A Good Week, Fer Real
This afternoon before I laid Gigi down for a nap, she wriggled and said “no” in her high-pitched girly “nyooo”. But the moment I put her down and tucked her in, she relaxed, closed her eyes and pretended to sleep. This out-of-character occurrence is exemplary of the way the week has gone. If it hasn’t actually gone well, it’s done a terrific job of pretending.
For starters, I came out of the weekend having banked a fun dinner date with great friends. The balance brought a renewed motivation to be an exceptionally patient mother, which I’ve triumphantly practiced all week. It reinforced what I previously said about balance. This post I read today is yet another good commentary on the subject.
On Monday I attempted a new, and turns out essential, organizational tactic: make dinner before lunch. I’ve done this every day and it has worked wonders. I no longer try to create mediocre meals while unsuccessfully managing two kids who are clawing at my legs and nerves. At 4pm, since dinner has been ready for five hours, I can focus 100% on the kids, which is clearly all they ever want from me.
On Tuesday I went to my first MOMs group playdate at the park by our house. The mothers were not the two-headed alien rabbits I had so feared. They were friendly, normal and seemed to want the same thing I did – camaraderie and something to do with the little ones. Because of this activity the day ran more smoothly than usual. I look forward to meeting the rest of the group and know it'll make a difference to my sanity.
Wednesday night I went for a run and appreciated the weather. The warm, humid air felt soft and clean, like white sheets straight from the dryer. This week's weather is a welcome break from the hot, dry, lifeless air we had last week, and has provided just the right encouragement to help the days along.
For most jobs I’ve had, it took about three months to get comfortable to the point of not being totally wiped out every day. Maybe with parenting you never become fully comfortable, but I’ll surely take the weeks, days or hours that feel like downtime. I’ll take them, recognize them and be grateful for them. Because next week I may have to do some Oscar-worthy pretending.
For starters, I came out of the weekend having banked a fun dinner date with great friends. The balance brought a renewed motivation to be an exceptionally patient mother, which I’ve triumphantly practiced all week. It reinforced what I previously said about balance. This post I read today is yet another good commentary on the subject.
On Monday I attempted a new, and turns out essential, organizational tactic: make dinner before lunch. I’ve done this every day and it has worked wonders. I no longer try to create mediocre meals while unsuccessfully managing two kids who are clawing at my legs and nerves. At 4pm, since dinner has been ready for five hours, I can focus 100% on the kids, which is clearly all they ever want from me.
On Tuesday I went to my first MOMs group playdate at the park by our house. The mothers were not the two-headed alien rabbits I had so feared. They were friendly, normal and seemed to want the same thing I did – camaraderie and something to do with the little ones. Because of this activity the day ran more smoothly than usual. I look forward to meeting the rest of the group and know it'll make a difference to my sanity.
Wednesday night I went for a run and appreciated the weather. The warm, humid air felt soft and clean, like white sheets straight from the dryer. This week's weather is a welcome break from the hot, dry, lifeless air we had last week, and has provided just the right encouragement to help the days along.
For most jobs I’ve had, it took about three months to get comfortable to the point of not being totally wiped out every day. Maybe with parenting you never become fully comfortable, but I’ll surely take the weeks, days or hours that feel like downtime. I’ll take them, recognize them and be grateful for them. Because next week I may have to do some Oscar-worthy pretending.
posted by Anne at 2:16 PM
1 Comments:
Angie - Chris finally told me about your blog! I've added you to my bloglines so I can keep up with your posts!
Take care!
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