Mommy Confessions

Lately, I dread picking up Drew from school.

There. I confessed.

And before you stop reading and assume I'm a horrible mother, let me explain. You see, Drew's daycare is awesome. He loves it there and now that he's settled in the toddler room, he's among older kids, cooler toys and does even more fun activities. When I drop him off in the morning, he generally gives me hug and kiss and is off. Love this.

But picking him up isn't as sweet for me. I know other mothers have had this experience and I'm hoping it's just a phase, but I used to not be able to wait until the clock struck 5pm so that I could rush out to get him. Now, I maybe run an errand before getting him or at least take my time finishing up work. I even mosey into his building, filling out the sign-out sheet and grabbing his jacket before letting him see me.

And then he spots me.

Our eyes lock and he runs over to me with his arms open wide and the biggest grin on his face. He squeals with delight as I pick him up and spin him while squishing his warm body. We walk down the steps and out to the car holding hands and chatting about his day when he looks up and says 'I luv you mommy'.

{cue sound of record screeching to a halt}

I WISH! But unfortunately that's my dream version. Here's how it really goes down:
Our eyes lock and there's no expression. No excitement to see me despite my huge smile to see him. Not even acknowledgement that I'm there sometimes, he just looks away and continues play. Awesome. He continues to play as I try to entice him to come to me and get his jacket on. No luck. I have to peal him away from whatever he's playing with, force his gloves, hat and jacket on all while he's starting to get upset and pulling away from me. I manage to get him out of the room, but the dreaded steps are next. Here's the conversation 95% of the time:
       Drew: Walk stairs
       Me: Ok baby, you can walk
       Drew: Take elevator
       Me: Ok, let's take the elevator then
       Drew: (gets upset) WALK stairs
       Me: Ok then walk.
       Drew: (more upset) TAKE ELEVATOR
       **Repeat the last 4 lines about 3 more times
       Me: Ok Drew, you need to decide because on 3 I'm going to pick you up
       Drew: (no movement)

I then proceed to pick him up and the screams begin. Loud cries followed by 'NO MOMMY' with flailing legs. I can feel the eyes from other parents on me as I walk out with this possessed child. I worry some of them will head straight to the office and report a stolen child as it definitely looks suspicious. Finally, I quickly get him in the car and it's over. No one can hear him anymore or see how upset I am and we can finally head home.

Until tomorrow at least.

I KNOW there has to be other moms out there that have been through this. Please tell me it's just a phase and I should feel more fortunate that he loves school that much. I just need reassurance that he really does love me and is excited to see me, he's just not showing it. What's funny is that about 1 minute into the drive home, all is well again and we're chatting as normal. I know it could be worse, but it's tiring and stressful every day and I pray that it ends soon!

Today I'm linking up with Megan and Heather for their Mommy Confessions link party.