As a mom to 4 kids, age 3 and under, I often daydream about what boredom would feel like these days. I remember when I was younger, I'd often complain to my mom in a whiny voice that "I was bored" and she always had a look on her face that I never understood- until now. The look was pure amazement that someone could complain about not having anything to do. I don't think it's possible to understand how "head spinningly busy" life can get until you yourself have children. I longingly stare at my pile of magazines and wonder when I'll have time to sit down and read them. Heck, just sitting down some days would be nice!
Here's an average morning around our home.
From between the hours 3am- 9:15am:
Emma wakes up for an early morning "snack" anytime between 3 and 5am. After 20 minutes, she's fast asleep again and I head back to bed.
At 6am, Ethan is awake and starts playing relatively quietly with his dinosaurs and books. After a few minutes he heads into our room to give us a morning kiss then asks permission to go downstairs to play with his trains. We incoherently mumble something in our sleep that sounds like a "yes" and off he goes. On a good day, Kaitlyn and Kylie play "nicely" together in their room until 6:30 or 7am at which time they start knocking on the door and calling for Mommy & Daddy to come open their door. Then the craziness begins.....
Trying to dressing 3 squirming 3 year olds who think they can dress themselves without help is no easy feat.... First off- who knew 3 year old girls could already have a sense of fashion? Given the opportunity, Kaitlyn & Kylie would wear dresses every day. I usually offer them 2 options for clothes for days we are home all day. Days I work- they get what I give them- because we need to get out of the house quickly. They always pick out their own undies thought because that's a very important fashion statement apparently. At their babysitter's house they proudly announce to the other girls' there who they are wearing....that's a post in itself for the future.
Ethan doesn't care what he wears, he's so laid back- and he's always more than happy to let us dress him.
Then it's on to breakfast- apparently the kids think we have no clue about what needs to happen here....... They all put in their breakfast orders- Kaitlyn chooses cold cereal- Cheerios or Raisin Bran, Ethan & Kylie choose oatmeal- everyday the same choices but yet everyday they need to think about it for a moment when asked. Once they have poured their cereal or oatmeal in bowls- they start chanting for milk and hot water..... then they chant for orange juice- and most days, more orange juice. I've never seen kids drink as fast they do! One cup of juice is gone in the time it takes me to pour someone else's first glass. Then on to the chewies aka vitamins, and then the fluoride. They still open their mouths like baby birds much like they did when they were babies- another fun post for another day.....
While they are eating if Emma isn't awake yet and needing to be fed, I try to get a load of laundry folded to make room in the dryer for the next load that is inevitably sitting in the washing machine. Quite honestly, I can't remember when the last time was that our washing machine was empty. My dryer should have a revolving door. Of course, I'm also a referee for the numerous arguments that take place over breakfast...... who's turn is it to pick a movie? who's turn is it to go shopping with Mommy? Ethan pooped in his pull-up- no he didn't, yes he did, no he didn't, yes he did- fine let Mommy smell him and clear up that debate once and for all. Once my judicial duties are over and the kids are washed up and the table is cleared, it's on to Emma.
Apparently, it is no longer my responsibility to feed her her breakfast-it's Kaitlyn's. She picks out the color spoon we'll use, she requests the fruit that will best complement Emma's rice cereal, and she pouts when I start feeding Emma because it's her turn to feed her. Usually, I let Kaitlyn take over halfway through and I finish cleaning the kitchen and make my coffee. Correction- Kaitlyn makes my coffee. I often wonder who the adult is around here- I'm still trying to break it to Kate that I am! Oh well, she has a bright future ahead of her as a barista at Starbucks which is fine with me so long as she shares her employee discount with dear ol' mom.
By the time my latte is ready, Ethan and Kylie are fighting over one thing or another. Desperate for a little bit of silence which I haven't had for about 2 hours now, I send them to opposite ends of the house. Somehow they then both end up having to go potty at the same time and want to wash their hands at the same time and want to weigh themselves at the same time.....
The next time I look at the clock it's 9:15am and my latte is cold.
