This might be the Kids Takeover edition, but not this column. That’s only because my kids aren’t old enough to write yet.
Last year I wrote about what my kids would do if they could take over for a day. It was full of Happy Meals and ice cream and wrestling.
This year, I thought I would focus on the things my kids have taken from me. Because let’s be honest, our children have taken over our lives.
Disclaimer: I love my children more than life itself.
In no particular order are the list of things my little ones have taken from me in the blink of an eye.
My body
At one point in my life, I was cute with a flat stomach and could wear bathing suits from Target. Two C-sections later and it’s not going back to the way it used to look. Probably because I spent a lot of time with another human dwelling in my uterus. And I love to eat tacos.
My personal space
My children are 3 and 6. They couldn’t care less about personal space. I could have one perched on my shoulder and another clinging to my leg at any point during the day. The closer the better.
The television
I used to watch shows I liked. Now I can name all the members of the Paw Patrol. I even spend time wondering where Ryder’s parents are. The pandemic has taught me that not all screen time is bad. My youngest has learned a heck of a lot about dinosaurs from YouTube Kids. Therefore, I have also learned a lot about dinosaurs. Fun fact: a Tyrannosaurus Rex only has two fingers on each hand.
My time
I love my children more than life itself, but they require a lot of upkeep. Now that youth sports have come into the picture, I may never sleep in on a Saturday again.
My car
Kids and snacks in cars are crazy messy. But they are always necessary. Anytime I move one of those 40-pound car seats, at least 94 Goldfish fall out along with a crayon, two masks and a ball. I would bet you that there are at least three french fries in different seat crevices.
My bed
This isn’t current now, but we have all had times where we had to co-sleep to survive. I can remember a solid month that I slept with a 4-year old’s foot jammed in my back while he laid like a Tetris piece between me and my husband. And I always said I would never co-sleep. That’s funny.
My heart
The main thing these boys have taken from me is my heart. Those children stole my heart the moment I saw them for the first time. And the amount of room they hold in it just keeps multiplying. They consistently make me laugh, smile, and think about how to raise good human beings. I don’t know what I would do without them and I’m so glad they have taken my heart.