When it don't come easy

They say that life with an infant is supposed to get easier (or at least more settled) around 3 months. I am guessing that this is probably true for a lot of families, but the last week has undoubtedly been the hardest week of motherhood for me. What’s changed?

Teething.

Teething pains have turned Ivor into a clingy, fussy, ear-grabbing, impossible-to-please baby who wakes up every 45 minutes to an hour at night. I really do feel for the little guy, but after hours of screaming and crying and a couple days without sleep, I find myself wearing thin. For the first time since Ivor was born, I actually reached the point that I had to text Ross at work and beg him to come home soon. (How do people cope with colicky babies?!) I told Ross recently in a moment of frustration that I just wanted a break, but unlike my 9-to-5 paid leave is not a part of parenting. (I find that reality hits hardest when I am holding my crying baby in the wee hours of the night.)

Cranky teething baby. Mama already suffering a mammoth headache from lack of sleep. Dad working long hours to in preparation for our vacation. This was the perfect time for Ivor to get his second round of shots.

The shots themselves went smoothly, except that the nurse was running 30 min behind (Next time you are looking for a challenge- try entertaining Cranky-pants Baby ‘quietly’ on your lap for 45 min.), but on the way home I managed to run the stroller over some fresh dog poop and had to spend ages cleaning smelly sticky poop off the wheels- so NOT what this tired mama needed.

Back in the flat, I was holding my clingy sad and now feverish baby, starring at the piles of laundry, my filthy kitchen and my to-do list for our trip, feeling deflated and more than a little overwhelmed. I would love to tell you that I was able to pull it together and find perspective in that moment. In truth it was only after some tears and a nap that I was able to look around with joy and thankfulness.

But in the midst of teething, exhaustion and a busy schedule, I am truly thankful. Thankful for a husband who tells me I’m loved and wanted even when I’m covered in slobber and smell like sour milk. Thankful for a job and an employer that offers paid maternity leave, so that I can be at home to experience the joys of teething first-hand. Thankful for the chance we have to travel back to the States again soon. And I am especially thankful for this healthy, smiley little boy.

I love you even when you’re teething.