This morning, I was up by 7:30. This counts as a significant Bethany accomplishment even with golden sunlight streaming in my windows, my husband bribing coaxing me out of bed with a hot cappuccino, and health on my side… none of which being the case today. The only thing streaming in my window this morning was afa, that dense Italian haze that transforms air into swamp water. Dan is out of town for work, taking his cappuccino-making skills and our family’s sense of solidarity with him. And a spiky bowling ball with aggression issues has taken up residence in my previously healthy skull. So in my estimation, being up at 7:30 this morning was a victory worthy of an epic Old English poem.
I say this because from a more objective standpoint, today qualified as an epic FAIL. I did not manage to get Natalie to school or to stop by the store for diapers or to leave the house at all. In fact, the three of us never made it out of our pajamas. And in the interest of full disclosure, I should confess that I slept so long after breakfast that lunch wasn’t made until 4 in the afternoon. (“Are you hungry?” I asked the girls, forcing my throbbing head upright and trying to beat back waves of child-neglect guilt. “Uh, sure, I guess,” answered Natalie as she sat back down to play computer games. “Melmo’s World?” suggested Sophie.)
In the end, no one starved. The girls played happily all day, and I kept the house passably clean. Bedtime was unexpectedly lovely—because the girls were already in their pajamas, we had some extra time to read stories and snuggle. I was even able to talk to Dan for a few minutes over Skype, and I realized that while I miss him to a rather ridiculous extent, I am capable of keeping the family afloat (if not exactly clothed) in his absence. I’m going to go ahead and chalk that one up as a significant accomplishment as well.
Pajama Days are the best thing about being home with kids. I love them. When my husband is away, then all of the schedules/responsibilities can be suspended on my whim as well. And, well, you are SICK. When I am sick, my kids take care of themselves. They know how to make a sandwich and pull out junk food. I am always amazed how well they take care of each other when I am down for the count. They always rise to the occasion. Get rid of the guilt, and be rest assured that you are doing one heck of a job, they know how to be people when they need to be!
Oh, shoot, FEEL BETTER SOON! ( I forgot to say that!)
School schmool. She’ll get plenty later. Glad you made it through alive. Pajama days are awesome (except for the headache part).
Well…apparently I have become superflous…but worry not, the luxury of cappuccino shall return Monday morning!
Megsie – I think I’ll feel a little less guilty about pajama days once my kids are old enough to fend for themselves, but you’re right — they do rise to the occasion in their own ways. I may just hire Natalie to babysit Sophie from now on. 🙂 And thanks, I am feeling better now.
Liz – Eh, it’s only preschool anyway. I’m not TOO worried about the effects this will have on her future career. 🙂 We’ll have to have another pajama day soon, perhaps when I don’t feel like poo and the man of the house is back to enjoy it with us.
TLLH – Well, we may be surviving without you, but we’re certainly not surviving in style. The girls ask when you’ll be back every time we sit down for a meal, which tells you something about the quality of our existence this week. 🙂 Can’t wait to see you again!
Pajama days rule. I understand what it is to miss the hubby when he is away, and indulge in pajama days while he is gone too. Sometimes it just makes things better.