In the last two weeks, Ivan has started to show affection, come over for hugs and want to cuddle. For all of three seconds before he's off again running around, but still.
I guess this happens when babies turn 18 months: They become more affectionate.
I'm taking it in as much as possible, even if it's three seconds at the time.
For example, ever since he started walking some four months ago, Ivan's used the 1/2 hour or so after the bath and before the bed to run around like crazy from one room to the next. He's too busy (still is) even to lay down for a second so I can put diapers on him. Most of the time, I have to catch him in flight and attempt to velcro the diaper as I'm walking behind him.
The whole idea of a quiet-cuddly-bottle-book time has been an utterly unfanthomable foreign concept. And yet I craved it and yearned for it.
Also, since we never conditioned him to sleep with us in our bed--mainly because of Mariposa who sleeps with us--every time I've tried to bring him to bed with me or lay next to him on bed and hug him, he scurries off to run around. We've even tried bringing him to bed when I give him his 5 a.m. milk bottle. When he's in his crib, he falls back asleep for an hour. But if we try to bring him to our bed, he scurries off and starts running around. So for now, we've stopped trying this, considering that no one is really alert at 5 a.m.
Then this week, after some required running around post-bath time, Ivan actually comes to me, sits in my lap and leans against me for a few seconds before taking off again. It doesn't work if I try to grab him and cuddle him; he has to initiate it.
He's also been coming over for random affection hugs and cuddles throughout the day for the last two weeks.
It's been quite a noticable change and I'm taking advantage of every cuddle I can get.
Now I can't wait when he'll cuddle with me while he drinks his milk. Maybe then I can even introduce some quite book time as well.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Garlic Takes Over; Blueberries Are So Passe
Ivan's been an on and off finicky eater this week.
He's over the yo yo yogurt. He still eats it, but doesn't demand three yogurts a day nor is that the only thing he's eat.
The blueberry love-affair seems to be on the downswing as well.
This has left all of us with a condundrum of what to feed the child.
Then two days ago, my mother stumbled on a jack-pot (well, at least this week's.): garlic hummus!
It must be the garlic. I've tried giving him plain hummus a while back and he wouldn't taste it.
But he was all over this garlicky (very garlicky) spread.
Yesterday, my parents thought they would profit further from this discovery and made: sauteed spinach with lots of garlic and milk. (Kind of yucky for my taste, but I'm obviously not the target here.)
Ivan devoured the spinach yesterday and today.
Who would've thought!
He's over the yo yo yogurt. He still eats it, but doesn't demand three yogurts a day nor is that the only thing he's eat.
The blueberry love-affair seems to be on the downswing as well.
This has left all of us with a condundrum of what to feed the child.
Then two days ago, my mother stumbled on a jack-pot (well, at least this week's.): garlic hummus!
It must be the garlic. I've tried giving him plain hummus a while back and he wouldn't taste it.
But he was all over this garlicky (very garlicky) spread.
Yesterday, my parents thought they would profit further from this discovery and made: sauteed spinach with lots of garlic and milk. (Kind of yucky for my taste, but I'm obviously not the target here.)
Ivan devoured the spinach yesterday and today.
Who would've thought!
Sap Moment: Mama Pajama & Mr. Meh
According to my dad, he and Ivan were playing in the bedrooms today, jumping on the bed and engaging in other unsanctioned toddler stuff.
Then Ivan saw my pajama laying over the chair.
He went to it, picked it up and started saying "mama, mama."
He knew that those were mine.
When my dad recounted the story over the phone, I absolutely melted at work.
Then Ivan saw my pajama laying over the chair.
He went to it, picked it up and started saying "mama, mama."
He knew that those were mine.
When my dad recounted the story over the phone, I absolutely melted at work.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Mastering the Clasps
Lately Ivan has discovered a new finer motor skill to master: hooking and unhooking his stroller, high chair, car seat and backpack clasps. He hasn't succeeded in unclasping him yet but he's managed to clasp himself in his high chair.
He concentrates on it so hard and can entertain himself with this "activity" for a long time.
I find it interesting that he's so intrigued by it. It seems like a very fine motor skill that older kids would be interested in mastering, not toddlers his age.
But then again, he seems to be more detailed oriented than other kids and very intrigued in how things work (ie the vacuum cleaner) that this conquest follows along these lines.
He concentrates on it so hard and can entertain himself with this "activity" for a long time.
I find it interesting that he's so intrigued by it. It seems like a very fine motor skill that older kids would be interested in mastering, not toddlers his age.
But then again, he seems to be more detailed oriented than other kids and very intrigued in how things work (ie the vacuum cleaner) that this conquest follows along these lines.
Clothing Preferences II
Two nights ago, the shirts came out again.
It was during the crazy time--after bath time, before bedtime.
I was trying to put away some laundered clothes while Ivan was playing in his room. Of course, he wouldn't let me, but dumped on the floor all the nicely folded clothes that were in the drawer. And then he found the long-sleeved striped shirt he liked. And then, he saw the other shirt, the short-sleeved red striped shirt, under some other shirts in the drawer and pulled out.
He wanted me to put the long-sleeved one on him, which I did. (This time the shirt fit much more snuggly than before. It was almost too small.)
He ran around it in for some time, before I managed to take it off. But he protested so I put that shirt in bed with him as a blanket.
Last week, he found the one-piece buttoned down shortsleeved/legged jumper Andy's mom recently bought him. He pulled it out and brought it to me. He put one arm through one sleeve and wanted me to help him with the other. I did. Then he ran over into his room to check himself out in the mirror.
I wander what goes through his head when he does that. I find it hilarious that he has clothing preferences at 18-month-old.
Who knew?!
It was during the crazy time--after bath time, before bedtime.
I was trying to put away some laundered clothes while Ivan was playing in his room. Of course, he wouldn't let me, but dumped on the floor all the nicely folded clothes that were in the drawer. And then he found the long-sleeved striped shirt he liked. And then, he saw the other shirt, the short-sleeved red striped shirt, under some other shirts in the drawer and pulled out.
He wanted me to put the long-sleeved one on him, which I did. (This time the shirt fit much more snuggly than before. It was almost too small.)
He ran around it in for some time, before I managed to take it off. But he protested so I put that shirt in bed with him as a blanket.
Last week, he found the one-piece buttoned down shortsleeved/legged jumper Andy's mom recently bought him. He pulled it out and brought it to me. He put one arm through one sleeve and wanted me to help him with the other. I did. Then he ran over into his room to check himself out in the mirror.
I wander what goes through his head when he does that. I find it hilarious that he has clothing preferences at 18-month-old.
Who knew?!
Blueberries and milk + samplers
...were the absolute two food choices last week, as Ivan continued to be a finnicky eater.
Except, every time my parents have taken him to Costco, he's eaten all the samples like a little pig. "He was going to eat the napkin too," my mom said.
I've seen this same behavior at Trader Joes. He eagerly ate the mashed potatoes and meatloaf sampler they had. I made mashed potatoes later that day, but he wouldn't touch it.
The same holds true for restaurants (although this past weekend, he was absolutely not interested in eating anything at Sunday breakfast at Parkside Deli. He wanted to play with food, but not eat it. I blame it on too much milk he guzzled before the deli and while we were at the deli.)
How can this child grow on blueberries and milk is beyond me.
Except, every time my parents have taken him to Costco, he's eaten all the samples like a little pig. "He was going to eat the napkin too," my mom said.
I've seen this same behavior at Trader Joes. He eagerly ate the mashed potatoes and meatloaf sampler they had. I made mashed potatoes later that day, but he wouldn't touch it.
The same holds true for restaurants (although this past weekend, he was absolutely not interested in eating anything at Sunday breakfast at Parkside Deli. He wanted to play with food, but not eat it. I blame it on too much milk he guzzled before the deli and while we were at the deli.)
How can this child grow on blueberries and milk is beyond me.
Grandpa's and cookies
It must be a sort of a genetic predisposition when people become grandparents that they want to spoil the grandchildren.
I see that in my parents and in Andy's parents, although for them this is their sixth grandchild. It's the first one for my parents.
The things they would do for him.
One thing I don't understand, however, is the fascination with cookies. My dad, more so than my mom, is adamant about giving Ivan cookies (very plain cookies, but still). Obviously, he loves them. So now my dad keeps buying packages of these wheat cookies called Maria. Ivan has even conditioned himself to stand in front of the cabinet, which he can't reach, and say "kek, kek," waiting for someone to give him a cookie. And throwing a temper tantrum otherwise. (There was also a time about a month ago, when he threw a cookie temper tantrum because he didn't want me to give him a cookie; he wanted to take it himself from the package.)
Then two weekends ago, when we were visiting Andy's parents, the same thing happened. Turns out, when Ivan spent a week with them over Fourth of July (which was over a month ago and I was quite surprised that he remembered), Andy's parents, his dad, I presume, fed him cookies. Ivan even learned where he needs to stand in the kitchen and wait and cry out for a cookie to be retrieved from a cookie jar.
As soon as we got there, Andy's dad materialized with an animal cracker in his hand and proceeded to feed Ivan. And then he kept the cookie/s in his hand while Ivan was roaming around the house, coming back every so often for another bite.
It turns out, it wasn't just one animal cookies package Andy's parents had--but his dad, and it was his dad, Andy's mom said--went out and bought a Costo-size bag of individually wrapped animal crackers packages for us to take home. We did take it home, but the bag still sits unopened in a closet. Ivan' hasn't seen it yet. Hopefully, he won't. And probably, I'll be the one devouring the cookies.
And on a related commentary:
How does Ivan know which foods to try or not, when I have a new food I want him to try, is beyond me. He is always very eager to try what I have in my hand, if it's a sweet, but absolutely refuses to touch it, if it's something healthy, like vegetables. How does he know what's what without ever seeing it or tasting it before, is really beyond me. Can he smell it? Is it just on the basis of looks? Is my attitude different?
I see that in my parents and in Andy's parents, although for them this is their sixth grandchild. It's the first one for my parents.
The things they would do for him.
One thing I don't understand, however, is the fascination with cookies. My dad, more so than my mom, is adamant about giving Ivan cookies (very plain cookies, but still). Obviously, he loves them. So now my dad keeps buying packages of these wheat cookies called Maria. Ivan has even conditioned himself to stand in front of the cabinet, which he can't reach, and say "kek, kek," waiting for someone to give him a cookie. And throwing a temper tantrum otherwise. (There was also a time about a month ago, when he threw a cookie temper tantrum because he didn't want me to give him a cookie; he wanted to take it himself from the package.)
Then two weekends ago, when we were visiting Andy's parents, the same thing happened. Turns out, when Ivan spent a week with them over Fourth of July (which was over a month ago and I was quite surprised that he remembered), Andy's parents, his dad, I presume, fed him cookies. Ivan even learned where he needs to stand in the kitchen and wait and cry out for a cookie to be retrieved from a cookie jar.
As soon as we got there, Andy's dad materialized with an animal cracker in his hand and proceeded to feed Ivan. And then he kept the cookie/s in his hand while Ivan was roaming around the house, coming back every so often for another bite.
It turns out, it wasn't just one animal cookies package Andy's parents had--but his dad, and it was his dad, Andy's mom said--went out and bought a Costo-size bag of individually wrapped animal crackers packages for us to take home. We did take it home, but the bag still sits unopened in a closet. Ivan' hasn't seen it yet. Hopefully, he won't. And probably, I'll be the one devouring the cookies.
And on a related commentary:
How does Ivan know which foods to try or not, when I have a new food I want him to try, is beyond me. He is always very eager to try what I have in my hand, if it's a sweet, but absolutely refuses to touch it, if it's something healthy, like vegetables. How does he know what's what without ever seeing it or tasting it before, is really beyond me. Can he smell it? Is it just on the basis of looks? Is my attitude different?
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Shopping for Mr. Meh--clothing unfairness starts early
I realized the other day, that Mr. Meh is about to outgrow all his clothes! It's happened overnight. Suddenly, all his onesies are rather snug and I need to pull on them to clasp them. All his shirts are snug too. He's still fine with pants. His shoes are too small. He needs a bigger and wider pair.
I took care of the shoes easily at Stride Rite. Well, it took me two and a half tries. The first time while I was on vacation last week, Ivan and I drove to Montgomery Mall. Except that he was too tired and fell asleep in the car. He must have been really tired because his entire body was slumped forward in the car seat, which I've seen only on several occasions when he's been extremely tired. I couldn't wake him up. I parked the car in the garage, turned it off--at this point, he usually wake up--got the stroller out of the trunk, unclasped Mr. Meh's hooks and nothing. He did not budge. I felt bad, so I reversed the entire process (hooked him up, returned the stroller to the trunk, started the car) and drove home.
The following day, we returned to the mall. We went to stride rite. And yeap, he's foot grew from 4 1/2 to 5. And it's no longer a medium but a wide. Those pudgy feet are just too chubby and fat. No wonder he gets serious imprints on his skin from his shoes. I found the shoes I wanted but the store didn't have them.
So I ordered them online.
But all this shoe-talk caused me to digress. I really wanted to tackle clothes. Even at the tender and young age of 18 months, unfairness begins---75% of clothes selection for girls, and some miserly selection for the boys.
I went to Old Navy and the Children's Place. It was mainly because I had gift cards for those two stores, but actually they are the stores I would've gone to anyway.
Old Navy was disappointing (unless you're a girl interested in all shades of pink). I didn't want to get a polo shirt. (I had bought a bunch of them at the beginning of summer thinking they would be cool, but then, as my mom pointed out, shirts with collars are too hot for Mr. Meh for the summer).
So I was on a T-shirt hunt. I just wanted a plain T-shirt in a color. The color even wasn't that important. But all they had were T-shirts with those big plastic pictures glued (screened?) onto the shirt with some bold saying or some action-packed imagery that I didn't care for. So I left the store empty handed.
The ChiIdren's Place was a similar story---great pink selection for girls; almost denada for boys. And there was absolutely nothing left of summer T-shirts on sale. Instead, I bought two long-sleeved thick onesies--one white, the other greeen, both with stripes--for the fall.
Maybe I should really dust of that sewing machine I got two Christmases ago and learn to sew. T-shirt for Ivan sound like a good project.
I took care of the shoes easily at Stride Rite. Well, it took me two and a half tries. The first time while I was on vacation last week, Ivan and I drove to Montgomery Mall. Except that he was too tired and fell asleep in the car. He must have been really tired because his entire body was slumped forward in the car seat, which I've seen only on several occasions when he's been extremely tired. I couldn't wake him up. I parked the car in the garage, turned it off--at this point, he usually wake up--got the stroller out of the trunk, unclasped Mr. Meh's hooks and nothing. He did not budge. I felt bad, so I reversed the entire process (hooked him up, returned the stroller to the trunk, started the car) and drove home.
The following day, we returned to the mall. We went to stride rite. And yeap, he's foot grew from 4 1/2 to 5. And it's no longer a medium but a wide. Those pudgy feet are just too chubby and fat. No wonder he gets serious imprints on his skin from his shoes. I found the shoes I wanted but the store didn't have them.
So I ordered them online.
But all this shoe-talk caused me to digress. I really wanted to tackle clothes. Even at the tender and young age of 18 months, unfairness begins---75% of clothes selection for girls, and some miserly selection for the boys.
I went to Old Navy and the Children's Place. It was mainly because I had gift cards for those two stores, but actually they are the stores I would've gone to anyway.
Old Navy was disappointing (unless you're a girl interested in all shades of pink). I didn't want to get a polo shirt. (I had bought a bunch of them at the beginning of summer thinking they would be cool, but then, as my mom pointed out, shirts with collars are too hot for Mr. Meh for the summer).
So I was on a T-shirt hunt. I just wanted a plain T-shirt in a color. The color even wasn't that important. But all they had were T-shirts with those big plastic pictures glued (screened?) onto the shirt with some bold saying or some action-packed imagery that I didn't care for. So I left the store empty handed.
The ChiIdren's Place was a similar story---great pink selection for girls; almost denada for boys. And there was absolutely nothing left of summer T-shirts on sale. Instead, I bought two long-sleeved thick onesies--one white, the other greeen, both with stripes--for the fall.
Maybe I should really dust of that sewing machine I got two Christmases ago and learn to sew. T-shirt for Ivan sound like a good project.
Toddling in Museums 2
Turns out this yesterday's email museum suggestion didn't come from the childless friend, but the other one--a mom with an infant boy, who isn't walking yet. Is this mom in for a surprise when her son takes off toddling around!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Toddling in Museums
An unmarried, childless friend of mine emailed today:
"Hey Nina.
It looks like I'm coming down to Maryland/DC this coming weekend...
Are you around this weekend? I was thinking about staying at your place either Friday or Saturday night and we could meet meet at one of the museums on Saturday...I thought it would be cute if you brought Ivan, Kristen brought Luca and they could meet...What do you think?"
I chuckled to myself, "Oh, she has no idea." I paraphased the email to Andy. I didn't have to add any commentary to it. He chuckled on his own, "A museum. She has no idea."
So I replied:
"Cool. However, I must warn you, taking a toddler to a museum--you're
definitely speaking like a non-mom here. It's probably one of the
worst places I could think of to take him. I suggest meeting at a playground. Silver Spring is full of
them."
For the rest of the evening, Andy and I had visions of Ivan running loose in an art museum. What a nightmare would that be trying to catch him, contain him, get him to walk where we want to go, stroller him, keep him quiet, etc........
"Hey Nina.
It looks like I'm coming down to Maryland/DC this coming weekend...
Are you around this weekend? I was thinking about staying at your place either Friday or Saturday night and we could meet meet at one of the museums on Saturday...I thought it would be cute if you brought Ivan, Kristen brought Luca and they could meet...What do you think?"
I chuckled to myself, "Oh, she has no idea." I paraphased the email to Andy. I didn't have to add any commentary to it. He chuckled on his own, "A museum. She has no idea."
So I replied:
"Cool. However, I must warn you, taking a toddler to a museum--you're
definitely speaking like a non-mom here. It's probably one of the
worst places I could think of to take him. I suggest meeting at a playground. Silver Spring is full of
them."
For the rest of the evening, Andy and I had visions of Ivan running loose in an art museum. What a nightmare would that be trying to catch him, contain him, get him to walk where we want to go, stroller him, keep him quiet, etc........
Not a Climber: Famous Last Words
Just yesterday I was telling Andy's family how Ivan is not that much of a physically adventurous child, meaning, he's very cautious and completely not interested in climbing. Did I jinx myself by thinking that and saying it out loud too many times?
Today apparently, while my dad looked away, Ivan climbed up on a chair and then on the dining room table to get blueberries.
Also today, my mom found him climbed up and sitting in his big Phil & Ted stroller. (He's been practicing the climbing into teh stroller since last week, both the little Chicco stroller and the big stroller. I figured it was because he was very intrigued by how the clasps work on both the strollers and on his high chair.)
So I guess so much for not climbing.
Today apparently, while my dad looked away, Ivan climbed up on a chair and then on the dining room table to get blueberries.
Also today, my mom found him climbed up and sitting in his big Phil & Ted stroller. (He's been practicing the climbing into teh stroller since last week, both the little Chicco stroller and the big stroller. I figured it was because he was very intrigued by how the clasps work on both the strollers and on his high chair.)
So I guess so much for not climbing.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Current Food Choices: Crackers, Peas, Blueberries, and Milk
Ivan's been a really finicky eater this week again. I hope it's just a teething consequence. In addition to milk, all he wants to eat are blueberries, crackers, string cheese and peas.
He eats blueberries all day long (and a few months ago, I couldn't get one near his mouth). He also shares them with me.
Crackers are also a big hit. He's even learned the word.
String cheese, the low-fat kind I buy for myself and Mariposa, is also a bit hit. I think it's the fact that he wants to eat it himself, holding the package. (He's done the same with a banana today.)
He also likes my sauteed peas. He doesn't want to eat any other veggies (or any other sauteed veggies, such as carrots), but he's big on peas. He'll eat them if I feed them to him, he tries to spoon them himself, or, when everything else fails, he'll eat them with his fingers.
It's interesting because he really prefers foods that have a lot of taste, not bland baby foods. For example, yesterday he insisted on eating (blue corn) chips and salsa. I suspect it was partially because his Dadda was eating it so he wanted to eat the same. (This behavior is the only thing that explains why he likes to drink our homemade, unsweetened, bitter iced tea.) But Andy was also eating other foods last night, of which Ivan wanted none.
No longer his favorites:
He seems to have backed of yo-yo yogurt. Until recently he'd eat 2-3 yogurts a day, and that would be all he'd want to eat. (He'd go into the refrigerator to get the yogurt himself) This week, he's barely eaten a yogurt a day.
He no longer want to eat baby gerger cereal with apple sauce. I guess he's no longer a baby. This used to be his favorite food not so long ago.
He eats blueberries all day long (and a few months ago, I couldn't get one near his mouth). He also shares them with me.
Crackers are also a big hit. He's even learned the word.
String cheese, the low-fat kind I buy for myself and Mariposa, is also a bit hit. I think it's the fact that he wants to eat it himself, holding the package. (He's done the same with a banana today.)
He also likes my sauteed peas. He doesn't want to eat any other veggies (or any other sauteed veggies, such as carrots), but he's big on peas. He'll eat them if I feed them to him, he tries to spoon them himself, or, when everything else fails, he'll eat them with his fingers.
It's interesting because he really prefers foods that have a lot of taste, not bland baby foods. For example, yesterday he insisted on eating (blue corn) chips and salsa. I suspect it was partially because his Dadda was eating it so he wanted to eat the same. (This behavior is the only thing that explains why he likes to drink our homemade, unsweetened, bitter iced tea.) But Andy was also eating other foods last night, of which Ivan wanted none.
No longer his favorites:
He seems to have backed of yo-yo yogurt. Until recently he'd eat 2-3 yogurts a day, and that would be all he'd want to eat. (He'd go into the refrigerator to get the yogurt himself) This week, he's barely eaten a yogurt a day.
He no longer want to eat baby gerger cereal with apple sauce. I guess he's no longer a baby. This used to be his favorite food not so long ago.
Teething May Be Over; But Back on the Bottle
This round of teething may be over. The height of it seemed to be on Wednesday, when Ivan kept his hands in his mouth, seemed constantly in pain, and had serious trouble falling and staying a sleep. He'd wake up every 30 minutes or so and cry until he'd find his bottle.
I gave him so much cold milk to drink that night, since that was the only thing that soothed him, that in the morning his diaper was beyond soaked as were his pyjama pants and a onesie.
Yesterday he went to bed more easily and stayed asleep. The same thing this evening. It's 11:30 p.m. and not a peep from him since we put him to bed.
I think seven teeth came in. At least seven teeth that I could spy (four on the bottom and three on the top, including his first top molar.)
He's also been grinding his teeth today -- it was both visible and audible. Very funny. He's quite serious about it too.
The problem now is that all the gaines achieved in getting rid of the bottle have been reversed (how economist speak of me), and we're back to the bottle full time. Today, he kept wanting to do nothing else by drink milk. He's been walking with the bottle dangling from his mouth all afternoon. Maybe it's still the teeth, or maybe it's the bottle addiction back with a vengeance.
(He's learned to go to the refrigerator and point to the milk carton to give him milk. It's actually really cute. He's been doing this with other food items as well:
standing in front of the cupboard, yelling "kek" to get a cookie
going into the fridge to get blueberries "bulbul"
going to the fruitbowl to get a banana, or "nana" in Ivan-speak
I gave him so much cold milk to drink that night, since that was the only thing that soothed him, that in the morning his diaper was beyond soaked as were his pyjama pants and a onesie.
Yesterday he went to bed more easily and stayed asleep. The same thing this evening. It's 11:30 p.m. and not a peep from him since we put him to bed.
I think seven teeth came in. At least seven teeth that I could spy (four on the bottom and three on the top, including his first top molar.)
He's also been grinding his teeth today -- it was both visible and audible. Very funny. He's quite serious about it too.
The problem now is that all the gaines achieved in getting rid of the bottle have been reversed (how economist speak of me), and we're back to the bottle full time. Today, he kept wanting to do nothing else by drink milk. He's been walking with the bottle dangling from his mouth all afternoon. Maybe it's still the teeth, or maybe it's the bottle addiction back with a vengeance.
(He's learned to go to the refrigerator and point to the milk carton to give him milk. It's actually really cute. He's been doing this with other food items as well:
standing in front of the cupboard, yelling "kek" to get a cookie
going into the fridge to get blueberries "bulbul"
going to the fruitbowl to get a banana, or "nana" in Ivan-speak
Another pretend-SAHM week (i.e. vacation week) comes to an end
This past week I've been on vacation because my parents, i.e. the babysitters, again, are away. Not that I mind. I have to admit to myself that I am quite grateful for having a job with so much leave time, a really non-essential work position which allows me to take time off, and most importantly a boss who's fine with it (or so it appears to me).
Since returning to work a bit more over a year ago, it's worked out that I've taken a week off every quarter or so; actually, this year, I took time off in April (two weeks), June (one week) and now (one week). Yes, quite cushy, I admit.
Considering that I always joke that our rather worn, 60 plus year-old house, which could definitely be completely renovated, feels much more like our second summer country home, especially during the summer months when there is a lot of indoor/outdoor porch living, these times off have really felt like a vacation, although I really didn't set a foot outside my house. (This house illusion works well and allows me not to dwell on the fact that it would be much nicer to live a new house where everything works perfectly, where appliances and plumbing and electricity are state of the art, where there isn't 60 years worth of other people's dust and countless layers of paint on the walls, where the floorboards don't creak, and where there isn't dampness and mold in our basement.)
These weeks off have been my pretend SAHM times, which I've greatly enjoyed. Spending time with Ivan on my own during the week has a different pace and feel to it than our weekend family time. It's really helped me connect to him and see his grow and developed and be the one who's introduced him to new foods, practiced eating with him (using utensils), teach him other new stuff, etc.....otherwise, most of these things would've happened without me.
On many occasions I've even considered the fact that I think I may enjoy becoming a stay-at-home-mom, or maybe this is just my itching to do something else in life (the something else still being rather undefined after a decade long search for it), which is probably my longing for not having to need to work but be free of the 9-5 grind. (although I do like my job, my communications profession and my work environment, both the issues and the people).
Also much to my surprise, I'm really have a great time during the day with Ivan--I actually know what to do with Ivan. (This was the concern that I had, and other countless child-less women do, before I had him--what does one do with a baby all day long? doesn't it get boring?) I must say that overall I've had a blast.
Now could I really do this full time? Probably not. Ideally I'd like to be able to work 3-4 days a week. But since that's not an option, it's not even worth dwelling on it.
Since returning to work a bit more over a year ago, it's worked out that I've taken a week off every quarter or so; actually, this year, I took time off in April (two weeks), June (one week) and now (one week). Yes, quite cushy, I admit.
Considering that I always joke that our rather worn, 60 plus year-old house, which could definitely be completely renovated, feels much more like our second summer country home, especially during the summer months when there is a lot of indoor/outdoor porch living, these times off have really felt like a vacation, although I really didn't set a foot outside my house. (This house illusion works well and allows me not to dwell on the fact that it would be much nicer to live a new house where everything works perfectly, where appliances and plumbing and electricity are state of the art, where there isn't 60 years worth of other people's dust and countless layers of paint on the walls, where the floorboards don't creak, and where there isn't dampness and mold in our basement.)
These weeks off have been my pretend SAHM times, which I've greatly enjoyed. Spending time with Ivan on my own during the week has a different pace and feel to it than our weekend family time. It's really helped me connect to him and see his grow and developed and be the one who's introduced him to new foods, practiced eating with him (using utensils), teach him other new stuff, etc.....otherwise, most of these things would've happened without me.
On many occasions I've even considered the fact that I think I may enjoy becoming a stay-at-home-mom, or maybe this is just my itching to do something else in life (the something else still being rather undefined after a decade long search for it), which is probably my longing for not having to need to work but be free of the 9-5 grind. (although I do like my job, my communications profession and my work environment, both the issues and the people).
Also much to my surprise, I'm really have a great time during the day with Ivan--I actually know what to do with Ivan. (This was the concern that I had, and other countless child-less women do, before I had him--what does one do with a baby all day long? doesn't it get boring?) I must say that overall I've had a blast.
Now could I really do this full time? Probably not. Ideally I'd like to be able to work 3-4 days a week. But since that's not an option, it's not even worth dwelling on it.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Teething Continues
The last two days have been pretty uneventful, except for teething.
I spied yesterday, while Ivan was on a swing and I could look inside the top of his mouth while he was laughing, that he has at least three teeth breaking through on his upper gum -- one molar and the third set of front teeth -- in addition to the teeth on the lower gum.
Today, he's been very cranky and sniffly. This evening/night he keeps waking up, actually not waking up, just crying in his sleep every so often. The only thing that works is milk (or ice water right now) in his bottle. As soon as he finds his bottle, he's OK.
We've given him a bit of Tylenon; hopefully, it's helping.
(This is the first time he's been noticeable irritated and in pain because of his teeth.)
I spied yesterday, while Ivan was on a swing and I could look inside the top of his mouth while he was laughing, that he has at least three teeth breaking through on his upper gum -- one molar and the third set of front teeth -- in addition to the teeth on the lower gum.
Today, he's been very cranky and sniffly. This evening/night he keeps waking up, actually not waking up, just crying in his sleep every so often. The only thing that works is milk (or ice water right now) in his bottle. As soon as he finds his bottle, he's OK.
We've given him a bit of Tylenon; hopefully, it's helping.
(This is the first time he's been noticeable irritated and in pain because of his teeth.)
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
To Playroom or Not?
Ever since Saturday's play date, I've been complating the inadequacy of my house, and its lack of a play room. (I contemplate the inadequacy and the 60+ years of dinginess of the house on regular basis, and dream of living in either new or completely gutted and renovated older house.)
But this is different.
First, compared to other people's toy arsenal, Ivan has a scant selection of toys. They mostly fit into that Ikea rattan box (not counting the stuffed animals.) But then again, he hasn't really seemed that interested in toys. Give him the vacuum cleaner, mouse, a cord of any sort or a broom and he'll entertain himself for hours.
Second, it seems that everyone sets up a playroom for the child. We don't have that. His toys are in the living room, where we spend most of the day. A few are in his bedroom, and the books are in the spare bedroom where were chill before going to bed at night. (The whole book reading thing is another issue, that I've been wanting to address but keep postponing.)
Karin's playroom was in the basement. Her basement, like the rest of the house, looked esquisite (and was esquisitively clean, despite a dog and four cats, which I'm in awe of.) It was a bright, invitiving yellow room with all these toys, books, etc....laid out. A perfect play area.
So now I've been thinking should I convert my basement to a playroom area. But the thing is I don't like spending time in a basement. (Maybe it's just our basement, which always seems cold and not that inviting, unless we're watching TV.)
Do we need a playroom? I feel like we should have one, because all the ubiquitous Jones's seem to have one (along with the standard assortment of acceptable toys found in all ovearchieving, middle-class homes in this area).
Are we going to jinx Ivan, if we don't have one? Is he going to feel like there is something lacking in his house?
Andy doesn't think we should have a playroom. The truth is neither do I. I like Ivan and all his toys to be where we are, in the living room, or any other rooms we may be in.
I even ran this by Sanjoy and Rita considering they have a huge house and a plethora of toys. They keep all Maya's stuff in the open-space area, family room right off the kitchen where they spend most of their day.
Rita's comment echoed my thoughts: if you create a playroom, them you confine the child to that one area, like he's not supposed to be anywhere else.
I completely agree. So no playroom for us! (Not like we'd have space to have one, in any case.)
But this is different.
First, compared to other people's toy arsenal, Ivan has a scant selection of toys. They mostly fit into that Ikea rattan box (not counting the stuffed animals.) But then again, he hasn't really seemed that interested in toys. Give him the vacuum cleaner, mouse, a cord of any sort or a broom and he'll entertain himself for hours.
Second, it seems that everyone sets up a playroom for the child. We don't have that. His toys are in the living room, where we spend most of the day. A few are in his bedroom, and the books are in the spare bedroom where were chill before going to bed at night. (The whole book reading thing is another issue, that I've been wanting to address but keep postponing.)
Karin's playroom was in the basement. Her basement, like the rest of the house, looked esquisite (and was esquisitively clean, despite a dog and four cats, which I'm in awe of.) It was a bright, invitiving yellow room with all these toys, books, etc....laid out. A perfect play area.
So now I've been thinking should I convert my basement to a playroom area. But the thing is I don't like spending time in a basement. (Maybe it's just our basement, which always seems cold and not that inviting, unless we're watching TV.)
Do we need a playroom? I feel like we should have one, because all the ubiquitous Jones's seem to have one (along with the standard assortment of acceptable toys found in all ovearchieving, middle-class homes in this area).
Are we going to jinx Ivan, if we don't have one? Is he going to feel like there is something lacking in his house?
Andy doesn't think we should have a playroom. The truth is neither do I. I like Ivan and all his toys to be where we are, in the living room, or any other rooms we may be in.
I even ran this by Sanjoy and Rita considering they have a huge house and a plethora of toys. They keep all Maya's stuff in the open-space area, family room right off the kitchen where they spend most of their day.
Rita's comment echoed my thoughts: if you create a playroom, them you confine the child to that one area, like he's not supposed to be anywhere else.
I completely agree. So no playroom for us! (Not like we'd have space to have one, in any case.)
Not a Climber
When Ivan was playing with Maya yesterday, I was struck how physical she was. She kept climbing all over their furniture. I realized that Ivan has never really attempted that. Not one is stopping him, but he's never really attempted to climb and walk on our sofas.
It's only been in the last few days that he's even trying to climb back on the bed once he slides off it (which he's been doing for many, many months now.)
But not even seeing Maya climb the furniture prompted him to imitate her, which he did for other activities.
Compared to other kids, he seems to be more cautious and not physical in that way. He's all about running, though. From the second he wakes up in the morning to the minute he goes to bed, he's constantly running up and down the hallway and rooms.
He seems more interested in mastering fine-motor skills -- like playing with cords, putting things inside boxes, or trying to plug cords into things -- than gross motor skills, like climbing.
It's really funny how kids are so different. Ivan seems to have no interest in climbing on the furniture.
It's only been in the last few days that he's even trying to climb back on the bed once he slides off it (which he's been doing for many, many months now.)
But not even seeing Maya climb the furniture prompted him to imitate her, which he did for other activities.
Compared to other kids, he seems to be more cautious and not physical in that way. He's all about running, though. From the second he wakes up in the morning to the minute he goes to bed, he's constantly running up and down the hallway and rooms.
He seems more interested in mastering fine-motor skills -- like playing with cords, putting things inside boxes, or trying to plug cords into things -- than gross motor skills, like climbing.
It's really funny how kids are so different. Ivan seems to have no interest in climbing on the furniture.
Attempting to be a Non-Overprotective Mom
Inspired by the stay-at-home British dad whom I occasionally see on the playground (whenever I'm on vacation) who comes with two kids, a two-plus year old boy and an infant girl, and who, to my utter horror, let's the girl basically roam around unattended in a onesie without close supervision that I give Ivan, I decided not to hold Ivan on the chain bridge today.
What happened? While in the past I was always horrified at the freedom he gives the girl and I'm really surprised that she hasn't hurt herself yet. Or maybe she has, I would have no way of knowing. (Also, not to mention the fact that he brings her in a dirty, full-breakfast on the chest, onesie, and that the girl is also full of mosquito bites. I guess that's the difference between mom-care and dad-care: Atttention to detail, cleanliness and appropriate-ness.) today, we struck up a conversation while pushing the babies on the swings.
I learned the girl is 13 months-old. I commented that "wow, she seems so advanced for that age, at least compared to Ivan." (The girl is practically Ivan's size and is a only a bit more wobbly on her feet, but then again, is more comfortable and daring in mastering various terrains that Ivan is still not so sure about. The fact that's she's Ivan's size doesn't bug me, well not a lot, because both parents are very tall, unlike us. But then again, even really short people, like Sanjoy and Rita, seem to give birth to babies that could eat Ivan for lunch.)
Back to the story: the father responded, that it's probably because she's trying to immitate her brother, but also probably because, as his wife noted, that he lets her do a lot of things that a mom probably wouldn't.
This comment inspired me. When Ivan was done with the swing and I took him out,he headed to the chain bridge.
He's been on that bridge for the last few weeks and has mastered it, getting more comfortable on it. Actually over the weekend, he and I actually stood on the bridge -- I wasn't holding him -- while I was making the bridge sway side to side.
So today, as he was trying to step onto the bridge and was looking at something on a side, I stood right behind him, but didn't grab his hand. Of course, he did something, lost his balance and fell of the bridge into the dirt-tall grass-crap on the side. It happened to fast for me to catch him.
A split second later, the way he was lying in the grass, face down, head in a weird position and arms oddly placed by his sides, I really thought he had broken something -- like his neck or at least an arm.
He cried a bit, while I picked him up. Once he was in my arms I realized he seemed all OK, unhurt, unbruised and all. He cried for a minute or two, then calmed down and was off again running to something else. The whole incident forgotten.
For me, however, it was a slight lesson. I'm not a cool, easy going, unprotective mom, and when I try to act so, bad things happened. I should just stick to my tried self: the very cautious mom.
:-)
What happened? While in the past I was always horrified at the freedom he gives the girl and I'm really surprised that she hasn't hurt herself yet. Or maybe she has, I would have no way of knowing. (Also, not to mention the fact that he brings her in a dirty, full-breakfast on the chest, onesie, and that the girl is also full of mosquito bites. I guess that's the difference between mom-care and dad-care: Atttention to detail, cleanliness and appropriate-ness.) today, we struck up a conversation while pushing the babies on the swings.
I learned the girl is 13 months-old. I commented that "wow, she seems so advanced for that age, at least compared to Ivan." (The girl is practically Ivan's size and is a only a bit more wobbly on her feet, but then again, is more comfortable and daring in mastering various terrains that Ivan is still not so sure about. The fact that's she's Ivan's size doesn't bug me, well not a lot, because both parents are very tall, unlike us. But then again, even really short people, like Sanjoy and Rita, seem to give birth to babies that could eat Ivan for lunch.)
Back to the story: the father responded, that it's probably because she's trying to immitate her brother, but also probably because, as his wife noted, that he lets her do a lot of things that a mom probably wouldn't.
This comment inspired me. When Ivan was done with the swing and I took him out,he headed to the chain bridge.
He's been on that bridge for the last few weeks and has mastered it, getting more comfortable on it. Actually over the weekend, he and I actually stood on the bridge -- I wasn't holding him -- while I was making the bridge sway side to side.
So today, as he was trying to step onto the bridge and was looking at something on a side, I stood right behind him, but didn't grab his hand. Of course, he did something, lost his balance and fell of the bridge into the dirt-tall grass-crap on the side. It happened to fast for me to catch him.
A split second later, the way he was lying in the grass, face down, head in a weird position and arms oddly placed by his sides, I really thought he had broken something -- like his neck or at least an arm.
He cried a bit, while I picked him up. Once he was in my arms I realized he seemed all OK, unhurt, unbruised and all. He cried for a minute or two, then calmed down and was off again running to something else. The whole incident forgotten.
For me, however, it was a slight lesson. I'm not a cool, easy going, unprotective mom, and when I try to act so, bad things happened. I should just stick to my tried self: the very cautious mom.
:-)
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Play Date, Successful; Baby Yoga, What a Disaster.....
Ivan and I had a very busy weekend:
Yesterday (Saturday), we went on a play date with Daria and Karin. Since it was raining, we met at Karin's house. It was really nice. In addition to their children (Bella and Seger), Karin invited another mom, Becky, and her son Mateo.
It was really nice. I had a great time, finally getting to know some moms in the neighborhood (did I write about meeting them on the playground? If not, I should record that as well). Ivan also had a great time getting to play with other kids. I've noticed he needs to learn to stand his groundaround other kids. Since he's not around kids often, he doesn't really know what to do when other kids are more forward and, I don't want to say aggressive or forceful, but, I guess, proactive, would be a good word. He doesn't really know what to do if other kids are in his "personal space" or are going after things he's playing with. I guess he'll learn.
Then he lost interested in playing with other kids and toys, because he noticed the cats. Karin has two cats that were lounging around, doing cat-things. He was mesmerized by them. He went up to them, saying "mews, mews," and was touching them and petting them. He was really enthralled by them.
I was surprised that he knew they were "mews, mews." I don't think he's even been around a cat before so how did he know what they were? Was it from books?
Yesterday afternoon, we went to the playground, but no one was there so we swung by ourselves. We had fun. He wanted to swing on the big swing in my lap. I guess Andy did that with him last weekend. It was fun.
Today:
First, Ivan, Mariposa, my mom and I went for an early morning stroll. Then Ivan and I went to Takoma to meet Lisa at a local playground before heading to Baby Yoga class. The playground was fun. There were other kids there (both Lisa and I got the sense that the group of parents who were there knew each other and were all buddied up. They looked very Takoma-ish.) Both Ivan and Ramon had fun on the playground. It had different equipment than the playground near me. Ivan particularly liked the stairs and the slide.
Then we went to yoga. This proved to be a bit of a disaster. I've been trying to come to this class for months. I really wanted to try it out to see what it was all about. But Ivan had other ideas.
We got there. There were about 6-8 other kids. They've all been taking that class for a while so they knew what to expect and how to behave. But both Ivan and Ramon were into doing their own thing. It was kind of funny.
After maybe 10 minutes of playing along with class and following exercises (toes to the nose, extend your arm, make I love you sign, etc....) Ivan decided he had enough and got up to walk around the room and explore. He was particularly fascinated by the door and its door knob, windows, blinds and heating vents. Then he kept going to this column in the middle of the room that was covered in mirrors. One of the edges, also a plastic mirror edge, was beginning to come apart, so Ivan kept pulling on it.....
Then after some time, he decided that he was hungry. He kept looking at Lisa's sippy cup (the same nubby sippy cup we have and which he's never liked). Eventually he went into my bag to rummage through stuff. He found the dried apple package. Since we couldn't eat in the classroom, we ended up going into the hallway to eat the appples and then the cookies. We spent the remainer of the class -- probably 20 minutes -- in the hallway eating snacks. And that's how I wasted $12 on that class.
The teacher said that other kids have been coming for a while, so that's why they're better. That I should come back. But both Lisa and I decided that while it is us, the moms, who like the concept and idea of yoga for tots, that our toddlers would benefit more from a more physical activity.
Next time I'll try Gymboree.
Then Ivan and I went home. At this point he had been awake without a nap for some six hours, so as soon as I put him in the car, he fell asleep. I don't think I even managed to sit in the car myself and turn it on, before he fell asleep. He slept for almost 3 hours.
In the afternoon, we went to Sanjoy and Rita's. I was really pleasantly surprised how nicely he and Maya played. Well, they didn't really play but just parallel played nicely. They did engage with one another in a very nice way.
Maya is so sweet. She seems also sweet tempered and "mila" like Ivan.
When we came home, it was almost 7 p.m. , we took a bath and went to bed!
Yesterday (Saturday), we went on a play date with Daria and Karin. Since it was raining, we met at Karin's house. It was really nice. In addition to their children (Bella and Seger), Karin invited another mom, Becky, and her son Mateo.
It was really nice. I had a great time, finally getting to know some moms in the neighborhood (did I write about meeting them on the playground? If not, I should record that as well). Ivan also had a great time getting to play with other kids. I've noticed he needs to learn to stand his groundaround other kids. Since he's not around kids often, he doesn't really know what to do when other kids are more forward and, I don't want to say aggressive or forceful, but, I guess, proactive, would be a good word. He doesn't really know what to do if other kids are in his "personal space" or are going after things he's playing with. I guess he'll learn.
Then he lost interested in playing with other kids and toys, because he noticed the cats. Karin has two cats that were lounging around, doing cat-things. He was mesmerized by them. He went up to them, saying "mews, mews," and was touching them and petting them. He was really enthralled by them.
I was surprised that he knew they were "mews, mews." I don't think he's even been around a cat before so how did he know what they were? Was it from books?
Yesterday afternoon, we went to the playground, but no one was there so we swung by ourselves. We had fun. He wanted to swing on the big swing in my lap. I guess Andy did that with him last weekend. It was fun.
Today:
First, Ivan, Mariposa, my mom and I went for an early morning stroll. Then Ivan and I went to Takoma to meet Lisa at a local playground before heading to Baby Yoga class. The playground was fun. There were other kids there (both Lisa and I got the sense that the group of parents who were there knew each other and were all buddied up. They looked very Takoma-ish.) Both Ivan and Ramon had fun on the playground. It had different equipment than the playground near me. Ivan particularly liked the stairs and the slide.
Then we went to yoga. This proved to be a bit of a disaster. I've been trying to come to this class for months. I really wanted to try it out to see what it was all about. But Ivan had other ideas.
We got there. There were about 6-8 other kids. They've all been taking that class for a while so they knew what to expect and how to behave. But both Ivan and Ramon were into doing their own thing. It was kind of funny.
After maybe 10 minutes of playing along with class and following exercises (toes to the nose, extend your arm, make I love you sign, etc....) Ivan decided he had enough and got up to walk around the room and explore. He was particularly fascinated by the door and its door knob, windows, blinds and heating vents. Then he kept going to this column in the middle of the room that was covered in mirrors. One of the edges, also a plastic mirror edge, was beginning to come apart, so Ivan kept pulling on it.....
Then after some time, he decided that he was hungry. He kept looking at Lisa's sippy cup (the same nubby sippy cup we have and which he's never liked). Eventually he went into my bag to rummage through stuff. He found the dried apple package. Since we couldn't eat in the classroom, we ended up going into the hallway to eat the appples and then the cookies. We spent the remainer of the class -- probably 20 minutes -- in the hallway eating snacks. And that's how I wasted $12 on that class.
The teacher said that other kids have been coming for a while, so that's why they're better. That I should come back. But both Lisa and I decided that while it is us, the moms, who like the concept and idea of yoga for tots, that our toddlers would benefit more from a more physical activity.
Next time I'll try Gymboree.
Then Ivan and I went home. At this point he had been awake without a nap for some six hours, so as soon as I put him in the car, he fell asleep. I don't think I even managed to sit in the car myself and turn it on, before he fell asleep. He slept for almost 3 hours.
In the afternoon, we went to Sanjoy and Rita's. I was really pleasantly surprised how nicely he and Maya played. Well, they didn't really play but just parallel played nicely. They did engage with one another in a very nice way.
Maya is so sweet. She seems also sweet tempered and "mila" like Ivan.
When we came home, it was almost 7 p.m. , we took a bath and went to bed!
Teething; sippy cup v. bottle continues
It seems that all of Ivan's remaining teeth are coming in all at once. On the bottom, all teeth between the front ones and the first molars are breaking through. On top, the third set of teeth on each side are coming in. He may have more teeth on his upper gums but I wouldn't know. He never lets us look into his mouth. I spied these new these because I was standing below him while he was laughing so I could look into his mouth.
But unlike other kids who are really bothered by teeth protrusion (super snotty noses, inability to sleep, irritability, serious drool, fever, etc.....), Ivan has had a really easy time. He gets just slightly drool-y, which is good for me, considering that snotty, drooly children were something I feared I'll end up with and something I'm not so sure how to handle because I've always found that too gross. It terms of disgusting kids issues, it ranks high up there with sticky fingers, seriously messy eating and vomit -- Ivan has yet to really vomit, thankfully. (Well, he did gag a bit and vomitted at a birthday party recently, but that was really just gaging and chocking on a big bite of food he took. It was not real continuous sick vomitting. Knock of wood!).
Also, teething doesn't seem to hurt him too much. In this round of teething, I've noticed that he seems to be putting his hands in his mouth, which he hasn't done in a long time. He also had a bit of a problem falling asleep tonight and two nights ago. I attribute all of this to teething.
For that same reason, I've back off the sippy cup for the last two days (not like my parents or Andy have ever enforced my sippy cup directives, meaning that they've been giving Ivan milk in a bottle all along. Ivan spent last week's Thursday and Friday at my parents house and then I was away for the weekend so Andy took care of him by himself, I know for a fact that the sippy cup was not used during the five days that I was away from Ivan.)
Back to the sippy cup and teething. Since he finds the nipple soothing and likes to chew on it, I figured I'd let him have the nipple while he's teething, if he finds it comforting. I'll resume the sippy cup training in a few days or weeks, once the teeth come in.
But unlike other kids who are really bothered by teeth protrusion (super snotty noses, inability to sleep, irritability, serious drool, fever, etc.....), Ivan has had a really easy time. He gets just slightly drool-y, which is good for me, considering that snotty, drooly children were something I feared I'll end up with and something I'm not so sure how to handle because I've always found that too gross. It terms of disgusting kids issues, it ranks high up there with sticky fingers, seriously messy eating and vomit -- Ivan has yet to really vomit, thankfully. (Well, he did gag a bit and vomitted at a birthday party recently, but that was really just gaging and chocking on a big bite of food he took. It was not real continuous sick vomitting. Knock of wood!).
Also, teething doesn't seem to hurt him too much. In this round of teething, I've noticed that he seems to be putting his hands in his mouth, which he hasn't done in a long time. He also had a bit of a problem falling asleep tonight and two nights ago. I attribute all of this to teething.
For that same reason, I've back off the sippy cup for the last two days (not like my parents or Andy have ever enforced my sippy cup directives, meaning that they've been giving Ivan milk in a bottle all along. Ivan spent last week's Thursday and Friday at my parents house and then I was away for the weekend so Andy took care of him by himself, I know for a fact that the sippy cup was not used during the five days that I was away from Ivan.)
Back to the sippy cup and teething. Since he finds the nipple soothing and likes to chew on it, I figured I'd let him have the nipple while he's teething, if he finds it comforting. I'll resume the sippy cup training in a few days or weeks, once the teeth come in.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
