Things I Can Count On

As the kids get older, predicting their behavior and reactions to events can get harder. For instance, Reagan is no longer willing to try any food that she doesn't eat every day. She won't eat apple slices or applesauce. But apple juice is great. There are however, some things that I can count on...
I can be assured that after spending an hour preparing/cooking and fending off the children while cooking, and setting the table, that when I finish filling my plate and am about to dig in, the words, "I gotta go poopie. Dad, I need help." will echo through the room. The meal I'd been looking forward to will get cold while I tend to the poop.

I know everytime I take both kids to the supermarket for a "quick trip" and leave the diaper bag home, Reagan will contaminate her diaper with a highly toxic brew as we walk from the car to the store.

I know the easiest way to get child to want play with his or her toys is to attempt to clean them up. They can be sitting, untouched, in the middle of the room for two days, but once the child sees you put in away, it will be played with five minutes and left, untouched, in the middle of the room for another two days.

I know that Reagan or Tiernan will begin screaming at the pivotal point in the news report, usually when they tell you where the storm will hit or what town the serial killer is terrorizing.

I know that I will run out of either diapers or wipes when Reagan has yet again abused her diaper poolwater and sand filled load. I also know that she will refuse to lay still and get cleaned up after making said mess.

I can count on the phone ringing during as soon as I get Reagan on the changing table.

I can count on a afternoon summer rain shower while I am trying to grill dinner.

I can count on the dog barking as Reagan is going down for her morning nap.

I can count on a clean floor not being clean for long.

I can count on Tiernan falling asleep during the car ride home when we are one minute from pulling in the driveway.

I can count on a big hug from Tiernan after a time out.

I can count on a smile from Reagan when I turn around to look at her when we're driving.

I can count on getting jumped on if I lay on the floor.

I can count on Reagan laughing and giggling as we dance around the kitchen.

I can count on at least one fart joke a-day from Tiernan.

I can count on Reagan screaming, "DaDa!" and running over to hug me, when I come home from work on those days when I must go to the office.