One thing I've been curious about is the difference between the general thinking of moms and dads. I know, I know, I'm generalizing here, but bear with me.

This came to mind because I often feel like my husband doesn't understand how much being a mother can stress me out and make me so exhausted all the time, even though the house is a disaster and he has to wear dirty socks to work.

Sure, he's a dad, but the responsibility to take care of day to day things concerning my two girls is MY responsibility. I have to make sure they're fed, cleaned, entertained, and just generally taken care of.

It doesn't really hit me until on the weekends he makes himself something to eat and it doesn't occur to him to make anything for our 2yr old. I mean, he does feed her off his plate, but it seems to be a second thought.

Another example is that while "watching" her, he'll often fall asleep. And he'll sleep pretty good. I'll come into the room with my daughter, pen in hand, drawing all over the furniture with dear hubby snoring away. I admit, sometimes I fall asleep with my 5month old during the day when my 2yr old is refusing a nap, but I startle awake at every noise in a panic if she isn't sitting next to me watching TV or reading a book.

I don't fault him for these things, I just think it's a natural difference between maternal instinct and, well, paternal ... whatever. I'm sure there's exceptions to it, but I just wish I could make him understand.

I don't get breaks. I can never just "relax". I am ON 24/7. If one of the girls wakes up in the middle of the night, I'm the one there. That's always on my mind. Making sure every single little part of their lives is in place is my responsibility and that doesn't change. Even if he takes them for a few minutes, or takes my 2yr old to the movies on the weekend, it never stops.

Being a mom is tiring! Just being one, period. Disregard the cleaning and the diaper changing and the hugs and being jumped on and pooped on and smacked and bitten and yelled at. That's nothing compared to just thinking about someone before yourself, day in and day out.