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Mummy blogger reveals what parenting is really like

It's nothing like what you see on social media.

By Livia Gamble

February 16 2017

A mum has proved what many already know: parenting is nothing like what you see on social media.

Blogger and mum Shannon Peterson shared a picture on her Instagram page showing her 51,000 fans a glimpse into her ‘real life’.

“Just in case you thought my real life was anything like these tiny squares, I give you: this is 4 months,” she writes.

Just in case you thought my real life was anything like these tiny squares, I give you: this is 4 months. J has been an incredibly easy baby, from labor to delivery to him being *here*. But 4 months happened and his needs have grown tenfold. The other day I spent THREE HOURS like this, people. J had to be swaddled, on his back, in my arms. While I was bouncing on my giant exercise ball (never once used for it's intended purpose). With my boob perfectly resting in just the right spot on his chin. Our house was (is) a mess, my breakfast (lactation smoothie) sitting abandoned behind me, dirty hair and desperately in need of a shower (and 5 minutes without someone touching me) - and at the brink of tears. I mean, I was too lazy to even take the sticker from our movers off the stability ball 🙈 and I'm pretty sure you can see the remnants of my snowflake crafting on the carpet next to the couch I forgot to clean up. The truth is, this is who I am most days. Not a put together human who has her act together. Not a mom who can juggle working from home, kids, etc. I'm just a crazy person trying to maintain some semblance of calm while attempting to figure it all out. Counting down the hours until bedtime and the kids are asleep, and then that first delicious sip of Gin & Tonics or wine. And you better believe I VSCO and heavily edited the you-know-what out of this picture to make it look light and airy and "fit my feed". Because I'm stuck on the couch under a 4 month old cluster feeding little dude who won't have anything to do with anyone but me. - Here's to YOU mama, holding it together even when it gets rough. And even if you're not, you're still a part of this club of crazy. Anyone else having a really rough week? - - - - #beautifulbfing #breastfeeding #breastfeedwithoutfear #breastfeedingmom #motherhood #fedisbest #darlingmovement #our_everyday_moments #bfing #breastfeedingisbeautiful #mommyandme #momlife #mommylife #noshame #normalizebreastfeeding #rainbowbaby #happymom #mamabear #theDulcetLife #boymom #feelthefeelings #joyfulmamas #liveauthentic #motherhoodunplugged #mybeautifulmess #ourcandidlife #ohheymama #thehappynow #momofboys #honestmotherhood

Shannon explained her son J has been a realitively easy baby – until he turned 4 months old and his “needs grew tenfold.”

“The other day I spent THREE HOURS like this, people. J had to be swaddled, on his back, in my arms. While I was bouncing on my giant exercise ball (never once used for it's intended purpose). With my boob perfectly resting in just the right spot on his chin.

“Our house was (is) a mess, my breakfast (lactation smoothie) sitting abandoned behind me, dirty hair and desperately in need of a shower (and 5 minutes without someone touching me) - and at the brink of tears.

“The truth is, this is who I am most days.

“I'm just a crazy person trying to maintain some semblance of calm while attempting to figure it all out.”

Making a huge effort to put down the phone, turn off the computer, and spend GOOD quality time with H. He's struggling with not having more one on one time right now and I'm feeling all sorts of mama guilt. I know the time will soon come when J won't be quite as clingy (although it sure doesn't feel like it right now), but his needs have definitely come first these past few months. This dude loves reading, every part of it. The pictures, listening to us recite the words in different funny voices, turning the pages, everything. And I love the quiet calm that takes over, and the fact that my tornado becomes a little snuggle bug again. Vehicles are his current favorite obsession, especially busses, trucks, and anything construction related and this "Good Morning City" book by @patkiernan checks all those boxes and then some. Plus the illustrations are incredibly beautiful! It's been a wonderful addition to our collection of favorite books ❤️ - What is something you like to do with your kids? - - - - - #AD #momlife #motherhood #ig_motherhood #happymom #mamabear #theDulcetLife #boymom #feelthefeelings #joyfulmamas #liveauthentic #motherhoodunplugged #mybeautifulmess #ourcandidlife #ohheymama #thehappynow #uniteinmotherhood #momofboys #humansofjoy #thepursuitofjoyproject #clickinmoms #livethelittlethings #momdotme #momlifeisthebestlife #momtog #patkiernan #motherhoodinspired #mamabear #mommyandme #dailyparenting

She finished the post with a toast to all the mums out there “holding it together.”

“And even if you're not, you're still a part of this club of crazy.”

Read the full post here.