Yesterday

Don't you just love those new moms with fresh pink little babies who think they know EVERYTHING about how to raise a newborn? You know...that 20 something mom with all the newest, trendiest gadgets..all supposed to be the best for this little baby. The one who INSISTS to any warm body that is listening that diposable diapers are evil and cloth diapers are going to keep the ice caps from melting..(just joking..she didnt say that.) The new mom who insists that the latest blogger on her blog roll has more advice to give than her own mom and grandmother.

Meet my latest idiot "guest" yesterday. She had a newborn (3 days young) out in the 45 degree cold winds. This little baby was super cute all dressed in pink and brown, with a GIGANTIC pink bow the size of my head attached to her head, curled up all nice in her carseat. The mom of this cute little thing was one of those cute little things herself, in her designer jeans that were no bigger than a size 4 and her Louis Vutton purse the size of a volkswagon beattle. You know..the ones we all love to hate but secretly envy... She wore this really beautiful white coat as well, really nice...

Anyways, the mother and grandmother of the new mom were pushing the cart through hell (LNT as you know it) as the new mom was barking orders about how to push the cart with baby Maddie sitting inside. The cart was one of those annoying carts with a wheel that does its own thing, so I told the new mom I would go get another cart for her. This 20 something splinter of a girl thanked me and called me HONEY when I gave her the new cart. (Insert an UGHHH... and also a eye roll..)

Before I tell you any more, let me tell you that I was 5 days away from turning 30 years old when I had Ava. I was around little kids and babies my entire life. I practically raised Becky when she was a baby because I wouldn't put her down. So my mom says. But when I brought my own child home, I was hopeless. My mom stayed with me the first week Ava was home and my mom has been on call since then. So..I am NOT saying I am God's gift to mothers. No way...maybe my mom is...but not me...

Anyways, this new mom is having a very heated conversation with her maternal family members about what type of towel is best suited for little Maddie. Does Maddie need Egyptian cotton yarn with longer loops for silky rich texture, or the pure hand picked cotton that has extra long generous terry loops for faster drying? Or should we go with the celebrity towel that is made with Pima cotton? OH...such deliberation on towels... I was asked for my opinion...I spoke to the maternal grandparents when I answered. I told them the Rachel Ray towels were IMO overpriced and the colors were appauling... my preference is the Genesis...but if we are buying new towels for a newborn...just go with this everyday oxford ultra that is soft and absorbant and will withstand tough wear. I told them that I bought Ava oxford towels to use in her bathroom and I have all different kinds of towels in my bathroom. The new mom was insulted that I thought she would buy her precious Maddie cheap towels. She dismissed me. ("You're dismissed." is actually what she said.) I told her to buy whatever she wanted for the baby. It didnt make me any difference.

But before I walked away, I had to tell this new mom who knew everything that old moms and new moms like myself might question where her head is when she is fighting over towels, but has her 3 day old child out in 45 degree cold and wind with no socks, no shoes, no hat, NO BLANKET, BUT in a super cute sleeveless princess onsie with a pink and brown tutu. YES...that is what precious Maddie was wearing yesterday. Mom has on a beautiful white coat...Maddie has purple feet and a purple head that is clashing with her GIGANTIC pink bow.

(I wore a sweater at work all day because it is so cold in the building.)

Normally I would not say anything to a guest like this...but when you talk to me like a dog I bark back with harsh words.

If you are wondering what towels she bought, she got some white promotional towels that are crap. (Sorry, ALL SALES FINAL!) She got the white because she didn't want any dyes to irritate Maddie. BUT..she also bought a cinderella mutli colored dye infested towel wrap that has a "PRECIOUS!!!" princess crown on the head. Makes no sense.

The mom of the new mom actually thanked me on her way out for what I said. She said her daughter (the 20 something) threw a tantrum in the car on the way over because she did not want a blanket on Maddie that would possibly squash the tutu. She said my comments embarrassed her daughter...which was a blessing...because the older mom knew if she said anything to her daughter she wouldnt get the chance to see her granddaughter for a few months.

It's just another day in hell.

A good quote that I like to read regularly.

“Watch your thoughts, for they become Words.

Watch your Words, for they become Actions.

Watch your Actions, for they become Habits.

Watch your Habits, for they become Character.

Watch your Character, for it becomes your Destiny.”

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Nana: Ava, what do you want for Christmas?

Ava: Roller Skates

Nana: What else?

Ava: That's all. I don't need anything else.

Later, I asked Ava what she wanted for Christmas. She told me her Nana already asked and she said roller skates. I asked, what else do you want?

Ava: Momma, let's think about it. THINK Momma.

Me: What?

Ava: Ain't I rotten enough?

This is true!

"Every morning you are handed 24 golden hours. They are one of the few things in this world that you get free of charge. If you had all the money in the world, you couldn't buy an extra hour. What will you do with this priceless treasure? Remember, you must use it, as it is given only once. Once wasted you cannot get it back."

So you guys from Windthorst will understand this. No one else will.




We signed Ava up this year for religion class at Immaculate Conception. I didn't think there would be much adjustment for her to attend this weekly Sunday class, considering she goes to school Monday through Friday. Can I just tell you taking her to religion class is a beating? She HATES going. She tells me she does not like the teachers, she does not like the kids...I have to bribe her with donuts every Sunday just to get her to walk into the classroom. Last Sunday she cried the entire time, 75 MINUTES..I don't blame her teachers for cringing every time they see us. They probably think Ava is the worst child born, and I am the worst mother to give birth.

When I grew up religion class was part of our daily routine in elementarty and junior high school. We had religion class Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 730-8am. I wish I could give Ava such a privelege. The only way to make that possible is to enroll her in the Immaculate Conception private school. Tuition is not that expensive, probably no more than any other Catholic private school in the metroplex--and quite frankly, the tuition per semester would be cheaper than what we pay for Primrose per semester. The problem is Immaculate Conception is not convienant. The trip is probably 20 miles out of my way every morning (at least) which calculates into about 45 minutes of traffic. And then another 20 miles out of the way in the afternoon...which could be an hour plus extra in traffic.

So, which is more important? Convience?? Or introducing my child to the Catholic faith? The answer is quite clear. Unfortunately my lack of patience on the interstate and my unwillingness to give up precious free time is clouding my judgements.

I have to find a way to make Ava enjoy Sunday school AND participate. Some have suggested teaching the class myself, but I can tell you that that is simply not a solution at this time. Others have suggested I move back to Windthorst for Ava's sake. Again, I can assure you, that will not happen.

So, I must ask myself: How important is it TO ME to make sure Ava has the best religious education? The answer: I have to send her to private school. There is no other way.

The next question is this: How will I possibly maintain self control on the interstate for an extra hour and a half each day? I can barely maintain self control now...

Pray for me..and Ava...but mostly me.