Perfect Mess

For the first time in a number of weeks, the weather was perfect today. I had big plans for my day with Eli. This was going to be the day I was to become super-mom. Eli was extremely well behaved when he woke up and had a dry diaper all night, which is cause for celebration in our house. Also, I would also be eating copious amounts of healthy foods on this perfect day, because I, of course, am a perfect eater. As you can see, things were shaping up well for the Clintons.

Eli very helpfully carried the bag full of recycling to my car on our way out. He was reluctant to leave it in the trunk though, as he believed it should ride next to him in the seat. He has also been maddeningly slow about getting into his car seat when we need to go. I felt the perfection bubble start to cloud. About 45 seconds after we finally started driving, I felt my stomach growl. It occurred to me, I forgot to eat my balanced breakfast to start my perfect day of eating. Maybe some decaf iced coffee would alleviate some of my pains. But as usual, the call of the doughnut hooked me and forced me to order one to accompany my somewhat healthy coffee (I blame Eli though, he started asking for doughnut holes as soon as we got to the Dunkin' drive-thru). If I was going to go for a doughnut, then I would have to get the one with added calories packed on the inside - the infamous Boston Creme! (It is also very humbling to order doughnuts from a man that knows your name and order. It doesn't speak well of my diet.)

I found it was necessary to eat the fat-bomb in the car while I drove, lest the chocolate smear off in the bag. In times like these, I usually become aware of what I must look like to an outside observer. Here I was driving, and eating huge bites of a chocolate covered doughnut, looking like an animal. Personally, I would point at laugh at such a person. As I pulled up to the stoplight, I felt a cold goo hit my arm. The custard had oozed out of the doughnut and was plopped on my skin. What to do? I could take a napkin and clean up the sticky mess, or I could eat it off (again, the thought of being observed blinked in my head). I chose the higher calorie option. I gross myself out.

After distributing our recycling, Eli and I went to the park for some energy (and calorie) spending. I was glad to see there was no one else there, so I wouldn't be forced to dislike anyone else's kids. One thing I immediately noticed was that Eli would not be enjoying his play time today. Every other step he took, he complained about getting wood chips in his sandals and begged me to take off his shoes to clear them, then replace the shoes. I complied with his request a few times before I lost my patience. I told him to toughen up and quit whining about having wood chip feet. Neither of us enjoyed our time very much. I had to let him pee on a tree again (is this illegal for kids, or just bad parenting?) and then it was time to go back home - per Eli's wood chipped request.

The rest of the day was off track a little, so I figured the healthy eating super-mom would have to make an appearance tomorrow.

So, a day of perfection? Not exactly. But a day that fits in perfectly with all the rest of ours? Yes it was. Eli and Lily make a good team of wimps that prefer to be eating doughnuts.