I don't know how they do it

When you become a mum, your life changes. Of course it does. Priorities change and your daily routine revolves around a little person first, you second. 

It can take some time to adjust to the adjustments you have to make to your life but whilst you wouldn't change it for the world, it's important that new mums hear from other mums that everyone does find it hard at times.

That's a big reason why I write this blog of mine; to share the good, the bad and the unspoken, as for too long, mums haven't always heard the truth about what being a mum (or dad) can be like. It's all too often sugarcoated and tied with a baby pink or blue bow but the reality can be different and we need to know we're not alone. 

I wanted to write this post as for the past week and a bit, hubs has been either working away, as he usually does three or four nights a week, followed by a night at home before heading to Bangkok. He returns home tonight and we really can't wait to see him. It's been a long time. I've really enjoyed spending quality time with Ethan, my favourite person, but being the sole parent around to take care of him can take his toll. 

He's had a few days of teething which really upset his sleep at the weekend and last night he was sick before bedtime too. When you add into the mix my three hospital appointments a week, a blood test, work which has taken me on the road up and down the country recently and the usual household tasks from bills and laundry to food that needs buying and a dog that needs lots of attention. I'm always on the clock, rushing from one thing to another, dropping off, picking up, multitasking in-between, juggling all the time. I've even taken to having baths with Ethan this week, just so I can be sure to have time to wash my hair.

It's been a bit tough. Every mum has difficult moments and I'm not going to lie; the continuous care of a child can be exhausting. Doing everything for them and being everything to them all day is hard.

And for single mums, they have to do this all day, every day. They are the only person there to greet their child when they wake up, to wrestle with them to get ready, clean their teeth, put on their clothes. They need to get them off to nursery / school then take care of their other day job. They need to prepare their meals, do their laundry and all the while be an all-round entertainer, never too far away from sight. They are the only person to take care of the bedtime routine, to help soothe any upsets, clean up any mess, cuddle their child if they wake in the night.

When do they get time for themselves? When can they take a breath? The bond they have with their child is undeniable but it must be oh so tiring at times. Just not having someone there to share daily life with, to talk to.

I don't know how they do it.