This is what my son wore to school this morning

Owen.   Owen.  Owen.

Yesterday morning he bounced up to give me a goodbye kiss and cheerily said, "good thing I wasn't crabby today."  Yes Owen.  And when he came  home from school he plopped on the couch and said to his father, "I'm a happy guy today."  All good.

This morning.....not so smooth. 

It was yet another morning in which he lays on the floor in a blanket covered heap crying because he doesn't want to go to school.  It seems that no matter what approach we take we can't avoid this once or twice a week.  Ernie finally took Leo to school because the thought of being late makes Leo quiver with rage.  While they were gone I tried the firm, calm, non-negotiable approach.  Nothing was working until Owen sat up and said, "I want to wear a tie today."  Of course all the appropriate shirts were dirty but I found one and yes, this is how I sent my baby proudly off to school.  Too long hair with knots in the back I can't get out, black corduroy pants ("I HATE corduroy" he wept earlier), a blue and green plaid shirt and a blue and orange tie that we borrowed from Becca for Leo's Halloween costume and haven't returned yet.  I told him he looked great and he proudly smiled and said, "I know."  Then he said, "and can you get me a tux someday?"