These are the days in the trenches of motherhood.

Showering quickly before the baby wakes for another feed. It’s questioning whether I used the shampoo or conditioner because my mind wandered elsewhere.

It’s eating a meal with a babe cradled in one arm while I try to maneuver table manners with the other.

It’s re-learning how to do tasks one-handed.

It’s rarely accomplishing half of the day’s to-do list.

These are the days in the trenches of motherhood.

It’s trying to make each child feel seen but feeling like I’m failing miserably at the end of the day.

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It’s trying to make multiple peanut butter sandwiches cut into cute little squares for lunch as fast as possible when the baby finally falls asleep.

It’s trying to fold laundry, wash dishes, and run the vacuum during 30 minutes of freedom.

It’s doing school with my kindergartner in between newborn feeding sessions and hurriedly throwing in another load of soiled laundry.

These are the days in the trenches of motherhood.

It’s taking in the newborn cuddles.

It’s basking in my toddler’s little, “I love you, mommy.”

It’s seeing my older two run to say good morning to their baby brother or beg to help change his diaper or pick out his third outfit of the day.

It’s piles of toys and snack crumbs five minutes after getting everything tidied up.

It’s tackling the demands of parenting and life with my husband, teammate, and best friend.

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It’s listening to my children say how much they love one another and how they are best friends.

These are the days in the trenches of motherhood.

Messy but beautiful.

Overwhelming but fulfilling.

A blessing. A miracle. Moments of mess and chaos I will treasure now and forevermore.

To the mamas in the trenches of motherhood—hold tight. It’s gonna be a wild and fulfilling ride.

Originally published on the author’s blog

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Lizzy Christian

Lizzy Christian is a toddler-chasing, coffee-sipping, firefighter wife, and vacuuming enthusiast who has a passion for writing. She is the founder of the Fire Wife Chronicles, which is geared on topics of motherhood, marriage, faith, & first responder family life. Lizzy received her undergrad in Crisis Counseling from Liberty University and her Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling – Crisis Response and Trauma from Liberty University’s Graduate School. She is a two-time NYC Marathon finisher and avid runner, and former School Counselor and Athletic Director. Lizzy married her high school sweetheart and together they have two sons and a daughter. Visit www.lizzychristian.com for additional resources and upcoming projects. 

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