Joe started his fancy new job at a law firm.
And I'm back to being a full-time-plus stay at home mom.
...Oh there goes gravity...
It's been quite a week. Those couple of lines from Eminem's 'One Shot' keep running through my head. Having Joe home for the last two months has been such a blessing, and I knew it was going to be a tough transition when he started, but I was still blindsided.
Monday was a complete disaster. Somebody was crying all of the time, every ten minutes Lily asked "Where's daddy?", Joe didn't get home until 8PM, and all I could think was "This is it. This is how the rest of my life is going to be." Then Tuesday, glorious Tuesday. We went to the zoo and had an amazing three hours followed by a really solid nap. Dinner was easier, Joe got home earlier, and all ended well. Wednesday was picture day, so that led to a hectic morning, but over all went fine. I was supposed to work Thursday and Friday, but that was cancelled. I was disappointed because I really look forward to decorating for one or two days, but I took advantage of the previously arranged child care to get the last of our furniture built and the beginning of our art on the walls.
The two hardest parts of our day are nap time and dinner prep. The trouble with nap time is the only way I can get them both to sleep is to drive. They both need to sleep at the same time, but they keep each other awake if they're in the same room ( but not the same car) and Lily won't lie down in bed by herself. We've finally got her staying in her own bed ALL night, but one of us has to sit in a chair next to her until she falls asleep. So I'm not really sure what to do other than drive for an hour and a half to two hours each day. That's getting a little expensive, but at least I get a chance to listen to some public radio, drink something caffeinated, and not be touched by anyone for a while.
Dinner time is a constant struggle. I really like to make real food, but that is really hard with two little ones. Lily can "help", but Thomas just screams. I'm toying with the idea of getting a mother's helper to come from like 4-5 each day just to watch them while I cook. That seems a bit ridiculous, though.
The absolute best part of my day is the half mile walk to and from Lily's preschool. Things are usually rushed and chaotic as we hurry to get out the door, but once we're out, everything changes. Part of the rush is so we can leave a little early and take our time on the walk. Smell flowers, crunch leaves, pet dogs and cats, and just chat with each other. Lily dances and sings and tells stories. Thomas babbles and coos and sometimes naps. The walk home is slower because she's more worn out, but she tells me all about her morning and usually makes elaborate plans for the afternoon. These walks are precious.
And between those two walks I have my little fat baby all to myself. Almost standing on his own, he's still so snugly and happy and round. Joe played a Pete Seeger song for me called Little Fat Baby, and it's now one of my favorites. If you have little people in your life, you need to download it right now. (I couldn't find it on YouTube, otherwise there would be a link here.) I can't believe he's ten months old already, and in know how fast they are going to keep passing by. These mornings are precious.
This week has reminded me that I am a mama who goes. We need to get out of the house for all of our well being, especially after nap time. I am grateful to have a nice park at the end of the block so when the late afternoon crazies arrive we can just swoop out the door for a quick romp and then start the dinner battle. I foresee many afternoon trips to the library and the conservatory in our future, if the weather ever turns colder.
And through all of this I'm trying to remember to enjoy some of it. It's not all fun, it's intense, and it's exhausting, but the days are so fleeting. I'm trying to hold onto the walks, and the mornings, and the moments of joy so that when the breakdowns and crankies take over, I don't get too overwhelmed. The opportunity to be such a big part of my children's lives will only come once. These days are precious.
...You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime...
The two hardest parts of our day are nap time and dinner prep. The trouble with nap time is the only way I can get them both to sleep is to drive. They both need to sleep at the same time, but they keep each other awake if they're in the same room ( but not the same car) and Lily won't lie down in bed by herself. We've finally got her staying in her own bed ALL night, but one of us has to sit in a chair next to her until she falls asleep. So I'm not really sure what to do other than drive for an hour and a half to two hours each day. That's getting a little expensive, but at least I get a chance to listen to some public radio, drink something caffeinated, and not be touched by anyone for a while.
Dinner time is a constant struggle. I really like to make real food, but that is really hard with two little ones. Lily can "help", but Thomas just screams. I'm toying with the idea of getting a mother's helper to come from like 4-5 each day just to watch them while I cook. That seems a bit ridiculous, though.
The absolute best part of my day is the half mile walk to and from Lily's preschool. Things are usually rushed and chaotic as we hurry to get out the door, but once we're out, everything changes. Part of the rush is so we can leave a little early and take our time on the walk. Smell flowers, crunch leaves, pet dogs and cats, and just chat with each other. Lily dances and sings and tells stories. Thomas babbles and coos and sometimes naps. The walk home is slower because she's more worn out, but she tells me all about her morning and usually makes elaborate plans for the afternoon. These walks are precious.
And between those two walks I have my little fat baby all to myself. Almost standing on his own, he's still so snugly and happy and round. Joe played a Pete Seeger song for me called Little Fat Baby, and it's now one of my favorites. If you have little people in your life, you need to download it right now. (I couldn't find it on YouTube, otherwise there would be a link here.) I can't believe he's ten months old already, and in know how fast they are going to keep passing by. These mornings are precious.
This week has reminded me that I am a mama who goes. We need to get out of the house for all of our well being, especially after nap time. I am grateful to have a nice park at the end of the block so when the late afternoon crazies arrive we can just swoop out the door for a quick romp and then start the dinner battle. I foresee many afternoon trips to the library and the conservatory in our future, if the weather ever turns colder.
And through all of this I'm trying to remember to enjoy some of it. It's not all fun, it's intense, and it's exhausting, but the days are so fleeting. I'm trying to hold onto the walks, and the mornings, and the moments of joy so that when the breakdowns and crankies take over, I don't get too overwhelmed. The opportunity to be such a big part of my children's lives will only come once. These days are precious.
...You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime...
No comments:
Post a Comment