what's with the waterworks, sis?

I spend a lot of time explaining to soon-to-be and new moms that their hormones have hijacked the roller coaster. Many times I illustrate my point by telling about my postpartum with the boy:

It was the 2000 Summer Olympics and I'd cry every time they showed a medal award ceremony---didn't matter what country the athlete was from; it could even be someone who triumphed over a favorite of mine. I would still sob as soon as whoever's anthem started.

I tell that story as if it's in the past. And for the most part, it was. My infrequent bouts of tears did happen a bit more frequently after the children were born; I just figured that it was due to some progress on my personal path from a dysfunctional childhood.

But now, I've just decided it must have been hormones. And of late, they've gotten back into the amusement park. Maybe it's something to do with perimenopause. I don't know. But, I've noticed in the last month or two that I can get teary-eyed over the most banal things, yet I don't cry much when one would expect to. One of my client's husband died suddenly---nothing. I see Bob from Sesame Street on the float at the Macy's Thanksgiving parade and I'm blubbering. How bathetic is that?

Took the kids to see their friend from their [homeschool gymnastics](http://www.thehomeschoolgym.com/whyhsg.html) perform in the [Columbus Youth Ballet's version of The Nutcracker](http:///www.columbusyouthballet.com/nc_2006_sales.htm) and I'm trying to surreptitously blow my nose during the performance 'cause everytime the little ones would come onstage, I was biting my lips with the effort to not sob loudly. WTF? (n.b. the friend is wearing the white tutu in the bottom of the picture. She's a bit older and was FANTASTIC!)

I don't mind the tears so much as I mind becoming maudlin. My hormones have questionable taste.