Page 17 of The Unconventional Nanny
"Boo-wee!" Everly screams.
"How about blocks?" I dump the colorful blocks on the living room floor and start to build a simple house.
"Boo-wee," the little demon screeches.
"Blocks," I respond with more patience than I ever thought possible.
"No." Everly pounds her little fists on the couch.
"Dollhouse?" I move across the living room to where it's set up in the corner.
"Boo-wee."
This continues for an hour. Me suggesting and emptying almost every toy bin in the living room while the spawn screams at me. I’m starting to question my sanity, when Everly changes things up.
"Snack."
Now that's something I can get behind. "Snack time it is."
I scoop Everly up and sidestep the mess I made on the living room floor. I'll have to clean it up before Ang comes home, but that's a problem for after I've put something in both our bellies.
Snack time proves to be a thousand times easier. At least as far as choices go. I can't say the same for the mess. Now I understand why Ang wore spaghetti the first time I met him.
Strawberries are smooshed on the table and all over Everly's face and hands. I think she got more of a kick out of smashing them with her fist than actually eating them. Half of the blueberries litter the floor, and crumbles from the Nilla Wafers are everywhere.
I let out a sigh and know there's no way we will be having lunch here today. I'm not sure I have it in me to clean up any more messes.
I cave and let Everly watch herBlueywhile I clean both the living room and kitchen. Halfway through my task, Ang texts. I explain that we will be having lunch elsewhere—but not why—and when he suggests joining us, I can't help but worry it's because he thinks I can't handle being a nanny. A small part of me agrees with him. I'm only into the morning of day one and already want to take a nap. I don't know how stay-at-home mothers do this. And with more than one child no less. I'm doing it with one kid and know I'm in way over my head.
When the house once again looks presentable, I flop down on the couch and watch the ridiculous children's show Everly is so obsessed with. I can't figure out how anyone could watch thisnonsense, and yet, somehow, when I look at the clock again, an hour has gone by.
"Geesh. No wonder you didn't want to turn it off. This show is addicting." I shake my head and reach for the remote. "It's time to meet Daddy for lunch."
Everly hops off the couch with much more excitement than I've seen from her all day. "Yay, Daddy. Daddy!"
She runs straight for the front entryway and plops down on the floor. By the time I get over to where she is, Everly is standing back up and proudly showing me she got her shoes on by herself. "I ready. I got shoes on." She bounces back and forth which reminds me …
"Do you need to go potty before we leave?"
I learned a lot from Ang before he finally left hours ago. Including that Everly is currently potty training, and if I don't ask her before we leave, the chance of an accident on the way is inevitable. And knowing my luck, that’s a chance I’m not willing to take.
"No potty." The adorably stubborn child stomps her foot.
"Yes potty, then Daddy."
Did I really just say that? I'm even starting to sound like the little girl with her short demands.
Shaking my head, I take Everly's hand and lead her straight to the bathroom. Thankfully she doesn't give me too hard of a time, and I know I made the right decision when she pees.
A lot.
The very second her bottom hits the seat.
The little lady has certainly been holding it a while.
"Alright. Time for lunch with Daddy."
I slip my shoes on and lead Everly out to my car. Ang expertly installed her car seat before leaving this morning. He didn't know we would be going anywhere, but like the good Boy Scout I'm sure he was, he put it in my car just in case. I'm thankful nowfor his forethought. Being cooped up in the house all day would be torture.
