The Most Embarrassing Things I've Done as a Sleep-Deprived Mom

Aaah, sleep deprivation. Isn't it the best part about being a mom of little children? I just love it. And it hasn't at all gotten in the way of my better judgment as I parent and care for said children (ahem).

Here are five of the most embarrassing things I've done as a sleep-deprived mom. Don't judge.

1. Put my son's diaper on my potty-trained daughter. There I was, all bleary-eyed, getting the kids dressed. I absentmindedly put the diaper meant for my 1-year-old son on my 3-year-old daughter, who wears "big girl pants" during the day. "Mommy!" she cried in alarm. "You just put his diaper on me!" So I did. I looked down and burst out laughing. So did she.

2. Dressed them in each other's clothes by accident. Even better than putting one child's diaper on the other is accidentally dressing them in each other's clothes. Oops. I've done that too. It was pretty hilarious though.

3. Called them by each other's names or called my daughter "baby boy" and my son "baby girl." In my defense, they do kind of look alike and they definitely sound and act alike. Sometimes if I'm in the other room and I've got them contained in my son's crib and they're both screaming "Mommy!!!!!!" at the top of their lungs, I can't tell who's who. Can you blame me for getting them mixed up?

4. Fallen down my front steps carrying one and holding the other's hand, spraining my ankle. I was rushing out the door to get the kids to day care. And our front stairs are round, which makes them tricky to navigate. I fell down, hard, and couldn't get up (just like the commercial). I had to get myself to Urgent Care, where I learned I'd sprained my ankle. I blame the lack of sleep.

5. Dozed off while taking care of them. Yes, I know this is bad. But don't worry, I didn't stay asleep for more than a few seconds and I didn't dream (much). And they were watching TV. But still. Not good, Mommy. Need more sleep!