For the first time in my life, I found out what it was like to be a full-time working mother. I had Kali 3, and Hunter 18 months while Dad was in Florida at recruiting school, and daughter Heather was put on bed rest for the rest of her pregnancy. Trying to get myself ready for work and two toddlers ready to go to a sitter’s was quite a feat. Feed them breakfast, dress them, give them hugs and kisses, pack them a bag and take them to a sitter. The first day I had to drive them across town, and then back across town to work. I did it and was so proud of myself for getting to work early! I told myself, I can do this!
The next day it was easy, I only had to walk them across the yard. It went smoothly, I was up and had my bath before they woke up. While they ate their breakfast, I put on my make up. Hmmmm, not too bad I thought.
Wednesday, Grandpa and Grandma both had the day off so no hustling off to a baby-sitter. It was a wonderful wake up call, two little ones seeing how close they can snuggle up to you. Grandpa let me sleep until they started getting hungry, and one of them was a little smelly!
We had a wonderful day, showing off my sweethearts at work, getting supplies for the birthday party we were having for Kali and a special haircut for Hunter from Aunt Charlotte.
We had the party with presents, guests, birthday cake and ice cream. Kali would have another party when she got home with her Mommy and Daddy. Then it was time for bed, they were exhausted and so was I. But, the finale of The Bachelor was two hours long so of course I didn’t go to bed early!
Thursday, and our last day together. Dad was coming for them and they would be gone when I came home from work. Hunter was up before my 6am alarm went off; Kali was up shortly after that. This was the day that I began to respect all working Mom’s. They were clinging to me like leeches, and I still needed to get them and me ready to go. I was also gathering all their belongings so when their Daddy came to pick them up it would just need to be loaded in his car. I had way too much fun the day before, so I wasn’t moving too fast. My 54-year-old body wasn’t used to chasing an 18-month old at the mall! It broke my heart when they cried because I was leaving them.
Coming home from work, I knew that I would miss them meeting me at the door, and the house would be quiet and seem so lonely again. It was an experience that I will never forget. Wonderful memories of chasing bubbles on the deck, playing at the mall, taking a walk, and of course the delicious smell of them fresh from their bath.
I have a whole new respect for the workingwomen who have this schedule every single day. My Red Hat is off to Kristi, Michelle, Chas, Lisa, Chelsea, Erin, Melanie and all other working moms at my workplace and everywhere else.
