A promise is a promise

To go anywhere solo with both kids (esp in the winter) is a production. This morning’s trip to go mall walking was no different.

The first mistake I made was starting the “promise bribe” long before I was ready to leave . This isn’t smart to do with a two year old eager to leave the house. (see “go groceries” post above) “We will go as soon as you….comb your hair, brush your teeth, find your shoes (Ah, why did you take your socks off again!) find your blanket, stop picking on Si, have a snack, have a drink (not to much or you’ll have an accident).” “If you don’t …..pick that up, put that away, put on your coat & hat…we won’t go”.

I planned to keep my promise all along, but had a few to do’s before we left. (Find Si’s stroller, load the stroller, find Lela’s doll & it’s stroller, put on more layers in case Si spits up, find a hair binder, pack back up clothes for kids, pack a snack & a back up snack,  pack bottles, wipes, diapers, blankies etc.)

The van had been running 5 minutes when I asked my daughter if she wanted to use the potty before we left. “No no ugh uh, nope” she answers in one breath while slipping on her jacket and hat.

I turned & hustled to get my baby dressed for the tundra and propped his puffy little body up by the diaper bag. His least favorite time is this 30 seconds between winterizing and getting in the van, he reassured me with his defeated little look. sigh

“Are you sure you don’t have to use the potty” I asked the confident toddler swallowed up by her puffy coat. “No” she confirmed.

I was feeling victorious just seconds from walking out the door. “Yeah” I thought, although a process we can do this. Livi stood proud, bundled and grinning ear to ear, ready to depart.

That’s when I noticed something spilled on the carpet. “How did the carpet get wet there, Lela, do you know?” (pause for silence while she gathered her thoughts) “Oh, Uh, I pee there.” she states, as I realized her pink coat covered up the rest of the evidence. sigh.

Of course you did!
Kids 1 Mom 0