We love Emily

Anyone who knows Emily knows that the pictures of  big sparkly blue eyes and perfect photogenic smiles are only half the picture.  This girl has always had a good little pouty lip.

For some reason the beginning of this school year has been rough for Emily.  She didn’t want to get up, didn’t want to get dressed and whimpered (well, that’s mild, maybe ‘screamed’ is better) while getting her hair done every morning as she told me she DID NOT want to go to school that day.   She assured me that she loved her teacher, and couldn’t specifically think of anything she didn’t like about first grade…  but every morning we went through the same routine again.    Some days we barely had enough time to wipe the tears away before getting to the front door of the school.  

That is, until the 10 day program.

Absolutely fed up and with no clue what to do I asked her what on earth she wanted.  I was actually trying to bribe her to be happy. Do you want a book, a stuffed animal, a trip to Toys R Us, a movie with Mom, a trip to Paris, an ice cream date with Dad…  BINGO, her face lit up.  “I want an ice cream date with Dad!” she squealed. 

Ok, Emmy lou, 10 days in a row of a happy attitude before school will earn you a very special ice cream date with Dad.

Well, exactly 10 days later Emily earned her special date… and in the process has become quite enjoyable in the morning.  Happy, eager, smiley, obedient… and no more pouty lip.    It’s amazing what chocolate with sprinkles and alone time with Dad will accomplish.   Life is good again.