I've tried to stay positive when writing about this blog but it wouldn't be a true reflection of their personalities if I didn't include some of the frustrating things they are doing lately. I had my first solo trip with the kids to the pool yesterday and was worn out by the end. It wasn't that they threw tantrums or jumped into the deep end or anything but it is both mentally and physically exhausting to be responsible for them in a place filled with so many potential dangers. I told Jamie that my throat hurt because I had to say "No" or "Don't do (insert dangerous activity here)" so many times to Harrison. And, I'm hoping that other parents of three years old are also experiencing this, he constantly tests me and my patience. For example, after he repeatedly splashed Anne and I in the pool I told him that if he did it again that we were going home. So, what did he do? He looked at me, smiled, and joyfully flicked his finger toward us in the water. So, is this technically a splash even though the water didn't reach us? Do I take him home then or just ignore it? (For the record, I ignored it because I didn't want to leave after 10 mins when it had taken me 3 hours to get everything ready.) It is moments like these where I wonder what I am doing wrong as a parent (probably not taking him home).
Also, Anne is beginning to express her dislikes. This is done by arching her back when I try to put her in the carseat or crying hysterically every single time I put her down. She has also begun the ever-puzzling behavior of head butting and throwing her head and body back. I STILL cannot figure out why babies do this??? Anyone?? Her highness also prefers to be fed to even though she is perfectly capable of feeding herself small bits of food. Finally, she has managed to poop in the tub during 5 out of her last 6 baths. And, since she takes a bath with Harrison it is like a nightly running of that pool scene in Caddyshack with Harrison and the toys trying to jump out of the way of the floating mess. The good news is that the bath toys have been cleaned and sterilized every day this week (for the first time since they were purchased three years ago). Again, (sigh).
Anyway, this post was inspired by the following blog, which is hilarious by the way:
http://thestayathomer.com/?p=1295
Thanks for letting me vent!
I loved reading this! Not because you had a miserable time, but because you are a normal mom, with normal kids, that drive you the normal amount of crazy. My rule of thumb about parenting: if you feel like you are failing, then you are probably doing something right....at least that's what I say to myself to lower my blood pressure.
ReplyDeleteGlad to have inspired you!