Puddles

We've been having some trouble with the potty training lately. I know that my reactions to Eleanor's setback have not been helping, but with the ick that invaded my chest and the medications the time to make it to the gym and the motivation seemed to slip away. Twenty four seven with the girls has slowly made a dent in my patience level.

After school yesterday, Eleanor managed to pee in the garage, on the kitchen floor and on the bathroom floor two times. I know it doesn't sound like a big deal, but after going so long without accidents, for her to suddenly start making puddles is very, very frustrating. It's not just the mess. The first time, it wasn't a big deal. Take off trousers, panties, socks, get a towel, clean up the area, throw everything in the wash and disinfect the area that is going to call to the crawling/walking baby like a homing beacon. The second time, standing on a chair, again not a big deal. The pooping in her pants while looking at me and screaming all the way to the bathroom is par for the course with a new toilet user. But the third and fourth time IN the bathroom were just confusing. For everyone.

Times like this, I do try to keep my temper. I try. And I know that it's not a situation where I need to get angry, upset or loud. But after the fourth time in four hours, I start to worry. Am I really going to end up cracking like an Easter egg and smacking my kids across the face one day? At most, Eleanor ended up standing in the kitchen with no clothes on for ten minutes while I clean up. But I really do worry that one of these days I'm going to be stretched a bit too thin. And then what?

Todd came home around six to find two screaming banshees and one befuddled looking baby. The girls had decided that the Transformers mask was the prize of the century and that baby Jordan was trying to get it. "She's coming! Oh No!" and then a shrill yell with a few thudding feet. Forget the pitter patter- these kids are filled with cement that seems to echo with every footfall.

As for me, I made dinner. I cursed. Loudly. And then we had dinner and Todd took everyone upstairs to change into pajamas. My contribution to bedtime was one song and hugs and kisses. Sadly lacking, I know, but I'll make up for it. Pretty sure they'll hold me to it.