Motherhood is hard. Everyone who is a mom, knows that.
We survive and thrive however, on not just learning from the hardships, but in reveling in the little joys that motherhood brings.
Things like….
1. Successfully removing a massive booger from your toddler’s nostril, after it’s been bugging you for 2 hours.
2. Your child actually eats the food you cook.
3. The baby wakes up in the middle of the night to nurse … and goes straight back to sleep after.
4. Everyone gets a nap and wakes up happy.
5. You go through the day without changing clothes (yours, the toddler’s, the baby’s) multiple times.
6. The toddler says “Love You” without prompting.
7. You only spend 10 minutes cleaning up toys, as opposed to 30 minutes.
8. No one spilled anything on the couch.
9. That moment when everyone is getting along, no one is tantrum-ing, and there are smiles all round. Even if it only lasts for 5 minutes.
10. This:
What brings you joy?
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Love those simple joys. Mine? Making it through The Twins’ birthday weekend without losing my cool (or any of their collective 30 guests) during their parties. xo
Sue ‘s last awesome post..Don’t Call It a Comeback.
Oh my, I bow to you.
Yep. That list sums it up. And 11. Not having to go back in the toddler’s room 17 times after putting her to bed. 12. Baby lays down in crib on first try. 13. Combing toddler girl’s super long hair doesn’t lead to tears and tantrums 14. A chocolate cupcake I don’t have to share.
Emily ‘s last awesome post..Breakfast is a Hoot!
#14 speaks to me. Yes, that.
That looks pretty joyful. xoxo
Joy today – drinking coffee and reading the entire Sunday paper without interruption(this wasn’t suppose to be about my kids, right?;)
tracy@sellabitmum ‘s last awesome post..Out of the Danger Zone
Hah! No, your joy is their joy, right? Happy mom, happy kids. xo
You are doing so well, A.
You amaze me.
Alexandra ‘s last awesome post..When "Good Morning" Leaves You Stumped For An Answer
Coming from you, that’s huge. Thank you.
Oh what wonderful joys, especially the photo!
christine ‘s last awesome post..Running Low
Thanks Christine!
Twitter: krrobi
says:
Ohhh My Gosh,
that photo says IT ALL, Mama A.
Sweeeet. Xx
My Inner Chick ‘s last awesome post..Kay Marie Sisto’s Story On Fox News 21
It makes me want to weep, that photo.
So true. I’m trying to stay in those little moments of calm so I don’t lose my patience (or my sanity!).
Kimberly ‘s last awesome post..Turning Two
Oh yes, without these moments, I’d lose it
Yes!!! It’s all of these little things that bring me great joy as well. It makes me happy to hear your days are filled with joy
XO
Runnermom-jen ‘s last awesome post..I Should Be…
Most of the time, yes!
A perfect photo!
My joys are in the little things, too
Like Dylan learning to say “wuv” and getting so excited about all the things he “wuvs”, like cupcakes.
angela ‘s last awesome post..Expectations of the Job
I wuv cupcakes too!! And I would totally get excited as well. (Can you tell I’m craving cupcakes?)
I love all these wonderful joys that you listed! And I love seeing that photo, oh my goodness!!
I had a lot of joy this morning when my three were playing nicely together. Yeah, awesome.
Elaine ‘s last awesome post..Lego Bounce Party & MEM
How awesome is that!!
I’m still waiting for the kids to eat the food I cook and to not give it to the dogs. Maybe one day.
Jessica ‘s last awesome post..Now You Can Call Me “Fancy Pants Mommy Cita”
It’d happen, just you wait.
What wonderful moments! It truly is the simple and tiny moments that can make a whole day wonderful!
JDaniel4′s Mom ‘s last awesome post..A Road Trip Muffin Tin Meal and Road Trip Travel Items
Yes, yes it is.
I LOVE that photo. So, so adorable! And, my Dudes are all 4 and older and I still don’t think we have a day no one spills something on the couch. That’s why it looks like someone committed a homicide on it.
dumb mom ‘s last awesome post..Dude Mom Life. Mud, Snipers, and Super Hero Birthday Parties.
Thanks Amanda!! We do have nearly daily couch spills – so when it doesn’t happen, I rejoice!
You perfectly expressed some of the joys of motherhood I think of. Thanks!
Heather ‘s last awesome post..Lots Going On
Thanks Heather!
Oh, this is so true! And the picture at the end? Priceless. Love. Love. Love. I hope you are doing well.
Jessica ‘s last awesome post..Midwestern Girl
Thank you Jessica! I’m doing as well as can be expected
Love this. And that picture is just beautiful. Nothing brings me more happiness than watching my boys together.
Barbara ‘s last awesome post..The Ring
The love the Monkey has for his little brother? Just makes me melt.
A shower. Oh wait. That’s not really kid-related. Having everyone cared for and happy and looked after so I can shower.
(I haven’t had any free time lately, if you can tell.)
Laura ‘s last awesome post..Never Easy
Showers are such soul lifters.
5 minutes when no one is tantruming? I’m afraid that’s not possible.
TB at BlueCollarWorkman ‘s last awesome post..Road Rage With a Gun… for real
Swoon….gorgeous.
My favourite is getting those drive-by leg squeezes…just short enough so they can run away yet long enough to sustain our hearts for the entire day. Xox
Kimberly ‘s last awesome post..It’s Been One Week
Hee! I love that, drive-by leg squeezes!
What brings me joy is when I feel like I’m teaching them and interacting with them, and not just babysitting them.
Lady Jennie ‘s last awesome post..The Colors of Ochre
Ah that’s a good one!
You hit most of mine here. Knowing my kids are okay and happy. When my husband helps around the house. Getting some time to write.
Gorgeous picture!
AnnMarie ‘s last awesome post..Will I Ever See Clearly Again?
See, husbands need to help out more!
oh my heart, that picture is PURE JOY.
Jacob’s nose is such a mess with his allergies he is constantly hoarding lots of boogers and yes, i take great joy in getting them out of his nose. LIKE VICTORY!!!!
I’m getting a lot more “I love yous” from out of the blue forom both boys…I love it too.
*Swooning* over that gorgeous picture. xoxo
Kir ‘s last awesome post..Mama’s Going To Camp
Hee, VICTORY is the right word to describe conquering booger!!
The end of the school year coming is what’s bringing me great joy at the moment!
Missy | Literal Mom ‘s last awesome post..10 Must Haves to Be Enough
Woohoo, yay!
First off, that pic is to die for. Second, what brings me joy is when all three of my kids are engaged in a game of some type of imaginative play of their own design. And, no one needs me. Even if it’s for 60 straight seconds. THAT moment is pure joy!
Sharon {Grumpy, Sleepy, and Bashful} ‘s last awesome post..Monday Listicles
Oh yes, when you can just sit down and not be needed for a minute – hoorah!
Looks like Monkey is enjoying Scrumplet!!!
My favorite right now? Unprompted hugs and kisses.
He absolutely loves his little brother!!
I love unprompted hugs and kisses.
So very sweet that you captured that moment of happiness on film and in your heart! They are the cutest boys!!
My joy right now would be when my girls join me on the couch while I am reading with their latest novels in hand. Love it!!
Aw, thanks!
Oh I can’t wait til my boys sit down quietly with me to read a book.
oh baby! look at those rubber band wrists! LOVE!
Hmm…today’s joy? Charlie cracking himself up while I was pouring my coffee.
Katie ‘s last awesome post..unmoving tragedy
Rubber band wrists, I love that description!
Love how babies crack up at the most mundane things.
So cute! I love them. Congrats on your little joys!
Natalie @MamaTrack ‘s last awesome post..Running the Naptime Gauntlet
Thank you so much!
Sweet boys! Scrumplet, he looks a bit more like his papa, yes?
Julie ‘s last awesome post..The Invisible Elephant Saga, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Zoo
Yes, for now! Monkey did too, when he was that age. And now? He’s my clone. Heh.
That photo brings me joy! And oh, my, I just dug out the biggest boog from Theo’s nose and it gave me so. much. satisfaction. You are doing great, mama!
jlweinberg/jen ‘s last awesome post..Shopping For Summer Clothes
Right? Booger duty can be so satisfying. And thank you!
What a beautiful photo, you are so blessed with your beautiful boys! It is hard being a parent but the but the little joys in motherhood make it all soooo worth it
Raquel@2dayswoman ‘s last awesome post..How To Be Happy; 10 Shortcuts To Happiness
Yes, I am blessed indeed!
I’d say that #4 would be cause for a party! (but then that would lead to toddler crankiness and frustration…ugh) On a side note, the Husband is now so used to clearing out the toddler’s nose, that he’ll even go for mine if there’s something there (yes…another fun side effect of pregnancy)!
Leslie ‘s last awesome post..{Mama Monday} Pregnancy Update
Hahahaha that’s hilarious! (the husband going for YOUR boogers!)
Beautiful list. I so agree with you on all of these. Without these moments there would be a lot less mothers out there.
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Thanks Susi!
Great reminder for us to find the wonderful in even the tiniest things Alison!
Leighann ‘s last awesome post..A Jewelery Give-Away!
Especially with booger extractions
I like when everyone takes a nap at the same time so Mommy can too!
PS. Super sweet picture of those babies
Erin ‘s last awesome post..What a Week
Oh yes, nap times are awesome.
Yes, yes, yes x 10. Greta list and that picture is pure joy!
Tonya ‘s last awesome post..We Are Enemies
Hee! Thanks Tonya!
It really is all of those small moments, isn’t it?
They become so very important as chaos begins to reign!
Giggles and sunshine and thunderstorms and dark chocolate and running and dance parties and hand holds and big hugs and lemon cupcakes (!) bring me joy.
Le sigh. This is lovely.
xo
Galit Breen ‘s last awesome post..Sunshine and Cookies and Friendship
Your joys are beautiful and lovely! xo
My eldest can go potty herself and wipe her own nose, which I have to say is a relief for me. Oh and both kids have coined on to the idea of ‘sleeping late during the weekend’, they sleep until 7hr30 which is still early for a Sunday but way better then 6h00.
Tinne from Tantrums and Tomatoes ‘s last awesome post..Just keep breathing…
I’m so jealous!
That picture is precious!
These days, I love it when Lil’ Bit grabs me around the neck and pulls me in for a kiss. Up until recently, I’ve always been the one to have to initiate such snuggles, so it brings me joy to realize that she can reciprocate now.
Kristin @ What She Said ‘s last awesome post..We Were So Stupid
Yay those are the best kisses!
Perfectly said! I especially loved the triumph over the booger (this said from this Mama who is just ending a cold with her toddler).
Another good one? Actually going to the bathroom without a little one coming in or knocking continuously at the door.
Oh yes, alone bathroom time. SO JOYFUL.
I’m so with you on the booger thing. I get a little obsessed. How can they breathe?!
My simple joy is when the kids are all in bed by 8 and my husband and I can have a late dinner and talk about our day and laugh. Everything is in balance.
Shiftless Mommie ‘s last awesome post..He Moves Me.
Oh I’m totally obsessed with booger removal. OBSESSED.
I do love when the kids are in bed early. Then I can finally exhale.
Awww so true my friend! Those are the reasons we chose to be mothers…not b/c it is easy but for moments like this!
Natalie ‘s last awesome post..My Friendship Soapbox
Oh it’s never easy – thank goodness for such moments. Sanity savers.
Great list, I agree with all of your points, but there are thousands of reasons why it is gorgeous to be a mom. One of my favorites is when my son hugs me early in the morning. It is much better than wake up for the clock:)
Emilia ‘s last awesome post..Meine Heimatstadt in Ungarn
Oh there are definitely a lot of reasons. These are only a few
Yes. Booger removal has made me feel victorious as a mom, too. Also successful naps are good for everyone, even the non-nappers (if there are any.) Do you find your house is more quiet when a child is sleeping than any other time of the day or night? I’ve always found that somewhat miraculous. And delicious.
Glad all is going well. xoxo
Christine @ Quasi Agitato ‘s last awesome post..Senior Hottie: Then and Now with Bonus Track ~ The Lost Years.
Oh yes, absolutely deliciously quiet. And I love it.
It’s hard to be a Mom, very hard but so rewarding!
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The best role in my life ever.
Excellent list!
Two recent little joys for me:
1. My four year old son setting up a picnic for us in our backyard.
2. All three of my little ones liked the dinner I made last Tuesday (Leg of Lamb from Trader Joe’s, in case you’re wondering). Really difficult to find something everyone likes, so this was a big win.
Mom on the Make ‘s last awesome post..My New Lands’ End Teak Bench
Aw, a picnic sounds lovely! That’s incredibly sweet.
LOVE that picture. It’s the sweetest, isn’t it? And the booger! Ohmygoodness I feel relief just reading that. Phew.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf ‘s last awesome post..Why I should write for YOUR magazine
It is the sweetest! Hah, glad to hear I’m not the only one who feels that way about toddler booger.
#6 is always my favorite! Melts me. But yes, I get excited about successful booger removal as well.
Elena ‘s last awesome post..Local Giveaway: Join Me at Sip of Michigan
Love you and booger removal rank VERY high around here
The little things mean so, SO much. And the sibling love? Kills me dead.
Greta ‘s last awesome post..Great Expectations: The Three Under
Oh it kills me dead each time too!
Congratulations! So happy to see you back at the blog. What an adorable photo!!!!
Thank you, and thank you!
#5 is the best. I love(d) those days.
Jay- The Dude of the House ‘s last awesome post..Are You Husband Enough?
What, Little Dude doesn’t nap anymore? Say it is not true!
This is beautiful. That picture melts my heart!
Julia ‘s last awesome post..Little Boy Noah
Thanks Julia!
Twitter: Asianmommy
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Aww…aren’t they adorable?!
Asianmommy ‘s last awesome post..Learn Korean with Korable Block
People often ask me if I get bored with the monotony of life as a SAHM/WAHM. I really don’t. The little things are enough. Thanks for your thoughtful post.
Shannon ‘s last awesome post..What to Really Expect When You Are Expecting
Thanks for reading, Shannon.
That photo is precious.
I love your list of simple joys.
The spontaneous toddler I-love-you’s are my favorites. And my 6 year old’s chuckles and my 9 year old’s spontaneous hugs. He does it often!
Mirjam ‘s last awesome post..A smile and a tear
That he still hugs at 9 – awesome!
Oh the joys and trials of motherhood. You are clearly swooping right in to twosville with grace! Love the photo!
Kristin ‘s last awesome post..The World of Book Kerfuffles Makes me Titter
‘Grace’ is not the word I’ll choose, I’m more like muddling through it
But thank you!
Twitter: beeswithhoney
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Funny how such simple little things like you listed above could make all the difference in the world when you’re smack in the middle of being a new mommy again.
Love the photo! Adorable. Warms my heart ♥.
Bruna ‘s last awesome post..advice from a teenager
Those small moments are what keep me going!
Love that photo, Alison!
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