I think every parent with small kids has good and bad days. We seem to be having a bad period around here! Kayden, my dear 3 year old, has taught me NOTHING of what it means to have a one-and-a-half year old! Our world is constantly being rocked by Kloey. She is walking now, which is great…. at home! When we are out in the world she wants to walk, but never in the same direction we are going (enter meltdown when redirected)! She will stay seated in a shopping cart IF she is loaded up with treats and water. This lasts for approximately half of a grocery shopping trip (enter embarrasing meltdown). What happens when this occurs, you ask? Case in point – TODAY! Kloey, literally to the isle, half way through my grocery shopping has decided she is “ALLLLL DOOOONE!!!!” Well dear screaming child, I was not done yet!! So what did I do? I held the 20 something pounder as she flailed and arched her back so far that you’d swear she’s without a spine! This vision is coupled with Kloey screaming and me pushing a very full cart into displays because I just couldn’t keep it going straight. Oh, I should also mention that Kayden insisted she sit IN the cart today – something I don’t let her do on days where we need to do a big haul. Today, I was weak. So Kayden is barried beneath a cart full of food and getting more and more uncomfortable as I load her up. So let’s add that up, a cart full of food, a 30+ pound child, and me holding 20+ pounds pushing the damn cart with one hand and a screaming child. The best part is, as I pull up to the cashier all frazzled and whatnot, the man looks at me and says “Hi Ma’am, how’s it going?” Through clenched teeth and a slight smile, I respond, “Well, I’ve been better!” As I’m loading the car and reviewing my list I realize I forfeited about half of my grocery list to maintain my sanity and a peaceful shopping experience for the other customers. So with this venting out of my system, let’s just say that the Hatchers are on public venues lock down. Yesterday we couldn’t even make it through eating lunch at In N Out without Kloey doing her public meltdown.
I know most people are not completely honest about how challenging it can be at times as a parent. I think it is important to have friends that will tell you about their struggles, just so you know you aren’t crazy (or maybe you are, but it’s totally your kids’ fault!). You needs friends that will listen, but also share how their children are challenging as well. You need the wisdom from your parents to know that it does get better. They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well I say, point me in the direction of this village, because I have a one-and-a-half year old I’d like to DROP OFF!! Will it get better, yes. Tomorrow? Probably not! Will I survive? Yes…. I think! Thanks to Steph for venting to me and letting me vent to you as we both are in full swing of the hard times. And to all my other friends who have and will openly share such struggles with me, thanks for reminding me this nonsense is NORMAL. And a big thank you to Kayden for being an easier toddler than Kloey, because otherwise Kloey just might not be here!!. With this all being said, I LOVE my job, but I deserve a raise!
