Yesterday friends from work and my friend Jodi- attempted to all take our kids to the zoo. I think we had a total of 10 kids under 4 and only 6 moms. So we just had semi-controlled chaos. My own kids are at the stage that they are too "big" (according to them) to be in a stroller- but not mature enough (or obedient) to stay with me or hold my hand. All the other kids Luke's age were in strollers- but No... He insists on walking himself- screaming out and going limp if I try to hold his hand too long. I brought our wagon thinking maybe they would settle for that. For the first 2 minutes it worked, Ian pulled Luke in the wagon even. But then both of them wanted out and I had to pull the wagon and chase kids. The wagon was, however, a hot commodity among all the other children and I ended up pulling other children in it while- trying not to give up my own to strangers lurking around the zoo. By the time you figure out one method for your children, they are usually in the next stage and it is no longer valid. Oh well. We may have hit our zoo limit already this summer. Bridgett- we'll think of a different kind of playdate. :) pool, picnic, discovery center? Where else could our kids run free from us?
Gunner. Well we've had a few run-ins, like when I turned to wipe the kid's faces off after lunch and he had one of my dress shoes and was chewing on it. Or when he darted upstairs and kept running in and out of all the rooms and I couldn't catch him. (He's not allowed upstairs) But I think with some training and time, he'll be a pretty good dog. Through this experience, it has helped me to think of this being parallel to how Jer feels about new baby stage. He does. not. like. it. It is not fun or pleasant in any way. At times, it is tolerable, but it sure doesn't make up for the whole thing. That's how I feel about this dog stuff. I don't enjoy dogs. I'm sure once Gunner's grown more (he's 2 years) and is used to our family- it will get a little easier, but there's nothing really that makes me enjoy this. I used to feel sad- that Jer didn't enjoy the babies. I felt a tinge of resentment that he couldn't just come around and like some parts because it was "our kid", but now that I see him with the kids- it has nothing to do with them. He is AMAZING with them now. It's the actual stage, the package deal, that he struggles with and there not may be anything that can change that. Maybe that doesn't have to change. It's okay- to not enjoy things right? I have just tried to find a source for my attitude through all this and I want to enjoy my life- despite things in it that aren't my cup of tea. But sometimes things that we don't particularly love, bring great joy to others- that we do love.
The weather is going to be great this weekend. We got a new pool and the kids are loving it. I have a great clip, but I can never seem to get them to work.
3 comments:
I love that you guys attempted the Zoo with all those youngins. Also the video almost brought tears to my eyes. Those sweet boys definately needed a dog. I actually ended up blogging with a girl from Austrailia. They are adopting from Thailand also. God really works in such mysterious ways.
Love ya
Rip
The video is precious. Can't wait to have you all here. I'm sure the boys will miss Gunner, and Missy won't make up for him. Hope you've had a good time with Peff and Beth too. Thinking their time is winding down. Good insights, wise mom. Proud of you.
So the Zoo was a great idea in theory, and the theory that my kids would actually nap afterwards was good also...but they didn't! My kids are the most consistent nappers in the world, but on that exhausting day they refused! Still, it was fun, and I definitely think that we should all do something again, although perhaps in a more enclosed area.
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