The Koala Hug and A Thanks

Disheveled and disgruntled I woke up about 20 minutes late this morning. Immediately I was plunged into a chaotic whirlwind as I tried to get myself and daughter ready so we could be on our way. Before becoming a parent, I will admit I was unforgiving when it came to tardiness.

Nowadays, it is my daughter’s personal mission to ensure I am running late at least once a month. For example today, despite my 20 minute late start I still had enough time to make it to daycare drop-off and work by my designated start time. I pulled on the outfit I chose last night, double checked the diaper bag, then woke the beautiful, peaceful baby to dress her.

At this point my beautiful, peaceful baby becomes a three foot tall, hyperactive, hug-addicted maniac. It goes a little like this:

Me: Changes diaper.

Her: Demands hug.

M: Hug. Pulls her shorts on.

H: Demands hug.

M: No hug – we’re getting dressed.

H: Crying and attempted shorts removal.

M: Resecures shorts. Attempts to pull shirt over Her head.

H: Refuses shirt before hugs. Contorts arms and legs to prevent shirts.

M: (Getting desperate) Fine-hug fast then pulls shirt on. Attempt left sock.

H: Demands hugs, curls toes to prevent socks.

M: No hugs right now, not until all clothing is donned.

H: Cries. Mad at Mom. Wants more hugs because she’s mad at Mom right now. Attempts to forcefully hug. Successfully maneuvers into a Koala cuddle position around Mom’s torso. Initiated grip with the intensity of a thousand suns.

M: (Looks at Watch, should have left 5 minutes ago, Brain is going mushy).

Here is where my inner turmoil begins. Do I let my toddler control the situation by giving in to her hug demands thus unintentionally reinforcing this behavior? That sounds like a bad choice. Do I accept my fate of being super late for work and appropriately place my child in time-out and patiently waiting for her to calm down before continuing to dress her? This may result in a loss of employment. Do I start crying myself in retaliation? So far this choice seems most logical.

M: (Breathing deeply). Gives daughter big hugs. Calmly tells her I love her and know she’s having big emotions but we need to get dressed and go.

H: Nods after hug and releases death grip Koala cuddle.

M: Attempts left sock.

H: REPEATS HUG FIASCO! MUST HAVE CONSTANT HUGGING CONTACT!!

Is 6:23 AM too early for wine?! If this is a prediction for how my day is going to go I need a glass of wine, some chocolate, and a big cup of coffee.

Finally, 15 minutes later I got my gorgeous toddler dressed and gave her a banana which immediately cheered her up. Drove as quickly to the daycare as I safely could and eventually made it to work 15 minutes past the hour.

My boss must have sensed how my morning went because the only comment I received was “Tough morning?”.

Despite the pure chaotic nature of my sweet child I wouldn’t trade those hugs for a million cups of wine honestly. I know someday, some terrible day, she won’t want to hug me every 3 seconds or even every day. Some day in the future she will give me her last Koala cuddle. I’ll cherish them while I can even if her timing drives me batty.

Thankfully, I received some good news to ease my panics! Somehow you amazing people have liked my words 1,000 times!!! That’s insane!! I never imagined so many people would read my work and the idea that my words would inspire 1,000 likes?!? Mind boggling. Totally mind boggling. I’m humbled, honored, and completely thankful ❤️

With that, thank you all!

How did your morning go? What wonderful surprises have you faced so far? Did anything make you smile or laugh?