It’s been one week and I’m proud that I’ve adhered to my new fitness routine, and as minimal as it is — it’s better than nothing.
18-month-old Anika has her own ideas of how I should spend my time. And “Exercise for Mom” is not on her agenda.
But on Sunday afternoon, Anika was completely entranced by a puzzle, so I took advantage of the opportunity and did some sit-ups.
I did ten reps before noticing the potential situation developing in my kitchen. Anika opened the refrigerator and in her hands was a bottle of hot sauce with a flaming skull on it. She ran to me, jumped on my stomach and touched the bottle to my cheek.
I splashed water on my burning skin and grabbed the bottle away from her. But before I was able to get the bottle, she had opened it up and spilled it all over the kitchen floor.
After I wiped up the spill in record time, I saw it — a huge fingerful of hot sauce heading directly into her mouth. I tried to stop it, but she was too quick.
I waited for the reaction.
No tears, no crying, but instant puking all over my shirt and her dress. Cough, cough repeat. Cough, cough, repeat.
I tried to get her to drink milk, knowing it could tame the burn. I cut up a banana, but Anika didn’t want anything near her mouth.
I didn’t know whether to call the ER or Poison Control, but I was not looking forward to explaining this to anyone. I was ready to dial Poison Control when it stopped. She cuddled up next to me and we sat there for a half hour.
Eventually, she got her energy back and returned to her favorite puzzle.
I sat right next to her and played with the puzzle, too. I did not go back to sit-ups or any other exercise promise I made to myself for the day. I did not pass go, I did not collect $200.
By dinner, the trauma wore off and Anika was back to her hearty appetite. Me? Well, I'm still trying to recover.
We all know what those days are like, so in case you missed my last post, read below for some contest info …
If you ever have those days when you feel your life has turned upside down, know you are not alone. In this month’s metroparent, there are two pages that have been turned completely upside down. Send us a picture of you or your kids reading metroparent upside down and I’ll send a few winners some tickets to Betty Brinn's Children Museum! Send your pics to me at rchristman@metroparentmagazine.com.
