We live in the country. And as I mentioned before my husband works a lot. If I want groceries, diapers, the occasional large hazelnut iced coffee from McDonald’s, it’s a 45 minute trip to town, just me and the kiddos.
And because my business PO Box is in town, we make the trek two to three times a week. Usually we hit the grocery store one day and Target the next trip getting the required essentials and equally necessary impulse buys. Without fail, for the last, well 4 years, when my first son was born, I’ve had someone tell me each time I’m in town, that I have “My hands full”. My first and second are only 18 months apart – so it looked like I would be busy, but really it’s nothing compared to now.
This weekend, leaving Sam’s Club – pushing a cart with one hand, two year old in the seat, as I carry my, yes, 20lb 6 month old in the other arm, and my 4 and 5 year olds flank each side of the cart, making my one handed steering near impossible. I hear, again, not even directed to me, but to the two people this woman was shopping w/ “She has her hands full”, prompting her co-shoppers to look our way. Don’t they know Mom’s have bionic ears? We parade by, the circus side show that we are.
Hearing this phrase so often, I’ve started to wonder what these people “mean” when they say this. It’s one of those phrases that is neither nice or rude. Kind of a weird statement of my existence w/o and support or criticism of it. And I’m usually left wondering how to reply. I’m guessing the lady that said it to her shopping friends meant it as more as “Check out the crazy chic w/ 4 kids!” Generating the same amount of interest and excitement as seeing a farm animal crossing a busy road. Kind of a “who let them out of their pen” sort of thing. Other times, especially when it comes from the little old ladies, I think it said w/ a “been there done that” sort of vibe. A little knowing smile and a wave to the kids. Gives me a bit of reassurance that someday, I will actually be able to shop on my own again. I maybe gray and have cat fur on me, but damn it, I’ll be buying Depends on my own!
I really just find it so odd that people have to comment at all. And if so, why not something with some value. For example – Maybe tell me that my kids are cute, or that you had 4 and you survived, or how it’s nice to see someone with so many young kids have them be so well behaved in public. Or… if they must – tell me that condoms are in aisle 12, or clown car parking is in the back of the store.
I converse with children all day. I really don’t get much exciting news to talk about with other adults. I would welcome an unusual comment… a story to tell… something to write in my diary. Please! My husband and friends are sick of hearing about the crazy things my kids tell me Phineas and Ferb are doing. Next time you see someone shopping with a herd of kids – throw them a “Dang Girl! You gotta lot kids!” At least then I can reply with a “I know! WTF huh?!”
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Welcome!
Welcome to my new "I think I have time for this" project. I really know that I don't have time for this... but we'll see what happens.
A little background - I'm Angie - a wife, a business owner and a mom.
My husband works a lot, I work from home at my marketing/graphic design business and we have 4 kids. All under 6 years old. My mom, who also has 4 kids (I'm the oldest), told me -- after #3, not to do it. But, the stars and a few too many vodka cranberries aligned to make baby #4, currently an almost 6 month old with a 2 distinct moods, happy and royally pissed off. I guess I might be a bit miffed if I was last in line for everything too, and in all fairness he has to be loud to be heard around here.
I've always wanted to blog, I actually have one for my business, but it seems like work... too much researchy-ness not enough B.S. so I don't do much w/ that one. This seems more like a hobby, and now that my hubby is working a crazy 3 shift rotation, I find myself with many a lonely boring night after the kiddos are asleep. So this will be my excuse not to do the dishes once in a while.
My idea behind this blog is to share some tidbits (helpful or not) about parenting and all the things those experienced parents forgot to mention when you announced you were trying for #1.
Here's my first tidbit -- they didn't forget. Especially if the experienced parents you know are the friends that used to join you on your fun weekends out, last minute trips here and there or sleeping in on any day off work. Trust me they didn't forget. And while they are probably truely happy for you and your so-to-be new addition. They didn't tell you this stuff because secretly they are so happy they no longer have hear about all the fun you're having while they are at home burping, changing, potty training etc.
After you have the kid, you'll find their are two types of parents. To keep it easy... there are REAL PARENTS and there are "CRAZY COMPETITIVE THIS IS MY DREAM COME TRUE MY CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS ANGELS AND MY HOUSE IS ALWAYS CLEAN" parents, otherwise known as "DELUSIONAL PARENTS" . The "real parents" will be a great asset for you - while the delusional ones will be a source of entertainment. No one can be a perfect parent, and even if you think you are - when your kids grow up they will tell you differently. Best to not try too hard and just enjoy the chaos that children bring with them.
As you might have figured, I'm in the real parent group - and this blog will showcase all the "realness" you could ever want. Hopefully, I'll find time to write more soon!
A little background - I'm Angie - a wife, a business owner and a mom.
My husband works a lot, I work from home at my marketing/graphic design business and we have 4 kids. All under 6 years old. My mom, who also has 4 kids (I'm the oldest), told me -- after #3, not to do it. But, the stars and a few too many vodka cranberries aligned to make baby #4, currently an almost 6 month old with a 2 distinct moods, happy and royally pissed off. I guess I might be a bit miffed if I was last in line for everything too, and in all fairness he has to be loud to be heard around here.
I've always wanted to blog, I actually have one for my business, but it seems like work... too much researchy-ness not enough B.S. so I don't do much w/ that one. This seems more like a hobby, and now that my hubby is working a crazy 3 shift rotation, I find myself with many a lonely boring night after the kiddos are asleep. So this will be my excuse not to do the dishes once in a while.
My idea behind this blog is to share some tidbits (helpful or not) about parenting and all the things those experienced parents forgot to mention when you announced you were trying for #1.
Here's my first tidbit -- they didn't forget. Especially if the experienced parents you know are the friends that used to join you on your fun weekends out, last minute trips here and there or sleeping in on any day off work. Trust me they didn't forget. And while they are probably truely happy for you and your so-to-be new addition. They didn't tell you this stuff because secretly they are so happy they no longer have hear about all the fun you're having while they are at home burping, changing, potty training etc.
After you have the kid, you'll find their are two types of parents. To keep it easy... there are REAL PARENTS and there are "CRAZY COMPETITIVE THIS IS MY DREAM COME TRUE MY CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS ANGELS AND MY HOUSE IS ALWAYS CLEAN" parents, otherwise known as "DELUSIONAL PARENTS" . The "real parents" will be a great asset for you - while the delusional ones will be a source of entertainment. No one can be a perfect parent, and even if you think you are - when your kids grow up they will tell you differently. Best to not try too hard and just enjoy the chaos that children bring with them.
As you might have figured, I'm in the real parent group - and this blog will showcase all the "realness" you could ever want. Hopefully, I'll find time to write more soon!
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