In the land of "Make-Believe"

Another day...and another day inside.  The weather limited our options today as it was one day of constant showers.  We made the most of the morning by going to boot camp followed by minute clinic visit for me and lastly the grocery store.  The minute clinic was as good as can be expected with two small children.  Claire's fascination (borderline obsessed) with latex gloves causes her to fixate on them until the doctor/nurse gives her a pair.  She then insists on Norah getting a pair.  If this were a children's story it would read like this:

If you give Claire a pair of gloves she will then ask for a pair for Norah.  If you give a pair to Norah then she will ask to wash her hands with Magic Soap (hand sanitizer).  If you wash her hands with magic soap, then she will ask to use your blood pressure bulb.  If you tell her no (which every doctor has done thus far) she will begin a tantrum.  If she begins a tantrum, then Norah will retaliate by yelling.  If she retaliates by yelling, then Claire will cry and cover her ears and plead it's too loud.  If she does cry, then mommy will comfort her and tell her its ok and also turn and tell Norah "inside voice." But mommy can't just say "inside voice" because Norah will pretend she doesn't hear it.  Instead mommy needs to sing it like the "Yo Gabba Gabba" song.  If this does indeed happen, Norah will then finish the song which distracts her from yelling and ultimately Claire from crying/tantrum.  

Suffice it to say the appointment was not their best of moments.  I will attribute it to that being their first time out and about for the day and small/unfamiliar quarters.  The mixture leads to chaos and truly inquisitive minds.  We followed that with a trip to Kroger.  On a 10 scale, I rate that a 7.  Save a few escapes and outbursts, the girls did pretty well.  We didn't leave Kroger in tears or with a list of forgotten items.  They even got the "I went Krogering" sticker without having to ask...and they said "Thank You" without me having to remind them.  Of course I rewarded them for their success with cake pops from Starbucks (and a chai for me).

Once we got home, the rain REALLY came down and never stopped.  We needed to really become creative to make the time pass today.  It was truly an afternoon/evening of "make believe."  First we turned the storage ottoman into a pirate ship where we sailed around seeking adventures.  I even taught the girls to pretend paddle to make it go.  Then we started to play house.  I mastered this game as a kid. My sister and I would play for hours.  Claire and Norah are getting there but they are still young.  We passed a lot of time playing with their dolls.  Making them meals.  Doing their hair.  Claire kept pretending to go on coffee runs for me in her power wheel (LOL it was priceless.  'Mommy I get you chai ok?').  It was really fun to see them mimic me.  It makes you take a step back and realize just how much you are teaching them every day with your actions.  Watching the way Norah feeds her doll and then cleans up her face because "she's a mess." Or seeing Claire use expressions that I use with them - 'I am so proud of you' or 'you not listen so you go in time out' (at least she gets it) - and even expands them beyond her dolls to Norah.

Today I kept thinking how hard it is to be a "single mom."  With Mike traveling a lot and no family in Texas, I feel alone so much of the time and really on my own as a parent.  But as I reflect on my day and think of the moments shared with the girls, I realize just how imperative my role is.  Not only should I never take it for granted, but I should never wish to speed up time.  Some days, especially the ones where Mike is gone and traveling, I find myself 'surviving' and hoping the hours pass faster.  It is normal and I know that.  But when I end days like those, I often want to kick myself for thinking like it.  I have so little time with them at this age.  I know in a few years I am totally going to be saying, "oh I miss you at that age." I don't want to wish it away as I now have it.  As exhausting as it is, it is the MOST important job in the world.  I am in charge of molding and forming my children to become great women.  I prayed so hard to be granted this opportunity.  So I want to teach my girls to be a strong mom...I want them to remember us having fun when they were alone with me and not seeing a stressed person who seemed to be annoyed with them.  Sure our house isn't spotless (and it's really a mess that dad is gone) but it's home.  I have the fondest memories of being home with my mom...I really want the girls to have those fond memories too.  So if I spend an entire afternoon pretending with them and giving them a day of fun and marvel, then I know I did my job right.

Claire getting ready for her "Starbucks run"

Mothering Minnie Mouse

Norah playing so nicely by herself