The howling wilderness, or not

Charlotte skipped her nap again yesterday. Actually, the cat woke her up. You wouldn't believe how. I opened the baby gate for him to let him in, and stupidly swung it out into the hallway where he was. He walked into it and bumped it closed. Yowled. I opened it again. He closed it again. Yowled. I was on the point of turning him into a matching hat and mittens. (and the grad board friends say, "Again??")

Boy, does your relationship with your pets ever change when you have a baby. The cat and I were adversaries for months. He just wanted my warm lap back, and he wondered why in hell he wasn't allowed to meow in his own house anymore. And I wanted him out of my way. I felt overwhelmed by one baby, let alone two.

So, it was noontime, Charlotte was awake and very cranky, my whole day lay in ruins. As any parent of a toddler can tell you, naptime is not for them, it is for you. Usually I would just stay home and get crabby myself, but yesterday I did the sensible thing and went for a walk. I had some fearfully overdue library books (yes, I've been reading chick lit) to return, and a few last minute gifts to pick up. I didn't realize it was 10 degrees outside, or I might not have. But hey -- we're tough! (and properly dressed)

Charlotte loved the snow. She was laughing at it. By the time we were on the way home, it had snowed about an inch and a half and covered our footprints. I did come back with more holiday spirit, and with my shopping -almost- finished. Charlotte fell asleep in the last shop I visited, and I sneaked across the street (sneaking being difficult when trying to push a stroller across a snowy street!) to get a coffee before she woke up. Definitely a good idea.

Charlotte is looking for a refill on her breakfast (Cheerios, milk, and raisins) so I will sign off... I'll try not to make any threats of bodily harm toward the cat today!