A RealFamilies RealFun Blog

Sep 29 2008

Me and my shadows

Category: Just Me

I'm an introvert in a house full of extraverts. I love quiet and solitude. The rest of my family loves being in a noisy crowd, if not at the center of one.

Occasionally, I'll notice Nathan and Lucie playing nicely together in the living room. Wanting to take advantage of the situation, I'll tiptoe upstairs hoping to put away the laundry -- or maybe to sneak in a little writing -- without interruption.

It's inevitable that as soon as I settle into whatever it is I'm doing, the two of them come barging in. While I haven't timed it, it feels like it takes about five minutes for their mommy's-not-around radar to go off and send them straight to wherever I am.

Like tonight. Before I knew it, the kids had invaded my room, taken off their clothes, and jumped in my shower. They started fighting, yelling at me to referee. Then they ran out of hot water, and the shower door slammed open with a loud bang. And I was pulled away by my two shadows -- wet, naked, and giggling -- asking me to help them get dressed for bed.

Did the Peter Pan story ever mention how he lost his shadow? Maybe I can use his method from time to time and get something done around here.

 

Sep 18 2008

Turn out the light

Category: Just Me

My sister sent Lucie the most adorable outfit this week. No reason in particular, except that she's a nice aunt who loves to buy cute things for her niece. (Nathan got a present, too.)

It's a long white dress made out of t-shirt fabric with ruffling at the sleeves. It's so comfy that Lucie's using it as a night gown which I prefer as I think it's a bit shear to wear as a dress. After all, we don't want everyone knowing she's wearing her Disney princess pull-ups. Nothing more embarrassing than pull-up panty lines!

On the chest is a diamond-shaped patch with a print of a '50s style lamp, very similar to the light on my night stand. I'm amused by this little graphic touch, not because my sister knows it would appeal to my love of vintage design. Instead, it's because the lamp has a pull chain.

Like her dad, Lucie is a night owl, and often stays up until 10 p.m. or later. When Lucie wears this nightie I'm tempted to reach over and pull the chain thinking I can turn her off for the evening and get her to bed on time.

Wouldn't it be nice if kids came with an off button?

 

Sep 16 2008

An open letter to my daughter

Category: Just Me

I'm concerned. Are you doing o.k.? You seem to be having a tough time of things this week.

First, you spilled peach yogurt down the side of your little blue chair. Twenty minutes after I cleaned it up -- fortunately it's plastic -- you tripped over the same chair and got salsa all over it and the carpet. Later, you covered the sofa arm in strawberry yogurt, and rubbed it in for good measure with a dishcloth. I appreciate that you want to help clean up, but don't. Just don't.

I figured you were having a messy day. Then you knocked over your soda when we were out at lunch with Mr. Tony and Nick. Not only did you drench the table, but you managed to soak your clothes. Luckily, I had a change of clothes in the car, but still.

Then today you spilled strawberry milk all over your blanket. Using my bath towel to soak it up wasn't such a great idea. Finally, the mess you made with your drink at Marina's party? Well, you're lucky that her nana was there with a big pile of napkins.

Goodness, child, it's even rubbing off Nathan. He tripped and spilled peach yogurt all over the kitchen trash can yesterday. And earlier this week, he managed to get cherry Gatorade on the living room carpet, too. You're becoming a bad influence on that boy.

Little girl, this spilling stuff has got to stop. I can't get the rugs cleaned if you're just going to mess them up again. Believe me when I say it's not pleasant to walk barefoot on a crusty carpet either.

Love,
Your soda covered mother