I have an obsession with knowing exactly what my temperature is when I’m sick. And then I like to announce it to the world.
Ah, drama, thou art my friend.
So I always keep my thermometer nearby when I have a fever and take my temperature every hour. At least.
(Or, “temp-er-uh-toor,” as my southern Grammie would say. Since I like to pretend I’m southern, I like to say it that way too. In So Cal.)
It seems I’ve been hit with Hand, Foot and Mouth disease, caught from my boys. Troy had it a couple weeks ago. Then a week ago, after we all spent a weekend together, my dad came down with it (or, at least, something like it–we’re still not sure about what he had), then my brother did, and then, back here at our house, Merritt did. So I spent the second half of my bloggie break tending a poor, sick Baby Tiny.
He’s all better now, but, me–not so much. Troy went to my parents’ house for the night, so I actually only have one child–an infant who can barely scoot, at that. Which, if you’re a mother, you’ll know can be a helpful thing when Mama’s not feeling so hot.
Er, uh, IS feeling hot, literally. Hot, only as in temperature, of course. The sweats and USMC sweatshirt make sure of that.
So anyway. Moving right along.
Here’s my question.
Who on earth decided Mother’s Day should be on a Sunday?
Because, yesterday morning, I was ready to talk to the President about switching it to another day of the week. Saturday would be nice.
I love Sundays, I truly do. BUT, the hour before we walk out the door is the absolute hardest hour (typically) of my entire week. It doesn’t matter HOW early I get up, or HOW prepared I am. It’s just always crazy right before we leave.
A few of us agreed during Sunday School yesterday that the reason it’s on a Sunday to TEST us moms in our great and awesome mothering skills. Mmmhmm.
Because, let me just tell you, I was Top Mom yesterday. Oh yes I was.
I was Top Mom during that hour before we left. When Troy decided listening was optional and Merritt decided crying was mandatory. When we dealt with a meltdown and the “consequences” of said meltdown. Because we all know Top Mom would, of course, get completely frustrated, put the toddler in his crib just to contain him for a few minutes while she dresses the baby, grabs diapers for the diaper bag, answers the phone, and tries to find a pacifier, and then tell the baby that crying for no reason is just not acceptable in this house, fully expecting him to understand. Right?
And I was Top Mom after church, when I went in to check on Troy during his nap and found him asleep with his hand, once again, covered in poop.
Ahem. AHEM. A-HEM!!!
WHAT IS THIS CHILD’S PROBLEM??????
I was Top Mom as I cleaned his hand, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. This was the fourth time he’s done this. FOURTH TIME, peeps. What on the face of the earth is he thinking??
He’s been disciplined. He’s been talked to. He’s been checked on and his dirty diaper changed before he falls asleep.
And then, he did it again. Today. Only this time, it wasn’t during his nap. It was in the middle of the day. He just came up to me, held up his hand and said, “Eeewy, Mommy. Hand diapie. Eewy.”
I was Top Mom dealing with that one, too.
Fun times in our house.
Let me just tell you this, peeps. I know for a fact I’m anything BUT Top Mom. Oh, and what my mom said? Ha.
Ha. Ha. That’s funny. REAL funny.
But Mother’s Day is fun. If only to remind us that when all is said and done, and with all the gifts, cards, nice dinners with family, flowers from husbands in the Sandy Spot, hugs and kisses aside… we’re still just moms. Just making the world go round. Up all night with feverish babies. Catching our kids’ illnesses.
And wiping poop off the hands of sleeping toddlers.
Nothing like coming back with a bang, huh?
Heather says:
Ash you have no idea what a relief it is that I am not the only one with poop stories…yep, poop…how fascinating that I don’t even blush at that word or with the “fun” that it brings… ahhhh motherhood. You btw are a Top Mom in my book. Get well sweet friend. Love you!
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May 13th, 2008 at 3:30 am
Sarah M. says:
Honestly, from what I’ve heard from my friends, it is a little boy thing and this too shall pass :) I mean, think about it, poop is such a sensory experience! (eeeeeewwwwwwww)
Fun stuff, this mom business…lol
Sarah, who has a kid who pulls of her diaper and then screams because there is poop in her crib. *eyeroll* LOL
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May 13th, 2008 at 6:17 am
Melanie says:
Yeah, what is the deal with toddlers and poop? :-) My daughter will be two this month. Yesterday she woke from her nap saying “I poop.” And as I looked closely, there was something brown on her CHIN! And she was desperately asking for milk…did she perhaps have a bad taste in her mouth?!? I share this grossness to assure you that it is not just Troy. :-)
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May 13th, 2008 at 6:20 am
Katie says:
Oh Ash – I’m simulatenously laughing and feeling terrible for you.
But I have also, on many occasions, explained very nicely to Hazel why she simply does not need to scream at me. Or why SLEEPING will help the fact that she is cranky because she is SLEEPY. It still hasn’t worked. Sigh.
Welcome back. And feel better soon!!
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May 13th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Mishel says:
Hey! I *meant* what I said! LOL
I was on the phone with you one of those times and you were *very* patient with Troy–and loving (firm, but loving). I even told Dad about it–and we both agreed that *I* wouldn’t have been as sweet as you. : /
And about the temp–yikes! When I read that it made me want to jump through the comp screen and get you a cold cloth. Are you taking your medicine *every* four hours?!! Just checking. : )
Praying for you baby girl…
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May 13th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Becoming Me says:
Oh I am so sorry you are sick. I cannot believe you are blogging with such a high fever. I hope you can get some sleep
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May 13th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Ginger says:
I am so glad your bloggy break is done I have missed you!!:) Get better really soon. I hate being sick!!:( I’ll be praying for you!
Ginger~
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May 13th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Kate says:
Hope you feel better soon!
My nephews have had their fair share of “poop experiences” too.:)
eeck!
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May 13th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Tiffany says:
What is it with sickness and your family. It seems like every time I turn around someone is sick then getting better then sick again. Prayers are being sent your way!!! I have to tell you that I view you as a Top Mom!! Let me ask you this… What day would you like Mothers Day to be on? :)
Love you!!
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May 13th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Mrs. Butler says:
Hey Ashleigh,
Well, Mother’s Day wasn’t super fab here either but I think that’s the real life in it all. Motherhood isn’t perfect – it’s a journey. Hang in there and I pray you are feeling well again soon.
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May 13th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Steve n Vickie says:
:D When charity started taking off her diaper, one of my friends told me she must be getting ready for potty training. It was a long time coming after that… Ahhhh to train up a child, and all that entails. Its sooooo funny when its someone else. I feel for you. Are you starting to pack? Can’t wait to see you. Two weeks and counting. The girls can’t wait to see their cousins.
Vickie
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May 13th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Nicole says:
Hey Ash! :/ Sorry about the poop! Caleb hasn’t gotten there yet, but I won’t surprised if/when he does. :) Have you tried putting Troy in a onesie with shorts for his nap time? Not sure if you have onesies that will fit a two year old, or if that idea would even work, but hey! if he’s all buttoned up, how would he get to the, erm, poop? Just a thought! Love you and praying for you!
–Nicole
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May 13th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Carrie at dumptrucksandteacups says:
Yep, the joys of having little boys… you’ll laugh in a few years. :)
Praying you get better quickly!
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May 13th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Mike Golch says:
Hope you start feeling better soon.Prayers and good thoughts your way.
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May 13th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Kelsey Smith says:
Feel Better!!! Im praying
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May 13th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Heather says:
Hey Ash, you know, that temp *is* concerning…I know your mom is probably getting right on that, but I am praying (((hugs)))heather
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May 13th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Daughter of the King says:
Praying for you this morning…and I agree about Mother’s day…actually it should be Mother’s WEEK.
Deby
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May 14th, 2008 at 6:27 am
Rebekah says:
I was reading quite a few comments on here about boys and their poop … but it’s a girl thing too. I remember one time shortly after Vincent was born I found the wall behind the bedroom door had been painted – in poop by a certain 2 yr old little girl. She’d probably be a little embarrassed if I mentioned it to her now. Ah, how quick they grow up. :-)
Feel better soon!
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May 14th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Sileena says:
Ash, I have to say the whole poop thing is not limited to boys. Although my girls are more famous for taking off their diapers in random places, like church and grocery stores.
AMEN to changing mom’s day to another day of the week. Which I proposed to my husband this year and was able to milk a real day off out of monday. He says, though, that if it were another day, the church would just have a special service that day. =)
His comment on the poop,”grose, why do kids have to be so disgusting?”
Spoken like a true daddy eh?
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May 14th, 2008 at 10:54 am
The Girls says:
Ash,I REALLY hope you Feel better.
And I just want to let you know that When I was 9,I wanted to be just Like you and at 15 I still do !!!!!!! I read yall’s love story and just wanted to say that it was heaven sent!! I was having a pretty bad day and that REALLY cured me!!! Keep it up.
I really look up to you!
Love,Laurie
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May 14th, 2008 at 8:18 pm