So many mishaps happen with my littles. Some I can laugh about, some I want to forget... Like the time on vacation when Reagan stripped off her diaper and there was a tiny little round poopie that got stuck to the bottom of her foot, and she ground it into the carpet. Yeah, let's forget that.
Maybe the time at food lion when she insisted on walking, we were getting through the check out and she decided she wanted to run through the automatic doors. I chase after her, leaving my cart full of groceries, with Anna attached to my back out the store. People stared. No joke.
How about today, when my back is a bit sore from hovering over a one year old at the splash pad in fear of her skinning her knee (Rea got a pretty good boo boo), I may have been resting my eyes for like 20 seconds tops. Reagan exclaims, "oh mommy, my hands dirty!" I look at her, yeah her hands are dirty and so is her face from her nose to her chin from ear to ear, and all of her mouth full of teeth. She was chewing a black crayon. Awesome! I took her in the bathroom to wash up, got her hands clean, while I went to the closet to get a washcloth (3 steps from the bathroom), Anna threw a board book in the potty and was trying to get it out. OMG! Deep breath! I can laugh about it!
There are days I want to hide in the pantry and eat a box of chocolate chip cookies. If I come out with a cookie, I won't even get a bite before I hear a whine for "some!" I absolutely love being home with my girls despite all the craziness, and I know in a few weeks, I will be dealing with the crazies and working too. So, for now, I will choose to laugh at the moments that make me pull my hair out. There is nothing like the adventures that are motherhood.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Mishaps & Adventures
So, the past few weeks with a newly celebrated 2 year old and my sweet baby who is quickly becoming a toddler has been quite adventurous. Reagan had some strange belly problems that I truly believe were caused by stress. Her teacher had taken some time off and by the second week of surprise teachers, she was sick of it literally.
Well, that led to a week of being home every other day with a pitiful princess, who was selectively pitiful just at times where it seemed her mommy might leave her. She napped a lot, though, and in the middle of one of our days at home, I left a sleeping baby on the couch to change my smaller one's diaper. I came back to see Reagan in the playroom munching on something. Sniffing her breath, I was able to figure out she had gotten her brother's allergy pill and vitamin off the kitchen table where he'd left it by accident at breakfast.
My heart raced. I frantically found his prescription bottle, called the pharmacy, and was assured she was fine. Regardless, I was still frazzled. We loaded up the car and went to buy mommy a classy box of wine.
My time with the babies has been stretched thin lately. We have to multitask together. David works crazy hours and sometimes I feel like I, we, are all running in different circles. Last week we had kindergarten screening, I rushed to get the girls, not taking my second milk making time, only to remember we needed groceries. It was 5 before I got Reagan in the cart, Anna in the carrier and all of us in the supermarket. I was certainly feeling like I missed a pump, Anna was ready to eat, I am not one to nurse in public, but Anna pawed her way to her favorite tap, I snapped up the hood of the carrier. Fed my baby and grocery shopped with my two year old grabbing every box of Dora fruit snacks into the cart. No one noticed or cared and I felt super empowered. It was a much needed feeling after being away from my babies all day and knowing we wouldn't walk in the door for the first time until well after 6. Not to mention, the massive mommy fail I had with my stressed out princess the week before.
The past few weeks have been difficult in my professional life, over tiring to say the least. When I get exhausted and stressed, I certainly start questioning my parenting abilities as well. The countdown to summer is on, but I may need a larger wine glass until then!
Well, that led to a week of being home every other day with a pitiful princess, who was selectively pitiful just at times where it seemed her mommy might leave her. She napped a lot, though, and in the middle of one of our days at home, I left a sleeping baby on the couch to change my smaller one's diaper. I came back to see Reagan in the playroom munching on something. Sniffing her breath, I was able to figure out she had gotten her brother's allergy pill and vitamin off the kitchen table where he'd left it by accident at breakfast.
My heart raced. I frantically found his prescription bottle, called the pharmacy, and was assured she was fine. Regardless, I was still frazzled. We loaded up the car and went to buy mommy a classy box of wine.
My time with the babies has been stretched thin lately. We have to multitask together. David works crazy hours and sometimes I feel like I, we, are all running in different circles. Last week we had kindergarten screening, I rushed to get the girls, not taking my second milk making time, only to remember we needed groceries. It was 5 before I got Reagan in the cart, Anna in the carrier and all of us in the supermarket. I was certainly feeling like I missed a pump, Anna was ready to eat, I am not one to nurse in public, but Anna pawed her way to her favorite tap, I snapped up the hood of the carrier. Fed my baby and grocery shopped with my two year old grabbing every box of Dora fruit snacks into the cart. No one noticed or cared and I felt super empowered. It was a much needed feeling after being away from my babies all day and knowing we wouldn't walk in the door for the first time until well after 6. Not to mention, the massive mommy fail I had with my stressed out princess the week before.
The past few weeks have been difficult in my professional life, over tiring to say the least. When I get exhausted and stressed, I certainly start questioning my parenting abilities as well. The countdown to summer is on, but I may need a larger wine glass until then!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
A Sick Day
For the first time in a very long time, I am home alone. It took a fever and an insistent husband, but the girls are at daycare and I am finally starting to feel a little better. I miss my babies, I hated using a sick day for myself instead of for them, but I have kinda liked hanging out alone!
I took a nap, drank some pop, pumped, took a shower, drank a smoothie, washed bottles, and am about to go get the babies. I imagine when my appetite comes back, I'll be hungry, but my poor throat!
I'm looking forward to my mom visiting and helping with the girls for the weekend. Hoping the rest of the family stays well. Sometimes mommy has to get sick in order to remember that she's a person separate from her littles! They are my world, but if I feel like poop I certainly can't be the mommy they deserve.
I took a nap, drank some pop, pumped, took a shower, drank a smoothie, washed bottles, and am about to go get the babies. I imagine when my appetite comes back, I'll be hungry, but my poor throat!
I'm looking forward to my mom visiting and helping with the girls for the weekend. Hoping the rest of the family stays well. Sometimes mommy has to get sick in order to remember that she's a person separate from her littles! They are my world, but if I feel like poop I certainly can't be the mommy they deserve.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Ramblings of an overworked, overtired mommy
I'm a firm believer in no one can understand what you are going through unless they've done it. I'm not quick to make parallels or make assumptions between my life and anyone else's, but gosh darn it I am so darn tired. I think I probably do more than most Americans do in a day before 7. Let me just say this is all about me. I'm not adding in what anyone else does in my household, because I cannot make assumptions about their lives and schedules. Especially the girls, all Reagan talks about is Minnie Mouse and Elmo and last time I checked they weren't doing the laundry.
So I cosleep with my child who uses me as a pacifier. I know she does it, maybe I should let her cry it out. I work all day. I'm away from my own children ALL day. If I want that snuggle time, guess what, it's mine! So, I get, on a great night about 5 hours sleep. That's my own doing, but this is my last baby. I'm not going to breastfeed her until she's 11. This is a temporary time.
We get up for the day a little before 6. Everyone showers or takes baths the night before. I feed Anna, make sure her bottles are labeled and packed, pack my pump for work, and pack Reagan's bag for daycare. I dress and dress Anna while Reagan eats breakfast that David usually fixes for her. I dress Reagan and pack the car, including all five point harnesses of two carseats. I'm on the road no later than five after 7.
Drop the girls off by 7:30, this is putting Anna's bottles and baby food up, filling out instructions for the day for two girls, and hugs and kisses. Off to run into work right on time by 7:45. I spend all day with 5 year olds that are not as sweet or as respectful as I was at five. I try to teach them manners and math, reading and writing and love. It's exhausting.
I work til around four and then rush back to pick up the princesses. They are cranky. Whine whine whine all the way home. I nurse Anna, cook dinner, while its cooking I wash bottles and then color with Reagan while we watch Baby Signing Time or Nick Jr. If its a Tuesday or Wednesday David brings Brent home around 6:15. We eat, do baths, and hang out and are all in bed by 9. Other nights, it may just be me and the girls until well after 7. I pretty much follow the same routine regardless.
All this. Five days. One wore out mommy. I'm not asking for sympathy or pats on the back. I just one day want to be able to remember that I was able to accomplish quite a lot in a little time. I would not change anything about my babies, even the space between them. Anna is awaking from her afternoon carseat nap. Going to cuddle with her and enjoy her being little.
A man works from sun up to sun down, but a woman's work is never done. My grandmother said this many times. I understand now what she meant.
So I cosleep with my child who uses me as a pacifier. I know she does it, maybe I should let her cry it out. I work all day. I'm away from my own children ALL day. If I want that snuggle time, guess what, it's mine! So, I get, on a great night about 5 hours sleep. That's my own doing, but this is my last baby. I'm not going to breastfeed her until she's 11. This is a temporary time.
We get up for the day a little before 6. Everyone showers or takes baths the night before. I feed Anna, make sure her bottles are labeled and packed, pack my pump for work, and pack Reagan's bag for daycare. I dress and dress Anna while Reagan eats breakfast that David usually fixes for her. I dress Reagan and pack the car, including all five point harnesses of two carseats. I'm on the road no later than five after 7.
Drop the girls off by 7:30, this is putting Anna's bottles and baby food up, filling out instructions for the day for two girls, and hugs and kisses. Off to run into work right on time by 7:45. I spend all day with 5 year olds that are not as sweet or as respectful as I was at five. I try to teach them manners and math, reading and writing and love. It's exhausting.
I work til around four and then rush back to pick up the princesses. They are cranky. Whine whine whine all the way home. I nurse Anna, cook dinner, while its cooking I wash bottles and then color with Reagan while we watch Baby Signing Time or Nick Jr. If its a Tuesday or Wednesday David brings Brent home around 6:15. We eat, do baths, and hang out and are all in bed by 9. Other nights, it may just be me and the girls until well after 7. I pretty much follow the same routine regardless.
All this. Five days. One wore out mommy. I'm not asking for sympathy or pats on the back. I just one day want to be able to remember that I was able to accomplish quite a lot in a little time. I would not change anything about my babies, even the space between them. Anna is awaking from her afternoon carseat nap. Going to cuddle with her and enjoy her being little.
A man works from sun up to sun down, but a woman's work is never done. My grandmother said this many times. I understand now what she meant.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
"You're like superwoman!"
Let me preface this with I in no way shape or form think I'm a great or superior mother, I'm just Rachel. Twenty seven, five foot six, brown eyed, small town girl, wife to David, Jesus follower, stepmom to Brent, and mommy to 2 little princesses who happen to be 14 months apart.
So, when I hear, "you've got your hands full!" multiple times every time I leave my home, it kind of goes in one ear and out the other. I used to tell people that my hands are full, but my heart is more full! Now I just smile and try to move along...quickly! The last time I was out with all three, Brent finally told one couple who said it, "we've heard that three times!" It does get old, but it's hard not to notice us.
I took all three with me to vote yesterday. Anna in our Ergo carrier, Reagan in the stroller, Brent by my side. It went smoothly, they did well. We left and went to target, I left Anna in her carseat and snapped into the stroller, wore Reagan in the Ergo on my back (that carrier is worth twice its weight in gold), and Brent tagged along. In the parking lot I saw a mom struggling with her older baby (he was probably about 10 months old), she glanced my way, my toddler happily attached to me, my sleeping infant, and the cutest second grader skipping next to me. She had an amazed look on her face. She sighed heavily and said across the parking lot, "you are like superwoman!" I smiled sheepishly, and she yelled, "no, really!" I assured her it didn't always go so smoothly, but sometimes we try to leave the house. Her acknowledgement of the craziness I seem to keep under control made my day a little brighter. I am no superwoman, but I am incredibly blessed with very full hands!
So, when I hear, "you've got your hands full!" multiple times every time I leave my home, it kind of goes in one ear and out the other. I used to tell people that my hands are full, but my heart is more full! Now I just smile and try to move along...quickly! The last time I was out with all three, Brent finally told one couple who said it, "we've heard that three times!" It does get old, but it's hard not to notice us.
I took all three with me to vote yesterday. Anna in our Ergo carrier, Reagan in the stroller, Brent by my side. It went smoothly, they did well. We left and went to target, I left Anna in her carseat and snapped into the stroller, wore Reagan in the Ergo on my back (that carrier is worth twice its weight in gold), and Brent tagged along. In the parking lot I saw a mom struggling with her older baby (he was probably about 10 months old), she glanced my way, my toddler happily attached to me, my sleeping infant, and the cutest second grader skipping next to me. She had an amazed look on her face. She sighed heavily and said across the parking lot, "you are like superwoman!" I smiled sheepishly, and she yelled, "no, really!" I assured her it didn't always go so smoothly, but sometimes we try to leave the house. Her acknowledgement of the craziness I seem to keep under control made my day a little brighter. I am no superwoman, but I am incredibly blessed with very full hands!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
At the risk of sounding totally nuts...
I'll share this anyways. I had to take my well seeming children to the doctor today to find out they MAY have HFM, but shouldn't be contagious as long as they are fever free (and they have yet to run a fever).
Anyway, that's aggravating, but not so crazy. What is crazy is I think my children met their grandmother in the waiting room. My mother in law died 3 years ago this Christmas. The same year I married her most handsome son. She was funny, candid, witty, and real. I can't really say I know how I'd feel with her experience raising 5 boys watching over my mothering of her granddaughters, but I know she would be crazy about them. She was about their brother.
In the waiting room a lady with a broad toothy smile struck up a conversation with Reagan. Her smile, demeanor, even her voice was Faye's. She played with my little Reagan Faye. She told me she knew motherhood was hard, especially with such small ones, but as they grow it will get easier. She had that same candidness that my children's grandmother had. And for an instant, I felt like the lady who was the biggest cheerleader for my husband's and my relationship to succeed and grow, was sitting next to me. While it may seem crazy it is just what I needed as an exhausted mommy. I am deeply saddened that my girls won't know their daddy's mommy, but I do hope to share her character with them.
Anyway, that's aggravating, but not so crazy. What is crazy is I think my children met their grandmother in the waiting room. My mother in law died 3 years ago this Christmas. The same year I married her most handsome son. She was funny, candid, witty, and real. I can't really say I know how I'd feel with her experience raising 5 boys watching over my mothering of her granddaughters, but I know she would be crazy about them. She was about their brother.
In the waiting room a lady with a broad toothy smile struck up a conversation with Reagan. Her smile, demeanor, even her voice was Faye's. She played with my little Reagan Faye. She told me she knew motherhood was hard, especially with such small ones, but as they grow it will get easier. She had that same candidness that my children's grandmother had. And for an instant, I felt like the lady who was the biggest cheerleader for my husband's and my relationship to succeed and grow, was sitting next to me. While it may seem crazy it is just what I needed as an exhausted mommy. I am deeply saddened that my girls won't know their daddy's mommy, but I do hope to share her character with them.
Friday, September 7, 2012
And so it goes...
I started back to work about 3 weeks ago. Everything has been going pretty well. Anna learned to gulp her bottle after a day and a half of refusals, Reagan got hand, foot and mouth on her second day, and I only cried the first two days back. Sounds fabulous, right?
In all seriousness, everything is okay. The babies miss us during the day and I'm up with one of them at least 3 times a night. More than anything, I'm pretty tired.
Reagan has grown to really enjoy school, and my husband says now drop off is easy. She leads the way to her classroom and waves to him. She loves playing with the baby dolls and outside time. Often she finds the mud, and I pick her up and she's had a necessary wardrobe change. Anna is such a happy baby. They all love her. A teacher from Reagan's old daycare is actually one of Anna's teachers now. She always is telling me what a great baby she is.
I have 20 extra special kindergartners. They make the time away pass pretty quickly, but keeping up with 11 wild boys and 9 energetic girls is contributing to my exhaustion for sure. Other than my little family though, there is nothing I enjoy more than the inner workings of a five year old's mind. They have it all figured out.
Getting into the routine has been tough and we have a few kinks to work out, but I am enjoying the weekends, the early morning snuggles, late nights with my babies. These times won't last forever. Might as well enjoy them. One day I will sttn (sleep through the night) again. I won't even know what to do with myself, it's been at least since December 2010!
In all seriousness, everything is okay. The babies miss us during the day and I'm up with one of them at least 3 times a night. More than anything, I'm pretty tired.
Reagan has grown to really enjoy school, and my husband says now drop off is easy. She leads the way to her classroom and waves to him. She loves playing with the baby dolls and outside time. Often she finds the mud, and I pick her up and she's had a necessary wardrobe change. Anna is such a happy baby. They all love her. A teacher from Reagan's old daycare is actually one of Anna's teachers now. She always is telling me what a great baby she is.
I have 20 extra special kindergartners. They make the time away pass pretty quickly, but keeping up with 11 wild boys and 9 energetic girls is contributing to my exhaustion for sure. Other than my little family though, there is nothing I enjoy more than the inner workings of a five year old's mind. They have it all figured out.
Getting into the routine has been tough and we have a few kinks to work out, but I am enjoying the weekends, the early morning snuggles, late nights with my babies. These times won't last forever. Might as well enjoy them. One day I will sttn (sleep through the night) again. I won't even know what to do with myself, it's been at least since December 2010!
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