Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Leaving the House

I know, moms with 3 or more kids do this every day. They get themselves ready, get everyone else ready, pack everyone (and everything) into the car, and leave the house. They get things done, like grocery shopping and dentist appointments.
Sweetest baby ever?
I haven't graduated to that level yet. All I had to do was take baby Dexter to the hospital for a little blood test. I didn't even have to take Dorian with me; he was going to play at Grandma's house (yay for grandmas).
Grandpa John and Dexter
But it went something like this: Wake up at 8 a.m. (wow, this baby is a good sleeper! and Russell kept Dorian occupied even though he was up at 6:45 (yay for husbands)). Feed the sweetest baby ever. Put him down for a nap. Pick him back up again because he is starting to want to be rocked to sleep, instead of sort of being in a constant state of sleep. Put him back down once he is really asleep. Pick him up and rock him one more time, this time getting the bubble out of his tummy. Put him back down.
Evan and Dexter
Notice that it is 9:30 a.m. and think, I can still get in the shower and be ready by 10 (ha). Call Grandma and tell her to come get Dorian at 10. Take a quick shower. Get out of the shower and remember that Dorian doesn't feed or dress himself. And he needs some train tracks built. Play with Dorian. Meet Grandma at the door and hand her the baby so you can actually get Dorian dressed. See them out the door. Realize that the baby is hungry.
Ashley and Dexter
Feed the baby. Change his diaper. Decide to take him outside for a few minutes of sunshine before getting him dressed. Remember that you haven't packed a diaper bag for this little one, and you sent your other diaper bag with the big one. Spend a moment in thought over the logistics of carrying two diaper bags. And a purse. Pack a diaper bag. Pack the baby in the carseat (these straps don't pull tight enough? help!). Realize that you're still not wearing any makeup, and now your hair has dried without being styled. Forget the hair, do the makeup. Get in the car and pull out of the driveway. At 11:15. Really?
Mom and Dexter
I had gotten into a routine with Dorian where I always gave myself 15 extra minutes just to get into the car after I had everything else ready, because somehow between brushing teeth and spiking hair and convincing a toddler to move, it usually took about that much extra time. So now what, I have to give myself an extra hour and 15 minutes? And people do this with more kids? I think I'll stay home for a while. :)

14 comments:

Dani said...

I feel your pain! If you figure it out, let me know! He is so cute and I love the name!

Amy said...

Ha, ha! All I can say is welcome to the 2+ Club! Now you know why I am always late, my hair is often pulled back, and I'm lucky to be wearing mascara. And yes, it often takes us about an hour and a half for us to get out of the house.
But it does get easier with time and practice - and especially when baby is not eating every couple of hours.

Kelley said...

I PROMISE it gets easier. I've got four now, but my youngest is almost 2 1/2 (Can you believe it?!) and things have gotten much simpler. We're usually on time to things, usually, and most of the time my hair and makeup are done. But please remember that my youngest is 2 1/2. She no longer needs me to fee her every 30 seconds, she walks, a diaper bag is optional (I keep diapers in the car and call it good), and the older boys are usually pretty helpful and cooperative. I say usually because sometimes it all falls apart. The kids are fighting, Rachel's hair looks like a rat's nest, I haven't had a shower in at least 3 days, my daughter is poopy, my sons are filthy, and we're already 15 minutes late. *sigh*

Congratulations on the new little one. He's a cutie. When was he born? How are you feeling? I'm thrilled for you!

Quiltgirl said...

What. A. Beautiful. Baby. ! It's just a little speed bump. You'll get there. gracefully, if the past is any indication. And just remember... 6 is easier than 5 :)

Quiltgirl said...

oh. and what i hate is that you have the little bug all swaddled and you have to undo him to buckle him into the carseat. If you could just somehow leave him in a cocooned chamber...

Joanna said...

Bonnie, you don't even know how normal you are. Or else we're both terribly weird. :)

Just wait until you get to take two kids to the grocery store. It's ridiculous how hard it is to make that errand work.

Oh, and Dexter is beautiful, and his name is adorable, and I'm really happy for you and your family!

Lauren said...

Dexter is SO STINKING CUTE! Who cares if you get anywhere on time. One look at your beautiful children and I am sure all is forgiven.

By-the-way, Avie is 15 months old and I still don't have a great leaving the house routine with my kids. I never have been a planner, but I was just thinking yesterday that I could get out of the house if I packed the bags and car the day before I have errands. That's one thing that is never going to happen.

Kate & The Girl's said...

He is so dang cute! Congrats :) Cute name.

R and A said...

Congratulations! He is a cutie. I think once our little guy is born, I won't be able to leave the house for about 6 months!

the lunch lady said...

he is so beautiful! congratulations!!

(and good luck!)

Jenny Bay said...

Oh my goodness, he is the sweetest thing!! LOVE LOVE LOVE the photos. :)

Brooke said...

Cute kid!

I am in trouble then because it already takes me twenty minutes to get out of the house, just with James. Part of my trouble though, is that James gets sooo distracted.

The diaper bag thing, just ditch the purse, trust me. :)

Mary said...

I hear you!
Congratulations, Dexter, what a cute name & he's absolutely adorable!

Beckalita said...

And you have wondered why I put on my makeup while observing a piano lesson EVERY WEEK! You should see me in the parking lot before church (while the rest of my family is sitting inside waiting for me).