I think it’s happening…I think we’re becoming those people. Those everyday ordinary regular people who are just busy. All the time, busy. I guess that’s what happens when you work, have 3 kids, an adoption, an appointment with the tax man…and in case things weren’t crazy enough we added a puppy to that mix! I’m looking for a little “down time” and instead we added another little one that needs lots of care and attention. We have lost our minds. I just know it! Well at least our new addition is sweet and cute, and kind of irresistible.
How Mommy Feels!!
Really, down time is not necessarily what I need anyway. I mean, I do have time to sit here and write (not that I can really always concentrate, but…) and I do get to take my kids to do various fun things, and we sleep in, or try to anyway. And my husband is happy to do super hero training with the kids on the weekend while I shop or go walk along the Causeway. So yeah, I know. Your level of sympathy for me has just plummeted. Hit rock bottom in fact. But that’s ok. Sympathy isn’t really what I need. I mean I really have nothing to complain about. Not really. It’s just that I’m tired, and I miss my husband, and I think a little peace and quiet for just a few moments sounds heavenly. Have you been there, done that?
In trying to figure out why I’m so tired, I have concluded that the noise of bickering children is loud and stressful. Very stressful! And when we go from one child who only plays make believe games by herself so minimal arguing occurs, to three children who compete to be the best, fastest, smartest, silliest, cutest, whatever-est, the stressful sounds escalate, and the stress level increases three fold. Now my children are not necessarily always fighting. Not with each other in real life anyway. But if they aren’t battling it out as three normal siblings, they’re competing as super heroes, or sci-fi creatures, or video game crusaders, all of whom must battle. Loud. I mean really loud. And that can be enough to push this mom over the edge.
So as the saying “if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen” goes, I can’t take the noise so I get out of the house. We get out of the house. And then my children magically transform into conversationalists (sometimes!). We talk, they tell me stories, and we typically all get along. Seriously, I can take them most anywhere and they’re so easy to manage. They usually get along well, and they will listen well. And they’re typically polite and respectful. So why am I so stressed when we’re home? Because they are vying for my/ our attention (since Mark is often working, and I’m often trying to write). Hello, Blondie! That one just hit me. Of course they’re the best kids ever when it’s all about them. Of course they love when Mark plays outside with them, or I take them to the park then 7-11 for Slurpees. Of course they like swimming, bowling, and going to the movies with us. And they even love sitting together as a family to watch Cupcake Wars, or a movie. This is because it’s all about kids. And it usually is, until at least 10:00 every night. Thus the reason I say I miss my husband!
We work so hard to make summer special and fun for the kids, and why wouldn’t we? Summer vacation is supposed to be playtime. It’s supposed to be fun and silly and whimsical. And since our family time with all five of us is limited we really try to maximize and make the most of it. And for the most part I love it! We all love it! But I sure do have my moments of missing grown up time with my hubby, of craving a date night, of wanting to have an uninterrupted, un-listened to by little ears conversation. Hmm… I wonder if the kids sometimes crave the structure of going to school each day. Do they miss their early bedtimes and required daily study time? Do they miss playtime with friends at school, without their parents knowing every single thing they do? Maybe, just maybe they do!
Tell Me I'm Not the Only One!
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