Dear Aidan,
So you don't like something. Or I'm carrying you to the wrong place. Or I'm giving you the wrong book. Must you defy the natural law of Sweet Babies Under 2 by hitting Mama? Where did you even learn this trick since Mama has never laid a hand on you?
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| Please take me out of Broccoli land! |
Now, I'm pretty sure you'll try the "No" word on me soon. After all, you've been hearing quite a bit of it from me since you've been in an Indiana Jones mode lately. Maybe you'll chant it when I serve you broccoli for dinner this evening. Or maybe you'll just stick to what you do best these days - offer the stuff you don't like to eat to me with a cheeky old grin. Classy move, honey, but Mama is adamant to make sure you eat the right stuff. Thankfully, you're able to sit in your high-chair for 20-30 minutes these days. That is, before trying to dive off to go for 'walkies'. This means Mama has just about enough time to coax a few more spoonfuls of goodies into that little cave of yours.
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| Mmm...crunch, crunch...mmm... |
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| Bread, milk and a bit of sausages...lovely |
Of course, it must be said that Mama breaks no sweat when it comes to bread or cornflakes. Yes, the White-Food-Only POlicy is still holding strong. I suppose I must be grateful that you're fulfilling yuor carb requirements.
Meanwhile, Mama has bought the 5th sippy cup or equivalent. Last I checked you're not a camel so I'm befuddled by your ability to survive with just a cup of water a day. Maybe the milk you're drinking is supplying enough liquids to your body. Maybe you ARE a camel in a baby's body.
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| Ah nothing like a good Sunday romp on the bed |
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| Welcome to my harem... |
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| This little piggy went to market... |
You're also beginning to love animals. In fact, you can now remember the names of about 7-8 stuffed toy animals, the ones that sleep in your room: Coochy the Caterpillar, Donald Duck, Ngappy the Duck, Dusty the Dog, Marge the Tortoise, Leo the Lion, Dog-Dog the, err, Dog and Mr. Giraffe. Must say, though, nothing gives you comfort like a good old chomp of reliable Chew-Chew, your lovey. Thank God Mama has tons of them as back-up.
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| Watch me build a big old condominium |
You're learning to play more sophisticatedly now; you're starting to meddle around with blocks and there are even times when you'd hide your ball behind your back and laugh as if you're the only one who knows where it is. The truth is, son, we can see it. All the time. We play along because we just get a kick out of watching you chuckle even as you're getting conned.
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| Nope, not this one... |
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| This one's boring, I gotta dress funkier |
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| I'll hum while I think about my choice of attire |
In terms of practical skills, you're showing streaks of independence. There will be days when you'd go to your mustard yellow cupboard, pick a shirt (read: make a mess) and try to change into something (read: pull down your pants halfway). Most times, though, you end up calling for help. I know you are because I'd then catch you wandering about, naked and clueless.
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| Well, one day I will be able to read this, right Mama? |
By the way, Mama bought you a book a week ago. It has short little stories inside and they're all about animals on a farm and a bear family. I'll start selecting the shortest ones next month to see if you like them.
Meanwhile, I think I'll also start introducing the Time Out Corner. I don't like the idea at all, honey. But if Mama's right about your strong will, it may help the both of us manage our respective expectations and teach you some boundaries, too. So yes, it is out of love that I'm doing this, even though it may seem as ironic as a bowl of spinach.
