Hahaha, "we're best friends now" is such a perfect ending to this. I love the way you write. Can also relate, unfortunately, to the bit about them asking for something while it's already happening - my two year old likes to say "play with it" to me while I'm ALREADY PLAYING WITH THE TOY HE WANTS ME TO PLAY WITH. I simply don't know what to do with that feedback, it's nonsensical.
Oh yes, that feedback would be challenging to parse. Are you SURE you are playing with it when you get that feedback? Perhaps you stopped to take a sip of water or wipe the sweat from your brow? Perhaps he senses you are slowing down or not giving your play effort 100% and “play with it!” is just kindly motivation? Ahhh to be in the brain of a two-year-old!
What a brilliant piece, Shelly! It makes me wonder if my infertility was a blessing in disguise, trading the breast-feeding fiasco and postpartum hormones for my two foster-to-adopt kiddos whose daycare is paid for by the state. No doubt the next few years will be mayhem, but at least they sleep through the night!
Hahaha, "we're best friends now" is such a perfect ending to this. I love the way you write. Can also relate, unfortunately, to the bit about them asking for something while it's already happening - my two year old likes to say "play with it" to me while I'm ALREADY PLAYING WITH THE TOY HE WANTS ME TO PLAY WITH. I simply don't know what to do with that feedback, it's nonsensical.
Oh yes, that feedback would be challenging to parse. Are you SURE you are playing with it when you get that feedback? Perhaps you stopped to take a sip of water or wipe the sweat from your brow? Perhaps he senses you are slowing down or not giving your play effort 100% and “play with it!” is just kindly motivation? Ahhh to be in the brain of a two-year-old!
I'll admit, Shelly, that my heart sometimes isn't in it. Maybe he can smell the boredom on me?
Like how dogs can "smell fear?" Yes, probably! Maybe he's saying it to keep you motivated! Like a play coach! :)
This was so so so glorious and hilarious and damn I have never before felt so SEEN. 👀
That is the greatest compliment! Thank you as always for reading!
What a brilliant piece, Shelly! It makes me wonder if my infertility was a blessing in disguise, trading the breast-feeding fiasco and postpartum hormones for my two foster-to-adopt kiddos whose daycare is paid for by the state. No doubt the next few years will be mayhem, but at least they sleep through the night!
I love the way you look at things, Liz! (Just one reason I love your Substack.) Foster parents are heroes! Thank you for reading and sharing!
Of course! I would love for more people to discover your writing. 😄
Ah! No wonder my mother gives me the stink eye now and again when I complain about something.
hahahhahahhaha!
Thank you for sharing, Shannon!