Where'd My Baby Go?

Since my husband is working, and very rarely gets time off, Emery and I spend a lot of time together. But to a three year old, how exciting can running errands really be? So, every now and then I like to do something a little extra special for her. Whether it be an ice cream trip, visiting the local flea market, or walking around the park, I like to get some quality one-on-one time with her. I know this might sound horrible, but sometimes I get caught up in so many other things that I miss out on really hearing my daughter. I wish this weren't the case, but every day stress kind of kicks my ass sometimes.

So, last Sunday I took Emery to go watch Epic in 3D for a day date. When we have this time I make sure to silence my phone, play music she requests during the drive, and allow her to pick what we do/get depending what we end up doing. Since we were seeing a movie I held her so she could pay for our tickets, which she was so proud of. I allowed her to pick out snacks she wanted and the popcorn. They have this kid pack at our local theater and she was walking around with her own bucket telling anyone that would listen that she had “Yummy popcorn, hurray!” Once in the theater we found an empty row and she insisted on sitting in her own chair. During the movie it was so neat to see her reactions. She’d giggle, or frown. Sometimes she’d let out this loud, infectious, laugh and quickly cover her mouth. Some of the other adults enjoyed that. But before the end of the movie she found herself in my lap. Once the movie finished, she made her way out dancing and twirling. She kept telling me that the movie was “So, awesome, mom!”. 

Once it was time to go home, she wasn't too thrilled. In fact, she cried the first five minutes of our trip home telling me “I don’t want to go home, Mommy!” and "Go back to town! I want to go back!” When I told her that we had to go home, and I wasn't turning around she became quiet. At first I took this as acceptance. She had finally understood that she wasn't changing my mind. But then I asked her “Love, what do you want to listen to?” I received no answer. So, I repeated my question. And do you want to know what she said? She stared right out the window and said “Don’t talk Mom. I don’t talk to you. You made me mad.” She rode in silence halfway home and then fell asleep for the last half of it.

Now, I know that’s not ideal behavior. And I know it shouldn't be rewarded. It wasn't  But I couldn't help but smile, and laugh (silently) at her a little. She reminded me so much of a teenager! And she reminded me A LOT of myself in that moment. Growing up, when I didn't get my way or when I was upset, I’d just shut down. I didn't want to talk, or listen to music. I didn't want someone to try to make me feel better, because I knew it wouldn't help. I just needed my space. Emery’s usually pretty vocal about how she feels. What she does/doesn't like. But, I know that Emery can’t always articulate how she’s feeling. And sometimes her reactions are more along something her father would do. However, like I've said many times before, she’s a perfect mix of us both. And sometimes I just know how she’s feeling. So when she said that, I knew she was really upset. She didn't want comfort she just needed her space. So, I gave it to her.

Once she fell asleep, I remember just saying “Wow, you’re just like your mother.” It’s so true. But I also couldn't help but notice how grown up she’s becoming. Her legs are long, and she’s growing into her baby cheeks. The look she had on her face as she gazed out the window had me wishing I could read her mind. What was my little girl thinking about in those moments? She’s so vocal for her age, and sometimes her vocabulary seems pretty advanced. She’s becoming her own little person. No longer my tiny little bundle of baby breath, and tiny hands. It’s crazy to think about. Before long, the conversation above will include phrases like “You never let me do anything!” or “You’re ruining my life!” and trust me when I say I’m sooo not ready for that. But it’s coming. This little incident felt kind of like a preview. And I’m not going to lie, it left me feeling incredibly sad because I couldn't help but wonder where’d my baby go? :(

That's My Girl!

Kids can be really weird. I know a lot of it is because they’re growing, and discovering new things. But seriously, who said they had to put EVERYTHING in their mouths?

Emery has developed this thing for licking. Anything I hand her or she finds, must be licked at least once. It’s a little weird to walk around the grocery store, and have your kid licking every thing you put in the basket. Since she likes to feel like she’s taking part in the shopping I usually get the item, hand it to her, and she puts it in the cart. This was working out great until she started licking. But now, if I take her out of the routine, she gets mad and cries. Still, I don’t want her putting things like that in her mouth. Who knows what kind of germs they have! She’s been doing this with EVERYTHING! Wipes, brushes, cans, bottles, shoes, dirt, leaves, sticks, her food, and at one point a few nights ago, MY LEG!

She’s also had this fascination with rocks. From the moment she was able to walk around outside she would pick them up, carry them around, throw them, and then pick them up again. And as of late, she added an extra step by putting them in her mouth. It freaks me out! I’m scared she’s going to swallow one someday and then we’ll really be in some deep poo. Like the other morning, I put her down by the truck, put all of our bags in the seat before picking her up, and putting her in her car seat. I noticed NOTHING. Half way down the road, I ask her if she wants her banana, and she smiles. I could see she had something in her mouth, so I said “spit it out”. Sure enough out came three rocks! What tha...? Seriously??

It’s insane! I have no idea how to stop this either. Sometimes, if she knows I’m going to say no or take something away from her she licks it real fast instead.  Then she starts running before turning around and handing it to me. She’s so sneaky and fast about it! Then there’s no telling what she has in her mouth so I’m afraid she’ll choke, or possibly cut the inside of her mouth. Have you ever tried to get something out of your kids mouth when they don’t want you to? And when they have teeth?! This is no easy task people! It usually ends with my finger having teeth marks.

Anyone else have a similar problem? How the heck do I get her to stop?!

Last Snow Day…I Think…

So this morning we woke up to a lot of snow coming down. A bit of ice as well. So, I stayed home with my punkin!! I feel like such a wuss though, because by 2pm all of the snow and ice was melting away. The roads were all drivable by 3pm. Still, by that point, it wouldn’t have been worth it to go to work. I would have only gotten 1-2 hours in. Needless to say, my paycheck on Monday is going to suck. And now, they are saying that this Monday and Tuesday we have more chance for snow. Craaap!!

But, how can I not love spending time with my little baby? No matter how bad missing out on work today made me feel, her giggles made it worth it. Ha! Until the little monster inside of her decided to come forth.  LOL! She threw some tantrums today, that made me wish she was old enough to spank! Or at least, put into time out and she actually KNOW what I was talking about! She yelled, cried, and screamed bloody murder when I took the plastic bag (she got a hold of) away from her. Or when she decided to remove EVERY single DVD from the bottom of our DVD racks, and I smacked her little handle. Man, she was pissed! Then when I sat her down in her playpen before she was ready, and she would not stop crying until I came back and picked her up. I let her cry for a good 10 minutes and she never gave up! Persistent little girl, that’s for sure. And finally, her only taking a twenty-minute nap today, made her very crabby. EVERYTHING she did, had an attitude about it.  I know her teeth were bothering her, but I numbed her up pretty good. I know that couldn’t have been the problem. She’s just been so spoiled by BOTH sides of the family, that it’s going to be hell when we’re finally on our own, No one to cater to the little princess…awww! But seriously, even despite the little evil monster that comes out every now and then, I would still die for her. She’s MY little monster after all.

But now, since I’m pooped and completely drained, I want to go to SLEEP! Unfortunately my uncle brought his “wonder twins” over and they are wearing out Emery, so I am thankful for that, but they are annoying the CRAP out of me! So, instead of boring you with small talk, I shall post a couple of pictures in honor of my little angel turning the big UNO this month (17th)!!

What Are We Going To Do?

I was doing research for an essay I am supposed to be writing. But then I got sidetracked. Yes, This happens a lot. I started reading these articles about the sudden “teen” suicides going on all over the US and how it’s being contributing to “bullying”. From Phoebe Prince, to four other gay kids. And this has me asking, what are we going to do about this? So many people want to blame this on “bullying” and yet we are not once looking at the parents. I understand that these kids need to be punished, and I am a big supporter of them needing to serve jail time. But we as parents need to start looking into how we are raising our children. That’s the bigger picture.

I myself, do not agree with homosexuality. BUT, I don’t judge those living that lifestyle. I do not agree with abortion, but if you’ve gotten one it doesn’t mean that I will hate you for it. Bullying is something else I don’t agree with but I myself was a bit of a bully in Junior High. This was due to me BEING bullied in my younger years. I was a girl, and I developed a lot faster than some others. I was constantly being grabbed or having my hair pulled. Being called a “wetback”. And one day a teacher told me to “Not be afraid to fight back”. And I did. Now, I look back on it and MAYBE I should have not started so many fights, but I was sticking up for myself as well as my little brother. I feel that defending yourself is a lot different than picking on someone. I think that we as parents need to start raising our children differently!

For starters, there is so much more out there than high school. There is so much more beyond prom queens and football stars. They may be the most popular, most beautiful people in school, but they could end up working the convenience store down the road. They may one day WORK for you.

Second, our children ARE beautiful and they should focus on OTHER things besides vanity, and popularity. Look to the future. Boy/girlfriends are great, but you don’t NEED them. They do not MAKE you. You must be happy with yourself. Love YOURSELF. You must do that first before finding a boy/girlfriend or a spouse. THEY can only bring so much to the table.

Third, teach them to be strong. Have them learn how to throw a punch, learn how to stand strong in their beliefs. I know “violence is not the answer” but learning how to defend yourself might not be so bad. Teach them to not be swayed or convinced to do something they don’t want to. Peer pressure sucks, but if you start teaching them early on, they might not be so easily pressured. When someone calls them a name or is teasing them, immediately go to the other child’s parent. No matter how “embarrassing” it is for your child. So help me God, I will take whoever it is that’s teasing my baby and put them over my knee for a few good licks. Ok, maybe not that EXTREME but you better believe they will get a good talking to from me. I don’t care who they are or who their parents are. If you will not discipline your child you better believe I won’t just stand by and let that happen. I’ll instill the fear of God at least, LOL! 

Four, is respect. Respect for yourself as well as respect for others. There should not be any back talking. They should not be told it’s ok if they were making fun of someone else. Discipline your children! I know that even some of us, as adults, tease or make fun of others sometimes and we really should see the example we are setting. Do you think it’s ok to have a child yell at you or cuss at you? Is it ok for them to pick on others? Our children will only grow and learn from what they are TAUGHT. What they are ALLOWED to get away with. And that’s why I think, we as parents need to do a better job.

Now, I might eat my words when Emery gets older. I might do all the right things and her still come out rebellious and easily persuaded. I might turn out to be the worst mother ever. But I will try my hardest to not be. I will try my hardest to be a good example. And I will do my damnedest to make sure that I teach her right from wrong. She will know. What she chooses to do with that knowledge, and those lessons will be left up to her. But you better believe the minute she starts calling people names, starting fights, or thinking she can run around all night she will be over my knee getting some licks. And when she’s older to where licks don’t work…well, I’ll cross that bridge when I get there!

p/s I know there’s a lot I didn't cover, but those were the basics.

Those were the main topics I wanted to cover. The ones I think should come first.