Archive for July, 2012

Comparing the Incomparable?

Friday, July 6th, 2012

From Friday Mom – Jaime:
I have a lot of friends who just had babies. Most of them are still in the “um…what do I do with this kid” stage of being a new parent. I see their posts on Facebook or read their emails and smile.

They’re driving themselves crazy reading those emails that tell you developmentally what your kid should be up to. I still get those emails.
I used to read every line of them. I pored over every word of those “what to expect” books. And I used to make myself nuts comparing Andrew to some hypothetical standard that “most” other kids his age should have achieved.

So, here’s what I’ve learned from these books and emails. Exactly what they tell you in the beginning of each of them is true. Each kid is different and just because “some” or “most” kids are doing something at a particular age, doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your kid if he or she isn’t doing it “right on schedule.”

I have an absolutely wonderful son (when he wants to be my angel baby). He’s caring and thoughtful and sweet…when he wants to be. Andrew is an artist and creative, still inventing his own stories and song lyrics. He dances with enthusiasm, which is half the battle…rhythm is another story 🙂

And for all the wonderful things that I can list here endlessly, he still has trouble pronouncing words that start with “th,” will get up in the middle of the night to try to climb into our bed, and every so often gets so wrapped up in playing that he “forgets” he needs the bathroom, not making it there on time.

I could drive myself nuts about any or all of these things. I could make HIM crazy about this stuff. But I’m convinced that he’ll grow out of this sleeping in my bed thing, that he will get the potty thing perfectly under control and that he will figure out how to pronounce “th” when he’s ready… Because if I’ve learned ANYTHING over the last four years, it’s that when Andrew decides he’s ready to do something, he will do it. And until then…DON’T push him.

Hope you all had a great 4th and have a wonderful weekend. Try to stay cool!

Two

Wednesday, July 4th, 2012

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Two years ago we welcomed our lil’ firecracker, Tate, into the world.  His spunky personality is contagious, leaving us begging for more entertainment.  He is a social butterfly and always talking to anyone nearby, including animals.  I love his sweet tender kisses, heartwarming hugs and his smooth dance moves.

Tate’s first birthday was a subdued affair with some cupcakes. He didn’t really understand what was going on but he knew he liked chocolate frosting. This year we are visiting our families in Pennsylvania so he is getting extra love from both sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.  The 4th of July may be our nations birthday but the 5th of July is Tate’s birthday.  It may mean an even larger fireworks show if my husband has anything to say about it.

Tate and Jack have spent the week playing with their cousins, learning new games like Rugby for Jack and new words like ice cream for Tate. I can’t think of a nicer way for Jack and Tate to spend their summer than in the company of our loving family. Tate will forget the presents he gets, but he will always remember the fun he had in Pennsylvania.

 

Toys, Toys, Toys

Monday, July 2nd, 2012

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
I don’t think Haley is a spoiled toddler. Spoiled by love and attention—perhaps, but I think that she’s still young enough that that’s appropriate. Haley surely has a lot of “stuff” to play with, though in my opinion, it’s not too much. My mother disagrees. It’s true that everywhere you look in our house, you see something that belongs to Haley. It’s not unusual to trip over a stuffed animal, push toy, or ball at any given moment. But compared to other kids (as far as I can tell by looking at pictures on Facebook), I think she has a fair number of toys.

I don’t go crazy with buying Haley new toys. However they do seem to magically appear. Recently we went to a big baby store to get some clothes and other essential baby gear. I went up to Customer Service to make a return while my husband walked Haley around. Next thing I knew, our cart was approaching me with several new items and a smiling little girl in it. My husband looked at me sheepishly. “She likes it!” he declares in a whiny voice. My reply is: “Of course she likes it. She likes everything she sees at first.” But Haley has an advocate in her da-da, and of course we ended up buying the soft blocks and the plush toy for the car seat.

The one area in which I am the real softie is books. Haley just loves “reading” them herself or having her parent or grandparent read to her. I don’t know if she’s forming a good habit or just entertaining herself, but it’s really adorable. I love that she seems to love reading more than watching TV… for now!

It will be interesting when Haley gets older and is able to say what she does and does not like—and insist upon things that she wants! After all, we are not made of money. And even if we were, it’s frivolous to spend so much on “wants” rather than “needs”. Maybe dad should start practicing saying no!