The kids working on our Summer Musical “Aladdin”
So, after my post about embracing the chaos and how crazy life with 3 little ones under the age of 4 can be, I really felt encouraged by all of you.
I know many of us are in the same boat, or we know someone in the same boat, or we captained that boat many years ago and survived. So, there are plenty of similar stories to tell.
Just thought I’d give you a glimpse into my day today….
Today, started off pretty normal for us. None of the three Els typically wake up at the same time. It is a staggering process. T was the first to rise this morning. She was awake 3 times last night and I was awake with her. She is 11 months old today and has 2 bottom teeth, 3 top teeth and another coming. So, I’ll blame her restlessness on the teething and move along.
Maddux was next. On most days, he’s our first to rise. We call him our early-riser, but it’s usually not before 7:30, so I consider myself pretty lucky in that department. Well, he was up. And looking for us. Normally we are in our bedroom in the morning, But, yesterday we moved out of our bedroom to remodel it and into our fourth bedroom (which we use as a multipurpose room- an office/ playroom/ laundry room.) That room has all sorts of fun things for kids to do. But, all Maddux wanted to know was where did I sleep? We moved a bed in there, so that was the obvious answer.
Maddux and Trinity and I went downstairs and made a big breakfast. Since Trinity has started eating scrambled eggs, her breakfasts have become a lot easier for me. So, everybody had scrambled eggs and avocado. Perfect! And, we’re done…oh, wait. The 3rd El was still asleep.
At 9:30, Bakri made his way down the stairs and announced “I’m hungry for breakfast. I want some bacon, please.” And, so I obliged. Bacon for breakfast and a pancake on a stick…
Get dressed, turn on Sesame Street…Mommy gets dressed…baby takes a quick nap….and, we’re out the door to the Y. I can’t ever seem to make it to Yoga class on time. No matter what I do. I am ALWAYS the last one in the door. I do have a million good excuses – had to put 3 kids in car seats, had to get 3 kids out of car seats, had to walk with 3 kids from the parking lot to the Y, had to check 3 kids into the Youth Activity Center, etc. It goes on and on! So, when I am five minutes late- I consider it an accomplishment. Way to go, me!
Finished my class and went back to get the kids. This is when I get a little nervous as I casually ask “how did they do?” The answer today was they did great. Middle El pushed Baby El down once….uggggghh….but, other than that, they were good. My goodness, is there any chance one of my big kids won’t push my baby as she is innocently walking around the room cute as a bug in her little tennis shoes and purple leggings??? Come on!
Ok, quick scolding session “don’t push your baby sister. You know better than that. Good job behaving the rest of the time. Don’t push your sister again…blah, blah, blah. Do you understand?” Answer: “Yes, Ma’am.” Alright, moving on.
Now, we have to make it back to the car safely. Everybody grab a hand and let’s go!
Home again. Time for lunch. The requests start pouring in.
Bakri: I want Sausage
Maddux: I want grilled cheese sandwich
Trinity: Num num
Turn on the griddle and get lunch started. Light the fire. Bakri breaks out into song ala Johnny Cash “Ring of Fire.” So, we turn on the music and everybody joins in as we make sausage and grilled cheese sandwiches on the griddle and steam some broccoli. It was a great lunch! Everybody gets a cookie or 2 for such good behavior at lunch! Way to go!
While eating cookies, we must all grunt like cookie monster. Have you ever thought about some of the not-so-positive habits that are reinforced on Sesame Street? Just a side note, but there is Cookie Monster (really bad table manners,) Baby Bear (mispronounces most words,) and Elmo (talks in a really high annoying voice.) I still love it, but seriously it is pretty funny when you think about it.
So, now it is naptime. 2 out of 3 are sleeping now and one is rolling around (aka fighting a nap) on the couch.
Hope you are all having a great day.
