Today was chaotic at best. Not a complaint, just an observation.
Baby boy and I had a fairly normal beginning of the month morning. That means I was busy with our finances while he busied himself with toys. Once I was done with all the paperwork, he helped me clean up by screaming and running away from the vacuum cleaner. He also assisted in packing the dishes away, he's very assertive in his right to help with chores. Sometimes I'd rather he go do something else but nope, he's happy being involved. So I comply.
During his nap I was able to catch up with a childhood friend. She also lives in the US, married with a 5 month old baby boy. The conversation was incredibly fruitful and we were able to lean on one another on marital and motherhood stuff. It's quite possible that we've known each other for 20yrs. It's always fun to connect with people who have known you for a very long time. Sort of like a moment of reflection...who the heck was I in high school? I shake my head at the thought of that little impulsive me. Not that I'm any less impulsive these days. More head shaking.
The chaos? It involves lots of screaming and coupons. Because one computer can only print 2 of the same coupon, I went to a friend's house to print some more. Why you ask? Only because King Soopers has the biggest sale ever! So big that you can snag wipes, shaving cream and other goodies for FREE! Right. So. We ended up with two very head strong toddlers who wouldn't stop fighting. There was screaming, pinching and crying. We, the mothers, were also in a major rush to meet certain appointments. The technology was not cooperating and the screaming continued. Amidst our tornado my friend in sheer exhaustion accompanied by a defeated laugh exclaimed that she hated motherhood. She doesn't hate motherhood. She's one of the best mothers I know. And in that moment I fully understood her choice to surrender. This life we've chosen can sometimes feel incredibly overwhelming, but we love it. Because we love these babies. Even when they're being monsters.
It is because of that love that I was able to survive more screaming. Later in the day baby boy and I popped by a dear neighbor friend who has become my couponing partner. While preparing for our grocery trip the kids made themselves heard by causing a proper manic state. Luckily she had made enough dinner for me to remix and forge as my own cooking. We changed locations, bringing the craziness to our place. Husband walked in to a life of disarray and I think he was more than happy to grab a bite and leave for school. Baby boy did his time in time out after knocking his friend with a toy. He looked at me and said "time out mommy" while walking towards the designated punishment spot. Things soon regained calm as we retired the coupon efforts and gave the kids our undivided attention. We finished our dinner, tidied up and relaxed for bath time.
At the end of a day I always wonder whether I could have been better or handled things differently. That question always leads back to finding balance. Saving money is important, but it cannot interfere with my child's comfort and happiness nor with my sleep. There'll always be another King Soopers Mega 5 deal. I'm starting to sound like a recovering coupon addict. Yikes.
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