Darkness Our Old Friend

You know how some people are scared of the dark? My baby isn't one of them. 

Several months ago I put my little girl in her crib and wished her a good night. About a half an hour later my husband and I were watching grown up tv, the sort of tv that bores any kid to tears (I think we were watching "Bates Motel" at the time - which I highly recommend) when we heard a soul achingly loud cry. We looked at each other with alarm. What could be happening to make our little bug cry that suddenly and loudly. We went running. 

What we saw next has us laughing still. 

I had forgotten to turn off Sarah'a overhead light. Her usually dark room was bright as noon. Little S had piled up all of the blankets in her crib and was laying spread eagle on top of them crying like she would never stop. Her little face was drenched with tears and she was just howling. We were really concerned until  our little bug sobbed out the trouble, "liiiights! Li-sob-ii-sob-ights. Sob." We were relieved that something worse wasn't happening and giggled just a bit, we couldn't help ourselves. We wiped her tears, hugged her and left our now comfy baby to sleep in the DARK, no nightlight for this kid. From that night on, Sarah sometimes finds herself being teased at bedtime, "would you like the lights on or off?" She responds in panic, every time, "NO LIGHTS!"  She is one cute and funny kid. 

Post Script: I like the dark too. It is quiet and peaceful. Ahhh.

A Sponge Bob-ing good time

For several reasons I decided that it was high time to take Sarah to the movies. The first reason I'll admit to is that I hadn't had much sleep the night before and woke up with a sore throat, just a little one (I'm fairly certain that I didn't contaminate anyone). But then, a whole pile of people at the beginning of The Stand felt the same way. Enter scary music. The second reason that it was time to take my girl out is that she and I hadn't spent a day together, just us, in more than a week. Here it goes, get ready for the excitement, I took her to the new "Sponge Bob" movie. I KNOW, best movie option you've ever heard! 

Sarah however, was thrilled with that choice and therefore, so was I. On the way to the theater she kept happily shouting "Bob!" and beaming. She lit up even more when she got some "CORN!!!" to eat during the movie. Of course the concession seller did the big up sale routine, "for only 80 cents more you can get THIS size popcorn! How about a drink? Candy?" I think I may have quietly growled out loud because he stopped instantly. My Sarah is 2 for heaven sake. How much can one tiny little person eat? 

We both had a fabulous time watching Sponge Bob and his friends save Bikini Bottom from self destruction when the famous recipe for Krabby Patties got stolen. The very very best parts were when we both thought something was funny at the same time and she'd turn to me and we'd laugh even harder. I got a delightful rest part of the time too by spreading out a napkin for a pillow and resting my eyes, ahhh. We danced in our seats when the music was right, she is a fantastic dancer. It was a win. (We were 25 minutes late because the movie times changed and oh, sweet providence, what a bonus that turned out to be.) In that vein, I'd like to  recommend "The Box Trolls" or "Mr. Peabody and Sherman" over Sponge Bob. 

After we finally left the theater, my little friend led me to the opening credits of "50 Shades of Grey" and "Jupiter Ascending." We both loved the opening music to 50 Shades and enjoyed dancing in the aisle as no one was there. We'd have danced had been anyone else there anyway if we hadn't been trying to be inconspicuous. I found Jupiter to be ok but Sarah thought the monster fight was a bit too much. 

The very best part of the whole day was after we got home. I got Sarah a dish of frozen peaches, her current favorite food, (thank you Lisa for the great inspiration) and read her a story in her room. Halfway through the story, she insisted that we needed a blanket out of her bed in order to continue; so, I got up and got one. After we snuggled back in, she said giggling, "thanks, you are a great mom!" OHHHHH nothing makes a mom feel light as air as a compliment from her small child.

In order to be completely honest about our outing, I must admit the whole story. We stopped at Rite Aid on our way home to and find Dad some outdoor slip on shoes. This brilliant idea ended up with no shoes and Sarah crying hysterically while running out of the store with a ball that I would not buy clutched in her tiny hand. I managed to catch her before she reached the parking lot luckily and then returned to the store holding a thrashing child in one hand and the stolen ball in the other. The cashier actually apologized to me. 
Oh my.  

Story 1

On this blog I will admit/share true stories of life with my gloriously excellent 2.5 year old daughter. This is important: I love her DEARLY. I decided share my stories because I have never found exactly what I am looking for on other blogs or websites. And because people seem to love "Sarah Stories."

That said, I bring you:  Story 1.

Saturday Sarah was up to her usual antics only more so. She spent the day going limp, doing "fish-flapping" body, and screaming whether or not she wanted to do what my husband and I asked her to do. “Let’s go to the library!
The one with the stellar kids play section!” we said. She melts down. My husband and I sag ever so slightly. 

The entire day was spent this way. By Saturday night my patience and sanity was wearing thin. Sarah was still up to her antics. The final straw happened when she grabbed my enormous hula hoop (which should have been outside, my bad) and started flinging it all around our family room. I gave up trying to get her to stop after a few attempts. I was just too damn tired. Then suddenly, she fell flat on her face and began wailing and screaming like a banshie. I was fuming, (I know). I grabbed her, whispered a few choice swears to myself - that I hope she didn't hear - and dragged her flailing in my arms to her room. I rocked her and rocked her, kissed her nose upon request, and then let her go howling back to Dad. Then the blood began to flow, she saw it in the mirror and lost her grip on reality. 

I began bawling and relieved myself of duty to escape into the backyard. I cried uncontrollably. I moaned and howled and just couldn’t stop crying. I desperatly needed to know if there were other kids out there who had horrible monster days too. So, I called my friend A (just A until I get her permission). I was able to be coherent long enough to say “hi” before I dissolved into hysterics again and bless her kind soul, she didn’t even miss a beat before telling me that:

1. I desperately need a break.

2. She was able to attest to the fact that there are tons of kids who behave like the devil some days.

3. She said she loved hearing my stories and realizing that she wasn’t alone in her experiences either.

(and other super outstanding thoughts) 

She was(is) a star. OH, I am so grateful for other moms who are willing to be honest. I hung up feeling so grateful and refreshed that I could go on with the night without losing my cookies and screaming at a small innocent (mostly, ha) little girl. 

I adore my daughter and love her forever, but the road isn’t always easy. I have discovered by talking to the many moms I meet (my Sarah and I love making new friends as we go out adventuring) that many of them don’t feel like they can let out how they are feeling or risk being preceived as bad parents. This makes me angry and frustrated for them. Good parents are defined by their endless efforts to be the best parent to their child(ren) that they can be. That sometimes comes with failure. But, I think if you respect your child, are kind to your child, scream (into pillows, etc.) on truly frustrating days, you are doing just fine. I love you S, thanks for being my daughter and bestie.

More to come...