I just have to comment on and link to this post on Brooklyn Mama's BLOG: My type. It was very validating for me, and I'm a person who needs validation from others, alas. (I'm working on that, but for now, validation is good.)
I spend most of my day following E. around the house/yard. Sometimes we stay inside all day, when he feels like playing in the playroom with his toys. Sometimes we go out on a long walk in which we actually make it about 4 houses down the street. We both get excited when we see a dog or schoolbus these days.
Sometimes the days pass slowly. Sometimes the time flies by. Sometimes I just feel my brain atrophying, but then I see E.'s smile when I go up to get him up from him nap and I don't care. If it's all just noodles up there by the time I get him in school, I'll just have to deal. Sometimes I miss work and grownups and feelings of accomplishment. Sometimes I realize how lucky I really am and wish for these days not to end.
E. is a late bloomer. He's not interested in talking right now, though we believe he has the tools. But my little buddy crawled late-ish, walked late-ish, and is in no hurry about talking. You know what? I don't mind. He's got his own interests, is forming a great little personality, and generally enjoys himself whatever is going on. I plan my days around him, try to limit long boring car rides (you know, longer than 15 minutes or so), long boring shopping trips, all sorts of important grown up sort of stuff that is just so much staring at the carpet for E.
I struggle to find time for myself, to have outlets which can be crammed into the empty bits of the day, to really not get bored out of my mind. But he is worth the grueling numbingness of the days, the onslaught of stinkers, the personal space invasions, the clinging leg tantrums, the stickiness.
So, Brooklyn Mama, I thank you for the validation. We too are sitting at home, reading the "Big Truck Book" for the gazillionth time, racing our cars on the rug and pretending to eat grotesque plastic food before we head out on another walk. We'd love to run into you, but we don't live in New York (although we'd like to someday).
Posted by grrlTravels at July 26, 2004 3:58 PMAw, thanks! I'm glad to know there are other moms like me out there! And for further validation :) I really do believe that lots of repetition and a slower-paced, child-centered schedule is developmentally appropriate and ideal for toddler and pre-school-aged children. And that's Brooklyn Mama the early childhood educator talking now.
Posted by: Brooklyn Mama at July 27, 2004 7:30 PM