Curse #37 - "That Mom"

Do you know anyone whose "that mom"?

You know, the one that always has a band aid and a small first aid kit in her purse just in case her kid gets a boo boo, and a deck of cards to play go fish with if there is a long wait.

The mom that can turn any trivial event into a touching life lesson for her child.

The mom who makes sure their kids do a craft at least once a week.

The mom who sits downs and plays in the floor with her child and still somehow manages to get all the laundry done. 

You know, "that mom" that has got it all together. 

Well, I am not "that mom."  There's a reason why I don't give out parenting advice on the blog.  I can paint walls, and make things pretty, but when it comes to motherhood, I have more questions than answers. 

Last week, when my parents visited, we decided to take a day trip to Philadelphia, to see all the sites, and of course eat a cheesesteak at Gino's. 

That morning, I had a moment of motherhood clarity, and I decided to pack some snacks for the boys just in case they got hungry.  That may seem very small to you, but for me it was huge.  I was so proud of myself for thinking ahead like that and getting all my ducks in a row. 

Who knew? Maybe I was "that mom" after all!

I think my pride lasted about two minutes.  As I was walking out the door, I realized I had not packed one diaper or wipe for Collin. He had no diapers, but he had snacks! Fortunately, I caught it just in time and avoided potential disaster. 

We set out on our adventure in my parent's van, and about an hour down the road, I suddenly realized....

I FORGOT THE STROLLER!!!

It's always in my car so I never think about it much.  I had not thought to move it to my parents car. 

Navigating a city with 27 pounds of solid baby is very difficult without a stroller.  I told my parents, and they took the news in stride.  I guess by now they are used to my scatterbrainess (I don't know if that's a word, but just go with it).

We set out to explore the Liberty Hall and Liberty Bell area, stollerless, but before we got started we had to make a pit stop to the bathroom.  In the bathroom, I realized, I had left my camera in the car.  My mom and I then had this conversation....

                      me: Mom, I forgot my camera in the car.

                      mom: Stephanie. (sighs and rolls eyes)

                      me: Dad, was nice about the no stroller thing, but I think me forgetting the camera will  send him over the edge.  Quick, what can I say is the reason for me going back to the car. I forgot my inhaler and I'm feeling wheezy!

                      mom: feeling wheezy?

                      me: Oh! I can tell him I need to get a feminine item.  If I say a feminine item I know he won't ask any questions!

In the end, I went with the truth, and my dad didn't mind waiting the five minutes for me to go get my camera.  

The day would have been a total motherhood failure had it not been for the snacks. At least I remembered the snacks!

However, I soon realized I even messed that up too! How? Well, take a look at these pictures and maybe you can figure out my failure. 

 

Even when I think I've got it together, I don't.  "That mom" would have realized that two bags instead of one would reduce fighting.

Try as I may I don't ever think I'll be "that mom," but that's okay.  I have a feeling my boys are going to know that I tried my best and that I loved them.  Besides, thanks to all my mishaps, Brandon and Collin are going to have way funnier stories than "that mom's" kids!

"We may not have it all together, but together we have it all!"