Batman Undies in my Underpants Drawer – Now THIS is What Motherhood Looks Like
As I was shuffling my underwear drawer this morning – because that’s the place where mums keep their clothes – I noticed something unexpected. Between my cotton briefs and sensible bras, I found a pair of tiny Batman underwear. Not mine. Not mine. They were almost making fun of me, with their mini superhero flair.
The fact that you can find your child’s underwear inside your drawer sums up the two unavoidable truths about motherhood.
The #mumbrain is real.
B) Your underwear drawer is no longer your exclusive property.
As I was feeling mischievous, I wandered into the living room to find my son watching Fireman Sam. I slid the Batman underwear over his head without saying a word. It was like a cape for a superhero, or rather a funny little hat. He roared in laughter as his face glowed. In that moment, I felt pure joy despite my chaotic house and the fatigue lurking beneath my eyes.
This little moment caused me to reflect on: What other words would perfectly describe our lives at this point–at the precious, chaotic, and beautiful stage of motherhood? I have come up with a few, but I’d like to hear your thoughts.
This is What Motherhood Looks Like
Not everything is picture-perfect. It’s not always picture-perfect or Pinterest-ready. It’s chaotic and hilarious. And yet, it is also beautiful.
1. Picking Dried Dough From Your Jeans In The Doctor’s Waiting Room
As you wait for your turn at the doctor’s office, you notice that your bubba is flushed from fever. You’re not only noticing the scratchy fabric of your jeans, but also those hardened play-dough lumps that your child managed to sneak into your pockets yesterday during a creative session.
They stick stubbornly to your jeans as a reminder of all the mess and messiness that you have experienced during the day. You sigh, and you pick them up without thinking.
2. Feeling Like Your Heart May Explode a Hundred Times a Day
The constant flow of emotions that accompany motherhood can be overwhelming. You may experience moments where your heart is so full of love that it hurts. It’s a warm, bubbling feeling you didn’t know was possible. There’s a tiny hand reaching out to you, a toothy smile just for you, and a whispered “I love” between the chaos.
Your heart’s expansion and holding power are beautiful and at times, even frightening.
3. ABC Kids TV is on Again When You Wake Up at 5:15 am
Motherhood can bring early morning alarms, some of which are painfully early. As you sleepwalk into the living room with your eyes half-closed, you turn on the TV to watch another day of ABC Kids cartoons.
You wait for the water in the kettle to boil so that you can make the coffee. Caffeine is essential for surviving toddler tantrums and early mornings.
4. How to Breastfeed Your Baby to Sleep and Feel Like You Have Superpowers
It’s a magical experience to nurse your baby into sleep. You feel an invisible superpower as you soothe and comfort your baby.
It’s both exhausting and tender at the same time.
5. After-Bath Towel Cuddles with Your Drowned Rat Toddler
Your toddler is now looking like a drowned little rat. Their hair is stuck to their heads, and they have rosy, warm skin. When they are wrapped in a towel and revert to their baby-like state, they become clingy, fragile, and soft.
These towel cuddles provide a quiet moment in the midst of chaos. They remind you that, no matter how large they become, they will always need your love.
6. You Can’t Drink Your Hot Coffee in a Cafe Due to a Baby Poo Explosion
Finally, you find some time for yourself. You sit at the café and hold your coffee. You suddenly realise that your baby had a catastrophic explosion of poo. The coffee is cold, and you rush to the bathroom. You navigate the aftermath like a seasoned mother.
No coffee is worth the time you would spend with your child.
7. Dustbusting 500,000 Sultanas From Your Child’s Seat (and Ignoring Them the Next Day).
You’re determined to keep the car seat spotless, so you vacuum every crumb, sultana, and other crumbs out. You don’t even blink when you see a few raisins scattered across the fabric the next day.
The standards of motherhood are constantly changing. Some days, you’re the cleaning ninja, and other days, you just embrace chaos.
8. Consoling your Distraught Toddler because His Banana Snapped in Half
The meltdown of your toddler over a broken banana that has brokenbanana feels like an actual crisis, worthy of tantrums and tears. You hug your child tightly and tell them the world is not over, even though it may feel like it.
It’s important to learn that the little things can make a big difference.
9. Feeling Like You’re Not Doing a Good Enough Job (but being AMAZING)
You can easily berate yourself. You may worry that your performance at work is lacking or that you are falling short at home. What is the truth? You are amazing.
It is heroic to just get through the day while loving your kids and doing your best.
10. In Your Sleep, You May Roll Over on a Toy Car or a Duplo Piece
Sleep is rare and precious. Sleep is precious and scarce.
You curse, but you can’t stop smiling. It’s like a badge of honor, proving that your family, loud, messy, and alive, is still here.
11. This Too Shall Pass: Repeating it Like a Mantra, Then Feeling Sad because It Will
You repeat the words “This too will pass” when you feel like chaos, tantrums, and sleepless nights are never-ending.
Yes, the moments will pass. But there is also a little sadness in knowing that they will one day be lost forever. Sleepless cuddles and toddler giggles. Sticky kisses.
The journey of motherhood can be bittersweet.
12. Throwing your shopping on the Checkout Conveyor belt at Lightning Speed
It can be dangerous to visit the supermarket with a toddler. You unload groceries as quickly as possible to avoid the inevitable meltdown at the checkout.
While trying to keep an eye on your little daughter, you become a blur.
13. You’re Driving Around for Two Hours and Need to Wee, but You Hold it Back Because Your Baby is Sleeping
The road trip with children can be a challenge. You may be desperate to use the toilet, but still refuse to stop if your baby has finally fallen asleep.
You cross your legs and pray quietly, then continue driving, enjoying the rare quiet moment.
14. You’re Tempted to Bottle the Moment You Feel Your Toddler’s Wispy Baby Hair
This soft baby hair will soon be gone. You gently stroke it, wanting to freeze time and bottle that sensation.
You know that it will soon become coarser, and your baby’s appearance will change to resemble a boy or a girl. Your baby will grow up much faster than you imagined.
15. Eat the Vegemite Sandwich Quarters and Half-eaten Snacks that Your Toddler has Thrown Away
If you’re too tired for your lunch, you can eat the leftovers from your toddler. These include bits of Vegemite sandwiches, biscuits that have been half-eaten, and apple slices that are still a little bit nippy.
This is not gourmet food, but it will do as a quick meal. It also shows a bit of resourcefulness or desperation. You don’t want to waste food.
16. You’re Going to the Bathroom While Your Toddler is Sitting Proudly in the Potty Next to You
Even the most mundane tasks can become an adventure. Now, going to the toilet means that a toddler is sitting next to you on their potty and grinning as if they just won an Olympic gold medal.
The small achievements are what fill you with joy and pride.
17. Find an Old Bottle of Milk Under the Cot and Wonder if Someone Should Call the Health Department
The mysterious bottle of curdled, sour milk hidden in a forgotten corner of your nursery is a reminder of how hectic life can be with children.
You laugh nervously and wonder whether an official inspection of your home is required.
18. Realizing that your Children are the Meaning of Life
You realize that your children, despite the chaos, the sleepless nights, and the endless washing, are your life.
The chaos is worth the meaning, purpose, and joy you find in it.
19. Taking a Shower because Your Child Decided to Vomit on You Instead of the Bowl
Expecting the unexpected is part of motherhood. When your child chooses to vomit on you rather than the nearby bowl.
You quickly strip and leap into the shower. Laughing through the exhaustion, you laugh.
20. Find a Feather, a Rock, and a Golden Crunchie Wrapper in your Pocket
You can fill your pockets with toddler souvenirs, such as a feather from the park or a shiny rock
Each item tells the story of childhood wonder, exploration, and curiosity.
21. Mary Poppins would be Proud of you if you Carried a Nappy Bag Around
Your nappy is more than a bag. It’s your portable lifeline. You can carry anything from snacks to wipes, to spare clothes, to toys, and more.
You’re like carrying a mini-market and a first aid kit with you at all times.
22. The smell of youn poop and forgetting when you last showered
Personal hygiene can be pushed to the back of the list when you are busy running errands and juggling a baby.
You smell your poop and wonder what it is.
How long has it been since I took a shower? Hey, survival is the priority.
23. Think There’s nothing More Adorable than Your Baby’s Sloppy kisses
Mum’s lips get messy. Baby kisses can be slobbery, wet, and even come with some snot. But they are the best.
You wouldn’t change them for anything.
24. Build a Train Track Again and Pack it Away when Forgotten
You create magical worlds for your children by building elaborate train tracks.
After a few minutes, you can pack up the tracks and start again.
25. The Greasy Mum Bun is a must-have for Every Sleep-deprived Mum at the Playground
You arrive at the playground with your hair in an oily bun, a sign to everyone that you are doing your best.
All mums who are sleep-deprived share this badge of honour.
26. The Ball You Roll to Your Baby while Ignoring Housework
You may have to put off washing the dishes and doing the laundry because you are caring for your child.
You roll the ball back and forward, savoring these moments of connection in the chaos.
27. The Mandarin Sticker Your Toddler Gives You When They Know Their Love Language
You might be surprised by the way your toddler shows you love, such as when they give you their favorite mandarin sticker.
It may be a small act, but it is very meaningful.
It’s not glamorous. It’s not glamorous. It’s a whirlwind, full of emotions, chaos, and joy. Finding Batman underwear in your drawer is a great surprise. This is the perfect example of messy, funny, and loving motherhood.
