48 hours without children? A dream. Maybe it will come true this weekend.
It's been seven years. Really now. We didn’t really notice it because we’re already going out a lot: concerts, eating out, cinema – something like that. We also have to because our children are now at the age when they no longer want to go to bed at half past seven, but want to stay with us in the living room; if only to read comics. Well.
But really away for more than 24 hours in a row, we really haven't been in seven years. The last time was 24 hours. Yes, no, although not true either: It was 23 hours because we had a flat tire 4 kilometers in front of the wellness hotel and then had to wait 60 minutes for the ADAC. No matter. The rest was nice. If too short.
So this time it should be 48 hours. Hey hey hey!
I can now say: For 48 hours free, you need a planning plan with three children and a huge, naughty dog (who is so eager that he eats out of the garbage can like a Sicilian street dog and, if necessary, likes to drink from the toilet bowl if necessary) Lead time of about two to three weeks.
Bringing a dog to friends with this behavior is forbidden by itself. So you need a) either friends who owe you or b) an expensive dog sitter. We then landed at b) after ten calls. After all, take care of the house too.
Then the children. I always hear fascinated – no, although the word does not apply: Jealous is more correct – I always listen jealously, as other parents say: "Yes, they are always three weeks with grandma on vacation" or "Today my mother fetches it over the weekend." Madness! What a thought! It is very difficult for us for various reasons. And even if it were easy, it remains difficult: three children are a lot, especially for people over seventy – I think I can reasonably assess that when I'm over forty.
But now the one is on the way out with the sports club. And there are only two left to be awarded. A grandma has now been beaten up. Bingo!
Since the promise, we have spent about 60 euros on some immune-strengthening means so that the rest of the children just stay healthy, swimming pools were avoided, hands were constantly washed and such. No child has been ill so far, but as I write this, the sneezing babysitter is sitting at home with a violent headache. I'm sorry for them, of course, but honestly? Above all, however, I think: Hopefully she will also disinfect her hands and put her hand over her mouth – even better the armpit! Then the laundry: I've been washing for days so that everyone has enough clean stuff.
Since yesterday (Wednesday) I have been packing so that everyone has enough stuff with them. Tonight, Thursday, I go shopping so that we can start on Friday, the weekend can be gone and still have milk in the fridge on Monday morning.
And then the dog came yesterday. It started quite harmlessly: suddenly she had to go to the bathroom at night. And then my daughter said this morning: "Mommy, she's got a really hot nose." So I searched the thermometer and what can I say? The dog has a fever. Cystitis. So to the vet in the morning and antibiotic.
I have a request now: could you just keep your fingers crossed that nothing will happen until our departure on Friday? I will also post a photo, I promise!
P.S: Small addendum: Yesterday my husband asked me: "We'll meet at the train station at four, right?" Then my desire to spend a weekend with him was gone. Until "we meet at the train station", four suitcases have to be packed, two children brought to grandma and one child to bus. But never mind, I'm going to do this now. Come whatever.
This article originally appeared on Eltern.de.