I hope I am not jumping the gun here, but, it looks like I may be going back to work soon. Nothing concrete yet, but tomorrow I will know more.
Ever since I knew this lunch date was coming, possibly with a job offer, I see Olivia in a whole new light. I don't think I ever really took this time with her for granted, but now it seems to be more finite, I can't help but get choked up inside when I see her and hold her. It's been over a year, which is more than a lot of moms get to spend with their children, but it's been a wonderful year. I think I did a good job of taking advantage of what the city and burbs have to offer someone O's age. Perhaps some mothers are better than I, but there will always be that.
Perhaps it's just me, but Olivia seems to sense what I am feeling. She has been pretty clingy recently. Wanting me to put her to bed, to hold her (ALL THE TIME)... This is not "normal" for her, so I am interpreting it as she knows that I need to hold her all the time. I am sure this will not help either of us in the future, but for now, I am going to enjoy every second of it.
I had another aha moment with her last night after the bathtub. I decided to break out the crayola colored soap so she could paint the tub and herself all variations of blue, red and yellow. Clearly, she enjoyed it, because there was a cry-fest after I put away the colored soap. She wouldn't let me do anything (as far as drying her off, brushing her hair...). I just stopped everything, got to her level and calmly told her that if she wants to have the colored soaps for her next bath that she cannot scream and cry when I take it away.... Clearly she got it. It was like a switch went off and she calmed down. I asked her if she wanted the colored soaps for her next bath and she said "yeah". And that was it.
It's amazing, to me, that mid tantrum, you think you cannot rationalize with someone who is so seemingly inconsolable, but it astounds me that they understand what you are saying even at their age, in their state called tantrum. I thought this stuff only worked on TV.
Speaking of TV, screw those people who don't let their tots watch or judge others who do. Not that I will let Olivia watch anything, but Dora and PBS have helped her gain confidence in her speaking and understanding language. I am not encouraging TV as a babysitter, but there are some great programs on television (AND Netflix instant view) that help the day go by and have her calm down and focus on something for a good 20 minutes (or more). There is even PBS in Spanish, which excites me as it will help me in my endeavour to help Olivia be bilingual and not miss out on the opportunity to learn another language (or two) at this prime time.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Bad Mom - Good Mom
Has a stranger or friend ever said or done something to make you feel like a terrible mother, when you know you are only trying to do the best for your child, but what they say or do makes you question yourself? Something happened the other day that still bothers me. I don't know if it bothers me more that I feel like a sh*tty parent or that I should have told the stranger to butt out. I am just really still disturbed by the event.
We were packing up from an afternoon at the beach when Olivia decided to go into full protest mode about getting in her carseat. She still says things we can't understand and what she was saying sounded like she wanted to drive. Whatever, we all know she must go in her carseat. But she was stiffening herself so her body would not bend into the carseat so I could buckle her. I checked that the seat wasn't too hot or anything, so Olivia was seemingly just in tirade mode and I couldn't do or say anything to calm her down. So, I decided to pull out the time out to just have her calm down. Well, I placed her facing a nearby tree to get her cry out so we could head home. Along comes this older lady who starts telling Olivia that she's a nurse. Yes, she was talking to Olivia as if I wasn't there. I said "She's not hurt she's just in time out." and the woman IGNORED ME. She kept telling Olivia she's a nurse and that she shouldn't waste her energy crying. I kept talking to the woman, hoping she would get the drift that this was a personal parenting moment, but she ignored the fact that I was even there as if she wouldn't deign to talk to the mean mommy who was trying to calm her toddler down the only way knew how. Thank you, lady; I tried the calm soothing voice. Didn't work...
Olivia tends to get quiet when strangers talk to her, so she did stop crying, but holy cow! I have had my mom tell me that I was doing wrong parenting, and that annoys me, but it's acceptable, but a stranger, who hadn't seen the scenario prior to Olivia's time out to know what the heck was going on. And, why did she repeatedly tell Olivia that she was a nurse. You know what nurses are to Olivia? The ladies who stick her with needles (for immunizations) and even then, I don't think Olivia knows what a nurse is yet. That's beside the point. Now I feel like I must have looked like I was being an awful parent just letting my toddler cry. But, when hugging and soothing talk doesn't work, all I knew was to let her cry it out. I am sure I read somewhere that that is an option when all else fails, you just have to make sure they are safe.
I am pretty sure that I would butt in when a parent was abusing their child, physically or verbally, but when a child is crying...and you are not asked for your help, BUTT OUT. Perhaps I feel disturbed on both accounts, like I should have some other trick in my mommy arsenal AND that I should have told that lady off. I mean, you may think you're doing good, lady, and that you know best how to get a toddler to calm down, but what you did was undermine my authority as a parent. Thanks a lot.
Last night, I did pull another trick out of my hat. One that I didn't expect to work, but did. Olivia was having a tantrum because she wanted to play while I read but that is a no no. Play during the day, book and bed at night. So, I told her to come here and read the book. When she ignored me, I said, "fine, bed, no book." I put her to bed wailing. I went into the kitchen and put the timer on for 2 mins (minute per year old.) (The timing thing works wonders as, usually, she's calm by then.) She was still wailing when I walked back into the bedroom. I went to hug her and sing to her, but she pushed me away and wailed for daddy. Great, now I am, yet again, the worst parent. Then, I started reading her (from memory) the book "When Sofie Gets Angry, Really, Really Angry" (great book, BTW). When I got to the part where Sofie cries, I asked Olivia if she was sad and she immediately stopped crying and said "yeah." And, poof that was it. She calmed down. I cannot believe that. I was then able to hug and finish the story and sing to Olivia and say goodnight.
I hadn't read anywhere to just ask the kid "are you sad?" This was new to me, but perhaps just recognizing, verbally, the kid's emotion puts an end to the uncontrollability of the situation. This is such an epiphany for me and weight off my shoulder if this actually works in the future. Of course, like all things that work once with your toddler, this one probably was a one-hit-wonder. I hope not, but being a mom has taught me not to expect all things to work all the time. You need a bag of tricks. And sometimes you need to throw that bag at the old lady who feels like she can butt in on your parenting moment and make you feel like bad mommy.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Where's the mom-o ©
I just made that up, in reference to "didn't get the memo" situation I find on a daily basis as I take O to the public places. For example, I am resolved to get Olivia to overcome her fear of the water, so I take her to the public pool at our gym. She won't go deeper than her ankles, but what does get her to go further in the water is all of the toys that all of the other moms knew to bring. Buckets, shovels, dolls...make my inspiration to bring bathtime Thomas seem extremely uninspired. It seems every mom at the pool, BUT me knew to bring a bag of goodies...treats for the break time (I forgot about those), toys, hat, sunglasses... I was so proud I got the correct suit and sunscreen for Olivia. Little did I know my efforts were minuscule in comparison. Is there a book out I don't know about?
On that theme, my sister pointed out that her 3 year old son is the only boy in a class of all girls at a local tot gymnastics class. She was frustrated because, of course, in comparison to all of the girls, he could not seem to follow directions and wanted to just run around. I am surprised that there were no other boys there. It makes me wonder what are all of the 3 year old boys doing? Is there another mom-o going around that boys can't do all of the fun organized programs that girls can? Where are all of the boys?
An update on Olivia's progress...she's starting to speak more and we can understand what she wants and what she is saying. Today, she apparently fell asleep with her face in a book. I can't complain about that :) Apparently my obsession with he library is finally paying off!
My sophomore effort to get Olivia interested in food, however, was not as fruitful, pun intended. Through Groupon, I was able to sign her up for another trial class. This time, it was making strawberry shortcake. I thought, since this was dessert, she'd eat it up. My sister's mother in law bought her a Strawberry Shortcake cooking dvd that she has become obsessed with lately and I thought this would really be the perfect storm of sweet and celebrity. But, alas, she made all of the food and refused to eat it. Even the whipped cream! If there were a toddler card, she would have hers revoked, at least, this is the second strike...
I was going to make a sophomore attempt at getting in the pool again today, but it was just too cold. Even I appreciate the impact of outside weather and swimming. One day... I just keep hoping my efforts will pay off by the time she's a teenager. When, she will hate my guts, but least have an appreciation for food and water. :)
On that theme, my sister pointed out that her 3 year old son is the only boy in a class of all girls at a local tot gymnastics class. She was frustrated because, of course, in comparison to all of the girls, he could not seem to follow directions and wanted to just run around. I am surprised that there were no other boys there. It makes me wonder what are all of the 3 year old boys doing? Is there another mom-o going around that boys can't do all of the fun organized programs that girls can? Where are all of the boys?
An update on Olivia's progress...she's starting to speak more and we can understand what she wants and what she is saying. Today, she apparently fell asleep with her face in a book. I can't complain about that :) Apparently my obsession with he library is finally paying off!
My sophomore effort to get Olivia interested in food, however, was not as fruitful, pun intended. Through Groupon, I was able to sign her up for another trial class. This time, it was making strawberry shortcake. I thought, since this was dessert, she'd eat it up. My sister's mother in law bought her a Strawberry Shortcake cooking dvd that she has become obsessed with lately and I thought this would really be the perfect storm of sweet and celebrity. But, alas, she made all of the food and refused to eat it. Even the whipped cream! If there were a toddler card, she would have hers revoked, at least, this is the second strike...
I was going to make a sophomore attempt at getting in the pool again today, but it was just too cold. Even I appreciate the impact of outside weather and swimming. One day... I just keep hoping my efforts will pay off by the time she's a teenager. When, she will hate my guts, but least have an appreciation for food and water. :)
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Now I feel like a "MOM"
The exact moment when moms really feel like moms probably varies. It could be pregnancy, could be birth, could be first smile, laugh, word. My moment was when I gave Olivia a choice between time out and participating in her cooking class and she, on her own, walked back to her chair and sat...that was when I felt like a real mom. Those rumors that are flying around about getting to their level, and giving them a choice between two options...one being a time out, they work!! Whooda thunk?!
I don't remember where we left off, because I am still so bad about this blogging thing. But, really, once you get past the first year, daily updates are harder than you imagine. I am lucky that I put on makeup some days. And, yes, I need makeup in order to not look like a tired 12 year old.
Olivia's 2nd year checkup ended with a request that we come back in a few weeks for a new weigh in and blood test. Nothing makes you feel like a worse parent, than when your pediatrician subtly implies that you suck at it because your child is underweight and possibly anemic. (Anemic and a candidate for asthma...woo hoo) Well, after about a month of high fat diet and a few weeks in Hilton Head for some sunshine and family time) Olivia's second checkup was a success. She had gained weight and her bloodwork came back normal.
OK, now we are not the worst parents in the world. This still doesn't excuse the fact that Olivia is not a great eater. I guess it goes with the toddler territory, but imagine that one of your passions is totally rejected by your daughter. This has been an ongoing problem, a chain I am hoping to one day break. Not just to get approving looks from my pediatrician, but because Olivia is going to know the joys of cooking and eating dammit.
When a few online deals came up for cooking classes for 2 and ups, I snatched them up like they were winning lottery tickets. I used one the other day. It was for Pied Piper Parties and Playschool (http://www.piedpiperparties.com/cooking.html). I have to admit, I didn't come to this class with high expectations. I am not happy about the fact that this place is in the city and I am in the burbs. (For all of the opportunities the burbs has to offer for families, there are much more fun things to do for under 3's in the city...not so fun to take a youngin' to the city, especially during the winter..come on, burbs, get with it!!!) But, the whole class was so well set up. As the teacher prepared the ingredients for the tots, they had a whole playroom to just play while the parents could chat or play with kids (and a lounge if you didn't want to be in the playroom). When the class started, the tots gathered around a small table where the teacher introduced herself and passed around bowls with the kids names on them and then each ingredient, which the tot placed, pinched, spooned, mashed in the bowl him/herself. Olivia was really getting into it. I thought, hoped, prayed that if she made the dish and saw/felt/smelled each ingredient that went into it, she would eat. While the food (lasagna in this case) was baking, the kids played some more. After the food was plated and was cooling, the teacher read a story. (great idea to put in my pocket) Then, the food was passed around. And....Olivia did not eat it. Too much color, I guess.
But, the crowning achievement of the class, was not the fact it was Olivia's first cooking class, but it was during the class where Olivia decided she was done and started to get out of her chair. When she protested as I tried to gently put her back in her chair, I took her to the opposite end of the room, got to her level and said, she could either stay in the corner or go back to her seat. Without an argument, she walked back to her chair. My jaw dropped. It worked! I really was expecting a protest or a tear at least, but no! I was so proud this parenting stuff worked. I really felt like a parent then. Those people who tell you consistency is key, they are right! Of course, I am aware this will not be the case always, but for that one shining moment it worked. I will take the small victories where I can.
Another Olivia moment I want to document is yesterday. I offered to go to the city to pick up John's race packet. As we were walking hand in hand from the car to the store, Olivia kissed my hand. At first, I thought she was wiping her nose with my hand, but I looked down and she kissed it again and looked up and me and smiled. It was the most wonderful thing she has done to date. Yeah yeah yeah, talking, walking...that stuff is great, but when they express their love and pride right in front of you, that is what makes this parenting thing worth while. The past couple of days, she has been a really great kid. I may start thinking I can do this mommy business.
One last thing, I still have yet to video record this, but as Olivia is talking, she doesn't say everything "correctly" yet. Words that begin with "CH" or "C" are "F" 's. For example, chocolate is f*ckit. , cupcake is f*ckit. Niiiiiiice. Of course, she could be just using the potty mouth John and I have yet to get totally under control.
I don't remember where we left off, because I am still so bad about this blogging thing. But, really, once you get past the first year, daily updates are harder than you imagine. I am lucky that I put on makeup some days. And, yes, I need makeup in order to not look like a tired 12 year old.
Olivia's 2nd year checkup ended with a request that we come back in a few weeks for a new weigh in and blood test. Nothing makes you feel like a worse parent, than when your pediatrician subtly implies that you suck at it because your child is underweight and possibly anemic. (Anemic and a candidate for asthma...woo hoo) Well, after about a month of high fat diet and a few weeks in Hilton Head for some sunshine and family time) Olivia's second checkup was a success. She had gained weight and her bloodwork came back normal.
OK, now we are not the worst parents in the world. This still doesn't excuse the fact that Olivia is not a great eater. I guess it goes with the toddler territory, but imagine that one of your passions is totally rejected by your daughter. This has been an ongoing problem, a chain I am hoping to one day break. Not just to get approving looks from my pediatrician, but because Olivia is going to know the joys of cooking and eating dammit.
When a few online deals came up for cooking classes for 2 and ups, I snatched them up like they were winning lottery tickets. I used one the other day. It was for Pied Piper Parties and Playschool (http://www.piedpiperparties.com/cooking.html). I have to admit, I didn't come to this class with high expectations. I am not happy about the fact that this place is in the city and I am in the burbs. (For all of the opportunities the burbs has to offer for families, there are much more fun things to do for under 3's in the city...not so fun to take a youngin' to the city, especially during the winter..come on, burbs, get with it!!!) But, the whole class was so well set up. As the teacher prepared the ingredients for the tots, they had a whole playroom to just play while the parents could chat or play with kids (and a lounge if you didn't want to be in the playroom). When the class started, the tots gathered around a small table where the teacher introduced herself and passed around bowls with the kids names on them and then each ingredient, which the tot placed, pinched, spooned, mashed in the bowl him/herself. Olivia was really getting into it. I thought, hoped, prayed that if she made the dish and saw/felt/smelled each ingredient that went into it, she would eat. While the food (lasagna in this case) was baking, the kids played some more. After the food was plated and was cooling, the teacher read a story. (great idea to put in my pocket) Then, the food was passed around. And....Olivia did not eat it. Too much color, I guess.
But, the crowning achievement of the class, was not the fact it was Olivia's first cooking class, but it was during the class where Olivia decided she was done and started to get out of her chair. When she protested as I tried to gently put her back in her chair, I took her to the opposite end of the room, got to her level and said, she could either stay in the corner or go back to her seat. Without an argument, she walked back to her chair. My jaw dropped. It worked! I really was expecting a protest or a tear at least, but no! I was so proud this parenting stuff worked. I really felt like a parent then. Those people who tell you consistency is key, they are right! Of course, I am aware this will not be the case always, but for that one shining moment it worked. I will take the small victories where I can.
Another Olivia moment I want to document is yesterday. I offered to go to the city to pick up John's race packet. As we were walking hand in hand from the car to the store, Olivia kissed my hand. At first, I thought she was wiping her nose with my hand, but I looked down and she kissed it again and looked up and me and smiled. It was the most wonderful thing she has done to date. Yeah yeah yeah, talking, walking...that stuff is great, but when they express their love and pride right in front of you, that is what makes this parenting thing worth while. The past couple of days, she has been a really great kid. I may start thinking I can do this mommy business.
One last thing, I still have yet to video record this, but as Olivia is talking, she doesn't say everything "correctly" yet. Words that begin with "CH" or "C" are "F" 's. For example, chocolate is f*ckit. , cupcake is f*ckit. Niiiiiiice. Of course, she could be just using the potty mouth John and I have yet to get totally under control.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Party in the Back and Toddlerese
2011 has been a year of momentous occasions. Olivia received her first haircut and we finally figured out what fwah fwah means.
I have been fighting my mom on getting Olivia's first haircut because she's been a baldy for so long I am awaiting the moment when people start to realise that I don't dress my boy in pink, but she is, in fact, a girl. Also, I finally managed to get her hair in pigtails a few times and she is a showstopper in pigtails. So cute. This is the kind of things that all moms of little girls live for, I imagine. The thing about Olivia's hair, what little there is, even still, of it, is that it's a mullet at this point. Not exactly cluing the clueless in to the fact that she's a girl with any exactitude.
I had a moment of inspiration this past Thursday to see if Olivia could join her cousin when he got his haircut. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad. John was not too happy I did this thing without letting him know, but when I get a burr up my butt to do something...I am not exactly the patient kind...as we have learned. As luck would have it, my sister was planning on a trip to the kiddy salon that day. Her son has been getting his haircut since 9 months old. Olivia is almost 2. So, game on, party in the back soon to be gone. 2011 is a time for change.
The haircut went pretty well. At this point, Olivia is old enough to be distracted by her cousin and the television while her hair was being cut. (Let's all hope this isn't a Sampson moment where she loses all of her strength!).
Who woulda thunk that she would be so cute with a cut. I hate to tell my mom she was right, but she was right. I am not totally excited about the fact that she looks a little more "boy" now, but at least it can start growing out one length as opposed to what it was doing. She's still my beautiful baby...GIRL.
Let's take a right turn to tangentville and start with the toddlerese. Olivia is starting to become more vocal. I am extremely excited about the fact that we can now get inside that little brain of hers and communicate. But, as with most toddlers I have known, not all of the words are clear as to the "English" translation. Most of my mom friends have said that you always understand what YOUR child is saying. Because, God knows, I have not been able to understand their children all of the time. (Which has lead me to panic that there will be a period of time with my child that I will just look at her with confusion as she happily explains the meaning of life to me).
I have been reading that, at Olivia's age, she should be saying upwards of 200 words. I don't know many moms who actually count their child's growing vocabulary, but I have definitely not been. I am more excited to encourage further speaking than pause to keep a list.
Of late, Olivia has been saying the word "fwah fwah" repeatedly while standing by the door. John and I look at eachother with confusion and determination to find out what the heck she wants. What IS a fwah fwah. To narrow it down, we started to grab things around the area and ask "do you want a ___?" and Olivia would repeat the word.
US: Do you want a pretzel? O: pret-zo
Do you want a spoon? Poon.
Do you want a fork? Fok
Do you want a breakfast bar? Bah.
Well, that didn't lead us anywhere. I asked my nearest tot-mom, my sister and she couldn't decipher fwah fwah either. BUT, lo and behold, this morning she again asked for a fwah fwah and we gave her a Japanese cracker. That is a fwah fwah, for future reference. Sometimes, logic does not come into play with what toddlers translate from English to toddlerese. Just go with it. You will eventually figure it out.
Other fun words Olivia has been saying:
momas = Thomas (the tank engine))
mamo = Elmo
yaya = Olivia
yayo = Connor
sissy = Auntie Chrissy
Jos = Uncle Jeff
bapa = grandma/grandpa
mama = grandma
boppy = blanket
Mawmy = mommy
dada/daddy
backy = broccoli
zoosh = juice
ahh zoosh = orange juice
muck = milk
nowing = It's snowing
bup = up
viymi = vitamins
boo = blow
yayow = yellow
rah = red
ahj = orange
la yoo = love you (awwwwwww)
puhpoh = purple
(?) = silver
There is more, but those are the not-quite-200 list of words she's saying at this point.
All parents convince themselves that they are not going to be those parents who let their kids watch TV. Well, I caved as well. The shows can be educational and she gets to listen to words associated with their actions that you may or may not always be doing/saying. It's easier said than done (pun intended) to constantly narrate the world around you as you think you should. Even reading books does not captivate their attention for as long as say, Elmo, can. For parents who successfully get around with no TV, hats off to you. I am out of that race, and I don't feel so badly about it.
My only audience, my sister, is about to give birth any day now to number two. I am very excited to have a new addition to the little ones in our immediate family. Especially when I am not the one staying up nights. I still am not sure I can do that first year all over again. I don't know how you do it. But, of course, we all go into that big question mark in the sky called parenthood and come out okay...for the most part. I will never say never, but I am happy with my Olivia. I know that my sister is going to have a beautiful baby girl and be a wonderful parent of two. And, I am willing to help out. I will use any excuse to cook....La yoo!
I have been fighting my mom on getting Olivia's first haircut because she's been a baldy for so long I am awaiting the moment when people start to realise that I don't dress my boy in pink, but she is, in fact, a girl. Also, I finally managed to get her hair in pigtails a few times and she is a showstopper in pigtails. So cute. This is the kind of things that all moms of little girls live for, I imagine. The thing about Olivia's hair, what little there is, even still, of it, is that it's a mullet at this point. Not exactly cluing the clueless in to the fact that she's a girl with any exactitude.
I had a moment of inspiration this past Thursday to see if Olivia could join her cousin when he got his haircut. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad. John was not too happy I did this thing without letting him know, but when I get a burr up my butt to do something...I am not exactly the patient kind...as we have learned. As luck would have it, my sister was planning on a trip to the kiddy salon that day. Her son has been getting his haircut since 9 months old. Olivia is almost 2. So, game on, party in the back soon to be gone. 2011 is a time for change.
The haircut went pretty well. At this point, Olivia is old enough to be distracted by her cousin and the television while her hair was being cut. (Let's all hope this isn't a Sampson moment where she loses all of her strength!).
Who woulda thunk that she would be so cute with a cut. I hate to tell my mom she was right, but she was right. I am not totally excited about the fact that she looks a little more "boy" now, but at least it can start growing out one length as opposed to what it was doing. She's still my beautiful baby...GIRL.
Let's take a right turn to tangentville and start with the toddlerese. Olivia is starting to become more vocal. I am extremely excited about the fact that we can now get inside that little brain of hers and communicate. But, as with most toddlers I have known, not all of the words are clear as to the "English" translation. Most of my mom friends have said that you always understand what YOUR child is saying. Because, God knows, I have not been able to understand their children all of the time. (Which has lead me to panic that there will be a period of time with my child that I will just look at her with confusion as she happily explains the meaning of life to me).
I have been reading that, at Olivia's age, she should be saying upwards of 200 words. I don't know many moms who actually count their child's growing vocabulary, but I have definitely not been. I am more excited to encourage further speaking than pause to keep a list.
Of late, Olivia has been saying the word "fwah fwah" repeatedly while standing by the door. John and I look at eachother with confusion and determination to find out what the heck she wants. What IS a fwah fwah. To narrow it down, we started to grab things around the area and ask "do you want a ___?" and Olivia would repeat the word.
US: Do you want a pretzel? O: pret-zo
Do you want a spoon? Poon.
Do you want a fork? Fok
Do you want a breakfast bar? Bah.
Well, that didn't lead us anywhere. I asked my nearest tot-mom, my sister and she couldn't decipher fwah fwah either. BUT, lo and behold, this morning she again asked for a fwah fwah and we gave her a Japanese cracker. That is a fwah fwah, for future reference. Sometimes, logic does not come into play with what toddlers translate from English to toddlerese. Just go with it. You will eventually figure it out.
Other fun words Olivia has been saying:
momas = Thomas (the tank engine))
mamo = Elmo
yaya = Olivia
yayo = Connor
sissy = Auntie Chrissy
Jos = Uncle Jeff
bapa = grandma/grandpa
mama = grandma
boppy = blanket
Mawmy = mommy
dada/daddy
backy = broccoli
zoosh = juice
ahh zoosh = orange juice
muck = milk
nowing = It's snowing
bup = up
viymi = vitamins
boo = blow
yayow = yellow
rah = red
ahj = orange
la yoo = love you (awwwwwww)
puhpoh = purple
(?) = silver
There is more, but those are the not-quite-200 list of words she's saying at this point.
All parents convince themselves that they are not going to be those parents who let their kids watch TV. Well, I caved as well. The shows can be educational and she gets to listen to words associated with their actions that you may or may not always be doing/saying. It's easier said than done (pun intended) to constantly narrate the world around you as you think you should. Even reading books does not captivate their attention for as long as say, Elmo, can. For parents who successfully get around with no TV, hats off to you. I am out of that race, and I don't feel so badly about it.
My only audience, my sister, is about to give birth any day now to number two. I am very excited to have a new addition to the little ones in our immediate family. Especially when I am not the one staying up nights. I still am not sure I can do that first year all over again. I don't know how you do it. But, of course, we all go into that big question mark in the sky called parenthood and come out okay...for the most part. I will never say never, but I am happy with my Olivia. I know that my sister is going to have a beautiful baby girl and be a wonderful parent of two. And, I am willing to help out. I will use any excuse to cook....La yoo!
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