whew.

I definitely identify as a single parent.  With that said, Henry and I live with my parents and they help us out a lot.  I don't even realize how much they do until they go on vacation for two weeks.  At a time.  They're actually gone quite a bit but usually only for a few days or a week at the most.  This is the first time they left for two weeks.  At a time, since Henry has been bipedal. Before they left, I have to admit I was a little anxious.  Keeping a very active 15-month old occupied and happy while also taking care of the house and oh shit, I forgot to feed the cats, was sounding a little scary.  I didn't really forget to feed the cats.  They wouldn't let me.  With some careful planning, some visits from friends and to friends, and a pantry full of my favorite bloody mary mix, Zing Zang, and garlic stuffed olives and a freezer full of Stoli, we made it.   We survived.  No trips to the ER (neither of us).  Some tears (both of us).  One choking incident (him, I'm pretty sure he was storing goldfish crackers in his mouth for later and when he fell down for the millionth time, they shifted from his mouth to his throat.  and once dislodged, he swallowed them.  gross).  One death of Whitney Houston (so much sadder than I thought I'd be.  he didn't seem to give a shit).  Lots of laughter (both of us).  Learning to walk backward (him).

 

My parents got home today.  Tomorrow, the chances that I get to take a shit when I want to and without an audience are greatly increased. 

We survived.