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.