I made it!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I made it five whole days as a single parent. Kudos to those that do this permanently- I am sure that you don't do it by choice but even if you do choose it- the road is still hard and you deserve recognition.

The first two nights were the hardest. It isn't so much that I can't handle my children- it's more that I just need a few extra hands for things like bath time and bed time that fall at the exact same time. I got a routine down though and after the first two nights I could bathe both children and put them to bed like a pro.

Honestly though, it was more than just being a single parent. If you know my husband and I you know that we are (sickeningly) close. Five nights apart was I think the longest we have ever been apart and I was just an emotional mess waiting for him to get home.

About six or seven years ago we had one weekend apart while I went to my grandparent's fiftieth wedding anniversary. I was such a wreck that I think I only packed shirts, no pants or shorts, forgot my glasses and had to wear my contacts 24/7, didn't bring my camera, and forgot half my toiletries. Unfortunately my grandparents live in a one-horse town that doesn't even have a Walmart so I was stuck going to some random store to try and find some clothes. Fortunately for me I have three sisters who are all very similar in size to me and one of my sisters brought half her closet. I got to shop out of her suitcase for all the things I forgot. Except the glasses. I was really out of luck there and I am pretty much blind. My contacts are not extended wear, so combine that with crying my eyes out for missing my husband and, well, it was not pretty.

I know that I originally posted about what an impatient person I am but I actually don't recall any times during the five days I had the girls where I was short with them. Well, I think once in the middle of the night when the girls were taking turns torturing me, but other than that I wonder if my well of patience got a little deeper.

We had a good time. We played and got silly. We kept the house tidy (although I don't know how). We went to the park. We sang ABC's until Hayley has them almost mastered now. All in all, I feel really good about the time I got to spend with my girls. I look forward to the next time and I do hope there is a next time. Someday I will be wishing they want to spend alone time with me so I am going to cherish it whenever I get it.

 

Comments

[Mrs M]

Kudos to you honey. When Mr M goes away the first few days are the hardest, establishing a single parent routine! I'm glad you and the girls had a good time, but I'm also glad your man in home.

[Megan]

Yeah for you....you did it! I knew you could! Hope you get some alone time to catch up with eachother! Late night dinner after kids are in bed is so in the plan for you! Congrats on surviving....isn't being a mother so much about surviving?

[KTP]

I am on day 2 of the same experience. I have four more nights to go. Deep breaths...

[Crys]

That's really great to hear! Good Job! I always looked forward to the times when I got to spend time with one of my parents because the other was away on business. We always got to do special things like get TV dinners and Special desserts.