I don’t have to eat my vegetables anymore.
Before I had Graham I was justifiably proud of, and perhaps even a little smug about, my healthy eating habits. I loaded up on fresh vegetables and fruit, chomping away with gusto, all the while relishing not so much the taste, I now realize, as the sweet feeling of virtue that accompanied every bite.
Today my refrigerator boasts more fresh fruits and vegetables than ever and I rarely eat any of it: I figure I don’t have to because, as it turns out, watching Graham eat them (albeit not without his favorite accompaniment) gives me the same smugly virtuous high I once got from eating them myself.
Oh how I love my little excuse.
It’s a given that I took way better care of myself before I had Graham: if you’re a parent you probably don’t consider this an earth-shattering revelation.
But the upside to having less time to lavish on my personal appearance is that I also have an excuse to skip all the healthy habits that are a bit of a chore.
I mean, why do I need to work out when he runs circles around me at the park? I feel exhausted just watching him, so I’m sure that counts for something.
And who cares how long it’s been since my last medical check-up as long as he’s visiting the doctor and getting his regularly -scheduled clean bill of health?
The more I think about it, the more I realize there are a million and one virtuous habits from which I really deserve a break.
Graham’s crib sheets (yes crib sheets) are changed at least every 10 days or so: by my calculations that means his parents’ bed sheets can stay filthy for at least twice as long.
Graham’s teeth are brushed nightly. This is an ordeal that surely buys me a free pass from flossing my own.
Graham always has a sweater when he’s cold and appropriate footwear. I am therefore allowed to wear stilettos in rainstorms and cute sleeveless tops in sub-zero temperatures.
Graham’s clothes are always clean and fresh…so mine don’t have to be.
Once I get started on the excuses I could go on for hours, really.
Who knew parenthood could be so liberating?
**Seriously though - I've got a recipe for cookies that are virtuous AND yummy up over at Don Mills Diva Recipes and Reviews. Check it out - no excuses necessary!**
But the upside to having less time to lavish on my personal appearance is that I also have an excuse to skip all the healthy habits that are a bit of a chore.
I mean, why do I need to work out when he runs circles around me at the park? I feel exhausted just watching him, so I’m sure that counts for something.
And who cares how long it’s been since my last medical check-up as long as he’s visiting the doctor and getting his regularly -scheduled clean bill of health?
The more I think about it, the more I realize there are a million and one virtuous habits from which I really deserve a break.
Graham’s crib sheets (yes crib sheets) are changed at least every 10 days or so: by my calculations that means his parents’ bed sheets can stay filthy for at least twice as long.
Graham’s teeth are brushed nightly. This is an ordeal that surely buys me a free pass from flossing my own.
Graham always has a sweater when he’s cold and appropriate footwear. I am therefore allowed to wear stilettos in rainstorms and cute sleeveless tops in sub-zero temperatures.
Graham’s clothes are always clean and fresh…so mine don’t have to be.
Once I get started on the excuses I could go on for hours, really.
Who knew parenthood could be so liberating?
**Seriously though - I've got a recipe for cookies that are virtuous AND yummy up over at Don Mills Diva Recipes and Reviews. Check it out - no excuses necessary!**
