The Rest of the Story

Last night, Corey was pulled into an emergency budget meeting (three words o' fun, right there) at 5:00. It was supposed to be done by 6:00.

He got home at 8:30. Just in time to kiss the kids as they climbed into bed.

I was so drained, I was almost crawling.

I fell into bed, knowing that I would need to write my 5 Minutes for Parenting post this morning. But I didn't really have much on the schedule for today. I figured it would be easy to drop Natalie at school, put on a video for Teyla and Connor and whip out a pithy piece on maternity clothes.

I figured it would be easy. Fatal last words.

Since the time I made that bad decision, the following has occurred.

1. Teyla woke up crying at midnight. I felt completely drugged, so I did what I know I shouldn't have done -- I picked her up and carried her right back to bed with me. We both fell soundly asleep.
2. I woke up at 3:30 to Teyla thrashing. She wasn't hurt or sick. She's just a baby who moves constantly in her sleep. I decided to move her back to her crib.
3. As soon as I set her down in her crib, she woke up again. And started crying. Meanwhile, Natalie woke up and headed toward the bathroom. Noises followed which shouldn't be described in public.
4. I finally got Teyla and Natalie settled in their beds. I went back to my bed. Five minutes later, Teyla was crying again.
5. The settle-sleep-cry routine went on for about an hour. Finally, Teyla just climbed out of her crib and came to get in bed with me. I didn't have the strength to fight it.
6. I let everyone sleep in this morning, since I wasn't sure what Natalie's status would be. She woke up and was horrified at the prospect of missing school. So we got ready and dropped her off.
7. I came home, made oatmeal for the younger kids and started to write my post.
8. One minute later, the phone rang. It was the school nurse, informing me Natalie was in her office with a tummy ache. Could I come and get her?

And on and on it went.

The bottom line (which Corey would be asking for, if he were standing here right now): I have a new post at 5 Minutes for Pregnancy today. It's all about maternity clothes, and while I really enjoyed writing it, I also pulled half my hair out while doing so.

Go leave a comment for me, OK?

Because on top of all that, it's my birthday. Pass the cupcakes, please.