Sloooow

Posted by kara

My life is slow. Not only do I walk (waddle) slowly, but my toddler makes everything slow. I think Toshi doesn’t understand the concept of “Hurry up! I’m carrying heavy bags and my back/belly is killing me!” Groceries are heavy, man! Especially when they decide to pile ALL of the cans in one reusable bag, and I’m carrying 2 milk jugs. Instead of going up the stairs at a normal pace, Toshi will think it’s funny to block me and not let me through. Once I convince her that it’s not nice to block Mommy from the stairs, she’ll stop and admire all the ants and flowers on the way up.

Everything takes at least twice the amount of time it should. I try various things to make life run a little smoother. Today she was carrying Meow to the bathroom to wash her hands. She also carried this new huge jug of bubble juice. I asked her if she wanted to put Meow down on the “suitcase” (her name for the jug), thinking that my suggestion would give her an easy solution to putting down Meow before washing her hands. Instead, she placed Meow slowly on the suitcase and pretended to make Meow a snack and told me what she was doing so I’d acknowledge every action. If I don’t repeat/acknowledge what she tells me, she’ll keep telling me the same thing over and over until I do.

My countdowns no longer work. Before, I’d count to three in a serious voice and she’d come running once I said, “Three.” Nope. Guess that game lost its novelty. I’ve tried indulging the pretend play and gearing it toward the action at hand. That doesn’t work because she’ll always add more pretend stuff or shoot down my guidance. I’ve also tried reasoning with her and telling her why we need to get going (i.e. The ice cream will melt if we don’t get it to the freezer soon! Please climb into your car seat!). I’m not sure she always listens when I’m talking.

After all of my experiments (battles) I’ve learned that a toddler cannot be rushed. The world must be examined and embellished with pretend play. There is no way around it. I’m sure I should be relishing these moments, but my to-do list feels 100 miles long. I’m hoping my attitude will be better once I’ve got my freelance done and my baby set-up complete. Then Toshi and I can be slow together.

Here is a pic of the belly. I think I’m starting week 35 tomorrow. I apologize for the quality of the image. I’m in total ‘get-it-done’ mode. My shirts aren’t long enough to cover my belly anymore… Hopefully no one is noticing that.

I swear this baby is doing something weird to me… When she moves and pushes my belly around, I hear a clicking noise! It’s almost like she’s snapping ligaments or something. Oh, and today I bought a bunch of newborn stuff. It reminded me of all the work behind breastfeeding. And boy, it was not cheap! Just when you think you’ve escaped the nasty overpriced wedding industry, you are welcomed with open arms into the expensive baby industry. And really, don’t you want the best for your baby? Plus it’s a crap shoot about what will work and what won’t. Okay, but seriously, it’s all roses! I can’t wait for Toshi Jr. to be friends with my friends’ babies! *Wink*