When people find out I have five children, I usually get one of two responses:
"You don't look old enough to have five kids!" (I am. I promise...in fact, I am probably old enough to have more than five kids!)
Or,
"Wow! You must be crazy!!" (Crazy to have had five children or crazy because of five children, I'm not sure...I've never clarified with them!)
Well, tonight, I came to a startling revelation. Amazing really! (And now you may think I'm crazy too!) Mr. Wonderful and the three older kiddos left this afternoon on their annual Boundary Waters camping trip. A bit of quick math tells you that I'm left home with two. The little two. 3 years and 17 months. I'm sure most people would breathe a little sigh of relief at the ridiculously easy week I have ahead of me, right? I mean, certainly, numbers-wise, two has got to be easier than five, hasn't it?!
No. No, no, no!!! It is not! I had a eureka!!! moment today when I was contemplating a little personal hygiene (aka, a shower) it struck me...who the heck was gonna watch these littles while I was busy? No big brother or big sister to play with and stay occupied...so I rushed...wet, soap, rinse...all while I had a sobbing baby girl standing outside the shower (hey, at least I knew where she was, right!!).
It really, truly was quite the realization. Yeah, five is a lot. And I have often said, "Oh, it gets easier" to those with just one or two kiddos, who are in awe of my gaggle of children...but tonight, I really realized it. It is easier.
And I have a whole week ahead of me. Sigh...wish me luck!
"You don't look old enough to have five kids!" (I am. I promise...in fact, I am probably old enough to have more than five kids!)
Or,
"Wow! You must be crazy!!" (Crazy to have had five children or crazy because of five children, I'm not sure...I've never clarified with them!)
Well, tonight, I came to a startling revelation. Amazing really! (And now you may think I'm crazy too!) Mr. Wonderful and the three older kiddos left this afternoon on their annual Boundary Waters camping trip. A bit of quick math tells you that I'm left home with two. The little two. 3 years and 17 months. I'm sure most people would breathe a little sigh of relief at the ridiculously easy week I have ahead of me, right? I mean, certainly, numbers-wise, two has got to be easier than five, hasn't it?!
No. No, no, no!!! It is not! I had a eureka!!! moment today when I was contemplating a little personal hygiene (aka, a shower) it struck me...who the heck was gonna watch these littles while I was busy? No big brother or big sister to play with and stay occupied...so I rushed...wet, soap, rinse...all while I had a sobbing baby girl standing outside the shower (hey, at least I knew where she was, right!!).
It really, truly was quite the realization. Yeah, five is a lot. And I have often said, "Oh, it gets easier" to those with just one or two kiddos, who are in awe of my gaggle of children...but tonight, I really realized it. It is easier.
And I have a whole week ahead of me. Sigh...wish me luck!
I always get the "You don't look old enough to have three kids" comments too! I used to be hyper sensitive about it! I was the youngest mom when my son was in kindergarten...but now I just say thanks, and change the subject. They dont need to know the particulars...I am over it, and it is none of their business. Right?
ReplyDeleteI love that my 2 bigs can watch my little! And when my bigs get to go somewhere that my little doesn't, she is SO upset...so then you have to deal with that drama too!!
luck!
ReplyDeleteYou're amazing, Mama M! And I know for a fact you're not crazy. And you inspire me daily to be a better Mother! thank God for you and your gaggle of kids! :) lol!
ReplyDeleteyour bestie,
Tara
LOL, I also get the comment that I don't look old enough to have 9 children. I always assure them that we had them fast, because, ya know, if we had a more traditional 2 year space between children then I would have to be older than I actually am and I wouldn't want ANYONE to think that.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, less children is not easier if they are younger children. Someone asked if they could come over and help with the children while I took a nap or something. I replied while pointing to my 12 and 11 year olds that I already have someones who can do that. :)
Yes, it is a lot easier with 9, ages 12 and under than it was with 5, ages 4 and under. :)