same exact kind of week. Between taking care of a 5 month old who is teething (who wakes at 5am; so I feel like I need to be in bed by 10), working, registering my older child for school and dealing with crazy appts and paperwork that I am not finding, ( spent 2 hours that I dont have last night looking for her birth certificate) and plumbing and pool problems, I feel like I just want to collapse and cry this week. Some weeks it really is just trying to survive. But we wouldnt trade it!
Jenny says
You are entitled to a vent session my friend! You have a lot going on! I too have been a working mom for many many years. Some of those years were spending as a single, FT working mom! Which made things REALLY interesting!!
It’s a struggle trying to juggle everything, but it looks like you’re doing an AWESOME job at it!
Just know you’re doing the best you can at the moment. The dishes can wait. Soaking in little Lucas and your hubby can’t. :)
Sending hugs!!
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
Sending hugs your way! I think it’s perfectly fine to vent on occasion :) Heck, you are a girl anyways ;) I applaud you for being a working mom! I know it can’t be easy and I think you’re doing a great job, even if you feel frazzled!
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
Oh gosh, getting stuff done once the babies arrive is definitely a fear of mine, especially when I go back to work. The thought of having twins is both exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time. I seriously can’t even imagine how it’s all going to work, but I’m sure we’ll figure it out eventually. It sounds to me though that despite this struggle, you’re still doing an awesome job. Keep it up!
Kaella (KaellaOnTheRun) says
As a full time, working, mama I know EXACTLY how you’re feeling!! You’re allowed to share your feelings and a lot of people (myself included) can completely relate!! Thinking of you mama! Like you said…some days/weeks are easier than others.
Stephanie says
I can absolutely relate. I’m a working mom who likes to blog and work out and have time to just veg as well. It takes me 45 minutes to get to work in the morning so you add in the commute and my days are long, starting at 5:15 and rarely ending before 10:30. And STILL there isn’t enough time in the day! Actually, it’s more like there isn’t enough time in the night since what I really need is to do all the things I do while awake and then have an extra hour of sleep. I’m lucky to get 6 hours most nights.
Some nights, I just don’t feel like sitting down with my computer and typing up something people will enjoy reading. And then I have guilt over not providing people with a way to check in on me and my little corner of the world on a regular basis.
Sometimes we just can’t win and even though it’s not easy, we just have to be okay with that. But we’re allowed to whine about it because there are people who feel the same way and understand where we’re coming from.
Good luck with all those balls you’re juggling! Take some time off, but be sure to come back next week and tell us all about Lucas’s birthday party.
Monica @ Baby Steps says
Oooh, girl! I’m right there with you! I never seem to have time to get anything done since having my daughter 16 months ago. To the point that every month or so, I take her to my dad’s house for the weekend so my husband can mass clean the house! (Which works out fine for me, btw…)
I can only imagine it gets easier as they get older? I hope! :)
We’re all in this together, and a little venting does not qualify “whiney & obnoxious” in my book!
Koryn @ High Heels & Healthy Alternatives says
Another working mama here who can TOTALLY relate!!! Between preparing to move into our first home in oh… about 2 weeks (and we haven’t Started packing yet – womp womp!), dealing with a teething 6 month old who keeps me & hubby busy And working from 9 to 6… I def. have my days/weeks when it can feel a bit overwhelming, for sure. Like others have said, I just try to take it one day at a time and enjoy the moments (whenever possible)! Kudos to you for even getting this blog post done! :)
Kellie says
Courtney! Whine away! I don’t have a blog so my husband has to hear my whining :) But seriously, I feel your pain! Working full time and having young kids (mine is 9 months) is so tough. There is never enough time in the day for even the basic mundane home things! I am sure you feel the stress of being a good employee, mom, wife, friend, housekeeper, blogger, etc. because I know I do. I want to cook amazing meals, make homemade baby food, go on excursions with the baby, have a clean house with not a laundry basket in sight, have time for my girlfriends, etc.. There is so much stress to be perfect in all those areas but some have got to give. Do what you can when you can! I struggle with this daily practically. I’m just praying I can go part-time eventually to have a few more hours to make an actual meal at night rather than cereal. Have a blast at his first birthday party & can wait to hear about it, when you have the time! I’m sure there will be lots of tears & emotions running rampid!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
I feel you. I teach and am on summer vacation and still always feel behind. Nap times aren’t enough time to get things done. Especially when one baby usually wakes up early. Always. How the heck will I get it together when September rolls around?
ellie @ fit for the soul says
You know what? I am actually so blessed to hear that even you don’t have it all together! Although it seems like you’re good at handling lots of things at once, you’re still human and I’m glad you let it out. I know how you feel when you know there are larger things to worry about, but in the grand scheme of things every little stress mounts up to something big. God cares for you and your sanity no matter what! Haha, so thank you for being open as I struggle to keep my house clean half of the time.
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
Anything but obnoxious sweetheart. Hang in there! Gosh, I can’t believe he’s almost one. Maybe you’ll have extra family in town for the party that can help clean up or help watch him the day after his party? Hugs!!
julie says
When i returned to work after having my 2nd daughter (one year after having the first) i started to have a reoccurring dream that i made it to work on-time only to fall asleep in the parking lot!
It does get easier as they get older, but it feels more mentally exhausting now as opposed to physically exhausting (they are 5 & 6). Can only imagine what the teen years will feel like…
Hope the break gives you some much-needed rest :)
Kristen @ Vitamin K Girl says
I hear ya! I’m a teacher getting ready to go back to work in a few weeks, and as much as I absolutely love blogging, there is no possible way I can blog everyday while I’m teaching + working on my Masters. I can’t imagine if I was also a mom on top of everything else! Hang in there, you’re doing great!! :-)
Nala says
I hope you have a great weekend – talking about always helps. We’ve all had those moments where we’ve felt overwhelmed or frustrated. Your salads always look so amazing and I am curious to try the one above – sounds delicious!! Happy 1st Birthday to Lucas – he has certainly grown!!! =)
Erin @ Snapbacks and Racing Flats says
I can say with confidence that there is not one single person on this planet that truly has it all together. You have a lot on your plate and it’s ok to be overwhelmed. However,you seem to be handling everything beautifully =).
I can’t believe Lucas is turning one already! That little bow tie on him is probably the cutest thing on the planet!!!
Christy says
Great article which is right on topic with your current plight: How to thrive as a working mother! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/melissa-llarena/mission-possible-how-to-thrive-as-a-working-mother-of-young-children_b_5595131.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037