Tomorrow is Halloween, and Garcon's first opportunity to wear a costume. Since he's just seven months, and we don't have a specific event to go to, I'm not too concerned about his costume. I do have a little devil outfit/sleeper that will work fine for the trick-or-treaters that come to the door. I'm a little apologetic about it, because it's not an adorable pumpkin or bumblebee outfit. It's a little devil which has a bit of a negative connotation to it. It will be fine for my purposes, though. But many other mom friends have gotten excited about the whole event. I actually had someone ask me back in August what Garcon would be wearing this Halloween. Wow...now that's anticipation.
* * * * *
I have a friend who is quite into her faith, and doesn't permit her four children to participate in Halloween or dress up. Their children trick-or-treat by handing out prayer cards door to door. I can't recall if they actually collect candy. Anyway, over the weekend, said friend asked me what Garcon would be wearing for Halloween. I confess, I couldn't quite tell my Christian, non-Halloween-observing friend that my little son would be a devil. It just didn't feel right. So I fibbed, and told her I didn't have a costume. Now what will I tell her when her kids come to the door? Hmm...
* * * * *
Our office observes Halloween by allowing kids to come in for a party. The kids go office to office in costume and collect candy. I've been here three years, and never was present for the party - always had travel or some other event going on. And to be honest, I wasn't that interested in other people's children.
This year, I was on the road for meetings a few days before the party. My first day back in town was the day of the party and I opted to work from home. I kept Garcon home from daycare and skipped the party. On the one hand, I didn't want to drive in Friday rush hour traffic to the office for a party that Garcon really can't enjoy - he'd simply sit there or try to eat the decorations. But on the other hand, I'm somewhat uncomfortable with the joining of work and home. I brought Garcon in twice as an infant - both times to meet friends for lunch. And each time, I had a hard time separating the Mommy role from colleague. They just didn't jive for me at the time. I actually caught myself talking in Mommy to a co-worker because I was holding Garcon. Plus, I felt like I was showing off my son: "Look, I have offspring!" After the second child-visit to the office, I decided I wouldn't trot him out for others to see. I don't really need their approval to feel good about being a mom.
Despite all that, I guess I'll plan to participate in next year's event. He'll be 18 months and old enough to enjoy walking around. I might even get over the traffic.
