Being A Mom Is Really Hard Sometimes

Since Saturday, both girls have been sick with the yucky stomach virus that's been going around. I have changed diapers more times in the past few days than I have in an entire week! The poor girls tummies hurt and their little bottoms are red with diaper rash, no matter how much diaper cream I put on them. To make things worse, they are grouchy and totally uncooperative. Not sure if all of that is due to being sick, or if they are just having one of those days. They are not getting along at all today. Savannah has wanted me all to herself and she gets mad when I attend to Emily. It's so frustrating! I've been noticing that lately Savannah has been exhibiting some bully-type behavior toward Emily. I don't know how to get that to stop. I think it may be because in the past several weeks, Emily has had a little more attention due to her allergic reactions and illness. It's hard to make a 2 year old understand that you love her just as much as her sister, but sometimes you need to help the other one more than the other. I know eventually this will get easier, but when?

So, I've cried twice today, lost my temper with Savannah after she continued to bite Emily after I repeatedly told her no and to stop. I don't spank my girls very often, but Savannah got a spanking today... and now I feel like a horrible mom. It was a harder spanking than probably needed, and I was mad at the time. I know that's when it's best not to spank, but my fuse was short and it happened. I did try to talk to her and tell her I still love her even if I get mad. I don't really know if a 2 year old really gets that kind of thinking yet or not.

And to top off my really hard day, I'm dealing with a sprained left wrist. A few days ago I was lifting Emily into her highchair and I felt my wrist give out under her weight and it bent in an odd manner...and then the pain and swelling--OUCH!!! I iced it and put an ace bandage on it until the next day. It was feeling a little better, but yesterday I tried to lift Savannah and I think I aggravated the injury. So, mommy is grouchy today too--and hurting. The girls don't understand, nor accept the fact that I cannot lift them and hold them a lot today. They say "Mommy up" and I say, sorry I can't lift you today, please climb into my lap, or please use the step stool...then a major tantrum usually follows.

So, my theme for today is that being a mom is really hard sometimes.