Floyd: A view from the ‘mommy’ side of things

Waking up every morning with an infant has its own set of challenges, but waking up with a toddler is a whole different pile of chaos. Getting ready with a baby is hard because it gives you a whole other person to get ready for the day.

Getting ready with a toddler is like that, but instead of a giggly, smiley little cherub, it’s a little tornado tearing through everything, yelling “NO!” and undoing everything you just finished - and laughing about it.

Here’s a glimpse of what life is like from the mommy side of things.

Early Wake Up

I convince myself every night that Charlie is going to sleep until the late, late hour of 9 a.m.—maybe even 9:30. I tell myself this as I watch the clock get closer and closer to midnight while I savor the time I get with my husband, watching shows Charlie can’t or eating snacks I spend all day hiding from her.

Charlie is rearing to go at 7 a.m.—maybe even 7:30 if I’m lucky.

No Breakfast

This has been the case since Charlie was weaned off of breast milk. When my full belly doesn’t directly benefit my child, I forget to eat (Morning coffee does not count as breakfast). All of Charlie’s short little life, she eats well rounded meals; plenty of protein with fresh fruits and veggies. And I eat a cookie, but only if I remember.

The chaos of mornings in my house is incredibly stressful. Two dogs need walking and breakfast, and a toddler needs changing, clothes, and breakfast. All of this has to be completed before any Mommy and Me plan I have set up can happen, whether it be story time or a play date.

I have taken to packing an apple or granola bar for myself. Guess what? I usually forget to eat that, too, or end up giving it to Charlie.

Cute Baby, Not Cute Mommy

I like to think I am relatively chill when it comes to being a mom. Charlie gets to fall down, get into things she shouldn’t and make generally make a mess. But I refuse to let her pick out her own clothes. I insist that she wears all of her clothes for an equal amount of time so that they get an equal amount of use. Charlie’s outfits are in neat order. I only pull today’s outfit from the top and all clean clothes go on the bottom. And if Charlie gets into her clothes drawer and messes it up, I have a serious fit. It’s a flaw I recognize in myself but refuse to change.

I am not so careful about my own clothes. Only stretchy pants and fabrics with some flexibility will do since I spend my time chasing a toddler.

Always Late

Did I mention I now have two dogs? And a toddler? Giving both dogs a walk without taking Charlie is a juggling act my family and I are still working to perfect. Charlie has to be the worst toddler to ever be taken for a walk in her stroller. She throws a major fit about having to sit down, needs all the pinecones she sees and insists on holding the leashes herself from the stroller without help.

Forgetfulness

Even if I don’t forget anything, I still have worry that something has been left behind. This is usually because I do forget at least one thing; a sippy cup, diaper wipes, bug repellant, cellphone, Charlie. Just kidding, I’ve never forgotten Charlie. But she’s about the only thing.

This story was originally published April 19, 2016 at 6:26 AM with the headline "Floyd: A view from the ‘mommy’ side of things."