Private Karela, Admiral Czerkies

I thought for sure that I was starting to rise through the ranks as a mother of two. I can get them both dressed and out of the house by 7:30 a.m. I can wipe a mobile hiney (Viv won't sit still!) while simultaneously reading a book to my three year old. And until last night, I thought for sure I was well on my way to receive a parenting gold star. I met Laura and her brood at one of those indoor play places out in Wheaton. It's a large open space filled with mats and cushions, ropes and bungees, slides and trampolines. The place had only two faults...1. They allow children and 2. The beverage options are of the non-alcoholic variety. I stood in the middle of this warehouse of giggles and primary colors in a whirl of activity. All I could see of Ella was a trail of pony tails. She did not stop. I thought for sure I was going to be interviewed by John Walsh from America's Most Wanted. Kidnapping was no doubt inevitable because every few minutes I would lose sight of her. My eyes frantically searching and always finding their way to Laura who knew exactly where she was. Did I mention she also was keeping tabs on her four very mobile children too? Laura was on top of the juice boxes and knew when it was time to take Ella to the bathroom. I might as well have been drooling in the corner. In a nutshell, I'm a clearly a novice. I can't tell you how nice it is to have a friend that is in control; one that makes you believe everything is going to be alright. As for my parenting stripes...I'm thinking I need to learn a few things before resubmitting my application.