We went to the park this morning for lunch and swings. There weren't any swings, and lunch got blown to the ground by gusts that seemed capable of knocking over grown people. But overall it was fun; I think we are getting there (to the easy part of parenting. There is one of those parts, right? And it's really long?). A couple of months ago, a trip to the park with the two girls and just me would stress me out like nobody's business. Now, depending on the park, it's easier. Kate is more corralable (is that even a word?), and Claire plays nicely in her stroller, so I can chase Kate when she gets out of hand or needs some help up the stairs. It's also better now that it's in the 80s, instead of the 110s, because playing in that kind of heat is just cuh-ray-zee.
I didn't bring the camera, so I have no photographic proof of the fun we had, but I trust that you will believe me anyway. I like that part of our relationship, don't you? The biggest fun was the steps, of course. Kate loves steps. She could probably go up and down steps all day long and be happy as a clam. I was pleased because she didn't fall going up and down those stairs today. And then! wait for it....she went down the slide all by herself. As in me standing on the ground and her swishing down without so much as a hand to hold. She wanted to go again and again and again and again. I finally had to drag her away from the slide so that we could go grocery shopping.
So that's been my day so far. That and a phone call to my dad to make sure all is still okay. He's still fine, is staying with friends, and so far as he knows his stuff is still solid and not ashy. Good luck, everyone in San Diego!
6 comments:
Just caught up on your posts and also posted a few comments. Hope your dad and his house come out unscathed! I'd pray for him.... if I prayed. :-/
Wow! I'm so heartened to know that it does seem manageable with two. I see my neighbor with FOUR (under the age of FIVE) and I want to dive for cover and never ever ever ever go off birth control ever again. So, I am glad to know that you can go on a picnic and to the grocery store by yourself with two and not hate life! Take heart!
Katie - it helps when I've been sufficiently caffeinated, and the girls have had their naps. Some days it does not seem possible (see the past few days' posts for reference). But today was a good day!
Seriously, I get tired of watching Max go up and down stairs before he ever gets tired of doing them. THAT'S how we can have a conversation! We'll find some nice wide stairs, take our fold out chairs to sit at the bottom and let the kids go at it. Pumkin spice latte mandatory:-) Camille
It's Camille again. Also just catching up. With regards to clean up I'm like Carrie finding what they want (she mentioned food as one example) and using it as leverage. Sometimes it means waiting. I'll ask Chachito to pick up his toys and eartly on in the clean up process he gets distracted and starts playing. Instead of arguing I wait. Wait 'til he's hungry. Wait 'til he wants a piece of his Halloween candy. Wait 'til he wants to go outside. Also, I have toys that are "mine". Things like a crane, a dump truck, a bigrig, and tools like a drill. I keep them put away ALL the time. When I need leverage I'll ask him if he would like to play with MY drill - "I'll SHARE it with you". These toys that are mine also work well when I need him to be entertained while I _______ (cook, go to the bathroom, talk on the phone, read your blog - the important stuff). Hope that helps, sorry we didn't get into these details at lunch. Have other tricks in my bag too, but it sounds like things are getting better.
Toys that are mine. Awesome idea! Thanks, Camille!
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