Thursday, November 06, 2008

Happy Chompo To Me!

Today, I'm 34.
So, if you're wondering what the hell "Happy chompo to me" means, I'll tell you.
It's from a book called:
http://cdn.harpercollins.com/harperimages/isbn/large/4/9780064430074.jpg
Frances is a cute little badger that is forever wrestling with her conflicting desires and feelings. This series of books is perfect for toddlers because it illustrates exactly the issues that are facing them. For example, Frances wants to buy her little sister a birthday gift. So, she goes with her father to the store to buy gumballs and one Chompo bar. (Of course, this is what Frances really wants for herself, right?) So, the whole way home she's squeezing the Chompo bar every so often and trying to convince her father that Gloria (her sister) is probably too young to eat the whole bar herself. You know she just wants to tear that thing open and eat it.
The best part, which I am referring to in the title is when Frances, in quite a dark manner, sings "Happy Chompo to me, that's how it ought to be. Happy Chompo dear Frances. Happy Chompo to me." in place of the normal lyrics to the Happy Birthday song. Very much like a todder, eh?
Of course, Frances comes to her senses and redeems herself at the end of the book. But, for me, the best part is her little, almost evil wish for the Chompo bar to be hers...all hers!
Toddlers are sweet, but are constantly conflicted between what they really feel and want versus what is the right thing to do in the situation. It's a hard lesson to learn. Some adults I know have never learned this lesson.
Anyway, the whole series of Frances books by Russell Hoban are hysterical and true to life. If you have kids, they are a must read.

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So, now that you have the background info, I can tell you how this little one ruined my birthday!

We drove out to Roswell to drop the kids off for a couple of hours. Harper was asleep in the car seat when we arrived, so we didn't wake her. We gave Audrey kisses and told her we'd be back in a little bit.
We finished a nice dinner sans children for the first time in I don't know how long. It was nice.
I called to check in with my parents afterward to see how things were going. BIG MISTAKE. Harper was screaming her head off in the background. Apparently, she woke up, took one look at my mom and freaked. She screamed for an entire hour and a half. They tried everything. Do we continue on to the movie or go get her?
No question.
Of course, we skipped the movie and I drove like a lunatic back to my parents' house.

As soon as she saw me she stopped crying. It was instantaneous. My parents were baffled. I was a mix of emotions: I really wanted time to unwind and relax, but I also was relieved that she was alright and even sort of pissed that I'm the only one that can comfort her. I felt bad for my parents, too. She really is a sweet, funny and happy baby. I promise.

In the end, although I selfishly wanted a night alone with my husband. I knew the right thing was to not be upset or self-centered and to embrace the moment for all it was worth.
It may have been the worst birthday, ever. But, I learned an important lesson: Next time, wake the baby up so that she knows where she is and is comfortable before you abandon her.

In all seriousness, my kids come first. Some days are tougher than others. My birthday just happened to fall on one of those tough days.

I'm 34. I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful daughters. Dinners and movies are alright, but a slobbery smile on a chubby toothless face is so much better.

3 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh man Angela, our babies must share a brain. Mika freaks out if I'm not around. Even with her dad. Happy birthday to you though. At least you got to have dinner sans kids! =)

11:28 AM  
Blogger OhTheJoys said...

That was my favorite book when I was a kid. I completely empathized with Frances.

Happy Birthday my long lost neighbor.

2:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't think I've ever come across another person who knows about the Frances books. Those were some of my favorites when I was a kid. Bedtime for Frances, Tea and Jam for Frances...aaah. :)

Happy Birthday. :)

3:29 PM  

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