Five things I never thought I’d do
October 26, 2009 by Shannon
You ever stop and think about what it would be like to stop and have a conversation with the person you were 10 years ago? Or even 5 years ago? I think that Shannon, circa 2004, would be a little surprised by what has transpired in the past couple years. And in some cases, shocked. Here are five things I do now — as a mom — that I wouldn’t have imagined myself doing just a few short years ago:
I drink coffee in the shower. Why didn’t I think of this years ago? You get clean and caffeinated all at once! What could be better? This must be the real reason travel mugs were invented.- I say things like, “Am I going to have to count to three?” and “Stop that! I’m not going to tell you again!” They’re not particularly effective phrases. But I find myself saying them time and time again. I’m starting to think the use of these words must be tied to a gene that lies dormant in women until they have their first child. I just know I’m not alone here.
- I sigh. A LOT. I honestly had no idea how often this was happening until I noticed Kellan doing it all the time. I wondered, where did he learn that? Ummmm, yeah. Me. So I started listening to myself. It seems that I sigh most often when Kellan goes all limp and giggly when I’m trying to dress him, or when he dumps toys all over the floor 5 minutes before bedtime, or when he refuses to use his manners. I’m not kidding…I just sighed thinking about all the times he does these things.
- I sometimes use tricks on my son that I would use on my dog. I’m not proud of this. But hey, it works. The other day, Kellan was clamoring for some sort of toy or something on the seat of the car, while Michael was struggling to buckle him in to his carseat. I picked up whatever it was that Kellan wanted and held it in front of him, just out of reach. A few seconds later, he was safely buckled and we were all on our way. Good boy, Kellan. Good boy.
- I’ve developed a hoarding problem. I can’t let go of big boxes from Costco. Or toilet paper rolls. Or little scraps of aluminum foil. I just know those things would make some kind of cool craft! Like an instant robot costume! Or a set of bowling pins! Or, you know, something else crafty! I just know I’ll think of something cool that I’ll need 10 paper towel rolls for…
Comments (5)
Remember all the boxes of various sizes I used to collect putting them in the closet under the stairs? I think the box thing is in the genes. I was obsessed with having a box instantly whenever I needed one. I had a large collection too!
Ha! I love, “Am I going to have to count to three?” I never, ever thought I would say that…sounds just like my parents.
I love the comment about the dog tricks. My friends and I have often discussed that many of the basic principals of dog training can be applied to “toddler training”, as well. The biggest example being a reward or treat for going potty in the right place. I also often find myself issuing the same commands to child and dog at once: Sit, Stay, Come, Leave it…
i think i would tell my younger self:
yeah, you go ahead and buy yourself that $120 pair of hot jeans. fyi, they’ll get puked on. and spit on, and boogers will show up on them even when you’re out without your kids.
you just might change you mind about driving and/or owning a minivan. they are popular for a reason…
you’ll be using nipple cream for lipgloss. because it works. that’s just a fact!
Awesome post! Sooooo funny that you drink your coffee in the shower… that is brilliant, Shannon! And I, too, sigh ALL DAY LONG! I’m also a huge hoarder, and although I’m not a pet owner, I sometimes feel like when I call out to my children, I could very well be calling out for a dog: “Come here Dimitry! Dimitry, come here! Look what mommy has! A treat! Come here! *Whistle* Dimitry! Come here, boy!”