Some background: I’m 6 months pregnant and Everett is three years old. I say this so paint a picture of a tired, mostly cranky mother living with an energetic, creative, boundary exploring toddler.
A pattern that has emerged with E is that in the morning he does not want to change shirts. Really he doesn’t want to change clothes at all. He wants to stay in his pajamas to go to school. I get it. Pajamas are cozy, they’re soft, and they’re already body temperature. Getting naked it cold and then the new clothes, while also soft (this is very important to him) aren’t warm yet.
Thankfully, as he’s experienced a number of “pajama days” at school I was able to use that to my advantage…
Everett, since it’s not pajama day, it’s not appropriate for us to wear full pajamas to school. You can keep the shirt on, but we need to put on underwear and pants.
He accepts this. Now listen, he’s wearing leggings or sweatpants so they’re basically pajamas, but the distinction feels important somehow.
On the rare occasions where we do need him to change his shirt, or we decide it’s important for some arbitrary reason, it’s…a whole thing. But…this morning was different.
The idea came to me as we shuffled downstairs at 6:45am and Everett mentioned being excited to give Valentine’s to his friends at school. We put them together last night as E chose which lollipop to tape to whose truck themed card. I saw my in…
20 minutes later — 7:05am — I went upstairs to pee (we don’t have a bathroom on the first floor of the house which is helping me get my steps in because…six months pregnant) I grabbed E clothes for the day.
Everett, a lot of people choose to wear red or pink on Valentine’s day. You don’t have to if you don’t want to, but I brought down two shirts you could wear if you want to wear red or pink.
Guys…not only was he super pumped to wear a red shirt, he wanted to get changed right then! He ASKED me to take off his pajama shirt!
Can you believe it?
Now, here’s the thing. He’s wearing a red shirt today. It’s a long sleeved t shirt not much unlike his pajama shirt. This literally doesn’t matter, yet it feels like a win to me. But really…what did I win?
I outsmarted a 3 year old?
I got a 3 year old to do what I want?
I proved my power over a 3 year old?
It literally doesn’t matter that he’s not wearing pajamas! No one cares! I barely care! Yet a care! FOR NO GOOD REASON!
Yet, here I am writing to you about this momentous occasion on this made up holiday that really serves to make most of us feel shitty in one way or the other.
How am I really celebrating Valentine’s Day? Memorizing my show for Thursday. Or mostly memorizing it. I refuse to make myself too nuts about this, but am also nervous I will get up there and my mom brain will take over and I’ll know nothing.
Maybe if I put on a red shirt I’ll feel better.
In person and virtual tickets still available HERE and I hope you have a not too shitty day and that you too experience a win big or small.
xo, Alissa
I have 3 boys (aged 20, 17 & 17 now) so I feel your struggle! And fully sympathise! Maybe it would be worth getting him to choose his clothes the night before and/or letting him wear them to bed/and or just putting a top on top of his PJ’s. I’ve had to do it all!
Awww happy Valentine's to you and E! I bet he looks adorable in the red shirt. Can't wait to watch your show!!