Never Saw That on The Brady Bunch!

DH and I have long accepted the fact that the life as we knew pre-Pumpkin is a goner. We're reminded of this fact each time we have to get the rug scrubber out to remove mysterious spots that surface about every three weeks. Or, each time we try to add an item to the dishwasher only to see it full of sippee cups, compartmentalized plastic plates and "poons" and "fahks" (spoons and forks) a plenty, even if there were only three meals that day. It would now appear that the ill sought afternoon nap for two flu-infested old parents is under siege!

Yesterday, after Pumpkin was put down for her nap, DH and me decided we would take a quick nap, too. He has had a bad sinus infection that left him physically drained and I have had the "southern end" of the bug, so much so that I've now got a permanent stamp on my butt that reads American Standard. Just the same, we decided that we'd throw caution to the wind on this blessed day of rest and settle in for a little shut eye. We each crawled into bed, DH scooted over for a little cuddle time and I hear: "Wait; what's this?" He reaches under the blankets and (no, it wasn't a can I show you my artwork kind of thing; BE NICE HERE, PEOPLE!) pulls out Pumpkin's "The Foot Book," by Dr. Seuss. Of course, we laughed until napping was no longer in us.

The moral here for all prospective parents? Let go and let the children. Release yourself to the idea that you'll never watch a full length television program again. Move on from the idea that 12 viewings of Wonder Pets (the same episode) isn't mind torture. Accept the fact that even as you use the bathroom, you may have to do it with a small human on your lap, or at least asking what your doing and wanting to look at it when you're done. Shrug off the idea of ever thinking of anything but "just what can I get done today while he/she is napping-sleeping-at Nana's." Laugh at how wonderful you look each day after sleeping for 4-6 hours. Stock up on deodorant, toothpaste and a good hair clip as there will be days when that will be the only beauty regimen you have time for, and you'll be grateful for that, mind you! Hot meals? A thing of the past. Cold food is okay; just remember, calories are calories, no matter the temperature.

Yes, the idyllic Brady Bunch many of us were raised on is a myth. Six kids, two parents AND a dog? I say a hearty, get real, my friends. One child in this Pumpkin Patch has, in one short year, won the war. We've drawn up the concession papers and are delivering them to her Majesty tonight. Of course, this will be after she's bathed, massaged with lotion, read to, rocked and sung to. The old parents? With any luck, we'll survive to see tomorrow! Afterall, I'm told repeatedly that four is often worse than two. Yippee!!!