Fancies - creatures of habit

We are creatures of habit. Every day we get up at the same time, or snooze the alarm repeatedly, go through our morning routine; and then we are off for the day. For some that includes drinking their favorite cup of joe or jumping in a cold shower. Most routines happen gradually and take shape without one realizing it has become the norm.

Children are the same. Babies have milk and take naps on a routine, and this usually doesn’t change too much. As they get older and become more independent, the list of routines grows. As a parent it can be a shock when a simple matter of wearing tennis shoes instead of sandals throws your child into an upset outburst. Rocking the boat unknowingly takes you for a sharp turn.

As the season changes again, Marshall is the next to join in the habit breaking - “What is this boot?” and tries to take it off. He hasn’t noticed or comprehended yet that Sunday is dress-up day, so we haven’t experienced any melt-downs with that yet. Olivia is definitely aware of all her clothing and when we switch to nice dresses on Sunday versus the usual skirt and t-shirt. She usually picks a jean dress that is not really a typical Sunday dress, but it is a dress nonetheless; so I let her have a pass.

Wes’ brother got married this weekend, and I prepared for special military-style tactics (sarcasm) to encourage Olivia to wear a fancy dress. I told her we were going to a wedding party, and we had to dress up very nicely.

“Look at Marshall & Daddy!” I told her.

“See Marshall’s fancy vest and bow tie and Daddy’s fancy shirt and tie. You need a fancy dress too!” I said. She asked if she had a tie too like Marshall and Daddy, and I figured a belt/bow in the back of the dress qualified.

I artfully used tactics of imitation (like Marshall!) and told her everyone is going to be wearing their fancy clothes to the wedding, and the bride will have a fancy wedding dress! She said “Adana will have a fancy dress?” (Her name is Adriana). She was persuaded.

Olivia always wanting to array herself identical to Marshall was used to the advantage of changing up her habitual routine. Yes, we are all creatures of habit, but sometimes we can be persuaded to change course on occasion. Starting today, drop that cup of coffee down the sink. Who needs a bitter taste to start the day?