Dreams of a Dance Mom

Brenna's first dance competition is fast approaching and I am feeling the stress of it all.

Last night I dreamed over and over and over again that no matter how hard we tried we just couldn't make it to the competition prepared.  With each disaster I would wake up, shake it off, and fall back asleep only to be welcomed by the same type of dream, different scenario, but same outcome.  I would wake up and repeat. Over and Over and OVER this would happen.  

Needless to say I didn't sleep well. 

When I woke up I told Brenna, "Mommy is a nervous wreck about this competition stuff!"  I began to tell her about the various disasters that would get in our way of her very first dance competition.  Like the heavy traffic that didn't seem to have an end in sight... for as far as the eyes could see were red tail lights with no other route to get where we needed to be.  Like how I forgot to bring the hair and make-up supplies necessary to pull off the required hair and make-up.  Like how when we pulled her costume out of the bag is was the wrong costume entirely.  Like how we went to put on her tights and ALL THREE PAIR were covered in holes and resembled Swiss cheese.  Like how I overslept and we didn't have time to get her to the competition in full hair and make-up ready to perform.  

In each scenario the outcome was the same.  We let her team down, they lost, all because we weren't ready.

That's a lot weighing on your shoulders. 

Being a "competition dance mom virgin" I am sure that I am WAY over thinking things.  I'm sure that this competition stuff isn't nearly as intimidating or stressful as I am assuming it is.  I'm sure that all will be fine, BUT still what if??

Come Friday night/Saturday morning I may need someone to bring me a brown paper sack and remind me to breathe.  

We are one week away from Brenna's first competition.  For the most part I am VERY excited and anxious to watch these girls' hard work pay off.  I know I'll be a blubbering idiot in the stands, but that's okay.  Us moms are entitled to those moments when it comes to our kids.  Brenna has worked SO very hard this year and I know sitting there watching her shine in the spotlight she so deserves will be a moment I will never forget.  I'm so proud of her and all her hard work and dedication.  She has far surpassed my expectations of what kind of dancer she could be at such a young age.  Much of that she is responsible for through being so committed, but the amazing teachers at her studio hold a great deal of credit as well.  I'm grateful they have been able to challenge her and push her to limits that she is completely capable of reaching. 

As I had that conversation with Brenna about how nervous I was she looked at me in a way that she just couldn't believe that I was making such a fuss.  She politely says, "Mom, you think YOU are nervous... I seriously think I might go out there and throw up." 

Oh dear.... what if???

No. I can't even go there.  

Any guesses what I will dream about tonight?