In the past week, I woke up before 6 a.m. three times. I made breakfast, lunch, and dinner 18 times and handed out at least a dozen snacks. I bathed my children three times. I played castle twice. I changed too many diapers. I did six loads of laundry. I vacuumed my house twice. I dusted once. I painted, drew and colored. I cleaned two bathrooms. I paid preschool tuition. I filled the car up with gas. I VOTED. I swept the kitchen floor four times and mopped once. I took out the garbage and recycling. I applied four Band-Aids. I read more children’s books than I can remember and I went to the grocery store three times.

I love my job as a mom, and the benefits of goodnight kisses and good morning snuggles that come with it, but I need a break. Today, on Mother’s Day, I’m taking one.

This is my fifth year celebrating Mother’s Day as a mom, unless you count the Mother’s Day I found out I was pregnant with my oldest, Guillermo, who is now 4.

I’ve always chosen to spend the day with my husband and kids, mostly because I wanted to be around them, but also because I felt some obligation to be with them. After all, I wouldn’t be one of the day’s honorees without my children.

My husband, who is a wonderful father, has never felt that same obligation to spend Father’s Day with us. Last year, when I asked him what he wanted to do on his day, he joked “Spend as little time with my family as possible.” I suspected he wasn’t entirely joking and while I pouted a little, I gave him some free time away.

That’s what I want today. I want a few hours for a jog in the park and a cup of tea at a coffee shop. I want some quiet time to read e-mails, get some writing done and maybe read a few chapters of the book I suggested my book club read, but haven’t touched since I bought it more than a month ago.

While I’m gone, I’d like for my husband to do the grocery shopping for the week so I won’t feel rushed when I return home. I’d like him to get my kids lunch and then clean up the kitchen when they are finished eating. And, I’d like him to get Maya down for her nap so when I get home, my house is a little quieter. (My husband willingly does all of these things when he’s home on the weekend, but I especially want him to do it today).

I don’t need a card or a cake or jewelry or any gifts. I just want a few hours of quiet time for me, before I get back to the sweeping and diaper changing.

Happy Mother’s Day. What are you doing today?

Natalie appears every Sunday on TriangleMom2Mom. Read more about Natalie at A Day at the Park.