Saturday, July 24, 2010

Mommy Time

Since becoming a mother of two, I’ve found myself increasingly living on what I call “mommy time.” Before having any children, I was generally an on-time person (though I admit I’ve never been a fan of early arrivals). Back when it was just three of us – my husband, DD, and me – I managed to live my life about as punctually as I did before having a child, late here and there, but generally on time.

But for some reason, adding DS into the mix has forced me into the “ish” realm of mommy time. No longer can I meet a friend for coffee at 10:00. It has become much safer, and far more accurate, to arrange to meet at 10:00-ish. Because let’s say I found myself leaving the house in time to arrive perfectly on time at my destination. Inevitably as soon as both kids are loaded up and ready to go, DS will have a major diaper blow-out, or DD will announce, as I strap her in to her seat, that she really, really, REALLY does actually need to use the toilet before we leave after all. So long timely departure and punctual arrival!

But, let’s be real. Sometimes even a set-time-“ish” isn’t enough. Many days I find myself feeling that I actually need to arrange meetings for “morning-ish” or “afternoon-ish.” You’ve had those days, right?

A few months ago, I was running behind for a playdate at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. When I arrived, I looked at my friend and apologized for running behind. I was just about to add, “It’s been one of those days,” when I realized that nowadays EVERY day is one of THOSE days.

Welcome to mommy time.