My husband and I made up a game called "10 Seconds." We started it as sort of a joke...I don't really know why though, because it's actually more annoying than funny. The game of "10 seconds" comes around when the kids are being relentless while we're trying to have a conversation. It's something that makes us sigh at the realization of how impossible it is to talk to each other. We rarely get to the number ten before one of them interrupts us. We can be at home, talking on the phone, (don't even get me started about the phone) in the car...anywhere. No matter what we're doing or where we are, you can bet that one of the four kids will want or need our attention...immediately.
The older two boys are better about being patient and respectful while waiting their turn than the younger two...those two are just ridiculous. My husband and I can sit at the table to go over bills or talk about the day and you would think the most traumatic thing EVER was about to happen if we didn't go with our three year old on the spot. "Come wif ME Mommy! Daddy you HAF to come wif ME!" She'll say as she pulls us from the table with her little hand. One of these episodes usually involves us seeing a bug crawling outside the kitchen window or a bird hopping around in the front yard. You know...the earth shattering kind of stuff.
The game "10 Seconds" typically hits its peak every day around the time my husband gets home from work. As soon as the kids hear the front door open, it's as though four little amoebas suction themselves onto his arms and legs rendering him helpless. He can barely make it in the house as he's bombarded with questions, hugs and requests from every direction. I can try to get a word in edgewise asking him about his day, work, etc. but it's usually a pointless effort.
We'll get the kids calmed down, have dinner and try again to catch up..."How was work?" "Hey Daddy can we go swimming tonight?" "Maybe Little Man...It was fine, how about your day? (one, two, three, four...) "Preston's wooking at me Mommy." "Don't look at your sister Preston...It was good. We tried to run some errands." (one, two, three..) "I'm not looking at you! I'm eating my dinner and I'm Spider-Man! Daddy can I sit in a different seat?" "No Buddy. Stay in your seat and eat your food...What errands did you" "Mommy? Is this meatwoaf?" (blank stare.)
Maybe...just maybe...one day we will get to the number ten.