I've now been a single mom for 51 days. Even though it's not my first time being alone with a baby, dog, house, job, car, etc. this time incorporates a few extra wrenches in the mix. Of course it does. Life likes to keep Amy on her toes, ya know? Anyways, in these last 51 days I have learned a few things of which I'd like to share with you. I will then share some pictures of what we've been up to lately so feel free to scroll down to those since pictures are all that really matter on this blog anyways.
So, first thing. I NEVER want to voluntarily be a single parent again. It's hard. Really hard. Like, I'd prefer clocking a 60 hour work week compounded by a burnt scalp before I'd choose the last 51 days. If you've ever burned your scalp, you know I mean business.
Second thing. Without a doubt, things will come up that NEVER came up prior to your partner's departure. For example, last week Rhett had the runs for 5 days. I filled up the darn diaper genie 4 times in one weekend. I wanted to smother myself with a diaper before the days end. I think this was made worse by the fact that two weeks earlier, I found Rhett barfing in his bed in the middle of the night. He continued throwing up on every spare blanket I could muster at 3 in the morning. This stuff not only never happened when Chad was around, but it surely couldn't happen at a reasonable hour... when you're feeling rested, alert, awake.... sane. That would be too easy.
Lastly, drains will clog, lawn mowers will overheat, you'll crave a Thanksgiving dinner that no one can cook for you and you will allow your child to watch way too much Elmo's World than what the American Academy of Pediatrics would ever recommend but that's life- especially when you're alone- and it will all work out. At least that's what you tell yourself in order to survive the remaining 70 days you have left.
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Before Chad left, I got a little break from motherhood when my friend and I took a bus tour to Keukenhof Gardens in Holland. I've wanted to do this same trip for 3 years and I'm glad I finally did it. The only downside was having to sleep on a bus for something like 16 hours but it was a small price to pay to be able to cross something off the bucket list. We went on opening weekend so they had a large flower parade and small street festival in the surrounding town. We took advantage of everything and were thankful for the cold but sunny weather. I fear these flowers would have been a lot less enjoyable in the rain.
Also, prior to Chad's departure, we visited Stuttgart's Annual Fruhlingsfest. The weather was not nearly as cooperative as last year but what can you do? It's Germany, people. We went on family night for the first time ever and it was nice. Food, rides and parking are 50% off on family night and you don't have to worry about running into as many drunk fools as other days. I realized at this time that our child has no fear of large, swarming crowds as he took off running full speed into a group of 100 plus people. He wasn't fazed by all the unfamiliar faces and just kept running and laughing. Great.
Since it is officially fest season in Germany, we have since participated in Esslingen's Strawberry Festival and Sindelfingen's International Festival. The Strawberry fest was nice, a little small, but the weather was great and the entire town smelled like strawberries so it was fun. I took my friend, Angela, to the International Festival because it's one of my favorite fests to visit. We went right when they opened and scoped all the delicious food stands out before making our purchases. We choose kaese spaetzle for Rhett, a crepe for Angela, the greek platter for all of us and a falafel to take home. On our way out we stopped for ice cream because Rhett saw the giant ice cream cone shaped trash can and wouldn't have it any other way.
When we're not out festing or doing something equally exciting... we are at home. I try my best to entertain this child with anything from knife throwing to finger painting. It's survival mode over here. If the weather would throw us a bone, we'd be in the backyard kiddy pool everyday but unfortunately, we're not that lucky.
And so is our life for the past 51 days. Is it necessary to state that most of this post is written in serious sarcasm (I would never let my child play with knives! We draw the line at spoons, forks and whisks in this house!) and that all in all, these past 51 days have allowed me to really get to know my ever changing little boy. Since Chad left he has now added at least 15 new words to his vocabulary among other amazing milestones. And even though it has been difficult, and probably will continue to be so, we will get through it. Together.
I also have hope that the next-however many days we have left- will be better because Mommy is feeling a little bit more like herself. Not every day yet, but little by little I feel good. Because... what's more fun than having Rhett?
Having a baby brother or sister for Rhett to play with. Yay.
