Instructions while Mommy is away

I am headed to a three day conference tomorrow in San Antonio at Trinity University. This is the annual Associated Colleges of the South conference that gathers the senior student affairs officers together from member institutions. I will get to see Randy Hays, my old boss and friend from Centre, along with others I've come to know. But most important in this equation is the fact that this will be my first trip away from Little Philip since he started "day care" at Trinity UMC. I've traveled before but it was when "Miss Sarah" Skocelas was still keeping Little Philip. Don't get me wrong. It's not that I don't trust my husband to tend to the house and keep Little Philip clothed and fed. It's the way he will be clothed and fed that I fear. With that in mind, here are some gentle instructions for my dear husband:

Sunday morning - Little Philip will wake around 7:00 a.m. Change his diaper but only after you hug and kiss on him a lot to help him wake up happy. He will want some hot maple and brown sugar oatmeal. Make sure you BUCKLE HIM into his seat and put a bib on him. He likes to sing while he eats his breakfast. Help him learn his basic words like "cat" and "dog" and "juice." Before you leave for church be sure you take the diaper bag which is already packed for you. Don't forget his sippy cup with diluted juice.

Sunday afternoon - Even though Little Philip will want to nap at 12:00 noon, you will need to wake him up in time to take him to Nee Nee and Poppy Porter's house at 1:30 to show him off at the wedding luncheon they are having for a family friend. Please be sure he is clean in his blue plaid john john with the dog/firetruck on it.

Sunday evening - Don't forget to feed your son. He will probably enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich with some hot soup. Finish off with some fruit. Get him into his footy pajamas around 7:00 p.m. Let him play a bit but read to him to help him settle before bedtime at 8:00 p.m. Mommy will call before bedtime to blow kisses to both her Philips.

Monday morning - Make sure you are dressed and ready for the day BEFORE Little Philip wakes up at 7:00 a.m. Mommy won't be here to cover toddler watch! Cheesy eggs and cinammon toast for breakfast. Pick one of the outfits already laid out on the chair in his room to put him in. Double knot his sneakers before heading out the door. Take his red Trinity CDC bag and be sure he has a fresh full sippy cup with him. Don't forget the kid-napper sleeping bag and a coat. It's going to be cold! Be sure to tell Ms. Rose and Ms. Nita that Mommy is not in town in case they need to call for an emergency.

Monday afternoon/evening - repeat instructions for Sunday evening, replacing meal with turkey pot pie and fruit for dessert. Try to get him to drink some milk. He can have a cheese stick with dinner as well. Mommy will call to say she loves and misses both of you.

Tuesday morning - repeat Monday morning's routine but try to get Little Philip to eat half a banana, offering oatmeal and toast again.

Tuesday evening - Bath time! Do NOT leave the bathroom with Little Philip in the tub. Mommy will be home, God willing, by 9:30 p.m. to gently come in a give Little Philip a goodnight kiss!

Basic instructions:
No stripes and plaid.
Only use outfits laid out on back of chair in Little Philip's room.
Make sure all books are up off the floor to keep Riley from eating them.
Antibiotic ointment on the little sore between his fingers on his right hand.
Kisses, lots of them, and prayers that Mommy will arrive home safely soon!