9/20/2007

Help

So today, even though Lovebug was throwing a major temper tantrum (he really wants to go to school with Ironflower), I managed to accost Ironflower's teacher and quiz her about Ironflower's day. I tried my best to convey my interest, as Lovebug screamed and thrashed in an attempt to get on the playground.

But of course my triumph in convincing the busy and snippy teacher that I'm a devoted mother (I'm a CLASS MOTHER, for heaven's sake - more on that experience later) had to be marred. I remained calm when Ironflower protested about leaving. I remained together as Lovebug threw himself on the ground at the exact moment that Ironflower demanded to be carried to the car. I ignored the fact that our little drama had an in-the-round audience of six mothers and two teachers. I picked Ironflower up after she said please, then struggled to grab Lovebug. Everyone watched in a horrified silence. I muttered comforting words as I tried to drag them to the car. Something like, "I'll get you for this when you have your first date".

I nearly dropped Lovebug when we were about halfway there. He was fighting me that hard (and no, before you ask, mirroring his feelings in a soothing voice was not working). I put Ironflower on the sidewalk and she began crying immediately, "Please carry me, please, please." I wanted to ask her why she hates being carried unless it is horribly inconvenient for me (and no one else), but I decided that her continued wailing might draw more attention to us. Not since seventh grade have I wanted to be invisible so much. Eventually I just gave up on appropriate carrying procedures and just grabbed them like we were running from a fire.

Lovebug fought so hard when I tried to strap him into his car seat that I began to sweat. Ironflower was willing to be strapped in, but she was angry. She really hates leaving school. When I asked her what she'd done that day (loudly, so she could hear me over Lovebug's subsiding screams), she snapped, "I DON'T want to talk to you right now!"

Normally, I would have realized that she was still adjusting to the transition. Normally, I would have laughed. But today I burst into tears. I feel like I have used up all of my tricks and everything just degenerates into a struggle and I am TIRED.

How bad would it be to have a glass of wine during nap time?

5 comments:

JaniceNW said...

My boys are 28 months apart and we had days just like this. You have my empathy and understanding. I love the first date comment!! Haha. Keep that sense of humor you're going to need it.

Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. I feel like I lost my audience because I was so down from the end of August until a few days ago. I always like seeing a new name. :)

I favorited you on technorati!

silken said...

hm, seems like my comment from yesterday didn't make it on here. sorry, I was really just wanting to lend my support. we have been there too, you really are not alone. sometimes I still lose it in front of my kids. *gasp* been thinking of you today! hope it was better...

Jerseygirl89 said...

Silken - Thank you so much. Today was a much better day (of course, there was no school today) and I really appreciate your support. I don't know why yesterday's comment didn't show up, but I really appreciate you coming back again. Thank you.

Leslie said...

Julia's reduced me to tears more than a few times. You're not alone. Here's to better days!

Jerseygirl89 said...

Leslie - Thanks for saying that. It makes me feel so much better to know I'm not the only one.