Today was our preschool’s Annual Thanksgiving Feast. It’s basically a big huge party for the families.  They come in, sit with their children, eat a lot of turkey and other stuff, and help wipe noses and clean up spills (there are quite a few with that many kids eating on a rotating basis).  Arden’s class ate at 11; Lily’s at 1. Mike and I split the duties and I went with Arden, he with Lily.  When Lily found out this morning that I was not eating with her, daddy was . . . well, let’s just say she wasn’t thrilled with that idea.  Big crocodile tears were a’rollin, all before 8 AM this morning.  I explained to her that we would switch off and got her calmed down. 

It’s been a real struggle with Lily lately to make her understand that she does not own the exclusive rights to my love. Newsflash - I have another daughter, her name is Arden, and although Lily normally places herself physically between me and Arden, occasionally I sneak in some cuddles and quality time. 

I headed into the preschool early so I could help with set up. When I was finished, I went down to Lily’s classroom and she was thrilled to see me.  We did a quick art project, I gave her some love, told her how excited Daddy was to be having lunch alone with her, and told her to be nice.  And guess what???? It worked!  Mike said she ran to him when he showed up, loved having him there, and even ate a really good lunch. 

It was a minor victory, but I’ll take it.  I also really enjoyed my one-on-one time with Arden.  She sat on my lap a bunch, fed me some mashed potatoes that had fallen on her chair (ewww!) and clung to me a lot.  It was awesome.