Friday, May 23, 2008

Apparently, I belong in the zoo...

Thursday was a busy day for us. Lola had a picnic with her preschool, at a park, to celebrate the end of the year. Jay had a field trip to the zoo with his pre-K class.

I watched the news the night before and was prepared to dress the children for 55 degree Spring-like Ohio weather.

Jay begged to wear his camo hoodie, his most prized possession, and I convinced him to pair it up with some fleece lined sweat pants. I sent him off to school with a kiss and a hug and proceeded to speed across town to Lola's school picnic.

9:30 am. We exited our heated minivan and greeted our preschool friends at the park. It was a bone chilling 40 degrees outside and as I watched Lola happily running after her friends, all I could think about was my sweet Jay chilled at the zoo.

9:45 am. The topic of conversation amongst the mothers was how flipping cold it was. I tried to contribute to the conversation and watched Lola swing but all I could think about was my sweet Jay chilled at the zoo. "Heeheee... can you believe the pool opens up this weekend?" I said.

9:55 am. I wrapped my pashmina scarf around myself and buttoned up my Mango trench coat. My feet were half naked in my Tory Burch ballet flats and I was no longer keeping my eye out for Lola. I was no longer part of the mother's conversations. All I could think about was my first born, my first love, my sweet Jay chilled to the bone at the zoo in his camo sweat shirt.

10:02 am. Dude. It is cold. Jay must be cold too!

10:04 am. "Mrs. Soy, would you mind posing for a picture with Lola? I think we are going to take off." I exclaimed, as I flipped out my Nikon and summoned Lola for a quick picture. I was the first mother out of the parking lot and the rest followed me.

10:07 am. I called my mother. "Mama? I am so worried, I can't even swallow." I grabbed her attention and already knew her verdict. "I sent Jay on his field trip with just a hoodie and it is so incredibly cold... you think it would be pushy of me to crash his field trip and deliver a winter jacket?"

10:08 am. "No." My mama told me. "You won't make it through the day knowing he is cold for another 5 hours."

10:48 am. After picking up Jay's winter jacket at home, I arrived at the zoo parking lot with his jacket. He was without warmth for an entire 108 minutes.

10:52 am. At the zoo entrance. "What do you mean you can not use your walkie talkie to locate my son's preschool class." I yelled at the disheveled 18 year old. "This is an emergency!" He asked me to calm down and inquired about the nature of the emergency. "It is cold outside. I have his coat!!!!" I looked at him shaking Jay's orange winter coat about.

10:53 am. Security approached the crazy OHmommy and calmed her down. "Miss. You must clam down. We have over 1,365 schools visiting us today. We can not locate YOUR son."

10:54 am. The gates opened for me and I was left to find my son on my own. I was lectured on what constituted as an emergency.

10:59 am. I stopped a cute mother with a double stroller. "Have you seen a group of children in gray T-shirts?" I frantically asked her. She told me she had seen at least a couple of dozen groups and they all looked alike.

11:01 am. I ran past the Baboons in my flats and spotted a group of gray T-shirts "Academy Preschool" and I ran to them. I found part of the preschool!!! They informed me that lunch for the preschool would take place in exactly 30 minutes under the main pavilion. I need to find Jay and give him this jacket. I am cold. Therefore, he is cold.

11:02 am. I ran past the Jaguars and Fifi sat up and yelled out, "MEOW! MEOW! MAMAMAMAMA... MEOW! Mama? Mama? Meow? Mama... meow?" I tucked her back into her stroller and told her that we were on a mission to find Jay. No time to explain animals and their noises. "Hurry, Lola.... Jay is cold!!" I yelled out hoping she would pick up her pace.

11:30 am. I. Found. Jay. Right outside of the main pavilion. The teacher gave me an incredibly confused look. "Jay might be cold. I have his jacket." I explained waving his orange winter jacket in the air. The other mom chaperons also look uber confused. "Dude. It is cold outside." I took off Jay's gray "Academy Preschool" T-shirt, tucked in his camo hoodie into his pants, placed his winter jacket over the camo hoodie, and topped it back off with his "Academy Preschool" t-shirt.

11:31 am. I smiled. I hugged and kissed Jay and shook hands with his teacher. I ran past the Baboons and the Jaguars back to the parking lot. I was thrilled to have found him, to give him warmth and comfort for the next couple of hours left on his field trip.

11:43 am:
3:00 pm. The girls and I waited for the bus to arrive at the pre-school. We noticed sweet Jay happily waving HELLO through the window. He stepped off the bus.....

wearing just his gray preschool shirt.

No camo hoodie.

No winter jacket.

Just a gray "Academy Preschool" t-shirt.


Apparently, I belong in the zoo.

I do.

He said he was "too warm."

After driving 30 miles, convinced he was as cold as I was, and frantically dressing him in the middle of the girl's nap... he was "too warm." He needed to take off his hoodie and the orange winter jacket.

77classy comments:

Victoria said...

I must be slow. Did he lose the hoddie and winter jacket? Did you dress the wrong kid? Was it the wrong preschool class? Were you at the wrong zoo? Very compelling writing though. I could imagine myself in your Tory Burch ballet flats.

Great big hi to you! I've been in the twilight zone!

Zoeyjane said...

hey lady, i don't think you're crazy at all. my kid's been wearing a teeshirt, long sleeved shirt, hoodie and coat for about six months now. i literally had to tell myself to shut the hell up at the beach the other day when she was wearing *just* a long sleeve shirt and pants. cuz other kids? were wearing bikinis.

Paul said...

Haha, your story reminds me of my mom. She was always worried that I'd get cold, and I would get sick. I could totally see her doing the same thing.

Kristen said...

I have been wondering since your twitter update what the post would be about.

You did not disappoint.

Hey, peace of mind is worth it any day of the week!

Cecily R said...

I never seem to get wardrobe right with my kids. But I am wardrobe challenged in the first place.

I probably would have stressed all day about it and not done anything. Then stressed all night when the kid came home with blue lips.

I pretend like I do, but its hard to win when you're the mom!!

Irene said...

What is it with kids? My oldest is ALWAYS "sweating" as she says. It was 45 degrees yesterday and she was doing cartwheels in the front yard with jeans and a tank top. Her sweatshirt was just a bit too much.

Crazy kids.

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

Hey, at least you felt better about it (for a bit)...until he showed up with no coat or hoodie. He didn't lose them, did he?

Crazy parents and their emergencies. It's not like you were trying to get a free trip to the zoo out of it.

Happy Days said...

I can picture myself doing the same thing and having the same results! They make us crazy, but crazy in a good way!

MommyTime said...

I love this post. This is exactly something I would WANT to do but not actually manage to pull off. And it cracks me up. There is a famous Erma Bombeck story that is something like this, and the punch line goes, "Put your sweater ON. Don't you think I know when you're cold?" So true!

Stephanie said...

One day Jay will read this and be so happy that you brought that jacket to him and understand what all you went through to make sure he was warm.

I cannot believe your Spring weather. Right now we are in the 90's!

Katie Ryan said...

You know what? It never gets better. I'm still chasing and worrying after my teenager in the same way.
I did learn one thing. I could NEVER live in Ohio. I can't stand the cold. We have a few weeks a year of 30s and 40s and I'm absolutely frozen then. We are now in the 90s everyday.

Stephanie said...

Isn't it funny how we always panic and then the kiddos blow us off like it's no big deal? I've learned just from my two years of parenting that kids have more fat and are therefore warmer than me (even though I have as much "fat" on me as they do, there's is just acceptable and mines not, HA!) My son sleeps with no socks, t-shirt and shorts at night and he sometimes wakes up sweating. i would be freezing! Oh well...I guess we live we learn. But that was a great thing for you do for him!

Crystal D said...

LOL, just a little crazy. Well too warm is always better then too cold. It is impossible to dress them correctly for school right now anyway with this crazy weather.I have sent Madeline in pants, sweater and jacket and seen girls in her class in t-shirts and sandals. Of course then Madeline is sweating on the play ground at the end of the day.

Anonymous said...

Oh, that is just CLASSIC! One thing I have learned over the years is that kids are more resilient that us moms think. But good for you for being so thoughtful and loving. The things we do for our kids!

Karen said...

I have learned long ago that a kid would rather be frozen to the bone and be "cool" than dressed warmly when nobody else is. This does nothing for the mom at home worrying.

just jamie said...

That boy better grow up, make bazillions of dollars, and shower his Mama with many lavish gifts. Brilliant effort OhMommy. Go figure, the male species just didn't get it. :)

Rachel said...

That is too funny. I love that you did that :-)
But Jay is a boy and didn't you know... boys don't get cold ;-)

Anonymous said...

That is something I TOTALLY would have done, minus driving all over creation part. I would have just stressed to the max about it.

You must live in New Albany-your schedule is to eerily exact as my girlfriends back in OH.

Cynthia said...

Yeah...I don't know what is up with little boys? They really are never cold. Way to go the extra mile for the coat though:)

LunaNik said...

::sigh:: Kids. When I was a kid, the trend was to wear your winter jacket hanging off of your shoulders and unzipped. Cold weather be damned.

P.S. I would have done he same thing as you did! You and me, in the zoo, with the baboons....fitting, yes?

Jo Ashline said...

okay, so no you are not crazy, you are a mommy in love. I love this post. we have had thunder and lightning and hail out here (stop smiling) and I have the kiddos in thermals INSIDE the house. Plus, remember, my polacy mamy prawo byc troche crazy. Our parents were, right?

buzki!

Kat said...

I'm still distracted by the fact that you wore flats. ;)
Well, you are a wonderful mom to go through all of that trouble even if it wasn't FULLY appreciated.

Kelly said...

That is too funny. Things like that happen to me all the time. I forget sometimes that while I am cold all the time, my boys are hot blooded and sweat even in the winter!!

Lisa said...

But what a good, sweet mama you are. I mean, really.....they carry your heart around, don't they?

duchess said...

Kids are never as cold as we are. Don't stress so much - they'll be fine.
At least you weren't running around in heels.
Have a great weekend!

Ashlee said...

Doesn't that just frustrate you? My son comes home from school with just his tshirt because he "accidentally" left his coat at school. What? It's cold outside? Do you want to catch your death? Sigh.

Kids...

McMommy said...

I think you need to move down to my neck of the woods. It is in the 90s! But then you begin to worry about FRYING your kids outside in that heat and worried if you dressed them cool enough! So I guess it's the same difference. :)

Kellan said...

I think this wonderful story perfectly describes the lives of all of us mommies! These are - remember - the same children that will swim in a freezing cold pool or the fit-only-for-penguins-and-seals ocean at the drop of a hat ... they don't know COLD! But ... you are good mom. The other mom's are probably still talking about what a good mom you are - HA!

Have a good weekend - enjoy - see you soon - Kellan

The Mom Jen said...

I wouldn't be able to concentrate all day either! You are such a caring sweet mommy!!

Skiplovey said...

Ha, ha you are just like my mom. I once got grounded for leaving the house without a sweater. Grounded! You people are serious about warmth aren't you?

Carissa(GoodnCrazy) said...

Two words. Helicopter Mommy.

Oh, and..I never understand how I AM FREEZING, but they ARE NOT?

lattemommy said...

You know there was no way you could win, right? If you hadn't gone to the zoo with his coat, he would have been frozen and you would have felt terrible. Because you did go to the zoo with his coat, he didn't need it.

In my mind, better safe than sorry, right? And the girls still got their nap!

Unknown said...

It's a good think you have more than one child. Because, if you had but one, I'm not sure said child would survive the process. And yes, I CAN see the pouty lip sticking out. Because you know it's true.

MarĂ­a said...

LOL. You are too much!

April said...

LOL - Riley gets frustrated w/ me because I'm sure she's as cold as I am. But of course, sometimes I'm right! Like when she wore a long sleeve shirt in 90 degree weather to D-land. But did I let my little girl suffer? No, of course not. She got a new Tinkerbell tank out of the deal.

AutoSysGene said...

LOL! Figures, huh? But good on ya for making the extra effort!

Angie Seaman said...

Oh girl...this is so something I would do. You sound way too much like me. I'm laughing and nodding as I read it aloud. Great "Motherly" skills. We are like animals - just read my blog regarding the current school system issues I've had regarding my daughter recently. Some within the district would definitely agree that I too, belong in a zoo. Ha ha! Moms - what we will do for our kids.
Blessings, Angie Seaman
www.angelicagracedesigns.com/blog/
www.angelicagracedesigns.com

Mama Smurf said...

Oh you make me laugh!

I've learned in the past year that my boys go out for recess in the middle of winter (I live in Michigan) WITH NO COAT. I've tried to talk sense into them....to no avail. I gave up. I figure if they're cold enough they'll put it on. I've stopped fighting them. Apparently for 11 year olds it's just not "cool" to wear a coat...OMG!

Unknown said...

i can imagine it all now...and i'm sure i'd be the same way. oh the things we do for love!! at least jay had the option of many a layers...even though he chose not to use them!! you did the right thing...worrying gives us wrinkles...we don't want those!!!

Jill said...

I'm always cold and I constantly overbundle my kids. You're a good mommy...

Anonymous said...

As usual, you really know how to tell a story! Even if he was not cold, your son is lucky to have such a wonderful caring mother.

Melissa said...

my mother in law freaks out with our child... saying she is always cold... where are her socks.... she need layers! I got a little crazy cause our girl like it chili and hate socks. But apparently we don't know what we are doing :)

Beth from the Funny Farm said...

My middle childe is always "to warm." I would so have done what you did (crashed the field trip) for my first child. HEE!

Miss Lisa said...

You aren't crazy. I cannot tell you how many times I have brought junk like coats, hair things, snacks, etc. to school just because I thought they might need it (and they never do lol) !

SECRET AGENT MAMA said...

Little Boys! Gotta love them.

Miss said...

Well doesn't that just figure. You are such a super mom.

LLW said...

Ugh, my nephew does the same exact thing in the middle of winter....it must be a boy thing! :)
Whereas I am freezing all the time!

Jules said...

Okay, I have a vision of you. Running around, frantically looking for him. Being a really good, caring momma. Pushing a stroller....... in high heels. Silly I know, but I see heels. :)

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

I'm always colder than my kids are. My little one is always outside without his shoes and socks on, even when it's snowing.

Shellie said...

Oh what a hilarious classic mommy moment. I just knew he would do that ! How? I've so been there too many times. They'd have to be cross country skiing across Canada in a blizzard before I'd ever think to get a coat to one again.

Karen MEG said...

That would be me ;) too.

I'm always having my boy pack another jacket in his backpack, so he's got two hoodies and extra socks everyday. He always complains..."Mom, my bag is SO HEAVY!" but I tell him to quit complaining. Then when I pick him up, he's running around in a T-shirt too.

I think boys run on pure adrenaline. Keeps their furnace going.

You are SUCH a great mom!

Don Mills Diva said...

I have a feeling he'll be telling this story when you're old and grey - telling it with pride.

Unknown said...

What a nice Momma you are! Sweet post!

Darrin a.k.a. Makeshift Sinatra - Gettin' in some early bloghopping

EatPlayLove said...

sorry, but you lost me at tory burch ballet flats, I really want a pair.

btw..you are too sweet, I don't think I would've driven across town with a winter coat.

david mcmahon said...

Just brilliant. BUT - and this is crucial in any parent-child relationship - he will always remember what you did for him that day at the zoo.

Us parents who worry are chimpions, er, sorry, champions!!

Unknown said...

I would have done the exact same thing. And I would have called my Mamusia, and she would have had the same response. :)

Blessings From Above said...

I have been to the Cleveland Zoo chaperoning a field trip. There are groups of kids EVERYWHERE. Bless your heart.

You are such a sweet, sweet mommy for trying to find him. Someday he will appreciate the effort...although I am pretty sure it didn't phase him yesterday! :)

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

How is it that I knew, without a doubt, that he wouldn't be wearing that dang coat back at the 10:00 entry, or so? :) Probably cuz I wasn't the one worrying...

Hey it's Amy Benson said...

Holy monkey! Supermom to the rescue :D I have done stuff like that too. As mom's we KNOW- (Or think we know) when we are needed... Great story girl!

Unknown said...

You missy, are a fabulous mom and I love it. Love the love.

mamatulip said...

I always send Julia to school in layers only to find that she ditched them because she was too warm.

We always need something to fuss over, us mom's. :)

Anonymous said...

but what a good OhMommy you are to chase after him in the zoo in your ballet flats! I LOVED this story. :-)

Rhea said...

Yep, OhMommy, you've lost it! lol Kids are never as cold as we are. Too funny, great story.

ShannanB said...

Kids have an amazing inner warming device. A couple of years ago I was in San Diego in June and it was freezing. We walked down to the beach and there were children SWIMMING. I couldn't believe it. it wasn't just a few kids... there were tons of them.

Wendi said...

What an amazing and classy mommy you are! Way to look after your first born. It matters not that he was not wearing the coat when he returned. It matters that his mama thought of him and stopped everything to make sure he was warm.

3 Peanuts said...

You are a good Mommy and he will ALWAYS remember that you went the extra mile for him whether he neede it or not:)

Such a sweet Ohmommy...
Kim

Tootsie Farklepants said...

Kids are impervious to weather.

Mandy said...

That is tooo funny!!! You sound just like me. I am so overprotective of my kiddos too. I make mine wear hats and sunscreen in the summer and taboggins in the winter.

My oldest is soon to be 13 and she asks me everyday "do I have to wear a hat?" I tell her yes!!! You will thank me later when you've got great skin and don't look like a leather wallet. :)

You go OhMommy!!!

imbeingheldhostage said...

You are a gifted story teller! I loved this (and yes, would've been in the zoo with you)

Sandi McBride said...

Of course he was cold! Children don't know their body temperatures like their mommies do...you did absolutely the right thing...and how would an 18 year old know what the heck an emergency of the heart entails when they don't even know what music they like from one minute to the next? Great post, lots of fun!
David sent me by, congrats on the Post of the Day
Sandi

Merisi said...

Thanks to David of "Authorblog" I came over here, to find out that there are still mothers out there who would do almost anything, well, make that ANYTHING, to give their little sweethearts the choice of taking off their winter coats if they are too hot! :-) Congratulations,
Merisi

Daryl said...

Kids... I do think its more a male thing tho .. you did what you had to do .. its what moms do ..


David sent me!

:-Daryl

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

But what a good Mommy you are for tracking him down like that!

Anti-Supermom said...

I love this story. I think that there are so many moms out there that would do the same thing, you just admitted it!

Great post~

Anonymous said...

i'm cracking up because i would have, without any doubt, done the same thing. yet...i'm ALWAYS cold. and...my kids are quite happy wearing hoodies in below zero. they've explained to me, on numerous occasions, that it's me...not them. so, i try to keep telling myself that. I'm always cold, they aren't. i'm always cold, they aren't...
not working because it's really cold today and my daughter only wore a fleece northface to school today...maybe i should bring her a winter coat?
xoxo

pam said...

This post made me smile today and I needed it, thanks!

girlymom said...

My oldest asked me today why she is supposed to get herself dressed every moring when I just send her back upstairs to change and end up picking out what she can wear. Tank tops do not belong in a Michigan May!! I love this story, I think because I can picture myself doing the same thing!

 

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