Oh Mr. Morning, We Meet Again

That is an incredible sentiment! How true.

Ali, if Simon is anything like Uncle John, maybe he could benefit from one of those lamp alarm clocks that simulate the sun rising in the bitter winter. I've yet to buy one for John, but think this might be the yyear to do it! Hang in there little buddy.

Ali,
I can so relate to this post. My son is so difficult to get out the door in the morning. But the time we reach the bus stop if we even make it, sometimes I am close to tears with frustration. I feel silly even admitting that! We have a checklist too. Some morning are good, most mornings not so much. He just gets very distracted with what he needs to do. And he is not the only child I am trying to get out the door. Luckily my other child is pretty self sufficient. I like your take on "mr morning" greeting him as a challenge. He certainly is around here as well.

Jeesh Ali - you brought tears to my eyes! I'm at work you know. I'm not supposed to be all teared up.
Still thank you for the quote - I need that posted somewhere I will see it daily. Because it's true, with all the whining and frustration that can fill up our normal days (and this part of Oct seems to be messing with my 7 yr old as well), this is my purpose, my joy and my life.

Ali,
THANK YOU for all you do to inspire us beyond the scrapbook... I am a 5th grade teacher and the quote you shared is absolutely perfect for us, too, who work with "your" kids during the day!! I will proudly hang in near my desk!

WOW Liz, that really puts it into perspective. Thank you for helping me to recognize that once she comes home, she is *home* and can relax, let down her guard, share her frustrations, struggles, exhaustion. School is hard for children. May I always create a warm, loving sanctuary. You may have just changed the course of our household. Thank you.

I recall my daughter's preschool teacher saying that a child may be very willing to go to preschool in the beginning but then suddenly a few (I think she said 4 to 6) weeks later the child will become teary and not want to go. Maybe this is the case with Simon. I know at six weeks postpartum with my first I was 'over' it and didn't want to deal with waking every two hours, feeling like I was constantly changing a diaper, nursing or pumping. Maybe there is justs something with that duration of time with a schedule or new change that creates a hump that we all need to get over.
Hope he gets over that hump soon!
Amy

Txs for sharing Ali. Your posts always seem to hit a certain spot. Love the quote. Here's to hoping you find that normal day soon.

i so enjoy reading your post about how you handle any behavioral issues with Simon. My son was diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder and also with ADD. He was on medication which would know him out for 3 hours at a time twice a day. He is 6 and that wasn't working for me. Now we try different strategies for handling his problems. His problems and Simons are so similar. I really enjoy reading yor post abot Simon and drawing more ideas for how to help my son.

Whoops I meant "knock" him out.

I love the normal day post. Thanks for giving us some perspective with this post!

i love the 'are said in the lovliest of whining voices with a pinch of tears'. so funny. so true. don't i know what thats all about! :)
a

I can also relate to losing patience at the end of a long day - and then feeling so guilty and regretful about it. Thank you, Rachel, and Ali for sharing this. I think as moms we all need to find the courage to share more about the real everyday challenges of parenting. It's hard to be vulnerable and share, but there is so much strength to be gained from each other!

Such a lovely thought - and happy memory for me. My mother had that quote in our kitchen while I was growing up.
I think I needed both the memory AND reminder today! Thanks!

Reading this post made me sigh out loud, a sigh of relief. Thank you. I am a mother of twin five year olds and a 4 month old, all boys. Today was the topper of the rough days that we have had lately. I need to bring a little bit of humor to the table as seen in this post, thanks Ali for sharing!

It is a full moon this week, which could account for some of the grumpiness. One of the kiddos I work with is fond of saying "but I'm Jewish" or "it's not kosher" in response to requests he does not like or tasks he would rather not do. I also heard "no" and "I don't care" about 10 times each in a one hour therapy session this afternoon.
love your little prayer at the end.

I can relate to your so relate to your post and everyone's comments! I needed to feel some bonding tonight as I try to unwind from all of today's challenges. My daughter has sensory processing disorder, but did not get diagnosed til this year when she turned 12. We are working with a psychologist and starting next week with an occupational therapist to help us learn how to react and how to accomodate her needs. The ups and downs of a "normal day" include both challenges and treasures that I feel blessed to call my life. My daughter's whine is "why can't I be homeschooled?" Hope Simon doesn't catch that bug anytime soon!

Ali-
I loved your prayer/thought! :) I hope Simon's morning and afternoons get better for the both of you. :)

Thanks for sharing this story with us!

We seem to have tons of issues in the fall-perhaps even a bit of regression. To add insult to injury we'll be switching preschools this week after just beginning a few weeks ago. It'll be a better fit for her I hope.
And I thought we were potty-trained a couple weeks ago........ohhhhhhhhhh, no........ it's always something.
I love "normal" days. BUT----what is a "normal" day these days? I think we redefine "normal" around here each and every day. lol.