This week has been a blur—my 10-month-old has been sick, which means I’ve been getting maybe three hours of sleep a night. Between soothing a fussy baby, I’ve still had to juggle my older boy’s school drop-offs, homework, and after-school activities, plus the mountain of booster club emails that seem to grow by the hour. Oh, and did I mention I’m running my small business, too? The only thing holding me together right now is coffee—lots and lots of coffee. It’s basically my lifeline at this point!
Despite all the curveballs life has been throwing, I’ve learned that sometimes, the only thing you can do is laugh, pour another cup, and take things one step at a time. Because, let’s face it, even in the chaos, there’s beauty and joy in watching my kids grow.
Let’s start with the coffee—because, if we’re being honest, it’s the fuel that keeps me going. Just call me Lorelei—true fans will get the reference! Coffee has always been a constant in my life, and as a mom juggling a million things, it’s become my anchor. Whether it’s the first sip in the morning (before the kids wake up) or that mid-afternoon pick-me-up between baseball practice and booster club meetings, coffee is more than a drink—it’s a moment of sanity in the chaos.
As for the curveballs, well, that’s just life, isn’t it? Especially when you’re a mom. My days are filled with juggling everything from my small business to school schedules and, of course, cheering from the sidelines at baseball and hockey games. It’s beautiful, it’s messy, and it’s full of unexpected twists—just like any good game.
I’m starting this blog because I know I’m not the only mom out there who’s trying to balance all the hats we wear—whether it’s as a sports mom, a business owner, or the family’s go-to problem solver. I want Curveballs and Coffee to be a space where we can laugh, share tips, and remind each other that, even when things feel overwhelming, we’re doing a great job. And maybe bond over our shared love of coffee along the way!
The Everyday Juggle
Some days feel like they’ve stretched on for years, especially when you’re running on just a few hours of sleep. Like today, for example—I was desperately holding onto my sanity (and my coffee) as I pressed my seventh shirt of the day. Yes, seventh. You’d think after all these years, fulfilling orders would get easier, but no.
I had one glorious moment of peace—the baby, my 10-month-old, finally napping without being held for the first time in days. I thought I might actually catch a break! But no. In a classic mom move, as I reached for my much-needed coffee, I managed to spill the entire cup all over myself and the freshly pressed shirt. Coffee gone, shirt ruined, and nap time ticking away faster than I’d like.
It’s these kinds of moments—the little “curveballs” thrown at me in the middle of the day—that make motherhood both ridiculous and wonderful. There’s always something, right? Whether it’s spilled coffee, forgotten homework, or a missing baseball glove 10 minutes before we need to leave for practice, it all somehow happens at once.
The Importance of Coffee (and Self-Care)
Let’s be honest—when you’re a mom, self-care often feels like a luxury you can’t afford. I used to think self-care meant spa days, long baths, or getting away for a weekend, but motherhood has taught me that self-care is actually found in the small moments. For me, it’s my cup of coffee. Not just for the caffeine (though that’s a big part of it), but because it’s the one thing I can count on every day to ground me, even for just five minutes.
Sometimes, self-care is simply having that quiet moment while the baby naps—if they nap, that is—or sneaking in a deep breath in the car before running off to my older boy’s school. It’s not fancy, and it’s certainly not Instagram-worthy, but it’s real. And that’s okay.
In this season of life, self-care looks like wearing the same yoga pants two days in a row because laundry can wait. It looks like letting the house get messy because you need a second to sit, even if it’s just with a lukewarm cup of coffee. It’s about accepting that “me-time” isn’t always perfect, but it’s necessary.
So, to the moms who feel like they’re running on fumes, know that finding your own version of self-care—whether it’s coffee, a favorite podcast, or simply sitting in your car for five extra minutes—can make a world of difference. You deserve those moments, even if they’re small.
A Playbook for Surviving the Chaos
Once you start seeing self-care in those small, everyday moments—like a quick cup of coffee or five minutes of quiet—you realize it’s all about survival tactics. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few strategies to help me stay (mostly) sane while juggling a sick baby, school schedules, booster club commitments, and my small business. So, here’s my playbook for surviving the chaos:
- Prep like it’s game day: If there’s one thing sports has taught me, it’s the importance of preparation. I try to lay out clothes, pack snacks, and double-check sports gear the night before. Sure, something always gets forgotten, but at least I’m one step ahead of the game (most days).
- Embrace the team mentality: Asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a strategy. Whether it’s carpooling with other sports moms, leaning on family, or even ordering takeout when I’m too exhausted to cook, teamwork gets me through. No one can do it all alone, and that’s okay!
- Let go of perfection: The house won’t always be spotless, and sometimes your kid might show up to practice with mismatched socks (true story). Letting go of the idea that everything has to be perfect has saved my sanity. As long as everyone gets where they need to be, I consider it a win.
- Make time for your version of “coffee moments”: Whether it’s that morning cup of coffee, a quick walk around the block, or even just a few minutes of quiet in the car, find your moments of calm. You might not get hours of relaxation, but those little breaks add up and help you reset.
- Keep perspective: In the middle of all the chaos, I remind myself that one day, I’ll miss the hustle and bustle of these busy years. The spilled coffee, the frantic mornings, the car rides to practice—they’re all part of the memories we’re making together.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, no matter how many curveballs are thrown your way—whether it’s a spilled cup of coffee, a sick baby, or the never-ending demands of sports mom life—you’re doing an incredible job. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos, to feel like you’re barely holding it all together, but remember that you’re not alone. Every mom out there is juggling something, and we all drop the ball sometimes. And that’s perfectly okay.
In the midst of the beautiful mess, you’re raising amazing kids, showing them resilience, patience, and the value of hard work (even if that means doing a load of laundry at midnight or writing a blog post at 4am). The important thing is to take a moment for yourself—whether it’s coffee, a quick breath of fresh air, or five minutes of peace—and to know that, despite the challenges, you’re making memories that will last a lifetime.
So here’s to you, mama—to the coffee that keeps us going, the curveballs that keep life interesting, and to knowing that even when things feel overwhelming, we’ve got this. One day, we’ll look back and realize just how strong we were through it all.
From one tired-but-happy sports mom to another,
—Chelsea
P.S. Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll be sharing some of my favorite game day necessities for those busy sports weekends!