mixed blessing

When The Kiddos were babies, I loved to play with them. Obviously, when they are tiny, they don't do much... but I always loved to watch how they learned and grew and progressed while they played. I loved that The Babe would fold burp cloths for what seemed like hours. I loved that The Boy would roll the tumbler in the exer-saucer (lovingly referred to as "the farm"), watching the little beads inside roll around and around and around. I loved it when their play became more interactive with me, and I had a lot of fun.

Five years later, I am tired. I still love a good tea party, don't get me wrong, but I have been ready for the next phase for a while now... the phase where The Kiddos play by themselves and I don't have to be involved in every moment of their day. I've been ready to reclaim some of that time for me. I'd like to quietly read a book while my kids are awake, or even look through a magazine, surf the web, something besides Chutes and Ladders.

Yesterday I was tickled pink that The Kiddos had some kind of imaginary play going on in the family room. They were laughing hysterically, having a great time pretending and playing and being kids. I didn't go in there. I was afraid if they saw me, the "mommy I need XYZ", or "Mommy, play with us" or whatever would start. I listened for a bit, and then I had some quiet time looking through catalogs in the living room.

I made my appearance about 45 minutes later, and OH. MY. GOODNESS. The mess in that room! They had all the sofa cushions off the sofa, the kid chairs overturned, their snuggling blankets strewn all over. And - - AND - - all the decorative wooden Easter eggs were everywhere - along with all the Easter grass, ALL OVER THE ROOM.

Even so, I think it was worth it.