We still like to play in the dirt outside, pretend to be Pinocchio, make goofy faces, and freeze in bizarre poses in the middle of a busy sidewalk. Or wear a dress. Or hop around on all fours barking. You might have seen us exit the ice cream store playing dog. (Don't go in there if you fear the same may happen to your kids.)
We wear uniforms to school. And spend insane amounts of time in Pre-K. Monday thru Friday 8:40 until 3:10. They're only four and always over tired after school and hate walking the three or four blocks home. Naps at home have ceased for the most part. It's cool having all this time to myself, but I think it's too much. They're so little! At school, tongue lashings are not uncommon, which is new for me. I mean, I yell at home all the time, but I'm not used to seeing other people -- preschool teachers, staff -- raise their voice or use harsh tones. Luckily its balanced with sugary sweet personnel as well. And really, the boys' language and comprehension are again exploding. Oh, and we get homework too. Sigh. I didn't sign up for big kids . . . not yet. DC public neighborhood schools are, allegedly, among the worst in the country. Interesting times . . . I feel inspired to do something . . . what?
I moved my kids and they did just fine . . . this we heard a lot. Yeah, but I think you forgot kids also have hair triggers and throw a bobby pin into their world, unravel their knowns, and the crying, oh the crying, the tantrumming, peak at alarming rates. I heard myself say yesterday, time to call in the shrink. Sira is beyond crazy and cracks up all the time and always gets Bereket into it. I love a funny kid, but they are impossible to parent at these times. I think my parenting act is a disaster lately. I do see light ... somewhere down the hill. Deep breaths.
We miss home, we miss old teachers and baby sitters. But we are also having a blast in the city. We love our skinny little house, friendly quiet neighborhood, and I feel a huge unburdening of guilt that my kids' skin color is now the majority in our community. I do love the city and the country will be that much sweeter and DC has amazing urban parks with native vegetation and creeks. Except now . . . you're really going to feel sorry for me . . . baby sitters are hard to find still and charge outrageous fees. The chance of Jerry and I getting a night out alone -- and God do we need one -- are not looking good at the moment. Ah hell, he's in Nepal right now anyway. So I'm moaning a little inside and repeating a favorite phrase in our house, what about me? Me needs a long walk in the woods with the dogs and start dancing again . . . work comes later. Easy to do! Lucky mama overall!
14 comments:
Maybe once you get to know more people you can trade babysitting with them.
Your boys are huge and oh so handsome!
If I were nearby, I would babysit, now that I know I can wrangle 3 kids at a time.
So glad to hear from you and your new big adventures.
I second, Rebekah. I would babysit in a heartbeat for you and Big J. If only I weren't on the other coast. The boys are growing--the most evident was in the length of Tsega's hair. Tells me time has past. Excited to hear more about your time in DC and hoping the boys settle into their new norm and give you a little sanity break. And...I hope you find some super duper inspiring thing to do with your weekdays!
We will be in DC over thankgiving to visit Cameron's parents...want us to babysit???
Your boys are adorable; I would come and babysit for free if I did't live in California.
~~~alicia~~~
My sister in law lives close to DC...she has six...she could handle your three! Look me up via my blog if you are truly interested. I found your blog through a friend who adopted from Ethiopia. :)
Maybe you can form a babysitting coop with some of the moms from your school... we had one when my husband was in grad school in Boston and I had two little ones... they're 21 and 19 now; it was a long time ago! But it was the only way we could ever go anywhere. I also just have to mention how much I love the boys' shoes. Adorable.
You know what? We're about 4 1/2 hours south of D.C. We live on a farm with goats and chickens and rivers and creeks and lots and lots of trees. We have a guest house here- so you wouldn't feel like you were 'all up in our business'. Consider yourselves as having an open invite to come and get your nature ya-ya's out. Seriously. We would be honored to have you!
*I also have a fabulous Ethiopian friend who lives in D.C. who would be a great babysitter if you need/want her info let me know.
You are braver than I! But D.C. does sound like it has its fun moments too. I am with you on the pre-school thing - that is a really stinkin long day for young kiddos (I should know this, I am a professor of education!)Any chance you could send them only 1/2 days 2 days a week at least? Hang in there. It will be ok :) I too would love to babysit, but we are in Illinois. My Eli would love some by time as he has 3 sisters.
OMG Cindy...the boys look SO adorable in their little school uniforms, sitting on the "stoop". Ahh, urban life...I cannot imagine, but I'm sure you're rockin' it solid. I hope J returns home soon too! So glad to see your updates and hear life is cruising along. All our best, The WA Crew
You'll have to start having lunch dates with all that time the boys are in school. No sitter needed! And please give details on Sira's hair style- are those twists? How'd you do it?
Just got back from DC on Sunday after 3 week visit with Cindy and the grandkids. They are doing great in their new home (or hotel as the kids call it) and their neighbors are really nice. Lots of fun things to do in DC which can get expensive but luckily a lot of it is free too.
Your 3 boys look so much alike- especially now that they are older and the 'twins' hair is getting longer like their triplet brother.
Too cute!
It has been a while between visits but I can't get over how big the boys are. They sure have grown. But still they are as gorgeous as EVER! Wishing you cheap babysitters.
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