Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Monday Mom –  Neetika:
My husband worked late almost every night last week. There was even a day when he realized at the last minute he had to leave very early and thus not get up with Haley and allow me sleep to in. He was sure he’d get to come home early that day—but he ended up with a late call and returned much later than usual! The early mornings and late evenings Haley spends with her dad are great fun for the both of them—but an absolute lifesaver for me. Haley comes to me with random problems in the middle of the night, so I relish the hour I sleep while Dad fixes breakfast for her. And by the end of a long day, I cannot wait to turn the reigns of responsibility over to my co-parent. But last week it felt like I was “on” all the time with almost no breaks.

Needless to say, I was really looking forward to rest on the weekend, and I’m pleased to say that I got some. After a terrible night, Haley went out with her dad for a few early morning adventures on Saturday. When I got up, it was time to head to a nearby arts school’s Open House to get a sneak peak of the dance class I signed Haley up for. The people there were so nice and the class was wonderful—right up her alley in that it offered loose structure but allowed her to do her own thing as well. Then we had an early lunch, and Haley actually behaved at the restaurant. During her nap, I managed to catch a Zumba class at the gym. We ended the day with a lovely meal at our neighbors’ place. Their son and Haley are two peas in a pod. They have so much fun together when they’re not busy trying to kill each other.

On Sunday, my husband went to a football game, so I was on my own again until my parents conveniently mentioned that they wanted to come by. No complaints here! Haley was thrilled to spend the day with her grandparents (on Grandparent’s Day, no less). Even though Haley was in prime toddler mode, it was manageable with the extra adults around.

When you have a baby, everyone reminds you to ask for help. But it’s true even as your kid grows older. Parenthood is taxing, so use all the helping hands you are lucky enough to have around you.