As a relatively new mom, one of the things that I struggle with most is making time for cleaning. As in cleaning me. Vomit in your mouth a little, huh?
The first few weeks after Will arrived on earth, I did not shower. I did not wash my hair. I did not brush my teeth. I was like a walking swamp monster fresh from the murky bottoms. And let’s not even talk about my murky bottom. JOKE. sortof.
Then one day, as I was running into a local Walgreens with a cholicy baby in my sling and bags under my eyes that were big enough to get rejected at the airport….I got a wakeup call. I was there to pick up some more Balmex or Desitin or something baby related and the cutest woman from some part of Asia Pacific region (forgive me for not asking what country exactly) was behind the counter saw me and my fresh-from-the-swamp appearance and asked very politely if I was also purchasing the random bottle of Dove body wash that a previous customer left on the counter.
“Um, no…my baby doesn’t let me shower…” I joked.
“Ooooh….baby needs clean mommy too!” she said with just enough broken english to make it adorable and less deserving of a karate chop to the jugular (yes…I was hormonal and dirty and not ready to be told what my baby did or did not need).
All that being said, I realized something. She was right. My baby needs me. He needs me to choose to put him down and take a ten minute shower. He needs me to take time for myself. Exit soapbox.
So all that was to say – I took a bath with Will.
We cranked up the jets and got the tub completely filled with bubbles. This is definitely one of the things that is different and awesome about the new house…the bigger bathroom WITH A TUB. (excuse my makeupless appearance and the poopie-do)
Will didn’t understand how to get the bubbles off his hands. He would shake, wipe, clap and then they were still there. Eventually he resorted to pinching them off one by one.
Also – nobody told me what a difference toys make. First of all – they are literally the single most important thing in bathtime (short of the baby and the water). I can make due without a towel…but do not mess with my bathtime tambourine.
This little face reminds me of my sister for some reason. The way he’s holding his lips. Weird how you can see different people in a split second.
After we play and rinse and all that, I usually help Will clean up his toys. And when I say “help” I mean, I sing while he is supposed to clean up.
Usually he thinks that if he flashes me his fake smile, I will help him. And he’s usually right. It’s just hilarious.
And now for the throwing stuff photos…
And this one is hilarious. It’s like he is sacrificing the block to the Lord…but first, he is saying “WHY GOD?! WHY!?”
So there you have it – totally random Bowerness.
Do you sing bathtime songs with your kids? Cleanup songs? Metallica anyone?
Anyone else get called out by someone when it comes to personal cleanliness?
Or perhaps you are still just laughing about the little guy’s mullet?
I don’t think I’ve ever gone a few weeks without bathing (but then again I’ve never had a kid, so never say never right?) but I do sometimes feel like I’m just too tired and rundown by the end of the day to go through that motion. In Friends with Money, one of the characters went weeks without washing her hair and said that she just didn’t feel like it when it would get dirty and she’d have to do it all over again. I totally get that.
But thankfully I’ve never been called on it. Awkward!
I had the swine flu last year (it was lovely) and managed not to shower for like four days (honestly it may have been five.) I finally dragged myself out of bed when I started to fear that my then-fiance now-husband was having second thoughts about marrying the swamp creature that had taken up residence in his home.
Ah, I can SO relate! Told with your usual humour that had me laughing out loud at work. Too funny. I wonder if miss-broken-english every could imagine she’d appear on your blog!? I love the photos and am amazed at how wonderful they look with the bright window behind. I always have trouble getting a good shot in those conditions and am still trying to figure out the best settings for that – trial and error. Hilarious ‘throwing shots’. Thanks for the funny post!
Our problem is not toy-throwing, but rather that my 14th month spends her whole time trying to climb out of the tub herself. Trying to make the child be IN the tub is semi-impossible, at least 1 limb is usually over the edge. Sometimes I take a bath with her, but I’m still nursing her, so then she wants bathtime to be eating time, because after all, the food source is exposed!
I find myself singing a lot of “Do de rubber duck” a la Ernie, and “Splish splash I was taking a bath”.
And I agree with the previous poster that the pictures with the bright windows behind them are awesome! So cute.
I don’t have kids (yet) but I did work a graveyard shift for many years. (I was a television news producer who had to be at work at 12:30am – BLECH) Anyhoo – living the life of a vampire killed my soul and I seriously lost the will to shower some days. I know that sounds awful but I was sooooo sleep deprived and just generall wrecked, I couldn’t deal with it. So, even though I’m not a mom, on many levels I can ABSOLUTELY relate to you. 🙂 And isn’t funny how a random stranger can have such an impact?
When Jack was about a month old my sister convinced me that I COULD take a shower with him in the crib, and it WOULD be ok if he cried. I proceeded to sob through that shower, since I could hear him screaming, even over the vent and the shower noise. Never again. After that my biggest (hormonally-fueled) rage at my husband was the fact that he didn’t notice I hadn’t taken a shower and offer to watch the baby for me while I took 15 minutes to get de-scummified (it’s a word!) Now, less hormonal, and much more rational, I “ask” (demand) him to make time for me to do so…at least twice a week…
When my oldest was a toddler, getting him into his PJ’s wasn’t exactly fun. He did have a cute little car that played the beat from “Hammertime,” so one night, I started singing along.
“Stop! Jammy time! Duh-duh-duh-duh-da!”
He thought it was hilarious, and PJ-time (now Jammy Time, still, even though he’s 11) was never difficult again.
Songs work wonders with kids.
That, or seeing their moms make complete goofs of themselves.
I am freakin CRACKIN up at the throwing stuff pictures!!!
What a sweet face! Too cute. I love those eyes and for some reason that super sweet toothy pic makes my heart melt.
We haven’t done bubbles yet, but I think my little guy would Love them!
So cute! What kind of bubble bath do you guys use? I wasn’t sure which kind works well with babies sensitive skin?
I think that particular day we used California Baby but on any given day we are known to use whatever soap we can get our hands on 🙂 The jets in the tub really help get it bubbly though.
xo – kb
I don’t think I showered for at least a week after the birth of both of my kids. I always chose sleep over showering when they were napping! It wasn’t until my husband decided to tell me how “pleasant” I smelled that I finally made the time to do it.
I’m afraid his “fake” smile would work on me, too. Good thing he’s not mine; that little boy would be spoiled rotten!
First let me say, I adore your blog. I read it all the time. I thank YHL for introducing us; in my imaginary world I hang with you and the Petersik’s. We have a blast, just so ya know. Second, those pics of you and Will in the tub make my heart melt. I ALWAYS bathed with my babies. Probably for far too long, like, um… three or four years old. It was just easier (especially with my rambunctious boy) and it was bonding time. Go you. Last, thanks for being you and putting out your thoughts on the internets, it brightens my day.
I have learned if you dont take your shower when they take their first nap, you might just not be getting your shower. Thats what we do everyday, we wake up at 6, eat breakfast, my daughter gets a bath and then when she goes for her first nap at 8am, I go for a shower and get myself all dressed. Shes 7 months old now, so we are in a nice little routine. She was a great sleeper even in the begining, so I took good care of myself. I’m finding in the heat of summer though I dont know what to do with my hair, I dont want to blow dry it so it ends up being half curly half straight and a whole lotta mess. I need to force myself to blow dry it, because its NOT pretty au natural!! And i’m totally jealous that you have a big tub for baths. Maybe we’ll have to do that when we go on vacation soon. = )
Ooooh this is so cute! And hilarious. You are so clever Katie Bower. 🙂 I sing Splish Splash to Brody during bath time, then when we put jammies on, for some dumb reason I sing Big and Chunky (it’s from Madagascar sung by Will I Am). I started singing it to him when he was about 2 months old, and he STILL smiles every night at me during the song. 🙂 (I actually posted about this on my blog a while back…the song is attached – http://psandtheirpod.blogspot.com/2011/02/big-and-chunky.html)
The “throwing stuff” pics had me gasping for air, I was laughing so hard. Your captions are priceless!
I’m so not getting in a bath with my boy (2.5). He stands at one end, launches himself forward and splashes, or lands on his sister if she’s not quick enough to move!
Love the throwing things pics, hate to tell you, it still hasn’t stopped here!
Who am I to judge? Each to his own, but I am glad you decided to shower. I understand how even the most simple of things can be physically exhausting after having a child. I’ve been there.
Anyway, I think you should have a link of photos with Will just throwing things. It totally makes my day!!
Take care!
I sing the “clean up” song with my high school Juniors when we are putting away art supplies—does that count? (p.s. they L-O-V-E it—they all laugh and dance and clap along–goobers)
This is one of my all-time favorite posts ever. It’s everything good and that Will Bower, well he’s just adorable cute!
I jusr read the results, via the comments, of your recent survey and realized that at 48, I just may be your oldest reader. Duh, duh, duh…
Random things about me? I am not fan of condensation, especially on a glass, and will chug down a warm soda/tea just to avoid it. {It grosses me out and I don’t enjoy the drink, but I like condensation less!) If I do put ice in a drink, I wrap the glass with napkins or paper towels; despite the fact that I get picked on, by everyone, for doing it. {I’ve decided that blending in is overrated!} Nor am I a fan of the way my husband sneezes. Had I known before I said “Yes. I will!” I may have reconsidered…
What do I like about this here little blog of yours? Just every little thing!
So cute! Today I let my 11 month old play in the bathroom while I showered…while I was conditioning my hair I hear a thud…he had plunged head first into the tub, fully clothed, with a poopy diaper, then proceeded to drink the water off the tub floor…totally gross! But at least I didn’t need to give him a separate bath tonight 🙂
haha! I actually love that song…and still sing it everytime I look at crown molding 🙂
xo – kb
I am a stay t home mom too and I struggle with the whole shower thing. Gavyn wakes up around 6:30am and takes his first nap at 9. So by that time the house is a mess scattered toys everywhere, milk and food all over floors(from throwing), vaccuming needs done, dishes, laundry, the bathrooms need cleaned and by that time hes up. Im lucky if I get him down for an hour. Then its toys all over again, lunch, afternoon walk,playtime with the dogs, visiting the horses and more playtime then afternoon nap. Which means that thefloor need mop, more dishes to do, garbage taken out and tidying rooms. Then he is up and ready for round 3. Making dinner for when the Hubs gets home and Justin spending time with Gavyn. Gavyn bath time, family time and Gavyn back to bed at 7-7:30pm. Then its cleaning while he is on the computer and then couple time before bed. CRAZY CRAZY
Justin give me crap all the time about personal hygenie. If I go 2 days without showering for the rest of the week the first thing he says when he comes home is “Did Mommy shoer today.” We dont go anywhere due to Justin taking our only vechicle to work so most of the days I dont even get out of my PJs. Then on weekend he gets to see how busy being at home really is. Recently he told me that there would be know way he could stay at home. Not just keeping up with Gavyn, cleaning, cooking but also mentally. It is very lonely and Justin just odesnt get it but someday he does.
“pants on the ground, pants on the ground, looking like a fool with yo pants on the ground.” That’s what we sing when it is clean up time. Why? Because I teach preschool and sing the damn cleanup song at least 3 times a day and it is my summer break and cannot deal with it any longer. So I picked the next song that popped into my head and that’s that! We even have a booty shake that goes with it. My 14 month old can rock it! Your child is absolutely adorable and I am digging all those bubbles!!
such an adorable, refreshing post! A reminder to take time for the simple things!
I’ve seen a lot of blog babies, and I can honestly say that Will is the cutest frickin’ baby on the interweb! You and your hubby made a beautiful baby.
I don’t know what you’re talking about, not showering after your baby was born. Oh, wait, yes, I do. Sometimes I forget things, because along with stealing my bathing time, my children have also stolen MY BRAIN. I love that the nurses tell you to take three to four “hot soaks” a day for a week after you have a kid… WHEN? I mean, my hubby helps out, but come on!
Thanks for the awesome post about the truth of new babies: mommies are dirty.
You made me laugh after four hours of sleep.
Will is SOOO adorable! And I do love his mullet! Do you think he will be getting a haircut any time soon?
Love the pics! My husband still bathes our 20-month old twins separately in the baby bathtub! Alex is 95% for everything and barely fits in the darn thing but DH is too afraid of using the big tub for them, singularly or together. We made a deal that the baby whale tub is not coming on our 2-year birthday trip.
“… they have also stolen MY BRAIN”- haha!!! I laughed out loud at that one! 🙂 Know how you feel 🙂 🙂
Loved this post Katie! so funny and cute 🙂 Any baby bath toy recommendations? (I checked the ‘our stuff’ page first 🙂 )
We have the little squirty animals but my little one is not so into them…
Salutations! I am sorry Katie, but I just think I love you. I just discovered your blog, and I have to say your narrative is absolutely hilarious. Your bravery and “keeping it real” approach is just refreshing. I can relate to this post, my son is 4 now, but back when he was a little bambino, I completely forgot about me. Your son is so adorable, I love the last picture. Keep on trucking girly, I will be back for my daily bower randomness. lol xoxx
Love this post. Too true about new moms (and not so new moms) not having time to shower. We had some folks over for Clara’s first birthday dinner and my father in law asked what I had learned in the first year. My response was, “showering is optional”. There were a few times when I could put her in the swing, or in the exersaucer and she’d stay happy while I showered, but now she’s too busy to want to stay put for even 5 minutes.
I’m also interested in bath toy suggestions, and also was wondering how warm do you get the bath for Will? I tried bathing with Clara, but when I set the temp according to our highly scientific duck that changes color when the water is too hot, I froze my bum off. Maybe now that she’s older she can handle a slightly warmer temp.
Thanks for the adorable pictures. You’ve inspired me to get a new camera.
I’ve heard different things…but I like the water warm. I figure that if it’s warm – not hot then he’s fine. Plus, if it’s uncomfortable for me, it’s gotta be uncomfortable for him too, right?!
xo – kb
We love our bath letters…it is fun to go over the colors and letters with him. They stick to the sides of the tub…so sometimes we learn up and down too. And Will likes cups…so we just get a bunch of random plastic cups and let him go at it. And of course, I let him have anything plastic in there that won’t ruin the tub – like his clarinet or his plastic car…
xo – kb
Wow! You probably save on water though 🙂 Will would have literally tipped the entire thing over…he’s like a greased pig in the tub.
xo – kb
I don’t think so…we are waiting for the ‘burns’ to grow in. Cole had SUPER long hair when my sister cut it for the first time…so I think I am gonna follow that lead.
xo – kb
He is so cute! And yes, you are not alone. I have two kids 18 months apart and let’s just say that Mommy stunk for a while.
I hate our tub. It’s nasty, old (like 50 years or more) and needs to be replaced, but we haven’t gotten to it yet. So, ever since Adam was too big for the kitchen sink, we’ve showered with him. I would shower myself, and then hubby would hand him in to me at the end, or vice versa. In a pinch, I’d put him in the bumbo in his diaper and grab him myself towards the end. He still (almost 3) showers with us quite a bit, or we take the sprayer down and let him play with it. I hate washing my kids.
Love the tile in this – any idea what it is?
Sorry I don’t! It was here when we moved in.
xo – kb
Get some Tervis Tumblers, and you’ll never have to deal with condensation again!
I’m 11 weeks pregnant with my first (congrats to you too by the way!) and had Hyperemesis from 5 weeks. When I was hospitalized for dehydration I made no attempt to go in showered or even in clean clothes, for 2 days the healthcare assistant kept saying “do you want a bath? it’ll do you good” I gave in on the second day and had a shower 2 hours before I was discharged to go home. It wasn’t high up on the list then and I doubt it will be when baby comes.
x