Taking a breather

I typically have a very predictable routine for myself while the kids are napping. No, it does not include a nap for myself. (Please don't be one of those people who suggests to new parents that they should nap when the child is napping - those people, though trying to be helpful, are irritating.) I depend on my routine to give my day some semblance of normalcy. People who leave home for their work probably eat lunch at a regular time each day, or at the very least, know they're going to shower before heading out the door. Me, I look forward to the kids' nap time for my routine: I make sure to pee by myself, prepare and eat my lunch without interruption, and tend to some regular chores (dogs, laundry, etc.). I don't think it's asking a lot of the universe to honor my needs. Unfortunately, our household is still recovering (as is my daughter) from the effects of this stomach bug and let's just say that at the moment, my sanity is peering over the edge of a tall and rocky cliff.

This morning all the rules and routine were abandoned in favor of basic survival skills: continuous cartoon television and permission to eat food on the couch. The television was used to distract my son from the fact that my complete attention was being focused on his sister, who either needed to be in my lap, or huddled into the corner of the couch with her friends (baby Elmo, puppet Elmo, Charger the horse, bunny bear, flower blankie, plaid blankie, water sippy cup, milk sippy cup, and of course there were two giraffe Sobees). The television was also used to distract my daughter during those moments when I had to refill milk cups, get more dry cereal or change someone's diaper. Of course, anytime I repositioned my gal, or attempted to downsize her entourage (it's a daily battle I wage), small groans and/or high pitched screaming ensued.

It's only mid-afternoon and I'm exhausted. Ironically, now that both children are asleep (her second nap, and the tail end of his first) you'd think I could go about the business of carrying out my routine - except that I already ate lunch (one of the things I look forward to most) while trying to convince my gal to eat something besides a popsicle. At this point the thought of starting in on a chore or project is more draining than exhilarating, given that my son could wake at any moment. Only 2 hours and 20 minutes before my husband gets home!