What a Day

I have to think that every parent has that moment where they realize they've just done something stupid. That point where they think hindsight is everything. Sometimes these things become the topic of co-workers conversations for the next few days, sometimes they end up as a family story that gets retold for years, sometimes they end up on the local news, where others watch and think "what were they thinking?" Well, my moment came this morning.

While I'd love to blame this on complete sleep deprivation; (while Alexis is probably the sweetest, most calm baby I've ever seen, she's got some sinus congestion, mainly due to her spit up coming out the nose rather than the mouth, and now she has this weird eye discharge) - last night's sleep total was broken into about 3 45 minute chunks as my little cutie just couldn't lay down to breathe; but I probably have to admit, this act was just plain thoughtless.

I had just finished calling the Dr. and setting up an appt. to take cute Alexis. Maxman was in the family room watching WALLE. Alexis had finally stopped crying and was on my bed. It was then that I realized that Kermit was giving me that look. Well, it was past the look, he had gotten to the point where he'd run ahead and stop in my tracks so that I'd actually trip over him, need to go to the bathroom.

Thinking all was safe for a few moments, I went to let Kermit outside. At this point, we don't have a fenced in yard, so letting Kermit out requires that you watch him at all times. And, my next door neighbors had some people outside doing some work for them, so I had to take kermit out on his leash.

Leaving the door completely open, I took one, two, three, four steps out to the nearest bush. I had enough time to look up and notice the surprisingly warm weather when I hear from behind, thump, thump, thump, thump slam! click!

Mentally, my mind took a long pause. Then, shoot. He figured it out. He just shut the door (until now, he has ALWAYS walked outside with me). Another long pause. That click must have been the deadbolt. Another long pause. My two kids are in there and I'm out here. Another long pause. Shit.

Knowing that panic would not do any good, I called for Max (who was laughing like crazy) through the glass. The next ten minutes were spent trying to explain to Max that he needed to go get his stepstool from the bathroom (which he did) and push the deadbolt to open it (which he didn't). Instead, he'd bring me pictures that he'd drawn and hold them up to the window. "Does it sound like I'm asking to see his artwork?" I kept thinking to myself. Many times he'd just leave just when I thought we were getting somewhere - it must have been a good part on WALLE. So, I'd ring the doorbell until he came back. One time, he came back, covering his ears, and saying "so loud, mama". Exactly. Max, that's why I'm doing it.

Probably from the shouting/panic intensifying in my voice, the guys who were outside came over and asked if I needed some help. While they didn't speak much english, they quickly figured out what my problem was and were so nice in trying to help me figure out another way into the house. After a few more minutes had passed with me trying to explain things to Max, I realized that my 1000 prayers may not be answered and I might just have to figure out which window would be best to break. So, I walked the house with these guys, who I'm sure were having a good laugh, but were doing their best to really try to help me out.

Then, as if it all clicked in my little guys head, I heard the door open. YES! I don't have to explain the broken window to my husband, and I don't have to call the fire dept. and get on the local news!

Max ran out saying "I did it!" and smiling from ear to ear. Since I knew the guys couldn't hear me, we went to the side of the house they were on, and once they saw Max, they started cheering and clapping for him. Which, Max thought was pretty cool.

Big thanks to the big guy upstairs for answering those prayers. Thanks to the guys who were so helpful, and kept any and all jokes/comments about the crazy blonde lady who locks her kids in the house in Spanish so I couldn't understand them. And, thanks to Max, who I knew would be able to figure out how to unlock the door.

Note to hubby: next trip to store we need to pick up a few things.

Sidenote: Miss Alexis has a blocked tear duct, due to a congested nose, which the doc gave me some eye drops for. Most likely her congestion is from all the spit up, but could be a little cold. Either way, she should be getting better soon.