After yet another exhausting day with my toddler I'm really just looking to vent and for reassurance that it's not just me feeling this way...
I absolutely love and adore my 3 year old DD. I also have a great husband that does his fair share. I know I'll miss this stage when it's over and already feel sad about it ending, but some days I really struggle with how relentless and exhausting it all is.
Things that used to be enjoyable really don't feel enjoyable anymore... like meals, walks, coffee shops, etc (we do plenty of child activities too). They're mostly just stressful and exhausting, and not worth the hassle. Today for example, we went to a lovely BBQ but spent the whole time chasing our toddler around, dealing with tantrums and barely being able to have a conversation with anybody. We were both flustered and tired and just couldn't wait for it to end really. We've been invited to a wedding and also have a holiday coming up but I'm struggling to get excited about them because I know what the reality will be like. Obviously there are lots of lovely moments but the majority of it is whinging, tantrums, running off, etc.
I would like to give my DD a sibling but in all honesty I don't think I could do this all over again. I question how others do. I can't remember the last time I had fun or felt rested. It's been years. Unfortunately we have no support bubble. In the three years that she's been here we haven't had a single night off together. She goes to nursery but we have to spend most of that time working or renovating our house (it desperately needs it!). We have very little annual leave to take as we have to use a lot of it to cover sickness (the downside of nursery!).
I don't believe that I am depressed or anything like that. Just really bloody knackered and miss being able to do things. I feel like I find it much harder than others, especially as everybody else seems to be on to their second child by now. Is it just me?!
Xx