Flying solo
Q went out of town on business this week, which meant I had to fly solo for almost two full days. I wasn’t, of course, looking forward to having to “single parent” it – taking care of two kids can be challenging and exhausting even with both parents around! – but I wound up being pleasantly surprised by what transpired. First, the girls were great. They were easy to get ready both mornings, putting Zoe to bed (which sometimes can be difficult) was a breeze, and neither girl woke up in the night. There were a few challenging moments – like when Avery was crying from hunger, and I had to wait to feed her until Zoe (who was taking quite a long time) was done in the bathroom – but overall I don’t think it could have gone smoother.
This trip was quite the contrast to one of Q’s first post-Avery overnight ones, when both Avery and Zoe were upset at bedtime, and I didn’t know how to – or feel like I could – comfort both of them at the same time. (I remember bouncing a newborn Avery on the ball, trying to get her to stop crying while silently cursing Q for not being around to help.) Part of the reason it was so much better this time is that, of course, the girls are older and easier to manage. (It’s hard to deny that an 8-month-old is easier to care for than a newborn.) But it’s more than that: I also think Q and I have gotten this whole caring-for-two-kids thing down. I still wouldn’t categorize life with two as easy – but it is the new normal, and we’re better equipped now to handle certain things, like doing it alone or comforting two crying girls at the same time. (I wish I could go back to the “me” of seven and six months ago and give her some tips.) And I’m proud that something that once was incredibly difficult for me really isn’t so bad anymore!
-M
PS – Q, this isn’t an invitation for you to start leaving more often. I much prefer having you around. :)
February 28th, 2010 00:11
So proud of you Michelle. Good job!