The Next Step

Today I caught a glimpse of what parenthood must be for those with older children. And let me tell you, it was the most wonderful thing I have ever seen. There is hope! I've seen it!

We had late naps today, so as soon as everybody was up, I packed us up in the car and headed to the grocery store to get some produce that I would need for dinner. We got home at 6, which is normally when we are sitting down for dinner, so I threw Eli in his highchair with some cereal (since he's totally digging the fingerfood thing... my little garbage disposal!). Alex was not content to sit inside while I made dinner (a quick one- quesadillas), and since I couldn't quite cook with her literally wrapped around my leg (which is where she has been stuck for the last few weeks), I opened up our patio door, gated up the stairs on our back deck, and let her go. She has her sand box out back, and I just got the kids a bubble machine, so I threw that out there as well. And then I stayed inside and made dinner. It was so odd not to be what I think is referred to as a helicopter mom, hovering around her every move, ready to jump in and save her from some great peril. All I had to do was shout out some warnings to her through the window (Alex, do not stick your hand in the bubble machine! Alex, do not stick the chalk in the bubble machine! Alex, do not put the sand in the bubble machine! Alex get your mouth off the bubble machine!). It was so great. She's growing up, and I am seeing the changes happen. The maturity, the understanding, the awareness, the thirst for knowledge of the world around her. It's amazing to see. I can't even say it was bittersweet to cut some of the strings attaching us today. I loved it. I am ready for her to grow and learn and become an independent woman. As long as I get to watch it all unfold. (Of course, I say all this now. Wait till Eli is at this stage, and I will be having to fight back my uterus and the accompanying longings for itty bitty babies with a bat.)

Distraction Techniques.

This will be short as I am on my way out the door, but I wanted to throw this up here before I left. I have been having to 'go out of the box' lately when it comes to keeping both the kids busy while I get things done like, you know, cook and, when I am feeling very luxurious and in the need for some pampering, going to the bathroom with the door closed, get this, without any children in there with me. I know. Big dreams over here.

Anyway. I stumbled upon this last night, and I think it may be a lifesaver. We had sat down to make a video for Paul (which I may post on here later), and after we were done, I left the program up so Alex could see herself. She sat there for about an hour while I made dinner, watching this funny little girl she could see on the screen. It was so dang cute I had to get some of it on film, and after that was done, she sat there even longer watching the video over and over again.

If you've not had the pleasure of meeting her yet, this gives a good insight.