It’s amazing the number of things you learn to do one handed when you become a mom! Like second nature. You become a pro. I guess the skill kicks in when you’ve spent too many days sitting on a couch. Holding a baby because it’s the only way to keep them from crying. Feeling like you suck because absolutely NOTHING gets done!

It’s kind of like the flight or fight response kicking in. Figure it out or turn into a raving lunatic failure, doomed to die of sheer frustration. A bit much?! I guess. But I bet if you listen to a baby cry long enough, it wouldn’t sound so dramatic.

Sienna (4 months) has had her first cold. She seemed to be getting better, doing well. Just today I said so. Wouldn’t you know, I jinxed myself. Do it all the time. Just check out my other post on it: Don’t Jinx It.

Tonight, she regressed. So I got the opportunity to hone my one handed skills. You can’t put a sick baby down, right?! They get extra clingy and just want their Mommy. I couldn’t say no.

So here is my list of One Handed Skills:

1. Eat Dinner – What was on the menu tonight? Spaghetti. Try eating spaghetti with just one hand…unable to bend forward to eat over your plate because you’ll squish your baby! Tonight, I managed to do that. Very few noodles were harmed or lost during the meal.
2. Mix a Bottle – You can’t put a baby down to mix up a bottle! You have to learn to fill it with just the right amount of filtered water. Then properly scoop the formula. The highlight of this trick is in the flick of the wrist! It’s like a game to see how much powder you can get in the actual bottle versus on the counter. And don’t get me started on screwing on the lid with just one thumb. Warning: Several bottles have been knocked to the floor resulting in a nice mess. If you’re going to try this at home, proceed with caution.
3. Wash my Hand (yes just one hand) –  The tricky part to this is figuring out how to lather the soap on your hand…without getting a cramp. I must say it looks a little funny.
4. Type – Not only texting, but typing of any kind! You have to be able to update your Facebook status, respond to a text message, or Google something…right?! If you wait to do it, it may never happen. At least until the baby falls asleep. Well, my baby doesn’t sleep!
5. Pee – While this wasn’t tonight, I’m actually a bit proud of this one. Try being in a public restroom, no stroller, not a single place to put a baby down (except on the floor…ummm NO!) Of course I was wearing jeans. Now, I will spare you the “how to” post, but next time you have to go I suggest you give it a try. You too could add it to your list of hidden talents.

Now, be a dear and don’t tell my husband about this post! I want to still be able to use the excuse, “I had to hold a crying baby all day”.

Have I forgotten anything? What have you learned to do one handed as a mom?