Housekeeping at Sixteen Months
Dear Milo:
Let's just say that fifteen months was not my favorite, so I'm glad we're on to the big 1-6. This month you learned how to say no. Also you became obsessive like even I can't believe. All day long it's mop keys mop mop keys mop keys mop. Oh, and the word "on", did I mention that one? Everything must be turned on, even things like your plastic bath toys or the cat. How do you explain to a toddler that a plastic pig doesn't GO ON? It just IS. But no, it MUST GO ON NOW. Otherwise there will be hell to pay.
Also you stopped being able to pay attention long enough to sit through a book. So we'll get through the first 3 pages of Curious George and then you're climbing out of my lap and yelling "Booberry!" because you want to hear the first three pages of Blueberries for Sal, and then you're yelling "George!" because what's the monkey been up to while we've been sitting here reading about Sal and her stupid blueberries?
On the other hand, you picked up a few exclamations this month that are pretty cute. You like to say "wow", although not always at the right times, and pretty much everything in the world, according to you, can be described by "mmm, good."
But let's revisit your use of the word "no" for a minute. A few days ago you took food from your plate and put it in your lap.
"Food goes in the mouth or on the plate," I explained. "Not in the lap."
You took another piece of food and put it in your lap, looking evenly at me.
"Put the food in your mouth or on your plate," I said.
You stared at me for a minute and then I heard it. "No," you said.
So that was lovely. On the other hand, sometimes no can be adorable. Last night I was singing you lullabies and rocking you in your rocking chair, when I started singing a new song, one that I hadn't sung before.
You lifted your head up from my chest and very quietly and clearly said "no." You shook your head and wrinkled your nose and said it again. "Nooo." So what's a mommy to do? I switched songs.
You are in an awkward place these days, halfway between baby and small child. You can communicate just enough to be annoying. You like to show off for new people -- within minutes of seeing a grandparent you are quickly spinning in circles, making funny noises, grabbing onto hands and saying "walk," eager to give the new adult a quick romp through your repertoire of silly human tricks. Sometimes I think that your father's worst fears will be realized and you will become an actor. Or a stand up comic.
On the other hand, you continue to be pretty pleased with what the world has to offer, when you're not complaining about how no one lets you play with the mop. You wake up singing most mornings, and fall asleep with a smile on your face at night. And so it goes.
Let's just say that fifteen months was not my favorite, so I'm glad we're on to the big 1-6. This month you learned how to say no. Also you became obsessive like even I can't believe. All day long it's mop keys mop mop keys mop keys mop. Oh, and the word "on", did I mention that one? Everything must be turned on, even things like your plastic bath toys or the cat. How do you explain to a toddler that a plastic pig doesn't GO ON? It just IS. But no, it MUST GO ON NOW. Otherwise there will be hell to pay.
Also you stopped being able to pay attention long enough to sit through a book. So we'll get through the first 3 pages of Curious George and then you're climbing out of my lap and yelling "Booberry!" because you want to hear the first three pages of Blueberries for Sal, and then you're yelling "George!" because what's the monkey been up to while we've been sitting here reading about Sal and her stupid blueberries?
On the other hand, you picked up a few exclamations this month that are pretty cute. You like to say "wow", although not always at the right times, and pretty much everything in the world, according to you, can be described by "mmm, good."
But let's revisit your use of the word "no" for a minute. A few days ago you took food from your plate and put it in your lap.
"Food goes in the mouth or on the plate," I explained. "Not in the lap."
You took another piece of food and put it in your lap, looking evenly at me.
"Put the food in your mouth or on your plate," I said.
You stared at me for a minute and then I heard it. "No," you said.
So that was lovely. On the other hand, sometimes no can be adorable. Last night I was singing you lullabies and rocking you in your rocking chair, when I started singing a new song, one that I hadn't sung before.
You lifted your head up from my chest and very quietly and clearly said "no." You shook your head and wrinkled your nose and said it again. "Nooo." So what's a mommy to do? I switched songs.
You are in an awkward place these days, halfway between baby and small child. You can communicate just enough to be annoying. You like to show off for new people -- within minutes of seeing a grandparent you are quickly spinning in circles, making funny noises, grabbing onto hands and saying "walk," eager to give the new adult a quick romp through your repertoire of silly human tricks. Sometimes I think that your father's worst fears will be realized and you will become an actor. Or a stand up comic.
On the other hand, you continue to be pretty pleased with what the world has to offer, when you're not complaining about how no one lets you play with the mop. You wake up singing most mornings, and fall asleep with a smile on your face at night. And so it goes.
Labels: Housekeeping
posted by Hana @ 9:57 AM
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