for my homies

This journey of motherhood is hard. Like super hard. Yes, there are beautiful moments but there are also those moments like tonight when I swept a wooden yo-yo off of the dining room table because I was so sick of finding it everywhere except where it belongs. And moments like those make me even more thankful that I have been blessed with friends who are on the same journey with me.
My one friend, whom I have known since I was 15 or 16, has three boys. Her oldest is about 6 months older than Jem. Her second boy is about 8 weeks younger than Tru and her third boy is about 7 months older than Caia. We have been in step pretty much the entire time. And it has been such a help. We get together and try to have grown-up conversations while encouraging our boys to play nicely. We have commiserated on sleepless nights, teething and the pain of breastfeeding. We laugh and groan over how alike our second children are as they scream at each other and pitch fits. We encourage each other simply by admitting that, "yes, I have lost my temper."
I have other friends who have kids slightly older than mine. I am able to watch them and see what behaviors might be coming, like talking back. And I can see how they handle it and learn from them. I can talk to them about my current struggles and they can assure me that it will change, that they won't always behave like preschoolers.
I have friends who are just starting out on their parenting journey. And for once, I'm able to offer up a little bit of encouragement.
That is one of the reasons I wanted to do this blog. I think that most moms really just want to know that someone else is having the same struggles. I remember waking up at 2am to breastfeed Jem and sitting in the dark nursery alone. I would cry (stupid hormones) because I felt so alone and overwhelmed and tired. And it helped to know that my friends understood that feeling. It helps to know that I am not the only one who gets frustrated with my children. It helps to have someone to talk to and bounce ideas off of. There isn't an instuction manuel for these little people and we've never done this before so asking for help seems necessary and good.
So this one is for my homies. My fellow moms who have helped me, encouraged me, made me laugh and given me hope. Thanks ladies!