Motherhood, Uninterrupted!

 

When I took this picture of the kids at the end of June, I felt so worn-out by the school year (and looked it, too - judging from any of the pictures with me in them...GAWD!) but, what I remember most from Mini-Me's graduation from nursery school (besides being impressed by how Little Man was very moved by the end-of-the-year program to the point of...hysterical...snorting snot and crying, "Mini-Me is...[SNORT]...growing up...[SOB]...sooooo fast!")  is how much we all looked forward to spending a nice, long, hot, quiet summer...at home.

Who was I kidding - it was one of the wettest, coolest, stuck in the house with four very cranky children and I can't believe it's over, already sort of summers we've ever had - I guess one out of four ain't too bad, right!?!

But - now that it's finally over and I've got the whole house all too myself - I'm surprised that I still feel very unsettled and can't seem to decide what to do with myself.

Shocked, actually.

Because, it's not like I don't have anything to do, it's just that - having to pick between cleaning the house, food shopping, or doing the laundry...uninterrupted - well, it's sort like being granted three wishes...wetting your pants with excitement...and then staring out into space with a blank look on your face and not knowing just what in the hell you would wish for first!

Sort of like my response, especially these passed few days, whenever anyone has asked me:

"So, what are you going to do with all that spare time you have, now that you don't have any kids home...anymore!?!"

[blank stare]

My husband went into work late, yesterday (heaven forbid big banker dudes give him a whole day off!) to bid a fond farewell to our baby girl and for morale support...mine.

"She's the last of our little mohicans!"

The teacher's aide nodded her head and looked at me in this sort of...I dunno...you poor, helpless, little (okay, maybe not sooo little) thing!

"Oh, I've stood in your shoes and recently had to send my baby off...to college!"

[blank stare]

Okay, then.

Thank goodness Mini-Me's teacher showed up (awkward silence be gone!) and started giving out name tags with Mini-me being the first one to get hers.

"I remember you from orientation...your name is Mini-me...right!?!"

She looked over to her father and me, smiled and nodded her head.

"Yep...and I 'member you...'cause you thought I was soooo cute...wight!"

Needless to say, Mini-Me had an awesome first day at...what used to be..."Big bruhver's school" - as did the rest of the mohicans - and so did I!

Even if I still look...well...just look at all that eye baggage...and what's with the cheeks?...UGH!

My husband took me to breakfast - sure that I would be a basket case - and we had to eat and run (literally) so that big banker dudes wouldn't have to get all...you know...nickle and dime...on his sorry ass.

"I've got tons of stuff to do...there's a pile of mail on my desk that I need to go through...not to mention laundry...and tons of stuff that don't fit the kids...I need to sift through...before changing over the closets for the fall...and I've got to organize their rooms...better...before I can do that...which reminds me...I've got to get the garage cleaned out...before I can finish renovating the kitchen...and re-finish the dining room...I was hoping to start this past summer...but, not before I finish wallpapering our room...I started...three years ago...oh, crap...but, I'll have finish painting Little Man's room, first...and...um...are you okay, Hon?"

[blank stare]

"Oh, I'm sorry, I was listening...no...really...it's just that...somewhere in between...my eyes started glazing over and I think I felt another brain cell crash and burn...but, don't let me interrupt you...go right ahead...and enjoy your taste of freedom...without me...okay?...m'kay...buh-bye."

[blank stare]

Okay, so like, the kids have half-days this week...but, Monday...I'll have the whole day to myself...and for my first wish...I'll have a...um...I'll have a...um...you'll have to excuse me...at least for the next few days...if I sound a little...you know...dazed.

And you're more than welcome to join me...as I begin a new phase...and adjust into my new life of motherhood...uninterrupted.

[flush]

Just, remember to knock first!

Comments

[Suzanne]

Enjoy the quiet. The rest. The peace.

Okay, okay, at least the quiet. What time does school let out?

[Mellie Helen]

Allow me a moment while I vicariously enjoy the peace and quiet through your young'uns' absence...ahhhhhhh...let's see; a morning spent sprucing up the home (what's this "vacuum" appliance thing for?), actually taking time to plan the family meals for the week, followed by a leisurely massage and spa pedicure...ahhhhh...

Okay, back to reality. Homeschooling is rewarding, but there just never seems to be a _vacation_. But brownie points await me somewhere, right? RIGHT?? ??? *sigh...*

[Nila]

Enjoy the silence. I love coming home after leaving my kids at school, and the silence is almost too much. Almost.

On Monday you should spend some time vegged out on the sofa with a good movie. Make it a special day, because it's your own time. Finally!! I do feel for you though, it's hard letting go of that last kid.

[Liz]

Hey, Suzanne - welcome back to blogging (I've missed you!) This year is a treat - I'm down to THREE schools as opposed to dropping-off and picking-up at FOUR, last year.

Next year, it's TWO (with Thing Two going into Jr. High) and the following year, I'm back to FOUR, again!

To better answer your questions - it all starts somewhere before 8:00 a.m. and ends around 3:30 p.m...or, something like that...depending on sports and stuff...because, HEY! the kids need a life too, right?

I just hope someone remembers to tell me, when mine starts ;o)

[Liz]

My dear Mellie - in my mind, you are a Superwoman and I am so sitting next to you, toes exposed and sharing an icy beverage of some sort.

By the way, are you buying...because, well...you know.

But, I could always supply moths for an upcoming science project. Just ask me and I'll be happy to open up my wallet ;o)

[Liz]

Nilla - Believe it or not, I'm looking forward to tearing into the garage (I've heard people actually park their cars in theirs) and believe purging can be very good for a mommy's soul!

[Jenna]

Can you come help me decide whether to do laundry or nap? Or clean or nap? Or cough up this lung or nap? Motherhood, Unwell up in this piece. Sigh.

[Helene]

Sounds like bliss! Enjoy!

[Latte Man]

awww.... I must admit I am jealous. Being a consultant, I have had clients these past couple of years that make big ol banker dudes sound like overly-giving folks.

I didn't get to do the walk off for Kindergarten, or be around for her first day in her new school this year. {{sniff}}