So far, summer's everything I've come to expect after having spent it with kids now for the past fifteen years. I love having the kids around. Sure makes things much livelier, albeit in a less than traditional livelier sense. Any sane parent knows the bar must be set and maintained very low in order to survive, though.
I've come to never expect the house to stay clean for more than half hour tops, even after spending hours cleaning. Or for the fridge and pantry to stay stocked, even after a grocery shopping spree. And spending money at the rate of thousands per week is completely normal, what with movies, lunching out, day trips here and there. Of course some things never change. I'm still at Costco and Target every week, except now I bring my 'helpers' with me. Helpers. That's what the cashiers call them.
And if all this isn't exciting enough, this summer I've decided to really spice things up with the additional classic adventure of potty training my son. Hoo- boy. Now that's fine summer living.
Unlike those memorable childhood moments I miss and will always treasure- blow drying their hair, witnessing a doll tea party, even doing puzzles together-
potty training is one sure thing I haven't missed from the beginning. Quite the contrary actually. It's one of those things a parent would rather forget about and hope to never relive.
But here I am, knee-deep in summer, and instead of enjoying the carefree dog days, I'm wiping up messes, covering the furniture with towels, and scouting out where the public bathrooms are every time I venture out, which has been minimal. Oh, and remembering to pack those extra pair of pants. Good times.
But hey. I'm trying to focus on the positive. In addition to being able to attend preschool full time in the fall, no more diapers is going to save us a couple hundred bucks in the long run.
A few weeks of misery to save a few bucks?
A few inconveniences in my summer days?
A smile and total feeling of accomplishment my son feels when he makes it?
Priceless.
8 comments:
Hey, great positive spin going on here! That's what matters ... laughing, seeing the humor in life. My Helpers are older than yours, but I still love having them tag along ... It sounds like you all have a lot of fun together. Happy Summer to you, wishing you many happy memories!
You are going to have a fun summer!! Good luck with the potty training. I'm working on it with my daughter. Exhausting, but hopefully we'll get to the finish line soon! I'll be glad when I never have to potty train another kid again. I dread it! I'll try to remember your positive attitude when I'm cleaning up those sneaky little messes:)
at least it is summer and the clothing isn't as much as in the winter, right? haha, that is what my mom always said :) Good luck!
sounds like a great plan for a really fun summer!
we're in the throws of potty learning here too! in fact i think i better go check in with my little man right about now...
I never have to drag anyone along anymore to run errands. I miss it!
Potty training in the summer at least means you can put the potty smack dab in the middle of the lawn and let the little guy run around "nakey boy," as my son likes to put it. Sprinkler, lots of water and popsicles and hopefully he'll turn the corner soon. Good luck :)
You can make it!! Happy 4th!!
Yes, priceless all around. Hang in there!
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