Diaper Days

Two momentous things have happened in the Johnson household recently. Neither of which has happened for 8 years. First, I actually got all the laundry washed, dried, folded and put away.My utter hatred for laundry is rivaled only by my distaste for the music of Mariah Carey and Gloria Estefan. I am thoroughly convinced that when I go to bed at night, socks bid adios to their matches , never to be seen again and little t-shirts, windpants, leggings and sweatshirts begin a fast and furious breeding process. In a matter of days my laundry pile is akin to the overflowing garbage can of Sara Cynthia Sylvia Stout who would not take the garbage out. My wise sister-in-law Ann says the only way to stay on top of it with a big family is to do at least one or two loads a day. Let me tell you, I am a pro at throwing that load in the washer, but somehow the effort of getting it into the dryer (which is undoubtedly occupied by a load waiting to be folded) is monumental. So, usually two days later I am rewashing it to rid it of that "off" smell. So for me, the only way to do laundry is the marathon laundry day. Much to Tim's delight (and for the sake of necessary undergarments), this marathon occurred yesterday. So it is with a spring in my step that I approach the weekend, with full drawers (uh, I dont mean that how it may sound) and limitless wardrobe possibilities. Well, as limitless as they are when you have the girth of a third-world country. 

The second monumental accomplishment that has occurred in the Johnson household has been in the making for the last few weeks. Currently, for the first time since Piper arrived, we have no one in diapers!!!! Tim and I can take very little credit for Finley's recent accomplishment. She told us one day, she would wear panties from now on, no more diapers. She is also requesting "big girl cups" instead of sippy cups at the dinner table. She is definitely a strong-willed little girl, who is determined not to miss out on anything her big brothers and sister are doing. Never before have I seen a child so obsessed with panties - each new day brings a huge decision. Will it be Dora, Minnie Mouse, polka dots, flowers, Yo Gabba Gabba, or Elmo? This is not a decision to be taken lightly either - apparently your panties must match your outfit and your socks as well. I'm learning so much from my little girly girl. So we have been "high-five"ing over a slightly lower grocery bill each week with no diapers. The other day in the mail, we got a little package from Huggies that contained some coupons and one tiny little newborn diaper. Of course, being a hormone-filled woman, I got all mushy and dreamy-eyed, oohing and aahing over how tiny it was, anticipating the sweet little bundle attached to the butt that would fill that diaper. Though Tim played along, his oohs and aahs only thinly veiled an expression that clearly said - "Are you kidding, more diapers?" Its not that we dont realize this is just a brief respite from diapers and their cost, but to the breadwinner of the family, that diaper said "Na na na na na na, you only get off easy for a few more weeks." 

So, in the meantime, we are enjoying the freedom of no diaper bag - though in its place comes 52 potty stops. Not sure which is the lesser of two evils. Here's hoping everyone enjoys the heatwave this weekend - you're bound to see my children bursting out the garage door Saturday like the caged animals they must feel like at this point. After taking two nice chunks out of the drywall, Carter's F-150 will finally log some real road time this weekend! Have a great weekend!