Happy Thanksgiving!

Recently, I came across this piece discussing the things exhausted moms are really thankful for this year. It made me laugh, but it also made me think about what would be on my list if I were to create one. So, in the spirit of giving thanks, I give you the nine small luxuries I am most thankful for as a mom. Let me know if any of these are on your list!

1. Kid Gyms

Thank you, kiddie gyms for giving my toddler a safe space to run loose and burn off crazy amounts of energy before nap time. Whether we show up for a scheduled class or for open play, I know that my little guy is going to safely have the time of his life.

Rather than dangling from the towel rods at home, he can hang from a horizontal bar intended for little bodies with actual mats in place for when he takes the inevitable spill. Instead of bouncing off the walls and furniture, he can flip around an enormous bounce house intended for such shenanigans.

So, thank you, again, kid gyms for sparing my home and my sanity.

2. Apps that Deliver Things to my House

Where do I even begin? Thank you, delivery apps, for saving my time and sanity on dozens of occasions.

You’ve delivered dinner to my home on evenings I was too busy or exhausted to throw anything together myself.

You delivered sushi and gallons of milk to my door on days I was trapped at home with a sick toddler.

You are like a reverse drive-thru window, which is somehow even more convenient than a regular drive-thru window.

You are so appreciated, delivery apps. Thank you.

3. Remote Servers

Thank you, remote servers, for without you, I would have no way to work outside the office.

Working from home can sometimes feel like working on a desert island, but the remote server helps me feel connected to everything that’s going on. Plus, without it, working from home likely wouldn’t be feasible, which would mean less time spent with my little guy.

So, thanks for existing, remote server! I am glad you’re around.

4. Nap time

Nap time, you have given me so many hours of uninterrupted productivity and relaxation.

Constantly attending to the needs of a small child requires more focus than studying for the bar exam.

When the morning has been 100 hours long and it looks like a toy tornado has stormed my family room, you swoop in and save the day. You arrive gallantly, placing a momentary pause on the chaos.

And when you leave, everyone is recharged, refreshed, and ready for Round 2.

Thank you, nap time. You are a true hero of the parenting world!

5. Family Memberships

This list wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t thank family memberships.

We have family memberships to basically every place that sells them. The zoo, every museum, our botanical gardens. They are a surprisingly cheap way of securing endless hours of family entertainment nearly every day of the year.

Because you only pay one time for the year, it feels like you’re getting in free every time you go. Just don’t blow $30 in the gift shop every visit and you’re golden (ahem).

Rainy days, snowy days, lazy weekend days, no school days, no nap days: they are all made easier by the family membership.

If I could change one thing though, I would make every museum or zoo open earlier and close later. The hours between 5 AM and 10 AM can be a real bear when everyone is wide awake with no place to go. Then again, I suppose that’s what Target is for (thank you too, Target!).

6. Online Workouts

Online workouts are the greatest thing since sliced (whole grain, organic) bread.

I’ve been a regular exerciser all of my adult life. Pre-motherhood, I spent hours in the gym every week. I was still able to hit the gym fairly regularly after I became a mom too until a move and a change in work schedule meant I could no longer get there as easily.

Enter the online workout. There are so many reliable programs from which to choose. Some of my favorites have included BBG by Kayla Itsines, Adidas Runtastic and Results, Peloton, and online barre classes from Buffalo Barre (my personal favorite).

Online workouts, you’ve made it possible for me to continue my favorite activities while also providing the steady stream of endorphins that makes me a generally pleasant human being to be around. My family thanks you–as do I!

7. Starbucks

I know: a mom thanking Starbucks is super original. But this is my list, and my list would not be complete without it.

I don’t even like coffee, but I love Starbucks. As a teen, I loved their hot chocolate. As a college and law student, I loved their quiet tables, hot chai, and wi-fi. As a mom, I love the quick snacks, Refreshers, and drive-thru window.

Whether it be a sleepless night, looming deadline, or generally rough day, a stop at Starbucks is an instant pick-me-up.

So, thanks Starbucks. For as long as I can remember, you’ve made the crunch time better.

8. Amazon Prime

Of course Prime is on this list too.

In my pre-mom life, I had occasionally relied on our Prime account for various things, but it wasn’t really a necessity. Why would it be? As a non-mom, getting out the door was simple, and I definitely wasn’t concerned about things like diaper subscriptions.

After I became a mom? I’m pretty sure I placed my first Prime order from the Mother Baby Unit at the hospital.

And I haven’t stopped since. Thank you, Amazon Prime!

9. Spa Days

Finally, I must thank spa days.

After spending 105% of my days taking care of my home and family, it’s nice to just relax and be pampered a little.

Plus, there’s nothing like a good facial to hide the fact that you haven’t slept a full night in two years.

Thanks, spa days!

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Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you enjoy this day with family and friends.

What small luxuries are you thankful for this year?

The post 9 Small Luxuries I’m Thankful for as a Mom appeared first on The Mom at Law.