privacy

Ok.  If there is one thing a mother to two little men lacks, I would guess high on the list is privacy.  I'm not even talking "personal space" like time to relax or unwind, to pursue a hobby I used to have, or to pursue a hobby I'd like to have.  I'm talking traditional privacy such as going pee without someone insisting on handing me the toilet paper.  Privacy to poop without someone asking what sound it makes.  I'm talking the opportunity to place a panty liner in my underwear without explaining why mommy wears 'little diapers'.

So on a holiday week, that really feels like a holiday year of the kids in my face 24-7, there are times when I just wanted a moment.  I was trying the dreaded triple move, to shower, wash my hair and shave my legs, when I was joined by a toddler who could get off his diaper and pants, but not his shirt, who mistook shaving cream for shampoo.  Let's not even talk about tampons;  it just is too surreal.  How about enough space to blow my nose without 'breathing' on anyone coupled with the lack-of-privacy which included a request to show the 'snots'.  

Then there is also the issues of space that to me is included in privacy.  It is underrated.  I'm just talking about personal space to stand on one's own feet without someone on your toes.  To fart without explaining it.   The space to have a child sit in your lap but not 'squeeze boobie'.  Enough space to open a stuck jar without accidentally elbowing a child that believes he's just 'standing behind' you.  

So after preparing dinner with four extra sets of helpful hands that takes twice as long as usual leading to ''I'm hungry' melt downs, after washing almost all the plates less one which was dropped on the way to the sink because "I wanna help", after bed time preparation included wiping bottoms and snotty noses, I chose to run out to the store for eggs for breakfast.  In mommy speak, it was a 'privacy, space, breathing deep"  run! Even the check out clerk who knows my kids commented on my way out, "enjoy the moment of privacy".