Wednesday, May 30
Update on "No!"
Well, over the last two or three days, Ariel has probably said "No!" a thousand times, minimum. It's definitely her new favorite word. Sometimes I think she asks us for things simply so that she can say "No!" when we give them to her. Many of these no's are accompanied by shoving, kicking, flailing, or throwing. Isn't she a little young for this? We're handling her okay, and she's still a sweetheart the majority of the time, but this is intense! I'm trying to take her seriously, answer her matter-of-factly, tell her I'm sorry when I can't give her her way, restrain her if she tries to hit or kick me, and leave her be when she just throws her tantrums on the floor or attacks inanimate objects. Oftentimes she'll be perfectly happy, and I'll ask her for a kiss, and she'll say "no!" and shove me! Okay... sorry I asked!
Ariel has a new favorite song. Her daddy introduced her to a song called "Do Right," in which the chorus says "What do I do, what do I do, what do I do, what do I do right?" In addition to asking to watch the music video (see below) about 20 times a day, she walks around the house singing "what do what do!" It's SOOOO cute! Totally worth the repetition! She also head bangs! (I taught her that one by demonstrating, after which my neck hurt for 2 days. I'm getting old.)
Ariel and I went on a couple short errands today, so I carried her in my new Maya Wrap. After having threaded it inside-out (since I'm a lefty), it stays on my shoulder a lot better than it did at first, and we were both comfortable and happy. I got 2 compliments on it, and one woman even asked where to get it! That's right, be jealous. My sling is the bomb.
Ariel has a new favorite song. Her daddy introduced her to a song called "Do Right," in which the chorus says "What do I do, what do I do, what do I do, what do I do right?" In addition to asking to watch the music video (see below) about 20 times a day, she walks around the house singing "what do what do!" It's SOOOO cute! Totally worth the repetition! She also head bangs! (I taught her that one by demonstrating, after which my neck hurt for 2 days. I'm getting old.)
Ariel and I went on a couple short errands today, so I carried her in my new Maya Wrap. After having threaded it inside-out (since I'm a lefty), it stays on my shoulder a lot better than it did at first, and we were both comfortable and happy. I got 2 compliments on it, and one woman even asked where to get it! That's right, be jealous. My sling is the bomb.
Monday, May 28
No!
Ariel has learned a new word recently, and I'm feeling a lot better about it than I thought I would. That word is "no." It's usually said more like "doh," but it's accompanied by a serious expression and shaking of the head, so her meaning is very obvious. She says it in all sorts of situations.
Oftentimes, she will come up to one of us and babble away very earnestly about who-knows-what. When her daddy asks her, "Are you serious?!?" she will reply, "no...." and shake her little head. So apparently she's just kidding.
Sometimes she says "no" when she's angry, though it doesn't happen a lot yet. She has wailed "no!!" when I have taken things away from her before, as she pulled on said object and whined. I'm not so into that.
But, just a few minutes ago, we had an experience that really made me thankful for this new word. I was trying to straighten up the living room, and had gathered up a few items of clothing that she had been playing with earlier. As I walked toward the hallway to put them in the hamper, Ariel suddenly stood up straight and said, loudly and firmly, "NO!" I turned around, very surprised. "What?" I said. "These?" I tossed them to her, and she gave me a huge grin and sat down to play with them. How awesome! With this one little word, she told Mommy what she wanted and changed the course of events without any whining or tantrum-throwing. I can't help seeing it as a huge step toward independence and self-expression. I look forward to her continuing to find ways to assert herself constructively to express what she wants or needs.
So that is why, right now, it makes me happy to hear my toddler say, "No."
Oftentimes, she will come up to one of us and babble away very earnestly about who-knows-what. When her daddy asks her, "Are you serious?!?" she will reply, "no...." and shake her little head. So apparently she's just kidding.
Sometimes she says "no" when she's angry, though it doesn't happen a lot yet. She has wailed "no!!" when I have taken things away from her before, as she pulled on said object and whined. I'm not so into that.
But, just a few minutes ago, we had an experience that really made me thankful for this new word. I was trying to straighten up the living room, and had gathered up a few items of clothing that she had been playing with earlier. As I walked toward the hallway to put them in the hamper, Ariel suddenly stood up straight and said, loudly and firmly, "NO!" I turned around, very surprised. "What?" I said. "These?" I tossed them to her, and she gave me a huge grin and sat down to play with them. How awesome! With this one little word, she told Mommy what she wanted and changed the course of events without any whining or tantrum-throwing. I can't help seeing it as a huge step toward independence and self-expression. I look forward to her continuing to find ways to assert herself constructively to express what she wants or needs.
So that is why, right now, it makes me happy to hear my toddler say, "No."
Sunday, May 27
Interesting...
I watching this video the other day with Dan, and we both found it very interesting. It's kinda long, but worth the trouble of watching, I think. I would love comments or info from anyone who has any to either substantiate or disprove the information in this movie.
Tuesday, May 22
Keeping me busy
Don't you love a good deal?
On Friday, Mommy 2 Mommy, the second-hand shop that I like to frequent for baby and maternity stuff, sent out an email saying that they were discontinuing their maternity section and selling all of it for a dollar an item! Needless to day, I was there within 10 minutes of the store opening. I always bring along something that I've come across in the week or 2 beforehand that doesn't fit Ariel properly (I keep most of the stuff that she simply grows out of, for Felicity, but not things that are completely out of proportion. I'm betting on them having similar builds...). This time I had a little pair of unworn khaki pants and a cute little Tommy dress.
I went upstairs and promptly found a black jersey dress, a cute little striped summer skirt, a pair of striped capris, a brown fitted T-shirt, and a blue button-down blouse, all of which fit well - hey, you can't beat a buck! I also got a skirt for Ariel ($1) and a little blue onsie and shorts outfit for in case "Felicity" turns out to be a boy ($1 each). I went downstairs, where I found a cute little pair of jean sandals for Ariel ($3) and a stuffed dog (she LOVES dogs and didn't have a stuffed one).
I get up to the register, and it adds up to like $10.50 or something ridiculously inexpensive like that. Amy says I can have the dog for free cuz they have too many stuffed animals and have been giving them to the kids who come with their parents and such. I asked, "Now, the 50% off coupon [that I had gotten from a mailer] doesn't apply for this, right?" She glanced around sneakily and gave me a little beckoning motion. $5.25! I hand her the clothes I had brought to sell, and she goes, "Do you wanna just do a straight trade? Because I probably would have given you about that anyway, because this dress is really cute!" WOOHOO! And then she threw in another stuffed dog. Watching her put all my clothes in a big bag, I couldn't help but feel like I was robbing someone...
When I got back, Ariel was napping. Dan took one of the dogs, and I took the other one, and we went in and woke her up (it was time for her to get up anyway). I have never seen such joy on that child's face - ever! She took one, and then the other, and proceeded to hug and KISS them over and over again! It was SOOOO cute! You know, those little open-mouthed baby kisses! Then she would bark quietly, "woof! woof!" Every little while she would look up at us with eyes that just said, "I have never been so happy!" I tell you, it was absolutely priceless. The dogs aren't a worshiped novelty now, of course, but she still plays with at least one of them at some point each day.
On to less pleasant things! About a month ago - maybe a little more - Ariel started to develop a rash on her upper bottom - like where the spine ends - that stretched horizontally across her. It itched a lot, and she would scratch herself raw. We've gone to the doctor (twice) and to my lactation consultant, and the general consensus on this mystery rash (which has now spread to include her private areas, lower stomach, and upper thighs) is that it is a reaction to her diapers - either a sudden allergy or a result of her increased mobility (or both). So, in addition to slathering creams on her every day, we've decided a few days ago to take the advice of both experts and let Ariel have some "naked time."
This requires patience, cooperation among parents, and odor neutralizer. My sister-in-law recommended Nature's Miracle (quite a bit, actually - she is a big fan of the stuff), and she is an immaculate housekeeper, so we're trusting that our carpets will remain stench-free . Sometimes she spaces out the peeing, but other times she's more like a little sprinkler. It adds an extra level of stress to an afternoon or evening to be trying to watch her every second and check the floor by her feet for dark spots. The length of her "naked times" directly correspond to my patience and energy levels!
According to Early Start Potty Training, Ariel's age is the best time to start potty training, in terms of how long the process will take on average. My lactation consultant said that she has known many moms who have been successful at this age, and that all of them have used the naked method and kept potty chairs all around the house. So both chairs are out (which she carries around the house on occasion), and we occasionally bribe her with butterscotch chips to sit still on one for awhile. We've gotten the pee INTO the potty twice - once by setting her on it, and it on a dining room chair, and letting her use it as a booster seat during lunch, and once with the "grab the pee-er and set her on it QUICK!" method. That's a start, right? She sometimes decides to go sit on the chair on her own, but it obviously isn't related to a desire to go to the bathroom yet. Still, interest is a good thing! I am simultaneously encouraged and exhausted as I think about how things have gone and what is left to be accomplished.
On Sunday, I had an older couple at church tell me that I was "looking very mature" and "just like your mother." Last night, my hairdresser told me I look 8 months pregnant, not 6. And then I got a total mom haircut, which, to be fair, is exactly how I asked her to cut it, but I still feel old. Old and large. Mercy. Here's me from a few weeks ago, but I'm already bigger, I think. I have a long way to go still...
She's supposed to be napping right now, but I hear her laughing hysterically in her crib. I have no idea why. Kids really are hilarious. Allow me to end this post with a very sweet picture of something that practically NEVER happens, and may never happen again:
NOTE: Wondering whatever happened to the potty training we were doing when she was like 8 months old? SOMEONE who will remain nameless said that we should switch her to a bigger chair. We did, and she totally spooked and stopped going in either. Not that this person could have known, but it's nice to have someone to transfer blame to...
On Friday, Mommy 2 Mommy, the second-hand shop that I like to frequent for baby and maternity stuff, sent out an email saying that they were discontinuing their maternity section and selling all of it for a dollar an item! Needless to day, I was there within 10 minutes of the store opening. I always bring along something that I've come across in the week or 2 beforehand that doesn't fit Ariel properly (I keep most of the stuff that she simply grows out of, for Felicity, but not things that are completely out of proportion. I'm betting on them having similar builds...). This time I had a little pair of unworn khaki pants and a cute little Tommy dress.
I went upstairs and promptly found a black jersey dress, a cute little striped summer skirt, a pair of striped capris, a brown fitted T-shirt, and a blue button-down blouse, all of which fit well - hey, you can't beat a buck! I also got a skirt for Ariel ($1) and a little blue onsie and shorts outfit for in case "Felicity" turns out to be a boy ($1 each). I went downstairs, where I found a cute little pair of jean sandals for Ariel ($3) and a stuffed dog (she LOVES dogs and didn't have a stuffed one).
I get up to the register, and it adds up to like $10.50 or something ridiculously inexpensive like that. Amy says I can have the dog for free cuz they have too many stuffed animals and have been giving them to the kids who come with their parents and such. I asked, "Now, the 50% off coupon [that I had gotten from a mailer] doesn't apply for this, right?" She glanced around sneakily and gave me a little beckoning motion. $5.25! I hand her the clothes I had brought to sell, and she goes, "Do you wanna just do a straight trade? Because I probably would have given you about that anyway, because this dress is really cute!" WOOHOO! And then she threw in another stuffed dog. Watching her put all my clothes in a big bag, I couldn't help but feel like I was robbing someone...
When I got back, Ariel was napping. Dan took one of the dogs, and I took the other one, and we went in and woke her up (it was time for her to get up anyway). I have never seen such joy on that child's face - ever! She took one, and then the other, and proceeded to hug and KISS them over and over again! It was SOOOO cute! You know, those little open-mouthed baby kisses! Then she would bark quietly, "woof! woof!" Every little while she would look up at us with eyes that just said, "I have never been so happy!" I tell you, it was absolutely priceless. The dogs aren't a worshiped novelty now, of course, but she still plays with at least one of them at some point each day.
On to less pleasant things! About a month ago - maybe a little more - Ariel started to develop a rash on her upper bottom - like where the spine ends - that stretched horizontally across her. It itched a lot, and she would scratch herself raw. We've gone to the doctor (twice) and to my lactation consultant, and the general consensus on this mystery rash (which has now spread to include her private areas, lower stomach, and upper thighs) is that it is a reaction to her diapers - either a sudden allergy or a result of her increased mobility (or both). So, in addition to slathering creams on her every day, we've decided a few days ago to take the advice of both experts and let Ariel have some "naked time."
This requires patience, cooperation among parents, and odor neutralizer. My sister-in-law recommended Nature's Miracle (quite a bit, actually - she is a big fan of the stuff), and she is an immaculate housekeeper, so we're trusting that our carpets will remain stench-free . Sometimes she spaces out the peeing, but other times she's more like a little sprinkler. It adds an extra level of stress to an afternoon or evening to be trying to watch her every second and check the floor by her feet for dark spots. The length of her "naked times" directly correspond to my patience and energy levels!
According to Early Start Potty Training, Ariel's age is the best time to start potty training, in terms of how long the process will take on average. My lactation consultant said that she has known many moms who have been successful at this age, and that all of them have used the naked method and kept potty chairs all around the house. So both chairs are out (which she carries around the house on occasion), and we occasionally bribe her with butterscotch chips to sit still on one for awhile. We've gotten the pee INTO the potty twice - once by setting her on it, and it on a dining room chair, and letting her use it as a booster seat during lunch, and once with the "grab the pee-er and set her on it QUICK!" method. That's a start, right? She sometimes decides to go sit on the chair on her own, but it obviously isn't related to a desire to go to the bathroom yet. Still, interest is a good thing! I am simultaneously encouraged and exhausted as I think about how things have gone and what is left to be accomplished.
On Sunday, I had an older couple at church tell me that I was "looking very mature" and "just like your mother." Last night, my hairdresser told me I look 8 months pregnant, not 6. And then I got a total mom haircut, which, to be fair, is exactly how I asked her to cut it, but I still feel old. Old and large. Mercy. Here's me from a few weeks ago, but I'm already bigger, I think. I have a long way to go still...
She's supposed to be napping right now, but I hear her laughing hysterically in her crib. I have no idea why. Kids really are hilarious. Allow me to end this post with a very sweet picture of something that practically NEVER happens, and may never happen again:
NOTE: Wondering whatever happened to the potty training we were doing when she was like 8 months old? SOMEONE who will remain nameless said that we should switch her to a bigger chair. We did, and she totally spooked and stopped going in either. Not that this person could have known, but it's nice to have someone to transfer blame to...
Tuesday, May 8
A day in the life....
I always want to give my posts titles, but my template isn't set up for titles, so sometimes i just right them in anyway. Ariel and I had a lovely day today! Would you like to hear about it?
Well, we got up this morning to the beautiful sunshine, feeling rested and alive! We stopped by Grandma's house to give Grandpa some homemade cream of broccoli soup (yum!), and then we went to my cousin RaeAnn's house. Ariel had her first REAL playing outside experience (the kind where you play with dirt) while I tried to remind myself that this is what children do and will not lead to any terrible diseases. Ariel's second cousins, Stella (2 1/2 years) and Ivy (11 months?), were on their cutest behavior. Stella gave Ariel lots of hugs (whether she wanted them or not), and Ivy was all grins. She is just the happiest little soul! We hung out at her place for a bit, went to a way-cute second-hand shop (where I bought Ariel some sandals and a pool toy), and had lunch at a quaint, half-outdoor little mexican place before heading home. I swear, Portland is so cool if you experience it with someone who knows where to go.
Then we headed home, where Ariel decided not to take a nap. No nap all day. In fact, she just went down, at 6:45. Crazy girl. Dan and I watched a couple episodes of Colbert Report online. I went to the post office, where the usually gruff guy was nice! The only bad thing about today, really, was the part where I got our burritos all made for dinner and then realized we didn't have sour cream. That is not a bad day! I'll take it!
So how was your day?
I always want to give my posts titles, but my template isn't set up for titles, so sometimes i just right them in anyway. Ariel and I had a lovely day today! Would you like to hear about it?
Well, we got up this morning to the beautiful sunshine, feeling rested and alive! We stopped by Grandma's house to give Grandpa some homemade cream of broccoli soup (yum!), and then we went to my cousin RaeAnn's house. Ariel had her first REAL playing outside experience (the kind where you play with dirt) while I tried to remind myself that this is what children do and will not lead to any terrible diseases. Ariel's second cousins, Stella (2 1/2 years) and Ivy (11 months?), were on their cutest behavior. Stella gave Ariel lots of hugs (whether she wanted them or not), and Ivy was all grins. She is just the happiest little soul! We hung out at her place for a bit, went to a way-cute second-hand shop (where I bought Ariel some sandals and a pool toy), and had lunch at a quaint, half-outdoor little mexican place before heading home. I swear, Portland is so cool if you experience it with someone who knows where to go.
Then we headed home, where Ariel decided not to take a nap. No nap all day. In fact, she just went down, at 6:45. Crazy girl. Dan and I watched a couple episodes of Colbert Report online. I went to the post office, where the usually gruff guy was nice! The only bad thing about today, really, was the part where I got our burritos all made for dinner and then realized we didn't have sour cream. That is not a bad day! I'll take it!
So how was your day?
