If exhaustion had a face, it would be mine this week. With my husband out of town, I found myself deep in the trenches of solo parenting—juggling a newborn who believes sleep is for the weak and an almost five-year-old with the boundless energy of a small hurricane.
By Tuesday, I was questioning my life choices. By Wednesday midday (Yes, a couple of hours ago!), I was convinced I had developed superhuman abilities. And if I make it to Friday in one piece? Let’s just say the only thing keeping me from collapsing into a heap of tears and baby spit-up is the promise of that Woolies Soft Scoop vanilla ice cream and a caramel gateaux cake at the finish line. Because nothing, and I mean nothing, is too much for a big bowl of comfort food.
The Postgrad Registration Saga: A Tragicomedy in Three Acts
While single-handedly running our little kingdom (read: chaos central), I was also in the midst of trying to register for my postgrad. Key word: trying.
I had envisioned a smooth process, where I’d submit my documents, pay the fees, and receive a polite email saying, “Welcome, esteemed scholar! You are officially on your way to greatness!” Instead, I got the bureaucratic equivalent of being locked out of my own house while someone keeps changing the locks every time I manage to pick one (and laughing).
First, there was a missing document. Fixed that. Then an issue with the system. Sorted that. Then, my fully paid up fees were now in arrears! Then, suddenly, a payment verification delay. Just as I thought I was in the clear, another surprise hurdle popped up. I was blocked. I won’t lie—at one point, I closed my laptop, took a deep breath, and muttered, “Maybe I’m not meant for higher education after all. Maybe - just maybe - cute stay at home mom with a small business running at a loss doesn't sound so bad after all.”
But if there’s one thing my newborn has taught me, it’s resilience. Babies don’t give up on what they want (especially when what they want is to be held 24/7). So, I channeled that relentless energy, fought through the admin nightmares, and—after what felt like an epic battle—I finally got it done. I’m officially a postgrad student! Exhausted, but victorious.
Finding Community in the Chaos
Somewhere between the sleepless nights and near meltdowns, I found an unexpected outlet—TikTok. What started as me casually sharing snippets of my postpartum journey, complete with unfiltered exhaustion and humor, has turned into something so much bigger.
I’ve had moms from all over commenting, laughing with (or at) me, and sharing their own stories of survival. It turns out, the moment you talk about leaking through your shirt while holding a screaming newborn or reheating the same cup of tea five times, moms come out of the woodwork to say, “Same, sis. Same.”
It’s been comforting, really—knowing that even in my most chaotic, sleep-deprived state, I’m not alone. From being able to quickly pop into our virtual corner to ask a question to unexpectedly laughing my eyeballs out when one of us has a hilarious story - I am truly blessed. So, to you reading this - YES YOU, Thank you.☺ We’re all just winging it, one diaper change and caffeine fix at a time.
The Art of Letting Go (Or Trying To)
As if this week wasn’t overwhelming enough, next week marks another big milestone—my four-month-old is starting nursery. For real this time. Cue the dramatic music and my internal Velcro Mom alarms ringing at full volume.
On one hand, I know this is necessary. With my studies picking up and work projects demanding more of my time, I need the support. But on the other hand? My baby is still so little! How am I supposed to hand him over to someone else when I’ve spent every waking (and sleeping) moment with him since birth?
They say motherhood is about constantly learning to let go—first the newborn stage, then the baby snuggles, then sending them off into the world one tiny step at a time. But I wasn’t prepared for how hard it would be.
Chaos, Tears & the Sweet Reward
This week has been a test of patience, endurance, and my ability to function on minimal sleep and prime irritability. Everything that could go wrong this week - went. At full speed. I’ve dealt with meltdowns (both toddler and my own), endless snack requests, and a baby who seems personally offended every time I put him down. I’ve survived solo bedtime battles, early morning chaos, and academic hurdles that nearly made me quit before I even started.
But I did it. And now, as I sit here with my well-earned bowl of ice cream and a slice of caramel gateaux cake, I remind myself—some weeks are about thriving, and others are about surviving. This was definitely one for fighting for my life!
To all the moms out there doing the impossible, to those pushing through setbacks, to anyone who feels like giving up—just remember, nothing is too much for a big bowl of Woolies Soft Scoop vanilla ice cream and cake.
Have you ever had one of those weeks? Tell me how you survived—I’d love to know I’m not alone in this chaos!
Xoxo
Your sister on the other side, in the middle of a very chaotic week😓
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