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Sunday, June 10, 2007

A Pain in the Neck and Other Musings

My older son (OS) and I had been looking forward to Friday all week. We were meeting a couple of my friends and their kids at the local petting farm and splash pad. That combo still cracks me up. In the past each of these friends has hosted an all day playdate. However, my house is much smaller, and 8 kids and 3 adults would be a tight fit so I suggested that we meet at the petting farm since we all have season passes. Since it was my turn to host, I offered to bring snacks and lunch for everyone.

OS was excited all morning long until we got to the farm and he realized that he couldn't ride in the wagon. Yes, so far this summer whenever we've gone to the farm, OS and his younger brother (YS) ride together in our red wagon. However, because I had a big heavy cooler with all the food and also because YS can't walk yet, there was no room for OS in the wagon. Let me also get defensive for a moment and point out that other than our initial trek across the parking lot (which is about 50 Yards), OS is usually so busy feeding and petting the animals that he doesn't even want to ride in the wagon. Yet this time, because he couldn't ride in the wagon, he was a complete pain in the neck.

Have you ever seen a trait of yours that you don't like in your child? One of the traits that I possess that I really don't like is that I will get so fixated on something that I will ruin things for myself. I've always been impressed with characters in books that can just push something out of their minds and go on to enjoy their day or whatever. Maybe it's because "characters in books" is the key phrase meaning that it's not reality. Either way, it's something that I'm always trying to work on because I don't like it. When I saw OS spend over an hour sulking about the wagon, it hit me that he also has the trait. I tried explaining to him that he was ruining his day for himself, but he's 3 and he didn't care. Honestly, I'm 31 and I probably still wouldn't care. Just before lunch I let him ride a short distance in the wagon and I carried YS (while pulling the heavy wagon with OS and all the food) until one of my friends generously offered to put YS in her double stroller. This 90 second ride completely changed OS. All of a sudden he was happy and eager to participate in the day's activities. Where do you draw the line as a parent? I don't want OS to think that if he throws a fit he can get his way.

Yesterday was the Big Giraffe's and my 6 year wedding anniversary. We had dinner at the Melting Pot, which was just fabulous. It's a fondue restaurant chain. Afterwards we watched Music and Lyrics on DVD. At about 5 am a noise woke me up (I think it was the dog running in his sleep) and I quickly whipped around to see what it was only to seriously pull a muscle in my neck. I can't even begin to describe how painful it was except to say that BG asked me if he should call an ambulance. Today I've vegged out on the couch with those awesome heat packs that have adhesive tape on them so I can stick them on my neck and have been taking Advil. Hopefully this pain in the neck will clear up in a couple of days. As for the other pain in the neck, well college is 16 years away.

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posted by Alex Elliot @ 7:21 PM   7 comments
7 Comments:

  • At 6/10/2007 10:00 PM, Blogger super des said…

    happy anniversary! I love the Melting Pot. We used to go there for our own anniversaries (and birthdays and Wednesdays) when we lived in Sacramento.

    And that last line made me laugh so hard I think I hurt myself.

     

  • At 6/11/2007 6:26 AM, Blogger Jodi said…

    I'm going to melting pot tues night. I fell like I shouldn't eat for days after that.

     

  • At 6/11/2007 10:39 AM, Blogger Jenn in Holland said…

    First, I agree with des, that last line really got me giggling! H.I.L.A.R.I.O.U.S.

    Next, let me get all motherly on ya, Or therapeutic on ya for a minute about your neck. Alternate that heat with ice today all day, the constriction and relaxation of the muscles in your neck will help it "exercise" and work itself through the pain. At least that's what my therapist recommended to me the last time I threw my neck like that. I am completely sympathizing with you here!

    And now touching on the fixating, strong willed one. I have one of those too, and have been shocked at times that she prefers to SPITE HERSELF instead of letting it go. Like missing bowls of ice cream, or outings, or whatever... just because she is trying to prove the point that she has been WRONGED.
    Again, I sympathize. Nay, I empathize on this one.

    Parenting has it's joys, right?

     

  • At 6/11/2007 10:40 AM, Blogger Jenn in Holland said…

    Oh, and yeah. I LOVE the melting pot! The wine... the cheese... the chocolate....
    Oh, my!

     

  • At 6/11/2007 1:36 PM, Blogger Alex Elliot said…

    Super Des and Jodi, thanks for your comments! I had never even heard of the Melting Pot until it opened this past August out here. Jen, thanks so much for you the advice and the empathy on both pains! I'll have to try the cold since I've only been applying heat.

     

  • At 6/11/2007 8:38 PM, Blogger Nancy said…

    I, too, tend to fixate on things that bother me to the point that I miss out on the fun ... I've noticed my almost five year old doing it lately so I can only hope it's not one of those things he's inherited from me.

    I hope your neck is feeling better and Happy Anniversary!!

     

  • At 6/12/2007 10:12 AM, Blogger soccer mom in denial said…

    Hey,

    Decided to visit while we hide from the sun. I too see my less than desirable traits in my kids. One guy has perfecting dawdling to a science. That was one thing I didn't want to pass on. My brilliant mind and smashing good looks? Those were suppose to go to the next generation.

    Happy Anniversary and I hope the neck feels better.

     
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Name:Alex Elliot
Home:MA, United States
About Me:Professional Mom of two cats, a dog, an ant farm, and oh yeah...two boys: a 5 year old and a 3 year old. Also found in my house is my husband who is known on this blog as The Big Giraffe.
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