Instead of BlogHer

August 09 2010 · comment 13 Comments
Posted in: Daily · Tags: , ,

I would have gladly taken a getaway to New York City this past weekend.

But instead of a plush hotel bed all to myself, I was shoved to the edge of ours by small feet in the back after finally getting all 3 kids to sleep without assistance, which required more maneuvering and luck than I can adequately express. Instead of drinks and belly laughs past 2 a.m. with a circle of good friends that I could have so desperately used, I was hoping that no one would wake up crying or barfing. Instead of days spent taking in the sights and sounds of a bustling city, I spent those days as the only referee stuck within these walls listening to repetitive demands and high pitched screaming and nonstop bickering. Instead of feeling revitalized, I’ve just about lost my mind.

Instead of taking some well deserved time for myself away from it all like so many blog-minded women were able to enjoy this past weekend, I was stuck in the middle of it. I spent Thursday through Sunday parenting solo while J was out of town for work.

I’m used to being the main parent for the majority of the day. However, we have a routine. There are a number of tasks J helps with that I normally take for granted, such as bedtimes and teeth brushing and baths and corralling everyone for dinner. I did buckle down and ask my parents to just give me a break already, but still. 3 kids by myself for over 3 days is exhausting.

Someone got screwed in this deal.

That someone was me. Though the kids haven’t fared so well, either.

Blur

August 06 2010 · comment 9 Comments
Posted in: The Kids · Tags: ,

Safety 1st

August 04 2010 · comment 18 Comments
Posted in: The Kids · Tags: ,

I’m sorry if you read this yesterday. I hit publish instead of save draft by accident.

My daughter is now 2 years old and it still gives me heart palpitations every time she climbs on the couch. I immediately worry that she’ll fall. Abby’s just so tiny and her balance still isn’t completely up to par and that’s my baby, darn it. Don’t hurt my baby.

I’ve been trying to let it go, however. Because now, I have greater worries. She’s been following in her brother’s footsteps again, right on top of tables.

I was on the phone with my mother a few days back when she not only scaled the living room table, but then began jumping on top of it. With phone in hand, I immediately sprang into action, swooping her off the slippery surface. “No, Abby! No, no, no!”, I scolded. Right in my mother’s ear. “Don’t do that again, you’ll get boo-boo’s!”

My mom has to love our phone conversations these days. Though it’s her fault for not understanding email.

No sooner did I put her down than Abby runs for the couch. I try to breathe and let it go, continuing our conversation. When I glance again, my daughter’s hopping from cushion to cushion on all four’s. Then bounces herself off with a splat to the floor. I screeched and lurched as fast as I could, but she still came away with her first fat lip. “Boo-boo’s, Abby! BOO-BOO’S!” Right in my mother’s ear.

If I could circle a moment in bold red marker it would be that, right there, that is why I should just invest in a toddler-sized bodysuit of bubble wrap.

The Roundup Gang

August 03 2010 · comment 13 Comments
Posted in: The Kids · Tags: , ,

There once was a boy who had a few favorite toys who leaped straight from of a movie. They were part of a group, a Roundup Gang they were called. A space ranger, a sheriff, sometimes a cowgirl, too, and their trusty kid keeping them in tow. They were friends for years.

Then one day, a tragic event ensued. The space ranger lost his head.

We tried to affix it back together with super glue, even duct tape a time or two. His top just wouldn’t adhere. Still, every now and then, the parts are handed off for another attempt to please make him whole again. But it isn’t any use.

It goes to show no matter how loved, a boy can be rough with his toys.

Sooner or later it was bound to occur when another limb would fall. This time, the boy ran in with the sheriff’s boot in his hand. It’s hard to chase down bad guys with only one pad, so we tried in vain to attach him again. Super glue, duct tape, the usual tools. But it wasn’t any use.

The boy didn’t mind, he didn’t care. He might have whined momentarily, wishing them the way they were. But a friend is still a friend, after all.

A space ranger without a head, a sheriff without his foot, each dirty with age and fingers chewed. The same boy and his favorite toys. Still the familiar Roundup Gang. Just not nearly as new.

Who Needs the Right Foot When You Have a Left?

August 02 2010 · comment 19 Comments
Posted in: Daily · Tags: ,

The beginning of the school year is growing near and we’ve begun getting Jedi ready in an attempt to start off on the right foot. This involves a lot of primping. Yesterday was spent shopping for clothes. Then, we brought him in to Salón de Casa for a haircut. In other words, we chopped it ourselves.

We purchased a hair-cutting kit a few months back. It seemed easy enough and a lot cheaper in the long run than visiting a salon for every trim. This past weekend was our second attempt at shearing the boy’s strands. Which means we may have gotten a bit cocky with the equipment.

All was going well at first. A simple buzz through with the razor and accompanied length attachment makes the job almost idiot proof. Until I starting thinking we were the next step to professionals.

“There’s an ear-trimming attachment here. We didn’t use it last time and the hair around his ears bothered me. Why don’t we try it?”, I suggested to J. Famous last words.

Really, it didn’t come out that bad. If you don’t pay any attention to the giant bald spot on the left side of his head, anyway. I’m sure it can be covered up with a hat. Or big pretty bow. Maybe he’ll start a new trend for the elementary set. I’m just hoping it grows back a bit in the few weeks left before school starts.

On the plus side, there’s no hair around his ears to bother me now.