Development

I bought Isaac a baby doll.

Recently, we were visiting my mother, who was house sitting for a woman with three granddaughters and a playroom full of baby dolls. The entire time we were there, Isaac played with the dolls, buckling them into their strollers and car seats, rocking them back and forth and laying them down to sleep. I used the occasion as an opportunity to talk to Isaac about the baby that will soon be living with us.

You may think my little guy is shy. Actually, I prefer the more specific term “introverted.” He absolutely enjoys family and friends, loves to laugh and play, and will sing and dance like no one’s watching. The catch is that he wants to make sure he’s in a safe and supportive environment before he relaxes and shows you his gregarious side. He’s like his mom that way.

Isaac and I are in the throes of potty training.

Actually, I shouldn’t say “throes,” because our experience has not been painful or agonizing or difficult in any way. (No, I’m not trying to rub it in.)

I have never looked forward to potty training. At Isaac’s 18-month well-baby check-up, I asked his doctor if I had to start potty training him. To my relief, she said, “No.”

“Wait until he’s ready,” she told me.

I began planning Isaac’s second birthday party, which was in April, a good three months before the event was to occur. It wasn’t that I wanted some over-the-top celebration that would require that kind of detailed preparation; rather, I wanted to explore my options for a natural, healthy — and yet fun — experience. Also, I was just that excited about my baby turning two.

I’m not one of those moms who is bothered by the clutter of toys, or who feels the need to confine my son’s belongings to his room. I understand the inclination — oftentimes as a parent you feel your children have taken over your life; at least the living room should be yours.

“He’s fine!” “He’ll grow out of it!” “Uncle so-and-so didn’t talk until he was 5” are some of the comments Kim Grayson heard when she expressed concern about her son Asher’s speech delays and unusual behavior to her family members. Even her pediatrician reassured her that boys were slower to develop than girls. But Kim, a bubbly, high energy, public relations manager with a radiant smile, remained uneasy about her baby boy who, despite her best efforts, avoided eye contact. “He had this bright, colorful ball that lights up,” she said. “He would smile at the ball, but not at us.”

For most Tulsa area school districts and many child care centers, including the one my son attends, the month of March brings Spring Break. It’s a week perfectly suited for uninterrupted family time if you’re lucky enough to be able to take a week off from work. And, even if you are working while the kids attend a Spring Break camp or visit relatives, the absence of homework and tons of afterschool activities opens up the family schedule for some extra special bonding and learning opportunities.

Mom’s Journal
Sweet Dreams are Made of This
or, how to leave the bedtime battle at the door
by Shelley Heckenkemper

“I am not sleeping in my own bed. EVER!”
“More milk. Bottle”
“I’ll scoot over and make room for you in the big bed.”
“Just 5 more minutes. PUH-LEEZE?”
“Waaaaaaaa!! Waaaaaaaaaa! Waaaaaaa!“
*sob* *sob* cough, choke, sob* *cough, choke, sob*

No Hitting!
by Corinne Fiagome

I know you hear me,
but do you understand?

by Joan Rhine

Midway between ages 3 and 4, my daughter began something new. As we watched evening TV and she played in the floor, she would suddenly look at the screen and laugh uproariously at a comment that had no ounce of comedy to it. When questioned, she would say the person was “being silly” then say the word she thought she’d heard. Her word always started with the same letter and had the same number of syllables as the character’s, but was a completely different word.