Wednesday, July 1, 2009

People smile as they ask how I'm adjusting to life with 3 kiddos...

I woke up to feed Roman. While nursing, Lily came to stand by me. She pooped in her diaper. She wanted to be changed immediately. I told her I would help her as soon as I was done. Roman finished and we headed upstairs for a clean diaper. On the way Zach called out from the bathroom "MOM, I'm DONE!" (which means come wipe me). So all four of us squeezed into the half bath. I held the baby in one hand and wiped a bum with the other. Meanwhile, Roman decided he'd had a bit too much jostling and not enough burping. He puked all over Zachary's head. White goo ran from his hair, down his shirt and pooled on the floor. I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror as I tried to distract Zach so his overactive gag reflex would not create another mess.

It was 7:20 am.

This reminds me. I've read that story wherein the homemaker is presented with an employment fill-in-the-blank. She always writes some lofty sounding description like Domestic Engineer. I don't know, that is entirely too complicated for me. Next time I'm asked I think I'll say, "I deal in liquids and semi-solids."



Unplanned, I baked a cake that night. Carrots, coconut, pineapple, walnuts, exactly 3 eggs left...it was providential. The kids skipped around the house chanting, "Mom's baking a cake!" And I discovered how much LEVERAGE a baking cake creates. They picked up their toys so quickly, they stopped arguing at the mere mention of missing out. I think I will bake cakes more often.

16 comments:

Brandon and Natalie said...

That is a beautiful cake!!!

Whit said...

hahaha, what an adventure. I'm sure you will look back on this post in 20 years when they're all gone and laugh your head off :)

PS) I know that you're busy, but I think I may need to chat!

A said...

love the "liquids and semi-solids" - you make me smile. great photography as always :)

Jill Revell said...

That is so funny! I'm glad you are already able to laugh at it.

Is there anything do don't do well?! That cake is beautiful. Whenever I make a cake it is left in the pyrex pan and messly covered in frosting. No wonder your kids were so excited!

Christy said...

he he! the roman and lily part i can totally relate to. i was just telling my mom yesterday that i can't figure out how to nurse a baby and entertain a toddler. not to mention keep her from hurting herself and/or our stuff. SO CRAZY!! now i can't imagine throwing a third kid into the mix. that has got to be truly nuts. you're awesome!

also loved the "liquids and semi solids." so true. :)

Dave and Julie said...

I love your posts, they always bring a smile to my face.

Anonymous said...

Soooooo classic! I think every mother can relate. And by the way, the cake tasted just as amazing as it looked!!! I had so much fun with you guys on Wednesday!!

Isaura said...

tara i bet that cake tasted as awesome as it looks!! i love carrot cakes, and it looks like you made it the old fashioned way with pineapple and coconut...yuuum. i love baking, its so relaxing. my next feat is trying to make french marcaroons. i have only gotten as far as buying the almond flour for them because i'm scared to mess them up. by the way thank you for your sweet comments. my sister texted me while she was reading my post about my cheap jeans and said "thepainterfamily comment about buying bread and jeans at the same store was too funny"
i agreed!!

Nicole said...

What a great portrait of motherhood!

Court and Britt said...

haha, I have SOOOO been there!! Someday, we ARE going to miss these days.

Lisa said...

Hope it wasn't the morning we all came and invaded your home! It was so fun to see you!...
And your carrot cake was awesome!

Erin S said...

Oh, Tara, what a way to start the day! Hopefully you won't have too many mornings like that again!

Missy said...

Once again, I'm inspired. I want to bake a cake everyday too and I didn't even SEE the effects first hand. I just know that only good can come from baking a cake.

Glad to know someone else has a morning like me too (and I only have two!)

Barbara said...

Poor zach!! I would have laughed right then! Im trying so hard to get our 2nd to do his own bum wiping. Such a happy day when they can do bathroom stuff completly solo!
The cake looks so yummy! Treats are always such fun bribery =)

Lora said...

Way to go with handling body fluids I think I would be right along Zach. Your cake is superb..you are amazing at all you do!

Knowles Family said...

I laughed so hard, I actually cried. Not sure if it's your wit in writing, or beacuse I've been there...except it was my dad's reflex I was worried about!

And cake does make everything better!