An Open Thank-You Letter to All the Things That Make Me a Successful Mom

Thank you, naps, for even being a thing. Not only for my children, but also for me too. You alone can turn my cranky tot's mood around all while giving me the energy to make it through the last few hours of the day — and even when you only give me 10 minutes, I'm a better mother because of you.

Source: Instagram user hlee1019

Where do I even begin, crockpot? I may have not been capable of providing my family with a hot meal during those first few years, but you helped me get there — and with such ease (especially when you proved to me that you were useful for more than just chili).

Source: Instagram user joyfulfeli

When the Fifty Shades of Grey trailer was about to be on the Today show, and my kiddos were happily eating their breakfast with their little eyes and ears ready to soak in anything on the screen, you kept me from missing it. DVR, you rock. And also, without you, I would never see the ending of anything. Because, well, sleep.

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Many a morning you have saved me from the lurking question, "Mooooommmmmmmm! What do we have for breakfast?" You're almost always BOGO, and my kids never seem to tire of you. Thank you.

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Wow, Pinterest. I'm just not sure how moms did it before you. You kept me from serving chicken nuggets for dinner five nights in a row, made sure my closets were organized, and made me think I could totally homeschool my kids — all while leaving my husband to think that I am some kind of mommy version of Martha Stewart (when I'm not even close).

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Where do I start? Thank you for giving me the time to go to the doctor and also date nights with my spouse. Sure, you give my kids marshmallows for a snack, make a mess in the kitchen, and let them watch too many movies, but they are safe and happy, and that's what counts. I owe you big time, babysitter — well, not really, because I pay you . . . but you know what I mean.

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Drive-throughs, I totally underestimated you until I became a mom. Thank you for popping up in unexpected places, like the dry cleaner, the pharmacy, the liquor store, and Starbucks. You are like a ray of sunshine on a rainy day when I'm trying to get some errands done with my cranky children in tow.

Source: Instagram user 805mamabear01

Thank you, iPhone, for allowing me to connect with the outside world when my children were in the newborn phase. For allowing me to text when my children nap. For being entertainment for my tot in a crunch. For keeping my babysitters on a tight leash. And for making sure I could google anything, anywhere. That's so cool of you.

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You come in handy when there is nothing to do, when I need to tire my children out, and when I feel bad that my kids might have watched just a bit too much TV already in the day. You are free. You are fun. You show up just about anywhere. You are amazing.

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I'm not gonna lie, exercise. I used to hate your guts. However, you've become an invaluable friend to me. From me-time to keeping my heart healthy to helping me shed those last few postpartum pounds, I'm your number one fan.

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Not only do you make the ridiculous amounts of toilet paper and paper towels that my family goes through seem bearable, you also give my children snacks as I drag them through your oversize aisles. Solid work, Costco.

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I'm pretty sure my budget would have not survived without you, stain remover. You got spots out of things that I never thought possible — and often after a few days. That's why, my friend, I always want you by my side (even when I don't have a coupon).

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Mom friends, I love that you are always down for a moms' night out — and also totally understanding when I need to cancel due to a sick tot. You do not judge me when being a mom is getting the best of me, when my child is freaking out in public, or when I need to vent about my spouse. You have no idea how many times you saved my sanity, mom friends!

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Simply put: I am forever indebted to you, coffee.

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Thank you, Internet, for Facebook. For helping me answer all my child's questions quickly. For making back-to-school shopping a breeze. For making me feel like I can diagnose any of my children's illnesses or behavioral issues on my own. For helping me kill time after the kids go to bed. But mainly, for Facebook.

Source: Instagram user michaelefear