I may not always like them...

Mommy Proof # 8: You are not always going to like your children. It is okay to say. Ricki Lake told me so!

I have a spitting image. She says we are like Siamese twins. Instead of Abby and Brittany, who are awesome if I might add, we are Ivy and Jenni. The only difference is that while Abby and Brittany get along and work together, Ivy and I have a totally different attraction towards each other. We are drawn to each other like the action scene of a speeding car driven by a blindfolded driver and that brick wall filled with explosives. We have a disagreement at least once a week, usually about her choice of clothing for the next day. (Why can't I wear a tunic sweater in 90 degree weather? or But I don't want to learn a different way to do the math problem I did wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Who is right? Who is wrong? Is the real problem that Ivy didn't do her homework right? Or is there an underlying issue?

The truth is: We may never know. I have been arguing with Ivy since she was three days old. She is the only newborn I saw that would toss her head back on that weak neck to scream in my face. It was usually about whatever grievance she may have endured  that day. I have known that we would clash since the first time she clenched her teeth and held her breath in defiance when I told her "No." I know this child inside and out. I can sense the calm before the storm when her anger rises as she quietly broods about the lot she was cast in life. Then when I say something that hits home, be it, "Read the instructions over again until you understand them" in my calmest manner, she erupts in the most melodramatic manner possible. I hang my head and admit that I return the same melodrama or "Melodrama mama." We throw the accusations of "You always..." and "You never..." like missiles until we are both hit, wounded, and staring at each other in disbelief. Later, we both apologize and tell each other five things we love about each other.

After that, I quietly lock myself into my room and make a much needed phone call. I  whisper sweet nothings and heartfelt apologies to my mother for having to endure what she did as I grew up. I laugh for hours as my twin sister and I reminisce about my own bratty behavior. I sit and quietly reflect on what I could have, should have, and will do better with my own child. I hate looking into the mirror, but I love seeing her reflection.

Ivy's description of herself for her MY FAMILY CLASS PROJECT:  I am spunky and sassy. I love shopping and playing UNO. (My favorite part!) My mom is my BFF.  When I cry, she is always there to comfort me. I love me!

I love my mom the most. She cooks great dinners. She helps me and loves me, too. She cares for me and believes in me. Before I go to school, she kisses me goodbye. She yells when my siblings and I don't listen, I don't like that! (<---I could have done without that last part! 0_o)