Meltdown Mayhem
Today was a busy day for Kenny and I. We spent the morning with our local MOPs group getting ready for a fundraiser… eight moms and twenty-some kids under age four in a our co-chair’s living room. I was one of the “kid-watchers” and I have to admit that after a while I just kind of tuned out. When you’re watching that many toddlers in that small a space, there is no sense trying to do anything other than get out of the way and hope no one sits on anyone too much smaller than them. I actually got to hold an adorable and super-mellow three-month-old baby, so at least I looked busy.
After our two hours of organized madness, Kenny and I headed over to a friend’s house with lunch to share. She just had a baby and has an 18-month-old that Kenny adores, so we dropped in to see if we could help. I tried to get Superwoman over there to take a nap or something necessary like that, but she was content to just sit and chat and let the kids entertain each other. We stayed nearly three hours, and by the time Kenny and I got in the car to head home, he was like a soggy piece of toast. Nap was a dirty word and scream, whine and wail were about as communicative as he could manage. I finally put in a Boz DVD and let him zone out (at least he was quiet) and I managed a little nap on the couch next to him. The rest of the evening was rougher than rough. Blech.
It’s tough striking a balance between scheduling what’s best for a two-year-old and all the things you want to (or need to) do. Kenny does best on the days when we either stay home all day, or only leave the house for a single event – say his Rolly Pollie class. But how realistic is that for everyday? I do try to have at least one day a week where we don’t go anywhere (in the car). And at least three days a week we only do one thing (away from home for less than 2 hours). But then there are days of endless errands, or lengthy play dates (I need those too!!) or my bi-monthly visits to a specialty chiropractor who’s office is 45 minutes away. Or days when Casey and I want to DO something, like go downtown. What about you stay-at-home moms out there – how much do you actually stay home, and how often do you tote your toddlers out and about? I’m curious.
Onto a “programing” note: I don’t know how many of you regularly check out the sidebar “The Web-Surfing Mommy,” but on today’s review post, there is a contest to win a free book and CD of children’s songs and nursery rhymes! There are also several posts that have coupon codes for discounts on various websites. Check it out!
