Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

Evidence of a fun day!

After breakfast and Tatum’s curiosity bug biting, she ran around my bedroom and bathroom as I got ready. She of course had to grab my comb and pretty herself too. We are going to have to learn to share our mirror and comb usage. Having a girl has its challenges, eh?

Strike a pose!

Next stop: Church! But first, a pic with mom. Sadly, I did not get a picture with MY mom 🙁 She got bitten by the bug I had last weekend which I got from Tatum. The tummy holds no prisoners…well actually it does but they wanted out both ends.

Ok, so I am still carrying her in the pouch. I have a few reasons for this:

1. I like to be close to my Tot. (vs. the stroller)

2. She’s getting heavy (well, relative to the feather she used to be) Plus, I need some support for my aging (sigh) back!

3. I cannot have her running around loosely (especially since she still is a bit wobbly!)

Tatum loves singing at church in my pouch. She loves to hold up her hands and clap with everyone. I embrace her tightly as we praise God and thank Him for all he does for us. (Thank you for my TOT, Jesus) Then, like usual, we head into the room to listen to the sermon. (She did sit through a great video about moms and smiled the whole time. It’s like she understood it!) In our little sanctuary room, she likes to listen and run around, playing with various cups, kleenexes, boxes, pillows. Note: no toys!? (although she has a bunch of them!)

Then….she heard it. She stopped and started to bounce as the music began again. 

Clap…bounce…clap. What rhythm!

Collapse…Woo!

The rest of the day, we just hung out at home and relaxed. OK…that is not true. Relaxing fell out of my vocabulary for a few years. However, being her mom, relaxing or not, is a whirlwind. When she says, “UP!”, my heart flutters. When she kisses me, I do a happy dance. When she says, “Mama!”, I know I feel like I have her heart too.

This little face..this sweet little face shows wonder, excitement, confusion and individuality. Yes, she is starting to exhibit her large opinion in many non-verbal ways, (shaking head saying NO, pushing things away, laying on the floor turning to the side, and taking swings!) but she is also starting to exhibit her wondrous curiosity with bringing me things I suggest (like a cucumber!) or just wanting me to have something like a book to read.

Sadly, my mom was ill this day, and we will definitely celebrate another day. (What would I do without my mom? She has laid a tremendous foundation for me to be a great mom) Gladly, I got to enjoy a full SECOND Mother’s Day with my dearest Tot.

 

Years of teaching and reading many sagacious articles, I’m seeing the power of her copying what I do. This is a HUGE plus IF I’m engaging in positive behavior, so this keeps me constantly aware of what I’m doing and what I’m saying (plus, how I’m saying it.)

When one walks in the room, she says, “Hi!” with a big smile.

When one gives her something, no matter what it is, she gladly says, “Tank ewe!”

When she wants something from the refrigerator, she looks and sees, “Pees!?”

When she accidentally spills her water, she blurts, “Uh oh”, grabs a towel and starts wiping!

(She wanted to drink out of the cup and not spill, so she tried very hard, then laughed when she spilled a bit. My water bottle is the size of her body, so I gave her the lid to practice)

When I say, please don’t touch that (like my computer), I distract her and celebrate what she is doing instead. (it’s slowly taking effect)

When I want her to put her shoes away, she gladly walks over and puts BOTH away, and the same goes for when I want her to bring me her shoes, book, water…etc. She does it and I greatly rejoice.

Smart girl, this Tatum, and I have to keep up with her. I do put way too much pressure on myself to be perfect, and not make one error in raising her. The beauty about Tatum is she keeps me laughing; her sense of humor and smile melt my heart and keep me in the moment vs. analyzing every little thing. 

 

Carpe Diem

 

 

It’s been a long haul of ear infections, colds, and now, stomach problems. It’s the chicken and the egg theory. Was it the ear infection number one that brought on the cold that brought on ear infection number two? Or maybe ear infection number one never healed and the cold just occurred. Ear infection number two led to Augmentin which led to diarrhea and the 5 upchuckings of egg, banana and milk which led to a lovely odor in the car seat baking in the 100 degree weather. And now? She is getting her molars which is making all of this so much more fun for all of us! So, whatever was the genesis of this whole encounter should feel really bad because this little girl is having a tough go!

I had to pick her up from school since she was sick, and all she wanted to do was relax. Feeling a bit like settling down, she decided to mimic the doggie.
He just wanted to comfort her. I am amazed at the amount of love she has for her “dahy.” Her ability to adore and love on something (like her “baby”) shows me her heart. 

The rest of the day it was water water water and lots of hugs. We switched to Omnicef, and based on my experience selling Cephalosporins, I know this is a winner. Preferably, I’d rather her not be on Antibiotics.

and it feels SOOOOO good. Speeding and breaking multiple laws, I drove like a demon home to Tatum. We landed at 7:05 pm, and I knew she was probably in bed, but it did not matter. I was going to wake her up and embrace her. Being away from Taters for 6 days was more than a mommy can stand! However, coming back, I realized how much she has changed my life.

More importantly, having my mother to help me, I am keenly aware of how blessed I am. Tatum did not miss a beat with the love that surrounded her (and that is from all sides). My friends contacted  my mom while I was away and offered to help, and for that I am ultimately thankful! Now, I can embrace her even tighter each day knowing that she is surrounded by love in all directions.

 

When I calculate it in my heart, it feels like forever; like it will change everything. Logically, I know it’s a blip in the timeline of our lives together. Much of the emotional challenge is my need to be needed/loved/wanted. This, inherently I know, is unhealthy.

Adaptability, sure..she can be a super-chameleon and this is a goal of good parenting. Do I want a clingy child whose world revolves around mommy? Selfishly and in the moment, I do! But play it out as the root of a healthy person, and it is uber-antithetical to all that makes a solid human being, God-loving and people-focused.

Raising Tatum is currently my world and I owe her a healthy mommy. Her development must include the part where she loves others and those who surround her and that not just being her mommy. Love is not a pie! It is limitless and there is always room for the love “pie” to expand into a larger and larger pie. The bigger the pie, the larger the ability to love and the larger the love one gives and can thus receive.

This is a growing experience for both of us; to appreciate and savor the moments we have together.