Single parent again

Okay, so I'm nothing like a single parent. But I got awfully used to Jeff being around the last couple of weeks. Poor guy had to go back to work today. Poor me had to go back to no adult contact today.

Yup...nothing planned. So Andrew and I made a plan while we ate breakfast today. Shop, play with trains, eat lunch, nap, and then figure out the afternoon when it comes.

Shopping went very well. Andrew was so patient while I returned some Christmas presents. Dear Uncle Chad got me a Medium sweater. Boy, what a nice ego booster. Me, in a medium. I think all men should buy things way smaller than we actually wear. Although it is a little demoralizing going to the counter. I don't even have to explain why I'm returning it.

"I need to return this sweater. You see..."
"Oh, yes, this is much too small for you. Dear God, was this a secret Santa gift or something? Did they even know who they were shopping for? Can I maybe point you in our plus size section?"
"Uh, thanks. Do you happen to have this same thing in my size?"
Cute size 0 cashier is overcome with laughter. Her belly button ring flashes and jumps around distractingly as she bowls over giggling. Perhaps I would be interested in their very nice sock selection?

Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating. I'm obviously feeling a tad bit pudgy after the holidays. Okay, who am I kidding. Post-college.

Anyway, we made our return and headed to B&N. God bless this book store for having Thomas trains to play with. Andrew charges towards the back where the children's section is. He is a few paces ahead. I hear him before I see him

"MOMMY! NO TRAINS!"

Crap. The trains have been taken out. Andrew actually handled it very well. We found some books that make sounds when you press the buttons. Andrew must have hit every button 27 times, annoying the crud out of the salespeople. I don't feel bad. I was expecting the quiet trains.

We head home to play with his new Thomas Christmas present. He asks for ravioli for lunch. As I'm heating it, he changes his mind and asks for a cookie. I say no. Mayhem ensues. His Thomas set is getting chucked around the room, chairs are being pushed over, screaming can be heard a mile away (mostly from Andrew).

I don't really remember the next half hour. I think my other personality took over. The next thing I know, Andrew is in bed, Thomas is in time out, and my temperature is returning to normal. Does anyone else out there get really physically HOT when their kid is acting out? I seriously have hot flashes when I'm frustrated with him. I wonder if this is some kind of weird child abuse. I never hit him but subconsciously I'm trying to burn him with the sheer temperature of my skin. Hmmmm...

This afternoon was a short-attention span nightmare. After he woke up from his nap, we played with his construction set, went down the slide, played ball, brushed Shadow, cut toenails, read books, played cars, did puzzles, ate a snack, tickled, roughhoused, jumped on the bed, Ring Around the Rosies, painted, and got the mail. Then it was 3:00. Okay, I'm exaggerating. Again. Who would think that I of all people would litter my blog with exaggerations?!?!

So we're back in the saddle again. Jeff is at this moment having "quality time" with Andrew. We've decided to move his bedtime to 8 to help him fall asleep faster and so Jeff can enjoy more "quality time". It all sounds peaceful. Apparently, wild tantrums are all a part of "special time with Mommy". Lucky me.