Have you ever had a time when you felt so judged as a mom? This morning was totally that for me, and I am trying to shake it off...so I will write it for anyone who cares to read.
Went to the health unit to get Judah and Olivia's shots, so not exactly the most fun out trip to begin with. The waiting room was full of great toys, I guess they got some money donated and bought the latest and greatest, the boys were so excited. Sim found a train push toy (can't get much better than that for him right now) and began to push it around. The "volunteer" granny whose supposed to help with weigh in, etc got quite uptight about the noise and started to reprimand him for driving the toy: he might hurt someone, although my kids were the only ones there. I suggested they put away the toys they don't want to be played with ( how's that for an idea?). Sim found another toy and she still found it was her place to tell him to stop making noise. I was trying to fill out the forms on Olivia's development while this was going on, and I just about lost it on this lady. Something triggers in me when old women are controlling and think they know it all. Probably need to deal with that one I guess...
After the shots, the waiting room was full of first time moms and dads, both there to support their little one. I remember when we just had Sim and Owen would take the afternoon off to come for moral support. Gone are those days as here I am trying to comfort my two youngest after their needles, nusing Olivia and making sure that Sim doesn't steal the prized airplane toy from another 3 year old boy. Then the tantrum as the boy walk out of the room with the plane, never to be seen again. The room is dead quiet (except for Sim) and all the first timers watch to see what mom does. Nice. Volunteer granny staring me down. What's my mantra again? I won't die, don't loose your dignity, I'm a good mom. Deep breath, and then...Olivia barfs all over me and the waiting room floor. Wonderful, and time for the Goward gong show to leave, thank you very much.
5 comments:
Oh Erin - I just feel for you and know exactly how you feel. What is it about those old volunteer grannies, anyway???? (I've encountered them regularaly here too!!) Rebecca also had a penchant for puking at just the "right" moment. You know, all those first time parents who were thinking that
"OUR little guy will never behave like that when he's three!" will get their comeuppance when their little darlin' is indeed three - especially if there's another baby or two added to the mix. Remember this: YOU ARE A GREAT MOM. God chose you to be the Mommy to these three precious ones, and you are going to be able to cope with that job. And also remember, it's likely months and months till you have to go back there again for more shots!!!
Thinking of you - Bev :)
Way to go, Bev!
Sorry to hear of your experience at the health clinic. Remember to set your sights on someone other than the granny or watchful parents when trying to assess the quality of your parenting (hard to do). You know all that you do for your children.
Hang in there!
Laura
Thanks ladies! Re-reading this post today makes me laugh at it all, I think I really needed to vent this one out. And hey, today's a new day, with no mistakes in it (...yet)
er
Erin--wow--I'm sorry but I totally laughed! Because those days are still here for this Mom, and I can empathize with you perfectly...And what's up with the Grumpy Grannies?!?!?! PTL We don't have those at my clinic! (And that my kids are totally behind on their shots! hahaha)
Oh how blessed we are to not have to be judged by anyone except the Supreme Judge and to know that there is nothing good in us, except what the Lord has done in us!! And that you kept your cool even when O threw up and Sim was throwing that tantrum--I'm surprised Judah didn't start crying, too--what a chill kiddo! Man, Er, I definately am thinking about/missing you today!
Hi again Erin - In my original message I had typed to put in this post (which then I erased accidentally) - I had quoted Anne Shirley to say that indeed, tomorrow is a fresh new day with no mistakes in it. Sometimes we all need to hear that.... So good on you, Erin. Hang in there!!!
Bev
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