it really depends on who you are talking to as to how to best approach it. i'm open in saying that my DD has some fantastic days - and she has days where i wonder what the hell i signed on for! i don't put it quite so bluntly with most people, but i don't say everything is a bed of roses when it's not. i don't try to pain a picture that being a mum is perfect - it's not - but i do let people know that i appreciate even the bad days because it means i AM a mum.

as to the colleague with a baby the same age - if they say their life is perfect and they don't have bad days - i think you'll find they're lying!

be open - no point bottling stuff up - but don't be negative kwim?