I've actually thought about this quote a lot, and I can't lie, for a while it bothered me. Why is that since I'm a "clean freak" my child isn't happy? Sometimes I think maybe the quote is right. I tend to get home from work and we usually eat as Ryan has made or is making dinner, we eat and then Ryan will play with Leah or now that we have a house she plays outside, while I sit inside and clean the kitchen. Then, I'll either throw in some laundry, clean the bathroom or sweep the floors. She then takes a bath and gets ready for bed. So it seems like I really don't spend much "time" with her after school.
I used to go in and see her during my lunch breaks at work, but now that I have a different break I don't get to do that-that will be changing next week as I get different hours and there for I will get that break again. I felt like I was letting Leah's childhood slip by without my even noticing. That lady is my life, and it bugged me that I myself didn't think I was spending enough time with her.
On weekends, we get to be together more. We play outside, color or watch a show together in the mornings. Ryan and I each have our own day to get up with her in the mornings-I get up on Saturday's and Ryan on Sunday's-and it's just extra alone time we each get to spend with her.
But I worry that maybe I'm not spontaneous enough, and that I get too caught up in the things that don't really matter. Does it really matter that my floors are sticky? No, but do you want to walk barefoot on a sticky floor? My kid doesn't. Does it matter that my kitchen is a mess? No, but who wants to wake up to a dirty kitchen?? Nobody, that's who. And piles of laundry is just frustrating when you have something you want to wear and it's dirty day after day. Also, Leah only wears like 3 outfits so not doing laundry around here would mean Leah would go to school naked a lot. No, thanks! I feel like I can have all of these things done, and my child can still be happy-maybe even more happy than kids with a dirty house because who wants to live in a messy place??
So, today I thought I'd try and do something fun with Leah and not worry about cleaning or laundry. We got home from school and it was raining. It's pretty much rained everyday for the last week so she hasn't gotten to go outside and play much recently. I took her to go get the mail and decided that she and I should go play in the backyard any ways. "In the rain, Mom?" You bet child, in the rain. We ran around the yard, played in her water table and threw the water at each other. She got some play food and cups out and gave us both chocolate milk and candy. The smiles and laughs that I got from her were amazing, and something she'll remember for a long time-or at least until she falls asleep. We came inside and took a bath with bubbles and glow sticks. Then came a dinner of leftover pancakes, waffles and chocolate milk. Then Ryan, who had been out golfing, came home with a hot fudge sundae for her. Her night was perfect she said. I even managed to throw in some laundry, clean the kitchen and the floors after Ryan got home.
And what did Leah remember from this night? "Playing in the rain and throwing water at each other. She doesn't notice when I do laundry or clean, and she doesn't look it at it as a roadblock in her life, or something stuck between her and I. I think the people who write things like this are horrible multi taskers, are lazy, and probably don't sleep too well at night knowing their house is a mess. Me and my child? We are happy AND have a clean place to lay our heads every night.
I have no pictures from tonight, as it was raining and Ryan wasn't home. But here are some pictures of an adorable, happy, 3 year old:)
Love,
Amy
Sometimes as mothers, we have to let the cleaning go...our families are way more important....take it from someone who thought people would notice the mess. When really they jusy want to see you! Luv mom!!
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