When I dreamed about having a little girl one day, this is what I imagined. Tutus and dress-up? You betcha. The reality that there’s twice as much of this goodness is almost too much. Almost. An embarrassment of riches? Nah. Nothin’ embarrassing about these two little confections.

Unless you count the occasional public meltdown. What do I liken it to? Ah, yes… sack-cloth-and-ashes-style mourning. Then there was O and Ro’s  very consistent “taking over” of a certain ballerina birthday party this weekend. Maybe the dance teacher needed a little help? Considering I know the teacher personally, who is an accomplished dancer and choreographer, I’m pretty certain she could’ve handled it on her own. And sure, they might’ve tried to excavate our pastor’s nose this past Sunday (for the record, nothing was mined), but do O and Ro actually embarrass me in these situations?

Nope. Not when you get right down to it. I might be ashamed by my own lack of ability to “control” the little social faux pas-making rascals, as if it were always possible. Consider the fact that we parents are trying to teach manners to toddlers before they cognitively grasp why manners are important, or can even say the word “manners” out loud, and it can seems downright discouraging.

But try we do, as that’s what parents are called to. However, I think it’s good to be reminded how hard this gig is sometimes (like we needed the memo) instead of just beating ourselves up about it. I find it impossible to believe every child is exempt from making these social blunders, and by incessantly apologizing for it, trying to “save face” (as I’m prone to do) I somehow take away from the wonder and fun of O and Ro’s childhood. Toddlers are hilarious, so why do I so often miss the joke?

My aim is to let go of my own pride and just embrace the inevitable a bit more. I wouldn’t change a thing about O and Ro (changing their diapers right now is hard enough). I need to give myself a break already. Otherwise, I’m just sucking the joy out of this motherhood thing, and there’s plenty to be found.

As for the social grace worthy of those tutus, that’ll get here someday, but why would I wish these days by so fast?

Anyone have a fun story of kiddie faux pas to share? Reflection always brings humor to the situation, right? RIGHT?