Teach Me How to Mommy

I thought I'd have at least fourteen years before... Today my son walked into his preschool class without my help.  He went directly to his "bros" and started to talk about Star Wars (which he knows nothing about).  After I followed him and demanded a kiss I watched him wipe it off and continue playing. On the same day my daughter revealed that she has a boyfriend.  A what?  "A boyfriend, my friend and I sharing him."  Lucky guy.  At least she has good taste. It's happening too quickly, just like everyone said it would.  Luckily I have a brand new baby who needs me for everything and doesn't have the coordination to wipe off the million kisses I give her all.day.long. P.S . In other news, my daughter promised me she would stop growing when she turns five, my son still spends most of his day without any pants on and the baby still needs to nurse every three hours.  The more things change, the more things stay the same.

The hardest part about having an only child... is that every first, is also the last. Actually, I almost just went up and edited that line because I loathe the term "only child".  Maybe it's my own complex (probably is), but it just seems to imply *eye roll* ONLY child.  If you have one child, remember what is was like to have one child, or have been with me EVER... you know this eye roll moment that comes directly after I answer... "When are you going to have ANOTHER child?"....  "Is this your ONLY child?"  and it forces you into an uncomfortable position of defending your family structure... but I digress... The hardest part about having one wonderful child is everything.   It's hard to look around and not see many families that look like yours.   It's hard to connect with the stresses of other families. It's hard to stay consistent. It's hard to go to the park alone (I don't always fit down the kid slides...

So baby Holly Jane is two months old.  It's been a whirlwind.  I feel as though I officially gave birth at the worst time of year.  Not only was she born during a blizzard, but she went home in subzero temperatures and there has been snow, ice and rain to follow it up.  My "big" kids have had snow days, Presidents Days and vacation days making this one loud, messy and busy house. Yet, of course that all means nothing.  Holly is healthy and happy (well before 5pm that is) and I've always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and I guess that's what this is.   I went into my third trimester thinking that having three was going to be a lot like having two.  It is and it ISN'T.  I kind of figured I had it down after John.  I've had an easy baby and a not-so-easy baby so I know what it's like.  Also, I've been juggling two for three years, how much different could it be to add one? Well here are five things I learned about adding ...

If you were to stop by my house (unexpectedly) anywhere between 7am-3pm you would think I have things mildly under control.  You may hear a crying baby, there may be a splatter of matchbox cars on the living room floor and you'll definitely hear Kidzbop playing throughout the house, but you won't see a (terribly) frazzled mom, sad children or filth. But if you were to stop by my house (unexpectedly) between 4-6pm you would likely see huge messes, dirty plates, a hungry, screaming baby and two toddlers who have forgotten their manners.  Many people have told me it's the witching hour.  Yes, yes, I see it now. It's the hour I suddenly have to prep a meal that represents all the food groups, while also simultaneously breastfeeding and dealing with toddlers who are beginning to unravel. So please, maybe don't come over - or, rather if you do, please come at 7 am.  I'm as fresh as a daisy then. So to the poor guy who mistakenly knocked on my door at 4:45 and wa...