Wednesday, May 20, 2009

I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition

This week the Baby Blues comic strip - full disclosure, I read the funnies before I read the rest of the paper - has been running a series about things that change once you become a parent. One was about how your expectation of privacy disappears and showed the parents getting ready for the day with three kids hanging out in the bathroom. B and I chuckled at the strip and how accurate it was, but then last night my lack of privacy hit a new high, or low, depending on how you look at it.

I have had a particularly rough few days; I'm just a bit overwhelmed by everything and by my not being able to get caught up and stay caught up with anything. So last night I decided to take a long bath and read this week's New Yorker. I drew the bath and popped in a Bombe de Bain that I won from Ann of Ann's Rants and hopped in.

A few minutes later I heard the pitter patter of little feet, and Ella, who was supposed to be in bed doing her nightly reading, arrived. This is our conversation, verbatim.

Ella: Have I read for long enough?
Me: Yes. Get back in bed.
E: Why are you taking a bath?
M: Because I wanted to. Get back in bed.
E: Why is it orange?
M: Because there are bath oils in it. Get back in bed.
E: Why is there dirt in it?
M: Those are dried mint leaves. Get back in bed.
E: Why are there dried mint leaves?
M: So that is smells good. GET BACK IN BED NOW!

Ella wisely scampered off at that point.

But my bath was ruined. Not only had I been interrupted, I had gotten the Spanish Inquisition. I really have got to remember to lock the door.

8 comments:

calicobebop said...

Why? Why? Why? why? WHY?

They can never know enough. :) Sorry to hear your bath was ruined - hope you get another chance soon!

anymommy said...

Too funny. I have been accosted in the shower. Nothing is sacred.

Cathy said...

yeah--I'm starting to lock to door too. Sorry your me time was ruined--that's the worst.

*Akilah Sakai* said...

Sorry you're having a rough few. My goodness, kid's brains aren't developed with privacy know-how. My 6-year-old cried 'cos I was on the toilet and couldn't get him a snack today! Huh? I couldn't believe it! He should understand the concept of "wait when mom's on the toilet" by now!
Ugh! Serenity now!!

donna said...

You know locking the door actually makes it worse....you just have the same conversation only louder because you are both yelling through the closed door...or worse...they just continue to knock until you are forced to get out of your bath to unlock the door. Ahhhh...the joys of motherhood. Hopefully your Memorial Weekend will be a little more relaxing...have a good one.
-d

bernthis said...

oh God, I know how you feel. I haven't had a good pee in God knows how long, forget a bath. What is a good pee you ask? One that is just uninterrupted, that is all

Ann Imig said...

So glad you "enjoyed" sort of. Not really.

Dammit.

Thanks for the shout-out! Sorry I missed it.

Keeffer said...

so the bath was the "comfy chair."