staying sane amidst the mundane is an online journal written by melanie. You can find the staying sane amidst the mundane archives here or access all of Blissfully Domestic’s online journals here.

Some days the magnitude of the responsibility I have as a mom is overwhelming.  I actually have three little people who depend on me to feed them, keep them dressed and bathe them, at least occasionally.  All three kids ate three meals (let’s not say “healthy” at this point), had a safe environment for playing (until my one-year-old started hitting everyone in sight) and are now fast asleep in their own beds (it only took 3 trips to the bathroom and 2 drinks of water).  I may not have gotten the house as clean as I wanted but I did accomplish this.

I think I was most aware of my children’s dependence on me when I was down with a flu bug a few days ago.  After missing supper with the family, I could tell my one-year-old was not handling my absence all that well.  The next day I was better, but at one point I just had to lay my head down on the couch.  He immediately came over and insisted I lift up my head.  I obeyed for a moment and then laid it back down.  Instantly he came over to have me lift it up again.  He wanted a healthy mommy who would take care of him, not someone prone to wander or lie down on the job.

Most days I just go through our routine, not really thinking about how this routine plays a part in giving the kids stability and security for when they are older.  I guess I can be thankful for a little illness to remind me that I am more important to them than I usually realize.

Now if I could just get them to recognize that for themselves . . .

Photo by doug88888