Tuesday, December 19, 2006

12/19

Another year older and not dead. That has to be a good thing. At least most days.

I've become one of those women that marks time by their child, even though I swore I would never do that. I was 23 when I got pregnant with Mr. Z, 24 when I gave birth, 25 at his first Christmas, and now 26 at his second. When I see all those numbers written out, I feel like he and I have been together for such a long time, yet I'm still unable to figure out why he likes dumping an entire bag of Cheerios out on his carseat.

I've been in one of those periods (hell, it could be a month or maybe year) where I need people to constantly remind me that parenting will get physically easier and emotionally harder. Cue in on the "physically easier" part because this Momma is tired. Zac was up two nights ago, teething furiously, from 2-4am. After not going to sleep until 9:30pm last night, he woke up at 3am for an unknown reason (perhaps because he was out of his beloved milk, which I finally started giving him again yesterday after the Pukapoolza Tour). I brought him in bed with me because I'm a tired idiot. He spent the rest of the early morning hours kicking me in the ribs and karate chopping my head. It was like sleeping next to a practicing self-defense coach.

It's the wrapping paper, scissors, tape, ribbon, photo frames, small glass ornaments and stockings hung by the chimney with care that make living with a toddler make me want to throw myself on the floor, kicking and screaming. He wants to be in EVERYTHING. CONSTANTLY. I now understand why women in previous generations would go into their bedrooms and work their mysterious gift-wrapping magic. It's not to keep it a secret. It's to keep the kids from unrolling that wrapping paper one more time, goddamnit!

The funny part is that I don't even like wrapping paper or bows. Put all of my gifts in recycled brown paper bags and I'll be happy. Better yet, just give me the bag. I'll put it over my head until January or so when all forms of tissue paper are out of the reach of my son.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday! Parenting will get physically easier and emotionally harder! I promise!

Oh what do I know? I do know that kids start sleeping through the night at some point. Mr. Z can't keep this up forever!

Give his cranky little face a kiss from me please. Would he like anything for Xmas? Would you?
xoxoxo
-P

Pregnant In Texas said...

P - thanks for reminding me! I've added two links to the side of my blog for gift ideas.

Really, though, you have been so incredibly generous. I love the tie-dyed and striped onesies. Auntie P. will be remembered fondly for many seasons to come.

Ali said...

Oh yes, it gets loads and loads of physically easiness. (did that make sense?) Thankfully I am in a period of it being both physically and emotionally easier with my 5 year old daughter. Sure we have fights over outfits, shoes, whatever. some mornings I am yelling "I AM LEAVING NOW! I'm going to be late for work!" With her trailing behind me crying, trying to grab her shoes and lunch kit. I know in 10 years the emotionally hard part will be in full swing, but right now, I am basking in the nice balance we have formed.

I love being a single parent. My daughter and I have a bond that is unreal. That is what you have to look forward to. You will get over this hump, as will Zac, and things will get better and better.

Caroline said...

Happy Birthday. Hope you have a great day.

jenna said...

happy birthday!!!!!!
you want the coolest thing is? i got you a "just b/c gift" like a week ago and i didn't even know when your birthday was! hee hee. so watch your mail, tho it will most likely arrive after christmas.....