The joys…
I’ve often mentioned here on the blog that I wonder what in the world we did before having children. I imagine we slept through the night in our own bed, never stepped barefoot on a passy, Barbie shoe, used gum, juice box, etc., never been “pottied” on in the bed, tub or swimming pool.
We had quiet dinners out with no drinks spilled, tantrums over ketchup touching something, or the need to leave quickly because of one or more of the following: vomit, no diapers, no milk, ruined outfits, “fits” or sleeping child. We didn’t have to juggle our life with swimming lessons, dance classes, grandparents, birthday parties, cardiology apts, playgroups, well-checks at doctors offices that take 3 hours. It probably only took me about 30 minutes to get out of the house, now that I mention it. We even had time to devote to our two dogs. I think they are still alive.
I was thinking about all of this last night as we ate dinner at the local Mexican restaurant in town. We met Mel there after swimming lessons that I thought I was late for but proudly sent McCanless in at just 5 after 5 on the dot! I made it…almost on time! Until I realized that she was the only one not in a swim diaper! Wrong class. UGGH! So, we waited until 5:30, when her real class actually began. Mary Clare was soaked after crawling around on the side of the pool for half an hour, but we decided to go eat anyway. First Mistake.
After McCanless decided to be a big girl and not use the top to her drink, she spilled it all over Mary Clare which led to a massive scream and bawling for quite some time…both girls. As Mel cleaned the mess, and I grabbed Mary Clare to comfort her, she pulled my drink all over me and her. Again, scream and bawl. McCanless then decided to stand on Mary Clare’s high chair and sing at the top of her lungs, “Gonna tell you….what you can do to my love, My LOVE…Alllllllll night.” What? How does she know that song!
…and we hadn’t even ordered yet! Mel and I just looked at each other and laughed. What else can you do? We managed to order, eat quickly and get home just in time for a bath, in which Mary Clare went poo. Can it get any better than this?
6 Comments
Lee on May 14th, 2008
Too funny! Don’t you wonder if you’re on candid camera sometimes?
Nonnie on May 15th, 2008
I miss all the excitement of young children. You’re tired, you don’t have time to be “just a wife or woman”, you’re almost always late, you can’t make everyone happy at one time, you can’t spend 100% with just one child (it’s had to be a group effort)and you pray to God that you will be a good example for your children to follow. That’s alot of pressure on a mom, but then you hear “I lub you MOMA”; or get a little hug around the neck and saying “everythng will be alright”, or you get a big wave from the stage during the big dance recital :your son telling you he’ll try to hit a home run for you;experiencing your children being baptised-you know it was worth it! You’re making memories that no one can every take from you. Now, I can enjoy the excitement of having GRAND children.
Love, MOM/NONNIE
Katie on May 16th, 2008
Gosh, isn’t everything you said the truth!!! So glad that you & Mel can laugh about it!!! BTW, the beach pictures were precious… Mary Clare in her swimsuit… adorable. And McCanless enjoying the Atlantic Ocean waves… awesome. I tell ya, that’s one thing I miss, the Atlantic Ocean. Not really a fan of the Pacific (too cold)! As always, love visiting your blog!!!
– Katie
jill on May 17th, 2008
Kerri— that is the funniest story I have heard in a while. I can just see that being Will and I too! We have had many suppers like that. I agree with your mom, they do make it all worth it. I wouldn’t change it for the world now!!
Betsy on May 17th, 2008
Carter laughed (almost to tears) while I read this post to him. He says you should become a writer!
Erica May on May 14th, 2008
Well, I had a message typed out and Emerson erased it. Oh, how life has changed! Is it worth leaving the house sometimes? Then, I thank God for our babies and all the adventures! We are very excited for Mary Clare’s party and I look forward to seeing you Saturday!