I'm the Jelly Roll

I'd like to stipulate, for the record, that I know that its normal for a toddler to ask "why" often. They are learning, it's a communication tool, etc. One article explains it this way: "Your child's inquisitiveness is a signal that his mind is expanding quickly, and that he's curious about the world." (See these articles if this is news to you: Why does my toddler constantly ask why? and Why toddlers ask)

Experts, and both of the above articles, suggest that you answer the questions simply or ask the child what they think. I try this- really. But there are times when the constant Why's are exhausting and I have reverted to "because I said so" and other equally imaginative responses.

Recently, my mom was visiting and by the end of the day, we had both grown weary of Lucy asking "why" ad nauseum. I jokingly (ok, only partially joking) told Lucy that I am like a General and she is like a soldier. And that she can't ask why each and every time I ask her to do something- she just needs to do it. I also told her that Mimi is like a Major General-- almost as powerful and important as the General. We laughed about this and promptly forgot about it. Not Lucy.

A week or so later, after another morning full of Why's, I told Lucy (with an exasperated sigh) to "give it a rest, mommy said so, that's why." (I know, I'm going to win Mom of the Year at this rate.)

The rest of the conversation went like this:
Lucy: "Because you're the Jelly Roll, right?"
Me: "What?"
Lucy: "What you say to Mimi that you were?" "The Jelly Roll?"

Me, laughing: "Yep, that's me, the Jelly Roll."

Make a Smilebox postcard

Why?

Another "I'm never going to say/do that when I'm a mother" bites the dust. Repeatedly.

Lucy has discovered the wonders of the word "Why?" Not for the first time, but never has she said it so often in such a short time period. Last night, it was in response to any time that I asked her to be careful (or some variation there of). And, as she has turned into a little monkey who jumps and climbs everywhere, cautionary statements are uttered every few minutes. And each time I say, "Honey, be careful ___________" (jumping in the bath tub, etc.), I am treated to "Why?"

The conversation goes something like this:"
Lucy, let's not jump in the bathtub.
Why?
Because you could slip and fall.
Why?
Because the bathtub is slippery.
Why?
Because it's wet. And I don't want you to get hurt.
Why?
Because I love you.
Why?
Because I'm the mommy and I said so.

Ugh! There. I said it.

School- Happy Days!

Is it bad that I was super excited that Lucy started "school" yesterday? Does this make me a bad mom? There were only 3 weeks between the summer and fall sessions, but it felt more like 3 months.

Obviously, I love spending time with Lucy, but my work is really ramping up, and for the last several weeks I felt like I was not doing anything well. Not my job, or taking care of/spending time with Lucy. Lucy has watched way too much Dora and Backyardigans as I have tried to answer emails and work on spreadsheets and contracts. Neither Lucy nor my J-O-B got my best.

Thus, my excitement about school starting. Now, when I'm with Lucy, I can focus on Lucy, and when she's at school (and at night while she's sleeping), I can focus on work.

Is this what they mean by "having it all"?



(by the way, Lucy was excited about school starting too- as you can see in the picture taken with her teacher.)

TreeYoga

I love yoga, and I love trees (nature, outdoors). Why not Tree Yoga? These were my thoughts as I read about a free TreeYoga workshop being offered today. Apparently, these were the exact same thoughts that led Hal, the creator of TreeYoga to invent his mutli-slings and work with yoga instructors to develop TreeYoga.

There were about 30 other like minded souls at the park this morning- and together we stretched and strengthened our bodies- and hung from trees. Too cool! (I also really enjoyed the faces of the Highland Park joggers and dog walkers as they watched us.) I can't wait for the next workshop!

And, if anyone wants to know what I want for my birthday: check out the Tree Yoga Multi-Slings (made here in Dallas).

Namaste'.

More Fancy Lucy

more of the accessory crazed Lucy-demonstrating the latest in Baby Legs.
Keep in mind that it is currently in the high nineties here, so leg warmers serve no practical purpose--only an aesthetic one.

Fancy Lucy

We have been reading a lot of Fancy Nancy lately. Not familiar with the latest in literature for little girls ages 2-7? Fancy Nancy likes all things fancy- including french words, lace trimmed socks (which do help her play soccer better), and tiaras.

In the spirit of fanciness, Lucy has gotten very into accessories. Mostly socks. She will wear up to 4 socks on each foot, socks on her hands and, since she can't get any more socks on, Baby Legs leg warmers on her legs and arms. I can't keep socks in the drawer. Usually she swipes them before I can even get them out of the laundry basket, but if they do make it to the drawer, they are quickly put to use- on her feet or on her stuffed sheep (Sheepie)'s feet AND tail. I have gotten into the stash of shoes one size up so that they will fit over all of her socks (really, this is easier than the melt down that occurs when I try to get her to take off some socks.)

The latest in her accessory craze: panties. And since she can only wear one or two pairs of panties in the usual way at one time, panties on her head.

(Sorry, Aunt Jill and Uncle Jeff. I have just killed her political career- at age 2 1/2.)