Today was one of those days where *almost* everything that could go wrong, went wrong. My patience, sanity, and everything else were tested. Spoiler alert: it ended pretty stinking well, so we'll call it a wash/win.
First off, never trust two toddlers giggling in your shoe closet. If they're anything like my toddlers, they're dumping half a sippy cup of milk all over your shoes and playing in it. I almost wish someone could have taken a picture of my face the moment I discovered them. It wouldn't have been pretty. The look of horror would surely be amusing though. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Don't worry, I cleaned up the milk, children, and shoes. It felt like a rough start to the morning, but it was early, so I was still optimistic.
About an hour later, my potty training three year old (almost four...*"Lord, beer me strength" with this kid!) decided to pee all over the the dining room floor and on top of the blankets and pillows he had brought in there. You've never met a kid who was more aware of his need to urinate at nap time/bedtime. He's a super smart kid. Sometimes it feels like he anger pees because I've annoyed him in some way. I'm sure that's not the case, but it definitely felt true at that moment. Once again, the child, floor, and blankets/pillows were washed.
In case you're keeping track, that is
Day: 2
Catherine: 0
About an hour after the second issue (it just seemed to work that way today), my three year old announced that he needed to go potty. Obviously, I told him that he should go. I don't like to hover, so I didn't hang out in the bathroom with him. Bad call. He decided that the day hadn't been action packed enough. He unrolled a mega roll of toilet paper, shoved it into the toilet, and repeatedly flushed. He then announced that the toilet was broken, because it wouldn't accept the full roll of toilet paper. At this point, I am beside myself. I don't think it will shock anyone to find out that I'm a girly girl. I don't enjoy cleaning toilets, much less being elbow deep in one because my toddler has decided to test its capacity for toilet paper. My big kids were at the park, so I was trying to keep the toddlers out of the totally gross bathroom while also trying to take care of the problem.
Day: 3
Catherine: perhaps negative something at this point?
A friend texted with happy news only to be met with my Debbie Downer day rundown. I thank God for her, she then called to see if she could take my kids to lunch. If Will hadn't been on his way home with lunch, I would have jumped at the opportunity. I don't always accept help, but I was a complete mess at that point.
Day: 3
Catherine: at least a 1, maybe even a 1.5
I went outside to mow the lawn when Will got home from work. I'm actually super allergic to grass, but I needed to get outside and I wasn't going to pass up kid-free time with noise canceling headphones and good music.
I think the score stays about the same here. Again, I'm not exactly a yard work kind of girl.
Tonight, we went to the pool with friends from church. I watched my second born jump off the diving board and go down the slide somewhat fearlessly (++), I watched my oldest (who struggles socially) play nicely with other kids who are a year or two older than her (++), I watched Will play with the littles (++), I saw and talked to friends who make my heart happy and who I think also enjoyed my company (+++).
Day: 3
Catherine: 10.5
Now, my babies (all happy and worn out from fun with friends) are all tucked in their beds, and I'm enjoying Netflix and time with Will (++++++). I'm so grateful that he was still in town today when I needed him. It won't be the case for long, so I'm going to cherish this time together.
If you made it through the novel that is this post (THANK YOU!), I wrote all of this because sometimes it's good to remind myself, and maybe you, that there are so many things to be grateful for even on the crappy days. I was at my wit's end the first half of the day. I haven't been sleeping well, and I think my kids can sense that things are hard right now. I made it through the day, and we even made some great memories.
Final count
Day: 3
Catherine: 17 --> I decided to round up
*"Lord, beer me strength" is a quote from The Office (U.S.). I use it often. Don't worry, no alcohol was consumed here this morning. ;)
First off, never trust two toddlers giggling in your shoe closet. If they're anything like my toddlers, they're dumping half a sippy cup of milk all over your shoes and playing in it. I almost wish someone could have taken a picture of my face the moment I discovered them. It wouldn't have been pretty. The look of horror would surely be amusing though. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Don't worry, I cleaned up the milk, children, and shoes. It felt like a rough start to the morning, but it was early, so I was still optimistic.
About an hour later, my potty training three year old (almost four...*"Lord, beer me strength" with this kid!) decided to pee all over the the dining room floor and on top of the blankets and pillows he had brought in there. You've never met a kid who was more aware of his need to urinate at nap time/bedtime. He's a super smart kid. Sometimes it feels like he anger pees because I've annoyed him in some way. I'm sure that's not the case, but it definitely felt true at that moment. Once again, the child, floor, and blankets/pillows were washed.
In case you're keeping track, that is
Day: 2
Catherine: 0
About an hour after the second issue (it just seemed to work that way today), my three year old announced that he needed to go potty. Obviously, I told him that he should go. I don't like to hover, so I didn't hang out in the bathroom with him. Bad call. He decided that the day hadn't been action packed enough. He unrolled a mega roll of toilet paper, shoved it into the toilet, and repeatedly flushed. He then announced that the toilet was broken, because it wouldn't accept the full roll of toilet paper. At this point, I am beside myself. I don't think it will shock anyone to find out that I'm a girly girl. I don't enjoy cleaning toilets, much less being elbow deep in one because my toddler has decided to test its capacity for toilet paper. My big kids were at the park, so I was trying to keep the toddlers out of the totally gross bathroom while also trying to take care of the problem.
Day: 3
Catherine: perhaps negative something at this point?
A friend texted with happy news only to be met with my Debbie Downer day rundown. I thank God for her, she then called to see if she could take my kids to lunch. If Will hadn't been on his way home with lunch, I would have jumped at the opportunity. I don't always accept help, but I was a complete mess at that point.
Day: 3
Catherine: at least a 1, maybe even a 1.5
I went outside to mow the lawn when Will got home from work. I'm actually super allergic to grass, but I needed to get outside and I wasn't going to pass up kid-free time with noise canceling headphones and good music.
I think the score stays about the same here. Again, I'm not exactly a yard work kind of girl.
Tonight, we went to the pool with friends from church. I watched my second born jump off the diving board and go down the slide somewhat fearlessly (++), I watched my oldest (who struggles socially) play nicely with other kids who are a year or two older than her (++), I watched Will play with the littles (++), I saw and talked to friends who make my heart happy and who I think also enjoyed my company (+++).
Day: 3
Catherine: 10.5
Now, my babies (all happy and worn out from fun with friends) are all tucked in their beds, and I'm enjoying Netflix and time with Will (++++++). I'm so grateful that he was still in town today when I needed him. It won't be the case for long, so I'm going to cherish this time together.
If you made it through the novel that is this post (THANK YOU!), I wrote all of this because sometimes it's good to remind myself, and maybe you, that there are so many things to be grateful for even on the crappy days. I was at my wit's end the first half of the day. I haven't been sleeping well, and I think my kids can sense that things are hard right now. I made it through the day, and we even made some great memories.
Final count
Day: 3
Catherine: 17 --> I decided to round up
*"Lord, beer me strength" is a quote from The Office (U.S.). I use it often. Don't worry, no alcohol was consumed here this morning. ;)
