Creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky times with toddlers

Welcome back to Thursday, as Jodi at The Noise of Boys and I take turns with our True Tales from the Pink & Blue Trenches series. We’re going to change things up here at True Tales, as we begin to focus on the good, the bad, and the ugly side of parenting. With two toddlers each, we are both “newbies” on this journey, and we’re going to chronicle it for you as we go, learning, loving and laughing.

This week, it’s Jodi’s turn to tell you all about the time that she got to be a single mom for a week, as her husband went on a business trip. And how her children mysteriously decided to be on their best behavior for all of those days. And immediately returned to normal when dad came home. It’s all those creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky times with toddlers.

Welcome back to The True Tales from the Pink & Blue Trenches! Co-hosted by Melissa from Home on Deranged and inspired by every day, true life events and active happenings- with toddlers and preschoolers. This week, I am sharing my recent experience in solo parenting two kids under four- while their dad traveled.

My confession

Let’s start here. I was scared. My husband would be traveling for 5 days/4 nights out of the blessed state! About 14 hours, by car. And HE would be on a beach. UGH. This is not something that happens regularly.

Did I mention my basement had flooded the week earlier?

Have you read any posts about Henry – who has recently started unscrewing his baby gate from the wall? No, not opening the gate door…UNSCREWING the damn bolts using his wee little fingers. Let’s just say, I was feeling nervous about my hubby’s departure, days prior.

Yes, I was scared to be left alone with my kids.

Could I actually handle everything plus the unexpected? Let me be very honest – I am very used to at least calling my beloved spouse when the times are tough. Such as when I am at the grocery store with the kids Yes, I lovingly lean on him. A LOT. He works less than 10 blocks from home. During this trip, he would be unavailable the majority of the day and in a different time zone.

I am very aware (and respectful of) the fact that many single parents successfully manage two (or more) children and a house on a daily basis – without relief. I am admittedly being slightly dramatic for comedic effect. NAH who am I kidding, those who know me KNOW I need help wrangling these mischievous, tag-team little boys and I have ZERO home maintenance skills.

So just when I am mentally prepared for “round the clock fraternity-like hazing” from my sons….and the house to flood up to the attic and float away – a very strange thing happened. My kids behaved and this mom stepped up her game.

Toddlers – Creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky…

Did dad give them a pep talk? Or perhaps threaten them with a loss of LEGOS? Or maybe whispered in their little ears as they slept- subliminally putting the suggestion of good behavior in their heads? Or did they just feel sorry for me? I may never know the truth…

What I do know is they slept in every day an hour later than usual, initiated their own nap and bed times and routines. Did they fight? Yes, strangely over things like who’s toe nails I would groom first. In fact, my two year waited for his turn, with his leg on my lap. Speaking of Henry, he actually used the potty one day – like in a big and unexpected way. He acted like there was nothing unusual.

WHAT??? Ok that kid just is ready to train, but I was not tackling THAT challenge solo.

Seriously, if my kids behaved this well every day, my hair would not be turning gray as fast. It was like a competition of good behavior. I LOVED IT.

The basement never flooded. I even found the courage to learn to “sand” a large pre-patched area of drywall and painted my kitchen, as a surprise for my hubby. Although my work was mediocre. So I am not sure in the end if he liked the work or just appreciated the effort.

They’re Back……

Whatever it is, it has passed. Henry has returned to things like stacking toys in an attempt to use the microwave as he sees fit or scaling the sofa to balance on my windowsill.

When we picked hubby up, we made him a card and brought a flower.

The 15 minute flight delay was fairly torturous. And normal. Henry found access to at least two “emergency only” buttons in the airport and neither boy sat still for longer than 45 seconds. Pushing the stroller, crawling under the stroller, running through the gift shop, crinkling the homemade card….Yes, they were loving the airport. As my hubby came down the escalator the other folks in the waiting area may have been enjoying a silent happy dance moment.

Despite all of this short lived GOOD behavior in his absence, I am SO glad to have my hubby back safe and sound from his travels! I look forward to our 11 year wedding anniversary this Saturday!

What tips would you have in preparing to solo parent during a spouses trip? Did your kids act differently or take advantage of the situation? Share it with us in the comments!

Join us again next week as Melissa shares her fun, follies and parenting wisdom to the next edition of The True Tales from the Pink & Blue Trenches!