Rainy Days and Mondays

Today is chilly and rainy, the kind of day that has most people snuggling deeper into the covers, wishing they could just spend the day in bed. However, it is also Monday. As a SAHM with two young boys and room to improvise our daily schedule, one might think that Mondays are just like any other day of the week. NOT TRUE. Mondays around here derail as quickly as you can say "toot-toot."

Day 2 of our no-holds-barred, absolutely no diapers allowed, potty training begins pleasantly enough; Jakob awoke with dry underwear. But despite the temptation of temporary tattoos, he does not want to go potty, or eat breakfast, or get dressed.

Noah doesn't want a diaper change or to nurse and he isn't interested in waiting patiently while I try to make breakfast for everyone. He is the loudest little one I know. I'm trying to be quiet because Martin flew several nights in a row and his days are upside down.

I'm hoping to get fed, dressed and out the door as quickly as possible. So, naturally, it takes forever and we miss playgroup, like we normally do, because it is Monday.

I steer the car in the direction of the gi-normous outlet mall; the one with a huge fish tank worthy of a two year old's attention and a carousel in the food court. We are having fun and sporting big grins. I know it is almost potty time and head in the direction of the nearest restroom, but it isn't there! I know this mall has an abundance of restrooms, but I can only find pay phones and vending machines. Where have all the restrooms gone? I start walking faster and Jakob protests, but I know time is running out. I finally spot the bathroom up ahead and we dash towards it.

We roll down the long aisle, into the handicapped stall - the only one big enough to hold the three of us and the stroller. I am pleasantly surprised to find the seat cover dispenser fully stocked. I reach to pull one out, it tears in two. So does the next and the next. I am getting frantic now and I just pile all the torn covers on the toilet seat and I turn to Jakob and ... he is crying and saying, "Help meee, Mommy." He peed all over himself and there is a huge puddle on the floor. It isn't his fault, and I try to reassure him, but he is so upset. And I still have to deal with the puddle on the floor and all the wet clothes on my son. Sigh. It is Monday, after all.