Mommy's Blog: Flying solo

I remember a time when my babies were babies, tiny, squalling, utterly dependent things, and I used to dread the nights that Nat went off to teach. Home alone with Jack when he was so so new and was so so scared of doing anything wrong... or home alone with the two, confident in my ability to keep the newborn alive at least-- but not sure how to divide my attentions to meet the needs of a toddler as well. I made it through those nights, each and every one-- but not without a hefty dose of anxiety and an ever-increasing respect (nigh, awe) for single parents. (I still don't know how they do it!)

So it must be a testament to my veteran status, then, that these days instead of dreading my solo-parenting days, I am finding a certain magic in them. It seems that when I know I'm the only one on duty, I am much more careful with my attention to the tiny details of parenting, and to the children themselves. I am much more likely to plan activities with the kids in mind, crafting often-ambitious outings centered on having fun together, not just getting through the day. And all that careful focus means I am more likely to notice and hold on to the little moments of joy that make it all worthwhile. Looking back over the past few years, I find that many of the events I remember most were "just me and the kids." Attention is a magical thing.

Of course, my wonderful husband needs to know-- when I am the only one on duty, it also makes me intensely grateful that I can look forward to sharing the job again soon!

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Today's solo-parent outing was even more memorable than most thanks to the addition of two extra children.

Love that full van!

And I love the magic of adding someone else's children into our mix. These two sweeties, Evelyn and Hadley, are a great fit. It was a pleasure to be their "childcare" for this day off of school, as they entertained Jack and Ivy magnificently the entire time. I think in this case four is less than two...

When you have four kids for the day, what is there to do but go to the zoo? It wa a totally great idea.

The weather was perfect, warm and clear and shining with yellow-fall light.

Dance recitals in the monkey house, of course. We also had the bonus of running into another Boulevard family in the Aquarium, and our combined group of 6 played and explored and looked out for each other for the better part of an hour as we moved through the zoo. Cleveland is such a shockingly small town sometimes...

Jack ate his lunch on this camel.

Fabulous play area by the new carousel. Totally worth schlepping four tired kids up a hill. We also got to see a newborn giraffe, which would have made the trek worthwhile all by its spindly-legged self.

Wildlife carousel. We rode the Artic Animals.

These two, one year apart, are a grand match. They are two peas in a pod with the way they pretend, and they share so many interests. And, on the way out of the zoo, they stopped about 10 times to share their ice cream and rock candy, each holding their treat out for the other to take a lick. Too cute!

In the light of today, I might almost forget about our picture perfect time at the Gardens last night.

The evening was too perfect to stay indoors, so as soon as we could get an early dinner out of the way, I bundled my two into the van and dragged them to the Children's Garden. Given a choice, I think they would always choose to stay home. You know, there's a TV there. But at bedtime last night, when we talked about our favorite part of the day, they both mentioned moments from our Garden trip.

I am really glad we went.

Festooned in pumpkins and haybales, with fire circles going and the smell of wood smoke in the air, and crickets serenading us from the tall grasses, the Gardens were a fine place to be.

We planted seeds, and made mud pies, and read books in the tree house.

I love the Children's Garden all the time, but it was extra special last night. Almost empty, diffused with soft dusk-light, it was ours. We took our time, explored all the paths, sat on the bronze frog and pumped water for the plants. After, we bought treats and ate on the patio with the remaining hipsters lingering from the beer-tasting class earlier in the evening. Night fell as we shared Doritos and cookies and push-pops. The battery on my phone died and I am so grateful that it did, because I was able to be fully present and really enjoy being with these two unique little people I am raising. I'm a pretty lucky mom.

Throwing these pictures in here even though we had two parents along for this outing... :)

After our outing today, and a few more hours at home with the assembled masses, we decided the only thing to do for dinner was to order Mama Santa's pizza and head to a pretty place. Because seriously! This weather! It just won't quit!