Dear Santa,
I've been really good this year. Like stellar.
I've kept my little one alive, entertained, nourished, loved.
I've changed thousands of diapers, made hundreds of boxes of mac-n-cheese, listened to dozens of "just you wait"s and "enjoy it, it goes so fast"s...
I wake up and get out of bed every day and do it all over again. Even though my plans get derailed so often. Even though having a full night's sleep seems like a joke. Even though it's a bit monotonous to tell you the truth.
And I've been very good at growing another baby. Things as basic as eating and sleeping feel so much more complicated with nausea, heartburn, and being uncomfortable as my body grows to make room for the new addition coming. But I'm still showing up. I'm still trying.
All I actually want for Christmas is a break, Santa.
A break from...
🎁 people telling me their birth horror stories every time I'm at the grocery store.
🎁 my toddler dumping out the entire box of cereal. It's just so hard to bend down these days and clean things up.
🎁 the rib pain.
🎁 having to change my clothes every time I sneeze.
🎁 the mental exhaustion from these Braxton Hicks. Can't it be a little more straight forward? How will I know when it's REAL?
🎁 the mom guilt. I logically know it's not lazy to rest and let my toddler use the tablet for an hour, but my mind can't rest-- I just keep thinking about what I should be doing.
Maybe I don't just need a break, actually. Maybe I need permission to be human. I need to stop being on edge all the time. I need better support.
I don’t know why I’m writing to you, Santa, when I’m actually the one doing all the work anyway. You've been slacking since I became a mom. 😉
Hopeful that this year can be better,
❤️Pregnant Mama
🎄❤️✨🎄❤️✨🎄❤️✨🎄❤️✨🎄❤️✨🎄❤️✨🎄❤️✨🎄❤️✨🎄❤️✨🎄❤️✨
Dear Pregnant Mama,
You have been AMAZING in the way you've handled everything up to now. You are incredible. I wish you could see yourself the way your kids see you-- the way you really are. Better than enough.
You are on my nice list. You have been so great this year. Please don't underestimate your efforts every day. Please remember how much value you have, even when you don't see the evidence, even when your body needs rest and your To Do list doesn't get done as fast as you think it should.
You deserve support! You are not wrong for wanting more. Your requests are totally reasonable.
Have you heard of perinatal coaches? Diane, the writer of the Hold the Mom blog is one. She loves helping pregnant moms prepare for birth and postpartum, and be truly supported all along the way. You can reach her at holdthemom@gmail.com, or DM her on Instagram @holdthemom to get started.
And in the meantime, a little chocolate and deciding that you can take moments through the day for yourself can REALLY help. Taking time to journal, breathe deeply, go for a walk, and truly take care of your self will help you be the mom you want to be.
Love,
🍬Santa 🎅
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