What I learned this week…clinging to shreds of sanity for dear life. Mostly.

by Janelle Hanchett

Being a single parent must SUCK. My husband has been working out of town all week (hence the tragic lack of blog posts) and I have been watching my life flash before my eyes on a daily basis.
Okay that was perhaps slightly over-dramatic. But only slightly. Most days I wake up and seriously people I have no idea how I’m going to get through the day – get the kids to where they need to be, work, write my papers, feed the baby, retrieve the fucking Houdini dog who keeps escaping, go to class, get gas, buy milk. My God. So much respect for people who do this all the time.
Georgia’s newest word is “auk” which is, of course, “sock,” and her saying it may be the cutest thing I’ve ever witnessed in my life.
Incidentally she also learned how to take her “auks” off, which is less cute.
Next week my little girl turns 10. Double freaking digits. I am more or less okay with this because she wears penguin flannel pajamas and a fluffy panda sleep mask to bed, both of which serve as evidence to me that she is still my precious little baby girl and the years are simply lying.
Yes. That’s it. They’re lying.
It’s been cold for like two weeks (and of course I’m using that term “cold” loosely) but nonetheless I’m already sick of wearing real shoes. I’m from California. I do flip flops. Shoes stifle me. Ha.
Yesterday I saw a 6 year old with a pacifier in his mouth. Not like playing with it or chewing it into a thousand pieces which he will then chuck at his sister’s head, but sucking on it. Like a baby. His mother had three boys, aged 6, 4 and 3 and ALL THREE had pacifiers in their mouths. And when I tried to talk to them they just looked at me, sucking away.
I judged her. I did. That’s so fucking weird.
You know what’s going to make this Christmas amazing? The fact that school will be over. Holy CRAP that will be nice.
Oh, and Rocket read his first word by himself. “Not.” It makes my eyes fill with tears, right now, just thinking about it. Go Rocket. You’re doing it, little man.

more stuff I shouldn't have said out loud:

What I learned this week…Oh, I don't know, Christmas.

I don't really remember this week, but I do remember two people very clearly...

Three days later, still thankful

Michael Ann Riley

Sunday, 13 November, 2011 at 12:02

It is very difficult to do it all and BE it all, all by yourself. I too have tremendous respect for single parents. Well ok, that depends on the parents, but in general….

Judge away. A six year old should not have a pacifier. Nor should a 3 year old. That is not doing them any favors. Yay to Rocket!!!

renegademama
Sunday, 13 November, 2011 at 13:16

Haha! Yes, I suppose it does…depend on the parents. Smile. 🙂

Reply

Dee

Sunday, 13 November, 2011 at 17:11

Six y/o w/ paci. No bueno.

Stephanie

Sunday, 13 November, 2011 at 18:34

I’m looking for guest posters for holiday-themed posts in December. *Cough, Cough, Wink* Details: http://wp.me/p1JFfu-Fp

Shan

Sunday, 13 November, 2011 at 19:38

Go, Rocket! (Is anyone else less than surprised that his first word would be one that’s so versatile?)

Dude, I totally feel you. Shoes stifle me, too. Bah!

1st – 6, 4, and 3 year olds have no business with a pacifier.
NO BUSINESS. I think we had difficulty getting Emry away from the dreaded BINK at the age of 2… but then, I just threw them out (I know, I’m horrible…I wouldn’t cave and give him one if there weren’t any in the house.) and suddenly.. BAM… no more Pacifiers. What kills me about the older children witht them… they are usually in strollers.. WHAT’S UP WITH A CHILD OVER 3 IN A STROLLER? JEEZ, give them some exercise, and have them walk. (Side thought: Emry is officially to big to ride in the shopping cart at the grocery store… now he hangs on the back of it like a little bad@55… it’s awesome. He thinks it’s super cool, and I kind of do too.)

2) YAY ROCKET!!!! I’m glad he’s starting to have a turn around with reading, some times it takes kids longer, and some kids need more attention than others too… I hate how society tries to slam all of them into one mold… I bet as he grows, he becomes wicked intelligent and supercedes the other kids.. I just get that feeling…

3) Mondays suck.

Lisa

Monday, 14 November, 2011 at 7:12

Just wanted to let you know that I’ve passed on an award to you. Please visit http://blendedbeaks.blogspot.com to see how to accept it.

Tara

Tuesday, 15 November, 2011 at 16:36

I stumbled across your blog somewhere and am so glad I did. Your posts are my thoughts and thank god for that because it proves I’m not the only one who’s feels like they’re going insane! I have 2 year old, 16 year old (and 8 month old border collie) – which in my mind is one of the worst combos EVER but laughing about it (and reading about your trials) helps tremendously. Keep it up!