Signs I am not ready for a toddler

A.K.A An early "Thank you" for Mother's Day

I recently looked after a great little 2 year old to help an old family friend out. Liam was a great kid but boy it was abunduntly clear I am not ready nor equipped for a toddler. I realize I still have 19 months to prepare and to figure Owen out. I will need the 19 months to be physically fit to handle this. I think these are the key areas I need to work on:

1) I can handle the three B's easily: blood, barf and bowel movements (although the last is questionable: see point 3). I have cleaned up my share of messes. But for some reason give me a kid's hand covered in cake, spaghetti and milk (and have them lick it) and I loose it. For those of you who know me, I have an aversion to foods that get soggy which should not, such as milk in cereal, crackers in soup, ice cream on cake...So I think this related to this. I think I can work a deal with Cris that I continue to handle the three B's if he washes hands and faces.

2) I don't have pants with pockets big enough! I need overalls to store toys, soothers, snacks, and Kleenex! At least my car is big enough for it all.

3) Oh the poop. I managed to make it quite a while without having to change a toddler diaper. But when it came, it was hard to miss. Earlier, I foolishly wondered to myself if "it" would be all over the place or if it would stay compact and disposable. Silly woman.

If that isn't an incentive to get Owen potty trained asap I don't know what is.

4) My house is so not kid proof. I never realized how tempting pillows could be to toss and jump on. I notice all the sharp corners now. I have way to many glass wedding gifts. I don't have a good cleaner to take sticky finger prints off walls, electronics, dogs...

Mother's are incredibly organized and amazing people! And I certainly don't claim to be one. I am still a "mummy": a cute little woman running around with an adorable and portable baby. A baby who still sleeps 15 hours a day and rarely cries. When he does its like a little lamb...Just a tiny little bleat. And still adorable. My child has very simple needs and is easy to help. I admire the women who have diaper bags down to an art. Who have toys in every pocket and can still chase after a child 8 hours into the day. The women who know exactly what their child wants and how to fix/make/find it. These women who know how to discipline their children and aren't afraid to do so in public. The women who can kiss it better. Mothers understand the babble that are early words (and I still only hear a few mumbled vowels). And especially those women who do all this after a day at work.

My god, it is a gift. Not only to be able to do it but also a gift to all the children out there who are better for it- like me! Best wishes for the mummys. And God Bless the mothers.