A morning in the life of me

I know that many moms before me have learned to manage with two children under the age of two. That adventure for me is just beginning. I'm 7 weeks in, to be exact. After 6 weeks of not being able to lift my toddler or drive, I'm just beginning to get my courage up to venture out with both girls on my own. That brings me to this morning's adventure...

The dreaded DMV. I had to get my drivers license renewed before my upcoming birthday. Fun. I tried so hard to get most of my "appointments" done before Brooke arrived (dentist appointments, Alyssa's well checks and dentist appt, etc.)...but the renewal notice for my license came after Brooke was born. Arrrgh...

We got up this morning, got dressed, nursed the baby and headed out for our "fun" adventure. I checked online before going and made sure I had all the proper documentation. I did not want to get there and not have what I needed to get this errand completed (you can guess where this is going, right?) Upon arrival, for the first time, I started the 12 step routine to get the kids and all our stuff out of the car. I hauled out the double stroller and loaded it with the special toys I brought to keep Alyssa entertained and the baby sling (just in case). I made sure I had sippy cups, wallet, kleenex, etc. I got both girls strapped in and headed into the building...passing the scary crazy people loitering outside the entrance. Feeling quite accomplished for getting all 3 of us into the building without incident, I approached the counter and took my number. Then I noticed the sign that said "cash or checks only". Lovely. I had neither. I asked the lady if there was an ATM. Of course not. Feeling defeated, but determined, I headed back to the car...passed the loiterers, got the girls back in the car (Alyssa cried because she wanted to stay in the stroller...go figure), unpacked the toys, folded up the stroller and headed off towards the bank.

During the drive to the bank, Alyssa got hungry. No problem. I brought snacks. Thankfully the crying stopped once we made it back to the DMV. Feeling more confident in my routine of getting everyone out of the car and into the building, I started the 12 step process of getting everything loaded up once more. : ) I took my number, which thankfully showed up on the screen just seconds after sitting down. I joined the other 13 people in line (what exactly were all those nice chairs for???) and continued to wait. Brooke decided she didn't want to be in the stroller anymore. Not a shocker...that's why I brought the sling. She fell asleep in the sling, and was a dream baby the rest of the FORTY minutes we waited in line. Alyssa snacked and ran out food about five people before it was our turn. This greatly amused the Grandma who had been literally staring at us the entire time. (I was glad to provide some amusement for the other bored people waiting in the comfy chairs). Super mom to the rescue, with some lotion for Alyssa to play with to keep her occupied (she didn't want the other toys I brought...of course). : ) Finally it was our turn. When I got to the desk, the kind lady pointed to the stroller and said "do you really have TWO MORE in there?" "No mam, just one." I replied. : ) Thankfully, I could get my picture taken without having to wake Brooke up and take her out of the sling. By the time we were finished and all back in the car, I felt brave enough to try getting the car's oil changed while we were out...thus beginning the 12 step process once again. : )

I'm sure soon enough, I'll be able get us all in and out of the car in my sleep. For now, I feel like super mom for being able to get out and run two errands with my little ones. I realize that sounds kind of pathetic, but that's ok with me. I'm learning, and enjoying my girls.