It doesn't always make sense, but I try to just go with it.
My personal space has long been a thing of the past. What they demand is an "I-wanna-sit-on-your-whole-lap" kind of attention from mom.
Apparently, I would love to play blocks with you instead of cleaning up the breakfast we finished hours ago. And yes, I would love to come to your imaginary tea party instead of drinking the actual mocha that I have spent all morning trying to make. And yes, I would love to let you pile blankets over me and drive your cars on top of me, because obviously, mommies make the best mountains.
As trying as it can be, I like their confidence in how much I like them. There is no doubt in them, no shred of low self esteem. I can only conclude that I've done a fairly good job of showing them how much they really mean to me.
And that is why I was caught so off-guard by the comment of my cashier at Target. As I loaded school supplies into my buggy full of children, I politely answered her questions and explained that, no, I didn't have anyone starting school this year, and no, I wasn't planning on sending anyone to kindergarten or preschool next year either. She could have kindly nodded. She could have given me an understanding smile.
But instead, she looked right at me and gestured to these precious children of mine and reassured me, "Well, bless your heart, you'll be ready to send 'em away by next year."
Excuse me? My kids are right here. They can hear you.
I had only a moment to respond. Only a moment to negate that statement so that my kids didn't think I was counting down the days until I could send them away. Abby gave me a look that asked, "Away where?"
So I looked cashier lady square in the eye, then patted my daughter reassuringly on the head.
"Actually," I responded, "I really like having them around. We have a lot of fun together."
And I meant every word of it.
And with that reassurance, we're kicking off a year of Pre-K next week.
The School of Mommy is back in session.
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