Its wintertime in Maine. I don't mind snow. I don't mind cold. Its the snowsuits. They are a hassle. Caleb and Ellie are 3 and 2 now, therefore, going outside is inevitable.
At 3 p.m. I locate the appropriate snow attire. I dress my 5 month- old in 2 fleece snowsuits, wake Ellie up from her nap. Proceed to dress both toddlers in full out door gear: hat, insulated mittens, snow boots, snow pants & jacket. Walk children to garage (while carrying Aiden, of course), locate large baby back-pack made for serious out-door activity. Load Aiden into back-pack, tightening all neccessary straps & buckles. Retrieve mail, stuff into inner jacket pocket. Ready to engage children in fun snow play...
"Mommm?" Long pause. "I gotta poop."
Time stands still for a moment. I feel the brisk air cling to my jeans. Notice the contrast of the bare tree branches against the gray sky. Then I spring into action.
Leaving Ellie in the front yard, I rush Caleb to front door, Swing front door open, lift Caleb inside, rip off mittens in one, fluid movement, & throw his jacket onto the floor.
"Go in & use the potty, I'll be right there," I instruct from the doorway. I watch him hurridly waddle up the stairs, still wearing snowpants & boots, to the bathroom.
Meanwhile, Ellie hasn't moved from her spot in the front yard, real tears streaming down her face. What injustice!
"Don't worry, babe, I'm coming" The tears stop. She smiles. I scamper across the crunchy snow to my little marshmallow lady, & shuffle the little body up the slope to our front door. Lift her in. Shut front door. March her up the stairs. Swing baby-backpack off. Oh yeah, Aiden was in there. He must have liked that thing. He commences crying. It doesn't matter, I have a situation to attend to. To the bathroom!
I walk in.
"Mom, I did it."
"Caleb, I am proud of you" I say.
We finish up.
"Mom? Can we go out and play? I still have my boots on."
"Sure, Caleb"
Yep. Its wintertime in Maine.