What They Want and Don't Want

I read that because our children are beginning to talk in sentences, and sometimes say things in a big and definite voice between two and three we can be tricked into thinking that our toddlers are more grown up than they really are.  We have to remember they are still babies. That they can wait a little while but not long and that they can hold their strong feelings inside a little bit, but their feelings can easily burst out in a rush of excitement, fear, and frustration.  This is a time that can be frightening for them and they need lots of love and reassurance that they are lovable.  This morning I had the opportunity to show Conrad he was lovable.

Conrad slept pretty well last night, he has been struggling with a stuffy nose and cough that may be allergies or a cold, we don't know.  He also wakes up and can't find his pacifier which upsets him, and lately his fear has been very imaginative, we constantly have a lion somewhere in our house. So sleeping well is a good accomplishment for the week.  I guess I assumed that would mean he was more rested and would be in a good mood.  Instead he was just moody.  He wanted medicine for his cough and was crying about it.  He did not want to get dressed and was crying about it.  He wanted to help put the garbage out and was crying about it.  He wanted to put the sun glasses on himself and was crying about it.  Then he wanted to open the door at daycare and was crying about that too.  Thank goodness for Ronnie's patience as we hugged and snuggled through the tears getting to the bottom of the drama.  Then off he went to play.

Mallory has been at daycare with Conrad this week.  She seems to be doing really well with it.  Of course Ronnie is a baby whisperer and can put her in a swing with her pacifier and she is happy as can be and at home we can't leave her but for a moment.  How these kids so easily get mommy and daddy wrapped around their little fingers.

Mallory really likes to suck on whatever she can get in her mouth these days.  She gets her hands and fingers a lot.  If she is being held right your arm or hand will do fine too.  Blankets are a good thing to try if she can just figure out how to get it in her mouth...  She is a pretty happy girl and smiles and laughs a lot.  She has this funny gasps she makes pretty often.  it is a mix of laughing and gasping for air that barks out of her.  We think it is a happy noise.  She is also a gassy burp-y thing and spits up far more than Conrad did.

Mallory is very strong and can push her body up with her legs, holds her head up very well and does show signs of hand eye coordination.  At 3 months developmentally her hearing and vision are improving and she turns her head at the sound of our voices.  She particullarly like Conrad and will smile and look for him.  She prefers brightly colored toys and sharp contrasts and of course faces are very fascinating.

All in all I have some pretty great kids and am very happy to have my wonderful family at whatever stage they are in.