A "Duh" Moment, followed by an "Ah ha" moment

Ok... so I realized something yesterday that I know most of you are going to laugh at me for. "Duh," you're going to say, but really and truly, it was like a light went on that had previously had a burned out bulb (like all the night lights in this house... but that's another story.)

It occurs to me (again, far later than it should have) that everything takes longer with children! Did you know that? It's true! Now, it's obvious that whenever my toddler is "helping" me with anything, it's going to take longer. That's a no-brainer. And it's obvious that when I'm nursing, there are only so many things I can accomplish off my list. I knew these things... that's not really what I'm talking about. No, I'm saying that EVERYTHING takes longer (except my shower... somehow those are shorter. Mmmmm... a shower, I may go take one of those right after I'm done here and before the little ones are up from their naps!) Where was I??? Oh yes, EVERTHING!

It's so frustrating at times to get to the end of everyday having not accomplished anything fully from my list, or only accomplishing a couple things that really needed to be done. So yesterday, right after it occurred to me that EVERYTHING takes longer with children, I had a second "ah ha" moment! If everything takes longer, I need to plan to do less! I need to be realistic about my to do list. If it really does take longer to do laundry (because I can't run the washer and dryer during nap time because it practically shares a wall with Tornado's room, or because as I fold he is unfolding), then I need to plan to do fewer loads each day. If it really does take longer to make dinner because diapers need to be changed and Sweet Pea needs to eat, then I need to leave extra time. I think you get my point.

In addition to all this, I wonder so many days how it is (again) that bath time got missed or that I ran out of time to sit and play with my boy, or go outside, or read a book, or just let him climb all over me. I can't figure out how it is that I missed my chance to sit and watch Sweet Pea smile or flail her arms or whatever. I'm planning too much into my day, then missing the things I hold most important. Then when My Beloved gets home I'm flustered and frustrated at the things left to do and the things I didn't get to but wanted to and I miss the time of quietly being with the one I love.

So... the "ah ha" of it all... EVERYTHING takes longer with kids! So plan for it to take longer! Then if there is "extra" time, after playing and watching and feeding and dressing and cleaning up after etc, that's just frosting on the cake! (mmmm... frosting... I wonder where I can find some of that!)

Labels: Life Lessons for Mommy, Reflections

posted by ~Babychaser~ @ 1:46 PM