A RealFamilies RealFun Blog

Aug 18 2008

Dueling mamas

Category: Just Me

I was talking with a friend on the phone, when we got into a discussion about our families' recent ill health.

First, I told her that Paul had strep two weeks ago. Then she came back with the story of her husband being sick and staying home from work.

I told her about how well Lucie and Nathan were recovering from their ear infections. She then told me about both her son's ear infection, and how the doctor had to prescribe a stronger antibiotic since the first medicine didn't work.

I told her how lucky we've been that Nathan only had three ear infections and Lucie just had her first. She told me that her son's had over a dozen ear infections, and that the doctor thought the tubes in his ears were beginning to fall out.

I related the story about how we all had eye infections for the past week. She mentioned a homeopathic remedy that helped cure her kids' conjunctivitis in two days.

Usually mamas get competitive about their kids' achievements. You know that "my kid's a genius because she's sleeping through the night" mentality? But I never got into a dueling match over health matters before.

Luckily, I was amused by this one-upmanship. (Or should that be one-upmomship?) She probably just wanted a little reassurance and affirmation after a few tough weeks with her family.

 

Aug 15 2008

A new imaginary friend

Category: At Home

As I was putting dishes away, I heard Lucie talking to someone. So I asked, "Lucie, who are you talking to?" thinking it was to one of her animal buddies.

"I'm talking to Potato Seal," she replied.

Potato seal? I looked around -- no stuffed toys in sight. "Lucie, who are you talking to?" I asked again.

"The potato!" she said. Lucie pointed to the yam on the table that I was going to cut up and cook for my dinner. "It looks like a seal, Mommy."

I'm glad she has such a vivid imagination. Yet talking to a vegetable is a bit extreme. Before I know it, she'll be having a tea party with the toaster. We need to get a dog for that girl. Or at least something I won't be eating for dinner.

 

Aug 14 2008

A night at the steakhouse

Category: Family Fun

I never thought I'd have this much fun going out to eat with my family. But there was something special about this evening. I ate my delicious grilled chicken, with a side of yummy mashed yams, all without interruption. My mom and husband enjoyed their steaks and glasses of wine. We all listened to the country western band while we watched football on the big screen.

We adults managed to enjoy our food while the kids were entertained and safe. No, it wasn't Chuck E. Cheese or one of those fast food emporiums with a play area or arcade. No, there weren't any people in animal costumes or clowns, either. This was a nice steak house with delicious, grown-up food.

The secret? This steakhouse has a built-in slide. After taking off their shoes, kids can take a staircase from the dance floor to the slide on the second floor. It's a fast ride, very safe (as long as the kids wait their turn), and since we were seated right on the dance floor, we could watch Lucie and Nathan enjoy the slide. They came by occasionally for some food or a drink of their sodas. But that was it -- just us adults enjoying good food and one other's company.

We need to eat out more often.