COMES WITH THE TERRITORY

Just a few days ago, Stevie, Brady and I were at a local basketball tournament.  I was volunteering and Stevie was there to watch and mingle with her friends.  At different times during the day I would put her in charge of Brady while I kept score at the table, or helped out with the concession stand.  While I happened to be at work selling food, one of Stevie's friends comes out to find me.  "Um, Mrs. Orton?  Stevie needs you because Brady pooped."  I kindly reply, "Tell Stevie that she can change his diaper."  She looks at me, says "ok" and runs off.  A few minutes later she and another friend return.  "Um, Mrs. Orton?  Stevie says that his poop is on his onsie and she really needs you."  To end the 'back and forth' communication, I left my post and went to find Stevie.  She was sitting on Brady's blanket, he was half undressed and she was feeling slightly embarrassed.  Why?  Because when she went to change him, she didn't realize the poop went all the way up his back and so before she knew it, she had poop all over his blanket, onsie and clothes.  Fantastic.  People were all around observing the chaos that ensued.  Brady received a complete 'diaper wipes' bath, and before you know it I had him cleaned up and ready to go again.  So...when Sunday rolled around and Brady had another 'doozy', I stepped back.  This is one of those moments where I LOVE being a mother.  The kind of moment where you could swoop in and 'take care of business' but choose to let your children learn all by themselves instead, because it's much more amusing to do so...AND they learn from it to, right?  (plus it was in our home, much less embarrassing than in public)  Brady had some leakage today, you know...the kind that runs down your leg? My daughter's noses became well aware of it as we were cleaning up after dinner.  So instead of taking care of it myself, I let my very capable daughters do what I have done many times before.  And I took great pleasure in watching the scene unfold before my eyes (and camera).

 Many times Kayla said to me..."You know mom, you COULD put your camera down and help us."  I smiled and replied..."No, I'm good thanks."

 It was a good mess...(no pun intended).  The more careful they tried to be, the more it spread.

 If only you could have been present to witness.  It was quite entertaining.

I think at one point, Stevie got some on her hands and screamed.  Brady just looked at her like, "what's the big deal?"

 It's been a few years since we've had to change a dirty diaper and THIS is nothing compared to THIS.

 As a mother, I am confident that when the time comes for these lovely daughters of mine to have children, they will be all set when it comes to changing diapers...even ones that leak down the leg.

And I'm pretty confident that Brady will love me for sharing this story with the world.

To my daughters, YOU are welcome.