Is it really sad that when Olivia slept today (for a whole 20 mins), I found serenity in cutting coupons? Since my life has turned into this constant frenzy, there's just something calming about doing mundane things. Reading used to be my escape, but now it feels like it just requires too much brain power, which I usually don't have. Now, I find refuge in silly things like cleaning, making lists, and coupon cutting! I think these tasks give me a sense of control. My house is messier than it's ever been and I seldom have time to do anything, so I feel great satisfaction when I vaccuum or do laundry. It's not even about getting things accomplished really, it's more about the fact that they are simple, mindless tasks and I feel like I can unwind when I do them.
And while I'm sounding crazy, I have a question. Do any of you moms ever get to go to the bathroom alone? I suppose if you work you do, but I don't think I've gone to the bathroom alone in months. I always have to bring Olivia, and even when James is home, Olivia screams "mama! mama!" and rather than waiting a minute, he often brings her in. And even when she doesn't come in, I can hear her screaming for me on the other side of the door, so I never am alone!
No wonder I find comfort in mindless things. I can't even potty without holding a baby on my lap, or stopping her from eating toilet paper if she's on the floor!
Posted by Hannah at April 24, 2007 10:59 PMI hear you, on both those fronts.
The great thing is that MrMan is now obsessed with Daddy, instead of me. So Sam gets to take him along to the bathroom instead. And I get to pee in peace. I hope you eventually get the same relief ;)
Nope, never pee alone. I do get a bit weary of having an audience but it's better than listening to yelling and banging on the door. Sigh. This too shall pass. I remember my mom saying she'd lock herself in the bathroom to get a little peace and quiet but somehow I don't think that would work in my house.
I'm pretty sure a lot moms have the same predicament. :)
I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels such satisfaction just because I was able to vaccuum. Dave has to take the girls out of the house because Jess hates noise. We can't even say, "vaccuum." We say, "we need to v."
Posted by: amy at April 25, 2007 11:02 AMInteresting. Usually I just sit Tabs in her bouncy seat or pop her on her papa's lap while I go do my bizness, but I have brought her along once or twice when she was super fussy ...
Posted by: jesser at April 25, 2007 12:06 PMI was wondering what I should do this afternoon to relax.....ha ha, too funny about the coupons!!!
Posted by: Amber at April 25, 2007 01:21 PMIve only had to do that twice I think. Our bathroom in our bedroom doesnt have a door on it (we took it off) so I can see right into the bedroom while Emma plays on the floor. And more importantly, she can see me!
Posted by: alfredsmom at April 25, 2007 06:25 PMOMG, I nearly fell over laughing when I read your post, and to answer your question, no, I have not gone to the bathroom alone in nearly two years now!!! The cool thing is, that now the bubby will come in, while I'm 'busy' then go off and fetch something and bring it to me, i.e. teddy bear or something. We bought him a 'potty' and sometimes he sits down on it while I'm in there, even brought a book to read - it was a really cute parody of me actually :) At least he's past the stage where he's trying to see what's going on 'down there' and although he's in the bathroom, he's not actually actively interested in what I'm doing. Hilariously, when the hubby is in the same situation, he resolutely refuses to let the bubby in, saying that it's the 'only place he can get some peace.' Um Excuse me? He thinks he needs peace... ha ha hahaha (evil laugh). The only time the hubby lets him in is when he's in the bath which is really cute actually because the bubby then offers to wash his back, brings the hubby some bath toys etc It's really cute. Oh yes - and when either of us is done in the bath - he always hands us a towel -even if he has to go into another room to fetch one out of the newly folded laundry!
Posted by: Valkyrie at April 26, 2007 03:43 AMI am right there with you, Hannah! And I don't know what it is about 'mindless' tasks being so refreshing but they ARE!
Posted by: Jennie at April 26, 2007 03:15 PMLuckily, my hubby takes Lila when I go to the bathroom. That's my only time for magazines and crossword puzzles anymore!
Posted by: Chas at April 26, 2007 05:41 PMHey~I've found that since having children, you do what you can, when you can, LOL! TO answer your question, No~I don't get to go to the bathroom alone~not when my boys are awake! W/Kendall, I just keep trying to think~this too shall pass~because I know it's only because he's exploring his world :) I try to stay positive & most times I do :)
Posted by: Connie at April 26, 2007 11:02 PM