(August 2010 – Cy was 3 weeks old and big kids realized he was here to stay)
Eli is barefoot.
Cora Jane’s pants are on backwards.
Cyrus isn’t even wearing pants.
It’s raining.
Nothing in this actually-happened-to-me-scenario would be noteworthy EXCEPT we are walking into a Dr’s office for our appointment.
Half a hour late!
I’m losing it folks.
The worst part about boarding the crazy train is now I’m considered the “flakey friend.” Back in High School I was the prepared friend. The one who brought full sized shampoo, extra snacks, magazines and nail polish to camp. In college I was a bit spacey, but always on time and where I said I would be. Being the midnight shoulder to cry on for a sorority sister or dancing till 2am would still have me arriving to teach a 5:30am aerobics class on time and with energy to spare. As a newly married woman and young mom I was labeled “carefree” (maybe careless when I wasn’t around) because I let my kiddos eat table food at 6 months and didn’t hover while they climbed to the tops of park jungle gyms.
Now I’m the flake. The one who buys birthday gifts on the way to the party… late. The one who forgets to pick up a friend’s child from school while they are in the hospital having a baby (Yes, I actually did that last month). The one who can never get it together to make a meal for a new mom. The one who’s laundry pile is ever growing, never folding.
I think the worst part is thinking I have everything together only to discover I totally flaked out on something. Like last week – I had to bring food to my mom’s group. I brought donuts (of course) because “I’m not blessed in the kitchen.” I had arrived early for the first time the whole year, donuts in hand, with my hair actually done (aka not in a ponytail) and the children were rested, dressed cute and sent to childcare without breakfast still smeared across their faces. AND no one knew I was 13 weeks preggers. In my mind I had finally made it. I really could handle being pregnant with 3 small children and maintain a growing (awesome) business all by myself. Then I got home and checked my calendar only to see I was a no-show for a lunch shoot for OC Family.
Aaaaarrrrhhhhhgggg!!!!!!!!!!
Failure. Flake.
Feels like my new identity.
What’s a mom to do?
What will solve all my scheduling problems.
A personal assistant, daily maid and live-in nanny of course!!
Until I get picked for Real Housewives of Orange County I think that might be a pipe dream. And frankly, a dream I never want to see fulfilled. I love my life. I love my husband, my children, my messy house and my awesome biz. I just don’t want to be a lame friend.
So, I got an iPhone.
I’m now reachable by cell and my outlook calendar will shoot me a reminder set times before events, obligations and casseroles. I hope it works because there is no Plan B.
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Aimee says
Add May 21st to your Outlook calendar….my sister is having National Scrapbook Day!!! Let me know if you want me to e-mail you the registration form! It’s $50 for 12 hours of scrapbooking ($45 if you sign up before May 4th) down in Escondido at my sister’s school – I’ll drive! =)
Eli's Lids says
I’ll have to wait closer to the day to commit! I discovered a scrapbook store here in RSM and they have crop nights/days that I’m going to check out. If they are doing something that day then I’ll probably go there because it’s so much closer! Here is their site: http://www.timeless-scrapbooking.com/ the May calendar isn’t up yet.
Jenn @Home is Where You Start From says
oh my, bless your heart! I have 4 kids, I’ve been there! Give yourself a break..most moms of littles are sleep deprived and studies have been done to show that it does affect your thinking skills- but, good news- it does come back later! Also, I was having a constant life like you described- and forgetting things daily, I found out that I was severely anemic- this affects thinking ability, makes your thinking ‘foggy’. I highly suggest all moms with kids have a complete physical done. My dh is very logical/linear/organized (I still don’t know how he can put up with me and stay in a good mood!) and his solution to help me was also an iphone..I have it sound an alarm 1/2 hour or an hour before I need to be somewhere. It helps 🙂
much grace and peace to you, it really will get better, promise!
p.s. about the L.E.N.S. photo challenge, yes come back on Saturday and leave a link to your reading photo 🙂
Eli's Lids says
That makes me feel so much better!! Especially that it will come back. I have my blood work up this week and I’ll have them check anemia!! Is it too late for the photo challenge? I’m just getting back on the computer today!
Rachael says
Okay, so I have to comment (like so many others have already) that you are NOT A LAME FRIEND and I’m sorry if I (and all your other friends) haven’t told you so lately/enough/ever. Just b/c you’re late to something (or a few somethings) or don’t feel like you cut it in the kitchen, does NOT qualify you as lame. I didn’t even know you back when you were the “reliable friend” or even when you were the “party/aerobics friend,” and we became fast friends during your “carefree/careless friend” stage because of how truly wonderfully awesome you are. You pick up my spirits. You inspire me. And you love your husband and family in a way that is encouraging to me and those around you. (Not to mention your Lids are top notch.) I think I take you for granted and I am lucky to call you one of my best friends. All that being said, now you just have to get used to carrying that fancy-schmancy phone around and keep it charged and you’ll be one step ahead of the game. AND (last thing)… remember this is just a season. One day your (500) kids will be able to dress themselves and you won’t have to buckle them up. Love you!
Eli's Lids says
Totally needed to hear that! Especially since you have only known me in my flaky days!
Totally missing you guys!!
FrenchGardenHouse says
YOU are a wonder in every way. Did I miss the “having a baby” announcement? Congratulations!!! You never cease to delight and amaze me when I visit your blog. Great Mom, Great Wife, pretty great at everything…..okay, a little frazzled around the edges sometimes, but who wouldn’t be with all you have going on? LOVE you, sweetie. You rock. {and you’re my best blogging student I’ve ever had} xoxox Lidy
ps. I ADORE my iphone. I just have to remember where it is all the time.:)
Eli's Lids says
Thanks!!! I love your blog. REALLY!!
I think remembering my iphone will be the hardest part as well.
allison says
Hi Kara! You are amazing and I can only hope I’m even half the mother you are! I can feel that way too and ours are old enough to do everything themselves.. I can’t wait until I get an iPhone… few more months I’m afraid. Waiting for AJ’s contract to end. I love the pic you have on your phone!! So adorable! I see you are due in Sept. Good month, Eli and your dad too.. Talk to you soon! Love ya!
Eli's Lids says
I do like the iphone! I fought getting a smart phone because it is so expensive but it has already helped a lot.
HURRY up and have some babies already!!
Tell the fam “hi” from Cali 🙂
allison says
i want it just for the organization and everything in one spot!
and we hope to be preggo’s this summer… so keep your fingers crossed for July/August.. 😉
Eli's Lids says
YAY!! I will keep my fingers crossed 🙂
The iphone is awesome for organization. Brad just spent the last few days getting everything synced up with my outlook and calendar. I’m still learning. But it’s pretty exciting!
Soni says
Join the club, girl! I could’ve written that post 🙂 Three is tough to juggle, and I’m not even pregnant! When I closed my business last Dec, it was exactly for that reason: quality of life. YOU, my friend, are doing MUCH better than anybody else I know with that much on their plate (and less!)…and if your friends don’t see that, yikes! But I’m just sure they probably do…cut yourself some slack. You’ll be back to your “organized-on-time-perfectly-poised-self” in no time 🙂
Eli's Lids says
I can’t even imagine all the stuff you were doing for your biz!! We only have one main product. I think that is one of the reasons I haven’t expanded as much as my imagination would like to. Maybe when they are in grade school?
Are we still on for Friday??? We are open and ready to play 🙂
Megan says
I can’t survive without my iPhone! Seriously, not only is it my phone, calendar, & contact list but it’s my book (kindle app), weight loss journal, and 4 year old entertainment! Plus some of my BFF’s live very fat away and we can text each other on a whim. Plus how would I fall asleep at night if I couldn’t play solitaire for a few minutes?
Eli's Lids says
Totally!! So is the kindle app readable on the iphone? I was thinking about it, but I was wondering if the screen was too small or if it was annoying. It has already been invaluable for kiddo entertainment!!
jaime says
You so totally rock!! (Name the movie.) Anywho, don’t worry, you’re not alone in the spacey dept., but I’m excited for your new phone! Here’s to your new techno awesomely scheduled life!! Now I just need the number so I can bug you all day! LOL
Eli's Lids says
I can’t name the movie. Still be my friend. Did your hubby tell you I called yesterday about bookclub? Wicked was just about to start! Ha!! I’ll text you my cell… but my home (the one you have) is probably still the best to reach me.
jaime says
Finding Nemo! Haha still love ya! I was sad to miss book club. Dang Wicked! I bought a cupcake groupon from a little shop in RSM so next time we craft there will be cupcakes!
Eli's Lids says
Island cupcakes? If it is, they are SUPER good!!
jaime says
Yes!! Oh I’m so glad I didn’t buy another dud groupon! You’ll have to come with me and help me pick! Yay!!
Joanne says
I’m not even a mom with a small business and I only have one kid with another on the way, but I do love my iPhone. I have definitely lost my mind this pregnancy. Appointment date and times are quickly forgotten within minutes of making them…so I have tons of reminders set on my iPhone. And it has really helped me with keeping up on email. I’m not sure I could live without my iPhone now.
Eli's Lids says
I can already tell it’s going to be a God-send for me. Is that strange to say about a phone??? Congrats on another baby!! A boy I saw on your blog. When is your exact due date? I’m September 20th 🙂
Joanne says
Having the iPhone is a God-send. Truly. Especially for multi-tasking mamas! 🙂 Yes, we’re having another boy. He is due on Father’s Day, June 19th, but this one I am trying to deliver without a c-section so I am kinda freaking a bit about not knowing when exactly he’ll be here.
carlee says
the only way i can keep track of anything is with my DROID. the coolest thing is that my husband has one too and our google calendar updates on BOTH of our phones, so when i make an appointment – he gets notified too…marriage saver…no more fights over calendar contests…love it!
Eli's Lids says
AWESOME!! We do outlook invites… I just have to figure it out on the phone, but it should update the home calendar and his work calendar. We’ll find out. I’m off to snoop on your blog to see what you have been doing 🙂
Jen says
Love this post. Well, you are super woman to me. I only have one and I feel like this… so I just say NO to everything. I used to be the one to say YES to everything. I just realized. It’s time for me now and oh well. You keep up the great work! 😉
Eli's Lids says
It’s great you are saying no. I think my biggest problem is that I’m saying yes because I still think I’m capable of doing stuff. But keeping 3 humans (4 if you count my hubby) alive is all I got in me at the moment. Email me your blog again. I need to add it to my faves so I can visit!