Toddler Power--an alternative energy source
We were supposed to take the train to visit my family in California a few days ago, but Jacob came down with a high fever and was very lethargic, so we had to cancel. His doctor couldn't find anything that signaled the need for antibiotics, so we figure it was some horrible virus. It was very disappointing to cancel our trip, but fortunately one can postpone a trip with Amtrak and not suffer any penalties, so it's just a matter of finding dates that will work for everyone. We were really looking forward to the adventure of train travel.
So, we spent the last few days holding Jacob while he clearly felt just plain awful. He was better yesterday and we had a great afternoon at a local park. Jacob swung in a swing and played with a bunch of bigger kids who were there with a local Boys and Girls Club. The kids were incredibly sweet and kind to him and gently played ball and bounced in a springy-see-saw type of playgound toy with him. In fact, Jacob had so much fun at the park that he didn't want to leave. I made sure to tell him that we were going home as we walked to the car so he didn't have any surprises about leaving. He threw a temper tantrum as I was trying to get him into his car seat. I discovered that it's almost impossible to strap a screaming, back-arching, wriggling, 23 lb toddler into a car seat. I won in the end, but it was a struggle for awhile. Distraction and singing are two powerful Mama weapons.
Today, he was nonstop destructo-toddler. I told Nancy that if they can figure out a way to bottle toddler energy we could completely eliminate the energy crisis. Who needs oil when you are toddler-powered? All I can say is that I'm exhausted, but it's a happy exhaustion to see my baby back to his usual happy self after laying around for several days. He has started to say "uh-oh!" when he accidently (or accidently on purpose) drops something. He also will toddle quickly away from me and look back to see if I'm following, since he wants to be chased and tickled. If that's not the cutest thing then I don't know what is.
Tomorrow, we might go to the pool for the first time. Jacob loves the bathtub so we hope that enjoys the pool even more.
So, we spent the last few days holding Jacob while he clearly felt just plain awful. He was better yesterday and we had a great afternoon at a local park. Jacob swung in a swing and played with a bunch of bigger kids who were there with a local Boys and Girls Club. The kids were incredibly sweet and kind to him and gently played ball and bounced in a springy-see-saw type of playgound toy with him. In fact, Jacob had so much fun at the park that he didn't want to leave. I made sure to tell him that we were going home as we walked to the car so he didn't have any surprises about leaving. He threw a temper tantrum as I was trying to get him into his car seat. I discovered that it's almost impossible to strap a screaming, back-arching, wriggling, 23 lb toddler into a car seat. I won in the end, but it was a struggle for awhile. Distraction and singing are two powerful Mama weapons.
Today, he was nonstop destructo-toddler. I told Nancy that if they can figure out a way to bottle toddler energy we could completely eliminate the energy crisis. Who needs oil when you are toddler-powered? All I can say is that I'm exhausted, but it's a happy exhaustion to see my baby back to his usual happy self after laying around for several days. He has started to say "uh-oh!" when he accidently (or accidently on purpose) drops something. He also will toddle quickly away from me and look back to see if I'm following, since he wants to be chased and tickled. If that's not the cutest thing then I don't know what is.
Tomorrow, we might go to the pool for the first time. Jacob loves the bathtub so we hope that enjoys the pool even more.
posted by Karen at 6:52 PM
0 comments
