Feet

So, David announced yesterday that his feet smelled tired.

What? Where do they come up with this stuff? He is really so smart and he remembers everything you have said! Don't promise him anything you don't have every intention of following through with. He will hold you to it.

He met a new friend in the grocery store today and they yelled HEY at each other the whole time we were shopping. It was pretty funny. By the time out trip was over her mommy and I had agreed to a playdate.

Does that happen only in Camilla? Or only amongst stay at home mothers?

Potty Progress

Today, out of nowhere, David tells me he has wet his diaper and wants a new one. Later on he told me that he had pooped in it. At lunchtime he stripped off his diaper and came out of his room sporting training underwear. And then before naptime he peed in his potty for some chocolate.

That's progress, folks. Don't know how or why but I'm grateful.

So Much More To Come

For those of you reading this blog that are first time mothers, (okay, Shireen) there is so much more to come than the loss of things described in my last post. One thing that will come your way is the manipulation.

Now, if your baby is under a year, you probably smile and say, "Oh, they are so manipulative, aren't they?" Huh...You haven't seen anything but the cute stuff yet. I'm not talking about the little pouts they do to get their way. I'm talking about the full blown fits resembling something seen in a deliverance session and the comments that cut you straight to your heart.

For example, David got out of his bed a few minutes ago after being settled in for the night. That's a big no-no. After receiving his mild spanking and having a far too dramatic reaction over it, he starts begging for his baby bed. What?!? Yes, he is asking for his crib that is now in the attic.

Talk about feeling low. Not only do I hate the feeling that I get after spanking him but now I feel like I am robbing him of his childhood by making him sleep in a big boy bed. How does he know that this will make me feel like a crumb? I don't know, he just does.

It's unbelievable what a three year old can do to his parents. Who knew? So, first time parents, get ready to experience some unbelievable manipulation because I can guarantee you that your child will be ready to dish it out.

Loss of....something

I've noticed that I have a loss of something. I'm not sure what to call it or how even to phrase it. You see, I just wiped my runny nose on David's dirty jammies. Sure, they are going to be washed anyway, but what kind of person does that? I would have never done that before I had children. Tissues and kleenex are for nose wiping. Gross.

Is that a loss of a social skill? Is it manners? Is it normal adult functioning? Whatever it is, I have lost it. It must have been birthed out with the placenta because I haven't seen it since he was born. Scary.

The Sweetest Sights

The first sweetest sight I saw the other day was my two children playing side by side. I was sitting on the steps and they were completely engrossed in playing in the sandbox. No pushing, yelling, scissor holds, etc. just sweet playing. I cannot tell you how that made me feel.

I was actually able to put both of them in Rae's crib the other day to keep them contained. Nobody died or had to go to the ER! It was a momentous occasion.

The other sweetest sight I took a picture of but I can't put it up. Laws and everything. David wanted to play in the water - naked except for his rubber boots. Cutest and sweetest thing you've ever seen. Just not appropriate for the internet.

Potty Training: Round 1

David and I began our first round of potty training this morning. I felt like it was disasterous, Hannah said she didn't think so.

He peed in the potty three times, all times when he was already sitting there or when I realized he was about to go and rushed him there in time. I don't think he understands the concept quite yet. One time he looked at me and said, "Mama, I'm wet!" with absolute surprise in his voice. Teetee was dripping onto his feet. So sad.

And let's talk about doodoo in the potty. Yeah right. He accidentally pooped into his box of books. Sorry, Max Lucado, but one of your books got trashed this morning. No book, in my opinion, is worth wiping off after your two year old son has crapped on it. No book.

I was feeling pretty depressed but after talking with Hannah (and hearing her survey results from other more experienced moms) I think I may postpone potty training until the warmer months when I can turn him loose outside naked. I'm not convinced that he is totally ready, physically and developmentally, nor am I convinced that I am ready either. Maybe we will call this round a loss and move on but if it helps my emotional state then I call it a win. I don't want to end up with a battle between on us resulting from potty training. It's not worth it. Hopefully he will kick the diaper habit before he goes to college.

We'll see.

Independence

My almost three year old is ready to declare it Independence Day. He is tired of constantly being told No, don't touch that, eat this, go here, do this, don't do this, etc.... He's tired of being bossed around, basically. Who can blame him? His whole life is dictated by me.

I'm trying to be sensitive to that and give him choices about some things. Such as, he can choose when he eats and I choose what he eats. He can pick out his clothes. I let him tell me no on some things if they are not hugely important. Well...let me clarify that. I let him tell me No Ma'am on some things. It's tricky. I can say nope to him. He better not tell me nope. I can say No, David. He is not allowed to say No, Mama.

It's interesting. I'm trying to be sensitive and understanding while retaining my job as mother.

It's an interesting balance.

Princess P

We call Rae Princess P for two reasons - She used to always say, "Peeeee" and she certainly has Princess sass. Wherever I go, she goes. She's exactly like that old "My Buddy" commercial. She in constantly crawling after me and boy is she a beggar. She likes to stand at the edge of my chair and open her little bird mouth.

She's always begging for food which is funny because she is so tiny. And it really doesn't matter if she has just eaten a pile, she always has room for more.

She is a funny funny girl and now David has started telling me, "Mama, Rae is a princess and I am a King."

That's right babies. Remember your royal heritage and never settle for anything less.

Jobless in GA

So I suddenly find myself without a job and while I am strangely relieved I am also strangely uneasy. I'm sort of drifting around the house. There are plenty of things to do around here. I have lots of projects that need my attention and yet I know I have no intention of doing them.

Maybe I am so used to working under a deadline and the pressure of time running out. Maybe that is what is making me so aimless. I'm not sure. I've got to work on that though.

The funny part is that it is only like my second day without working. What will I be like in three weeks?