Some people refer to their day as the ‘9 to 5’. It starts at 9AM when they get to work in the morning, and it ends at 5PM when they leave for the evening. What a different world those people live in. I can only imagine, I can barely remember, what it’s like to leave work and be done for the day. Ahh…
My real job starts when my professional job ends. As I take off my employee heels and put on my mom runners, I mentally prepare myself for what my evening will undoubtably hold.
4:30PM It’s quitting time! Or so they say. It’s time to go pick up the kids from daycare. It’s been a long day of meetings, I wonder if I can soak up some of their childhood energy to help me get to bedtime.
5:24PM After stopping at the store for a few things, I find myself at the daycare. Visiting and decompressing with all the other moms who have just clocked into their double-shifts. Some are teachers, some are nurses, these moms are superheroes.
I’ve collected my two and have recharged my heart with hugs and kisses. Sunkissed and smelling like banana scented sunscreen they climb into the vehicle, ready to head home. These little people have a magical way of boosting my energy supply.
6:07PM It’s been seven minutes since the kids have sat down to eat dinner and according to Miss E, it’s been seven minutes too long. The dreadful words slip from her little lips, “I’m full.” There is no way she’s full. She’s been playing outside in the summer sun all afternoon with just water and a few snacks. Those two bites she’s had could not have filled her up.
7:00PM Ahh yes, of course. Miss E is no longer full and is hungry once again. It’s almost like I knew this would happen…
7:56PM The kids have showered and are brushing their teeth. Bedtime is so close I can almost see it. A few more things to finish and then I can plop down on the couch, scroll aimlessly for an hour before I decide today is over and head to bed. I.can.almost.see.it.
8:00PM Bedtime. We made it. I made it. Hair and teeth are brushed, everyone’s gone to the bathroom, I’ve tucked each kid into their own bed and I’m almost down the stairs. Almost. Miss E is calling for me, she doesn’t have her bunny. Where is her bunny?!
I find her brother’s bunny downstairs, it’s the same one, she won’t know. I head back upstairs, ready to save the night, but I’m greeted by a giggle and an “Oops” as she pops her bunny out from under her covers.
8:02PM Okay. Everyone’s good. Miss E has her bunny, Mr. E is in his… Nope. No he’s not. He has successfully escaped and now a strong-willed four-year-old stands between me and the rest of my night.
8:16PM I’ve managed to get Mr. E back in his bed. More hugs, more kisses, one last tuck in for the night. I made it, I’m downstairs.
8:30PM Lunch time! I empty the contents of today’s lunches and start over. More cut fruit, more granola bars, more jam sandwiches (no PB, just the J). Thank goodness for Sunday Costco runs, they’re the reason this part of my evening runs so smoothly. I turn on the newest Netflix thriller and lose myself in serial killers and jam sandwiches.
Read: 50 Cult-Favorite Items That Make Costco’s Membership So Worth It
10:00PM Whoops! Where did the time go?! If I go to bed right now, I’ll have seven hours of sleep. Seven luxurious hours before I have to wake up and get ready for my professional job where I spend eight hours of my day warming up for my real job.
It’s been a busy day, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. My two minis are what I’ve always wanted and although they tire me with their eating habits and night-time escapes, they’re what keep this tired mama going. Them and the Costco size bag of coffee of course.
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