Routine relief

Ahh, the washer and dryer.  Of all the background noises in my life, this is the most constant one.  Laundry--it just has to be done, doesn't it? 

I had to laugh the other day, because Ben came up to me, all serious, and he was trying to tell me something.  I could see him choosing his words carefully, obviously trying not to irk his Mom before he even leaves for school..."Um, Mom, I need some socks."  Deep breath.  "I've not gotten to that yet.  Here"- rummage through older son's drawer- "take these."  That child, I think he gets a fresh pair of socks everytime he puts his shoes back on again, which is at least 3 times a day.  Time for some reprogramming, or some new chanclas.

Of course, this is also the same kid who a few years ago stopped changing his underwear.  I'm sorting, thinking something doesn't seem right, but I can't put my finger on it. (Ha, you want to do some real detective work, pay attention when you sort.  Every knee stain, every rock found in a pocket, every "oh, there's that receipt"--it all tells a story).  When I go to fold, and see that the pile of Nolan's undies is way bigger than Ben's, it clicks in my head.   It turns out he just decided he liked the comfyness (!) of the ones he was wearing, so why change them?  "You mean I should change them every day?"  He was only 5.  I bit my lip to not giggle, I didn't want to make him feel too bad.  "Yeah, my Ben-ben, that'd be a good idea."

So funny, from one extreme to the other, sometimes within the course of a day or two.   As many times as they change their minds about baths (baths vs showers), food, toys, and friends, I'm surprised I can keep up without a notebook in my pocket to write it all down.  Well, there are some things that are constant, thank goodness.

Like laundry.  :)

The bonus is I don't have to hear: "I don't like that."  "It's too spicy."  "He doesn't want to play."  "But I don't stink, I just took a shower on Monday." (when he's gamey on Thurs night)

While I'm always reminded of the dirty clothes, no one complains about clean ones. 

Sigh.  The dryer just stopped.