My first Mother’s Day I was disappointed and super petty over my husband only taking me and our baby son to this small amusement park, even though we had a great time. I just saw a friend of mine on Facebook get this beautiful bracelet on her first Mother’s Day and I wanted something nice and shiny too. Like I said, petty.
Since then and since I bought my husband actual gifts for Father’s Day (for the boys to give him obviously but I always make it a point to tell my husband I think he’s a wonderful father) he buys me gifts for Mother’s Day too, usually perfume or books.
This year there was no gift but we’re in a bit of a financial rut (that’ll be solved next week) and I don’t care. My boys both made me something at school and daycare and that’s all that matters really.
We slept in a little with the boys playing downstairs and then we had a normal Sunday breakfast. And then my husband went to clean out the garage and I did laundry while the boys watched a Disney. We already spent a day at the zoo and my husband and I had a nice dinner together after the boys went to bed.
After breakfast I asked him if from now on, we can please skip all the Mother’s/Father’s Day bullshit. He doesn’t need to buy me something just because it’s Mother’s Day. There’s this huge build up to days like these, usually fuelled by what you see others do on social media and chances are you’ll be disappointed. Especially when it’s a “first”. When really it’s just a day like any other Sunday. Yes, it’s nice to be pampered and be served breakfast in bed. But you’ll most likely be the one to clear the crumbs.
What I’m trying to say is, try to not let the fantasy of how it should be become the rule. Maybe your husband needs to “grow” in his role as Dad for him to recognise what you need on this day. Sure, it sucks he didn’t clean up and it’s very childish, but it’s only because today is Mother’s Day that you feel especially ticked off about it. Also, don’t expect major pampering or gifts every year. After all, you’re not his mother. Sometimes, the card your kid made at school is enough. In the end, the extra hugs and kisses are what counts.