Being a parent is hard work, with that being said it is certainly something I recommend. From a social standpoint, friends change, ideas of what you do for fun changes, and you become that irritating woman at the grocery store who wants to know the benefits of kale - because that 19 year old in the mini skirt is the first "real" person you have come in contact with in three days. Emotionally it is very rewarding, I smile a lot---but you have your heart out there and it kills you when your kids hurt. Physically it is demanding, totally exhausting, and a "great way to stay in shape." (Family Guy reference - sorry no link). At this point in my life, I feel like I might be in the best shape ever. For example, I was able to run a marathon then immediately come home and care for three children the rest of the night. When I get a cold, I call it a "minor irritation" and not "sick." The reason for these things is "I have to." So what if I am sick? I am still a mom of three. So what if I ran a marathon? I am still a mom of three who runs. They always have to come first and that's the answer to how "I do it."
I think one of the most amusing things is the things that come out of your mouth, that without context would sound weird or bizarre, yet with children it is normal. This morning I said to Elle, "don't put food in his mouth and not expect him to eat it," and then five minutes later "don't put your finger in his mouth and not expect him to bite it." Can you guess which scenario involved the dog and which one involved her twin brother Easton? Sad, but true. Life is never boring with children.
As a speech pathologist watching them learning to talk is amazing. At 19 months they compliment you by saying "Mommy gorgeous" at 4 they say more complex things like "Mommy, I love you because, sometimes, you let me water the plants." That statement was described as discerning by a friend, but I just call it Ava. Elle is now putting "aint it," after many statements. For example she says "Where milk at?" immediately finds it and says "It's milk, aint it?" It is insanity in this house. Then there are times you want to cry, because you love and adore them so much. Like when Ava yells, while on the toilet, "Mommy I love you." So you let her sleep in your bed since she is so cute and sweet, even though you know you won't sleep and her head will end up under the covers, on your hip with her feet on your face, at least four times in the middle of the night. You also have to sleep with her four closest animal friends, including a five-foot pony named Scarlet. It's all good though.
Other times, I am amazed at what they think was a good idea. Let me just give you things Easton has done in the last 24 hours that, to him, "seemed like a good idea." Put a moving toy train in his hair (it got stuck), washed his face and hair with the dogs' water, and ate four pieces of dog food. All good ideas, to Easton, however, they worked out for him --- not so well. He might just blame it on "Carly," his new word of the week. Yah! Haha
Is this post humorous? Perhaps.... but it is so true and hearfelt. I am convinced being a parent is the most important and wonderful thing I have done. I am proud of it!
I have been told it is nice to offer thanks, when it is appropriate. *****Obviously, I have loads of people to thank in helping us with our brood, but I wanted to give a shout out to several other folks who have made an impact on our life. I would like to thank Sub Station II for providing a gallon of pickles, since it makes Elle have hissy fits in the floor three times a day, when she sees the jug and doesn't get one. Age appropriate temper tantrums when frustrated is an adaptive skill she needed. I would also like to thank the maker of my door for not putting a dog door in it so I have to get up 47 times an hour to let the dogs out. It has been good for my quads and hamstrings as I get up and down to get to the door. Easton is learning to turn a door handle, which means I get to sprint more now, to chase him out the door. The last group I would like to thank are the makers of coffee and the makers of wine. You both are amazing! If it wasn't for coffee, wine, and running, I'd be a different person.
Happy New Year from the Bumgarners! 2014 is going to be something wonderful! I can sense it!
