A few things to get off of my chest

I have a post brewing. But it’s not entirely through the filter yet. So this will have to do for now:

1. A while back I wrote about how you don’t have to look far to find someone who is worse off. (Here.) Here’s the thing, though. Sometimes you just feel like shit. And your bad is bad enough. Even though someone else is going through more. Someone else is sicker. Or poorer. Or more stressed out. But sometimes, your own problems are enough to feel bad about. I’m just saying.

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2. Sweeping the kitchen floor makes me feel like I’ve done more than sweep the kitchen floor. It always looks so much better, and it sure feels better not to be walking on crumbs all day long. But then I get obsessive, because I am tracking in the crumbs from other rooms. So I have to sweep the entire downstairs (it’s only one other sweepable room and a short hallway). And then, the crumbs from the rugs start to niggle at me. So if I can manage it, I vacuum. And then, I’ve swept the kitchen floor and I HAVE done a whole lot more.

And then someone comes in the house. With muddy shoes. Or something.

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3. I need to buy a minivan. Could someone please do all of the research and negotiating for me? I don’t have the time. I have only my car and no cash to supplement. Could I just go to the car swap yard and get this done? Because the baby really has outgrown the infant seat. Really.

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4. We have no basil plants this year. No basil means no pesto. Last year we ate pesto approximately twice per week. I miss this easy, yummy dinner appreciated by everyone. Is it too late to get basil plants?

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5. I do not have a swimsuit that fits. I do not want to be seen in a swimsuit. I love to swim. This dilemma is not contributing to item number one. But it’s something to consider.

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6. When you have a third kid, it’s not the body of that kid that puts you over the edge. It’s the stuff that is necessary for one more person. We are through the first six months, so the bouncy seat, swing, exersaucer and Bumbo are outta here. But there’s more toys, more clothes, sippy cups, dishes, LAUNDRY. Stuff, everywhere. I was already outnumbered by my children, but in the past nine months I have become buried in their stuff.

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7. In a little more than two weeks we are going on vacation. With Sarah and her family (and Kelsey–YAY!). And our brother Justin and his family. And our mom. And a few other extended family members. And I am so looking forward to this. And I also am putting unrealistic expectations on this vacation reacquainting J and me. (There will be 11 children ages 6 and under on this vacation. 11. ELEVEN.)

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8. And something positive? Tonight we got through dinner without a tantrum. So I said yes to the request of a walk with a popsicle. I put the baby in the Ergo on my back, the big kids put on their own shoes, and off we went. Popsicles in hand. (J at work.) We walked. Around the neighborhood, on a route we don’t usually take. Half of a popsicle dropped on the ground. A little sadness was felt, but no tears! The kids stomped in puddles until they were wet up to their “herkes.” (Is that how you spell it, Mom?) E wiggled from the backpack the whole time, craning around to watch her older siblings, squealing when they jumped and splashed. It was fun.

Read More in Jen Writes, motherhood, relationship, siblings, three kids