Step Talk

In the interest of re-engaging in baby steps I took SD to see Twilight today. I must say I was pleased that she somehow got this was a gesture of good will on my part, because whenever DH takes her to a movie or the Y, or wherever, she begs to bring a friend and she did not ask once to have anyone else tag along with us. I had waited to take her to give BM the chance if she wanted to, but then realized BM would just have dropped SD and a friend at the movies anyway, so what difference would it make if I did it. And she had Thanksgiving night with her and didn't do it anyway.

BM hadn't even wanted SD overnight on Thanksgiving (or what about the Wed night before since she never takes her weekends anymore.) But no. Even though her normal overnight is Thur! DH didn't give her the option of opting out.

Then today in the car, SD told me "Mom is picking me up at 10am on Christmas Day, and on New Year's Day too." I told her it was our Christmas and SD said, "Well, she thinks it's hers so I guess I'm going there."

HA.

Ha ha ha.

NO. I said, less emphatically than I'm typing it.

"But it's on Thursday."

Ummmm...still no. Just because BM won't make up her normal day (which btw was originally Wed anyway but who's keeping tabs on the schedule anymore!) if for any reason SD doesn't go there. BUT that doesn't mean SD doesn't spend her Christmas at our house on DH's year to have her. I told her if BM wants her on Wed, New Year's Eve, then she can have her then because it's her year for New Years. But it's our year for Christmas. SD said, "But the boys go to both your houses!" Well yes. Because we live four blocks down the street, and their dad and I collaborate, and share them, and are flexible in their best interest, AND discuss it together OR sometimes I do with their SM. But, I think SD wants to be at both houses to get her presents sooner (BM usually over charges everything, but I'm not so sure this year for financial reasons) and also because we make a huge spread on New Year's Eve, and BM goes to bed- SD watches the ball drop alone in her room. We toast with fake champagne in flutes for all the kids at midnight.

I told her that (like every year because SD hasn't been to BM's on New Years since that last lovely lonely experience and BM never cared) that we had been planning on having SD's/BD's b-day party on New Year's Day with my whole family over. But...that one we can change to accommodate BM's New Year's Eve time. Hey- WE'RE flexible!

But we AIN'T changin' Christmas because it falls on THURSDAY.

BM is so flippin' crazy.