Hi. *waves* If you're missing the baby and toddler days, just remember this one thing: bath poop. See? You don't miss those days anymore, do you?! You're welcome.
Love,
90210 of the Past
I've come to know that there are some things that no one prepares you for when it comes to entering parenthood, and one of those things is how absolutely horrifying bath poop is. I believe I may have blogged about this when she was a baby, because I vividly remember picking her up from her baby bathtub and discovering some green formula poo after a bath one night and the complete freakout that ensued. I can't remember exactly when that was, but I know it happened in the old house, so it was prior to March 2013. And then there was a lengthy period of time sans bath poop, but nothing good lasts that long, right? Right.
It all started with bath toots, which made the Monster laugh. So she'd keep trying to toot, and sometimes would push so hard the toot would be accompanied by something even more foul. There's no amount of preparation that makes you ready to deal with bath poop.
The most memorable incident happened when she, of course, tried too hard to toot and... you know the rest. I at least had the sense to grab her out of the tub, because she tends to tap dance when there's a poop floating in the tub. So while I wrestled the poo out of the water, the Monster pooed (just a little) on the floor. When that was cleaned up, I put her back into the bathtub while it filled with water, turned my back to get the soap, and turned back around to find my adorable, sweet little toddler holding the shower head with both hands and spraying water directly into the center of the bathtub.
So, Future Self... just remember THAT. And be grateful if you're reading this when the bath poop stage is far passed.
Notice I didn't warn you about the poop talk? I feel like we're on that level now, where we can talk about these things without feeling embarrassed.
As is typical, I read over my last entry and realized that I really need to dedicate more time to this blog because things continue to change so rapidly. She was at about 12 spoken words at my last blog post. Now I don't even know how many words she can say, but I'm guessing it's far over 30. Here are the ones I can remember, and they are all words that she uses correctly, not just repeats (not in order, I'm trying to group them to remember them easier):
Mommy
Daddy
Pop Pop
Aimee (her cousin)
Baby
Puppy
Bird
Fish
Elmo
Emma
Toast
Cheese
Apple
Yogurt
Cookie
Pear
Banana (she says "baa" for banana)
Peas
Shoes
Socks
Hat
More
Please
Hi
Bye-Bye
Yes
No
Happy
Up
Down
Cold (she says "brrr brrr" when something's cold, I guess that counts)
Hush
Nice
Bubble (on my last post, I wasn't sure if "bubble" was a word or a coincidence, but it's definitely a word and she uses it accurately now)
Ball
Book
Read
Outside
Balloon
Spoon
ABC's
Moon
Boom
Rainbow ("bow")
Beads (she LOVES playing with Mardi Gras beads)
Eyes
Nose
Elbow
Poopy
Pee-Pee (guess we're almost ready for potty training!)
Body parts she can point to:
Head
Eyes (she can say the word too)
Nose (can say the word)
Ears
Elbow (can say the word too)
Mouth
Fingers
Toes
Hands
Feet
Belly
Bellybutton
Hair
Knees
Animal Noises:
Cow (we call her the Angry Cow because she moos angrily these days)
Lamb
Lion
Kitty
Tiger
So, yea. She's quite the chatter box these days and is picking up about 1-2 new words every day. Yesterday she (finally) learned "book" and "read" and today she learned "socks." I figured she'd learn "book" and "read" a lot sooner than she did considering they're easy words to say and she LOVES books and reading. I guess it wasn't a necessity because she could always get us to read her a book without even saying anything.
An interesting turn of events happened tonight. She's been extra finicky about food lately, so I was feeding her a late snack after we got home tonight. As she finished up her pasta, I walked into the kitchen to get a wet paper towel to clean her up and she looked at me and said "toast!" I said "do you want some toast?" And she said, I kid you not, "yes!" Clearly a fluke. So she said "toast" again and I asked the same question, and got the same reply of "yes!" So I made her some toast, and she gobbled it down. I believe that counts as her first real request for something and her level of communication just took a significant leap. She's been able to say "more" for a while, but for her to desire toast and ask for it out of the blue... well, it certainly floored me.
An interesting turn of events happened tonight. She's been extra finicky about food lately, so I was feeding her a late snack after we got home tonight. As she finished up her pasta, I walked into the kitchen to get a wet paper towel to clean her up and she looked at me and said "toast!" I said "do you want some toast?" And she said, I kid you not, "yes!" Clearly a fluke. So she said "toast" again and I asked the same question, and got the same reply of "yes!" So I made her some toast, and she gobbled it down. I believe that counts as her first real request for something and her level of communication just took a significant leap. She's been able to say "more" for a while, but for her to desire toast and ask for it out of the blue... well, it certainly floored me.
She won't stop growing up. And it's making me sad. At some point this week, she will have her last bottle ever because I've decided to drop her nighttime bottle. I need it more than she does... no, really. I do. I've only been continuing it because I cherish that time that we spend together, but she doesn't rely on it to go to sleep and the longer we continue this, the more difficult it'll be to break the habit. If she were truly comforted by it, then I'd hesitate to drop it. But I think she really doesn't need it at all, and it has been me that's clinging to the last little piece of her babyhood. *sigh*
Otherwise, she still hasn't gained but maybe .5 pounds since she was 9 months old. She's still a picky eater but is slowly accepting new foods. She walks very well and can now walk backwards. My little Monster loves to climb and go up and down steps. And she's becoming more interested in TV, but only watches for a few minutes at a time. Still loves books, and now really loves shoes. OMG shoes. She'll zero-in on a pair of my shoes from across the room and isn't satisfied until they're both on her feet and she's perilously walking around the house. She's still not snuggly, and is sleeping like a champ at night and during the day, for the most part. She had what I believe to be a case of Roseola (Sixth Disease)- three days of fever, and about four days of a rash. And she was such a horrible grump when she had her rash, I was certain we'd all perish.
Thanksgiving was great, but she refused to even try the turkey, or anything else for that matter. Same thing for Christmas dinner, although she did enjoy Grandma's rolls. She had so much fun on Christmas, although she got a little overwhelmed by all of the noise, gifts, and excitement. She was so gentle with the Christmas tree, and would pet it and say "nice."
I'm doing my New Year's post early because I can't promise that I'll blog again soon enough for it to be a true New Year's post:
1. What did you do in 2013 that you'd never done before?
- got a promotion!
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
- once again, I don't do New Year's resolutions.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
- YES! One of my best friends had her baby boy in February :)
4. Did anyone close to you die?
- No. And I'm so completely grateful for another year without a significant loss.
5. What countries did you visit?
- None, again. I'm doubting I'll go out of the country again until the super family cruise in about two years (CANNOT WAIT!)
6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
- Free time. My job has consumed my life, and I'm regretting the lack of "me time"
7. What date from 2013 will remain etched in your memory, and why?
-7/9/13, the Monster's first birthday!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
- I got a promotion at work. Someone in upper-upper-management compared my experience to being thrown into a flaming pool and being told to swim to the side without a life preserver. Pretty much sums it up. And I'm still alive! And still employed!
9. What was your biggest failure?
- Finishing craft projects. I REALLY need to finish them at some point.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
- It was a surprisingly healthy year. My endometriosis is back with a vengeance, though, and that always sucks.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
- My new house. OMG. It's my "realistic dream home" AKA everything I could ask for within budget.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
- My husband, without a doubt. This year was very trying for me- my job is indescribably stressful. Add to that being a mommy of a toddler, and I had some moments of being a complete and total bear. And no matter how many nights I had to work instead of spending time with him, or was far too exhausted to do much of anything, or needed to sob in his arms, or vent about how things just weren't fair, he was always there for me. He's my biggest supporter, and is so forgiving. He loves the baby more than anything, and is such a great example to her of a kind, loving, gentle, and trustworthy man. I can only hope Emma marries a man just like him :)
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
- Let's not go there.
14. Where did most of your money go?
- A down payment for the new house. Furniture for the new house. Stuff for the new house. And the baby- LOTS of stuff for the baby. And the PS4, XBOX One, and Wii U... because my husband is spoiled.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
- Emma's first birthday! And Christmas.
16. What song will always remind you of 2013?
- Probably "Old McDonald" or the ABC Song
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or sadder: Happier still. Didn't think it was possible, but we have so much to be thankful for!
Thinner or fatter? Thinner. STILL. I haven't been this small since high school, and apparently it's not a medical issue that we know of. However, it's difficult to find work clothes in my size and I've spent a lot of money at the tailor so far :(
Richer or poorer? Poorer. The down payment for the house wiped out a chunk of our savings account. And toddlers are expensive!
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
- Blogging. Crafting.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
- Working.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
- Christmas Eve at my parents' house. Then gifts at home on Christmas morning. Then Christmas afternoon/evening at the in-laws' house.
21. Did you fall in love in 2013?
- Cheesy as it may sound, I've fallen more in love with my child and my husband and that's the darned truth.
22. How many one-night stands?
- Zero. Point. Zero.
23. What was your favorite TV program?
- Mad Men again, but I was also really digging Downton Abbey
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
- I'll agree with what I said last year. Hate is a strong word, but I have a more negative view of a handful of people and choose to keep my distance from them now.
25. What was the best book you read?
- Hmmmm... well I haven't finished "The Cider House Rules" yet but that tops the list. I also liked Harry Potter and The Bloodletter's Daughter was pretty good as well.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
- Lorde
27. What did you want and get?
- This new house!
28. What did you want and not get?
- A winning lotto ticket.
29. What was your favorite film?
- I'm not sure what movies I watched this year! Bah!
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
- I turned 27, and I spent it trying to avoid a nervous breakdown because of the pressure at work. Hubby scheduled me a hair appointment, because I hadn't had my hair done in over a year, but that was about it for the birthday festivities.
- got a promotion!
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
- once again, I don't do New Year's resolutions.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
- YES! One of my best friends had her baby boy in February :)
4. Did anyone close to you die?
- No. And I'm so completely grateful for another year without a significant loss.
5. What countries did you visit?
- None, again. I'm doubting I'll go out of the country again until the super family cruise in about two years (CANNOT WAIT!)
6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
- Free time. My job has consumed my life, and I'm regretting the lack of "me time"
7. What date from 2013 will remain etched in your memory, and why?
-7/9/13, the Monster's first birthday!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
- I got a promotion at work. Someone in upper-upper-management compared my experience to being thrown into a flaming pool and being told to swim to the side without a life preserver. Pretty much sums it up. And I'm still alive! And still employed!
9. What was your biggest failure?
- Finishing craft projects. I REALLY need to finish them at some point.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
- It was a surprisingly healthy year. My endometriosis is back with a vengeance, though, and that always sucks.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
- My new house. OMG. It's my "realistic dream home" AKA everything I could ask for within budget.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
- My husband, without a doubt. This year was very trying for me- my job is indescribably stressful. Add to that being a mommy of a toddler, and I had some moments of being a complete and total bear. And no matter how many nights I had to work instead of spending time with him, or was far too exhausted to do much of anything, or needed to sob in his arms, or vent about how things just weren't fair, he was always there for me. He's my biggest supporter, and is so forgiving. He loves the baby more than anything, and is such a great example to her of a kind, loving, gentle, and trustworthy man. I can only hope Emma marries a man just like him :)
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
- Let's not go there.
14. Where did most of your money go?
- A down payment for the new house. Furniture for the new house. Stuff for the new house. And the baby- LOTS of stuff for the baby. And the PS4, XBOX One, and Wii U... because my husband is spoiled.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
- Emma's first birthday! And Christmas.
16. What song will always remind you of 2013?
- Probably "Old McDonald" or the ABC Song
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or sadder: Happier still. Didn't think it was possible, but we have so much to be thankful for!
Thinner or fatter? Thinner. STILL. I haven't been this small since high school, and apparently it's not a medical issue that we know of. However, it's difficult to find work clothes in my size and I've spent a lot of money at the tailor so far :(
Richer or poorer? Poorer. The down payment for the house wiped out a chunk of our savings account. And toddlers are expensive!
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
- Blogging. Crafting.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
- Working.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
- Christmas Eve at my parents' house. Then gifts at home on Christmas morning. Then Christmas afternoon/evening at the in-laws' house.
21. Did you fall in love in 2013?
- Cheesy as it may sound, I've fallen more in love with my child and my husband and that's the darned truth.
22. How many one-night stands?
- Zero. Point. Zero.
23. What was your favorite TV program?
- Mad Men again, but I was also really digging Downton Abbey
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
- I'll agree with what I said last year. Hate is a strong word, but I have a more negative view of a handful of people and choose to keep my distance from them now.
25. What was the best book you read?
- Hmmmm... well I haven't finished "The Cider House Rules" yet but that tops the list. I also liked Harry Potter and The Bloodletter's Daughter was pretty good as well.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
- Lorde
27. What did you want and get?
- This new house!
28. What did you want and not get?
- A winning lotto ticket.
29. What was your favorite film?
- I'm not sure what movies I watched this year! Bah!
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
- I turned 27, and I spent it trying to avoid a nervous breakdown because of the pressure at work. Hubby scheduled me a hair appointment, because I hadn't had my hair done in over a year, but that was about it for the birthday festivities.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably satisfying?
- It was already immeasurably satisfying. I had my husband and my child in my life every day, and we were all healthy and happy.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?
- Droopy in the beginning, because none of my clothes fit. But it has improved recently, because I've been an avid Ann Taylor Loft shopper and they actually have clothes small enough for me.
33. What kept you sane?
- My husband. And my Kindle.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
- No one, really. Although Justin Timberlake will always have a special place in my heart.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
- Same as last year: marriage equality.
36. Who did you miss?
- My best friend, and my family in North Carolina.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
- I became closer to some awesome people at work.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013:
- Don't ever expect that someone recognizes your need for help. And you can't hold it against someone for not helping you if you didn't ask.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
- I'm deferring this one. I can't think of anything right now :(
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?
- Droopy in the beginning, because none of my clothes fit. But it has improved recently, because I've been an avid Ann Taylor Loft shopper and they actually have clothes small enough for me.
33. What kept you sane?
- My husband. And my Kindle.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
- No one, really. Although Justin Timberlake will always have a special place in my heart.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
- Same as last year: marriage equality.
36. Who did you miss?
- My best friend, and my family in North Carolina.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
- I became closer to some awesome people at work.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013:
- Don't ever expect that someone recognizes your need for help. And you can't hold it against someone for not helping you if you didn't ask.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
- I'm deferring this one. I can't think of anything right now :(
