Those are actually my sun-deprived legs on that toilet seat. While the image is very staged, it’s not that far from the daily truth. Sure, the view has changed over the years. When my parenthood journey began, the bathroom view would have shown a bouncy seat with my now 11-year-old daughter in it. Then it would have been her as a toddler pulling on my legs while my first son, who is nine, lay in the bouncy seat. Here and there, dog number one would join the show. Then kid number three entered the picture, and he’s in first grade now. Dog #1 has died; the dog, Baxter, is almost two now. Honestly, I wish I had been taking aerial photos over the toilet for the past decade. What those knees have been seeking for more than a decade are some sun and a little privacy.
As a mother of three young children, the truth is that even if I lock the door, I can’t even pee in peace. On this parenting journey, I have at times yearned for more “me time,” even the ability to “get my life back.” (Can anyone relate?) But parenting is the life. Without getting too philosophical, Jesus said if you want to find your life, you have to lose it for others. Day-in and day-out, I do the mundane and the magnificent, but mostly the mundane. And most of the time it’s wonderful. But sometimes it isn’t. Sometimes I simply don’t want to be interrupted while I’m pooping. I never have to poop when they’re at school. It’s always when they’re home. Always.
There is really no way to prepare for parenthood. Especially if you are a Type-A person like I am and you have to learn to let a lot of things go. You will find authenticity here. I hope that if you visit, you will be affirmed, inspired, and perhaps learn or share something. I need help from other parents because this is the toughest job I’ve ever had. I hope here at Pee in Peace we can all find a little relief and a lot of laughs. But for now I must go – all three kids are playing nicely (hallelujah!) and nature calls!!
P.S. If you want to reach me, you can email peeinpeace1@gmail.com.
I can't even pee in peace 
Hey Christine!
This is great so far! How did you find the time???!! (LOL). Keep up the good work…
I just read a few of your recent “tinkles” and it made me think about how much I miss you lady! Hope you’re doing well! Hopefully we can catch up soon! xoxo
Hey Christine! Always the generous friend you are…sharing your insights, thoughts, tips, and incredible moments about mommyhood! 🙂 Love you girl and thinking of you often in sunny CA! 🙂 Please give Eliza a big hug for me (I miss your Sweetie pie!) And Zach a big kiss for me (miss that handsome little man). And tell your hubby I said Hi and I’ve not been eating baked potatoes in the morning since pregnancy! 🙂 LOL! 🙂 So glad to be able to sign up to receive your “Pee in Peace” newsletters! 🙂 Love your blog! 🙂 God bless, Enna
LOL!!! Oh Enna, I had forgotten about the baked potatoes. That was the FUNNIEST thing EVER. Tracy and I were in the kitchen looking at each other, not knowing how to respond, and you were like, “I know I’m supposed to bring snack and I just thought, ‘Oh, a baked potato sounds awesome right now! So I have the potatoes, and butter, and sour cream, and bacon.'” And I looked at you and said, “I think you’d better take a pregnancy test. It’s 9 o’clock in the morning.” And you were like, “No, really? A baked potato doesn’t sound good to you right now?” That moment is ingrained in my mind forever. I just thought, “What is she SMOKING? Baked potatoes and tea and coffee at 9 a.m. Something is off here.” And then you were pregnant. Of COURSE you were pregnant!!! Give those babies hugs and kisses from us, too. We hope you’re doing well and enjoying CA. These kids are just so much fun, aren’t they?
Just stumbled upon your blog when looking for blogs mentioning Deceptively Delicious. I’m new to blogging and reading blogs. I find yours fun and refreshing and I hope you’ll check out mine. Pee on!
Thanks for reading, mom to M and N. =) I will definitely check out your blog as well. It’s always nice to get someone else’s perspective and advice on this parenting thing.