Wet Hair

They say don’t go to bed with wet hair...

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They say don’t go to bed with wet hair.

They say a lot of things, though.

Like don’t put the baby bouncer on the counter

But it’s so convenient.

Or don’t co-sleep with the baby

But it’s so delicious.

Or don’t wear the baby; he might get used to it

But sometimes it’s the only way to get things done.

Or don’t let him get used to the pacifier

But it’s the only tool you have for soothing once you’ve tried everything else.

Or don’t let him find his thumb, it’s a harder habit to break

But have you seen a little baby attempting to suck his thumb?

Or he should be drinking 5-7 ounce bottles by now

But he can barely get through 4.5 ounces.

Or don’t rock him to sleep because then he’ll expect it every time

But rocking and watching him slowly succumb to sleep in your arms is one of your favorite parts of every day.

Or he doesn’t need a bath every night

But, again, have you smelled a fresh-out-of-the-bath baby?

So, most nights, I go to bed with wet hair even though I shouldn’t

But after the feeding

and the burping

and the changing

and the rocking

and the playing

and the bottle washing and laundry folding

and trash taking outing

and pumping

it’s all I can do to even get in the shower

and wash my body

and scrub my scalp

and rub my face

and, sometimes but not often, shave my legs.

“Something’s gotta give” is my motherhood mantra

so sorry, hair — it seems to always be you wet under a towel,

damned to dry overnight.

Rode hard and put up wet with the grease from stressed hands

manipulating you into a messy bun over and over, a thousand times a day.

Or being tugged at by a newborn’s curious claws.

Thanks for being along for the ride, though.

We’ll get back to dry land someday again

when we’re well-rested and up for the challenge.

Until then, it’s the towel for you.

Sorry, girl.

— EGM