Dear Little One,
This year has been nothing short of extraordinary, turning everything we know on its head. Instead of dwelling on the challenges we’ve faced, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for you.
You embody a vibrant energy that can only be described as Kindergartener Energy. Just this past weekend, as I tried to unwind a bit, that energy was unstoppable. By the end of the weekend, I was surrounded by heaps of drawing pages from YouTube tutorials, dirty dishes from our food experiments, and layers of costume makeup scattered everywhere. I couldn’t help but wonder how I would navigate the winter months with limited chances to venture outside. I used to rely on our Nintendo Switch or Disney+ to keep you entertained, hoping for a quick nap or a moment of peace, but now, even those distractions barely hold your attention. So there I was, dozing off on the couch at 8:30 PM, while you serenaded your unicorn stuffy in bed after a final goodnight kiss.
Then Monday arrived, and you went back to your dad’s house. In an instant, I felt a longing for your return.
There’s a quote I cherish from a movie called Friends with Kids, discussing the unique perspective of divorced parents: “Actually, divorced people have it kind of great. They get all of the toxic, unsexy stuff out of the way with the first person, then when they meet the person they really want to be with, they only have to be with the kid half the time…they get all kinds of time together when the kid’s with the ex, then they get QT with the kid because it’s special.” This quote often comes to mind when you’re away, serving as a coping mechanism. When you face challenges beyond your control, it’s vital to find the silver lining or risk being overwhelmed by negativity.
Having you with me half the time means I also enjoy some wonderful bonding moments with my partner, along with much-needed rest after busy weekends. Yet, I constantly remind myself to focus on the positives because the truth is, the thought of only experiencing half of your childhood can be daunting. It doesn’t matter how often I try to push those feelings away; sometimes, they creep back in, and it becomes hard for me to bear. Your time with your dad is just as crucial as our time together, but it still stings.
However, whenever you return, it feels like Christmas morning from my childhood. I eagerly anticipate our time together, and it always meets my expectations.
This morning, we woke up early—mostly because you burst into my room demanding snuggles and an episode of Bluey. We made breakfast together, laughing as our puppies tried to steal bites of our peanut butter and banana toast. We donned our fanciest dresses and danced to Spotify in the living room. We had an absolute blast.
Even though I only have you half the time, I am endlessly grateful for every moment we share—and I cherish the fact that I get to be your mom.
With all my love,
Your Devoted Mama
If you’re interested in similar stories or resources, check out this blog post for more insights. For those looking into home insemination options, Cryobaby offers excellent kits, and the Cleveland Clinic podcast on IVF and fertility preservation is a great resource.
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Summary:
This heartfelt letter expresses a mother’s gratitude for her kindergartener, reflecting on the joys and challenges of parenting, especially in a co-parenting situation. The mother shares her emotional experiences and the unique bond she has with her child, emphasizing the importance of cherishing every moment together, despite the hurdles they face.
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