Post Script

SG was excited and energized when I picked her up. She wants to go to school tomorrow (which is Saturday)

Ha ha ha ha ha

Where does the time go?

Not only that it's been four months since I've posted anything... but my eldest started preschool yesterday.

She was extremely excited to go. I thought I was extremely excited to see her go. I was a working mom, I dropped her off at day care for the first 2.5 years of her life. So, after staying home for a year, I thought the first day of school would be a breeze. I'm an expert at the drop-off. I know the rule - don't stay, even if she's crying, quick kiss and hug and on your way. GO!

I sat on the couch and pretty much stared into space for two of the four hours she was gone. (LB was sleeping - getting up at 6:30am was rough on all of us). I felt displaced. A big "what now?" And to think, I was looking forward to those two hours of downtime. I was going to get something done, dammit.

Today was not better. I signed up to be the class representative. I sent a quick note to her teacher yesterday, just saying hi (yes, yes, it was a ruse to see what SG was up to - who didn't know that? I knew it. I'm sure Teacher knew it too).

So, seeing right through me, Teacher responded today (preschool day two) that SG threw up in the morning! Due to nerves! Despite my big talk - it took most of my will power not to drive straight over there and get her. It probably didn't help that LB woke at 6am today and thought morning nap time was for sissies.

Today was tough. I'm glad it's Friday and I have the weekend to be with my girls.

50/50

Planning ahead

Today, we were going to the beach. We bought a beach canopy for a little shade from the south Texas sun. We packed up our sippy cups, bottles of water, pretzels and goldfish crackers. We had our 50 SPF lotion; the girls were sprayed and in their suits. The blankets and towels in the car. And off we go!

Until we hit the traffic. We're talking 45 minutes for half a mile of road traffic.

Turns out, Easter is a big beach weekend. Who knew?

So, how do you soothe a three year old who loves the beach, is on her way, in the car and then told we're not going? Yeah, I don't know either.

I tried playing in the sprinkler, the water squirting beach ball, hose fights, etc. (all involve sunshine and water - kind of like the beach, right?) She wants to play hide and seek inside the house and play computer games inside the house.

Maybe the key is something completely different soothes better than something that is close but just not as good?

85/15 - having a beach within driving distance, even if we couldn't get there today, is always better than no beach at all.

And we're off...

95/5

She's walking. The let's try this in my mouth child is officially mobile. There is no longer a safe spot in the house because she's also climbing... without a sense of fear. Shouldn't God have made it so the sense of fear kicks in before the legs and arms start working in coordination?

Today is...

better than yesterday. 75/25

I think we lucked out knock on wood. Our eldest, SG, skipped the terrible twos; she's now 3 years 4 months and it's starting... I hear three is worse than two and I don't think our three is full-blown yet. However, if it's gone by four, we lucked out.

The stragest things set her off. If I unwrap her Band-Aid, if I don't unwrap her Band-Aid, if I pick up her toys, if I don't strap in her baby Ashley, etc., etc., etc. Today's, I picked up a baby toy - interestingly, we have a baby, LB, so this would be her toy - SG flipped. I believe she wanted to give the toy to LB but, truth, I couldn't understand a word coming out of her mouth.

I know, I know, I know - these meltdowns are allegedly because she's not being understood. HOWEVER, sometimes, I think they are just about wanting everything to go her way. And this was one of those times. She landed in a time out.

And since, it's been pretty smooth around here...

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!