As hard as having kids can be, I often think about how much harder it is for women who struggle to have them. I’m still working on accepting my post baby body. I’ve tried to reframe this and be thankful I am able to have a baby body at all. Sleepless nights, mom hair, messy home. I’m sure there are countless women out there who would trade their rested bodies, perfect hair, and clean homes for chubby baby thighs and gummy giggles.
I remember when Yev and I were trying for baby V; it didn’t happen as quickly as the twins. I started getting worried we might struggle to conceive. It was only a couple of months, but it felt like a hopeless situation. I couldn’t imagine trying for a baby month after month, year after year. Then having everyone ask you about when you are going to have kids. Or hearing people complain about how difficult their kids are, an enviable burden.
We have so much to be thankful for as mothers, and sometimes I think we need a reminder of this. I’ve found that gratitude helps get me through the toddler tantrums and the unfathomable exhaustion. Simply being thankful I have cheeks to kiss and bodies to hug can make a terrible day a great day.
Hold your children a little tighter today. Be a little more patient with them. Love on them a little bit more because they are an irreplaceable gift you have been entrusted with. Even if they drive us crazy, children are still our greatest blessing ❤.
Jacqueline Pinchuk 