On aging

My 25th birthday is looming. About a month ago I straightforwardly told TJ that I wanted creams and makeups that would slow down the aging process. I was joking though. But, maybe there was a twinge of serious in there.

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Today at the grocery store a young girl of 10 came to look at my baby and talk to me about life. She was spry and precocious. Sophie and TJ came to meet Zanib (my friend) and Zanib, seeing that I had two children, shockingly looked at me and said, "How old are you, anyway?"

"25" I answered, my voice thick with disgust and hinting that I OBVIOUSLY DO NOT look even close.

Then this sweet little girl retorted, "No offense but..."

"But what?" I said. (I don't know why I said it, I knew I wasn't going to like what I heard).

"But, you look, (she saw the pleading look in my eyes) well, kind of, older than that."

I literally had no response to that and Zanib saw our brief encounter had abruptly ended. She ran back to her family.

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TJ only has laughed up to this point when I've asked him for creams and age defying items. I don't know how much I am joking anymore.

The Mother of Two

A lot of people have asked how it is going being the mother of two these days. Well, I would like to draw your attention to a few items.

Exhibit A: my lack of posting.

Being the mother of two means that as soon as Henry is sleeping and I think I may have a chance to get on the computer, my cute little Sophie sees me and exclaims "Elmo, peas? Elmo, elmo cookie? Peas?" Which means she wants to watch her fav you tubers.

Exhibit B: No Pictures.

Also, I've learned that the mother of two means that you go without for longer than you usually would. Consider my need of batteries for our camera. I have gone shopping, but I seem to neglect batteries every time. I really, really want re-chargables so I don't have to worry about getting new batteries for my ancient camera that eats up acid like I eat dark chocolate. I DID buy some once, but they didn't have enough juice, or they just didn't work. And I haven't gone out again for batteries. It's been over a month.

I simply keep forging ahead without because of the potential hassle and chaos that could erupt for the fortunate mother of two on an outing for batteries.

Exhibit C: My dishes aren't done.

The mother of two needs her rest (Beauty rest would be nice, but we make do with what we get). Henry doesn't sleep as well as Sophie did. So I am up a lot at night. So, during the day when Sophie AND Henry are napping I AM NAPPING TOO. Call me selfish, crazy, unclean...whatever. All I know is, if mamma is grumpy, all heck breaks loose.

Exhibit D: The clerk at sam's club asked me if I had a "Long Day"

All I have to say about this is: If a woman is shopping for diapers and wipes and her hair might not be done and she's wearing yesterday's makeup, that don't give noone the go ahead to ask if she's had a "long day." Even if she doesn't read between the lines at that very moment (her lack of sleep causes her to zone out ALL THE TIME) she will realize soon what that clerk meant and will soon gorge herself on chocolates and then go half crazy trying to lose the pounds. OK? SAM'S CLUB CLERK???

Finally, Exhibit E: I'm still smiling.

Being the mother of two is also AMAZING. There are ups and downs, but there are some really choice times and experiences that keep coming along and keep bringing some excellent perspective. So what if my hair isn't done up, and so what if I'm not getting EVERYTHING done. I play with Sophie, I cuddle Henry, and I give kisses to my dear sweet TJ. I am making my life a "bliss complete." And I certainly am smiling....most of the time.