Who knew pre-school could be so tough? I mean we didn't have to take any SAT's, we didn't have a summer reading list, yet, this has been one rocky road to the sandbox. I thought it would be a piece of cake, but as I've written before, it's been pretty sucky. Alas, there is light at the end of the juice box. Ladies and gentlemen, she has stopped crying! After two weeks of puppy dog eyes and quivering lips, not one tear is being shed anymore these days...by her. Yeah, that's right, guess who's crying now?
I'm not saying I want to see my daughter sad when I leave her, but there is something deep down that says, "wow, she loves me that much that she's so upset for leaving me for just a couple of hours." Although I stressed about it and wondered why she was the only one crying, it made me know just how much I meant to her. It may sound stupid, but it's the truth. But, as a mom, I know she needs to separate and spread her little wings, even if it's just at pre-school. Plus, I was also starting to get frustrated that she was the only kid there crying.
Fast forward two weeks and I just about get a kiss goodbye. Once the crayons and markers come out, it's peace out mom, don't let the door hit you on the way out, if you know what I mean. As I walk down the hallway, I could feel the tears well up in my eyes. I'm the one who's sad now. See, with her being so upset in the beginning, I never had the chance to feel sad myself because I was so worried about her. But, now that I know she's drawing and singing her days away, I guess it's my turn. At least she says she misses me when I pick her up. So for now, I'll take that. I know there will come a day (soon) when she won't and then I'll really be crying.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
OMG...I S-p-e-l-l Everything Now
I know you've heard the saying "kids are like sponges". Well, I think they're more like Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. I am quickly learning nothing gets past them. These days we've resorted to spelling things out so my three year-old can't pick up on what's really going on. Boy, are we d-u-m-b! One day I thought I was being s-m-a-r-t by not actually saying the words ice cream. Well, I didn't even get to the second "c" when she shouted "ice cream!" It was pretty funny. Annoying, but funny. Another time I didn't want to say the word "pee", well stupidly I started spelling the word, forgetting what the first letter was. Yeah, I was really a dumb a-s-fill in the last letter!
Not only is it annoying that she can pick up what we are trying not to say, but now we also have to remember how to spell. What a p-a-i-n! I love when I'm talking to my husband and I have to spell every other w-o-r-d. Let's just say he looks at me like I have two h-e-a-d-s. With all this spelling I am doing, maybe I can go enter some kind of adult spelling bee. Guaranteed it would be filled with a bunch of parents who are in the same boat. Well, them and people who are actually good at s-p-e-l-l-i-n-g.
While spelling is all fine and good, there are times when you just have to substitute another word for what you really want to say.No fudging around here. Shut the front door, I know you know what I'm talking about. The funny thing is after saying it so much, you can actually forget how to swear. I know it may sound weird, but I sludge you not. It's the truth.
I know I'm in deep doodoo when my daughter can actually start to form words with her letters. Then, I really really have to be careful what I say. Until then, I'll be training for the spelling bee and telling people to shut their front doors.
Not only is it annoying that she can pick up what we are trying not to say, but now we also have to remember how to spell. What a p-a-i-n! I love when I'm talking to my husband and I have to spell every other w-o-r-d. Let's just say he looks at me like I have two h-e-a-d-s. With all this spelling I am doing, maybe I can go enter some kind of adult spelling bee. Guaranteed it would be filled with a bunch of parents who are in the same boat. Well, them and people who are actually good at s-p-e-l-l-i-n-g.
While spelling is all fine and good, there are times when you just have to substitute another word for what you really want to say.No fudging around here. Shut the front door, I know you know what I'm talking about. The funny thing is after saying it so much, you can actually forget how to swear. I know it may sound weird, but I sludge you not. It's the truth.
I know I'm in deep doodoo when my daughter can actually start to form words with her letters. Then, I really really have to be careful what I say. Until then, I'll be training for the spelling bee and telling people to shut their front doors.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Surviving Pre-K
They said it was going to happen and it did. Boy, did it happen. I'm talking about the tears on the first day of Pre-K. I'm not even talking about myself. I'm talking about my daughter. Yep, we were that family the first day of school.
It's a real shame, because it seemed so promising. My daughter was sooo excited about school. We even had a discussion about how Mommy and Daddy couldn't stay and how she was going to make all new friends. She seemed okay with it all. She wasn't. The excitement level disappeared and turned into sheer panic as soon as we motioned towards the door. The tears started and they did not stop. I mean they did not stop!
My heart broke into one-thousand little pieces. She was so upset. I was upset too. I really thought we had this thing in the bag. I couldn't have been more wrong!
After seeing how upset she was, I really didn't know what to do. I looked around. No other kids were crying. No other parents were staying like they said we all could that day. I truthfully was waiting for another kid to crack. Nope. No other tears. Against my better judgement, I stayed. I was able to calm her down with the help of some Dora toys. Gracias Dora, I owe you one. Then I "went to the bathroom" and escaped until the shortened day was over. I could hear her ask for me a couple of times. But, she was also starting to play with the other kids and teachers. Thank God!
When it was time to leave she seemed okay. She said she had fun, so I thought we were golden for day two. Once again, I couldn't have been more wrong. I went in bribing her with pizza if she stayed without crying. Once again, everything was great until I said that dreaded word...bye. The eyes got watery. Then she told me she didn't want pizza and wanted to go home! Okay, so I totally wasn't expecting that one. I told her that wasn't an option. But, she wasn't buying what I was selling. After a couple of minutes of crying, the teacher told me to run for the border. She told me to just rip the band-aid. So, I did. I left me child sobbing as I walked down the hallway feeling like the worst mother in the world.
Truthfully, I expected to get a call from the teacher at any moment telling me to come back and calm her down. But, after an hour passed without a call. I figured I was in the clear. But, I still felt like crap. I had planned to do so many things with just one child in tow. The weird thing was I felt lost. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't stop thinking about her and what she was doing. Was she still crying? Was she having fun? Was she making friends? I was driving myself crazy. So, I thought about what would make me happy. The answer was simple...retail therapy and caffeine. I have to admit it did help!
When I arrived to pick her up, I was expecting to find a miserable little girl who was so mad at me for leaving her with strangers. Instead, I found a little girl who was so excited to show me her little project and tell me everything she did. She was so happy! And, guess what? She wanted her pizza too! Score 1 for Mom and Pre-K (atleast for now)!
It's a real shame, because it seemed so promising. My daughter was sooo excited about school. We even had a discussion about how Mommy and Daddy couldn't stay and how she was going to make all new friends. She seemed okay with it all. She wasn't. The excitement level disappeared and turned into sheer panic as soon as we motioned towards the door. The tears started and they did not stop. I mean they did not stop!
My heart broke into one-thousand little pieces. She was so upset. I was upset too. I really thought we had this thing in the bag. I couldn't have been more wrong!
After seeing how upset she was, I really didn't know what to do. I looked around. No other kids were crying. No other parents were staying like they said we all could that day. I truthfully was waiting for another kid to crack. Nope. No other tears. Against my better judgement, I stayed. I was able to calm her down with the help of some Dora toys. Gracias Dora, I owe you one. Then I "went to the bathroom" and escaped until the shortened day was over. I could hear her ask for me a couple of times. But, she was also starting to play with the other kids and teachers. Thank God!
When it was time to leave she seemed okay. She said she had fun, so I thought we were golden for day two. Once again, I couldn't have been more wrong. I went in bribing her with pizza if she stayed without crying. Once again, everything was great until I said that dreaded word...bye. The eyes got watery. Then she told me she didn't want pizza and wanted to go home! Okay, so I totally wasn't expecting that one. I told her that wasn't an option. But, she wasn't buying what I was selling. After a couple of minutes of crying, the teacher told me to run for the border. She told me to just rip the band-aid. So, I did. I left me child sobbing as I walked down the hallway feeling like the worst mother in the world.
Truthfully, I expected to get a call from the teacher at any moment telling me to come back and calm her down. But, after an hour passed without a call. I figured I was in the clear. But, I still felt like crap. I had planned to do so many things with just one child in tow. The weird thing was I felt lost. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't stop thinking about her and what she was doing. Was she still crying? Was she having fun? Was she making friends? I was driving myself crazy. So, I thought about what would make me happy. The answer was simple...retail therapy and caffeine. I have to admit it did help!
When I arrived to pick her up, I was expecting to find a miserable little girl who was so mad at me for leaving her with strangers. Instead, I found a little girl who was so excited to show me her little project and tell me everything she did. She was so happy! And, guess what? She wanted her pizza too! Score 1 for Mom and Pre-K (atleast for now)!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Pre-K Pre-Jitters
So, my baby starts pre-k next week and guess who's nervous? Yep, me. I mean she could very well be nervous too and just not telling me. But, that's what makes me nervous. She's excited for now, but what's going to happen the first day? She could be waving goodbye with a smile one minute and crying her eyes out the next. That's what I'm nervous about.
I know it's just pre-k, but still, it's her first school experience. I've left her with family before, but never with complete strangers. So, of course, this makes me nervous too. The school she's going to has been in business for 49 years, so there is some comfort there. But, now they have my baby. That's what I'm nervous about.
On the list of "are you kidding me lady, chill out", I'm also worried about what kind of snack to pack. They say to pack a "healthy" snack. Well, I have one of the pickiest eaters ever and healthy isn't always on the menu, so this should be fun. Yes, I know this is dumb, but this is what I'm nervous about.
Since we're talking about the whole food thing, it would be a good time to mention the fact that we were sooo late to the lunchbox party. I figured shopping for a lunchbox two weeks before school would be okay. Yeah, I was wrong. I went to four stores. The stuff was so picked over and jammed together I thought I was watching "Hoarders". Oh and since when are thermoses not included? For the love of God, I'm still trying to find a darn thermos! I remember the days of the old plastic lunchboxes that always came with a thermos...but I digress. Anyway, my daughter walked in wanting a Dora or Abbey lunchbox, but settled for Hello Kitty. I know she doesn't care, but this is what I'm nervous about.
On the list of things she could care less about, but is giving me gray hair, is her outfit the first day of school. Of course I bought some new outfits, but they're fallish. So what if it's 85 degrees the first day of school? What does she wear? I know it doesn't matter. But, this is what I'm nervous about.
So folks, we'll see what happens next week. I know in the end, we'll find the "right" outfit , the "right" snack, and the "right" thermos. But, for now I'm just going to be nervous!
I know it's just pre-k, but still, it's her first school experience. I've left her with family before, but never with complete strangers. So, of course, this makes me nervous too. The school she's going to has been in business for 49 years, so there is some comfort there. But, now they have my baby. That's what I'm nervous about.
On the list of "are you kidding me lady, chill out", I'm also worried about what kind of snack to pack. They say to pack a "healthy" snack. Well, I have one of the pickiest eaters ever and healthy isn't always on the menu, so this should be fun. Yes, I know this is dumb, but this is what I'm nervous about.
Since we're talking about the whole food thing, it would be a good time to mention the fact that we were sooo late to the lunchbox party. I figured shopping for a lunchbox two weeks before school would be okay. Yeah, I was wrong. I went to four stores. The stuff was so picked over and jammed together I thought I was watching "Hoarders". Oh and since when are thermoses not included? For the love of God, I'm still trying to find a darn thermos! I remember the days of the old plastic lunchboxes that always came with a thermos...but I digress. Anyway, my daughter walked in wanting a Dora or Abbey lunchbox, but settled for Hello Kitty. I know she doesn't care, but this is what I'm nervous about.
On the list of things she could care less about, but is giving me gray hair, is her outfit the first day of school. Of course I bought some new outfits, but they're fallish. So what if it's 85 degrees the first day of school? What does she wear? I know it doesn't matter. But, this is what I'm nervous about.
So folks, we'll see what happens next week. I know in the end, we'll find the "right" outfit , the "right" snack, and the "right" thermos. But, for now I'm just going to be nervous!
Monday, August 20, 2012
We Have a Super Cling-On
I have walked out of range and I hear it. That little voice is calling...mama...mama. Oh yes, it is my little 10 month-old daughter having a bit of a fit because she is in someone else's arms and I am not around. Oh yes folks, we have a Super Cling-On. What exactly is that? That's what I like to call a little baby (often my own) who will cling to you better than white on rice.
So, how did she get this way? Well, I did something horrible...I decided to stay home with her and not send her to Grandma's house or daycare. In case you didn't catch it, that was sarcasm. But honestly, some people make me feel as though I am doing something wrong because I chose to stay home for awhile and raise my kids. I absolutely love some of the comments I get. "Oh, she's really stuck to your hip". "Oh, is she always like that?" Don't forget my absolute favorite, "Oh, you really need to leave her with people more often." Wait, while I sort through the people lining up at my doorstep.
Don't get me wrong, I do leave her with people. But, then when I call to check up, I hear the wailing in the background. I feel bad for my baby and the poor person who has to put up with it all! I think I need to stop calling to check up!
So, what's the answer here folks? I don't have one...if I did, I wouldn't have a Super Cling-On on my hands!
So, how did she get this way? Well, I did something horrible...I decided to stay home with her and not send her to Grandma's house or daycare. In case you didn't catch it, that was sarcasm. But honestly, some people make me feel as though I am doing something wrong because I chose to stay home for awhile and raise my kids. I absolutely love some of the comments I get. "Oh, she's really stuck to your hip". "Oh, is she always like that?" Don't forget my absolute favorite, "Oh, you really need to leave her with people more often." Wait, while I sort through the people lining up at my doorstep.
Don't get me wrong, I do leave her with people. But, then when I call to check up, I hear the wailing in the background. I feel bad for my baby and the poor person who has to put up with it all! I think I need to stop calling to check up!
So, what's the answer here folks? I don't have one...if I did, I wouldn't have a Super Cling-On on my hands!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
MomOlympics
In the spirit of the Summer Olympics, I began to think about some sports Moms could compete in if we had our own games. There are definitely some everyday activities and skills that could have us competing for the gold. Here are just a few I came up with...
1. Diaper Dash
*How fast can you change a diaper before your little one scoots away or flips over?
2. Synchronized Spoon Feeding
*Two children, two mouths, two different spoons of food...any questions?
3. Breastfeeding Multi-Tasking Relay
*Walking, texting, talking and feeding at the same time...rinse, lather, repeat pretty much all day long
4. Baby Balancing
*Carry your baby, car seat, diaper bag, and try not spill your cup of piping hot Dunkin'...may the force be with you momma
5. Mega Momma Sprint
*10 errands, 2 children...how fast can you do it with the least number of meltdowns and tantrums?
After going over my list, I think I could get the gold in the Breastfeeding Multi-Tasking Relay. It's the Diaper Dash that I still need more training in. But, as you all know, you can't really practice being a mom...it's all about trial and error. Whatever you do, go for the gold!
1. Diaper Dash
*How fast can you change a diaper before your little one scoots away or flips over?
2. Synchronized Spoon Feeding
*Two children, two mouths, two different spoons of food...any questions?
3. Breastfeeding Multi-Tasking Relay
*Walking, texting, talking and feeding at the same time...rinse, lather, repeat pretty much all day long
4. Baby Balancing
*Carry your baby, car seat, diaper bag, and try not spill your cup of piping hot Dunkin'...may the force be with you momma
5. Mega Momma Sprint
*10 errands, 2 children...how fast can you do it with the least number of meltdowns and tantrums?
After going over my list, I think I could get the gold in the Breastfeeding Multi-Tasking Relay. It's the Diaper Dash that I still need more training in. But, as you all know, you can't really practice being a mom...it's all about trial and error. Whatever you do, go for the gold!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Can You Survive Without Your Phone?
I love my cell phone. There, I admit it. There are days when I wonder what I ever did without one. With that said, there are also days when I wish I didn't have one and I wish other people didn't have one either. I'm talking about times like in church when people's phones go off and you wonder why they just didn't turn them off. It must be God calling them. I mean there's no other explanation, right?
How about when you're at the library for story time with your little one and another Mommy's phone goes off. That's always special. In this case, the librarian hit the pause button as everyone looked to see who forgot to put their phone on vibrate. You would think she would have turned it off and let the nice librarian finish her little story. Nope. After fishing for it at the bottom of her diaper bag, she told her child (and everyone else) she had to take the call. The poor little girl just sat there while Mom moved away to talk on the phone. Who knows what the call was about, maybe it was important. But, I couldn't help but feel bad for that kid.
The same thing happened when I took my daughter to her little play gym. We were having our circle time filled with songs and games when yet another phone went off. This momma took the phone out of her pocket and walked away to take the call, leaving her child alone in the circle. Again, I have no idea what the call was about. It could have been important as well. It just got me thinking. Have we become so connected that we are becoming disconnected with what's going on in the present moment? Our Moms didn't have phones attached to their hips when they took us places and they somehow survived. So, why can't we?
How about when you're at the library for story time with your little one and another Mommy's phone goes off. That's always special. In this case, the librarian hit the pause button as everyone looked to see who forgot to put their phone on vibrate. You would think she would have turned it off and let the nice librarian finish her little story. Nope. After fishing for it at the bottom of her diaper bag, she told her child (and everyone else) she had to take the call. The poor little girl just sat there while Mom moved away to talk on the phone. Who knows what the call was about, maybe it was important. But, I couldn't help but feel bad for that kid.
The same thing happened when I took my daughter to her little play gym. We were having our circle time filled with songs and games when yet another phone went off. This momma took the phone out of her pocket and walked away to take the call, leaving her child alone in the circle. Again, I have no idea what the call was about. It could have been important as well. It just got me thinking. Have we become so connected that we are becoming disconnected with what's going on in the present moment? Our Moms didn't have phones attached to their hips when they took us places and they somehow survived. So, why can't we?
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