When the time changed last fall, I received a new alarm clock. My two year old daughter who previously woke anytime between 6 and 8 am, began waking at 5 am on the dot. Every. morning.
This had been my normal waking time before Daylight Savings Time. But, although babies had woken me in the night for the previous 13 1/2 years, I had gotten used to the old schedule that allowed me a good hour or two of quiet time to read, journal, and work on writing projects.
I liked have a little waking time before I officially donned my “MOM hat.” I cherish my “alone” time. Sometimes a little too much.
All of a sudden that time was gone. After that first week of her waking consistently at five, I was ready for a meltdown. Mine.
Sunday night I cried to my husband that I was at my breaking point. She wasn’t going to bed earlier. She wasn’t taking longer naps. Yet, she was waking an hour earlier, regardless.
My “on duty” time was draining me. And quite honestly, I didn’t like it. I was worried that I would “lose it.”
My husband pointed out that the reason I would lose my patience could be because I felt that my toddler was in my way. Sleep wasn’t the thing that was at stake. I was getting up at that time before.
My feelings were a result of my not getting to do what I thought was important. He gently reminded me, “She’s your most important thing right now.”
Ah, yes. She is my most important thing right now. And I had lost sight of that.
I’m not generally one who likes being told this kind of stuff. My brave husband ventured forth to tell me the things I needed to hear, probably wondering how I would react.
I slept on it, knowing he was right. And praying that God would help me feel it as well as know it.
I had to laugh the next morning when I heard, “Mama, Mama,” at 5:04 Monday morning.
And resisting the urge to turn on Dora at 5:05, we cuddled, got breakfast, and otherwise enjoyed some Mom and “Almost-Not-a-Baby-Anymore” time.
Time changes. Seasons change. But, my girl is still the most important thing.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens
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You are a wise momma!! You chose well. He will bless you as you are poured out on the altar of service to your family. Remember, the drink offering was the only one that was completely “spent” on the altar. Mom’s are asked to walk through seasons that ask for all of our time. It is a season. And the seasons will change. In the meantime, He Is Sufficient and has already supplied the Grace to accomplish what He puts on our list. She is precious!
Thanks for this, Jessica. My little 5-month old girl decided this weekend to start waking up at 5:30, destroying my precious “alone time” before I had to get into Mommy mode. I was feeling very frustrated this morning so this helped me put things into perspective. My selfishness is the problem…not her sleeping schedule. 🙂
Thank you!! I have 3 girls 15, 11, and 18 months. I had gotten used to my older girls sleeping in and when after 8 years of trying and praying we were blessed with #3 it was a shock to wake at 5 am.(and still is) My husband and I use these early hours to snuggle with our little one and cherish the moments that will too soon be a memory. Thanks again for the reminder.
I have not commented before, but I love your site! I had to comment today, b/c this is something that God continues to teach me!!! And you put it to such great words. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for the reminder to be in the “now” — to take the seasons as they come and to understand how important our young children are right now!
I have had this realization a couple of times lately. We just had a very rare week off from school for snow. In my mind this was the perfect time to “get things done” and I was getting irritated that my children (and husband) wanted me to drop all my cleaning plans and go play in the snow. Suddenly I realized THEY and this rare opportunity to sled, build a snow man and teach my kids how to make the perfect snowball was so much more important. So, off I went, to play in the snow and I am so glad I did!
Thanks for being “real.”This was a reminder that ALL moms need!
~Blessings~
Brandi
You are a wise momma!! You chose well. He will bless you as you are poured out on the altar of service to your family. Remember, the drink offering was the only one that was completely “spent” on the altar. Mom’s are asked to walk through seasons that ask for all of our time. It is a season. And the seasons will change. In the meantime, He Is Sufficient and has already supplied the Grace to accomplish what He puts on our list. She is precious!
Thank you! I SO needed to hear this! What a great reminder.
Thanks for this, Jessica. My little 5-month old girl decided this weekend to start waking up at 5:30, destroying my precious “alone time” before I had to get into Mommy mode. I was feeling very frustrated this morning so this helped me put things into perspective. My selfishness is the problem…not her sleeping schedule. 🙂
Thank you!! I have 3 girls 15, 11, and 18 months. I had gotten used to my older girls sleeping in and when after 8 years of trying and praying we were blessed with #3 it was a shock to wake at 5 am.(and still is) My husband and I use these early hours to snuggle with our little one and cherish the moments that will too soon be a memory. Thanks again for the reminder.
Dont blink… or you’ll miss it.
I have not commented before, but I love your site! I had to comment today, b/c this is something that God continues to teach me!!! And you put it to such great words. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for the reminder to be in the “now” — to take the seasons as they come and to understand how important our young children are right now!
I have had this realization a couple of times lately. We just had a very rare week off from school for snow. In my mind this was the perfect time to “get things done” and I was getting irritated that my children (and husband) wanted me to drop all my cleaning plans and go play in the snow. Suddenly I realized THEY and this rare opportunity to sled, build a snow man and teach my kids how to make the perfect snowball was so much more important. So, off I went, to play in the snow and I am so glad I did!
Thank you for this great reminder.
Love, love, love this! As I too am sitting up with my little one at 5AM (what is supposed to be my time!) Thank you for the gentle reminder. =)