It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I cannot wait for school to start! I’m so over summer. Don’t get me wrong, it has been great to sleep in and relax the bedtime rules. To not have to make lunches and snacks, pack and unpack backpacks and stand in the rain, cold or dark to wait for the school bus at 7am. But? I’m done with 3 little kids at home. All day. Everyday. Shoot me now.

It’s too much togetherness for me and my girls and I think we’re all sick of it. I know I am. How many times can I pick up and put away the same toys and clothes? Talk about an exercise in frustration. And all the damn laundry I have to do because someone (Zeta) likes to change her clothes at least 3x a day.  This isn’t Dynasty kid! Put on an outfit and leave it on.

And the constant noise. Oh. My. God. First of all, they are all just loud (no idea where they could have gotten that from), but if they are fighting with each other (which is about 80% of the time) they are even louder. And of course there are other kids in the mix as well. The neighbors, the classmates that come over for playdates – and they are all loud.  Don’t get me wrong – I love having kids over. They keep my own kids off my back and usually they get along better when someone else is in the mix. I just wish they weren’t quite so loud.  I can’t hear myself think.  Why do little girls love to scream? Do boys do that too?  Poor Jemima can’t get a decent nap. Because although it is summer and the weather has been nice, it’s next to impossible to get them to play outside.

What is wrong with kids? I used to stay outside all damn day. These kids want to play inside with their toys and games. Which is all well and good, but really? After months and months and months of rain you don’t want to go out and feel the sun on your face? I don’t get this. And then there is the guilt because in order to steal some time for myself I will let them park themselves in front of the TV to play Little Big Planet on the PS3 for hours at a time. What? I can’t always take them somewhere or play with them?! (I had all these great plans to help Nita with her reading and to have them do work books over the summer to get ready for K and 2nd grade. None of that went on).

I can’t wait to get their butts up and out early! And Nita will be gone all day too!!! Do you have any idea how excited I a about this?! Yes, it’s bittersweet because she’s starting Kindergarten and that is a major milestone. But also? This is the first time ever I will have a 2 year old and no one else at home. Not a 2 year old and one year old, not a 2 year old and 3 year old. Just the 2 year old alone with the mama everyday! I’m really looking forward to that. Taking one child to the park, to the Children’s Museum and the library. Having complete quiet while she naps. Not having to pick anyone up from school! And the two of them coming and going at the same time! And together!! I can’t wait to see them get on the bus together for the first time.

They’ll come home from school and there will only be a few hours for homework, chores and play before dinner, bath and bed!! And they’ll be so damn tired from getting up so early and being in school all day that they’ll fall fast asleep! No more late nights where the night owl is up longer than the parents. Yippee!!

I’m feeling calmer just thinking about. And of course the start of school signals the beginning of fall. We’re so excited to pick apples and pumpkins, see the leaves turn the beautiful colors of autumn and wear sweaters and boots!