Just call me "Pip"- August 31, 2011
My husband says one of the best things and one of the worst things about me is the same thing, my extreme expectations.
My great expectations bring unbridled enthusiasm, positive energy, and well-planned attire to events. Unfortunately, these expectations are seldom met, leading to frustrations with dream-crushing reality while being overdressed.
The latest example came last week during Charlotte’s school picnic. I was so psyched for this little preschool soiree! It was the first time we would get to see all the families and parents at the daycare. They had a catered hotdog/hamburger dinner, Snocones, a dunking booth, yay! Charlotte had on the most adorable picnicish outfit. I donned a little summer frock after knocking off work a little early. I was going to get pictures of Charlotte and all her baby friends in the class together at the picnic.
Can you feel my disappointment coming? Only one other family from Charlotte’s class came. That was cool. Charlotte loves Cadence and her parents are great! But, both babies were tired. We were there for like 15 minutes.
Greyson said there are multiple things I failed to consider as I formed the image of this picnic paradise in my mind.
- It was 4:30-5:00ish when Charlotte would be taking her nap and then eating dinner.
- That’s when all the babies would need naps and dinner.
- Babies don’t eat hotdogs/hamburgers.
- Babies can’t participate in carnival/picnic fun.
Oh, right. Those things are all true. Greyson said, “Amy, how does your head not explode with the expectations you fill it with?”
I should remember all this going into the weekend. Sunday is Charlotte’s baby dedication at church. (It’s like a Christening or Baptism.) Family is coming into town and friends will be joining us. I’m trying not to have too many expectations, but it’s hard! Sometimes moments like this pop up, just filling my mama-brain with the possiblity of more cuteness…
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| This was Charlotte and Cadence at school the other day. They had on near-matching outfits. Eeeekkk! |
Spread it around:
dream big! So long as you're ok with the expectations not being met, then no harm no foul!
It's a superb quality I think 
Adorable pic of your daughter and her school bff!
This sounds sad, but I stopped setting expectations for things I cannot control…parties, holidays, etc. I just expect the most out of myself and that satisfies my soul.
Expectations can be such difficult taskmasters! My too-high expectations are usually centered on one person. My poor husband!
Charlotte and Cadence are going to be in one of those "who wore it better?" magazine features!
My 3-year-old is on my lap and said "cute baby" when he saw Charlotte's pic at the top, so I guess Charlotte has one vote!