Our First Expedition Out with the Potty!

Oh, my goodness, where to begin? I suppose I'll begin with yesterday morning (Wednesday, 29 May 2013).

So, yesterday was our first day to get in the car since we began potty training LAST Tuesday. Sadly, though, I wasn't feeling the usual cabin fever. It's amazing what nice weather and hard housework will do to me! I'm not going to say that that week went by quickly, but I'm honestly feeling exhausted just thinking about it! I got much more done this past week than I thought I would. Seriously, I did at least 12 loads of laundry, kept the kitchen mostly clean, kept all three kids alive, and did the nitty gritty potty training. Plus, while we were out playing in the yard, I reorganized and cleaned the front porch. Go me!

Anyway, so, even though I knew we were leaving the house yesterday, I woke up and was like, WAIT, that's TODAY! (I'm blaming it on momma brain; it seems these kids suck all the thoughts from my brain!) We ended up leaving much later than we thought we would. I would take all the blame, but Nolana slept in; my 'natural' alarm clock failed me. It was quite the gaggle trying to get everyone up, dressed, fed, and out in the car while trying to pack all the stuff that needed to go with us. Luckily, Kevin was there to help, otherwise I probably would have just sat down and cried. It was hectic. Just as I was getting very frustrated, Evelynn completely lifted my spirits. I had her strapped into her fortified car seat (in case she had an accident), and she said, "Pee, potty" and grabbed at her crotch. So, I unstrapped her and she got on the potty. Pulled her own pants down, too. She made it! YES! She's growing up so fast. Then she proceeded to sing about how she gets a chocolate because she peed in the potty. Silly girl :) Definitely from my loins, chocolate girl.

Jade still has not had a success on the potty. I'm contemplating pulling back and starting again with her a little later. I just don't think she recognizes the urge to go yet. Suggestions?

We did not go to the park yesterday. We've had a cold going around the family, and I didn't want to spread it to all the other kids. But, I did get a rare 10 minutes to myself. I left the kids and Kevin hanging out with Nonnie while I drove down to the park, hoping Lauren would have some 'potty' books for the girls that she said I could borrow. I spent maybe 3 minutes talking to the ladies. It was nice to get a few minutes to myself, even if it was while I was driving. Needless to say, I drove a little slower than usual.

After we had lunch and hung out at my in-laws, we headed home. Kevin left again shortly thereafter to go and get some things done. He delivered the fifth wheel to its new owner and went over to Uncle Buddy's and Aunt Beth's shop. Then went to the store and filled the gas tank.

Today has been a hard day for me. Nolana hasn't been sleeping well the last few nights. So I haven't gotten much sleep. And that makes me cranky. I've just been terribly emotional today. I can't figure out why. I've been having to mentally shake myself to stop myself from thinking so selfishly. You'd think that by now I'd have stopped realizing that I even have preferences. Seriously, my whole life right now revolves around others. I do everything for my kids and family. Maybe that is why I've had a difficult day. I just want someone to do something for me, and solely for me. And we just had Mothers Day. Geez, Emily, get a grip! I know I'm loved. It's just hard. I feel like these kids drain everything from me! Some days it doesn't SEEM worth it, but I know that's just my selfishness kicking in. That's why motherhood is not for everyone. It's hard.

But the smiles. They are wonderful. Evelynn, all messy and dirty, yelling happily in her not-quite English. Jade, her blues eyes alight with curiosity and a mischievous lilt to her lips. Nolana, ready to send me a gummy, opened mouth, eye twinkling, happy smile.

How can it get any better than this?

Thanks for listening/reading. Sometimes, all it takes is a few minutes of 'introspecting' out loud, and everything makes sense.

That being said, take a few minutes for yourself. You've spent time learning about my life. Now think on yours.

God bless!