Even to the ears of a naive non-parent, this may sound "a little stressful." Understatements like "Overwhelming" or "Complicated" may spring to their minds. To anyone who has parented a single child under the age of two, especially recently, this may sound like a death wish, especially when you consider that I will be a stay at home mom to these two girls.
To those parents who have gone off the deep end before me, I salute you. To those who have a glimmer of understanding, I cherish you. And to those who have no real idea why I'm making such a big deal over this... Want to babysit?
Fact of the matter is going from single self sufficient entity to mommy-hood is a complete mind melt. Suddenly you're responsible for every little need of another life. The idea in it's complexity alone is hard to grasp, once you start looking at the subtleties of the matter it will very well near deter you from reproduction all together.
Anyone who is a parent understands the foresight required for just a simple park trip. let alone a devil-may-care errand running spree, or delightful "afternoon out and about." The light terms may fool you, don't let them. Each requires special packing. First aid kit and weather preparation gear for the park, sanitation and cushioning for the carts at the store, not to mention your coupons and list (pff, like anyone still uses those)! And a vague jaunt? That requires extra diapers, feeding utensils, table mats and snacks, a possible change of clothes, sanitation and first aid gear, cushioning for any high chairs or carts, possibly a safety harness for your little sprinter, and heaven forbid you forget entertainment for the little hellion.
I'll be the first to admit I refuse to leave my house more then once a day with Miss K as it is, and if I do there's been at least a day worth of preparation done. Spur of the moment is more of an hour long ordeal. And to try to do so with two? I've spent months planning on how I will get through a simple hour long excursion with both the girls. What the plan boils down to is diversion tactics and self sufficiency skills for K while S is awake. Self Sufficiency we've been working on, and despite the recent clingy stage, K is really good with it. But because of the same clingy stage, diversion doesn't go over well. K wants Mommy to be completely involved. So that's where a "new and exciting" factor will have to come in. But more on that later, I'll cease my ramblings now and just give you the list.
The Diaper Bag
- A receiving blanket- Great putting over a dirty surface for a diaper change, a bib, a burp rag, a peekaboo tool, a cape....
- Extra Outfits- stored in labeled freezer ziploc bags, seasonally specific.
- Formula for S (if needed) & Brita Filter Bottle
- Snacks- best kept in a separate compartment or bag, for easy tossing to the wolves.
- SkipHop Changing Pad (Diapers, wipes, butt cream)
- Toys- ziploc freezer bag of small entertaining toys, in reality I have 4 of these bags, and will rotate them weekly or as needed to maintain optimal distracting capabilities.
- Dirty Diaper Bags- I was given these, otherwise I'd just use regular grocery bags. They're great for dirty diapers if you're not near an acceptable trash can, and for dirty clothes!
- Hand Sanitizer
- Mini First Aid Kit (thermometer, orajel, tiny notebook to keep track of times meds were given, temps, etc)- also kept in a small make up/pencil bag type of container.
- Binkies!
- Lysol Wipes
- Medical information for ALL OF US, laminated.
- Hair Stuff- comb, hairties, clips, mini detangler spray, kept in separate compartment or bag as well.
- Keys
- Chapstick
- Wallet
- Sunglasses
- Feminine Products
- Make Up "Spruce" kit- Mascara and pale eyeshadow for more awake looking eyes
- "Mommy's Medicine Cabinet"- tylenol and ibprofen for on the go why did I have children headaches.
- Protein Bar- because I never remember to eat.
I call it a little peace of mind.
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