People without multiple small children at home must think I exaggerate wildly when I complain about the difficulty of accomplishing anything with children underfoot. These people are wrong. I only wildly exaggerate these difficulties part of the time.
Complaining always feels better when you exaggerate the problem. Who wants to be accused of complaining about trifles? But sometimes you don’t have to exaggerate; your carping can flow easily from real life events.
The other afternoon, I took vacation time to care for Buster and Big Man so my wife could pick up a shift at her job. We met at her work and swapped cars. Big Man was napping in his seat, but Buster cried because he wanted to stay with Mommy.
After 10 minutes of trying to reason with Buster and build up Daddy as an acceptable parent, Mommy had to go. Buster cried all the way home. As we pulled into the garage, Big Man woke up. One-year-olds are often still groggy after a nap and need to be held. Crying three-year-olds need hugs. Daddy desperately needed some lunch, but with a child in each arm, that wasn’t likely.
I was able to lower Buster before my arms turned to jelly, but he kept himself comforted by hugging my leg. The floor turned to hot lava when I tried to put Big Man down. He tightened his grip around my neck. I didn’t force the issue, as one crying child is plenty.
I made what lunch I could with one arm and one leg. It was not tasty.
Do they sell these at Target? I could really use one. (Image: Keystone View Company)
Buster quit sobbing and lay down on the futon in the sun room. Big Man shook off his cob webs and let me put him down. This would allow me to tidy up before running errands.
Two seconds later, Buster was asleep. So much for packing them in the car to run errands.
But wait, the next time I looked that way, Big Man had climbed onto the futon and sat on Buster’s head.
Buster woke up, crying again. (Big Man is not an inconsequential toddler to find sitting atop your head.) But as long as everybody was up, errands were back on.
A cold front was moving through, so everybody needed to be changed into warmer clothes.
An hour later, we got in the car and headed to our first destination. Big Man was asleep again. Fortunately, all I had to do was open the trunk and point out a box. A helpful gentleman took it away. No, it wasn’t a weapons deal; it was recycling.
Then it was across town to make a merchandise return for Mommy. No matter that Big Man was asleep, I’d just carry him into the store.
We parked. I turned around to face two sleeping children. I couldn’t carry both around the store. We backed out of the spot and drove home to finish napping. Daddy could work while they slept, except that Big Man woke up when we got home.
He was still groggy. He needed to be held.
Snoozing on the Sofa 
Duct tape?
Are you kidding? Do you have any idea what these kids could do to me with duct tape?
Three against one. True. Forget that idea.
Thanks anyway.
Oh man the circle continues! Maybe you need to take other male parents with you. Then there’s no divide and conquer. Have you seen “What to Expect When You’re Expecting?” Oh my goodness such a funny movie about fathers!
I’ve read the book (as part of a two-person reading team), but I didn’t know they made it into a movie.
They did! It’s really good.Although I haven’t read the book so I can’t compare it to the book.
The book wasn’t really that funny. Mostly frightening.
Oh really? Then you’ll enjoy the movie if you choose to watch it. It’s not an info thing, it’s a comedy movie.
I’ll keep it in mind in case we ever get to watch grown up movies again.
Ha!
Never a moments rest (except for the kids) in the slam bang professional world of parenting. “No, it wasn’t a weapons deal” LMAO!!!
I probably should have just slept in the car with them. If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.
Spoken like a true veteran of the father wars. Have a great weekend, Scott. 😀
Thanks. Same to you.
:O)
Welcome to being a Mom;)
As long as nobody decides to breast feed, I’m good.
Now that would make an interesting post!
I have boys the same age…everything about this post is daily life around here! 😂
Congratulations on having the perfect daily life!
This feels like a merry-go-round! Do you not get off til they’re 18?
I’ll let you know when l find out.
I’m in awe of your patience my friend. Or did you hide the emotional outbursts from you readers?
Just another day in the life. No outbursts necessary.
It was a good day then.
Sitting on kids heads, and weapons deals. In the book Charlotte’s Web, how the spider spins the words SOME PIG instead should be SOME DAD. When your wife arrives home, she can see those words shimmering in the corner of your front door, or ceiling of living room. She can rest easy, knowing she married well.
And I had to live in an area where all the spiders are illiterate.
Instead of some, it’s sum? That adds up.
SUM, DAD! And then they all expect me to do arithmetic.
I laughed as I read this. I LOVE your life, Scott!! The way you wrote this story is just hysterical yet with a touch of such tenderness. Try working around several cats as I do especially in the mornings as I prepare food for them. I’ve learned to adapt, as it sounds, as you have. Great post!!! Love, Amy ❤
I think children may be easier than cats, so you have my utmost admiration.
Well, Scott, from what I have read of your blog, I disagree. I would be so exhausted by noon that I would be passed out on the couch. I give YOU so much credit!!! ❤
Sorry, Amy. Nobody gets to rest here.
*sighs* Mirror of my life …..
I feel for you, Scott. You are a rare and amazing pops. 🙂
Substitute worn and weary for rare and amazing and you’re spot on.
So many adjectives, so little time. 🙂
So true.