Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Not the Maid

There was once a time when I was extremely OCD about keeping my house clean. I remember at one point, I would wipe down the counters about 10 times a day, vacuum every day (sometimes twice), and kept everything in proper order at all times. If one little crumb fell on the floor, I swept and mopped the whole floor immediately.

And I admit that during this period of my life, I was also judgemental about other peoples homes. I couldn't understand why people let their homes get so cluttered. You just pick it up and put it away; what's so hard about that?

Then I became a mom. And then I became the mom of a toddler. And then I got pregnant again. And my house is a complete wreck and there is so much that needs to be done, I don't even know where to begin. Furniture needs dusting, floors mopping, windows cleaned, dishes washed, and way too many toys need to be put away. And I know that just as soon as I put the clutter away, a little 36" body is going to follow right behind me and undo everything I just did. I didn't have the time and energy to clean my house 8 million times a day before I got pregnant with baby #2 and I sure don't have the energy to do it now! It would be so nice if I could clean my house and know that it would stay that way for a while. But it won't. The clutter will be back out in 10 minutes or less and while the clean dishes and floors may last a little bit longer, it still won't be more than a day before the trash is full again, the sink is filled up with dirty dishes again and the floors have food crumbs and spilled juice that needs to be swept and mopped up. And I just can't keep up with it all.

And while I'm sure that I get the same judgement that I used to pass on others about my not-so-spic-and-span house, I have to remind myself that judgement used to come from me and I chose to quit working when I got pregnant because I wanted to be a full-time mommy, not so I could clean my house 24/7. I am a stay at home mom, not a stay at home maid. That's how it should be and it's ok. Even if the mess does drive me up the wall!

If you happen to be one those super moms who can do it all and your house shows no sign of child dwelling in it, I commend you and ask that you teach me your ways! But if you happen to be one of the parents out there who fell victim to my judgemental ways in years past, please accept my sincerest apologies!


3 comments:

Amber Diesch said...

This will be your life...just wait until #2 gets here! Your kids won't remember how clean their house was, they will remember how much time you invested in them. You know how children spell love? TIME! Anthony always says to enjoy it because one day we will miss all of the little things everywhere! ;-)

Unknown said...

Thanks for the reminder that our children are more important than a clean house! I needed that this week :)

Jennie said...

Cassi, you are so funny! I love your brutal honesty. Your house has NEVER looked like a disaster to me and I completely understand the not wanting to clean it up because it will just be messed up soon after anyway! Now you're just like the rest of us!! :)