“We’ll clean it up after if they make a mess.” She takes a bite of the brownie and places her fork on the plate. “I know you’re trying to do it all on your own, but you have people around you that want to help.” She pats my back, reassuringly. “I’m sure even Reaf would risk a few burns from the glue gun to help with whatever decorations need to be made.”
A giggle bubbles up from inside me. “That would actually be pretty hysterical.” And it would be. Seeing this manly man wield a hot glue gun. I laugh and almost choke. “I can picture it now.”
Mom rolls her eyes. “It’s not that funny, but I see your point.” Sliding the chair back once more, she looks at me. “Please call Caroline. I know you have a lot on your plate, but let some of us ease the burden.” Then she walks out. I guess she had nothing else to say.
I pull my cell phone from the other side of the table.
Me: Hey, future sis. Can you come over?
Caroline: I thought you’d never ask. ;) Be there in twenty.
It’s time to start taking more of my mom’s words of wisdom.
* * *
The sun is shining brightly through my window, and I want nothing more than to pull the covers over my head and go back to sleep. But… I can't. I have to work, study, take care of little Miss Layla.
Even with Caroline's help, I still have so much to do. Her coming to my rescue last night relieved some of the stress I've been feeling. But there's still so much on my plate that I feel like I'm drowning. Reaf tagged along with her to see what he could do to help. Unfortunately, there wasn't much he could do. He spent most of the evening making sure David didn't break anything. And, making sure Layla didn’t climb onto anything.
I throw the blanket off of me, and mentally run through everything I have to accomplish today. One, work until twelve. Two, go to class and study until six. Three, pick up Layla from daycare. For, text Cami and Darcy to see when they will be in this weekend. Five, cook dinner, play with Layla, and get her tucked into bed. Six, sleep. I've been ticking off my fingers as I think of each thing that needs to be done only to realize there isn’t another finger to tick off for sleep. Ah well, I’ll fit it in there somewhere.
Rolling over, I grab my phone from the nightstand. There's no sense in letting the alarm go off when I'm already awake. Besides, the loud blaring will no doubt wake up everyone in the house, especially Layla. That little girl is my reason for breathing, but she has become a handful since she started walking. I can't keep that child out of anything.
I open the text app to knock out some of my to do list before I get ready for work. The oncoming days will be filled to the brim, and I need my support system to get me through it. Chocolate would also help.
Tonya: When are you guys coming home?
Cami: As soon as we are done with finals, we will be headed that way. So, we'll be there late Thursday afternoon.
Tonya: Sounds good! I'll see you then. Good luck on your finals!
Cami: You too, girl.
There's one conversation out of the way. Now, to text Jake.
Tonya: How do you feel about more father daughter time?
Jake: I feel like that's a question you shouldn't even have to ask. Why? What's up?
Tonya: Do you think you or Charleigh could pick Layla up from daycare tomorrow? I have a dress fitting appointment.
Jake: Sure thing. One of us will be there to get her.
Tonya: Thanks.
I hate having to rely on them as much as I have needed to these past few weeks. Not because he's a bad dad or anything, but we are still trying to figure out how to effectively co-parent. We have it down for the most part, it just needs a little fine tuning. I feel like I’m taking advantage of them sometimes. Jake and Charleigh deny it whenever I ask them for help. But I can't help feeling that way since I’ve been the only one responsible for her until recently. It’s hard letting go of that little bit of control, especially since I’ve been feeling so out of control and overwhelmed lately.
There’s a rustling coming through the baby monitor, and I nearly jump off the bed. Shit, that stupid monitor scares me every single time a noise comes from her room. I can hear her singing to herself which means she’s up and ready to see what trouble she can get into today. I’m sure it’s lots. So much for taking a shower before she woke up. I guess we’ll be taking one together. One handed showers are not the easiest thing in the world, but it’s bonding time I cherish. We get so little time together with work and school. I know I’ll miss these days when she’s older.
Pausing outside her doorway, I listen to her sweet voice as she mumbles to herself. She gave me hell the first few months of her life, but these small moments are worth it all. “Hey baby, girl,” I whisper as I step into her room.
The smile that spreads across her face is enough to melt anyone’s heart. She grabs the railing of the crib, bouncing up and down. “Mama.” I could have jumped for joy when my name spilled from her lips the first time. My mom refused to believe it is was her first word. She was secretly hoping it would be Gram. For the life of me I can’t figure out why she picked that name for Layla to call her. To each their own, I guess.
“Want to go take a shower with Mommy?” Her grabby hands are all the affirmation I need. “First, let’s get you out of this stinking diaper.”
Once she’s free of her clothes, and the diaper, I walk us to the bathroom. She sits on the rug, playing with the bathtub toys I keep in there for her. A quick shower is what we both need to conquer the day. At least, that’s what I hope.
Once we’re dressed and fed, I load her into her car seat. Hopefully, I can make it through this day with my sanity intact.