It is so hard to keep a constant eye on P. She is so fast and sometimes she gets around a corner and falls before I even have a chance to run after her. Then it breaks my heart to think my baby has a hurt knee or bumped her head. I guess that is part of being a parent - taking the hard knocks with your kids, just in an "emotional" way.
I want her to explore and learn about her surroundings and her limitations, but sometimes it seems like a terrible idea because that means letting go. It also means keeping constant watch on her. I am trying to figure out how to manage making dinner or cleaning with her running around. I don't know how people do it. I have her blocked off from the stairs and she really only has the living room and kitchen to run around in, but I can't see her in the living room if I am in the kitchen. I don't like that. So, lately I have been "Tivoing" Sesame Street and showing it to her when I am cooking, but that opens the whole TV argument in my household. I really don't like her watching any TV since she is only a year and half. When she watches Sesame Street she is glued to it, and it scares me to think I am raising her to be a boob tube junkie.
It is horrible when I take her shopping with me. I tried to go to a craft store to get stuff for a Halloween party I am having and did nothing but chase after her and tell her "No touch." She definitely needs to be left at home when I am trying to get things done - unless I can put her in a cart. Maybe I just stick her in her stroller when I go places - but then she cries and cries. It is kind of funny to think these are my obstacles right now.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Books
I hope my child's love of books continues through school and life. She just loves them. It is wonderful for me to watch because I love books, too, and I love to read to her. The funny thing is that since she is so little she likes to read the same books over and over again. I have heard that toddlers like to do that, but whew - it is seriously true. She loves Go Dog Go, and Old Macdonald farm book we have, another farm book that has peek-a-boo animals and of course, Miss Spider. She also loves any peek-a-boo book, Dora books, numbers books and books that show pictures of real things. I spoke with my local librarian and she suggested non-fiction books about animals. Many of the books have short sentences similar to how board books are written.
The passed few nights she has even fallen asleep with a book in her arms like a lovie. I tried to take it away but she'd wake up crying for it. So, I just let her go to bed with the book. The next morning I have no idea when she woke up because I just heard her "reading" in her crib. Whenever I have her come upstairs with me she heads straight for her room and sits down with her books. She pulls them all out so they are surrounding her and she just goes from picture to picture, book to book.
At storytime yesterday a mother commented on how attentive P was while the librarian read her a book. She asked her age and couldn't believe it. She said her child just runs around like crazy with no focus - I said, well, that is what we did this morning, she must just be tired out! haha.
The passed few nights she has even fallen asleep with a book in her arms like a lovie. I tried to take it away but she'd wake up crying for it. So, I just let her go to bed with the book. The next morning I have no idea when she woke up because I just heard her "reading" in her crib. Whenever I have her come upstairs with me she heads straight for her room and sits down with her books. She pulls them all out so they are surrounding her and she just goes from picture to picture, book to book.
At storytime yesterday a mother commented on how attentive P was while the librarian read her a book. She asked her age and couldn't believe it. She said her child just runs around like crazy with no focus - I said, well, that is what we did this morning, she must just be tired out! haha.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Dogs
I cannot believe the news I have heard about dogs biting or attacking children. My sis-in-law shared this story: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070913/NEWS06/709130386/1001/NEWS
It is frightening that a dog can attack without warning - even if it was a loving, wonderful pet that never hurt a fly and then suddenly decides to attack. It scares me because I go walking with P and let her play on the kid's gym at the park. At that particular park many people do not leash their dogs because they let them run with them or let them play in the creek. One time a big lab came right up to the stroller and kept licking P in the face. I couldn't get to the dog quick enough to stop it (and I was RIGHT behind the stroller)...what if that was a dog that wanted to bite her? I wouldn't not have been quick enough to stop the dog. And, they say dogs always go for kids' heads and faces first. I laughed because P laughed and the dog was just licking her, but after I thought about it I was kind of angry because that dog should have been leashed. I mean, I don't let my kid run around and hit those people's dogs and throw toys at them? Why should they let their dog come right up to my child and lick her or God forbid, bite her?
My two dogs (miniature schnauzers) were not friendly towards P at all when she was a little baby, and now that she is a toddler they are better. I basically trained them to know that P was their boss just like I am their boss. Even if she is playing in her babyway they have to deal with it. I do not even tolerate a small growl. And, I am not opposed to smacking my dogs if they are out of line. Some people think that is awful, but I don't really care. Would you rather have my dog bite your kid or me to smack them when they are doing something really bad?
I am calling my city office today to complain about the dog and leash law. I am pretty sure in my state that all dogs need to be on leashes. There is a dog park not far from here where people can let their dogs run off leash and run wild with other dogs. I don't even think it costs money. So, if someone is hell bent on letting their dog play off leash they can take them there. I never walk my dogs off leash just for the mere thought of them hurting someone because they are just being dogs...and they are not even a foot tall.
It is frightening that a dog can attack without warning - even if it was a loving, wonderful pet that never hurt a fly and then suddenly decides to attack. It scares me because I go walking with P and let her play on the kid's gym at the park. At that particular park many people do not leash their dogs because they let them run with them or let them play in the creek. One time a big lab came right up to the stroller and kept licking P in the face. I couldn't get to the dog quick enough to stop it (and I was RIGHT behind the stroller)...what if that was a dog that wanted to bite her? I wouldn't not have been quick enough to stop the dog. And, they say dogs always go for kids' heads and faces first. I laughed because P laughed and the dog was just licking her, but after I thought about it I was kind of angry because that dog should have been leashed. I mean, I don't let my kid run around and hit those people's dogs and throw toys at them? Why should they let their dog come right up to my child and lick her or God forbid, bite her?
My two dogs (miniature schnauzers) were not friendly towards P at all when she was a little baby, and now that she is a toddler they are better. I basically trained them to know that P was their boss just like I am their boss. Even if she is playing in her babyway they have to deal with it. I do not even tolerate a small growl. And, I am not opposed to smacking my dogs if they are out of line. Some people think that is awful, but I don't really care. Would you rather have my dog bite your kid or me to smack them when they are doing something really bad?
I am calling my city office today to complain about the dog and leash law. I am pretty sure in my state that all dogs need to be on leashes. There is a dog park not far from here where people can let their dogs run off leash and run wild with other dogs. I don't even think it costs money. So, if someone is hell bent on letting their dog play off leash they can take them there. I never walk my dogs off leash just for the mere thought of them hurting someone because they are just being dogs...and they are not even a foot tall.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Music!
P's music lessons have started again. They took a hiatus in August until September 10, and we really missed going! P has so much fun and I think she is learning many new things that I could have never taught her at home.
It is funny. Everytime I tell people my 16 month old is in music class they immediately respond with, "what do they do, pluck the violin or something?" or some silly comment like that. Actually, they are playing Mozart on the baby piano and singing Faust's opera all while dancing a small rendition of Swan Lake. Okay, okay, so I get a little tired of that comment. Really, though, it a great thing for babies/children.
The class size is about 20 mothers and their children. We sing songs, play bouncing games, do movement activities and they get to play with instruments like bells and shaky eggs. It is a terrific way to get them to learn rythm, rhyming, sounds, letters, and understand the difference between walking, running and going in circles vs. just dancing around feeling the music. I love it, and P really loves it.
After class the music teacher always gives them what she refers to as "La-Las." A La-La is a stamp with musical notes that she puts on the back of each of their tiny hands. P refers to her La-La the rest of the day. So cute. Anyhow, Friday the teacher told me that P makes her day. She said she just brightens up her whole morning because when she looks at her P is always making a cute face or interacting with her as she teaches. The teacher said she just adores her. It was a very proud moment for me. I was so tickled she recognized my darling P out of all the other children. It made MY whole day...well, my whole weekend. :)
It is funny. Everytime I tell people my 16 month old is in music class they immediately respond with, "what do they do, pluck the violin or something?" or some silly comment like that. Actually, they are playing Mozart on the baby piano and singing Faust's opera all while dancing a small rendition of Swan Lake. Okay, okay, so I get a little tired of that comment. Really, though, it a great thing for babies/children.
The class size is about 20 mothers and their children. We sing songs, play bouncing games, do movement activities and they get to play with instruments like bells and shaky eggs. It is a terrific way to get them to learn rythm, rhyming, sounds, letters, and understand the difference between walking, running and going in circles vs. just dancing around feeling the music. I love it, and P really loves it.
After class the music teacher always gives them what she refers to as "La-Las." A La-La is a stamp with musical notes that she puts on the back of each of their tiny hands. P refers to her La-La the rest of the day. So cute. Anyhow, Friday the teacher told me that P makes her day. She said she just brightens up her whole morning because when she looks at her P is always making a cute face or interacting with her as she teaches. The teacher said she just adores her. It was a very proud moment for me. I was so tickled she recognized my darling P out of all the other children. It made MY whole day...well, my whole weekend. :)
Friday, September 14, 2007
Am I teaching my kid "drinking" lessons?
Today I realized I am teaching P how to be a master drinker...I guess all those years of shooting random purple hooters and tequila have trained me to put everything in "college drinking context." haha.
I was giving my darling P her vitamins and she really hates the taste, so I have been telling her to "chase" them with her milk. I was just now aware that perhaps I should phrase that a little better. I would hate for her to go to school and tell her friends she "chases her peas with a cold one" or "I shoot my apple juice." ugh.
Handing my daughter her sippy as a chaser is just a little too...weird...even for me.
I was giving my darling P her vitamins and she really hates the taste, so I have been telling her to "chase" them with her milk. I was just now aware that perhaps I should phrase that a little better. I would hate for her to go to school and tell her friends she "chases her peas with a cold one" or "I shoot my apple juice." ugh.
Handing my daughter her sippy as a chaser is just a little too...weird...even for me.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
A sense of timing?
I often wonder if my darling P has the perfect sense of timing or if it is a coincidence. It seems as if everytime I am in a situation where it is next to impossible for me to lean over and pick something up, that is the time when the sippy cup is thrown, the lovie falls to the ground, the snack is cried for or she lets the dog out the front door to run into the street. It is almost comical at times.
For instance, today I have all of our things gathered to go to storytime: my purse, her sippy, a snack for after, overdue books and my child in my arms. I am ready to get out the door and realize the diaper needs changed. Can't have a baby in a stinky diaper and even fathom changing a toddler's poopy pants in the library....ewe. So, she is changed, all the things gathered up and now we are just going to make it. I am getting everything situated in my arms to unlock the door and the sippy gets thrown across the room. Of course, if I don't get it she will cry for it and then want a drink keeping us from running errands after storytime. So, I put some things down and go pick up the sippy. Get everything gathered - again - and open the door and darn it if the car seat isn't sitting on the front porch. I put the seat in my mom's car last night while she watched her. I forgot to put it back in after class.
So, I have to put everything down again. Make sure P doesn't run for the road and proceed to quickly, yet safely, put the seat in the car. Finally, I think, I am off. Put the books in the car, purse in the car, seat in the car, chase down child and put her in the seat and remember I forgot my cell phone. Luckily, all I had to do was take the keys out of the ignition, run inside and take the phone off the charger. I prefer to keep the phone with me when I am driving places in case something happens....especially with a baby in the car.
Now, we are off to storytime. It was only 10am and I was ready for a nap.
For instance, today I have all of our things gathered to go to storytime: my purse, her sippy, a snack for after, overdue books and my child in my arms. I am ready to get out the door and realize the diaper needs changed. Can't have a baby in a stinky diaper and even fathom changing a toddler's poopy pants in the library....ewe. So, she is changed, all the things gathered up and now we are just going to make it. I am getting everything situated in my arms to unlock the door and the sippy gets thrown across the room. Of course, if I don't get it she will cry for it and then want a drink keeping us from running errands after storytime. So, I put some things down and go pick up the sippy. Get everything gathered - again - and open the door and darn it if the car seat isn't sitting on the front porch. I put the seat in my mom's car last night while she watched her. I forgot to put it back in after class.
So, I have to put everything down again. Make sure P doesn't run for the road and proceed to quickly, yet safely, put the seat in the car. Finally, I think, I am off. Put the books in the car, purse in the car, seat in the car, chase down child and put her in the seat and remember I forgot my cell phone. Luckily, all I had to do was take the keys out of the ignition, run inside and take the phone off the charger. I prefer to keep the phone with me when I am driving places in case something happens....especially with a baby in the car.
Now, we are off to storytime. It was only 10am and I was ready for a nap.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Spinach for breakfast?
Well, heck yes, spinach for breakfast. Just as long as you can't taste it. Thanks to The Sneaky Chef cookbook Miss P has eaten spinach for breakfast for two days in a row...and doesn't even know it! Plus, I get a vege in so I don't have to stress about it for lunch.
This cookbook has really been a lifesaver. Miss P is still only eating pureed or milled veges; she will not eat little pieces. I have a babyfood mill by Kidco, but it only does individual servings. I wanted to come up with some of way of making batch veges that could go in just about anything or be eaten alone. The Sneaky Chef gives great ideas and offers great, healthy recipes. I have a whole tray of carrots and sweet potatoes in the freezer that are ready to spread on grilled cheese, add to meatloaf, to spaghetti sauce, etc. There are a variety of purees that you can even add to brownies (store-bought mix or from scratch). She teaches you how to make strawberry and blueberry juice to add to milk (for kids who are little bit older I would assume-I don't add ANYTHING to P's milk right now. I have a friend who added Quick to her baby's milk to get her to drink it and it ended up giving the child eight cavities by the time she was 2!), jello or oatmeal.
I may be a bit fanatical when it comes to my kid's diet, but I DO not want her to be one of those obese teens. I was heavy in middle-school and my life was hell - I will do everything in my power so my child doesn't have to experience it. I really think my life would be different if I didn't have those horrible childhood teasings and learned to make good food choices on my own. Hopefully, what I am doing will pay off in the end. I try to eat well, too, so I am an example. And I just pray there aren't low-rise jeans and mid-drif shirts as the fashion for teen girls....oh jeez...one more thing to worry about....
This cookbook has really been a lifesaver. Miss P is still only eating pureed or milled veges; she will not eat little pieces. I have a babyfood mill by Kidco, but it only does individual servings. I wanted to come up with some of way of making batch veges that could go in just about anything or be eaten alone. The Sneaky Chef gives great ideas and offers great, healthy recipes. I have a whole tray of carrots and sweet potatoes in the freezer that are ready to spread on grilled cheese, add to meatloaf, to spaghetti sauce, etc. There are a variety of purees that you can even add to brownies (store-bought mix or from scratch). She teaches you how to make strawberry and blueberry juice to add to milk (for kids who are little bit older I would assume-I don't add ANYTHING to P's milk right now. I have a friend who added Quick to her baby's milk to get her to drink it and it ended up giving the child eight cavities by the time she was 2!), jello or oatmeal.
I may be a bit fanatical when it comes to my kid's diet, but I DO not want her to be one of those obese teens. I was heavy in middle-school and my life was hell - I will do everything in my power so my child doesn't have to experience it. I really think my life would be different if I didn't have those horrible childhood teasings and learned to make good food choices on my own. Hopefully, what I am doing will pay off in the end. I try to eat well, too, so I am an example. And I just pray there aren't low-rise jeans and mid-drif shirts as the fashion for teen girls....oh jeez...one more thing to worry about....
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Who knew the zoo....
The zoo is so relaxing...well, not the actual zoo, but hubby taking Miss P to the zoo so I can have the day to myself is quite restful. Although, I have to admit, I am rather nervous about hubby taking off with his friend and his girls for a full day outing. I prepared him as much as possible and the rest is out of my hands. Everytime the phone rings I get really anxious thinking it is him with some horrible story of how an elephant got loose and trampled my darling P in her stroller or how a flamingo bit off her right toe. I need to just calm down and know that I have to trust in daddy and his instincts to take good care of our daughter.
I couldn't imagine going off to work and leaving her in his hands all day. How do women do it? I would be a total stresscase, I am sure, for a very long time until hubby proved he could manage on his own. I guess that is the nature of being overly protective and a bit controlling on my part.
My day is pretty full. I actually got the floors swept and mopped, laundry done, a shower and some long overdue photos of P up on Flickr in less than two hours. As soon as I finish up here I am off to the library to get some studying done. I absolutely need to send in some of my assignments for my independent study classes. I am pretty sure the professors have no idea I exist at this point in time...or think I dropped. Being sick with baby #2 earlier this summer put me extremely behind on schoolwork. Oh well, it'll get done. I just need time to focus, which today the zoo allowed me to do.
I couldn't imagine going off to work and leaving her in his hands all day. How do women do it? I would be a total stresscase, I am sure, for a very long time until hubby proved he could manage on his own. I guess that is the nature of being overly protective and a bit controlling on my part.
My day is pretty full. I actually got the floors swept and mopped, laundry done, a shower and some long overdue photos of P up on Flickr in less than two hours. As soon as I finish up here I am off to the library to get some studying done. I absolutely need to send in some of my assignments for my independent study classes. I am pretty sure the professors have no idea I exist at this point in time...or think I dropped. Being sick with baby #2 earlier this summer put me extremely behind on schoolwork. Oh well, it'll get done. I just need time to focus, which today the zoo allowed me to do.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Too Hard on Myself
I think I am too hard on myself when it comes to being a mommy. It isn't like I am trying to prove something or send in my application for "Mother of the Year," but I find that if I take a little time for myself, let her cry for more than 15 minutes to go to sleep or skip her vege at lunch I am not doing my job. I carry a huge amount of stress and guilt around with me much of the day. Now, some of this could be hormones because of being pregnant for baby #2, but I can't blame all of it on that.
I think part of it is that she is getting older and much more able to play by herself, and many times prefers to play alone. Maybe I am the one having a hard time with it and she could care less. Motherhood is a lot harder to figure out than what kind of spin to put on a PR story and all the project planning and follow-up put together. It is amazing how EASY my 8-5 job was compared to bringing up baby.
It is quite encouraging to have the friends and family I have who did/do stay home with their children. They have great advice to share and make for good company who is understanding of the fact that I have to leave when it is naptime. I also love the fact that each of them has their own goals and amibitions, and a life before baby. It would be really hard if all I was surrounded by was early 20- somethings who just graduated from college and got married and pregnant.
Oh well - just trying to get through this little depression I am going through right now that I am sure is hormone-induced.
I think part of it is that she is getting older and much more able to play by herself, and many times prefers to play alone. Maybe I am the one having a hard time with it and she could care less. Motherhood is a lot harder to figure out than what kind of spin to put on a PR story and all the project planning and follow-up put together. It is amazing how EASY my 8-5 job was compared to bringing up baby.
It is quite encouraging to have the friends and family I have who did/do stay home with their children. They have great advice to share and make for good company who is understanding of the fact that I have to leave when it is naptime. I also love the fact that each of them has their own goals and amibitions, and a life before baby. It would be really hard if all I was surrounded by was early 20- somethings who just graduated from college and got married and pregnant.
Oh well - just trying to get through this little depression I am going through right now that I am sure is hormone-induced.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Dog Food
I made the mistake of leaving the dog food and water down after P ate her breakfast. I currently have two very happy dogs eating their food off the floor and a very happy child throwing it all over the kitchen. I don't mind the food as much as the water. When she dumps the water she and the floor need completely cleaned up, which takes about half an hour. Everything takes about half an hour to an hour these days. haha!
Now she has decided that throwing the dog food down the stairs into the basement is fun. I am going to have to stop that. She has started carrying a plastic boon (translation: spoon) around with her. I guess that is to eat the dog food she spread all over the place.
Now she has decided that throwing the dog food down the stairs into the basement is fun. I am going to have to stop that. She has started carrying a plastic boon (translation: spoon) around with her. I guess that is to eat the dog food she spread all over the place.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Mama's girl
Miss P is still screaming in her crib right now when she is supposed to be sleeping. We have been going through this for a week now during naps and when she is supposed to go to bed for the night. We read a few books and then rock - the ritual takes 45 minutes to one hour sometimes. It is getting crazy.
She will be fast asleep and as soon as I lay her down in her crib she wakes up and starts screaming. Then I let her scream until I can't take it anymore and I get her and rock her again. She falls fast asleep when I rock her, and then when I go to let her down she starts screaming again. Currently, she is beside herself and has been screaming for 15 minutes. It is so hard as her mom to hear her cry without going to her, but I have to let her cry and go to sleep.
For one, today she is exhausted. She needs a nap. Two, I have to finish my reading for class tonight - and I am so exhausted that if I wasn't reading I'd need a nap, too.
I guess I just have to play hardball and let her keep crying until she falls asleep. She at least will have to stay in her crib until I get my reading finished for class- her naptime is the only time I get to myself.
She will be fast asleep and as soon as I lay her down in her crib she wakes up and starts screaming. Then I let her scream until I can't take it anymore and I get her and rock her again. She falls fast asleep when I rock her, and then when I go to let her down she starts screaming again. Currently, she is beside herself and has been screaming for 15 minutes. It is so hard as her mom to hear her cry without going to her, but I have to let her cry and go to sleep.
For one, today she is exhausted. She needs a nap. Two, I have to finish my reading for class tonight - and I am so exhausted that if I wasn't reading I'd need a nap, too.
I guess I just have to play hardball and let her keep crying until she falls asleep. She at least will have to stay in her crib until I get my reading finished for class- her naptime is the only time I get to myself.
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