MP Definition by Kelsey Gonzalez (St. George, UT)

Stay-at-Home Mom * Mother of 1

My own unique definition of “Mommy Power:”

7:45 A.M.-Eyes fly open to the sound of “Momma!” being hollered energetically from baby’s room. Sigh and close eyes for another 4 ½ minutes before starting the day.

7:50-Rescue son (19 months) from side of crib where’s he stranded himself (yet again) because he’s recently decided the drop is a little too scary.

8:00-Begin cleaning while still half asleep. Son is quickly un-doing everything that’s just been put away while happily asking for “mek” (milk) every 30 seconds. Give baby his “mek” and some breakfast while mentally reviewing the unbelievably long to-do list for the day.

9 :30-Baby and I are now dressed (an adventure in itself) and start the one mile walk to daddy’s office to pick up our only car in order to squeeze in some errands before nap time.

10:10-Leave office with baby screaming hysterically for daddy (why is he never that sad to see me leave?) and head to grocery store.

10:30-A new Olympic sport: Speed Shopping. Fling groceries into cart while sprinting down the aisles in an attempt to finish before baby gets too cranky. Pass other mothers participating in same sport.

11:20-Home at last. Put baby down for nap before unloading groceries then enjoy a few blissful moments of “me time” (hah) between bills and phone calls.

1:00-Baby up from nap. Make lunch.

1:30-3:45-Consists of any number of errands that are done to the background noise of wailing, whimpering, or outright screaming.

3:45-5:00-Chores, chores, chores. Laundry (is that dirty again?), dishes (that’s it, I’m switching to paper plates), vacuuming (what is that and how did it get in the carpet?), start dinner (do PBJ sandwiches count as dinner?).

5:00-Pick up daddy from work (Yay)!

6:00-8:00-Partial oblivion; daddy is in charge now.

8:00-Bath, PJ’s, bed, and freedom!

What makes that Mommy Power? The ability to get up and do it all over again the next day while still smiling…or at least trying to!