I wrote this a while back for What to Expect but found myself in need of reading it today, maybe a few of you do too…

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Balancing the plastic tiara that dangles from my head, I turn for a clip-on princess earring. My three year-old fastens it to the top of my ear, grinning at her progress.

I can only imagine what I look like right now. No time to even change out of my pajamas, showering has become an unattainable dream today. I brushed my teeth, I think, and a steady flow of coffee has kept my eyes open through breakfast and lunch and snack.

My kitchen sink is towering with dishes and there is nothing thawed for dinner.

Cries and protests replaced what should have been naptime and my lap has not been empty for a moment.

My checkbook lays open on the counter, a streak of ink across a half-written check. A pleading toddler pushed my arm as I tried to pay a few bills.

Toys topple over my legs as I sit in defeat. I cannot accomplish anything today so we will spend the rest of daylight dressing as princesses and connecting trains, pushing dump trucks and toppling blocks.

Trying to stop a to-do list from scrolling through my brain, I concentrate on the knobby knees and clumsy hands at my feet. The last of today’s sun peaks through the window. I watch it shine on a tuft of blonde that managed to escape my little boy’s pirate hat.

My daughter tilts my head. A second dangling earring is ready for application. As I lean towards her, sloppy toddler kisses meet my cheek and I cradle my youngest in return. Eyes beaming with pride, my daughter steps back to admire her creation.

“You are a beautiful, beautiful princess, Mommy.”

Suddenly I am content, my house a castle of thriving children and beautiful messes.

I have accomplished everything worth doing today.

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