The Joys of Summer

Finally, the clouds have parted and the sun is shining.  Dare I say it, summer is here.  Time for fun filled days, playing outside, day trips and popsicles.  Sounds like bliss, key word being sounds.  Don't get me wrong, I adore summer.  I especially love summer with my kids, whether it be playing in the backyard or splashing at the beach, kids make everything more fun...and more work!

Before I had kids when I wanted to go the beach, I simply grabbed a towel, put on my swimsuit and went.  Total time-5 minutes.

Leaving the house is now, a production and it usually goes a little something like this...

Make a list

Sunscreen
Hats
Towels
Blanket
Sand toys
Drinks
Snacks
Wipes
Diaper bag
Extra clothes
Bag for wet clothes
Cash
Purse
Cell phone
Extra swim diapers

Hmmm, I know I forgot something, it's inevitable.  Time to pack the bag, first I need to find a bag big enough.  Okay, bag packed and ready.  Time to get the kids ready.  Crap, need to dig the sunscreen back out to put on the kids.  Sunscreen on, get them into their swimsuits.  Awesome, Kiersten pooped in her swim diaper.  Diaper change.  Kids all dressed, time for shoes.  Made it through shoes without an incident.  Aiden needs to pee.  Done.  All right, let head out to the car.  Digging out my keys and the phone starts ringing.  It's Daddy wondering how our day is going...hmmm, was he not on parental for 9 months.  Pretty sure he knows the answer.  Okay, really getting in the car now.  Kiersten in and buckled.  Aiden-check, Noah-check.  Grab the bag and we're good to go.  Noah-Mommy I poohed.  Awesome, another diaper change.  Finally everyone is ready!  Total time-30-45 minutes.

Truth be told, I have not even attempted the beach on my own, I'm not that crazy!  This is however an everyday occurance for whatever adventure we may embark on.  And yes, I do consider going to playgroup, soccer, playdates, the park and so on adventures.  You never know what may happen or what you're going to forget.  In the end however, just looking at their smiles erases all the exhaustion and stress.  It will alway be worth it when it comes to my kids!

My affair

Before I had my kids, I was a shopaholic.  I had a love affair with clothes.  I loved them and they loved me.  It was a win-win relationship in my books.  The clothes were lucky enough to have a good home, an owner who lovingly took care of them, cherished them even.  Sadly, the affair had to come to an end. 

I had to end it, to say goodbye.  It was not an easy break, but I was sure to let them know, it wasn't them, it was me.  They had been good to me, treated me right and made me feel good about myself.  I, on the otherhand, was no longer treating them with the care or respect they deserved.  My beautiful clothes were left alone in my dark closet, for they had been replaced.

I couldn't bear to tell them I was replacing them with the more comfortable, convienent and affordable combo of t-shirts and track pants.  No, that would have been much to harsh.  Instead, I gradually removed them one by one to ease the transition.  I'm sure they knew what was happening, wondering who was going to be next.  Sadly, everyone had to go.

The pain and heartbreak were however, shortlived. With three children to shop for, a new affair was just beginning and this one would last 18-life!

My 'Special' Child

Reading through my previous posts, I can't believe I have yet to mention my 'special' child...we all have one, the husband.  When he is sick, the world is ending.  When he is tired, the world is ending.  When he is hungry, the world has ended.  Just like my other children, he needs love and attention.  Thankfully, my toddlers are around to let me know what he has been up to.  He may deny it, but when it's two against one, more often than not, majority rules!

Unlike my other children, this one does not need constant supervision.  In fact, when left to his own devices, his alter ego, superdad surfaces.  He is free of inhibitions when it comes to playing with his, and other children.  He is a monkey, horse, monster, whatever being it takes to solicit a laugh.  He is an expert at changing diapers (I swear his nose has an on/off switch), the master of disguise (has been known to paint his nails to please his kids) and the tickle monster (he can make them laugh just by looking at them.)  It is his childlike nature, that makes this 'special' child, all I could ever have hoped for in a Daddy for my kids.

M.O.M.

I am a Mommy of multiples(M.O.M.) and proud of it!  Does having two babies at once make me better than other Mommies, of course it does.  Okay, okay, I'm not better than other Mommies BUT having multiples is an amazing blessing not everyone gets to experience.  With that said, I was not thrilled when I learned I was having twins, shocking I know.  Rarely do I speak with a non-multiple Mommy, or female for that matter, who doesn't say, "I always wanted twins."  Well I didn't. 

My husband is a fraternal twin (more on this conversational trump card later), and therefore anyone and everyone felt the need to joke about the possibility I was carrying twins.  *News flash, paternal genes have nothing to do with the possibility or probablity of twins.*    Anyhow, the day we headed to my 20 week ultrasound I told Matt we were having twins, he thought I was joking...I wasn't.  Less than an hour later two little heads appeared on the screen and as usual, I was right.  Matt was thrilled, me, not so much.  Oh how I wished I had been wrong, a first time for everything I know.

As the pregnancy and my waistline, progressed I eventually accepted and then embraced my fate.  While not a huge believer in fate, the moment I saw my little men, I knew I was meant to be a M.O.M.  They were perfect, albeit a little alien looking. (My boys were born premature at 33+3, weighed in at 4lbs 4oz and 4lbs 2oz, yet only hospitalized for 16 days.)  My love for them, both of them, was instantaneous. 

Being a M.O.M. has it's own set of challenges, one of the biggest being the dreaded public outing.  Did you know everyone has a family member, friend, co-worker or aquaintance that has multiples. If you didn't, you soon will and they will feel the need to tell you this.  This is where my trump card comes into play.  When a perfect stranger comes up to me and begins to tell me her sisters nephews son twice removed has twins, I simply say really?  Their Dad is a twin too.  End of conversation.  So whether or not you or your spouse is a twin, I suggest you lie and pretend you are.  Horrible, but so useful.

I still don't quite understand why women want to have multiples, but everyday I am thankful I do. I truly can not imagine one without the other, nor can I imagine my life being any other way. So different, yet to alike, my boys are my sun, my moon, and along with my stars (my daughter and husband), my world.

More on being a M.O.M another time, this Mommy needs her sleep after all tomorrow I am blessed enough to spend my day with 'double the trouble.'

Ten things NEVER to say to a Stay at Home Mom

A few friends have posted this on facebook lately and I'm sure we've all heard one, if not all of these comments.  Most of the time, I choose to bite my tongue but not today!  This is what I would like to say...

1. When the kids are older, do you think you'll get a 'real' job?
No, this job has the best benefits out there.  I get paid in hugs and kisses and will never be laid off.

2. How June Cleaver of you!
If only I had a cleaver right now!

3. Oh, so you don't work?
No, I don't.  Why would I consider cleaning the house, doing laundry, making meals, grocery shopping, paying the bills and taking care of three kids work. 

4. Since you have extra time on your hands, could you whip up a few dozen brownies for the bake sale tomorrow?
Sure can, and I'll make yours extra special.

5. All day with your kids? I can't even imagine
I'm sure they can't either, but I can't imagine why.  You obviously such a joy to be around.

6. I'm jealous. I wish my husband were rich so I wouldn't have to work either
You should be.  Maybe you should get a divorce and try again.

7. What do you do all day, anyway?
Can't you tell?  I do my nails, get my hair done and shop. 

8. I'm sure you're not the only one who's ever wasted money on a college degree
No, I'm sure I'm not.  After all, college obviously worked for you, that's why you're so tactful and classy.

9. That explains why your son is so clingy!
If by clingy you mean enjoys my company to those of a babysitter than yes, that explains everything.

10. Weird. I assumed your house would be superclean
Weird, I assumed you weren't such a b!$@h

My secret

I have a confession to make.  I'm not quite sure how to say this, so here goes...I am not a superhero.  I feel so much better now that the secret is out but please, don't tell my kids. To them my kisses are magic, they make all boo-boo's better and my hugs, well they're magic too.  A hug from Mommy can make tears disappear instantly.  I am stronger, faster and smarter than anyone and everyone else, nor do I require sleep...if only.  I am the centre of their universe, they turn to me for comfort and look to me for guidance.  I know this won't last forever and I plan on enjoying it while I can.  For now, let's keep my little secret between us.