Get A Grip, June Cleaver

             The place is a pigsty.

              It's not as bad as it could be, for sure, but keeping a pristine, tidy house with a toddler is a lost cause.  Sometimes while watching shows from the 50's, I marvel at how clean June Cleaver and Lucy Ricardo's homes appear to be.  Then I remember they're just freaking TV shows.  If there was one iota of real life in them, June would be shown at the end of the day with her feet up, sipping on some wine and praying the kids leave her alone for five minutes.

              That's where I am now.  The relaxing with a glass of wine part, not wishing the kids would leave me alone.  I've only got the one so far, and she's asleep (I hope!) in her crib.  Let me just say, I envy those ladies with husbands who have regular 9-5ish schedules and clockwork routines.  You see, I'm married to a railroader, and he's currently on call for the extra board, which plucks guys to fill any vacant positions.  Twice this week, he's gone on a 1-2 day trip, come home, gone to bed, maybe showered somewhere in there, and spent a little time with his doting wife and daughter.  Exhausting is an understatement, it's grueling sometimes.  I don't think I'd cut it as a military wife, with the husband away six months to a year.  That is way too long to be the lead parent. 

                Even still, we love each other like crazy.  He doesn't seem to mind that dishes pile up in the sink for a few days before I wash them, and I overlook his chainsaw-volume snoring.  As for the little one, she's an absolute doll, a Shirley-Temple type with blondish ringlets, blue eyes, and dimples to die for.  Would I rather play with her than scrub the toilet again? You betcha.

                That's really what it all comes down to, isn't it?  Would I rather have the magazine-perfect house, or some great memories with my baby?  I think I'll settle for imperfection and let some little things go.  Hence the title of this blog, "How to Succeed in Motherhood (Without Really Trying!)".  It's about trying the best we mothers can, without stressing over our shortcomings.

                 So consider this a beacon to all mothers out there, working or at home, single or married, rich or poor.  Take a deep breath, get a grip, and let go of the June Cleaver picture.  Just by trying to do right by our children, we've already succeeded.