hats off to the single moms

(It's Mommy Mondays, where I chronicle my experience of being a new mom.  Does my ear look huge in this picture?)

The Gorilla had to attend a wedding on the other side of the country, so this was my first weekend as the sole acting parent to Pigtail. 

We survived!

My sister took the opportunity to visit from Oklahoma - I wasn't quite ready to be alone alone yet - but the poor girl got sick and was pretty miserable throughout the weekend.  We mostly stayed in, ate takeout, and watched movies. 

Pigtail was an angel baby for almost three days straight.  She finally had enough and melted down mere hours before The Gorilla was due home Sunday evening, so we weren't exactly a picture of zen bliss when he walked in the door.  But all in all, I consider the weekend a success.

I don't know how single moms do it.  With a happy, healthy, baby, I was still running exhausted.  The Gorilla and I normally take turns doing the night shift, so just tackling that alone was enough to give me monster eye bags.  I can't imagine parenting night after night, day after day, without someone else around to take a turn bouncing the baby. 

I tip my hat to you gals (and guys) who have to go it alone. 

My sister is a single parent to four.  My sister-in-law birthed her first baby boy when my brother was fighting in Iraq.  It's one thing to know in your head, "Wow, that situation must be really hard for her," and then getting the teeny tiniest glimpse of what it would be like to do this partner-less.

I am not equating a few days without my husband to the plight of single parent, but I am feeling utterly grateful for those who help with my daughter, love on her, and in general make me feel less alone in this world.

Especially my husband.   

Comments

[jaime]

So, SO true. I spent this weekend without TH, too, and had the same thoughts periodically throughout the weekend. On one hand, I think to myself that if this was my Normal, I would try to put in place some regular assistance. On the other hand, well, ultimately you would be the only parent. Help is nice, but the kiddos want you, you, YOU.

Great thoughts. Great reminder to be thankful every single day for the privilege of sharing the blessed task (and the joys!) with someone who loves them as much as I do.

[Megan@SortaCrunchy]

Your ear is so not huge.

I'm sorry to hear Sister got sick! Boo to that.

When both girls were new, Kyle was still coaching so I did a LOT of single parenting - he was only home when they slept. I remember through those times feeling so grateful and appreciative and in awe of military wives and families. I could hardly complain about my coaching husband's hours when I thought of all the sacrifices that military wives make.

I also have thought about HOW HARD it must be for single moms - just never having that little bit of break that we all need from time to time.

[Melissa]

My mom always told me "babies pick who their parents will be". After raising mine on my own since the beginning, I truly believe that. Yes, the days are harder and the responsibility more intense, but the love and earned trust of always being "that" call is ALWAYS so rewarding. I feel blessed and lucky to be the one hand picked and I'm happy to see others appreciating the perks from the other side.