Expectations

Everyone has expectations, even if at times we are unaware of them. At times, those expectations are spot on.  As a mother of girls, I assumed my female children would enjoy girly play and meeting princesses.  This has been confirmed with my little ladies in Disney and our recent adventure to Princess Amerah storytime at the library.  They were in heaven. 

Sometimes things exceed our expectations.  For example, I was fully prepared to be proud and a bit teary when our adorable Katelee graduated from preschool.  Here she is at her program. 



She sang her heart out.  I'm pretty sure she was the only one the audience could hear for many of the songs.  We were all beaming and so excited the graduate didn't forget to talk to the little people that helped her reach this accomplishment!


I have also learned that mostly, you have to expect the unexpected.  I suppose I expected that after 2 kids, I would have much of this parenting thing down when the third came along...but, then I also was aware that each child is incredibly different.  They are unique in temperment, interests, quirks and growth.  I expected Brenna to be an individual, but I didn't expect her to be HER!  I fully expect to see one of my children on tv...


but, I am concerned it may be on a program similiar to the current "My Strange Addiction"  (for those of you who haven't viewed this, these people have odd addictions-bathing in bleach, eating couch stuffing, eating comet, etc).  Brenna may be spotlighted by those producers.  She eats crayons, dirt, dog food and most recently plastic bowls.  Yes, bowls.  I expected to have to discipline her in her toddlerhood and find her in precarious situations.  I didn't expect to say things like, "Brenna, get your head out of the toliet!"  Tonight, I walked by the bathroom to see this little gem swishing her hair and face in the commode.  Oh my nastiness.  And I didn't expect to turn into a parent that takes pictures of their kids in gross situations, but look, I snapped a post potty water shot, right before she was thrown into the bath....


I am going to try to find that balance with expecting high standards and excellence from my kids while not assuming I know what is coming, because obviously I don't!