They Must Be Geniuses

Today I ventured out of the house with three kids--the first time by myself since Case was born--and it was actually fun to be able to run some errands. I know, I can't believe I just said that either. The only thing that put a damper on our little outing: seven different people telling me the thing I'm soooo tired of hearing (as it's all I've heard for the past four years). "Wow, you've really got your hands full!"

Thank you, Captain Obvious. Do I honestly need a reminder every ten minutes? I KNOW I have my hands full. I have to try so hard to resist saying back, "Well, I have one more who is four years old and I'm strongly considering in vitro to conceive triplets this month." Every mom I know has her hands full at one point or another. I understand that these people are just trying to be nice, but come on. Does everyone have to say that to me all the time? Especially when I'm actually having what I consider a successful outing with children, meaning no one is crying, no one has pooped through their clothing, no one has a dirty face, and I'm not swearing under my breath or at the top of my lungs.

I can't wait to see what it's like when I have all four kids with me and we go anywhere. Sheesh!

Something to Melt My Heart

Lately, the girls have been saying something to Adam and to me that just makes me want to cry, partly because it's so darn adorable and partly because it makes me feel guilty for disciplining them when they're naughty. Upon committing an infraction and being punished, they say, sobbing, "but even though you're mad at me you still love me, right?" Can you believe that!?

Immediately, we hug them and say "Of course, we will always love you!" and it makes them feel better. But I always feel like such a schmuck! It's a good reminder to me not to fly off the handle and to remember that no matter how many times I have to confiscate nail polish or lip gloss or other contraband that they are just little and curious and adorable. I never knew parenting would require so much emotional fortitude. We love you for sure, Amber and Karli!