Thursday, January 14, 2010

meaner

So the latest put-down in Elementary School World is "meaner" (apparently). Maybe it's been popular for a long time. We don't have cable so we're slow on the uptake for linguistic trends. Anyway, this week I've been one (a "meaner" that is--I sort of prefer "meanie," it sounds kind of cute and cheeky, whereas "meaner" is purposeful and deliberate). dh has been working late every single night. Super Q has been a trapped in a maelstrom of 7 year old emotions and fake injury. I've had the weirdest and worst sleep (trying to not use the Ambien but falling back on it more often than not). The cutie (the nephew I babysit) has been almost totally nap-resistant, to the point of careening around the house, drunk with fatigue and still waking up the moment his head reaches the pack n' play.

It's so crazy, this mothering thing. Such a struggle between order and discipline and demanding respect and getting the homework and chores done and then letting natural consequences happen and cherishing childhood and making warm memories.

I hope I'm not screwing it up.

(Sorry, I couldn't resist another beehive hairdo photo).

4 comments:

Denise said...

I'm right there with you...
especially about the baby and sleeping thing. I thought of having you come over yesterday or today or tomorrow, but then I realized that that would mean having to get my house in decent order and it was just too much.

Love the post, love the picture, love the principle. I think you've got a pretty good handle on this mothering thing. (At least to onlookers.)

beckmarsh said...

You should come over here and we'll have some mexican food! Black beans and rice? Let me know.

Patty O. said...

I love the beehive photos. Keep 'em coming!

I know exactly what you mean. I feel like you just described this week for me. Danny was sick this weekend and though he had recovered enough to go to school on Monday, he was pretty crabby. Actually, he was downright horrible, but whatever. And I was not much better. He and Charlotte told me I should be nice and stop being mean.

I'm trying, but wow, is it hard, especially when I am stressed about anything, since I tend to take it out on the kids and husband. Sigh.

Elizabeth said...

hahahahahaha!! ......meaner....... :)