I don't know how to undo this damage. Bad haircut...just let it grow. Bad lipstick...wash it off. Bad comment to someone...apologize. Bad tattoo...laser.
But this...I have spoiled my kids and I am not sure how to undue the damage. I certainly didn't become a mother with the intent of giving them everything. But I don't want to be blind and say that it just happened. I do remember when it started. It was the day that they were born. Immediately I wanted to give them the world but I wanted them to pay their dues...eventually. I tried to be careful about what I doled out...then I wasn't...and then it snowballed.
Ching was a sucker right away. He is weak. He would go to Target for diapers with Laurel in tow and come home for a toy that Laurel "just had to have". Laurel was very verbal at a very young age. At that point I knew it couldn't be the bad cop...if there was one, I got that glorious role.
My girls know what room service is. Birthday parties happen every year. Manicures with pedicures (Laurel only--please give me that) happen on an occasional basis. They do not get excited when go out to eat and they are rewarded for any big task--completion of Russian math semester for Laurel and pooping on the potty for Rachel. This is reminiscent of kids who used to get cash in for good grades--$2 for a A, $1 for a B. Back then I thought that was ridiculous for parents to do and now I am one of the parents.
Putting material things aside, Ching and I still force feed activities/play dates to our girls. We don't let them find their way through a Saturday or Sunday--just watching some t.v., playing in dirt and just being bored. We need to let the girls get bored and figure their own Saturday out.
God, I feel like such an idiot. Should I go cold turkey? What would happen if I just started saying no? Is this the time when they should start paying their dues? I need some answers because they are getting older and their tastes are getting very expensive.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Friday, January 3, 2014
It took me 40 minutes to send one e-mail out this afternoon because I had to monitor several battles of she said, she said.
Yesterday with the news of the impending blizzard, I really dreaded the possibility of Friday. I would be home with the girls because they would have no school. The weather guy was right and we got a shitload of snow. Both Ching and I were home but I wish I was at work. I absolutely hate snow days.
I stayed home for two reasons--first the girls are home because there is no school. At least one adult needs to be home because it's not like they are cats. I just can't leave the t.v. on with a pile of food. Secondly, we live in a cul-de-sac. Our street is the very last street to be plowed in Newton--first the major roads, then side streets, maybe a dead end, then the cul-de-sacs. While our driveway was shoveled, we couldn't get to a major road. So as I have childless co-workers that live within walking distance to work, they are cursing under their frozen breath thinking that I am sitting at home.
But this isn't a vacation day. I bring my computer home with me hoping to get some work done. Conference calls are not good to have at home. Even with the door closed, Rachel presses herself at the bottom of the door yelling, "Mommy, can you hear me? Are you in there?" Any respect that I had prior to the call, is now gone. Trying to get e-mails sent is no better. It took me 40 minutes to send one e-mail out this afternoon because I had to monitor several battles of she said, she said.
"Mom, she took my toy!"
"She won't play with me!"
"Rachel touched me!"
"She is looking at me!"
"She just breathed on me!"
(I truly wanted to run away. Even if it was 6 degrees out.)
I have a split personality during snow days, not like a weekend day when I am just a mom. Today, as I jump off of two conference calls where I participated very little, I then went downstairs to make everyone lunch and God for freakin' bid if everyone wanted the same thing. After a clean up, I then go back to my work role at the dining room table. (Ching and I have an unspoken rule--we are both on our laptops in the dining room. You can only get solace of the den if you have a conference call. And today, when I thought Ching's conference call was running too long, you can bet for damn sure that my ear was pressed up against the door making sure ESPN wasn't on.)
I also want to be a work so I don't have to look at the house. It is an absolute mess. There is a pile of soggy winter gear in front of the door. That's right, not to the side of the door...right in front. (The girls were able to stand the cold for about 20 minutes). Toys are scattered everywhere. And there are plastic sippy cups/juice cups all over like we had a party the night before. Snack wrappers, sheets of paper with a random scribble, socks...God I want to be at work. It didn't help that today is Friday--the Wang household isn't the neatest on a Friday as it would be on a Monday.
Monday...probably the first Friday in a long time that has me looking forward to Monday. (As I quickly check the weather forecast.)
I stayed home for two reasons--first the girls are home because there is no school. At least one adult needs to be home because it's not like they are cats. I just can't leave the t.v. on with a pile of food. Secondly, we live in a cul-de-sac. Our street is the very last street to be plowed in Newton--first the major roads, then side streets, maybe a dead end, then the cul-de-sacs. While our driveway was shoveled, we couldn't get to a major road. So as I have childless co-workers that live within walking distance to work, they are cursing under their frozen breath thinking that I am sitting at home.
But this isn't a vacation day. I bring my computer home with me hoping to get some work done. Conference calls are not good to have at home. Even with the door closed, Rachel presses herself at the bottom of the door yelling, "Mommy, can you hear me? Are you in there?" Any respect that I had prior to the call, is now gone. Trying to get e-mails sent is no better. It took me 40 minutes to send one e-mail out this afternoon because I had to monitor several battles of she said, she said.
"Mom, she took my toy!"
"She won't play with me!"
"Rachel touched me!"
"She is looking at me!"
"She just breathed on me!"
(I truly wanted to run away. Even if it was 6 degrees out.)
I have a split personality during snow days, not like a weekend day when I am just a mom. Today, as I jump off of two conference calls where I participated very little, I then went downstairs to make everyone lunch and God for freakin' bid if everyone wanted the same thing. After a clean up, I then go back to my work role at the dining room table. (Ching and I have an unspoken rule--we are both on our laptops in the dining room. You can only get solace of the den if you have a conference call. And today, when I thought Ching's conference call was running too long, you can bet for damn sure that my ear was pressed up against the door making sure ESPN wasn't on.)
I also want to be a work so I don't have to look at the house. It is an absolute mess. There is a pile of soggy winter gear in front of the door. That's right, not to the side of the door...right in front. (The girls were able to stand the cold for about 20 minutes). Toys are scattered everywhere. And there are plastic sippy cups/juice cups all over like we had a party the night before. Snack wrappers, sheets of paper with a random scribble, socks...God I want to be at work. It didn't help that today is Friday--the Wang household isn't the neatest on a Friday as it would be on a Monday.
Monday...probably the first Friday in a long time that has me looking forward to Monday. (As I quickly check the weather forecast.)
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Silently, I just want to tell her to lower her expectations--it took me 20 years for a boy to ask me to dance and I had to marry him to get the dance.
Last night I listed my improvements in 2014 and tonight I would like to list my wishes of 2014.
1. I hope the phrase, "I'm just sayin'" stops being said. First of all, I am not talking about this phrase: "I was just saying." No--it's this: "Whatever, I'm just sayin'" I have heard many people try to make a point and than tack on the "just sayin'" at the end. First of all, I know what you said, I heard it. Secondly, it doesn't make your argument any better. And it's passive aggressive bullshit and it bugs so take your point and just say it to someone else.
2. I wish the shock of free expression not mixing with marketing dollars would cease. If someone who is making money for a huge corporation says something that could offend a large group of people, the corporation is going to protect what is theirs. It sucks but it's the way the corporate world works.
3. I hope Miley Cyrus puts her tongue away.
4. I hope Ching stops being afraid of the dishwasher. The dishes are getting closer (in the sink) but we are not quite there yet. The way he will stack up dishes on the counter near the dishwasher for me truly looks like he is leaving me a present.
5. I hope Rachel grows a bit. We were blessed in 2013 of getting rid of all the Huggies and Diaper Genies but she is still small in stature. Any time when we hear the "I have to go potty" yell, either Ching or I rush to the bathroom to help her. Since she is small, she teeters on the step stool and I am afraid she is going to fall in. And don't get me started on the wipe.
6. I wish Laurel would stop growing. First of all her clothes are really big--we were told that she would average off around 6. She is wearing the same size clothes that I wore in the 5th grade. And she talks about boys too! Not only do I have this lanky girl but one that is curious about boys. My whole "boys are stupid" talk really didn't work. She is practically counting the days until her Valentine's Day after school dance. She keeps saying that she would love it if a boy asked her to dance. Silently, I just want to her to tell lower her expectations--it took me 20 years for a boy to ask me to dance and I had to marry him to get the dance.
7. I wish for a little peace and serenity...because I sound a little cranky....
1. I hope the phrase, "I'm just sayin'" stops being said. First of all, I am not talking about this phrase: "I was just saying." No--it's this: "Whatever, I'm just sayin'" I have heard many people try to make a point and than tack on the "just sayin'" at the end. First of all, I know what you said, I heard it. Secondly, it doesn't make your argument any better. And it's passive aggressive bullshit and it bugs so take your point and just say it to someone else.
2. I wish the shock of free expression not mixing with marketing dollars would cease. If someone who is making money for a huge corporation says something that could offend a large group of people, the corporation is going to protect what is theirs. It sucks but it's the way the corporate world works.
3. I hope Miley Cyrus puts her tongue away.
4. I hope Ching stops being afraid of the dishwasher. The dishes are getting closer (in the sink) but we are not quite there yet. The way he will stack up dishes on the counter near the dishwasher for me truly looks like he is leaving me a present.
5. I hope Rachel grows a bit. We were blessed in 2013 of getting rid of all the Huggies and Diaper Genies but she is still small in stature. Any time when we hear the "I have to go potty" yell, either Ching or I rush to the bathroom to help her. Since she is small, she teeters on the step stool and I am afraid she is going to fall in. And don't get me started on the wipe.
6. I wish Laurel would stop growing. First of all her clothes are really big--we were told that she would average off around 6. She is wearing the same size clothes that I wore in the 5th grade. And she talks about boys too! Not only do I have this lanky girl but one that is curious about boys. My whole "boys are stupid" talk really didn't work. She is practically counting the days until her Valentine's Day after school dance. She keeps saying that she would love it if a boy asked her to dance. Silently, I just want to her to tell lower her expectations--it took me 20 years for a boy to ask me to dance and I had to marry him to get the dance.
7. I wish for a little peace and serenity...because I sound a little cranky....
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
There is no action plan attached--by stating "be nicer" just sets me up to binge on being a great big bitch.
I am one of those people that makes a list of resolutions. There is something about a nice clean start. I do pride myself on the thought that I put into them--I try not to be too general like listing, "Be nicer". First of all, really? Even I let out a little chuckle when I read that but what constitutes being nicer? Is it an all day thing? What is the measuring stick--the previous day? There is no action plan attached--by just stating "be nicer" just sets me up to binge on being a great big bitch.
With that, here is my list:
1. Rather than lament on how much I have to do, just jump in and start something. I find that I waste a lot of time panicking about how much I have to do. The panic is eating up time. Push it aside, move on and just do.
2. I need to get a mammogram. I know, I know...I have yet to establish a baseline with the first one. (Small voice--I am 41.5) It is on my list to get done during the first three months of the year. And, God damn, getting my boobies squished while making happy, awkward chit chat will make an excellent blog.
3. I need to lose a little weight. I am not going to tell you how much but pants that fit just fine a couple of months ago cut me in half when I sit down. I do not believe in buying bigger pants. I believe in that small amount of suffering that reminds me of December--that month that has a funny way of killing any progress that I made during the first 11 months of the year. Peanut butter balls and skipping workouts were major factors in my December downfall. Portion control and eating lots of color are part of my game plan. And no muffins...you know the ones. The cakey goodness that I jam in my face at a time at work where only a few are around. Also no Subway stops--I never just the $5 healthy footlongs that Jared eats. My sandwiches tend to be between the $8 to $10 range. My girls will probably appreciate that they mom doesn't smell of copius meats and cheeses.
4. I would like to start making five dinners a week. Currently, I am around four on a good week. Take out is a waste of money but mainly my kids don't get excited if we go out to eat of have pizza. They take it for granted and I would like them to have the same joy that I had as a child when we went out. Just last week, I offered Bertucci's and the girls sighed and said "okay" with exasperation. Jesus Christ, they acted like I just made them shovel a snowy walk.
5. I need to be more timely and to tell Ching about expenses so he can enter it on his spreadsheet. First of all, I love the spreadsheet and his monitoring. I know where the money comes from and where it is spent but I don't do a very good job when it comes to telling him if I bought something for the girls or how much groceries were. I don't know why I do this--I am not scared of telling him what I spent when I go to Shaw's...it's not like I made a left out of the parking lot and said screw it, "I am going to Nordstrom." Actually that would never happen--still don't like being around the peeps.
6. I would like to be up on my blogs. I am not sure why I have taken so many breaks because Lord knows, I have plenty to tell you about. My goal is to get back to four a week.
7. No Candy Crush--Yes, I know a few months ago, I declared via Facebook that I wasn't going to waste time on that stupid game. But a month later, I downloaded it...deleted it and then downloaded it again. Just in December I spent $30 on extra lives. Absolutely ridiculous. I think I became less literate by playing that game.
8. I have to stop using the word ironic incorrectly. Usually the correct word is coincidentally. I can't even think of an instance when the figure of speech actually matched what was actually going on at that very moment.
9. I have to stop taking home my computer from work when I am not even going to open it. It is starting to make one shoulder tilt lower than that other. That shit is heavy.
10. Wash my face before I go to bed. I know, gross but washing my face and eye make up off is something that I don't typically do out of laziness. I then wake up the next morning with crusty smudged eyes reminiscent of a bad hook up in the mid 1990's. I also have to take care of my eyes better than I currently am. I would say that my saggy eye lids will be due for a health care approved eye lift in 2016.
But now, let's focus on 2014. Small steps...
With that, here is my list:
1. Rather than lament on how much I have to do, just jump in and start something. I find that I waste a lot of time panicking about how much I have to do. The panic is eating up time. Push it aside, move on and just do.
2. I need to get a mammogram. I know, I know...I have yet to establish a baseline with the first one. (Small voice--I am 41.5) It is on my list to get done during the first three months of the year. And, God damn, getting my boobies squished while making happy, awkward chit chat will make an excellent blog.
3. I need to lose a little weight. I am not going to tell you how much but pants that fit just fine a couple of months ago cut me in half when I sit down. I do not believe in buying bigger pants. I believe in that small amount of suffering that reminds me of December--that month that has a funny way of killing any progress that I made during the first 11 months of the year. Peanut butter balls and skipping workouts were major factors in my December downfall. Portion control and eating lots of color are part of my game plan. And no muffins...you know the ones. The cakey goodness that I jam in my face at a time at work where only a few are around. Also no Subway stops--I never just the $5 healthy footlongs that Jared eats. My sandwiches tend to be between the $8 to $10 range. My girls will probably appreciate that they mom doesn't smell of copius meats and cheeses.
4. I would like to start making five dinners a week. Currently, I am around four on a good week. Take out is a waste of money but mainly my kids don't get excited if we go out to eat of have pizza. They take it for granted and I would like them to have the same joy that I had as a child when we went out. Just last week, I offered Bertucci's and the girls sighed and said "okay" with exasperation. Jesus Christ, they acted like I just made them shovel a snowy walk.
5. I need to be more timely and to tell Ching about expenses so he can enter it on his spreadsheet. First of all, I love the spreadsheet and his monitoring. I know where the money comes from and where it is spent but I don't do a very good job when it comes to telling him if I bought something for the girls or how much groceries were. I don't know why I do this--I am not scared of telling him what I spent when I go to Shaw's...it's not like I made a left out of the parking lot and said screw it, "I am going to Nordstrom." Actually that would never happen--still don't like being around the peeps.
6. I would like to be up on my blogs. I am not sure why I have taken so many breaks because Lord knows, I have plenty to tell you about. My goal is to get back to four a week.
7. No Candy Crush--Yes, I know a few months ago, I declared via Facebook that I wasn't going to waste time on that stupid game. But a month later, I downloaded it...deleted it and then downloaded it again. Just in December I spent $30 on extra lives. Absolutely ridiculous. I think I became less literate by playing that game.
8. I have to stop using the word ironic incorrectly. Usually the correct word is coincidentally. I can't even think of an instance when the figure of speech actually matched what was actually going on at that very moment.
9. I have to stop taking home my computer from work when I am not even going to open it. It is starting to make one shoulder tilt lower than that other. That shit is heavy.
10. Wash my face before I go to bed. I know, gross but washing my face and eye make up off is something that I don't typically do out of laziness. I then wake up the next morning with crusty smudged eyes reminiscent of a bad hook up in the mid 1990's. I also have to take care of my eyes better than I currently am. I would say that my saggy eye lids will be due for a health care approved eye lift in 2016.
But now, let's focus on 2014. Small steps...
Thursday, December 12, 2013
I thought that too but Rachel said that both she and Laurel would be big sisters.
Ah..with the holidays come that annoying sentimentality that leads to one thing...the tugging of my ovaries. Of course, it's not me that has the pull for another child, it's the other Wangs. Right, I pluralized it--I am being double teamed...by Ching AND Rachel. (Laurel is just staying focused with being the best kid for that elf.) Why does this happen? Let's get it together, people....
Today Ching held a baby girl at some sort of work holiday party. He told me how cute she was and the mom took a picture of the cuteness. Ching hasn't received the picture yet; He is afraid the mom got his number wrong. He has all ready forgotten how hectic the evening is with a baby. Like this mom's making a priority of sending this picture to Ching as she is trying to feed, bathe, settle down and get her daughter to sleep. A picture that reminds Ching how cute a young baby can be. But he also needs to be reminded that a baby is even cuter when they are handed back to it's mother. I must have a heart of stone because I have never seen a baby that gives me the urge to have another. I could be looking at the sweetest baby Jesus swaddled in baby Gucci and I would probably notice the Gucci first.
Then there is Rachel and this recent parent teacher conference incident:
YPT (Younger Preschool Teacher): "Rachel told the class some very good news yesterday."
JCW: I say nothing...I am skeptical.
YPT: "She said that she is going to be a big sister."
JCW: Oh Christ... "Did she try to switch roles--say that Laurel was the little sister and now Rachel is the big sister?" I know the answer. I also hate the look of glee in the teachers' eyes like they are going to get another five years of daycare/pre-school tuition for the possible baby #3.
YPT: "I thought that too but Rachel said that both she and Laurel would be big sisters. I then asked where the baby was. She said the baby was in your belly."
JCW: "Yeah...first of all, that is not happening...ever." And I never told Laurel the baby was in my belly--so incorrect. Laurel's favorite word was uterus when I was pregnant with Rachel. "Secondly, Rachel has expressed that her friends are becoming big sisters. She would like a baby too...And do you think I would make Rachel the middle child?"
If this is a ploy to get a puppy at the holidays, I am leaving...for a long time.
Today Ching held a baby girl at some sort of work holiday party. He told me how cute she was and the mom took a picture of the cuteness. Ching hasn't received the picture yet; He is afraid the mom got his number wrong. He has all ready forgotten how hectic the evening is with a baby. Like this mom's making a priority of sending this picture to Ching as she is trying to feed, bathe, settle down and get her daughter to sleep. A picture that reminds Ching how cute a young baby can be. But he also needs to be reminded that a baby is even cuter when they are handed back to it's mother. I must have a heart of stone because I have never seen a baby that gives me the urge to have another. I could be looking at the sweetest baby Jesus swaddled in baby Gucci and I would probably notice the Gucci first.
Then there is Rachel and this recent parent teacher conference incident:
YPT (Younger Preschool Teacher): "Rachel told the class some very good news yesterday."
JCW: I say nothing...I am skeptical.
YPT: "She said that she is going to be a big sister."
JCW: Oh Christ... "Did she try to switch roles--say that Laurel was the little sister and now Rachel is the big sister?" I know the answer. I also hate the look of glee in the teachers' eyes like they are going to get another five years of daycare/pre-school tuition for the possible baby #3.
YPT: "I thought that too but Rachel said that both she and Laurel would be big sisters. I then asked where the baby was. She said the baby was in your belly."
JCW: "Yeah...first of all, that is not happening...ever." And I never told Laurel the baby was in my belly--so incorrect. Laurel's favorite word was uterus when I was pregnant with Rachel. "Secondly, Rachel has expressed that her friends are becoming big sisters. She would like a baby too...And do you think I would make Rachel the middle child?"
If this is a ploy to get a puppy at the holidays, I am leaving...for a long time.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Next year, I picture Rachel coming downstairs on Christmas morning screaming, "Where's my loot?" because she is classy like that.
This is the two year anniversary (birth?) of my blog--thank you for reading. I haven't been as attentive to it as I should be...believe me, I have still have plenty to say just not a lot of time these days. I can't explain why I am so busy. I have been more present with my girls...while that means less time in front of the computer, it does mean that I am just gathering more subject matter.
So this elf thing....still don't like it. Again, the Wang's elf is Mike. I was purposely late to the game and just started "Mike's watch" this past weekend--I am on Day 5 of situating him prior to going to bed so the girls wake up to see where and how Mike is waiting for them. Out of five days, I have woken up during 3 nights realizing that I forgot to take care of that little red shit. As soon as my alarm goes off, I jet downstairs to make sure Mike is in a new spot. God, the pressure is killing me and I just started! Some people started prior to Thanksgiving.
Interestingly, Rachel, the youngest, isn't interested. She could care less--I think this is Rachel's last year believing in Santa. Next year, I picture Rachel coming downstairs on Christmas morning screaming, "Where's my loot?" because she is classy like that.
Laurel needs to see where Mike is ...Laurel loves the surprise and truly believes in the fat man in red. We have another few years of this. But with this belief, the pressure is on--me, just me. Ching has never touched Mike. And that's another thing, Laurel flips out if anyone touches him--it hurts his magic. I do respect her rule of that little stalker can't land upstairs when she is sleeping. So Mike is relegated to the first floor or basement.
But then I have found the pressure causes the issue of "Elf Envy" I hear about all of the precarious situations that her friends' elves has gotten into. What if my "Mike situations" aren't cool or creative?
LAW: "You know Mackenzie got a gift from her elf."
JCW: "Yeah, on Christmas. You will too."
LAW: "No, she got it yesterday."
JCW: "Elves don't bring appetizer gifts up to the big day."
LAW: "It was just a key chain."
JCW: "Does she have a car too?"
(Sensing my pissiness, Laurel dropped the gift idea.)
For me the sole purpose of the elf was leverage. Mike was going to watch over my girls to make sure they are good until December 25th. There are no gifts given prior to this and the situations stress goodness and "kiss assery". Mike does homework, cleans up and appreciates focus--you know, the Wang way. You will not find our elf driving the Barbie vette, with Barbie riding shotgun, topless. Or writing on a wall with a crayon. Or leaving a trail of chocolate chips like he just poo'ed across the living room. (Jesus Christ, this would be the only time that Rachel would be interested and I just got her to poo on the potty 5 months ago.)
So, as a parent, if I don't convey discipline, I have Barbie sized elf dressed in felt to do my work. Yeah, I feel pretty much demoted for the next 14 days.
So this elf thing....still don't like it. Again, the Wang's elf is Mike. I was purposely late to the game and just started "Mike's watch" this past weekend--I am on Day 5 of situating him prior to going to bed so the girls wake up to see where and how Mike is waiting for them. Out of five days, I have woken up during 3 nights realizing that I forgot to take care of that little red shit. As soon as my alarm goes off, I jet downstairs to make sure Mike is in a new spot. God, the pressure is killing me and I just started! Some people started prior to Thanksgiving.
Interestingly, Rachel, the youngest, isn't interested. She could care less--I think this is Rachel's last year believing in Santa. Next year, I picture Rachel coming downstairs on Christmas morning screaming, "Where's my loot?" because she is classy like that.
Laurel needs to see where Mike is ...Laurel loves the surprise and truly believes in the fat man in red. We have another few years of this. But with this belief, the pressure is on--me, just me. Ching has never touched Mike. And that's another thing, Laurel flips out if anyone touches him--it hurts his magic. I do respect her rule of that little stalker can't land upstairs when she is sleeping. So Mike is relegated to the first floor or basement.
But then I have found the pressure causes the issue of "Elf Envy" I hear about all of the precarious situations that her friends' elves has gotten into. What if my "Mike situations" aren't cool or creative?
LAW: "You know Mackenzie got a gift from her elf."
JCW: "Yeah, on Christmas. You will too."
LAW: "No, she got it yesterday."
JCW: "Elves don't bring appetizer gifts up to the big day."
LAW: "It was just a key chain."
JCW: "Does she have a car too?"
(Sensing my pissiness, Laurel dropped the gift idea.)
For me the sole purpose of the elf was leverage. Mike was going to watch over my girls to make sure they are good until December 25th. There are no gifts given prior to this and the situations stress goodness and "kiss assery". Mike does homework, cleans up and appreciates focus--you know, the Wang way. You will not find our elf driving the Barbie vette, with Barbie riding shotgun, topless. Or writing on a wall with a crayon. Or leaving a trail of chocolate chips like he just poo'ed across the living room. (Jesus Christ, this would be the only time that Rachel would be interested and I just got her to poo on the potty 5 months ago.)
So, as a parent, if I don't convey discipline, I have Barbie sized elf dressed in felt to do my work. Yeah, I feel pretty much demoted for the next 14 days.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Make note to self--remind Laurel that her hair is long and it's easy to be pulled. I can see it in Rachel's eyes. She is a grabber.
Oh jeez, it seems to have started in full force this weekend. The girls are at each other like cats. Back and forth--playing separately or nicely one minute and then the next, all hell is breaking loose. Soon I will have to hide the Vaseline supply to make sure they are not rubbing it on their face anticipating a real cat fight. (Make note to self--remind Laurel that her hair is long and it's easy to be pulled. I can see it in Rachel's eyes. She is a grabber.)
Usually they have played together quite well or on their own. But now, I am not sure if it's that Laurel wants more space. Her things can't be touched. And of course Rachel doesn't understand this.
Rachel is marking her territory; making sure that her age and size don't hinder her. She is also more verbal--any injustice, she speaks her mind and then gets in my face. I can hear squabbles in the next room and then those little feet, stomping to me looking for justice. Meanwhile, I am trying to get to the bathroom because it's the only room with a lock.
Today this is what I heard:
1. A squabble on who gets to play with a the magic wand. It's a piece of pink plastic--I think it used to hold up a doll. My girls have hundreds of dollars of toys and electronics and they play with this? Perhaps for Christmas, I should give out empty shoe boxes.
2. With the magic wand, Laurel has turned Rachel into a worm. And Laurel refuses to reverse the spell.
3. Rachel comes to me complaining that she is a worm and pouting that I needed to do something. While I show her that she has arms and legs, she is insistent that she is a worm.
I, then, go into the family room, take away the wand and tell Laurel to turn Rachel into a girl rather than a worm. And this instance only covered 10 minutes and was one squabble of several.
(Young, childless co-workers are going to ask me about my weekend and I will not be able to convey the wand/worm situation with justice.)
Since it's the holidays, I am digging through the Christmas stuff and finding my new best friend, Mike, the Wang Elf on a Shelf. Last year my nemesis, this year, my new best friend. He will help me. I have Mike, but I might hide the china too. She is young, but I can see Rachel chucking a good plate at Laurel.
Usually they have played together quite well or on their own. But now, I am not sure if it's that Laurel wants more space. Her things can't be touched. And of course Rachel doesn't understand this.
Rachel is marking her territory; making sure that her age and size don't hinder her. She is also more verbal--any injustice, she speaks her mind and then gets in my face. I can hear squabbles in the next room and then those little feet, stomping to me looking for justice. Meanwhile, I am trying to get to the bathroom because it's the only room with a lock.
Today this is what I heard:
1. A squabble on who gets to play with a the magic wand. It's a piece of pink plastic--I think it used to hold up a doll. My girls have hundreds of dollars of toys and electronics and they play with this? Perhaps for Christmas, I should give out empty shoe boxes.
2. With the magic wand, Laurel has turned Rachel into a worm. And Laurel refuses to reverse the spell.
3. Rachel comes to me complaining that she is a worm and pouting that I needed to do something. While I show her that she has arms and legs, she is insistent that she is a worm.
I, then, go into the family room, take away the wand and tell Laurel to turn Rachel into a girl rather than a worm. And this instance only covered 10 minutes and was one squabble of several.
(Young, childless co-workers are going to ask me about my weekend and I will not be able to convey the wand/worm situation with justice.)
Since it's the holidays, I am digging through the Christmas stuff and finding my new best friend, Mike, the Wang Elf on a Shelf. Last year my nemesis, this year, my new best friend. He will help me. I have Mike, but I might hide the china too. She is young, but I can see Rachel chucking a good plate at Laurel.
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