10 Things I Learned This Week, Vol 35

It’s been a week of little sleep and lots of “challenges”. But we survived—and even snuck in a bit of fun—just in time for Monday to come around again.

Lesson #1: When your kids help grow, pick and even chop the veggies, they’re a lot more fun for them to eat. (This lesson is dedicated to by my hard-working brother and his green thumb, because goodness knows that bounty didn’t come from our house.)

Lesson #2: While baseball cards seemed like a great way to teach Big about the concept of trading, apparently we still have some work to do. The other day he came home from the bus with someone’s schoolwork in exchange for one of his cards. (Though one might argue that he traded up after seeing the lovely penmanship and drawing.)

Lesson #3: Bottle leaks stink up new diaper bags too.

Lesson #4: Beware of a sneezy baby in a Bjorn. Especially when you’re preparing dinner.

Lesson #5: When you actually get out to a ladies lunch, don’t forget to accessorize. I spruced up my dress with purple paint all over my arms (courtesy of Kindergarten art) and a drooly baby—and I wore them with pride.

Lesson #6: Therapy may be cheaper than our water bill. The boys have decided that mid-day baths are the perfect stress reliever. And, it seems, they’re carrying the weight of the world on their pruney shoulders.

Lesson #7: When your 2-year old goes quiet, do not assume he’s miraculously fallen peacefully asleep in his bed. (Giving you five minutes to shut your eyes.) Your sea monkeys’ lives may depend on it.

Lesson #8: In fact, that whole “sleep while the baby does” thing doesn’t apply at all when you have two other kids. I guess I could nap on the drive to and from preschool/basketball/haircuts, in the grocery cart or at the park, but I think people might disapprove of my mothering more than they already do.

Lesson #9: Just like my irreverent grandmother smiles and waves to people who honk or flip her off on the road, I’ve been doing the same to people who give my kids and me dirty looks for our unruly behavior. Ever heard of permagrin?

Lesson #10: When sleeping bags are involved, spending the night next to your kids is actually pretty fun. Especially when all three of them actually sleep. All. Night. Long.

Here’s to hoping you have many excuses to smile (and sleep) this week!