I love my kids, I do, and I can’t imagine my life without them. I wouldn’t want to really. But, some days most days I encounter a simple pleasure or try to perform what should be a simple task, and I’m dumbfounded by how difficult these things are to achieve.
I now realize that I took it for granted how easily I could get things done, and I find myself reminiscing on those days. Below are just the things I noticed yesterday. I had no idea how easy I had it.
1. Clean floors. This one is the most obvious on any given day for me. I cannot keep my floors clean, and I’m not talking about spotless either. I’m just hoping to not be invaded by rats.
I think back to days when I swept and mopped a much larger surface area. I would do this once a week, whether it needed it or not. Because I could.
Now I sweep as many as three times a day, after each meal, and anytime my bare foot mashes some unidentifiable piece of food and tracks it through the kitchen. Doesn’t matter. It’s dirty at the end of the day regardless, and the crumbs welcome me when I wake. Whatever.
2. Fixing a snack. Sounds easy enough, right? No. After children you may never enjoy your snack again. Ever.
Last night I was craving some salty pickles, and more than just one! So I fixed a plate with three delectable pickle spears. Yum.
Then I gave 2/3 of my snack to the gaping bird mouths of my children. Sigh.
3. Running in the store real quick. Bahahahahaha. Remember when you could just run in the store real quick for that single item you needed?
Well, no more. I can’t tell you how many times I wished for a nanny or wanted to pay some random teenager to watch my vehicle of carseat bound kiddos while I jaunted in the market for some creamer.
4. Potty time. I’m reminded of that old song, “It’s My Potty and I’ll Cry if I Want To.” That’s how it goes, right? I seriously grieve and mourn for my private bathroom time. I have no clue what that is anymore.
5. Television. I used to enjoy hours of forensic and medical shows. I did not realize how precious my sole control of the remote was.
Now I am overtaken by Dora the Explorer and Sponge Bob. I’m slowly losing my mind. Pray for me y’all.
6. Running a simple errand. I’ve always hated running errands, but now I look back longingly on my obnoxious errands from my twenties. I daydream of that time when I had to squeeze in an errand between work and heading home to sit on my couch and do nothing, all while a medical show played in the background. So carefree!
Not so much anymore though. For example, yesterday after getting my tag renewed with my mini-entourage I suddenly heard the sound of choking as we walked across the parking lot.
One inverted baby and several back-blows later we expectorated a hard piece of candy. That’s the thing about errands and kids. You never know when a trip to the post office or something can become a life-saving adventure. Never a dull moment.
7. Bath time. Don’t feel too sorry for me. I still have bath time. Just not alone, and not without being violated by an outstretched Barbie hand as I sit upon it.
8. Nap. Do you remember what it was like to be tired, and then go to sleep? So simple. Cause and effect.
You know what? I’m too tired to talk about this one anymore. Let’s keep moving.
9. Quiet. I vaguely recall this type of environment, I think. Screaming, crying, or incessant questioning were nonexistent. I guess I had no idea how good I had it.
But then something peculiar happens. When the kids are asleep, or they’re away, it’s too quiet. I miss the noise, and I long for their raucous laughter.
Perhaps I did take some simple things for granted before I had kids, but I refuse to take for granted the complex gift their presence has brought to my every moment. Life is more difficult with children, but it’s also more full of joy. And I’ll take that any day.
mona scarbrough says
I used to talk with the elderly man across the road and tell him how I longed to speak to someone over three feet tall who had no idea what Blues Clues were or who Dora was. He and his late wife had raised 5 kids, all grown and moved away.he would laugh and tell me “Mona, you’re going to miss this one day. You’re going to look back and realize these were the happiest times of your life.” Our kids are now in high school. They’re still loud, obnoxious and loveable but he was right. I was happiest covered in snot, peanut butter and diaper cream.
Love your blog. From one RN to another, you’re doing good.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thanks so much! I consider myself “living the dream” with my little ones!