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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Thank you! I really needed this today. My daughter’s been cutting down her naps, and I’ve been struggling, as there are things I was used to doing during her nap time that I wasn’t able to get done anymore.
Good word and reminder! And yay for a hubby willing to speak the truth in love. My husband does that for me and it never fails to bless me, even in sometimes it does rub me the wrong way. =)
Thank you! I was starting back-to-an-alarm clock this morning (my baby is 5 weeks old now), and had 2 kids up before my alarm clock even went off! Not how I wanted to start my week. But it is how the Lord wanted me to start it. Nice cuddle time, and the 3-year-old enjoyed cuddling with the baby.
It is so good to know I’m not the only one! That is one of the things I love about this blog. 🙂 God has been teaching me the same lesson the past few weeks. My ‘me’ time is usually during nap time in the afternoon (and I count myself very blessed that my kiddos will all still nap!) but lately my time gets interrupted more often than not. An errand, a visitor, a kiddo that just doesn’t feel like napping…and my response was less than exemplary. Then one day, as I was disciplining & instructing one kiddo who had pitched an all out fit because he didn’t get his way I realized, I had been doing the same thing! I didn’t get what I wanted or what I felt I deserved so I became a grumpy ‘no’ mom. *ouch* We still have our rough days but thanks for this reminder…my kiddos are so very important and there will be plenty of time to read or sit & do nothing when they are grown. 🙂
(as a footnote I do echo what a few other posters mentioned, ‘me’ time is a good thing & needed regularly but, as with most things, the attitude of our heart is what matters)
This just brought a tear to my eye and also reminded me not to get frustrated with my daughter but to remember she is only like this for a short time and to cherish the time! Thank you for sharing!
I love how you challenge us to see our challenges as blessings. But- if you really do want to get more rest or alone time in the early am you may want to check into Stoplight Clocks. I just bought one for my 3.5 year old. The adult sets the ‘alarm’ setting. No actual alarm goes off, just the light on the stoplight changes from red (meaning NOT time to get up) to green (you CAN get up) after the set time. It has been great for a little man who knows his colors but not how to tell time.
This was very much needed my daughter too has not been sleeping on a schedule so that I could get things done, and I’ve been so frustrated that the house is a mess and I don’t have time for me. She just turned a year old and I know if I turn my back for one minute I’ll miss something important or she’ll be into something. Thanks for the encouragement
I do think that we need to enjoy the “young child season” of our lives. It is fantastic that your husband is able to speak so gently and so wisely.
Having said this, if you don’t care for yourself, you can’t care for others. Perhaps your husband might be available for the 5:o0 a.m. call a few days a week? Having time alone and time with God recharges us and makes us better parents. Ask for help please.
Thanks for your concern, Christy. Actually, I get lots of mom time throughout the day. My husband wouldn’t have given this counsel if the case were otherwise. He knew it was more about my not getting my way than anything else.
But, there are many moms who, for whatever reason, don’t have that opportunity to have that time alone. And yours is good advice. Thanks for speaking up!
Thank you! I really needed this today. My daughter’s been cutting down her naps, and I’ve been struggling, as there are things I was used to doing during her nap time that I wasn’t able to get done anymore.
Good word and reminder! And yay for a hubby willing to speak the truth in love. My husband does that for me and it never fails to bless me, even in sometimes it does rub me the wrong way. =)
Thank you! I was starting back-to-an-alarm clock this morning (my baby is 5 weeks old now), and had 2 kids up before my alarm clock even went off! Not how I wanted to start my week. But it is how the Lord wanted me to start it. Nice cuddle time, and the 3-year-old enjoyed cuddling with the baby.
It is so good to know I’m not the only one! That is one of the things I love about this blog. 🙂 God has been teaching me the same lesson the past few weeks. My ‘me’ time is usually during nap time in the afternoon (and I count myself very blessed that my kiddos will all still nap!) but lately my time gets interrupted more often than not. An errand, a visitor, a kiddo that just doesn’t feel like napping…and my response was less than exemplary. Then one day, as I was disciplining & instructing one kiddo who had pitched an all out fit because he didn’t get his way I realized, I had been doing the same thing! I didn’t get what I wanted or what I felt I deserved so I became a grumpy ‘no’ mom. *ouch* We still have our rough days but thanks for this reminder…my kiddos are so very important and there will be plenty of time to read or sit & do nothing when they are grown. 🙂
(as a footnote I do echo what a few other posters mentioned, ‘me’ time is a good thing & needed regularly but, as with most things, the attitude of our heart is what matters)
Thanks for sharing, Jessica. I have struggled with this and your post is an epiphany. Thank you.
This just brought a tear to my eye and also reminded me not to get frustrated with my daughter but to remember she is only like this for a short time and to cherish the time! Thank you for sharing!
My huband and I had a very similar conversation last weekend. It is comforting to know that I am not the only Mom that struggles with these feelings.
I love how you challenge us to see our challenges as blessings. But- if you really do want to get more rest or alone time in the early am you may want to check into Stoplight Clocks. I just bought one for my 3.5 year old. The adult sets the ‘alarm’ setting. No actual alarm goes off, just the light on the stoplight changes from red (meaning NOT time to get up) to green (you CAN get up) after the set time. It has been great for a little man who knows his colors but not how to tell time.
This was very much needed my daughter too has not been sleeping on a schedule so that I could get things done, and I’ve been so frustrated that the house is a mess and I don’t have time for me. She just turned a year old and I know if I turn my back for one minute I’ll miss something important or she’ll be into something. Thanks for the encouragement
I do think that we need to enjoy the “young child season” of our lives. It is fantastic that your husband is able to speak so gently and so wisely.
Having said this, if you don’t care for yourself, you can’t care for others. Perhaps your husband might be available for the 5:o0 a.m. call a few days a week? Having time alone and time with God recharges us and makes us better parents. Ask for help please.
Thanks for your concern, Christy. Actually, I get lots of mom time throughout the day. My husband wouldn’t have given this counsel if the case were otherwise. He knew it was more about my not getting my way than anything else.
But, there are many moms who, for whatever reason, don’t have that opportunity to have that time alone. And yours is good advice. Thanks for speaking up!