Yesterday really opened my eyes to the fact that I'm not perfect. I never thought I was and I never claimed to be...but IF I did feel that way, that feeling would have come to a screeching halt.
I picked everyone up from daycare and school yesterday afternoon which means that it was an immediate assembly line as soon as we walked through our door to get bathed and disinfected. As the girls were playing in the tub together for a minute, I needed to use the bathroom. I don't know how other kids are, but my kids like to look at poop before we flush it. Theirs, ours, anyone's. All of the time. Maybe they are slightly odd, maybe they are normal...whatever they are, it happens all of the time in our house. Especially since we're potty training kid #2.
After I was finished, I didn't flush. I saved it for the girls to look at, per their request. I then bathed all 3 kids, and got caught up with making dinner.
My husband got home just as I was about finished with dinner. He took over and told the girls to go get washed up so I could start feeding Dex. All of a sudden I hear "Mom....there's something drowning in here!" My husband goes to see what's up and shouted "Babe!?! Is this your poop? Come on....that's disgusting! Flush the toilet!" Whoops. I completely forgot to show the girls and let them flush it. Maddie walked in the living room and said "Mom. This is not acceptable." while Morgan was chanting "Bedusting. Bedusting." (her version of "disgusting") I felt like shrinking. I was put in place by my 3 year old (and 2 year old) over a turd.
The funny thing is, that's not the first time she's told me I did something wrong. It happens daily. Actually it happens multiple times during the day. I get "Mom...you're not holding my brother the right way. Mom, that's not the right lid for this cup. Mom, that toy doesn't go there, it goes here. Mom, YOU are the one who tooted. (I can't even blame my flatulence on anyone else anymore!) Mom, you never gave us an afternoon snack!" If I don't do something or do something the wrong way, she'll be sure to tell me about it. But don't think that she reserves this just for me. She will call out anyone and everyone on their faults. People have come over to babysit (the very few times that my husband and I have gotten out of the house) and she will tell them "You gave me the wrong plate. That's not how you brush my teeth. No, you read THIS story and THEN this one. You gave me the wrong cup. There's no ice in here. You need to put ice in here." So on and so forth. Then the next day she will be sure to tell Jay and I all about it.
Her memory amazes me. The worst is hearing her say "There's the yellow slide that you let me fall off of Mom. Remember? I got a boo boo on my knee, right here (she points to her knee), and it was bleeding EVERYWHERE. And Daddy had to come and meet us. Do you remember Mom? Do you?" Yeah yeah yeah I remember. How could I possibly forget when you remind me of it every single time we drive past that park. And it happened over a year ago! She's like and elephant.
If you ever want to know what your faults are, or if your doing something wrong, ask a 3 year old. If their answer isn't clear enough, come to my house. Maddie will be sure to spell it out clear as day.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
My Little Sponges
I feel I am like most moms out there. I try to juggle a million and one things simultaneously and have days when I am so consumed with the normal routine of our day that I don't really let myself absorb all of the new things that my kids are doing, trying, learning, and saying. I guess it's not that I don't let myself it's more that I go through some days with blinders on and robotically do what needs to be done without really thinking about it.
Yesterday was one of those days when I had my blinders off. I heard every little conversation my girls had with one another. Some made me laugh, some made me cringe, and one resulted in me bolting into the room to put a stop to my 2 year old trying to eat my 3 year old's tongue. (I have no idea how that even came about, but I had to put a stop to it. I couldn't have her going out in public thinking it was OK to try and eat people's tongues!!!)
I also got a taste of what I sound like to my kids. I know that all kids are little sponges, but I sometimes forget just how absorbent they really are. I ran into Kohl's yesterday with all 3 kids forgetting that they don't have shopping carts that are big enough to at least hold a car seat, and kid #2. I ended up walking around the store with the travel system stroller calling for the other 2 kids every 30 seconds. They were in clothes racks, climbing on shelves, looking up dresses that are on manicheans (and hiding under them), putting on jewelry, and running from me like I was the boogieman. I had enough. I grabbed 2 random shirts (just enough to use up the gift card that expired that day) and we got the heck out of there. As I was loading the girls into the car Maddie said "We were so good in there Mom." I looked at her as if she was insane, and then continued strapping them in as I mumbled under my breath "You guys acted like a bunch of idiots." Probably something I should not have said, but it just slipped out. At least I mumbled it. I finished loading up everything else, and hopped in the driver's seat. As soon as I sat down I heard the girls singing "bunch of idiots, bunch of idiots...you all are a bunch of idiots!" Gah. I REALLY shouldn't have said that. That's my mommy blunder for the day.
After we got home Maddie was helping me take care of Dex. She kept saying Hello handsome, you are so cute mister, ah stinky buns don't do that!, awwwe you're a little giggly buns aren't you?!? It was so cute hearing her talk to him the way I do. She's at that phase where she likes to act like a mom to all of her stuffed animals too, so that made it extra cute.
Then we come to Morgan. I was getting afternoon snack for both girls. As I was lecturing Morgan about holding her cup of cheerios upright, and keeping them in the cup instead of all over the floor and furniture (like she ALWAYS does)....I knocked the cup over myself. Cheerios flew all over my kitchen. I put my head down in shame as I moped over to get the broom when she said "Moooom!....are you serwious?!?" That's pretty much the one line I say whenever someone does something I just got done telling them not to do. Right back in my face. Awesome.
I sat there for the rest of the day watching and listening to everything they did and said. It was like watching a movie! I've come to the conclusion that 1) I am hilarious and 2) I should probably filter myself a little bit more. There are some things that I didn't even realize I say, but my kids have showed me that I definitely do.
Yesterday was one of those days when I had my blinders off. I heard every little conversation my girls had with one another. Some made me laugh, some made me cringe, and one resulted in me bolting into the room to put a stop to my 2 year old trying to eat my 3 year old's tongue. (I have no idea how that even came about, but I had to put a stop to it. I couldn't have her going out in public thinking it was OK to try and eat people's tongues!!!)
I also got a taste of what I sound like to my kids. I know that all kids are little sponges, but I sometimes forget just how absorbent they really are. I ran into Kohl's yesterday with all 3 kids forgetting that they don't have shopping carts that are big enough to at least hold a car seat, and kid #2. I ended up walking around the store with the travel system stroller calling for the other 2 kids every 30 seconds. They were in clothes racks, climbing on shelves, looking up dresses that are on manicheans (and hiding under them), putting on jewelry, and running from me like I was the boogieman. I had enough. I grabbed 2 random shirts (just enough to use up the gift card that expired that day) and we got the heck out of there. As I was loading the girls into the car Maddie said "We were so good in there Mom." I looked at her as if she was insane, and then continued strapping them in as I mumbled under my breath "You guys acted like a bunch of idiots." Probably something I should not have said, but it just slipped out. At least I mumbled it. I finished loading up everything else, and hopped in the driver's seat. As soon as I sat down I heard the girls singing "bunch of idiots, bunch of idiots...you all are a bunch of idiots!" Gah. I REALLY shouldn't have said that. That's my mommy blunder for the day.
After we got home Maddie was helping me take care of Dex. She kept saying Hello handsome, you are so cute mister, ah stinky buns don't do that!, awwwe you're a little giggly buns aren't you?!? It was so cute hearing her talk to him the way I do. She's at that phase where she likes to act like a mom to all of her stuffed animals too, so that made it extra cute.
Then we come to Morgan. I was getting afternoon snack for both girls. As I was lecturing Morgan about holding her cup of cheerios upright, and keeping them in the cup instead of all over the floor and furniture (like she ALWAYS does)....I knocked the cup over myself. Cheerios flew all over my kitchen. I put my head down in shame as I moped over to get the broom when she said "Moooom!....are you serwious?!?" That's pretty much the one line I say whenever someone does something I just got done telling them not to do. Right back in my face. Awesome.
I sat there for the rest of the day watching and listening to everything they did and said. It was like watching a movie! I've come to the conclusion that 1) I am hilarious and 2) I should probably filter myself a little bit more. There are some things that I didn't even realize I say, but my kids have showed me that I definitely do.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
My V-Day Update
An update on my Valentine's Day: My husband and I don't go all out on each other. We usually don't even gets gifts. The kids make him stuff and he really enjoys it, and I enjoy watching him enjoy it. But I'm a typical sappy woman and secretly hope that I get at least a mushy card. I don't need flowers, I don't need a gift, I DEFINITELY do not need chocolate..but a card? That's doable.
What did I get this morning you ask? I got looked up and down and winked at. Yep, that's right. You read correctly. He better be walking through that door with a hand written card if he's looking to get anything even remotely close to cuddling tonight!!
What did I get this morning you ask? I got looked up and down and winked at. Yep, that's right. You read correctly. He better be walking through that door with a hand written card if he's looking to get anything even remotely close to cuddling tonight!!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
My V-Day
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Which is really a Hallmark Day. A day for them, and company's like them to generate tons of revenue, but it's still a big day in our house. We do a pretty good job showing our love for one another and our kids the other 364 days out of the year, but this is just an excuse to be over-the-top lovey...and we I look forward to it!
Breakfast will consist of red strawberries, and pink yogurt. Heart shaped pancakes and pink milk. Everyone will wear red and pink to school and daycare, and do Valentine projects for the duration of the day. I will walk my husband out of the house wearing the most hideous holey clothes I own while screaming "HAVE A GREAT DAY POOKIE BUNS!" and "I LOVE YOU SO MUCH SUGAR LIPS!" embarrassing the crap out of him in front of all of our neighbors until he closes the garage door on me. Then I will run in and call his work phone to leave a super long and sappy message that will be waiting for him as he walks in to his office.
After I'm done with school, I will pick my kids up and we will put the finishing touches on Daddy's gifts before he gets home from work. As he walks through the door, I will watch him get attacked by 2 out of the 3 kids (while the 3rd bounces around in my arms with excitement slapping every inch of my face in the process) and see the joy on their faces as they watch him open the gifts that they have worked so hard on. We will try and have a romantic dinner with all of the kids which usually ends with us getting them out of their chairs early to avoid all of their utensils, cups, and plates being thrown all over the place.
We'll do the whole bedtime routine, and finish up our romantic meal after all of the kids are in bed.
As embarrassed as my husband acts on Valentine's Day, I'm pretty sure he enjoys every second of it, and I'll even go as far to say that he looks forward to it.
So here's to hoping that all of you enjoy every single minute of a day designed to shower the ones we care about most with love, laughter, and a little bit of embarrassment.
Breakfast will consist of red strawberries, and pink yogurt. Heart shaped pancakes and pink milk. Everyone will wear red and pink to school and daycare, and do Valentine projects for the duration of the day. I will walk my husband out of the house wearing the most hideous holey clothes I own while screaming "HAVE A GREAT DAY POOKIE BUNS!" and "I LOVE YOU SO MUCH SUGAR LIPS!" embarrassing the crap out of him in front of all of our neighbors until he closes the garage door on me. Then I will run in and call his work phone to leave a super long and sappy message that will be waiting for him as he walks in to his office.
After I'm done with school, I will pick my kids up and we will put the finishing touches on Daddy's gifts before he gets home from work. As he walks through the door, I will watch him get attacked by 2 out of the 3 kids (while the 3rd bounces around in my arms with excitement slapping every inch of my face in the process) and see the joy on their faces as they watch him open the gifts that they have worked so hard on. We will try and have a romantic dinner with all of the kids which usually ends with us getting them out of their chairs early to avoid all of their utensils, cups, and plates being thrown all over the place.
We'll do the whole bedtime routine, and finish up our romantic meal after all of the kids are in bed.
As embarrassed as my husband acts on Valentine's Day, I'm pretty sure he enjoys every second of it, and I'll even go as far to say that he looks forward to it.
So here's to hoping that all of you enjoy every single minute of a day designed to shower the ones we care about most with love, laughter, and a little bit of embarrassment.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Out to eat...I mean NOT eat
Dex has been tugging at his ears for the last couple of days, and yesterday morning he wasn't really feeling his bottle. Now I know that most of you know when your kid has an ear infection. They are fussy, have a fever, don't sleep good at night, yada yada yada. Well, mine don't do that. Not any of that. They are the happiest, giggliest bacteria infested babies ever. Seriously. All 3 of them have been the same way, and I can't tell you how many times we've taken them in for well-checks only to find out that they have an ear infection. I feel like our pediatrician is going to start taking a tally and social services will show up at my door one day for child neglect! Anyway, I took my little stink pot in, and sure enough a double ear infection. Lovely.
After running a few errands with my little man (which is WAY easier than taking anyone else), we returned home. The remainder of the day was pretty typical. We made some birthday gifts, which resulted in my 2 year old using her body as a canvas, along with the table, and gluing beads to anything within reach. I had to yell at her for giving herself purple-nurples, and almost had to put her on timeout for it. Everyone napped good and when I went to get Morgan up, it was the same scene I walk in on every day. Her shirt and pants are on the ground, and she's laying in the middle of her bed. Naked. I don't know what is with this child and stripping her clothes off, but she better get over this phase before she starts school, or we're going to be moving to Alaska!
We went out to celebrate my sister-in-law's birthday, and while on our way to the restaurant we realized that this was going to be the first time that we've all gone out to eat as a family since Dex was born. After we got there and were well into our meal...it hit me. I suddenly remembered the reason why we haven't taken all 3 kids out to eat thus far.
Even though I come fully prepared with activities and distractions for everyone...it's still usually a disaster. No one wanted to stay in their chair while eating...actually neither one of the girls even wanted to eat. Morgan told me every 30 seconds that she had to go potty, so I'd take her (since we're potty training), but while in the bathroom she did everything but pee. From unrolling the toilet paper, to touching the toilet, to asking "What's that?" and pointing to everything in sight.
Back at the table, food ended up on the floor, and they end up running around the table chasing each other and playing tag. Dex puked all over my brother-in-law, and the girls ended up eating a meal entirely of cake frosting. I usually just sit back (knowing that it's pretty much a lost cause when we're out), drink a few tall beers, and let the rest of the family have at it with the kids. They love spoiling them and the kids love the attention, so why not? Plus it's a rare opportunity that I get to have adult conversations with someone other than my husband. (Not that I don't enjoy our conversations, but a woman needs conversational variety!)
On our way out, we stopped in the arcade to let everyone play a few games. They were already getting a bath as soon as we got home, so why not let them pick up a few more germs.
After winning 3 stuffed animals on the claw game, and playing a few others, everyone was spent. (Which really means we didn't have any money left) As we were walking to the car Maddie grabbed our hands and said "Mom... Dad...that was so much fun. It was the best night ever! I just LOVE that place." Knowing that our kids really did have a great time, regardless of whether they ate a balanced dinner or not, was all that mattered at that moment. What's one night anyway? We had a blast with our family, and our kids all went to bed smiling and hugging their new prizes. Knowing how much fun they had, and seeing the smiles on their faces makes me want to do it all over again...but not for at least a month.
After running a few errands with my little man (which is WAY easier than taking anyone else), we returned home. The remainder of the day was pretty typical. We made some birthday gifts, which resulted in my 2 year old using her body as a canvas, along with the table, and gluing beads to anything within reach. I had to yell at her for giving herself purple-nurples, and almost had to put her on timeout for it. Everyone napped good and when I went to get Morgan up, it was the same scene I walk in on every day. Her shirt and pants are on the ground, and she's laying in the middle of her bed. Naked. I don't know what is with this child and stripping her clothes off, but she better get over this phase before she starts school, or we're going to be moving to Alaska!
We went out to celebrate my sister-in-law's birthday, and while on our way to the restaurant we realized that this was going to be the first time that we've all gone out to eat as a family since Dex was born. After we got there and were well into our meal...it hit me. I suddenly remembered the reason why we haven't taken all 3 kids out to eat thus far.
Even though I come fully prepared with activities and distractions for everyone...it's still usually a disaster. No one wanted to stay in their chair while eating...actually neither one of the girls even wanted to eat. Morgan told me every 30 seconds that she had to go potty, so I'd take her (since we're potty training), but while in the bathroom she did everything but pee. From unrolling the toilet paper, to touching the toilet, to asking "What's that?" and pointing to everything in sight.
Back at the table, food ended up on the floor, and they end up running around the table chasing each other and playing tag. Dex puked all over my brother-in-law, and the girls ended up eating a meal entirely of cake frosting. I usually just sit back (knowing that it's pretty much a lost cause when we're out), drink a few tall beers, and let the rest of the family have at it with the kids. They love spoiling them and the kids love the attention, so why not? Plus it's a rare opportunity that I get to have adult conversations with someone other than my husband. (Not that I don't enjoy our conversations, but a woman needs conversational variety!)
On our way out, we stopped in the arcade to let everyone play a few games. They were already getting a bath as soon as we got home, so why not let them pick up a few more germs.
After winning 3 stuffed animals on the claw game, and playing a few others, everyone was spent. (Which really means we didn't have any money left) As we were walking to the car Maddie grabbed our hands and said "Mom... Dad...that was so much fun. It was the best night ever! I just LOVE that place." Knowing that our kids really did have a great time, regardless of whether they ate a balanced dinner or not, was all that mattered at that moment. What's one night anyway? We had a blast with our family, and our kids all went to bed smiling and hugging their new prizes. Knowing how much fun they had, and seeing the smiles on their faces makes me want to do it all over again...but not for at least a month.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
The Scent of Life
Well, another day has come and gone. Another crazy, drama-filled, is-it-bedtime-yet kind of day. When I was a working mom (which seems like eons ago even though it's only been 2 years) I used to look at my stay-at-home friends and think Man...they have it so easy! If I was able to stay at home with my kids, I would have the house spotless, dinner cooked every night before my husband got home, and would be one of those gorgeous "Real Housewives" type of moms. Well, let me tell you...reality hit me like the stink of a week old baby bottle I found hidden in the toy box.
Back then I didn't think that I would be spending 2+ hours scouring my house for 12 missing marker caps. (which ended up being dispersed throughout every dresser drawer we own. I'm still racking my brain trying to figure out how and when they even got there!) I didn't see myself having Evil Knievel for a daughter and literally having to catch her in mid air leaping off of anything and everything every single time I turn my back. I didn't think I would be spending 5-10 minutes each day chasing my naked children around the house trying to lure them into the bathtub, or wiping runny, drippy, snotty noses every 30 seconds...on all 3 kids. At the exact same time. (I'm still completely amazed by how much snot can come out of those little teeny tiny things in the first place!) I definitely didn't think about how time consuming potty training is. And I can't remember the last time I put make-up on, or wore clothes that didn't have some kind of "kid-print" on it.
My day is completely consumed with taking care of my children, giving them the attention that they need and deserve, and trying to soak up all of these crazy moments that are already slipping by faster than I ever imagined possible. Any free time during the day that I have is filled with school work, and picking up toys only to have new ones taken out almost simultaneously. Doing dishes, cleaning the house, and having a 5 course meal prepared for the minute my husband walks through the door are the last things on my list.
There are days when I want to pull my hair out, but they are far and few compared to the days filled with laughter, sloppy kisses, those sweet little high pitched voices saying "I love you Mommy", and watching them learn new things and grow right before my very own eyes. I really try to sit back and take everything in. To enjoy and cherish life as it's happening. Take tonight for example. Dinner time? Nuts. Completely insane. Both of my girls do everything together, and when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING. Instead of eating, they were putting their forks in their mouths and playing them like clarinets. They put green beans all over their trays, and cut each one into 101 pieces...and then threw them on the floor. Morgan even had a nice little wind-up and chucked her fork at Maddie just barely skimming her face.
Every time we told them to do something, or to stop doing something, they completely ignored us, and continued screeching and squealing to get giggles out of their baby brother Dex. I was pretty upset after not getting any kind of acknowledgement from either one of them, but I have to admit that it melted my heart seeing the pure excitement they got each time he let out a deep belly laugh. As cute as it was, I still had to discipline them for not listening. Morgan straightened up right away, but Maddie was in one of those moods tonight, and ended up playing her fork clarinet right into her top bunk for an early bedtime sans a story. Just another day for the books. I'm hoping to get a full night's sleep tonight, because it's pretty safe to assume that tomorrow will be yet another day filled with love, laughter, and plenty of shenanigans.
Back then I didn't think that I would be spending 2+ hours scouring my house for 12 missing marker caps. (which ended up being dispersed throughout every dresser drawer we own. I'm still racking my brain trying to figure out how and when they even got there!) I didn't see myself having Evil Knievel for a daughter and literally having to catch her in mid air leaping off of anything and everything every single time I turn my back. I didn't think I would be spending 5-10 minutes each day chasing my naked children around the house trying to lure them into the bathtub, or wiping runny, drippy, snotty noses every 30 seconds...on all 3 kids. At the exact same time. (I'm still completely amazed by how much snot can come out of those little teeny tiny things in the first place!) I definitely didn't think about how time consuming potty training is. And I can't remember the last time I put make-up on, or wore clothes that didn't have some kind of "kid-print" on it.
My day is completely consumed with taking care of my children, giving them the attention that they need and deserve, and trying to soak up all of these crazy moments that are already slipping by faster than I ever imagined possible. Any free time during the day that I have is filled with school work, and picking up toys only to have new ones taken out almost simultaneously. Doing dishes, cleaning the house, and having a 5 course meal prepared for the minute my husband walks through the door are the last things on my list.
There are days when I want to pull my hair out, but they are far and few compared to the days filled with laughter, sloppy kisses, those sweet little high pitched voices saying "I love you Mommy", and watching them learn new things and grow right before my very own eyes. I really try to sit back and take everything in. To enjoy and cherish life as it's happening. Take tonight for example. Dinner time? Nuts. Completely insane. Both of my girls do everything together, and when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING. Instead of eating, they were putting their forks in their mouths and playing them like clarinets. They put green beans all over their trays, and cut each one into 101 pieces...and then threw them on the floor. Morgan even had a nice little wind-up and chucked her fork at Maddie just barely skimming her face.
Every time we told them to do something, or to stop doing something, they completely ignored us, and continued screeching and squealing to get giggles out of their baby brother Dex. I was pretty upset after not getting any kind of acknowledgement from either one of them, but I have to admit that it melted my heart seeing the pure excitement they got each time he let out a deep belly laugh. As cute as it was, I still had to discipline them for not listening. Morgan straightened up right away, but Maddie was in one of those moods tonight, and ended up playing her fork clarinet right into her top bunk for an early bedtime sans a story. Just another day for the books. I'm hoping to get a full night's sleep tonight, because it's pretty safe to assume that tomorrow will be yet another day filled with love, laughter, and plenty of shenanigans.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Exhausting Day to Heartmelting Night
After getting a whooping 3 hours of sleep last night due to my oldest having hives, my middle having an ear infection, and my youngest thinking it was play-time at 5:15am...I was beyond ready for bedtime tonight. The usual order of events in our house is: hubby gets home, we have dinner, and if the girls haven't pooped yet that day, they do it right after dinner before we get ready for bed. Tonight was no exception. Everyone needed to poop. (the odds of both girls pooping somtime during the day instead of waiting until right before bed are pretty much the same as us winning the lottery. Slim to none.) After Morgan (my 2 year old) was done, I wanted to use the bathroom myself before continuing on with our bedtime routine. I sat down and Morgan came running in. "You go potty Mom?" she asked. "Yep, I've gotta go potty quick" I said. As she heard me go she gasped, threw her arms up in the air, and then starting clapping and shouted "So prouda you Mommy!! Yaaaay!!!" "Thanks hunny." I said as I was laughing. "You go poop Mom?" she then asked. Catching me off guard I said "...Oh, well maybe...I'm not sure yet." "OH!"...she said as if a light bulb just went off. She scurried out of the bathroom only to come back screaming down the hallway "MAG-ZEEN MOMMY!! MAG-ZEEN!!!" She ran back to me, set up the stool right in front of the toilet, and plopped her little tush down. "I read to you Mom. .....Once pona time...(she looked around to see if I was paying attention)....uh, cheese...grapes...OH! POP-TARTS!!!..." The "magazine" that she had grabbed was really our Giant Eagle circular, and she was rattling off the sale items. She was so darn cute about it, that I sat there until my legs went numb. ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)