A friend recently joked about how our ability to communicate over the phone has dwindled since motherhood took over our lives. While it was said in jest, it couldn’t be more accurate. Before becoming a mom, I was the one who would happily chat for ages about any and everything. Now, I’m the one who dials you in a hurried whisper, either because my little one has just woken up and demands all my attention, or she’s finally asleep, and I’m holding my breath, praying for a nap that lasts longer than 20 minutes.
Oh, how I long to reconnect! I want to call every person in my contacts list and catch up on life’s little details. But my tiny, toothless companion has different ideas. Here’s a glimpse into why I can’t come to the phone right now:
- I intended to call you, but then my baby had a major spit-up incident, which led to an impromptu cleaning spree. While tidying up, I noticed the floors were filthy, so I ended up mopping. Of course, this triggered a crying fit because how dare I focus on anything other than her for those precious minutes!
- The baby is napping, which gives me a narrow window of 30 minutes to an hour to tackle my endless to-do list: showering, laundry, cleaning up toys, and putting away dishes. Instead, I find myself sulking on the couch about the mountain of chores and missing the chance to chat with friends.
- It’s evening, and the baby has finally gone to bed. All I want to do is zone out with some mindless TV. Even the thought of a conversation about reality shows feels like more than my brain can handle.
- I thought I could squeeze in a call, but then I got lost in my to-do list, and now it’s 10 PM. I really need to get some sleep before the baby wakes up for her next feeding.
- I got sidetracked by social media—Facebook, Instagram, celebrity gossip—you name it.
- I opted for a quiet meal instead of multitasking with a phone call.
- Let’s not forget my husband, who also deserves some of my attention. After all, I did make a commitment to him (with rings involved, so it’s serious).
- Honestly, I can’t even find my phone half the time.
- My boss (a.k.a. my baby) is incredibly demanding. She insists on being entertained with games, songs, and outdoor adventures. There’s no work/life balance—she always wins!
- I’m often too tired to engage in a meaningful conversation. When we do talk, it usually goes something like this:
You: “Hey! How are you?”
Me: “Good, you?”
You: “Great! What’s new?”
Me: “Not much. You?”
You: (Shares exciting updates)
Me: “Awesome!”
You: “Okay, I gotta go, chat later!”
Me: “Bye!”
You: (Thinking: Was she always this dull?)
Me: (Thinking: Come on, you’re not that boring!)
I truly value our friendship too much to subject you to that.
If you’re looking for more insights on motherhood and home insemination, check out this excellent resource: UCSF Center. For those exploring fertility options, consider reading about fertility boosters for men. And for a peek into some adorable diaper moments, don’t miss this spring diaper shoot.
In summary, the challenges of motherhood often leave me unable to engage in phone conversations. Between the demands of my little one and the chaos of daily life, my communication skills have taken a backseat. But I genuinely miss connecting with everyone, even if it’s just for a quick chat.