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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I know what you mean! My oldest has woken up at 5 or 5:30 for the last six years. I have even gotten so jealous of the moms who talk about there kids sleeping to 7am! Thanks for keeping it real!
I forget, but it’s the little things that remind me. Like when two of my kids are in school and I snuggle with my youngest (2.5 years old) on our bed after I’ve showered and he’s had a bath. He wants me under the blankets with him, and we snuggle with a few books. It slows me down and gets me to pay attention to him.
I have the same problem as you – I want some “me” time during the day, and not just the 2 hour window at night once they’re in bed!
It’s so hard, but we do have to remember what’s important – our children.
Thanks for the reminder. So often I feel the same way, “My feelings were a result of my not getting to do what I thought was important.” Posts like this one are why I read your blog!
I still think, though, that we mommies DO need SOME alone time, to plan, to pray, to think, to study, to unwind . . .maybe you could ask the hubs to watch the kids on Sunday evening so you could get a mini “Mom retreat”?:)
@Lori, absolutely! And quite honestly, I get all the time I want. My husband is very sweet that way. He knew it was more about my not getting my way than anything else. 😉
But, your advice is good, especially for those moms who aren’t taking a break. Thanks for suggesting that!
I needed to be reminded of this today. My 4 year old has been staying up a little later, and I’ve felt pretty annoyed about it. Last night I stopped, got in the floor with him, and played cars instead of trying to do my normal routine. After about 10 minutes, he was ready for bed, and I had gotten to enjoy a few rare minutes alone with him. My attitude change made all of the difference and when it was finally time for him to go to bed, he didn’t fight it because he had had the time he needed.
You have a wise husband. You are so lucky to wake up an hour early to that sweet face! Your little girl is so cute. I used to wake up early for a similar sweet face, but that was 30 years ago! I would love to do it again! Enjoy your childern because they grow up so fast.
God bless, Kathy in Illinois
We all get there – it’s so hard to find balance between being the kind of mother you want to be and losing yourself in the process.
But it does go so very fast . . . time well spent
I know what you mean! My oldest has woken up at 5 or 5:30 for the last six years. I have even gotten so jealous of the moms who talk about there kids sleeping to 7am! Thanks for keeping it real!
I forget, but it’s the little things that remind me. Like when two of my kids are in school and I snuggle with my youngest (2.5 years old) on our bed after I’ve showered and he’s had a bath. He wants me under the blankets with him, and we snuggle with a few books. It slows me down and gets me to pay attention to him.
I have the same problem as you – I want some “me” time during the day, and not just the 2 hour window at night once they’re in bed!
It’s so hard, but we do have to remember what’s important – our children.
Wow, thank you so much for this great reminder! It brought tears to my eyes, and humility to my heart!
This was some insight that I really needed! Thanks!
Thanks for the reminder. So often I feel the same way, “My feelings were a result of my not getting to do what I thought was important.” Posts like this one are why I read your blog!
Loved this. Thank you so much for the reminder.
I still think, though, that we mommies DO need SOME alone time, to plan, to pray, to think, to study, to unwind . . .maybe you could ask the hubs to watch the kids on Sunday evening so you could get a mini “Mom retreat”?:)
@Lori, absolutely! And quite honestly, I get all the time I want. My husband is very sweet that way. He knew it was more about my not getting my way than anything else. 😉
But, your advice is good, especially for those moms who aren’t taking a break. Thanks for suggesting that!
I needed to be reminded of this today. My 4 year old has been staying up a little later, and I’ve felt pretty annoyed about it. Last night I stopped, got in the floor with him, and played cars instead of trying to do my normal routine. After about 10 minutes, he was ready for bed, and I had gotten to enjoy a few rare minutes alone with him. My attitude change made all of the difference and when it was finally time for him to go to bed, he didn’t fight it because he had had the time he needed.
You have a wise husband. You are so lucky to wake up an hour early to that sweet face! Your little girl is so cute. I used to wake up early for a similar sweet face, but that was 30 years ago! I would love to do it again! Enjoy your childern because they grow up so fast.
God bless, Kathy in Illinois
Thanks! This could not have been more timely for me.
We all get there – it’s so hard to find balance between being the kind of mother you want to be and losing yourself in the process.
But it does go so very fast . . . time well spent