Lesson #8: The laundry is never done.
Literally as I was sitting down to write this, I ran upstairs and took a quick photo in Sam's closet. This is right now. Those clothes on the floor are dirty. The ones in the basket are clean. How do you tell the difference? Smell them. ;)
Along with the fact that my glass doors will never again be clear and free of tiny fingerprints, I am learning to accept the fact that it is completely impossible to ever truly catch up on laundry. (And by learning to accept, I mean rarely doing laundry like I should and settling for wrinkled mismatched clothes from the basket since they virtually never get hung up and folded neatly between wears.)
I thought the infant months were bad - what with explosive diapers and fountains of spit-up; but, at least then bibs were more acceptable. (I can barely find a bib that fits around Sam's neck now and they all make him look goofy.) These days, we are in the sit-in-the-dog-bowl, play-in-the-dirt, rub-banana-all-over-my-shirt stage; and, let me tell you... I have the laundry to prove it. TONS of it.
And... Just when I think I am finally done/finished/caught-up; that darn baby goes and needs to wear a new outfit the next hour day. ;) It is never-ending. Of course, it also doesn't help that he loves to assist with my laundry duties by strewing clean clothes all over the dirty floors (not that I have dirty floors or anything) whenever he gets the chance; making literally my only time to put away said clothes being when he is sleeping... In his room... Where I need to put away all the clothes. Do you get my gist?
So... Take my word for it pregnant gals - or those of you who plan to be pregnant one day - buy your carseat, crib, stroller, and breastpump on Craigslist* and register for a new washer and dryer instead.
Here's an encouraging (and free) printable from Three Little Monkey's Studio to end on a positive note. Although, I must admit, I'm still skeptical...
P.S. Please resist the urge to tell me to just do one load of laundry
every single day. I can barely get my teeth brushed every single day
people... please! (Kidding. Mostly.)
This post is part of a series for 31 Days of Change hosted by The Nester. To see my other "lessons," click here.
*I'm pretty sure you aren't supposed to use used car seats and I'm undecided on the sanitary-ness of using someone elses' breast pump... Those items were just included for effect. ;)
Chores like laundry, vacuuming, and dishes all get easier, once kids are old enough to truly feed themselves. I can tidy most of my house, or fold two loads of laundry, in the time my gals are eating breakfast or lunch. The kids are contained, content, and typically quiet, and your hands are free. I promise. It will be better soon. For us it was right around 16-18 months, or so.
ReplyDeleteI have a 2yo & a 4yo and we are expecting #3. I must be a glutton for punishment. I'm never caught up on laundry or dishes. I wish I could tell you it gets better. Maybe one day...
ReplyDeleteI am totally loving this series of mom-stories that are ringing very, very true.
ReplyDeleteI'm cloth diapering, so that's an additional load every other day. Who would have believed that such a little person could generate so much laundry??!! Thank you for the heads up. I figured infancy would be the most laundry-rific time. So much to look forward to!
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