How many times has this title been seen on a mommy blog? I know I've seen it at least a dozen. And for good reason. Mommy guilt is alive and well the world over, one of those truths that just exists, regardless of religion, socio-economic background, or ethnicity. The only thing that's a constant among the population is gender.
You'd think I'd learn. After all these "lessons" and all this time, you'd think I'd have gotten a clue, been more alert, been more prepared. And hence, my guilt of the week.
We all know Samantha has auditory sensitivity. And, over the last 4 years we've been learning (over and over again, mind you...) what the triggers are, when they are likely to occur, what kind of catastrophic reaction would ensue. And after The Great Circus Disaster of 2012, after making a desperate next-day purchase of sound-muffling headphones to help stave off just such a repeat situation, you'd really think I'd have learned that those headphones could be a serious life-saver. And, as the Boy Scouts have taught time and time again, Be Prepared.
Easy, right?
Apparently not.
Samantha and I had a birthday party to go to on Saturday. It was at someone's house. Shouldn't be a problem, as opposed to all of those crazy parties at the Little Gyms and Torture Zones of the world... And it especially shouldn't be a problem if I brought along her headphones, just in case. I thought about it and planned for it, and was totally ready to do. just. that.
Until it came time to leave. Then I chucked all common sense and preparation right out the window, grabbed Sammi's new library books for her to read in the car, grabbed the birthday present for her friend, and grabbed my purse, completely leaving the headphones behind. I have enough forethought to leave them in her backpack for school (PE is a particularly LOUD activity 3x per week, and they've been wholly effective for her there). And in her backpack they stayed.
So, you can imagine what happened next. Multiple meltdowns (interspersed with joyous playtime, thankfully). Ugh. Horrible mommy that I am, I had to apologize to Sammi for forgetting the headphones. She, being the sweet and forgiving sort, hugged me and said "That's okay, Mommy." And if watching her be tortured through whistles, horns and an enthusiastic round of "Happy Birthday To You" wasn't punishment enough, I'd have been crushed if she hadn't forgiven me.
Whew!
So, until next time, when I'm sure to be the Worst Mother In The World yet again (not including yesterday morning when I accidentally whacked her in the head then proceeded to step on her blanket-covered hand), all is once again well, Chez Sammi.
9 comments:
Bless your heart! Thankfully there is always next time! ;)
ah yes, mommy guilt....
if it was an Olympic sport, surely I'd have the gold....
I once threw away my son's hot dog he was saving for later. I thought it was trash. lol At the time he was devastated and I felt AWFUL. So I bought him a churro which made up for it - sort of.
We all have what I call "bad mommy moments." Our kids still love us at the end of the day though. Maybe that's one of the many reasons why kids hold such a special place with Jesus.
gotta love mommy guilt. Becca, you are a good good mama and Miss Sammi recognizes that! I have forgotten chewy tubes, THE blankie, cheese crackers, diaper, wipes, change of clothing, etc that have resulted in epic meltdowns or the Bear sitting in yucky clothing. Are the headphones super expensive? Perhaps a second pair to keep in your purse for emergency situations? {HUGS}
I haven't gotten on the ball yet to order the headphones but our ENT has forbidden swimming without ear plugs. As I was stuffing them in her ears on Friday before class I noticed that the CVS brand ear plugs are rated to 22 decibals. They are also clear so not nearly as noticible as the bright orange ones. I'm still thinking head phones are the to go but until i get to ordering them and as a backup I'm going to put a box in my car/purse.
Anna - they're only $11 on the Peltor website. Definitely not expensive, but they're quite bulky and not really something I could throw into a purse. LOL
Lisa - that's awesome!! I'll have to look into those CVS ear plugs! The headphones are also up to 22 decibels, so they may have a similar result! Thanks!
Yeah I get a gold medal for the mommy guilt too! Let's see..... For today I poked Grace in the eye while removing her glasses. Yesterday didn't get people fed until 830 cuz I decided to head to the beach instead of planning ahead! Those clear earplugs sound like the ticket for most situations. I am just wondering how they would work in situations you still need to hear , just not the extreme noise. I did pat myself on the back when I showed Grace how to cover her hangars with her hands before I flushed the toilet. She was still cowering in the corner of the stall but didn't come unhinged. Motherhood.
The part about whacking her in the head and stepping on her hand cracked me up. With 3 little bodies constantly surround posing me, I feel like I'm always running into someone. I do the same thing with thinking about bringing something and then deciding not to. For me, it usually a drink or snack, and then I hear, "Mommy, why didn't you bring us a drink/snack." Tonight at soccer practice, I made Austin cry (again) for (again) forgetting to bring him a drink. We all do it. It builds character in our kids lol.
Awwww... too hard on yourself! We use those soft waxy earplugs (they have neutral ones too, and orange) so portable and always in my pocketbook. But that doesn't mean that I don't forget them sometimes! :)
Post a Comment