A Typical Morning

Some days are just better than others. I'm not trying to discriminate against all the "other" days, but some days are just more easy going than others.

For example, Mondays. Do you really need me to tell you that Mondays are not in the favor of most people? Mondays are the biggest fight in our house. Tuesdays are not far behind.

She wants cookies for breakfast (really just the creme filling out the Oreos). I say no; suddenly, there's a screaming cry erupting from a person who should not be able to yell that loudly yet. She wants to wear the sparkly red shoes. I don't know where those are. "Go find them," I say. "I just can't, Mommy! You have to find them!" she retorts. Really? Is this how this being three thing will always be? Will being four be any better?

Finally, we're dressed and brushed and washed and out the door. Well almost. Opening the storm door has always been "her job," but today she "can't do it!" My hands are full. I push the handle on the door as three text books fall on the porch. "Madeline, pick that one up for me please." Was that nice enough? "Mommy, I just can't. You have to do it." Where does this come from? And when will it be over? (and don't tell me age 20, that will make me want to give up!)

Okay now it's time to head down the 7 steps toward the car. "Madeline, hold my hand," which is really just my little finger, because the rest are holding up all the crap that I must take to school. "Mommy, you have to carry me!" O, jeez. Seriously, kid? "Madeline, my hands are full; just walk down the steps; Mommy will help you."

As we approach the car, I open a door in order to dump all my stuff into the car. Then I open Maddie's door in and begin to pick her up to put her into her car seat. "MOMMY! I want to do it! Put me dooowww-ooowwwnnnn!" This you want to do on your own? "Okay, Madeline. You don't need to yell. Just hop up into your seat, and we'll get going to school." Patience. Keeping it. "But, Mo-Om! I don't want to go to school!"

"Just get into the car!"

And this is a "good" morning. Usually, there's more fighting to get her out of bed. Maybe I should look for a new school. Maybe I should be, over-all, a more positive person. I don't know where all this "I can't" comes from, but it drives me crazy. Seriously.