This has been a milkshake week
I feel so tired and drained. Both kids have a mild cold, and David is teething. That means all three of us have indulged in quite a bit of whining.
I find myself dreading the week ahead. It’s simultaneously too busy and too boring — we have lots of plans, but if the boys’ colds linger then we’ll be stuck in the house.
When I find myself with that fatigued, stretched feeling, I know it’s time to examine my boundaries and self-care. For instance, if there is too much whining in my house, it may be because I’m allowing it to be effective. Am I giving in when my kids whine instead of teaching them to ask nicely and respectfully? (I am particularly guilty of this with David — “But he’s so little and cute and pitiful!” I say to myself, and the whining continues.)
Have I been skipping my daily Bible reading the past few days, instead choosing sleep or chores? Yep.
And even though I have weekly mommy nights, might I need a bit of extra time to myself so I can recharge after helping the kiddos through their tough days?
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80s Toes: I think I had a My Little Pony these colors. |
Happily, last night Paul took the kids while I took some time to myself (he got to handle a “poop in the tub” incident!). I painted my nails a fabulous 80s pattern and journaled for awhile.
While I’m still tired thanks to David waking up throughout the night, I’m feeling slightly saner and managing to set appropriate limits and take good care of myself.
I’m also enjoying the miracle of my two boys playing quietly together throughout much of the day. Wow, that never gets old.
These “I got nuthin'” days are good reminders of my own powerlessness and dependence, of what a gigantic web of support — earthly and heavenly — propels me each day as I journey with my little guys. Sometimes this is a tough place to be, but as I receive snotty hugs from my toddler and watch my three-year-old build Lego towers, I know this is also a beautiful place to be.
