Today I admit defeat. I attempted to go to the botanic garden children's area on my own. Well not really on my own since we met up with Heather and her twin boys. Heather and I have been able to accomplish many play dates as a team (she is a great helper), but this was too much for me.
- The layout is not ideal for us. There are several sections to play in but all have dual entry/exit points.
- The entire area is either wet cement or mud (slippery and dirty). The girls are good about falling (no crying they just get right back up) but the cement and mud compounded with the falling just made everyone a complete mess.
- There are a lot of older kids running around forcing me to dodge them when chasing after my little ones.
- We are good walkers, but not THAT good. Uneven river rocks prove too challenging for me in flip-flops let alone three new-ish walkers.
After Fiona exited in one direction and Daphne in another all while Stella bit it (but didn't cry) in the mud, I was done. I picked up two girls and put the other in my bjorn and stumbled out of the area. While trying to strap everyone in the stroller, Daphne ran towards some sleeping woman and started pulling her hair, I didn't even care. I was defeated and pretended not to notice. The woman didn't say anything, I think she could see by my face that I was overwhelmed. I ran away in shame barely holding it together while loading/driving/unloading everyone. Once we got home, I changed everyone into clean clothes and put them down for their nap. It is then that I broke down. I was exhausted both emotionally and physically.
I pride myself on being able to do anything I need to with the girls. I am so thankful to have our trio that I will do whatever it takes to get them the most 'normal' childhood experiences possible. Sure it may take me longer, but I can usually figure it out. This was the first time that I left an activity in defeat. Hopefully in a couple days I will recover from this experience and adventure out with the girls again.......but it will not be to the children's garden alone, I can guarantee that.
You are so brave for even trying so don't feel defeated! Everyone made it out in one piece and there wasn't a trip to the ER and you filled the time between naps, so really you are victorious! You're a great mommy!
ReplyDeleteI think you are amazing Kari. Seriously. The girls are growing up beautifully - this is a just a small stumbling block. (I know - easy for the childless almost sister-in-law to say!) But really, the girls get to experience so many wonderful activities - almost daily! Only a small step back - you all will be back there and ready to tackle those silly gardens at another time.
ReplyDeleteTwo exits, river rocks, and wet cement in a children's area? Good grief, who designed that place?!?! You did battle in that garden and won! You recognized the potential hazards and prevented disasters. On a different day with fewer big kids, sleeping giants, and drier land you may have had a much more lovely time, but that was just not a good day. And I point out that it was Friday the 13th. Come on! I think you do everything you need to do with the girls and part of normal childhood experiences for them includes leaving crazy environments! We just had to leave the Science Museum the other day because Peter freaked out in an exhibit with lighting and thunder. Not designed for toddlers, my bad.
ReplyDeletedon't be so hard on yourself! we had to leave places in defeat with *two* adults and *one* baby, so you're that much more competent than us :P
ReplyDeleteNic, Ella was scared by the lightning machine too, it's just too loud. even for adults. fortunately we just wondered off to a different section (and worst case scenario, home is just across the street!)
Honestly, I am kind of proud of myself that it took so long to hit this point. Since the first six months are a blur, it took eight months of adventuring to have a tough experience. Onward and upward. No looking back.
ReplyDelete"Admiting defeat" is something I firmly believe that all parents do once in awhile even though some might not admit it :) I only have 2 (of different ages not a TRIO) and I have left somewhere more than once because I just got not keep up! So welcome to the club. You are an amazing mom and your darling girls are going to appreciate it when they grow up !!! :)
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