Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Waking Up on the Wrong Side of the Crib


“NOOOO! GO AWAY! GO AWAY!”

I heard Parker screaming at my husband while I tried frantically to get ready for work. “Oh, shit,” was my only thought.

Every once in a while, out of nowhere, Parker wakes up on the WRONG side of the crib. When this happens, he usually DEMANDS that only MOMMY can change him and get him ready. However, getting Parker changed and ready is DADDY’S job while Mommy finishes getting ready for work.

We have the routine down to a science. It works. It is efficient and fast. It is predictable.

Except on times like today.

We did not have time for this.

By the time I arrived at work (very late), no one has any idea that I have already withstood the MIGHTY toddler tantrum. I have wrestled with an octopus and a car seat. My husband and I have taken multiple trips of STUFF to the car because The Mighty Toddler refused to put on socks and shoes and jacket. We have Had-It-Up-To-Here. I still needed to drop the maniac at daycare.

All it looks like to anyone else is that I was practically running through a snowy, busy school parking lot so I could arrive in my office before students at the bright and early time of 7:45 am. Who knew what teachers, administrators, and parents thought as I barely made it in time to hand out the morning behavior cards.

I hoped my child was settled in at daycare. I hoped my child was not coming down with something.

I made it in the school building.

Ready to help take care of other people’s children all day.

Whew.

24 comments:

Marilyn (A Lot of Loves) said...

As I struggled to get my kid to school on time for 9am (we were still late), I specifically thought today that I would never make it if I had to work outside of the home. Never ever ever. Mornings are not our thing.

Shell said...

What a start to your day!

Missy@Wonder, Friend said...

For such small people, they wield amazing power, don't they? We have been late to things, arrived covered in snot or drool or worse, and even cancelled on people because our kids woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Sometimes you HAVE to fight it (like to get to work); and sometimes it's easier to just throw your hands in the air and try again later. :)

Gillian Behnke said...

This is my favourite line: "...wrestled with an octopus and a car seat." LOVE IT!
I have so been there. Hope your day got better! :)

Cristina said...

I hate those days... and my kids only want me most days, it's exhausting.

Kimberley said...

My little man prefers me ALL the time if we are both home. Sometimes I have to "take a nap" hide out in the bedroom for a bit just to save my sanity and let Daddy have some Spencer time.

Liz Mays said...

That was a lot of chaos and mania and the day had hardly begun! Sheesh!

colbymarshall said...

The good news, though, is he LOVES his mom :-)

Rathi said...

Well, now I see a resemblance with the little guy. Wait! That was me! He he he.

Unknown said...

"When they want you over Daddy:, I can just see my husband's heart crack a little. I do my best to tell him she's being a pill but I know it still hurts.

Kristi {at} Live and Love...Out Loud said...

Oh my word, I forgot how much more hectic mornings can be when you're a working mother. It's been 9 years since I was in your shoes. Honestly, I was getting a little stressed out for you while reading your post. You poor thing. I hope you had a glass of wine at the end of the day and I hope your little guy is feeling better. Thanks for stopping by Kristy.

Candace said...

Bless your heart! And it wasn't even a Monday. My hat is off to you, girl. I hope your Friday is wonderful. Candace

Stephanie in Suburbia said...

Wee 'Burb is going through a mega mommy stage and it's exhausting! If I had to actually get ready for work instead of working at home, I think I'd be slipping a little something-something in my coffee if ya know what I mean. Cheers to you, my dear!

Glen said...

nightmare - sounds very familiar. My wife is a teacher and can never believe that she is able to control a class of 30 kids but the 2 at home are so much harder.

Mrs. Match said...

man, I think I really take forgranted my quiet mornings before work, when the only thing I have to take care of is the dog. I need to remember to cherish these mornings before mommyhood. I hope your work day goes well and you don't have to deal with too many tantrums from other people's children!

Pam said...

This reminds me of that TV commercial the Marines had a few years ago. Something along the lines of "We accomplish more by 5:00am than most people accomplish in an entire day." Well, the Marines have nothing over on parents! A toddler tantrum could break a Marine in 2.5 seconds! Flat! I hope your day got better from there. Visiting from BPOTW.

Unknown said...

I don't know how working mom's do it. I didn't go back to work full time until my boys were in elementary school. That was challenge enough! Kudos to you for being able to do it.

Naomi said...

I find it hard to think some days that I can calmly manage 25 five year olds but not my own two children...

Days like that are exhausting. It's why I carry vodka in my travel coffee mug. No, not really, that would be irresponsible of me... it's gin!* :P

*kidding of course... just incase anyone wondered!

Encore Bride said...

Wow, I don't have any kids and often wonder how do mothers do it! You sound like supermom!!!

Anonymous said...

I definitely know how that goes. Those days I just want to hide in my room and sleep the day away. It's tough being Mommy. Visiting from the red dress club. Hope you're having a nice weekend!

Crystal Escobar said...

Oh man, I've had those days. My daughter insists on ME doing everything for her and won't allow my husband to do any of it. Drives me nuts!!!

Amy said...

Jackson does this exact same thing every now and then. Thank God it isn't the norm, but when it does happen it ruins my day. I never quite recover.

Sorry you had a rough morning hon, hope Parker wakes up happy all week for ya'll!

Annette said...

We have the same "science" in our house too. My husband dresses Little Lewie while I take care of everyone's lunches. It's amazing how much a simple slip in the routine can turn our mornings upside down. I hope Parker did have a happy and healthy day at daycare...

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