Thanks to everyone for you kind words re "The Power of the Dream." After rereading the post, I realized I sounded a bit like I was fishing. The banquet was lovely but LONG. 10 teachers received awards, and each one had an introduction and a video of her/him in the classroom. That lead to about 15 minutes per person, plus dinner plus all the crap the superintendent and school board have to say. One of my students (a 17 year old mom who is graduating this year) made a very sweet introduction, and told everyone that because of my influence she has decided to follow in my footsteps and become an English teacher. She's such a great girl--I know she can do it, and hearing her share her plans meant more to me than any award ever could.
So one week left of school, and then I will just be hanging out with the Sophinator for a couple of months. I'm both looking forward to it and dreading it. I think I'll have her continue going to day care one day a week for a couple of hours to maintain some consistency and give me a break.
We have 2 major plans for the summer. Potty training and getting rid of the bottle.
Though I was advised by every book and doctor never to give her a bottle in bed, one night when she was several months old, I just couldn't take it anymore and gave her one. So now, although she doesn't drag a bottle around with her, she just likes one when she falls asleep--and when she wakes up at night. This is bad for her teeth and stomach and ears and I'm sure many other body parts. It's tricky to get yourself to be reasonable at 2:00 am when just filling up a bottle would get you both back to sleep in 2 minutes, though you know that letting the kid cry it out would be a much better choice. I have an extremely low tolerance for crying. This has led to more than one parental choice that I regret.
We've kind of danced around potty training. Sophie likes to wear her panties--until she pees in them of course. I've just kind of let her do her thing--if she says she wants panties, I put them on her, and try to remind her not to pee in them. So far, no luck. Usually after she wets her pants, she wants a diaper on, and I haven't forced the issue. I think as soon as school is out, we'll get rid of the diapers completely, and just go for it. Any hints, tips, or suggestions are certainly welcome.
Today's best thing about being a mom:
Today Sophie sang the whole ABC song. She's so freakin' SMART!
Today's worst thing about being a mom:
After the dinner last night, she had a very hard time going to sleep. I think we both ended up with about 6 hours. I HATE being tired. I HATE staying awake when all I want is to lock my door, snug under my blankies, and snooze. Sophie gets to have a nap during the day, but I don't, and I'm tired.
3 comments:
Potty training is tricky. Kiri just sort of did it when she was ready. But be prepared for accidents for a while after the training is complete. Kiri pooped on the floor of McDonald's after not having an accident for a long time. Be sure to carry extra pants and panties for a while. Like for 2 or 3 years. Enjoy!
above all else, just remember that she will be potty trained someday and she won't always go to bed with a bottle. if you meet any 30 year old women who still wear diapers and have to have a ba-ba to get to bed, though, then start to worry.
in all seriousness, eventually, she'll WANT to be potty trained. it might be when she starts feeling like a big girl in another way, which can be nice (like learning all her abc's) or not as nice (when another kid notices she still wears diapers and says something mean about it.)
but totally yeah on the extra clothes thing. and nighttime accidents can last wellllll into the future. invest in a mattress pad.
glad to hear about the girl who wants to follow in your footsteps. that must feel very fulfilling...congrats!
I haven't a clue about potty training. But I do know about being tired. Oh how I know.
Inspiring that girl to be a teacher is FAR better than any award. You have really made a difference in the life of a student - and I'm sure she isn't the only one.
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