The Week That Almost Broke Me
No. 86 - From a stomach bug, to work travel, to lack of childcare, and a big presentation.
I’m coming to you a little late today because I just survived what was quite possibly the hardest week of parenting I’ve ever had.
It started Sunday night when my toddler’s scream jolted us out of bed. He had thrown up all over his bed and continued every 20 minutes for the rest of the night. It was worse than the newborn days where at least you manage a couple of hours of sleep in a stretch. This was relentless, and the endless laundry didn’t help.
By Monday morning, I logged on to work completely depleted, right on the verge of launching one of the largest programs of my career. Rest wasn’t an option. I had to power through with eyelids heavy and mind foggy.
Tuesday evening, my husband left for a work trip to Brazil, and that’s when I started to feel sick myself. Suddenly I was caring for two kids, running a big work launch, and doing it all without backup. I got through it thanks only to Zofran, the miracle drug if there ever was one.
Wednesday morning, I kid you not, I walked out to find our dog had gotten sick all over the living room floor.
And on Thursday, our nanny called in sick.
I’m a staunch liberal (if you didn’t know by now), and I fully believe women can pursue both motherhood and a career. But I’ll admit, weeks like this help me understand the appeal of the trad-wife fantasy. It sounds easier to just answer to two rambunctious toddlers after a night of throw-up clean-up, with Blippi on loop, instead of presenting financials, timelines, and KPIs to executives the next day.
But that wasn’t an option. I had to show up. I had to be on camera, speak clearly, and lead with confidence, no matter how sleep-deprived or unsupported I felt.
My goal here has always been to paint an honest picture of motherhood, and the truth is: sometimes it just plain sucks. There’s no better word for it.
The hope I’ll leave you with is this: just like the newborn phase, you forget the worst of it quickly. Tonight, we’re eating pizza, watching American Ninja Warrior, and waiting for Dad to come home in the morning.
Motherhood is a constant mix of really, really hard weeks and an abundance of beautiful moments. If I can just hang on, even if by a thread, through the messy parts, I know the giggles and laughter always return.
And if I never have to deal with a stomach bug again? I’d be more than fine with that.
🧼 I’ve tried so many kids soaps, and this 3-1 soap, bubbles, shampoo combo is so good. It’s strong enough for sweaty boys, but gentle enough for sensitive skin. The lavender aloe smells so calming too.
♟️I know this is an older show, but my husband and I have been loving The Queens Gambit! The set, the characters, the storyline, it’s incredible. If you have any similar show recommendations, I’d love them.
👕 Old Navy has the cutest toddler clothes right now, especially if you’re shopping for the holiday season, and everything is 40% off. I’ve compiled all of my favorites here.
Happy Friday, Friends! I hope you all have a great weekend. If you liked today’s musing, I’d love if you’d leave a comment below or share it with a friend!
I think every mother can relate to this. Especially the way the dog will always find a way to puke or poop or root around in the trash when your hands are already full! Hope your weekend is a restful one!
“I’m a staunch liberal” —- did you ever think you’d actually say that about yourself? ;) we had our first experience with toddler stomach bug last week (both ends). No fun!