Change in priorities

Everyone tells you that once you have kids your priorities change.  You fully accept this, thinking that it will be a few minor tweaks... no going out on a school night, earlier bedtimes, child friendly restaurants and so on.  But, this is just the beginning.  Your entire life changes, down to your time management, how you plan your day, even how you dress.

One day you wake up and realize that the must-have item to add to your new fall wardrobe is  dependable rubber boots.  After all, how can one go on a worm hunting expedition or treck through the rainy schoolyard without rubber boots?  You wouldn't want your favorite pair of sweatpants to get soaked through.  You might have to put on *shudder* pants.

You plan your grocery shopping around nap schedules and the least likely time that one of your children will undergo a massive meltdown mid-aisle.  You choose your store of choice not on the selection of fresh produce and gourmet deli items but on whose bakery offers the biggest, most chocolatey cookie to buy you a few extra minutes of silence and cooperation.

On any given morning you have approximately 10 minutes to prepare yourself for the day so you find yourself planning showers on 'public outing' days and breakfast on the other days.  One or the other, you can't have both.  And 'public outing' days are not as exciting as you think.  These consist of dentists appointments, volunteering at the school library, and mommy/baby play groups.  You're starving, but at least you smell good.  The main goal of the shower on these days however is simply to give the illusion to the world that you are actually a competent parent and functioning adult.

The things you do for your kids.

Comments

[Shauna]

Seriously, you need to let go of Herbal life and starting writing a book. I would buy it! It would be funny but full of great advice and parenting things. It would be real and nothing would be clouded over! I LOVE reading your writings, they always make my day and I totally relate to ALL of them! Thanks for making my day!