I really do try to get on the bandwagon but most instances find me half a mile behind. It reminds me of being the 2nd best runner in school right behind my sister, Erin, who was like the wind. I haven’t ever won in a foot race against her but since she’s had that knee surgery I might take the lead for once. Would it be in poor taste to challenge her now?
Kristen of Great Hair Fame asked if I would participate in this Virtual Baby Shower for Her Bad Mother, Mrs. Chicky, and Mrs. Chicken. Of course, I was too busy to reply to her and then missed the deadline for winning any kind of prize, but that matters not. I’m here to offer advice.
And since I haven’t forced any of my children into a headlock this week, I feel pretty qualified to give it.
This advice has to come with a disclaimer: I’ve never been that mom who frets over the things that experienced mothers fretted about and that’s because I had my daughter at 15 and my first son at age 20. By the time I was 23 I was done having babies and that is never more present than right now when I realize my daughter is about to be 22. When my friends remind me that I could be a grandmother right now I put them into a headlock. Purple nurples and wet willies are also known to be given for such a suggestion.
Mallory cried when she found out that Mason was a boy, but she wanted very much to feel a part of this newly formed family we were creating so I allowed her to help as much as she wanted. At times, she asked to help bathe the baby or put lotion on his face and she was an excellent burper. What I learned was that she just wanted to be a part of what was going on and even if we thought it was scary that she hold him or rock him to sleep, we put all the necessary precautions in place and then allowed her to help with the new baby. It was, however, more difficult to persuade her to change poopy diapers.
May you all experience fabulous learning opportunities with your children. Love and hug and kiss and sniff and eat baby toes as much as possible. Then, when they’re both old enough to beat in a footrace, challenge them. Let them know who’s boss.
May 13, 2008 @ 7:18 am | Filed under Help A Brutha Out | Permalink |
Emily Said,
May 13, 2008 @ 7:34 am
Great advice! I walk the fine line of allowing Aubrey to help but trying not to make her “responsible” for her sister.
Cyndi Said,
May 13, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
Baby toes…….I had forgotten what a wonderful and delicate delight they were until my granddaughter was born two weeks ago. They are even sweeter the second time around because now I realize how quickly baby toes become part of baby feet that walk right into adulthood leaving us wanting just one more taste.
White Hot Magik Said,
May 13, 2008 @ 3:07 pm
I think my kids are old enough to beat them more often..while I still can. I usually let them have a chance though.
White Hot Magiks last blog post..Mother’s Day Musings
Mrs. Chicken Said,
May 13, 2008 @ 6:38 pm
Aw, thanks. Next time I get up north we should have a cuppa joe!
Mrs. Chickens last blog post..Pregnancy By The Numbers
kate5kiwis Said,
May 13, 2008 @ 10:58 pm
yeah, you’re a natural.
mwah X
kate5kiwiss last blog post..swoosh
Jungle Mama Said,
May 14, 2008 @ 2:22 am
Great suggestions, btw. I still have a couple years before the foot race would even be half way fair though
Love it though . . . the second one is easier . . . ha! Whatever!
P.S. I always seem too late for the prize/price as well. Sorry.
Jungle Mamas last blog post..A Most Memorable Mother’s Day
KC Said,
May 14, 2008 @ 9:15 am
I loved this post. Although I have nothing to add or relate too - I thought it was excellent advice… should that day ever come.
Hope you are feeling better…. Thinking of you…
KC
KCs last blog post..Just Say ‘Thank You’
Daisy Said,
May 14, 2008 @ 5:28 pm
My second one is crashed on the couch right now, listening to a book on tape, unaware that I am about to ground the stuffing out of him for making racist comments at school. He was the easier of the two deliveries, but since then…never mind.
Daisys last blog post..Compost is Beautiful. Photogenic, even.
Elizabeth Said,
May 14, 2008 @ 11:53 pm
Purple nurples? You got me on that one, lady.
Elizabeths last blog post..When fashion and work collide