Table Talk

Tonight at dinner Logan told Maddie our neighbor's puppy (he was two) was hit by a car and died.

Maddie loved Bumper a lot and was really sad to hear this news.

After she'd told us how she felt, we played Table Topics to take her mind off it. The first question was "How are you different than everyone else."

Logan said, "I like to have fun more than a lot of people I know."

Max said, "I can make this sound." (A very realistic hissing sound with his tongue, like a snake. It's totally freakish.)

Maddie said, "I like how I can tell people how I feel and I'm not embarassed."

I like that about her too.

Comments

[The Bims]

I just started reading the other day (during Today Show drama) and want you to know, you rock. I don't have kids yet, but when and if I do, I'm going to be drunk all the time. I took an informal poll at work and all the moms I asked agreed with you (even the stuffy, proper, corporate ones) - drinking on play dates is okay!

I know you're trying to let go and move on, but I thought you should know. :-)

Sorry to hear about the puppy. Your kids sound great... maybe Dr. Janet should pay a visit. Since Maddie seems okay with saying how she feels, maybe she can tell Dr. J. to stuff it!

Anyway, keep writing, and thanks!

-Sarah

[ChristyD]

I wonder if she gets that from her mother?

[Cherie]

Wow, that shows great maturity! And how many adults wish they could say the same thing?

[slouching mom]

Oh, oh, oh! A girl with high self-esteem! Pat yourself on the back, Melissa.

[sarah]

O.k. pretty much best comment by Maddie, ever.

[Shan]

I wanna be like Maddie when I grow up! :)

Very sorry to hear about Bumper and having to deal with death of a loved one. Pet grief is real.

[BOSSY]

So sad about the puppy. So odd that his name was, um, Bumper.

[Melissa Summers]

Oh dear God. I didn't put that together until just now. How awful.

[Soccermom Steph.]

How sad and ironic is it that he was named bumper? Foreshadowing...scary foreshadowing...

[OMSH]

That was one of those melting moments. Dinner conversation beats all.

[Jack's Raging Mommy]

What a wonderful trait for her to have! You really ought to be proud of yourself. Take that Dr. Janet.

[madge]

What a gift!

I hope I can teach that to my daughter.

[jkopftwins]

Wow... may she always be so sure of her real 'self'. How great is that???

[MomVee]

What an awesome family, all around.

I hope Logan has found some healthy ways to have fun.

[Melissa Summers]

Yes, as Dr Janet Taylor recommends, he 'treats' himself with a trashy novel. How very naughty!

[Mindy]

Awww...

Um, am I totally morally bankrupt for snorting at the name "Bumper?" I mean, talk about self-fulfilling prophesies.

[Star Shine]

That is so precious. It warmed my heart. :) I'm glad she knows who she is!

[Abbey]

Your daughter is such and precious and genuine girl. I admire her for her statement...I don't think I could say that at my age now...

You should be so proud of her and proud of you and Logan for raising her so well.

[mama2bna]

It takes a strong mama and great papa to raise that kind of young woman. Good job.

And I am awful, but so in agreement on "Bumper," just another way that I am fluffing the throw pillows in the little corner of hell that awaits me.

[Kelly]

Your kids really do rock, you know. Must be all the drinking...do you finish dinner with shots?
heh heh.
Seriously, they are cool little people.

[Goingape]

Shame on Dr. Janet, BTW. As a psychologist to be (he he, that sounds like i'm going to be giving birth or something), I can say I wish I had more little girls like Maddie and moms like you in my office than all of the uptight overcontrolled nondrinking moms that I have seen.

Of course, I don't see daughters like yours because they have moms like you...and they are healthy and don't need to come to therapy. Kudos to you for parenting such great kids.

[Melissa Summers]

That's the thing though, my kid isn't emotionally self aware because I drink. She's not *not* emotionally self aware because I don't.

None of it matters. There are billions of ways to parent great healthy kids. That is what frustrates me about these mommy wars issues.

[MichelleM]

Melissa, I want to know what your answer was.

[Melissa Summers]

Tooting my own horn feels a little braggy here.

[Monkee]

My parents hated and still hate that about me. I'm so glad you like that about Maddie.

[Kelly]

C'mon!!
Toot! Be a little teapot, or bean, or something that toots...what was YOUR answer?