Thursday, November 18, 2010

The G will concede to a hat and mittens, in addition to his summer wear...on days of his choosing. 

It's hard to believe, looking at that sweet face, that this child is driving me to the brink of insanity.  It's true. It's not about the sassiness or the defiance or even the potty words--those are the things I was 'prepared' for with a 4 year old boy. It's about the dress code.

Now, I consider myself a pretty laid back momma, especially when it comes to clothes.  I strive for clean and weather appropriate--and those are about my only 2 requirements. I have some basic requirements about church clothes, but they are very loose.  In short, I chose L's clothes because she could care less and Garrett choses (and has for quite some time) his own.

To illustrate my point, Garrett wore the exact same outfit (of his choosing) to school for the first 6 weeks--before you think I'm some sort of laundry genius, he only goes Tu/Th.  His teachers graciously allowed him to wear flip flops, as in years past tennis shoes were the rule.  The shorts were a pair of size 3s from Kohls from last year.  When he was 2.  They were faded and produced a muffin top like I've never seen on a small child.  The shirt was worn thread bare in two spots.  And if I ever see either of those items again, my head might explode.

Here are the specific requirements of Sir Garrett's clothing:  shirts must be snug fitting and not hang past the waist band of his shorts.  Shorts must hit well above the knee, but not touch the belly button.  Socks of any sort are from the devil.  Pants, long sleeve shirts, jackets, even tennis shoes are out.  Bare feet are preferable, but flip flops will do.

My laissez-faire attitude was making for days of peace and nights of laundry, and I was happy.  But now, the frickin weather has changed and a paper thin t-shirt that almost exposes his belly button and shorts that are 2 sizes too small just won't cut it.  So.....every morning....every flippin morning....we have the same 'discussion' about clothes.  It usually starts something like, "you need to wear some long pants and a long shirt", with G responding No....and it spirals downward from there.

I've tried all the usual and customary threats, punishments, bribes, and rewards, so please don't suggest some sort of cheesy sticker chart....because The General (that'd be G, not me) would laugh in the face of a sticker chart.  This is a child that would forfeit riding his bike over putting on acceptable clothing--he's a machine, I tell you.  A machine of self-control, tenacity, persistence, intense opinion, and pure hard-headedness.  He's wearing me down, breaking my spirit in a slow, systematic fashion--GITMO's got nothing on this kid, people.   Anyway, the point of this ramble is this:  if you see us in January and The G is wearing some blatantly inappropriate ensemble--don't judge, just know that I've made the decision to preserve my sanity over his body temperature.  Every man for himself!

8 comments:

{A*very} Blessed Life said...

LOVE your heart Gina! I am crying from laughing so hard! Thanks for sharing and for your dear sense of humor!

Anonymous said...

WAAAhhaaaaaa! I wonder if he gets that from his Uncle David?
:)AR

kellywanhainen said...

Oh my god. I just read this whole blog to my best friend, and we're dying right now. Let me know if you want me to make G some hats and scarves, anything to keep that crazy child warm! I can't believe the muffin top part..I can only imagine how hilarious he looks! I'm going to miss you guys over Thanksgiving, but I can't wait to see you for Christmas!

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness, Gina! He should have been mine! I have not one, but TWO just like that although the rules are a tad bit different. :) I'm hoping, this too shall pass~

Sara said...

Oh Gina! I had to crack up over this! Hudson is the exact opposite! He will not leave the house until he is completely bundled up. I mean hat, gloves, coat zipped to the throat, whole nine yards. And it doesn't matter if it warmed to 50 degrees and we are 30 minutes late. It all has to go on! No exceptions! Hoping this stage passes quickly for you. :)

Amy said...

Gina
I know I have told you before, but I love reading your blog!! You crack me up! I still am laughing about the grocery episode!
Amy

The Leonards said...

i too, am cracking up at your last couple posts. i mean really cracking up. we love baby burch #3 already. amen to the hobby post. garrett will fit right in with my boys decked out in sunglasses, cow boots, and carz tshirts (you were right...what can i say, they are breaking me...and it's just what i needed:). love you, dear friend.

Alexandra said...

This child is so funny. I can only hope my future children are as entertaining (I'm just assuming they'll all be trouble in one way or another thanks to growing up hearing my mom tell me that she 'hopes I have children that act JUST like I did').