Unspoken tasks...

Fill every pocket of every jacket with tissues b/c the day I don't will be the day Cole's nose runs like a faucet and I'm forced to use my own sleeve or hand.

Fill humidifier daily to keep Cole's room like the air in Florida; soak and scrub out mineral deposits for its 18 parts weekly.

Empty nursery trash when the stink becomes offensive which to this bloodhound mom means often (along with all the other trashcans in the house)

Change Cole's big boy bed sheets which are on a mattress on the floor in the corner which requires yoga flexibility to complete and wash along with numerous blankies and snotty monkey weekly (along with all other household bedding and towels)

Keep inventory and stock all Cole's toiletry essentials (this means diapers, wipes, Tylenol, Motrin, handi-wipes, toddler toothpaste, tissues, butt paste, eczema cream, bubble bath; this is in addition to all the general household toiltries including making sure there is toilet paper, paper towels, napkins where they need to be at all times.

Keep Cole's diaper bag filled with requisite supplies (besides most of the aforementioned essentials diaper bag musts also include change of clothes, bags for dirty whatever and toys/cars to distract during meltdowns)

Maintain stocked refrigerator with already prepared sippy cups full of water and milk (mixed white with chocolate of course) for when the prince beckons that he is thirsty! (this again saves those precious 30 seconds that it normally would take me to fill a cup from having to listen to the WHINE).

Maintain stocked pantry with favorite (and mostly healthy)snacks and meals. Since Cole confounds me by eating well one week and not the next, I am always balancing what I have in the cabinets (this is in addition to the general household grocery shopping). Thank goodness Costco carries organic products now!!

Prepare meals knowing what his likes and dislikes are for that day/week; know how toasted he likes his waffles/bagels; how warm he likes his mac and cheese; how much he prefers cream cheese over jam; his fondness for soft pretzels, fruit popsicles and scrambled eggs

Order and have on hand extra soft plastic lids for Cole's sippy cups (since he has become fond of poking holes in them or dabbing the cups upside down on any surface to get the liquid out as a form of entertainment). He currently refuses to drink out of a hard spouted cup.

Wipe down all surfaces of the house that seem to acquire handprints (let along paw prints) and spilled "whatever". This is an ongoing and frustrating task along with cleaning the rest of the house which constantly looks as if I haven't cleaned at all.

Vaccuum out the car seat, stroller, couch (in and under)and steam clean the carpet often. Need I say more about this?

Sweep and mop the tile and hardwood floors as necessary (aka ALL THE FREAKING TIME) as Cole (and Tucker) seem to leave a trail of fluids and sticky messes wherever they go which I then step in.

Store all necessary pediatric numbers/addresses, insurance group and policy numbers, social security numbers and appointment reminders using what I have left for a brain (as well as in my phone/wallet)

Reserve books from library weekly (so we have a stack all ready for us) because after perusing the shelves ourselves for 8 minutes and making a mess of their orderly system, Cole shifts into manic mode, his outdoor voice is frowned upon and we must make a hasty exit.

Arrange playdates, host playdates, sign up for _______ (art, music, tumble) classes, bundle up and venture out for a walk at the nature preserve, park, trails, find fun places to go (museum, rec center, seasonal specific fairs).

Organize Cole's clothes, label Cole's clothes, shoes, jackets, hats et al (per Montessori policy), wash Cole's clothes (including remembering what has stains), buy Cole's clothes, and find Cole's clothes (missing gloves, socks, shoes); ensure he has clothes to grow into since he gains an inch every other week it seems.

Clean up Cole's playroom and the rest of the house where toys migrate; search for missing puzzle pieces, car wheels, and blocks; tape book pages together; replace batteries; change up baskets of toys and books from room to room so that he finds "new" things all over again;

Be alert at all times, constantly monitoring his activities and location...knowing what kiddo is up to even when you can't see him. Knowing his weak spots to avoid public tantrums; knowing his likes and dislikes on all levels; realizing that fine window of time for getting him down for a nap; gauging his unpredictable mood to plan the day; letting Cole be Cole but with boundaries that makes us both relatively comfortable.

Be able to contort myself to reach the toy (truck) he drops from his car seat for the umpteenth time while driving 60mph to avoid the inevitable screeching that will ensue otherwise.

Be able to sing verses of any and all children's songs/lullabies and be willing to sing them anywhere and in front of anyone to avoid nuclear reactions as for Cole, singing is an almost instant pacifier.

Be strong enough to discipline Cole in public for bad behavior to solidify that bad behavior isn't acceptable no matter our locale. This is one of the most difficult responsibilities.

Be able to read and reread Cole's favorite book (about TRUCKS of course) after the 50th, 100th, 250th time and still maintain a silly, positive voice!

Be able to just laugh once I get Cole into 3 layers of clothes, his snowpants, jacket, gloves, hat and snowboots only to have him take a crap with a smile on his face.