This last month of parenthood hasn’t been my finest. I may have the least patience in the history of ever. (Nick is reading this at work, and nodding his head in agreement). I mean, does this come naturally to ANYONE? You’d think 8 years of nannying would give me a one-up.
I’ve said some things I never thought I’d say… “get out of the toilet!” … “don’t eat your boogers!” … “get your finger out of sister’s ear” … “did that come from your diaper?” … “where are your pants?”
That last one was directed at my man-boy.
Dear Adelyn,
A few weeks ago we took away your binky (except for sleepy times), and since then… your personality has emerged so much! You’re far more chatty and silly. I love that. You no longer sit quietly in a daze sucking violently on your paci. You are BUSY BUSY BUSY! Your favorite toys are as follows: my phone, chapstick, camera, daddy’s guitar, pieces of paper, calculator… let’s just say office supplies of any kind. And anything electronic. Or anything off limits. You’ve recently begun drooling excessively, which is strange because you didn’t drool as a baby AT ALL. Even when you were teething. Why now my child? You pinch your thumb and index finger together and hold it out to everyone like you’re handing them something. It’s like your way of greeting them I guess? Your eyes are turning brown, but still have gray/green in them. It’s like looking into the universe. I know that sounds cheesy, but it’s the best way I can describe them. You’re still my independent girl, and can often be found playing quietly or looking at a board book. You’ve slimmed down a lot since you started walking, but your cheeks are still such that I can sink my face into them… my fave. Every month brings new excitement and challenges… I can’t wait to see what the next one brings!
Dear Paisley,
You are vivacious. You are high strung times infinity. Your energy knows no bounds. You love to run from me when it’s time to get dressed or change your diaper, and think it’s hilarious. You’ve also mastered the art of the fake laugh and fake cry. You are curious, and love to point at things and have us tell you what it is. We used to think you knew how to say ‘book, ball, and bye’ but then we realized that you ONLY say ‘BAH’. I mean, like ever. ‘Bah’ means food, ‘bah’ means poopy, ‘bah’ means gimme that. You love to clean things with a baby wipe, and still bring me pieces of crumbs or filth from who-knows-where. You love it when daddy throws you around or tips you upside down. You’re a thrill-seeker and will try anything. You do not like to take turns, and have been known to throw a pretty famous tantrum from time to time. But you snap out of it quickly, and return to your normal joyful self. You’re starting to test your boundaries to see what you can get away with, and are learning quickly that mommy and daddy don’t play the ‘pick up’ game. You’re very friendly with anybody and everybody… until they try to hold you, at which point you lose your mind, kicking violently, screaming bloody-murder, and reaching for daddy or me. Every month brings new excitement and challenges… I can’t wait to see what the next one brings!
From the other side of the fence-my twins are now adults at 26, living in a different city from me. Parenting is a learn-as-you-go job. If you don’t have a day where you can go visit other adults/get out alone/etc, you need to find that in your schedule. If you don’t recharge, it will be even harder!
Once the kids were two, I used to hire the 12 year old next door twice a week to just come over and play outside with the kids while I sat in front of the TV with Oprah on, a hot cuppa, and the paper. It was beyond worth the $$$ I paid the kid, and I was right there “just in case.” I cannot recommend some alone time enough!
I’ve never commented before but I’ve been reading your blog for a while. I have 8 month old twins and a 4 year old. I think you are amazing b/c some days I can’t get out of my PJ’s let alone do the things you do. I enjoy every post you write.
P.S. I can’t believe the things that come out of my mouth either. “Get your hands out of your pants.” “Stop riding the dog!” “Stop licking the babies!” It goes on and on.
I think it must be the 16 month mark…I had major mommy issues then too (my Adelyn is now 18 months.) I had so many days when I would say “Just STOP!” My biggest breakthrough was taking time each day to rest in God’s word, during nap time. It’s amazing how refreshing it is! Being a mama is HARD, and that’s all there is to it.
I was laughing out loud!!! Oh my!!! I remember the one thing I never thought I would say that still makes me laugh to this day…”WOULD YOU PLEASE STOP PEEING ON YOUR BROTHER!!!”. My youngest son was potty training and learning to stand at the toilet like his big brother and he realized he could aim…at anything, apparently his older brother was the best target ever!
Girl, it doesn’t just “come” to you. It takes practice, trial and error, laughter and tears and sometimes boogers and pee.
We have also had to say, “Get out of the toilet!” Apparently it is great fun to take a measuring cup and scoop the water out to dump on the floor…
Another GREAT update! I love reading these each month!! 😀