Oh.My.Gosh.
I can't believe that, in the days leading up to Christmas, I thought that perhaps I hadn't bought enough. Our family room looks like a picked over Walmart on Black Friday. One cannot walk without stepping on some form of molded plastic. And the batteries...my God the batteries. I keep thinking I need to own stock in Duracell. I own all the batteries they ever made. And I'll just keep on buying. And buying. And buying.
We spend a lot of time with our television. This is an important thing to know before you proceed here. This year we saw that AMC decided to air a "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" marathon--against TBS's "A Christmas Story". In my book Christmas Eve is about 2 things. Watching "It's a Wonderful Life" and then quickly switching the channel in time to see Ralphie nearly shoot his eye out for the first time in a twenty-four hour cycle. I love "NLCV" so much that I can very nearly recite it if the sound died on my tv, but my girls have started to enjoy "A Christmas Story" this year. I felt goosebumps when A recognized what movie it was! They keep asking what soap tastes like and why Ralphie's mom made him eat it. Hubby and I explained that since Ralphie was "sassy" he had to have his mouth washed out. **all the while praying that during the tire-changing scene they didn't ask any further questions!!
My point is that this movie, along with a host of other things (Stauffer's lasagna, Mom's egg casserole, socks with monkeys--or in this special case--socks without monkeys) has become part of the tightly woven fabric of our family Christmas. I have spent way too many brain cells on comparing my family's Christmas to others' celebrations that in some ways I've failed to see what really matters. We have a heck of a good time on Christmas. I really do dream of the day when Christmas dinner is served on fine china (and not dollar store paper plates) and the food on said China is a melt-in-your-mouth-beef-tenderloin (and not a frozen meal from aisle 7) but for now, I'll take it. TV and all.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
I'm Back--For Now
It has been a while since I've sat down and allowed myself the luxury of blogging. A lot has been going on and I regret I haven't written more. As things happen around me I often am inspired to write, though with the blur of kids and mess and glitter glue, I seldom do just that. Then the moment passes. Ugh!!! I really hate that feeling. Then I don't write. Then I think maybe it's not worth writing. Then a month and a half passes.
This fall has been eventful and fun, though not without its lowpoints. A is having anxieties over some things, mainly dogs and stage fright. The dog-worries have ME really worried. We haven't yet sought outside help, but we have enlisted A's guidance counselor at school, and family and friends as well. I very clearly remember being awakened one night months ago because A had a bad dream that dogs were biting her. I didn't think much of it at the time, just kissed her, tucked her in and promised her it was just a silly dream. Soon after that the anxiety began. She would avoid going outside if a neighbor's dog was out, walking to the bus stop got to be just plain painful--for me and her! To date we almost exclusively drive. Up until this past week our friends Andrea and Anna brought A back from the bus in the afternoons. I could tell they would soon be on my porch because I could hear A's screams of terror. Not because a dog came up to her, simply because she saw a dog. Even if it was leashed and on the other side of the street! Mrs. B at school has been helpful, sending home cute coloring pages of dogs and talking with A about her fears. I do think we're seeing some minor improvements. It all starts with baby steps I guess!
This fall has also brought change to my own life, as the season of a friendship came to an end. What a hard decision that was. I've been blessed in my life not to have ever had to endure a bad breakup--until now. It was, at first, like I had lost a limb--something that was always there had simply disappeared. Little by little though the sun shined a little brighter and I realized I was feeling something new: relief. It still breaks my heart that it happened at all, but I've come to accept it as the right decision. I'm still having the occasional bad day over it, but they are fewer and farther between.
As a parenting team, Hubby and I work pretty well together I think. This fall, however, has tested our limits. Why?? Quite simply: The Bean. C's nickname is The Bean--or Wa Bean, as we call her in Hubby's family. She has decided that this fall was the time to make a name for herself, carve out a little niche just for her, earn herself some street cred. She is, quite simply, tiring. To quote from one of my favorite children's book series, (Olivia by Ian Falconer) "...(she) wear(s) me out." We always joke that her pig tails hide her horns. Thank God she is cute--its the only reason we keep her around. That and the hugs. And the way she can't yet say "r's". "Mommy, is Bennett my bruh-vah?" "Yes, Honey, Bennett is your bruh-vah" I answer back. Geez I love that. Oh--and she is funny...we also keep her around for that. Her favorite joke?? It's a Beanie original: Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the uh-vah side so he could poop and pee. Potty humor--she will purposely walk into a bathroom and start shouting "Poop and Pee, Poop and Pee, I can say dat because I'm in the baff-room." I just think it's kind of neat that she knows that Potty Humor is funny. It's not a learned thing--she just gets it. (And it IS funny) OK, it's official. We'll keep her. For now.
B is doing great....(how is that for a segue?). We continue to see Mary Pat with Infants and Toddlers and he continues to cruise and crawl and get into things. He smiles a lot and is just a dream of a baby. Very happy, very content. Happy baby + full nights of sleeping = Happy Mommy. He continues to be adored by both A and C, in addition to our many friends and family members. B is (on this very day) now eleven months old and just a few weeks ago we were called back to Kennedy Krieger for his ten-month follow up testing. I wasn't surprised to hear that he behind in speech and language skills, but I was surprised to find out just how much that shook me. I knew going in he is sort of a quiet baby, and they confirmed that he is indeed about 2-3 months behind. I called Hubby on the way home and talked to him about it. It shocked him not at all and he was quick to talk me off of the ledge I was building in my mind. We are both thrilled with B's development--and we are equally thrilled to still be participating in this groundbreaking research at Kennedy Krieger with Dr. Landa's team. I just have to remember that part of the process is that they are very thorough AND aggressive with recommending early intervention. (thanks to Chris Hess at KKI for reminding me of that :) ) When I returned home that day I contacted Mary Pat and requested an extra visit in December and further requested adding special education/communication education to our IFSP.
While all of this has been going on we've also been in communication with Sharon, the writer from People Magazine. (yes, still my all time favorite publication!!). The story looks like it could be in a January issue. This could be timely as the CDC is announcing that the incidence of Autism in children is going from 1:150 to 1:100. If one family reads the story and begins early intervention as a result of our story, I would be ecstatic. One of the things Sharon and I spoke about this week was my experiences with other parents who eschew early intervention merely because of it being on a child's "Permanent Record." One parent told me that she sought speech therapy through a school system--but declined it when she was told it fell under the umbrella of "Special Education." I don't know how to get the word out effectively enough--early intervention matters!! It is crucial if there is any doubt, whatsoever, that your child isn't hitting important milestones. This goes further than just looking for Autism, but for any developmental problem. Fears and worries are keeping kids from getting the care and attention they need and deserve. Baby steps, Teri, baby steps. We'll get there. Someday.
As I conclude this (very long) entry this evening, I find myself looking back on a truly remarkable and lifechanging year. The year began with me becoming the Mom of three, giving birth to my first boy and my last child. What a joy he is! The year has had plenty of ups, and, sadly, some downs, but it has been a good year. As we begin this week of Christmas I continue to be thankful for how truly abundant my life is and how blessed I am to be surrounded by good people who love me and my little family of five. The year will end, and a new one will begin, and I can't wait to see what it holds for us.
Have a happy and healthy holiday season & the best wishes for the happiest of new years.
This fall has been eventful and fun, though not without its lowpoints. A is having anxieties over some things, mainly dogs and stage fright. The dog-worries have ME really worried. We haven't yet sought outside help, but we have enlisted A's guidance counselor at school, and family and friends as well. I very clearly remember being awakened one night months ago because A had a bad dream that dogs were biting her. I didn't think much of it at the time, just kissed her, tucked her in and promised her it was just a silly dream. Soon after that the anxiety began. She would avoid going outside if a neighbor's dog was out, walking to the bus stop got to be just plain painful--for me and her! To date we almost exclusively drive. Up until this past week our friends Andrea and Anna brought A back from the bus in the afternoons. I could tell they would soon be on my porch because I could hear A's screams of terror. Not because a dog came up to her, simply because she saw a dog. Even if it was leashed and on the other side of the street! Mrs. B at school has been helpful, sending home cute coloring pages of dogs and talking with A about her fears. I do think we're seeing some minor improvements. It all starts with baby steps I guess!
This fall has also brought change to my own life, as the season of a friendship came to an end. What a hard decision that was. I've been blessed in my life not to have ever had to endure a bad breakup--until now. It was, at first, like I had lost a limb--something that was always there had simply disappeared. Little by little though the sun shined a little brighter and I realized I was feeling something new: relief. It still breaks my heart that it happened at all, but I've come to accept it as the right decision. I'm still having the occasional bad day over it, but they are fewer and farther between.
As a parenting team, Hubby and I work pretty well together I think. This fall, however, has tested our limits. Why?? Quite simply: The Bean. C's nickname is The Bean--or Wa Bean, as we call her in Hubby's family. She has decided that this fall was the time to make a name for herself, carve out a little niche just for her, earn herself some street cred. She is, quite simply, tiring. To quote from one of my favorite children's book series, (Olivia by Ian Falconer) "...(she) wear(s) me out." We always joke that her pig tails hide her horns. Thank God she is cute--its the only reason we keep her around. That and the hugs. And the way she can't yet say "r's". "Mommy, is Bennett my bruh-vah?" "Yes, Honey, Bennett is your bruh-vah" I answer back. Geez I love that. Oh--and she is funny...we also keep her around for that. Her favorite joke?? It's a Beanie original: Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the uh-vah side so he could poop and pee. Potty humor--she will purposely walk into a bathroom and start shouting "Poop and Pee, Poop and Pee, I can say dat because I'm in the baff-room." I just think it's kind of neat that she knows that Potty Humor is funny. It's not a learned thing--she just gets it. (And it IS funny) OK, it's official. We'll keep her. For now.
B is doing great....(how is that for a segue?). We continue to see Mary Pat with Infants and Toddlers and he continues to cruise and crawl and get into things. He smiles a lot and is just a dream of a baby. Very happy, very content. Happy baby + full nights of sleeping = Happy Mommy. He continues to be adored by both A and C, in addition to our many friends and family members. B is (on this very day) now eleven months old and just a few weeks ago we were called back to Kennedy Krieger for his ten-month follow up testing. I wasn't surprised to hear that he behind in speech and language skills, but I was surprised to find out just how much that shook me. I knew going in he is sort of a quiet baby, and they confirmed that he is indeed about 2-3 months behind. I called Hubby on the way home and talked to him about it. It shocked him not at all and he was quick to talk me off of the ledge I was building in my mind. We are both thrilled with B's development--and we are equally thrilled to still be participating in this groundbreaking research at Kennedy Krieger with Dr. Landa's team. I just have to remember that part of the process is that they are very thorough AND aggressive with recommending early intervention. (thanks to Chris Hess at KKI for reminding me of that :) ) When I returned home that day I contacted Mary Pat and requested an extra visit in December and further requested adding special education/communication education to our IFSP.
While all of this has been going on we've also been in communication with Sharon, the writer from People Magazine. (yes, still my all time favorite publication!!). The story looks like it could be in a January issue. This could be timely as the CDC is announcing that the incidence of Autism in children is going from 1:150 to 1:100. If one family reads the story and begins early intervention as a result of our story, I would be ecstatic. One of the things Sharon and I spoke about this week was my experiences with other parents who eschew early intervention merely because of it being on a child's "Permanent Record." One parent told me that she sought speech therapy through a school system--but declined it when she was told it fell under the umbrella of "Special Education." I don't know how to get the word out effectively enough--early intervention matters!! It is crucial if there is any doubt, whatsoever, that your child isn't hitting important milestones. This goes further than just looking for Autism, but for any developmental problem. Fears and worries are keeping kids from getting the care and attention they need and deserve. Baby steps, Teri, baby steps. We'll get there. Someday.
As I conclude this (very long) entry this evening, I find myself looking back on a truly remarkable and lifechanging year. The year began with me becoming the Mom of three, giving birth to my first boy and my last child. What a joy he is! The year has had plenty of ups, and, sadly, some downs, but it has been a good year. As we begin this week of Christmas I continue to be thankful for how truly abundant my life is and how blessed I am to be surrounded by good people who love me and my little family of five. The year will end, and a new one will begin, and I can't wait to see what it holds for us.
Have a happy and healthy holiday season & the best wishes for the happiest of new years.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Update on B's Infants & Toddlers visits
We have now had several visits with Mary Pat, our Physical Therapist with the Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers Program. She has been here three times and each time has been blown away by B's progress. We really haven't seen any of the head-lag that he demonstrated at our Kennedy Krieger eval a few months back, and some of the flat-foot concerns that were demonstrated and the initial I & T eval have all but gone away too. Mary Pat has noted that Ben keeps his toes curled up a lot of the time, like while he's sitting on the floor, and we just try to help him relax those little piggies. The biggest thing that has changed since my initial blog post about B is that he is crawling. Everywhere. He had been doing the "Army Crawl" for the longest time and about a week or so ago he began "actual" crawling. It's adorable...and I guess I'm wrapped up in it so much because he's my last baby and all, but man--I had forgotten just how dangerous it is to have a crawling, very mobile baby and a (insert dangerous object here.) The biggest danger is the fireplace. We've had a bump or three from that! The other thing that is hard, now that our basement is finished...well, refinished, is the steps. With A and C coming and going from the basement playroom the door gets left open. Ugh...electrical outlets, electrical cords, doors, bricks, oh my. We have some IKEA bookcases in our family room and basement that have managed to leave straight line red marks on B's forehead. He doesn't seem phased by it of course. People keep telling me this is what having a boy is like. Bumps, scrapes, and bruises. Bumps, scrapes, bruises. I'll take that.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Can't We Just Fit It All In?
In my ongoing attempt to both lose weight and get in better shape, I've decided to try to get on my treadmill for 20 minutes a day. So far (two days in) I'm at 100%. Whoo-freakin-hoo for me!!! Yesterday I managed my 20 minutes while shouting at C to 'stay away from the wires.' She kept asking me, "Mommy, where are you going?" Today I got to 30 minutes. Hubby had taken C to preschool today so after the bus stop for A, I walked home and put B to bed and hopped on the treadmill. I caught an episode of Golden Girls--a real classic, the one where Blanche finds out her brother is gay--and got in 30 minutes before I even noticed! What I did notice, however, was that I was sweating like a pig. P.I.G. Heck, I was probably sweating more than a pig!! (It is fair to note here that I have no technical knowledge as to the sweat or non-sweat habits of actual pigs) B was still catching his zzz's so I jumped in the shower. By the time I finished the quick shower, dried my hair and got dressed I had just enough time to squeeze in a quick phonecall before I had to wake B up, change is disgustingly grotesque diaper, and hit the road to go get C from preschool. All in all this was a great morning! I had time to exercise, the baby got his rest, C was at preschool, life was grand. What I find hard to take, though, is this: Because I spent most of my "free" time exercising and recovering from the sweating-like-a-pig part of the exercising I wasn't able to complete other tasks that are best done while the children are sleeping, at school, or otherwise very occupied. Things like calling insurance companies, paying bills, scrubbing dirty toilets, filling out field trip permission slips. As much as I'm thrilled about finding the time to take care of ME, I'm entirely bummed that it means I have to work harder at finding the time to fit in the other very necessary tasks that fall well within my job description. I called Hubby at some point this morning just to see how his day was going and his answer was a good one. He said if his morning just had a few extra hours in it, it would've been perfect. How true that is!! In a way it made me feel better--that it wasn't just the madly insane housewife/SAHM part of me that simply couldn't handle things, that Hubby too had these time issues that prevented him from completing all of his important duties too. More than that though, it still just bummed me out. I sit here this evening worrying that I won't be able to get it all in tomorrow. Will I be happy and well adjusted Mommy who makes the time for her own needs, or will I be the productive do-it-all Mommy who finds time for anything and everything but herself? Why does it have to be either/or?? Can't I just fit in ALL in? Just this once...
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Holy Crap, I Have a First Grader!
Somehow--I'm not quite sure how--I became the Mom of a First Grader. Seems like just yesterday there was 2 feet of snow outside my house and I was laying on the sofa just praying that labor would hold off another few days. (of course that wouldn't happen...that's how she got one of her cute nicknames, "The Blizzard Baby.")
Where has the time gone?
While I remember my own Kindergarten year --I really remember First Grade. I remember my teacher that year, Mrs. Mann. (this was always a source of concern for me...her name was Mrs. Mann, yet clearly she was a very nice lady!) I remember that when we did really good work we got a unicorn stamp on our work packets. We made handprints in plaster and then they got painted gold. Did I mention the unicorn stamps?? I remember that Mrs. Mann wanted us all to go to bed by 8:00pm because kids needed a good night's rest. (I must've retained something...my own kids get 12 hours each night!!)
I can't wait to see what this year holds for A. Seeing it through her eyes, remembering what it looked like through my own so many (many) years ago, and knowing that I still get to re-live the First Grade two more times down the road!
Where has the time gone?
While I remember my own Kindergarten year --I really remember First Grade. I remember my teacher that year, Mrs. Mann. (this was always a source of concern for me...her name was Mrs. Mann, yet clearly she was a very nice lady!) I remember that when we did really good work we got a unicorn stamp on our work packets. We made handprints in plaster and then they got painted gold. Did I mention the unicorn stamps?? I remember that Mrs. Mann wanted us all to go to bed by 8:00pm because kids needed a good night's rest. (I must've retained something...my own kids get 12 hours each night!!)
I can't wait to see what this year holds for A. Seeing it through her eyes, remembering what it looked like through my own so many (many) years ago, and knowing that I still get to re-live the First Grade two more times down the road!
Infants & Toddlers (Birth-to-Three) Eval for Baby B
Today was the evaluation appointment for B. I was a little worried that I'd picked a bad time since the appointment was at 9:00am and A had to get on the bus (at the end of the street) at 8:50. As things normally do, it worked out fine, and we were home with time (1 minute, 48 seconds) to spare. We had a RN and a Physical Therapist here doing the evaluation and they did play-based testing on B's social, language, cognitive, and adaptive skills, as well as both gross and fine motor. At this point B is 7 months old. The findings from all of their testing were very positive and reassuring--he is testing in the normal range for all skills, but he does have some atypical development in his neck and shoulder muscles, as well as some tip-toe standing when held up. This fact qualifies us for services through Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers. They will also monitor his receptive language skills, since that was an area of concern a few weeks ago when he was evaluated by Dr. Landa and other researchers at Kennedy Krieger. If a delay were to evolve where that is concerned we would be seen here at home by a special educator, in addition to the Physical Therapist.
I have to laugh though--so many times when we as parents have concerns we call a doctor or ask a professional for advice, and then the same day the child ends up doing, independently, the task that just a day ago seemed impossible. This happened today...one of the questions I was asked was whether or not B drinks his bottle by himself. My answer was no--but late this afternoon he surprised me by swigging an ounce or so all by himself. (To which C exclaimed, "Yook, Benno is feeding him own self.") Ahh...a good day.
I have to laugh though--so many times when we as parents have concerns we call a doctor or ask a professional for advice, and then the same day the child ends up doing, independently, the task that just a day ago seemed impossible. This happened today...one of the questions I was asked was whether or not B drinks his bottle by himself. My answer was no--but late this afternoon he surprised me by swigging an ounce or so all by himself. (To which C exclaimed, "Yook, Benno is feeding him own self.") Ahh...a good day.
Could You Make Mine Sans Crust?
Ahhh...it's been too long!!
I have been laughing at myself lately, thinking of things that I used to swear I wouldn't do--or wouldn't let my kids do--as a parent.
Let's see...well, first there is the whole pacifier thing. (in our house that would be a 'cork' thing) A was pretty good about the whole cork situation. Once we made the decision that it would be bedtime only--it was as good as done. One night we just didn't offer them and we never looked back. It was great--we felt success as parents. Yay...we broke her of that awful habit!!! Yeah--who the hell were we kidding?? C takes this whole 'cork' situation, well, really freakin' seriously! They are not only her corks, (yeah--we're talking multiples here) they are C's "guys." Why, you ask, are they her "guys?" Well duh--doesn't EVERY 3 year old girl use her "guys" as Little People in the doll house? Anytime they are lost I am nearly guaranteed to find them hiding in one of the two dollhouses in her room. Ugh...I always joke that she won't go down the aisle with her "guys" but I'm starting to get a little afraid! One of the guys, the orange and green one, is held together, I suspect, by pieces of DNA or perhaps boogers. Not sure which--but it also is her favorite guy. Seriously?? Yeah--seriously. Way back in the day I worked in a daycare center, with 3 year olds by the way, and a few of them slept with 3 or 4 pacifiers at naptime. I used to be so disgusted--thinking horrible thoughts about the parents of these little beasts. Ha...joke's on me now, isn't it??
The other thing that always got me was kids who wouldn't eat crusts. I've been known to leave crusts on my plate--but to go that extra step and have them cut off??? Ugh--no way, seemed like a silly detail to me. Lately, little Miss C, has started asking for the crusts to be cut off of her sandwiches. Well--that's the sandwiches she'll eat--by the day that number is dwindling. I swear once we're out of blueberry season we may be out of luck on feeding her entirely. Anyway--back to this whole crust business. I really do have a point ;)
We recently were on vacation at the lake--and while I truly am in my blissful glory (most of the time)when I'm there--it is pure hell getting ready to go and getting ready to come home. Packing up my kids and our stuff, whether it is for one night or 10, is mind-numbing, hard work. Plus there are all of these last minute things that I can't pack up ahead of time--like B's crib aquarium, or C's corks. What if I forget a favorite book? ugh...I am getting tense just thinking about this!! On the other end of the trip is this same dilemma--the packing up and going home. Only this time it's improved upon--we've added dirty laundry to the equation! Seriously--this sucks!! This got me thinking about the whole crusts-off-the sandwich routine. The middle of the sandwich really IS the best part you know...especially if you think about a good one, like PB&J! The middle is where the big glop of peanut butter is, and all around it is the oozy goodness of the jelly. Whats on the edges?? Nothing but dried peanut butter and if you're lucky a little purple smear. Once we were on vacation a few days, things got good--really good. Kids were sleeping well at night, we fell into a nice nap routine, great weather (that was luck!), and fun activities with Pappy & Grandma, too. Even going to the few restaurants we did was great! Then came, cue up the 'dum-dum-dum-dum' music, the final day. Between packing the suitcases, packing the cold stuff to go home, and getting the kids in the car, and trying to do so at a time when B would sleep and A & C will at least be quiet....well--that was just impossible. As it turned out--it wasn't THAT bad a drive home. Hubby took his place behind the wheel--I took my designated spot too, behind the driver seat, next to B, and well within snack-reach for A & C. Shockingly, we made it home in three hours. In one piece, I might add! We survived, and we even *gasp* enjoyed ourselves!!! Success feels so good.
I'd still just like mine sans crusts. please.
I have been laughing at myself lately, thinking of things that I used to swear I wouldn't do--or wouldn't let my kids do--as a parent.
Let's see...well, first there is the whole pacifier thing. (in our house that would be a 'cork' thing) A was pretty good about the whole cork situation. Once we made the decision that it would be bedtime only--it was as good as done. One night we just didn't offer them and we never looked back. It was great--we felt success as parents. Yay...we broke her of that awful habit!!! Yeah--who the hell were we kidding?? C takes this whole 'cork' situation, well, really freakin' seriously! They are not only her corks, (yeah--we're talking multiples here) they are C's "guys." Why, you ask, are they her "guys?" Well duh--doesn't EVERY 3 year old girl use her "guys" as Little People in the doll house? Anytime they are lost I am nearly guaranteed to find them hiding in one of the two dollhouses in her room. Ugh...I always joke that she won't go down the aisle with her "guys" but I'm starting to get a little afraid! One of the guys, the orange and green one, is held together, I suspect, by pieces of DNA or perhaps boogers. Not sure which--but it also is her favorite guy. Seriously?? Yeah--seriously. Way back in the day I worked in a daycare center, with 3 year olds by the way, and a few of them slept with 3 or 4 pacifiers at naptime. I used to be so disgusted--thinking horrible thoughts about the parents of these little beasts. Ha...joke's on me now, isn't it??
The other thing that always got me was kids who wouldn't eat crusts. I've been known to leave crusts on my plate--but to go that extra step and have them cut off??? Ugh--no way, seemed like a silly detail to me. Lately, little Miss C, has started asking for the crusts to be cut off of her sandwiches. Well--that's the sandwiches she'll eat--by the day that number is dwindling. I swear once we're out of blueberry season we may be out of luck on feeding her entirely. Anyway--back to this whole crust business. I really do have a point ;)
We recently were on vacation at the lake--and while I truly am in my blissful glory (most of the time)when I'm there--it is pure hell getting ready to go and getting ready to come home. Packing up my kids and our stuff, whether it is for one night or 10, is mind-numbing, hard work. Plus there are all of these last minute things that I can't pack up ahead of time--like B's crib aquarium, or C's corks. What if I forget a favorite book? ugh...I am getting tense just thinking about this!! On the other end of the trip is this same dilemma--the packing up and going home. Only this time it's improved upon--we've added dirty laundry to the equation! Seriously--this sucks!! This got me thinking about the whole crusts-off-the sandwich routine. The middle of the sandwich really IS the best part you know...especially if you think about a good one, like PB&J! The middle is where the big glop of peanut butter is, and all around it is the oozy goodness of the jelly. Whats on the edges?? Nothing but dried peanut butter and if you're lucky a little purple smear. Once we were on vacation a few days, things got good--really good. Kids were sleeping well at night, we fell into a nice nap routine, great weather (that was luck!), and fun activities with Pappy & Grandma, too. Even going to the few restaurants we did was great! Then came, cue up the 'dum-dum-dum-dum' music, the final day. Between packing the suitcases, packing the cold stuff to go home, and getting the kids in the car, and trying to do so at a time when B would sleep and A & C will at least be quiet....well--that was just impossible. As it turned out--it wasn't THAT bad a drive home. Hubby took his place behind the wheel--I took my designated spot too, behind the driver seat, next to B, and well within snack-reach for A & C. Shockingly, we made it home in three hours. In one piece, I might add! We survived, and we even *gasp* enjoyed ourselves!!! Success feels so good.
I'd still just like mine sans crusts. please.
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