Amy Welsh, 34, New York, USA

 

 Did I put that laundry in the dryer?  What are we having for dinner?  My alarm is set for 5 am.  What time are you getting home? I’ll take the girls to dance class.  You’re on-call THAT week?  I need to go shopping, my pants don’t fit.  Nana’s in the hospital again.  The baby woke up every hour last night.  The car needs $3,000 in repairs.  Breastfeeding isn’t working.  You give too much homework.  I cannot stand being fat.  I just got my last paycheck for the year.  Am I a good wife?  You don’t give enough homework.  No, I can’t get together, my daughter has a fever.  Go play, mommy needs a minute.  I’d love to, but I can’t afford it.  Grandma passed away.  I’m a terrible mommy.   Credit score went down.  We need to find a babysitter before I go back to work (3 times).  You’re being unfair to my child.  You fall in the “morbidly obese” category.  You need to come pick up your daughter, there was a bomb threat at school.  Nana passed away.  I don’t know if we can afford a vacation this year.  Will she get into the nursery school we want? We haven’t been out in months. Are we going to be able to pay all these bills?  Why does everything seem perfect for her?  Why can’t I catch a break?  I need more than 24 hours in a day!  

 

I love you, mommy. I got the job.  The house is yours.  Thank you for all you’ve done for my child.  I’m pregnant.  Happy 5-year anniversary.  We’re on our way to Cape Cod. I’m pregnant.  Morning snuggles are the best.  I follow your posts every day.  She slept through the night.  I love you more than anything in this world.  I’m pregnant.  I am going to coach others.  My knight in shining armor.  Let’s have a fire in the yard. It’s a girl.  Grammy and Aunt Caitie are coming for a girls’ day.  Love is love is love.  Dream big princess.  I cannot wait to try this new workout program. 4thGrade.  I believe in childhood.  Guidance.  Yay, you went on the potty.  You’ve helped my child so much.  I’ve lost 75 lbs.  It’s a girl. I am teaching my girls to be strong. You are stunning.  Work!  You are Super-Mom.  You are so smart. Love.  Can’t wait for date night.  It’s a boy.  Rise up!  My clothes fit. Thank you for your inspiration.   I want to be just like you when I grow up.  He took 5 steps.  She just read that whole book.  Making family memories.  This is the life.  3 healthy babies.  We bought a new car!  As long as you’re happy.  This is your year.  Let’s go to Sam’s with Nana.  Wish on the moon and stars.  Mommy, make pancakes.  You’ve helped me lose 5 lbs.  Thank you for your help.  Persisterhood.  When something is hard, we work harder.   Laughter. 

 

My thirties.  They are inspiring, peaceful, crazy, empowering, tough, fulfilling, non-stop, tough, loving, dramatic, confident, hard, energizing, melancholic, beautiful, real.  I love being in it.  See you on the other side.