Nap Woes

To say that we've been struggling with nap time lately would be an understatement.  It's been more of a battle of wills.  Lately I've been losing.  Saturday, for example, I spent over two hours trying to get Grace down, to no avail.  On this day, though, she finally gave in after a long-fought battle, which commenced with me snuggled up beside her in a tiny girl-size bed. 

I'm not sure if this scene will repeat itself anytime soon, 

but you've gotta start somewhere.

I love you, Grace.  Please don't give up on the naps just yet.  Your mommy will lose her mind. 

Who's the Boss?

Lately our little angel has been a bit of a devil, desperate to exert more and more independence and control over her world.  Maybe Papa being home for the summer has something to do with it. (Now there's some competition for Mom's attention.)  But, with August fast approaching, and with it, Grace's second birthday, I'm sure it's just the "terrible twos" starting a bit early.  Layers of sweetness are rapidly becoming interwoven with defiance, bossiness, and a stubborn and strong-willed spirit.  And all the while, my patience is being tested and s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d, and my spirit getting a bit battered and bruised at times.  It's not easy having a little person telling you what to do all day!  Here's just some of what I've been hearing...

"Mommy, move over!"
"Mommy, move hair!"
"Mommy, take off blanket!"
"Mommy, come here!"
"Mommy, read!"
"Mommy, pay attention!"
"Mommy, no!"
"No, I no want to!"
"No, I no have to!"
 etc., etc.....

And then there's the whining.  Wow.   It gets a little exhausting after a while.  And, yes- I fully realize that this is just the beginning.  I am thankful that the threat of a time-out is still usually enough to stop most problems (for now).  The other day while Grace and I were out for a stroll, we walked past a house with a basset hound sculpture sitting on the porch.  Grace said, "Doggy in  time-out."  Oh, she's still 99.9% sweet.

Although I do feel a bit worn down at times re-directing, explaining, and debating within myself how and what to discipline, the good far outweighs the "bad," if you can even call it that.  Life does just keep getting sweeter and sweeter, and my love for her just keeps growing all the bigger.  Bigger than my heart can even contain. 

So, on this journey through toddlerhood, I'm sure I'll learn some good lessons along the way; this is un-marked territory after all. And if we have the chance to do it all over again someday, most likely I would make a few changes and do things a bit differently.  Parenting is the toughest job you'll ever love, and it most definitely isn't for wimps...

Breakthrough

I've had a bit of a love/hate relationship with church lately.  I love being there, listening to the sermon and worshiping God, but I dislike the "Grace management" part of it all.  All previous attempts to leave her in the nursery have failed (although we've really only tried a handful of times).  I was too much of a germaphobe to leave her when she was younger; when the transition would have undoubtedly been an easier one.  I just haven't had the courage to start the process again, so, we've been keeping Grace with us in the sanctuary. And, although she usually makes it through the music, which she enjoys, she tends to get a little disruptive once the sermon begins.  I inevitably end up walking the halls with her, missing out on the sermon most Sundays, and leaving with a heart hungry for real worship.

This morning we were ready for church early.  I think it might have been a first for us.  Something inside me said, today is the day.  I decided to try the nursery again.  I said a little prayer, and I took Grace inside.  She was fine until she realized I was leaving, and then the tears began.  As hard as it was, I left her.  With a guilt-laden heart, I listened from outside the door.  She cried...and she cried...and she cried.  But then, praise God, she stopped.  Still in amazement, I made my way to my seat.  As I listened to the sermon, I kept waiting for my number to pop up on the big screen; the number that would let me know that Grace was too upset to make it through the hour.  But, thankfully, it never appeared.  It was, I believe, an answer to prayer.

After the service was over, as I quickly walked back to the nursery, I felt relieved and grateful.  I was filled with a renewed sense of hope that we might be able to do this every Sunday. I also wondered what kind of shape I'd find my girl in.  As I peeked in the door, there she was smiling at me-  her purple lion under her arm.  She was just fine.  Better than fine, really.  And I was (am) so proud of her.  It really was a breakthrough- for both of us.  And I am so grateful...

Three more months...

and Grace will be two.  No more quantifying her age in terms of months, instead I will say, "She turned two in August."  It seems like yesterday I was struggling with the transition from weeks to months.  But grown she has, over the past twenty-one months, and I couldn't be more proud of the little person she has become.  Full of wonder, excitement, giggles, spunk and songs, mixed with an equal portion of independent spirit.  She is so very special...our little girl.

It seems only fitting that what had been quarterly appointments with the pediatrician, have now stretched out another three months- yet another sign that our baby isn't a baby anymore.  Yesterday Grace and I made a special stop at Coffee Chaos for our traditional smoothie, even though there were no shots or doctor visits this time around.  I just can't resist a photo op...

21 Months!

A few things that stand out over the last three months:

•  An every-increasing vocabulary and the formation of  first sentences.
• Switching from two naps per day to just one. 
• Blossoming little friendships and a love of group play (music class, story time, gymnastics).
• A first "I Yuv You!"
• And, the potty, of course...

 On the cute side:

•    Thanks to Grandpa Abbott, Grace has a love for old country, specifically Johnny Horton.  She loves  the song Honky Tonk Man.  She'll sing, "Hey, hey, mama can your daddy come home?"  

• Lately when I strap Grace into her car seat she'll say, "Hurt finger!" (pretending I pinched her) and ask me to kiss it to make it better. (I love the healing power of a kiss)

• She loves to be tickled, often asking me to "tickle belly" or "tickle arm-pit," and then "ya-one (other one) arm-pit."  She flails around, laughing hysterically, but can't stop asking for more.  

• Grace loves "ba-fly" (butterfly) kisses and often requests them while we're lying in bed together.  One cheek is never enough, she always wants "ya one cheek, ba-fly kiss", and she'll turn her cheek and I flutter my eyelashes on that one too.

•  But, most sweet to me is how kind hearted Grace is with her friends.  She's always first to offer hugs and kisses, and gets very concerned when a friend is crying or upset. She is always excited to play, and for now, doesn't seem to mind sharing.

So, in three more months, I'm sure I'll be a little bit sad, but more than anything, I'm looking forward to watching our little girl grow into herself.  Into the person she was meant to be.  She has already proven to be so much more than I could have ever hoped for.  So much more than I ever deserved.  And I'm sure she has many more wonderful surprises in store for us.  And I can't wait...

Homeade Playdough

We've been in need of some new activities around here.  While I think Grace is pretty happy stacking blocks and coloring, I thought she could use a few more fun things to do, especially on cold, rainy days like today, when we spend so much of our time inside.

A few nights ago, I scoured the web, comparing prices, looking for safe, non-toxic toys. Lately, I've been making an effort to buy toys that are made in the USA.  I love old-fashioned toys, especially wooden ones, and there are some great companies here, at home, that make them.  After Grace's 1st birthday, I ordered a few things from Down to Earth Toys. They are a Michigan company that sells safe, non-toxic toys, 90% of which are made in the U.S.A.  I was happy to find that they had the play kitchen I had decided on for Grace, and glad to give them some business. Today we received all of our goodies, with the exception of the kitchen.  Grace loved playing with her new pot and her 1/2 dozen wooden eggs (she made soup, of course).  

In addition to playing with the new items that arrived today, I thought it might be fun to make our own playdough.  It turned out fairly well. As with my cooking, I struggle with following recipes.  I substituted Kosher salt, which made for an interesting texture, but the little bits of salt kept falling out of the dough and onto the floor, which I had just vacuumed (believe it or not). 

Grace and I both had so much fun playing with the stuff (I did miss that real Playdough smell, though).  I was actually surprised by how little of it she tried to eat (It must have been really salty). We made burgers (Grace loves to "flip burgers" - the hand motions are adorable). We also made blueberry and strawberry pie, snowmen, burritos, and an ice-cream cone, which she seemed to be in awe of. 

Pulling the playdough apart...

Tasting...

Rolling out the dough...

Grace liked putting it on her cheeks (a great exfoliater, I'm sure.)

Molding the dough...

Stay there, little snowman!

Growing Pains

Well, it's been an interesting couple of days around here.  I think it's finally happened: total and complete mutiny.  Grace has mounted a full-on push for independence and has taken to voicing her displeasure at just about everything I do.  I cannot even begin to count how many times per day I hear the word "No!"  They usually occur in multiples like, "No, No, Nooooo!  Mommy, No! Nooooooooooo!"  And we have, what? Another year and a half of this stage?  Ahhhhhhh!  It's almost comical, if it weren't so darn annoying!

I sensed things were changing when, on Monday at music class, Grace immediately left my lap and spent most of the class period either sitting all by herself in the center of our big circle, or walking around greeting other moms and kids.  Just last week at the same class, she cried because she was so overwhelmed after the class size doubled.  But, I am glad she is coming out of her little shell.  I love watching Grace interact with her "peers".  She often refers to her friends at music class during the week, and particularly loves singing the good-morning/goodbye song from class, where we say everyone's name.

I've been thinking lately, that the time will quickly come when I will be an annoyance to Grace.  When she'll want nothing more than for me to leave her alone and let her do her own thing.  A time when she won't need me anymore.  I will be crushed, I'm sure.  Although I do hope she'll grow to be a strong, independent person, it sure is hard to even think about letting go.  Yes, I know....I've got a long time before I have to worry about that, but it does help to put everything in perspective. To appreciate each and every stage, no matter how frustrating they may be.  Because time does fly, and in the blink of an eye, she will be grown and on her own.

Looking back on the last eighteen months, it has been a wonderful blur.  I sometimes try to remember what it was like to hold a newborn.  What it was like to hear those little gurgles and coos, to see her first smile, and the way she smelled.  I miss that so much.  But this is such a sweet stage, too.  I love that Grace and I can communicate now.  I love her sense of humor.  I love the mischievous little smile she flashes when she's up to no good.  I love listening to her talk and watching her master new skills. I love the little gap between her front teeth.  I love the way she runs: pumping that one arm from side to side.  I love her spontaneous hugs and kisses.  I love her songs and her silly dances.  I love her....my sweet little (soon-to-be big) girl.

I love you, Grace!

Is This My Child?

A funny thing happens when I take Grace to her toddler classes.  She transforms into another child and becomes quiet as a mouse.  She doesn't sing or dance or interact with the other kids.  I thought she'd warm up after a while, but after a few weeks of Music for Munchkins, and a few months of Toddler Time at the library, she is still as shy as can be.  Granted, she is one of the younger kids in her classes and hasn't had much socialization other than some one-on-one time with a couple little friends.  But, I guess I thought she'd be singing and dancing with the other tots by now.

So, to answer my question, yes.....this is my child; shy just like her Mommy was and slow to trust others and let herself have fun.  Seems I have heard shyness is genetic.  I'm sure in time Grace will come to really enjoy her time with other little tykes, and I'm excited to watch her grow in confidence and break out of her shell. And when she does........watch out!

Love you, Grace!

"Poopy!"

Nomma bought Grace a potty chair this week.  Dave and I have been telling Grace that someday, when she's ready, she'll go pee-pee and poopy in it.  Today, I guess she decided she was ready, and she did her first "poopy" in the potty. After running around in the buff, she stopped, sat on her potty and did her business.  She was very excited about it, and so were we, until she wanted to to reach in and touch the poopy (ew).

As with so many other things, we didn't really have a plan for potty training, especially this early, but I guess Grace has started the process. Guess we'd better read-up on the subject, I sure don't want to screw this up.

I decided posting a picture of the "poopy" probably wasn't a good idea.

Learning As We Go

As of late, our little munchkin has really been testing boundaries and limits, all a part of being a curious toddler and becoming her own little person, I'm sure.  Time-outs have already begun and Dave and I are quickly realizing that we need to get our acts together and be ready to put on a united front when it comes to what's ok, what's not and how we are going to discipline little Grace.

The other day I was reading Baby and Child Care by Paul C. Reisser, and I came upon, what I think is a great statement about the unconditional love of a parent and the awesome responsibility we have to raise our children in a way that balances both love and limits.  It reads:

  

"You are loved, you are important, and you always will be, no matter what happens.  I care enough about you to provide for you, stand with you, coach you, correct you, and even die for you if necessary.  My commitment to you is not based on what you do or don't do, how you look, whether your body is perfect or handicapped, or how you perform in school or sports.  It is based on the fact that I am your parent and you are my child, a priceless gift whom God has loaned to me for a season.  Eventually I will release you to live your own life, but while you are growing up, I consider caring for you an assignment of utmost importance."  


I have a feeling this is where the tough stuff starts.....