I spent this past week doing what every mother should do once in a while. I left town.All by myself. No children, no chores, no laundry and no responsibilities. I went to New York City to visit an old friend, and I won’t give you all the details but needless to say my week started with two full days of shopping and ended with a visit to the Naked Cowboy. I had a fabulous time, and I recommend a similar trip to the rest of you.
While I was gone, I left my children in the care of my dear friend Karli. She picked them up from preschool everyday and brought them back to my house until my husband came home in the evening. She even cooked dinner for all of them, which I told her was above and beyond the call of duty. But she was a trooper, and claims to have had an easy time. In jest I asked my husband if Karli was a better wife than I, and he merely said, “No comment.”
The interesting part of coming home was listening to her describe her reflections on the differences between caring for her single child, Olivia, and watching all three. She says with one child she has to be a mother, a friend, an entertainer, a comforter and a maid. But with multiple children the roles change. It is true that mealtimes are more difficult to manage in that by the time you are done making three sandwiches, the first child is already done eating and wants more. She asked me when I ever find time to feed myself, at which I replied “That’s what nap time is for.”
But on the upside, playtime is a completely different world with more than one child. They always have someone to play with. You are no longer their “best friend” or their “safari partner”. You have time to do the dishes, pick up the toys or just sit down for a moment.
Karli has always known that she only wanted one child. There was never a question in her mind, even before Olivia was born. It’s a plan that works for her. In my case I’ve always wanted two, and sometimes more. I knew what it was like to have a playmate growing up, but I was lucky that my older brother would take the time with me. Not everyone is so blessed. When my second child came along I prayed my children would be as fortunate in their relationship as we were. And I believe they are.
Why then do I feel like I’M the lucky one?
