The Slower Days

One thing I’ve learned after becoming a mom is this: always expect the unexpected.

This morning, I dropped Leo off at daycare like usual. But not even three minutes later, his teacher came rushing out to tell me that his left eye looked slightly pink, and they were concerned he might have pink eye. Oh no. That one scares me — it’s so contagious.

So I had to turn around, bring him back with me, make a last-minute doctor’s appointment, and call my boss to update her that I might not be able to come into work today. Leo, having no clue what was happening, was just his happy self — excited to come back home.

Honestly, I was frustrated. My Monday was completely thrown off. I wanted to start the week fresh — I had so much to do at work, and I had even dressed up cute in a floral dress. But instead, I was carrying a toddler into a doctor’s office in my “Monday best.”

The doctor checked his eye and said it looked very mild. She couldn’t prescribe any medication and didn’t think it was pink eye — but I still had to keep an eye on him for the next 24 hours in case symptoms worsened. So no daycare for Leo today. I was relieved it wasn’t serious, but also overwhelmed knowing I’d be watching him all day while juggling work from home.

This kind of thing happens all the time. It always seems to hit when I least expect it. I was 100% sure this would be a “normal” Monday. I’d go to work, Leo would go to daycare — simple. But life had other plans.

I’m trying to learn to let go of control and flow with these moments. It’s hard for me. I like planning. I like routine. But motherhood teaches you quickly that control is an illusion — especially with little ones.

That said, I realized today is actually a beautiful day. The sun is out, and I can take Leo swimming this afternoon. He’s still little. He still wants to spend every minute with me. And one day, he won’t.

So instead of fighting this unexpected Monday, I’m going to embrace it. Enjoy it. Because these moments — even the messy ones — are part of the magic of being a mom.

Take it slow, grasp this moment.