We were doing so well.
Until we weren’t.
She had a great day. She woke up happy and had good morning with mommy at the flower store where they bought more flowers for the garden. (I think BW has a problem) and then they came home and she had to clean her room before the swimming pool opened for the day - that was the deal.
I wasn’t around to see it but I don’t doubt there was some push back from the wee one, but it got done eventually
The rest of the day she was in the pool, or eating. Today must have been a growing day today because she had her lunch, and then half of my sandwich which she washed down with some jello and I think apple sauce. Quite the combo, but she didn’t stop eating today
Today was a great day. Both the temp of the pool and the outdoor air were about the same at the mid-70’s and she was in and out of that pool all day. We had dinner and then while cleaning up she played outside, got dirty, came in and had a bath and then got dressed and went outside again to play
Then she wanted me to take her for a walk. I was actually busy cleaning still so I couldn’t but mommy said it was time to come in. It had been a full day. It was getting dark and it was time for bed - as simple as that. The day is OVER
She first tried to bargain with us. I forget the details but I don’t think it was a deal for either of us.
When that didn’t work, we had the screaming start. We haven’t had the “I’m so tired, and I can’t really communicate it so I’m screaming” in a long time. We have been blessed.
Until Tonight. She laid on the floor and wailed and howled for a good ten minutes. BW and I exchanged glances and I blinked first, so I had to deal with her.
I offered an olive branch. This was of course just my arm to get her off the floor, but that got her hand into mine and then I have something to work with. Then I have her attention and I can get her other hand in mine.
We are standing now, and settling down. I ask her if her feet work and she shows me that they do. I ask her if they know how to go up the stairs, and look at that they do!
She wanted a “huggie”, but I told her there’s no Huggies until she gets her PJ’s on.
PJ’s were put on and hugs were doled out.
Crisis averted, for the most part. She tried to talk me into watching a video in bed and I told her no, that ship sailed while you were screaming on the floor. Not tonight.
I laid with her a while and we talked about how calories work - of all things, but hey - it got her in bed and her mood reset.
Like they say, it’s not the trip - it’s the destination.
Tonight’s Destination is bed.
Sleep Tight,
TH and Co.
I appreciate your writing so much. It’s a soothing balm to my irascible nervous system which is daily agitated by the negative crap people focus on about life. The simple magic of raising a 6 year old fades all that other garbage into the background while I take in her life for 2 minutes a day. It’s a beautiful gift.🙏✨