bugs

One of the hardest, most stressful parts of my days is finding babysitters. Capable babysitters. I had a couple of really great ones, but they are in their 20's now and have better, more exciting ways to earn money. Like working at burger king.

My kids are not the easiest to look after. Toby and parker tend, rather often, towards the highly rambunctious passionate play. Play that often ends in tears, hitting and screaming. Eliza has this nut allergy that requires me to train new sitters how to identify an allergic reaction and administer epinephrine. Tristan is pretty much perfect, except for her propensity to stay up till midnight reading.

So, last night i finally found a sitter to try. A lovely girl. I was hopeful. I was relieved. I was skeptical.

Most days it takes everything i have to make it through the day without bursting into tears of frustration and getting the various chores of cooking, cleaning and laundry done.

Things were going well. I checked in at 9:30 and all was quiet and kids tucked in. At 10pm i had a table walk in, meaning i would be working for another two hours. At 10:23 the sitter called and flu fest had suddenly, without warning, struck my home. Eliza had thrown-up all over herself and her bed. Toby was moaning with a tummy ache. I was panicked. I really wanted to be there and make sure everything was okay. I remember as a child being sick around other people. It wasn't a nurturing feeling.

I had to plow through. Have faith they would be okay.

I ran into the house at midnight. And all was okay. They were sick, yes. But they were all snuggled on the couch together waiting for me to come and sort through the smelly sheets and tuck them back in. I kind of felt like a hero, a good mommy, for a few moments.

And now? Maybe i have a babysitter. (fingers crossed)