I most definitely have a two-year old.
A good friend called a bit ago and offered to come over and help me take the kids outside to play. I asked him if he would accompany us to the library, as I am quite desperate for new books for the kids. He agreed and so we went, and I was reminded of why the prospect of doing this by myself is so daunting: even with two adults (that’s a one on one ratio!) we were still a bit of a challenge to the library’s hospitality. Libraries are a bit like worship services and weddings in this way.
Jarrod herded (literally) while I quickly grabbed some books off the shelves, and we were about to get out of there incident free when Mercy had her first ever run-in with the authorities. A stern-faced woman in a police uniform approached Mercy and asked her to stop standing on the little bench that runs beneath the front window. Mercy looked like someone had punched her. Her eyes were as big as I have ever see them, and her face carried this blend of fear and shame that none of MY reprimands have ever warranted. She sat dociley until the woman left the building a few minutes later.
Right before we were about to leave for the library, I had received a flurry of phone calls concerning an urgent situation in our community. Mercy was sitting at her little table with her child scissors and some paper. At one point I looked down at her and saw that her table was covered in little golden curls. Mercy had decided that, in opposition to her father’s strong wishes, it was time for bangs. And of course she did this the week before she is supposed to be a flower girl in our good friends’ wedding.
Oh yes, I have a two-year old.
Hmmmm…she takes after her mother! I can’t wait to see the new look!
She does and she doesn’t…if you remember, I wanted to NOT have bangs (which is why I held the scissors as close as possible to my hairline when I cut).
She actually did a fairly good job of cutting herself a set of bangs. I seriously think the hair in her face was just bugging her and she decided to do something about it.
Hilarious and charming … What a wonderful picture of good mothers, too.
I hope you are not missing a wonderful opportunity here: Behavior modification with scare tactics. Many parents pretend they are above it and may not help you with the subtle nuances. As soon as possible remind Mercy about the library police lady. For example, “Take a nap now or the library police lady will come and put you to bed.” Or, “Eat your spinach or the library police lady will fix your supper.”
Milk it for all it is worth.
I love hearing about Mercy. It is a wonderful picture into the delight she gives you as a mother.
(are you getting my emails? can you pray with me about my wedding that in only 2 months away?)
Oh Julie, you are the best. I have not laughed much lately, and it was so refreshing to have a good belly laugh! 🙂
Bethie,
I just emailed you 🙂 I’m afraid I’m a bit behind in many things, email included. Talk to you soon!
Take comefort in this, she does not drive yet.
Oh, Kent, I dare not even imagine…
Well I have three sons who have long since blown past 16 and I can not only imagine I can tell stories. And while this may be fairly relative, Mercy does not sound like a high cash entity. I have great sons but they have and still do see me as mobile ATM.
Remember, the best is yet to come.
🙂