First the wizard, and now the pediatrician. Halloween week has officially caught up with us & we all woke up with colds yesterday morning. Harper came downstairs crying this morning that her ear hurt, and since it was time for Claire’s 4 month well visit anyway, we packed up the troops & headed to the doctor’s office. Taking three sick kids to the doctor is probably in the top three for things that suck the worst, right along with taking care of them while they’re healthy, but you’re sick (or hungover) and roadtrips.
Harper did indeed have an ear infection, Claire got her shots & Eloise got the second dose of her flu shot. I’m sure everyone got a good laugh as they listened to all three of my kids cry from outside the room, Harper half trying to sing “old mcdonald” with me to help get her mind off of her ears hurting & Eloise throwing her shoes, toys and self on the floor every two seconds. It’s one of those moments when you look around the room, and realize, this is my circus, and these are my monkeys.
After getting everyone dressed, calmed down & packed back into the car, we were on our merry little way to the Publix. The girls ate goldfish while we looped around the store a few thousand times waiting for medicine from the pharmacy and I nursed Claire in my ergo (which meant I probably flashed some side boob & back fat to all the other shoppers) but hey, everyone was quiet for the first time all day!!!!
Now all three girls are napping, which means I hop in my bed with some Halloween candy & this morning’s leftover coffee, and open my computer. But I have nothing exciting to share, because today is a perfect example of how real life always takes priority over blogging. I love to keep this space happy, I don’t like to whine or complain about my kids or whatever else there is to complain about, but I guess that’s not really how motherhood works. My mom told me yesterday that when we were young, and she was a stay at home mom, she used to feel like she was the only mom that looked forward to nap time everyday. So here’s to naps. Here’s to moms who look forward to those naps. To moms whose day has totally sucked, moms whose kids have been batshit crazy & moms who still always look for something to be happy about at the end of the day.
(Like these sweet photos snapped before bed last night.)
You’re not alone, we are all in this together.
8
Kelsey Dewey says
????
Renee says
Your girls are gorgeous but its okay to live for nap time some days … its all that kept me going occasionally 😉
I hear you on the monkey and circus ownership, we seem to be developing our own 2 rings of crazy here and can't decide whether to add a third.
I hope the girls are all healthy again soon! x
Katie @ the acre says
YES. We have an 8 month old and juggle midnight shifts + teaching + watching the baby (between my husband & I). Days are rough like that to begin with, but when the baby gets her flu shot and then doesn't nap… Yup, right there with you!!
Sarah says
Awww this post brought tears to my eyes!!! YES – we are all in this together!!! That's honestly what I love to do is encourage people in their own journeys and remind people that we're all in the same boat – whether we're trying to be good moms, trying to run our household or trying to run a blog on the side (or all three!). You hit the nail on the head with this post! Thanks for the encouragement today!!
– Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
Lindsey says
Amen sister! Mine are 19months and just turned 3 and one due in January. We are all in this together and you have your priorities straight for sure:)
laura santora says
I love this! being a stay at home mom always seems so fun but then reality sets in that you are literally in a zoo at all time! Love your blog, it keeps me laughing every week when I think I am about to loose my mind 🙂
Carisa Willison says
I love your blogs! They're so real !! I do have a question for you? I'm getting married in April and I love your style I was wondering if you would share your wedding story and some wedding pictures?
Ashley P says
Love this honest and open post! I am having one of those days as well (although for no specific reason other than it is a hard day)! My mom described motherhood as a bank and people will need to keep drawing from the bank. In order to keep the bank functioning, we have to do what we can to fill it up (meaning sometimes we snuggle up with candy and coffee in the afternoon and leave the dishes in the sink). I find that writing down 5 things that I am grateful for at the beginning of the day always helps remind me of how lucky I am! You are a great mama!
Kristin says
Awww I hope they all get better! Sounds like an adventure!
Anonymous says
AMEN!!!! I look forward to nap time everyday!
Lindsay at Lindsay'sSweetWorld says
AMEN, SISTA! And I'm right there with you… I don't even stay at home with them full time, but on the weekends when I am home with them, I STILL look forward to nap time. Sometimes you just need a little time to yourself. Hope you guys feel better soon!
Rachel says
Just wanted to let you know that you're my fave blogger and I love your realness- it's so refreshing! You're a fantastic mom to those girls!
Laura {happily ever} Parker says
So true girl! Hope you were able to snag some z's while the kids slept!
Anonymous says
I love posts like these. I just had that same experience with my 3 Littles at the doctors. It was a crazy experience that made me want to cry in the moment but somehow I was hysterically laughing at how crazy we looked when I retold the story to my husband. Being a mother isn't easy, but it's definitely worth it. Love your blog!
Sarita @ it's my girls' world says
I needed a post like this! Thank you! And cheers to nap!!!
Shayna says
Coming from a mama of boys that is currently sitting in bed, eating leftover Halloween candy, while my two boys nap- I totally appreciate these posts, they may seem simple to you but they mean so much to us readers with little ones as I'm sure we all forget that we aren't the only ones that feel this way. As far as flashing side boob, it happens, baby has to eat and we all lost are dignity with childbirth, amIright? Hey and only a couple more hours until it's acceptable to have a beer 🙂
Danielle Lakes says
I will say it loud and proud. I LOVE NAPTIME. Hahaha. We are all in this together, it takes a village. I'm glad you keep it real and not just "happy" Thanks for the laughs.
Danielle
http://www.geekandglam.com
Meghan Pilosi says
Love this! Maddux has been sick twice since we had our second and it's been so chaotic and stressful trying to prevent the baby from catching it. Hope your girls feel better soon!!
"B" says
I love this. While I currently only have two (we are expecting our third) this sounds like some of my days. Currently though I am watching the clock anxiously awaiting it to turn 4:30PM so I can go pick up my little holligans and hear all about their day at school. I miss them so on work days and when they are sleeping but sometimes pray bed and naptime come soon! Motherhood. It's a rollercoaster, all we can do it throw up our hands and squeal (in delight or fear, that's your call – I choose delight)!
Marginalized Groups says
Hi Jessica, my name is Nicole. I've been following your blog for years now. I stay at home with my two girls – Anna is 2 and Eleanor is 9 months. Today has been a day and your post was just what I needed. HERE IS TO NAP TIME! I too am hunkered down with coffee and some Netflix 🙂 Hope your afternoon has more smiles than tears!
Brittany Olson says
Yes! Nap time mamas Unite! 😉
Sadie Cummings says
Love this mama! You are me hero. You always make me chuckle, and encourage me that I'm not the only one with screaming, crying kids 😉
Jennifer says
18 month old twins and an 8 year old who still isn't used to siblings. To naps!?
Leah Emley says
So good ..so true! My 3yr old threw up from 1am – 6am all while my 8wk Lottie refused to sleep and cried the whole time. Instead of washing the three sets of soiled sheets, or myself for that matter, (which I'm pretty sure includes throw up and breastmilk in my mom bun) – I'm laying on my bed in the dark while one naps on top of me – and praying the other doesn't wake up for another hour. I feel you. I so feel you. Glad I came by your post just now .. prayers and good vibes that your littles get well real soon!!
Nicole says
Thanks for keeping it real : ) if not for nap time…. We would all go crazy. And I can't even imagine THREE crying kids at the pediatrician. Good job!
Amy Allen says
Hope the girls get well soon! Cheers to conquering another day in motherhood land!
Erin Worrall says
You got this, momma! Your blog IS uplifting and encouraging, in both the super cute stuff and also the healthy doses of reality. Here's to a speedy recovery for your munchkins and an extra snuggle or two while they're feeling down.
Leanne says
I love this post, and your honesty! Great one! Your girls are gorgeous. And I doubt you have back fat 😉
Amy says
Thank you Jessica ! This post is exactly what I needed today 🙂
Emily says
Love this! Also, PLEASE tell me how you nurse in the ergo?! When did you start trying that? My 2nd is due in 6 months and my #1 goal is to figure out how to nurse while baby-wearing. I feel like it takes hands-free to a whole new level.
Jessica says
Love this and can totally relate… with one less kid and no colds (yet!). I definitely (guiltily)look forward to nap time each day and also when 6:00 rolls around and my husband gets home. I love the sweet moments too, but sometimes it can be so hard to be on all the time!
Trisha D says
You took the words right out of my mouth, sister! I took all three of my kiddos to the doc last Thursday (ages 5, 2, and 4 months) and everyone got a shot. And, I am sure we looked like a complete mess! Being a mommy is so, so, so great, but also so hard! It's nice to hear someone else has those days. Sometimes it's easy to feel like the only one having a rough day. (And looking forward to nap time!)
Sharon says
Loved your realness here. Thank you– must be something in the air. I swear that I am the only one wanting to make nap time earlier too haha! Hang in there!
myfourarrows says
Solidarity, sister! I look forward to nap time every day, even if it's been a good day. 2/3 of my kids never nap, but they are all put in their rooms for some "quiet" time (that ends up not-so-quiet). We all need a little mental break in the middle of the day. Hope everyone gets better soon!
Dana says
I only have a 16 month old, and I say cheers to naptime every day (and it would most likely be with an adult beverage most days if I wasn't preggo with #2 due in 4 weeks!). I love that you are honest on your blog. The moms that make it their happy and perfect place all the time aren't relateable at all, and definitely not as fun to read. Hope you all feel better soon!
Nicholle Montalvo says
I just got back from taking my babe to the dr for a "simple" cough that has turned nasty… turns out he has bronchitis and an ear infection. One hour, one breathing treatment, three prescriptions later, here we are. The next few days are going to be rad. Please pass the wine. Hope all your babes are better fast! XO
Whitney R says
Oh man did I need this today!
Kelly Kost says
Amen sister! Thanks for keeping it real 🙂
Kelsey Lorene says
This was perfection. I hope you're girls feel much better soon, so you can have some of your mommy sanity back. Hugs!!!
Alecia Harris says
Amen, girl!! We are having our fourth boy in April and I LIVE for nap time. No shame! My life is totally batshit crazy and I love it but I really love naps and bedtime! Yup, we are mothers of the year. Haha
danieliza77 says
It's so important to share the good AND the bad! You're right, we're all in this together! I hope your girls get better soon. We spent the entire month of September dealing with an ear infection in my 3 year old, it's the pits, for everyone. I totally feel you.
Brooke Etheridge says
Adding this to the list! This is #2 of your blog posts that have officially brought a tear to my eye! (The other one is the Disney trip when Harper danced with the princess.) I completely relate to you. It is so not easy on their sick days! I have to remind myself that toys scattered around, bathwater on the bathroom floor, and endless piles of laundry with tiny pajamas and tiny socks will be greatly missed one day.
Bada-Bing Creations says
Girl, preach it! I only have one 15 month old and I look forward to nap time! Every. Single. Day. Seriously, I look forward to it like I look forward to a vacation, lol! 15 minutes to go over here currently! And motherhood is hard! And awesome and every single little thing in-between. It's good to hear about the good, the bad, and the ugly and that somewhere, someone feels the same way! And props to you for being so dang positive! Sometimes I think I'm going to lose it with just the one! You're amazing!
Kathryn Olsen says
..and amen.
You took the words right out of my mouth. hang tight sister.
Milena Enguidanos-Gonzalez says
So sweet Jessica ♡
Anonymous says
You need to do a "my circus, my monkeys" t-shirt design!
Krcat says
I love my kids but I SOOOO look forward to nap time. Just still trying to get all three to nap at the same time…when it does rarely happen, it's perfection!!
Lindsay Willcox says
I completely understand your pain. I'm 17 weeks pregnant and have a 2-1/2 year old and an almost 5 year old. My husband has been on a business trip in India for the last 2 weeks. Parenting is hard!
Carli Heringer says
I think we all love when you share this kind of stuff. Its easy tonlook at your life and imagine its perfect. You have a beautiful home, beautiful family, great marriage…. its nice to hear that you're just like the rest of us. You have good days and bad just life us. We all want to be reminded that we aren't alone in our struggles. The reality is, most of us mom's know EXACTLY what each other are going through, and sometimes its such a relief to just know that we aren't the only ones in the world who feel crazy! Hope the rest of your week goes better!!!! ♡♡
Stephanie Dumm says
Haha, these are my circus, these are my monkeys!! I've definitely been saying that a ton lately. I hope everyone starts to feel better soon.
And you are a rock star for nursing in your Ergo, back fat and all.
Long live naps!!
Anonymous says
I have loved your blog for years and never commented. I appreciate these type of posts because it shows us that every Mom has days like these!
Elliott says
I love posts like this. I am 4 weeks into life with 2 kids and feel like I'm going crazy!! Thanks for saying we are all in this together because sometimes it feels like we are on our own!!
Jeannine says
I'm right here in the trenches with you. My three are 3, almost 2, and 9 weeks.
Three cheers for nap time! Hope your monkeys are feeling better soon ?
kristen peebles says
"Honesty in womanhood and motherhood is what creates a sisterhood!"
We all love our babies.. & we all love nap time.. We're women with the hardest mot rewarding jobs in the world! Sometimes the highlight reel makes us feel inadequate. It's refreshing to see real moms go through real struggles!
Kali Moore says
Nap time is my jam!!!!
Shadia Brown says
That's right girl! In the good, the bad and the ugly. Sending you a big hug!
Ashley says
That was my son a few weeks ago. Double ear infection and bronchitis. He fought the inhaler every.single.time. Hope your babe feels better soon!
Teri O'Neil says
I love this. I needed it. I always look forward to nap time.
Kylie Robinson says
This is why I love your blog….it's real. Real life and real good. Cheers!
Alice S says
Love the honesty of this post! And yes, definitely stinks to have sick kiddos! We are dealing with the same thing right now!
megan says
Ugh so sorry for ear infections and tough days! We are in the same boat at our house with two girls with ear infections, so your honesty in your post is SO appreciated! Much love and hope everyone is on the mend soon!
Jess Scott says
Amen!! It's so nice to hear this, even thought we all know it deep down!! How you handle three, I don't know! I can barely keep two alive. 🙂
Nicky Eggleston says
Amen sista!!
Anonymous says
I HIGHLY doubt you have back fat, lady! 🙂 I hope the 3 little angels feel better soon! -NG
Tatiana Soper says
I just have to say it makes me so happy to know I'm not the only one who looks forward to naps. I told my husband the other day that "I live for naps!" In fact today I did a little nap dance down the stairs once I closed my baby's bedroom door. The excitement ended when I realised we had no bread for lunch but I chucked some ingredients into the kitchen aid mixer, made a strong cup of coffee and carried on with my dance 🙂
Else says
That is exactly the way it is 🙂 Thank you for sharing this horrible day and still they look so sweet! I tell my two girls it`s good luck for them that they look so sweet no matter how they have behaved 🙂 I hope your little gang feel better soon.
Unknown says
Girl this is your blog and your platform! If you need to vent, cry, bitch, or whine, do it. That's real life and that's you being the real you. It doesn't mean you don't love your kids and your life. It makes you human. I'll only like you more. Haters are always gonna hate and if they don't like it, they can take a hike. 😉 I always love the real "true life" stories you post!
Kayla Cifaldi says
Love this post so much! Thanks for this uplifting, real blog post!
Anonymous says
Long time reader, first time commenter. This was my exact life yesterday (swap the Publix for a CVS that never got the e-script from the doctor's office! Bah!). Was about to throw in the towel but figured I already schlepped the circus to the store, so I might as well wait this one out. Ha! Toddler starts pulling Elmo bandaids off the shelf and into the diaper bag… And a screaming one year old's fever is on the way up.. Still waiting for the antibiotics as I fumble to open Motrin that I just bought and, as luck would have it, there is no syringe in the box. And the toddler is now on to the diabetic supply shelf. FML. 🙂 these are the days. Your post is encouraging – thanks for being so honest. Hope your kiddos feel better.
Sarah says
Thank you for this dose of honesty and encouragement. I flew across the country (literally, WA to NC) today solo with my 7 month old who's sick with some combination of diarrhea, throwing up, cough, fever, teething, runny nose, etc. By the end of the day, I almost lost it while trying to zip up his too small pj's while he fought me. I had to sing a little Jesus Take the Wheel multiple times today, but we made it.
Sara says
These types of posts always make me feel much better. Sometimes it's a good reminder that I am not the only zookeeper.
Jessica J says
I love nap time! My 2 year old has been on a 2 week nap strike. Fingers crossed we get back on schedule soon!!
Suzanne Hines says
I have followed your blog since you were pregnant with Harper. It was one of the first Mom blogs I followed, well before my children came along.
I've always scrolled through your pictures and felt like everything about your life was…perfect. Loved the blog, but felt like I could never relate.
Until this post.
Oh man oh man, are we ever in this together!
You are amazing, and I just keep telling myself that this is a life stage. A wonderful stage that I wouldn't trade for anything….but a stage and it will pass and be different (and for me, I look forward to it getting a little bit "easier"!!)
Thank you for posting! Love following along!
Suzanne
Valene says
Thank you for your honesty! You are amazing, it wouldn't be real life without days like these!
Marita Charron says
Amen! I take pictures all day long of my 17 mo old boy and my husband thinks I'm nuts but it's in the "bat shit crazy" times when I'm feeling like pulling my hair out that I look back at my sweet smiling boy and remember tomorrow is another day.
Anonymous says
I love this! As a mom I'm getting sick of the mom bloggers i normally follow who never share the real stuff. So thanks!
Kara Galea says
Probably my most favorite blog post I have ever read!