When it rains ...

So I had every intention of making my next post a story about my anniversary rendezvous to Cancun with hubby - first trip together without the family in tow in nine years (our honeymoon cruise with Princess in the oven doesn't count). Now let's be clear - the trip was FANTASTIC! We stayed at this incredible resort - the Me-Cancun - that was an amazing experience from the scented lobby when you first arrive, the hip music, the incredible food, the outstanding service, the romantic bali beds overlooking the pool and the ocean and the list can go on. I have now decided that after nine years, solo trips for the marriage are essential - there's nothing like it for reconnecting with your hubby and for getting real sleep.

But despite these wonderful thoughts, what got me to my computer two nights after returning home is the electric jolt with which I was brought back to reality almost immediately upon touching down at Reagan National Airport.

First the drizzle ... 45 minutes to find the car after we arrived home because hubby, who drove us to the airport, didn't remember where he parked the car. Now it occurred to me that I should pay attention, but every once in a while, I dare to believe that my extremely detail oriented hubby (at least when it comes to putting out the garbage and paying the bills) would think to pay attention to where he is parking the car. Alas, this was not to be. Now in his defense, we did catch a 6am flight out after a rough week at work and parenting (and school for hubby). But seriously, after a lavish three night retreat and a too long flight to get home, getting into the car should NOT, under any circumstances, take 45 minutes (after wife decides to check the ground floor of the parking lot after walking back and forth on the same three floors).

Then we arrive home. To say the kids are thrilled to see us would be the understatement of the year. My daughter is SO excited that she prepares a "dish" that includes butter, eggs, water, chocolate sauce and other ingredients I cannot recall. I must find a way to gently let Princess know that while I appreciate the kind gesture, that "dish" simply is not for human consumption. To which she replies "you think it's disgusting, don't you?" I smile and hug her and assure her it's not disgusting, just not edible. Did I mention I was exhausted?

It's raining now: we finally get the kids to bed - Princess wakes up the next morning complaining of an itchy throat. Lovely, I now recall the e-mail from the nurse at school that there were two reported cases of strep in her class last week - so she stays home for the day. When I call home during the day to check-in, my mom informs me that she chipped her tooth/filling and would have to go the dentist the next day. This would also be the day that mom has an appointment (long standing) with a specialist.

The downpour: next day - Princess claims to still not be feeling better and while I know in my heart she doesn't have strep, my head won't let me not take her to the doctor. So now what is on my agenda for today? Mom has two doctor's appointments, Prince has school, Princess is sick and hubby and I can't possibly take time off work when every day another 10,000 plus people lose their jobs. And of course while everyone is willing to help me make this happen, let's be clear, this is something that I have to figure out. So after hours of twitching, starting the e-mail to my boss and deleting it three times, I decide on "the plan".

.... Prince is not going to school because he's in pre-school anyway so I've got to let this one go. Hubby will stay at home with Prince and Princess in the morning while mom gets to her appointments. I will catch a ride to work with a friend. Hubby will pick me up (from work) before he goes into the office around 11 am (of course I had a meeting scheduled at 10, which was cancelled by 10:05). I drop hubby at the metro and head home with the kids and get them something to eat until mom gets home. When mom arrives, I head back to the office. By 6:30pm when I'm leaving work (didn't make the 5:30 escape to the gym) who am I kidding - I'm not going to the gym now - all I want to do is go home.

Two days back and I'm ready for another vacation, because the number one law of motherhood is to accept the fact that once it starts raining .....