After preschool today, Monkeys aunt took her to the park and out for ice cream. When they came back I was sleeping, but her aunt told me there were kids at the park that were mean to Monkey. I asked what happened, and it turns out they had bubbles so Monkey went up and in an attempt to join the fun, she started laughing and popping bubbles. The little girl thought it was funny and they started playing a game of blowing and popping the bubbles together.
Apparently, one of the two boys didn’t like the game and told her there was three of them, and with Monkey it would be four, and there was no room for four. My disappointed Monkey went and told her aunt what happened, so they left the park for ice cream and toy shopping at Target.
My baby has never been picked on at the park before, and I know that’s part of life. But, why did that have to happen on the one day when I wasn’t there to help her work it out? I know in my brain, this encounter is a perfect example of why we sent her to preschool. These situations are part of life, and her reaction actually made me proud. Her aunt said she handled it well, came back and told the adult what happened and didn’t cry, but unfortunately the news didn’t hit me in the same way. I cried. I cried the tears that should have come from my three year old.
Then, I realized it’s not about those kids at the park or the way Monkey handled them, but more about how isolated I have felt the last few days. This bed rest is taking some time to get used to and even though my friends and family have been so kind and offered to help, every day when I open my eyes, I just want to roll over and sleep the day away. I don’t want to shower or brush my teeth so my outside appearance matches my inside, and quite honestly, I am feeling left out. I have nothing to blog about, because every day is filled with nothingness. I miss the kids I teach on Sundays, and I miss working in our yard on the weekends. I hate that I had to clear my calendar, or run the risk of becoming a total flake when I have to cancel at the last minute.
Of course, I want to do what can to help Caterpillar, and physically I am not up to going out and being included in much anyway. But, I feel like I am looking out of the window, watching the world go by and in my family of soon to be four, there’s just no room for me.
Ohhhh, mama! I can only imagine how hard all of this is for you… but you will get through it. You’ve got friends, family, Trav and your faith. Monkey will be ok and will probably forget about this, or already has. This would have happened even if you were there… and she probably reacted better because you weren’t there. I know she’s only 3… but this is the time where they learn that not everyone lets them win like mom and dad and they figure out that not everyone is nice. Don’t feel left out or feel like you aren’t worthy because you have to stay in a prone position all day. This is good for Caterpillar, good for you and even good for Monkey. Breathe, mama, just breathe.
I hated bed rest for that reason. I felt so isolated and felt as though I was missing out and could not be there when I was needed the most. Truth be told, Monkey’s Aunt did a great job by removing her from the situation and getting her ice cream. Ice cream is like wine for kids!
You are correct. This will happen in life. It is tough but a great learning lesson. I use events like that as a means of teaching my kids how NOT to behave. I take a negative and turn it into a positive… I will say remember when such and such happened and how sad you felt… when then don’t do that to someone else…
and you need to tell Monkey that FOUR is a great number because as soon as the Caterpillar arrives you will be FOUR!
Oh-I hate that you’re feeling left out. That is such a crumby feeling. Can I just come over and take you for a drive? 😛 Big hugs! Enjoy your long weekend with your hubby and B and rest up. You’re life will be super crazy before you know it. Love you!
Hang in there Mom, like you got a choice in the matter! Soon, you will be thinking back of all the sleep you are now getting with envy. Hang loose (pun intended!) and enjoy it as much as you can…
-MileHighDad
http://www.milehighdad.com/
Oh no! *hugs*
Hang in there. I know this must be so hard for you right now (I was on bed rest for a week and it was horrible) but it will be over before you know it.
Hang in there!!