I'm dancing a very deliberate and careful waltz this summer. Time needs to be used as wisely as possible, but money is short. One step this way, a shimmy that way, a little dip here and there. It's all in the interest of making this a fun summer for Alexis while dealing with that thing that is the worst maternity leave policies in the world.
I've been wearing my the ridges off of my thumbs as I text various people for play dates. There are a couple of camps planned. We're making the most of the memberships and season passes we purchased months and months ago.
But still, there are gaps. I could let Alexis fill it with television, but lately she has been operating with a malfunctioning mouth filter. It seems her brain knows she shouldn't say some things out loud. Yet, her moth doesn't get the SHUT UP message, so she blathers on stupidly and gets herself in trouble. Television is always the first thing cut when that happens.
So it occurred to me that maybe I could acquire a few workbooks. Maybe Alexis could do some math and writing and whatever. Perhaps we can fill an hour or so with school work each day?
Surely Alexis would think it was the worst idea ever, but at least the time would be productive.
As we pulled into the bookstore parking lot, I spilled the beans and told Alexis what we were doing. "Hey, we're going to run in and pick a couple of workbooks for you to do all summer," I said.
"You mean like a math workbook?" she asked.
"Yeah, maybe a math one and a spelling one?" I replied.
The kid squealed with delight. Seriously. "Yaaaaay! Can I get three?" she gushed.
"We'll see," I said while searching the parking lot for hidden cameras. What kid gets excited about doing schoolwork during summer break?
"This is the best day ever!" Alexis said. She says that a lot, so I know the standards are a little low, but still. "Momma, you're the best!" she continued. She gushed on and on and on all the way to the workbook aisle. Then she turned her attention to carefully perusing every choice before settling on the two that she thought would be the most interesting.
Four hours later, she was on page 28 of the first workbook. I had to take it away from her so she didn't burn through the whole thing in one night.
So far Mila and Alexis couldn't possibly be more different, but it sure would be swell if Mila were decide to be a nerd like her big sister.
