My little boy has quite the elaborate nap and bedtime routine. This routine has evolved and changed over the past two years, but what has remained constant is the presence of one or more (or many, many) loveys. Call them dolls, security blankets, or binkies -- these objects are among the most valuable ones in my home. Without them, my darling Daniel might not be such a phenomenal sleeper. These loveys are my go-to arsenal when he is cranky or difficult -- my port in the storm, so to speak. If I were to ever misplace or lose one...well, I'd rather not think about it.
Currently, at 2 years old, Daniel's crib is filled with every kind of lovey imaginable: stuffed animals, blankets, pillows. No longer a choking or suffocation hazard (thank goodness!), I can pile them on top of Daniel and rest assured that he will drift off to dreamland with a smile on his face. His small Elmo doll is a particular treasure. Both Daniel and I bestow countless kisses upon Elmo's head each night before bed. If Daniel is reluctant to go down for a nap, I can still pull the old "Elmo misses you" out of my hat. The day that stops working, I will be in mourning.
Another favorite is his Taggies blanket. In fact, we just added a new blanket and pillow to the crib. Daniel's sleep space is now stuffed with soft, fleece covers and cushions which are adorned with many colorful, silky tags. He loves to stroke them, and I think he's comforted just by the fact that the tags are there with him. God bless the Taggies company!
As Daniel gets older, his preference of loveys will change and, most likely, go away. Dolls and blankets will be replaced by cool sheets and books by flashlight, late at night. Whatever comforts him enough to make him feel secure in drifting off to sleep, I'll forever endorse. I only wish dolls and blankets still worked for me.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Mommy, Meet the Opposition
I'm always skeptical when people talk about the "terrible twos." Quite frankly, children develop differently and I find it hard to believe that every child must experience a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde transformation on the eve of his 2nd birthday. That is, until my perfect little angel woke up one morning with devil horns.
I'm not saying that Daniel is naughty, but he has recently developed an increasingly oppositional personality that seems to coincide perfectly with the beginning of his third year of life. Not only is his vocabulary growing at an amazing rate, but his temper is as well. When he doesn't get his way, he will no longer "let it slide." Oh no. He will whine, cry, throw things, even hurl himself onto the floor just to communicate to me that he is, in fact, pissed off. Simple daily rituals have become battles: changing his diaper involves getting repeatedly kicked in the chest and face, putting him in his high chair for a meal can take years off your life, and putting him in his crib for a nap or bedtime is a crapshoot. Sometimes he lays down peacefully and babbles himself to sleep, while other times he cries his eyes out and throws his beloved blanket over the side of the crib in the hopes that Mommy or Daddy will come to his rescue. If I happen to intervene on his behalf, he will continue the behavior. It's a never-ending circle of frustration, and it makes me want to bang my head against a wall.
Part of the reason why this defiant behavior is so stressful for us is because we are experiencing it for the first time. Daniel has always been an easy kid, and we have not often found ourselves in these challenging situations. Ultimately, the way we learn to deal with Daniel's oppositional behavior will make us better parents and help us immensely when the next child comes along. I suppose we are lucky to have made it this far without having to deal with sleeping or eating issues. And I know that this is just a phase. There is light at the end of the tunnel. But sometimes it seems like the tunnel is terribly, terribly long.
I'm not saying that Daniel is naughty, but he has recently developed an increasingly oppositional personality that seems to coincide perfectly with the beginning of his third year of life. Not only is his vocabulary growing at an amazing rate, but his temper is as well. When he doesn't get his way, he will no longer "let it slide." Oh no. He will whine, cry, throw things, even hurl himself onto the floor just to communicate to me that he is, in fact, pissed off. Simple daily rituals have become battles: changing his diaper involves getting repeatedly kicked in the chest and face, putting him in his high chair for a meal can take years off your life, and putting him in his crib for a nap or bedtime is a crapshoot. Sometimes he lays down peacefully and babbles himself to sleep, while other times he cries his eyes out and throws his beloved blanket over the side of the crib in the hopes that Mommy or Daddy will come to his rescue. If I happen to intervene on his behalf, he will continue the behavior. It's a never-ending circle of frustration, and it makes me want to bang my head against a wall.
Part of the reason why this defiant behavior is so stressful for us is because we are experiencing it for the first time. Daniel has always been an easy kid, and we have not often found ourselves in these challenging situations. Ultimately, the way we learn to deal with Daniel's oppositional behavior will make us better parents and help us immensely when the next child comes along. I suppose we are lucky to have made it this far without having to deal with sleeping or eating issues. And I know that this is just a phase. There is light at the end of the tunnel. But sometimes it seems like the tunnel is terribly, terribly long.
Monday, June 29, 2009
On a Roll
Daniel had another great day at camp today. After a rough drop-off this morning, I was nervous. He started to cry as soon as we pulled into the parking lot. I tried to remain upbeat, telling him what fun activities he'd do at camp today. In my mind, I kept thinking that he may very well be crying just to get attention from me. Ever since he turned 2 just a few weeks ago, Daniel has been thinking up more and more creative ways to try my patience or push my buttons. Since this behavior is developmentally appropriate, I'm not too concerned (just a little frustrated). His dramatic performance at camp drop-off is partially his way of testing my perseverance. Will I cave in and take him home? Or will I stand my ground and continue taking him back to camp every week? As hard as it seems sometimes, my heels are firmly planted.
When I picked him up at noon, he was all smiles. The counselor told me that he had an "unbelievable" day, with no crying and lots of playing. What fantastic news! Now I feel confident that the morning hysterics are only temporary, and that Daniel truly is having fun at camp!
When I picked him up at noon, he was all smiles. The counselor told me that he had an "unbelievable" day, with no crying and lots of playing. What fantastic news! Now I feel confident that the morning hysterics are only temporary, and that Daniel truly is having fun at camp!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Oh Joyous Day!
No words could possibly be sweeter to a Mommy's ears than this: "He didn't cry at all. He had a wonderful day!"
Such was the report I got from Miss Cathy at camp pick-up this afternoon. Not only was I overcome with relief and happiness, but I was quite surprised that Daniel had achieved this milestone just three days into his brand-new experience. This morning at drop-off, you'd never have guessed that the same child would have a fantastic day. Daniel was pulled from my car, crying and screaming. I could hear him shrieking, "Mommy!" as I drove away. Awful, right? I felt sick to my stomach, and just prayed that his sadness would pass and he would have an okay day. I called the camp office at 10:00 to check on him, and I got a good report. They told me that his bunk was on the playground and that all of the kids were happy. At least I knew he hadn't cried for an hour!
As with the first two days, pick-up was a more positive experience. Daniel was walked out to my car as he smiled and waved at me. Miss Cathy told me that he was like an entirely different child today -- laughing, being silly, playing peek-a-boo, and even showing his sense of humor. She was happy that she was finally getting to know the "real" Daniel, and I was jealous that I had to start sharing such an amazing gift.
Such was the report I got from Miss Cathy at camp pick-up this afternoon. Not only was I overcome with relief and happiness, but I was quite surprised that Daniel had achieved this milestone just three days into his brand-new experience. This morning at drop-off, you'd never have guessed that the same child would have a fantastic day. Daniel was pulled from my car, crying and screaming. I could hear him shrieking, "Mommy!" as I drove away. Awful, right? I felt sick to my stomach, and just prayed that his sadness would pass and he would have an okay day. I called the camp office at 10:00 to check on him, and I got a good report. They told me that his bunk was on the playground and that all of the kids were happy. At least I knew he hadn't cried for an hour!
As with the first two days, pick-up was a more positive experience. Daniel was walked out to my car as he smiled and waved at me. Miss Cathy told me that he was like an entirely different child today -- laughing, being silly, playing peek-a-boo, and even showing his sense of humor. She was happy that she was finally getting to know the "real" Daniel, and I was jealous that I had to start sharing such an amazing gift.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Adjustment Period Continues
Well, as expected, Daniel burst into tears at this morning's camp drop-off. He knew where we were as soon as I pulled up to the car line. He gave me this look as if to say, "You're not seriously thinking about leaving me here again, are you?" I tried to be as enthusiastic and upbeat as possible, but his little face crumpled as soon as he was taken out of the car. The worst part was watching him cry as he was carried into the building, reaching for me the whole time. It really broke my heart to see him so sad, and to think about how he would do for the rest of the morning. I know that he will eventually get used to this new routine and hopefully even look forward to going to camp, but I can't help but worry that he's just not ready for this separation. I hope that I am proven wrong over the next couple of weeks!
At pick-up, Daniel was calm and excited to see me. He waved as he walked towards the car, and seemed happy to see Ollie again. I gave him his Diego cup with water and a bag of pretzels once he was in his car seat, and that made him happy. I even played a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse song on my iPod during the 2-minute drive home! Anything to keep him content and positive!
Daniel's counselor, Cathy, called me later this afternoon to give me the daily report. She said that Daniel was sad today, but not as sad as he had been on Monday. He participated in the group project and even went swimming (though she mentioned that he didn't like his water shoes -- I can totally imagine how he must have given the counselors a hard time when they were trying to put them on his feet!). She listed as many positive things as she could think of (having been a teacher, I appreciated her method), including the fact that Daniel was able to recover quickly from his crying jags and that he allowed pretty much anyone to hold him and comfort him. While I'm thankful to anyone who provided that comfort, how I wish that it could have been me!
At pick-up, Daniel was calm and excited to see me. He waved as he walked towards the car, and seemed happy to see Ollie again. I gave him his Diego cup with water and a bag of pretzels once he was in his car seat, and that made him happy. I even played a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse song on my iPod during the 2-minute drive home! Anything to keep him content and positive!
Daniel's counselor, Cathy, called me later this afternoon to give me the daily report. She said that Daniel was sad today, but not as sad as he had been on Monday. He participated in the group project and even went swimming (though she mentioned that he didn't like his water shoes -- I can totally imagine how he must have given the counselors a hard time when they were trying to put them on his feet!). She listed as many positive things as she could think of (having been a teacher, I appreciated her method), including the fact that Daniel was able to recover quickly from his crying jags and that he allowed pretty much anyone to hold him and comfort him. While I'm thankful to anyone who provided that comfort, how I wish that it could have been me!
Monday, June 22, 2009
A Day of Firsts
Not only was today Daniel's first day of camp, but it was his first experience away from me in an unfamiliar place. When I dropped him off at 9:00, he was stoic. A teenage boy carried him into the building, leaving me weeping in my car. As I called out to Daniel, "Have fun! I love you!" he looked at me over the boy's shoulder, eyes dry as a bone. As I found out later, he cried several times throughout the morning. His counselor explained to me, "Daniel was a little sad today." Apparently, however, all the little ones stopped crying by 9:30 and Daniel in particular rebounded quickly and was easily distracted by other activities. She also told me that he did very well for the first day. Considering that today was his first "school-like" experience without his Mommy EVER, it seems like he did pretty great!
When I picked him up at noon, I let Ollie stick his head out the driver's side window to greet him. Daniel really enjoyed that. He reached out to pet Ollie and even exclaimed, "Puppy!" When I put Daniel in his car seat, Ollie climbed into the back of the car and sat himself down next to Daniel. I think this gesture really cheered him up. I wish I could take credit for orchestrating it, but it was all Ollie! I gave Daniel a juice box when we got home, which he loved, and made him a nice big lunch. He ate beautifully, played for about 10 minutes, and went down for his nap without any fuss.
Taking into account how radically different today's routine was from any other day we've shared thus far, I'd say it was a successful day. Now I just have to get past my worries about Wednesday.
When I picked him up at noon, I let Ollie stick his head out the driver's side window to greet him. Daniel really enjoyed that. He reached out to pet Ollie and even exclaimed, "Puppy!" When I put Daniel in his car seat, Ollie climbed into the back of the car and sat himself down next to Daniel. I think this gesture really cheered him up. I wish I could take credit for orchestrating it, but it was all Ollie! I gave Daniel a juice box when we got home, which he loved, and made him a nice big lunch. He ate beautifully, played for about 10 minutes, and went down for his nap without any fuss.
Taking into account how radically different today's routine was from any other day we've shared thus far, I'd say it was a successful day. Now I just have to get past my worries about Wednesday.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Big Birthday Plans!
Daniel turns 2 years old this coming Saturday, June 13th, and we have a fun-filled weekend planned in his honor. First of all, let me just say that I can't believe my baby boy is turning 2. I don't know where the time has gone, but it seems like he was just an infant. I'm amazed by how quickly he's transformed into a happy, charming, brilliant, funny, beautiful little man! I get such pleasure from spending my days with him.
We are spending Daniel's birthday weekend down the Shore. On Saturday, his actual birthday, we hope to take him to Storybook Land -- an amusement park designed specifically for little kids. This will be his first visit, and it seems like an appropriately "special" activity for his big day. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we'll check out the South Jersey Children's Museum -- sort of a mini Please Touch, inside the Shore Mall. Thank you to Jen Thomas for telling me about it! No matter where we end up, Daniel's birthday will be wonderful because he will be with his family and will be surrounded by lots of love!
The party is on Sunday at my in-laws' Shore house in Longport. We called it for 11:30, thinking it would be a nice and relaxed lunch. Sack 'o Subs will provide the food, Weinrich's Bakery will provide the Thomas-themed cake, and Daniel himself will surely provide the entertainment! We're expecting about 25 people (almost all family) so it is sure to be a casual, intimate gathering. I truly believe that Daniel would be happy with any way we decided to celebrate his birthday. He's an easy customer!
We are spending Daniel's birthday weekend down the Shore. On Saturday, his actual birthday, we hope to take him to Storybook Land -- an amusement park designed specifically for little kids. This will be his first visit, and it seems like an appropriately "special" activity for his big day. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we'll check out the South Jersey Children's Museum -- sort of a mini Please Touch, inside the Shore Mall. Thank you to Jen Thomas for telling me about it! No matter where we end up, Daniel's birthday will be wonderful because he will be with his family and will be surrounded by lots of love!
The party is on Sunday at my in-laws' Shore house in Longport. We called it for 11:30, thinking it would be a nice and relaxed lunch. Sack 'o Subs will provide the food, Weinrich's Bakery will provide the Thomas-themed cake, and Daniel himself will surely provide the entertainment! We're expecting about 25 people (almost all family) so it is sure to be a casual, intimate gathering. I truly believe that Daniel would be happy with any way we decided to celebrate his birthday. He's an easy customer!
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