Chill Out

The other day I found myself in a familiar routine. The baby was nursing and Alex was upset that he couldn't have my undivided attention. The laundry was piled up, the kitchen still a mess from the breakfast I hadn't had a chance to clean up. The cat was scratching at the doorjamb and the dog was shedding all over the carpet. Every time I tried to set the baby down in his bouncer or swing he'd pitch a fit. Every time I tried this Alex was also right there crying and wanting to be held. I was stuck in the middle, feeling like I was failing my firstborn because my second child needs me so much at this age. I was frustrated, Alex was frustrated, even the baby was ticked off. It was not a fun day around our house. Then my frustrated 2 year old began throwing his toys in frustration and being at the end of my mental rope I was yelling right along with him as he fussed at me. Don't act shocked, we've ALL been there. We've ALL had those days, especially with a two year old. A moment later I just stopped. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath and said God, I know you're busy, but if you could help me survive the rest of today I would really, REALLY appreciate it.

And when I opened them Alex was standing in the living room, transfixed by the TV. They were making ice cream sundaes' on Sesame Street and I realized in that moment how simple happiness can be for our little ones. I'd been spending too much time worrying about what "should" be done or what "needs" to be done and not enough time thinking about what we COULD do. Pulling out the big guns I went over and stood by the kitchen sink and let the water run while I swayed with Stephen in my arms. Running water, I have come to discover, has much the same affect on my infant as a handful of valium would on a full grown adult. Within minutes he was asleep. So I laid him down in his crib, turned on his monitor and shut the door. Then, instead of going to rush through the dishes or getting a load of laundry done I went over to my two year old who was quietly playing with his toys. I picked him up in my arms and he gave me the biggest, most beautiful grin I've ever seen. My heart melted.

We spent the next half hour making, eating and just generally playing in our own version of "fruit sundaes". He got it in his hair and even needed a bath on an otherwise no bath night. It didn't matter. I had the time of my life. And watching the sheer joy on his face as he fed me a bite of sundae and managed to smear some on my nose was worth a lifetime of piled up dishes and laundry. We all need to stop and take a breath once in a while. And remember what it's like to just be a kid. Do the silly stuff, the dirty stuff, the "we shouldn't" stuff. And enjoy every moment.


Alex's Sundae Mix Hairdo:



Quick and Easy Fruit Sundae's


2 Eggo Waffles
Sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries and/or raspberries
Whipped Cream


Toast Waffles, top with fruit topping of choice and TONS of whipped cream. Take turns feeding each other and see who can get the messiest!! :-)