CAN’T I JUST BRUSH MY TEETH FOR THREE MINUTES???

The other day, a girlfriend dropped off some baby stuff that I had loaned her. It had been a long time since I saw the swing, mobile, and baby bathtub, and I was surprised by the surge of emotion that overtook me upon seeing it; suddenly it was 3 years ago and CJ was so much littler… I remember the sweet baby sounds, the soft fluffy hair, the big eyes, and the hours of holding and playing with CJ, while dreaming of the day when he would be big enough that I could play with him at the park, talk to him, and teach him.

I guess there’s a reason why we can’t see the future. Because the imagined future is almost invariably rosier than the real thing. If I’d had a crystal ball back then, I think the fear and trepidation at what was to come might have sent me into fits of hysteria (it didn’t take much).

Take this morning for example.

I wake up early, because I actually went to bed early (shocking how that works). Yep, I think, It’s gonna be a great day.

Jay is in the kitchen making Malt-o-meal for breakfast. CJ wanders in.

“Time for breakfast!” Jay announces cheerily.

“NOOOOOOOOOOO!” CJ screams and races from the room. Okaaaay…

Let’s try that again. Jay follows CJ into his room, “CJ, I said breakfast is ready.” CJ has on his best scowl (it’s well developed from lots of time practicing in front of the mirror.)

So CJ refuses to eat breakfast, and Jay heads off to work.

Ok, I think, pick your battles…

CJ is in the kitchen, pulling on his socks and shoes. “I’m going outside.” he announces.

“Not until you’ve had breakfast,” I tell him.

“No. I am not eating.” he says, shoving his feet into the wrong shoes.

Finally I convince him to eat a granola bar (fast and portable). If not a win, at least it’s a truce.

He goes outside for a couple of minutes, then comes back in to open TWO yogurts with TWO spoons that he proceeds to eat in alternating bites. Fine, I think, practicing my deep breathing… this isn’t hurting anyone.

I go into the bathroom to brush my teeth. Turning, I see that the table is empty. There are the two yogurts, but where is CJ?

The house is very, very quiet. The kitchen drawer (the one with all the junk in it) is open.

Uh oh. I set down my toothbrush and go into the living room.

CJ is on the couch with glue. There is glue ALL over the leather couch.

“AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGHHH!” Somehow I keep the scream of frustration INSIDE my head and say in a surprisingly calm voice, “CJ, you may NOT play with glue unless you ask mommy. And glue does NOT go on the couch.”

He gives me his biggest “I know I’m in trouble, but aren’t I cute?” smile.

Yes, these are the moments that try a mother’s soul. I like to say that children like to take you to your limit, and then push you 15 feet past it.

***
Did you enjoy this post? Why not subscribe to email updates or the RSS feed.

***
Like what you're reading? You can help me achieve my life-long dream of publishing a book by supporting this blog, which is a platform that can help me get published! (Click here to learn more about my book) There are lots of ways to show your support:

• Subscribe by RSS or Email
• Like Absolutely Bananas on Facebook
  
• Share this post on Facebook (click the link below "Related Posts")
• Tell a friend about Absolutely Bananas
• Leave a comment. They're like candy, but without the calories. :)

Thank you for your support! It's incredibly encouraging simply to have people reading what I write.
xo Jen

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts

Share on Facebook