Tuesday
Apr282009
Time Management
04.28.2009
This was the first weekend in almost two months that I wasn't out of town, that we weren't throwing or preparing for a party, that Jen wasn't working on Sunday, and that we didn't have an overbooked schedule. And when I say "weekend", I mean Sunday. Jen works every Saturday so Sunday is the only day of the week that Jen and I and the kids have together.
But, you know, even when we don't schedule anything, there is always much to do - sweeping the kids' eating area, cooking, laundry, taking out the trash, etc. And Mateo has obviously taken note of our activity, as evidenced by this video clip.
Unfortunately, not only do we have to empty the diaper champs, but we now also have to DIG THROUGH THE TRASH BAG for various little people animals, choo choo train balls, shoes, cell phones, sorting shapes, and Harper's favorite fuzzy fish named Moby.
Harper is not so easy going as she used to be. She'll on occasion shriek and oftentimes whine when she doesn't get her way. And based on the last two or so weeks, she hasn't gotten her way HER ENTIRE LIFE. Like when you don't pick her up and carry her all her waking hours plus some of yours.
As an staunch promoter of independence, this period is a challenge for me. But it is offset by the fact that she is so highly curious and intent, two tenents which foster independence in the long run.
Everything right now is "looK!", something you'll hear about 18 seconds into this video. After my response, you can almost see her cataloguing the word into her files as she peers out of the garage at the cars that were driving by, and the butterfly iris swaying in the wind. Every time I start to feel impatient, I remind myself that one day they won't seek our counsel on what's what, and that they won't want to be carried at all.
But, you know, even when we don't schedule anything, there is always much to do - sweeping the kids' eating area, cooking, laundry, taking out the trash, etc. And Mateo has obviously taken note of our activity, as evidenced by this video clip.
Unfortunately, not only do we have to empty the diaper champs, but we now also have to DIG THROUGH THE TRASH BAG for various little people animals, choo choo train balls, shoes, cell phones, sorting shapes, and Harper's favorite fuzzy fish named Moby.
Harper is not so easy going as she used to be. She'll on occasion shriek and oftentimes whine when she doesn't get her way. And based on the last two or so weeks, she hasn't gotten her way HER ENTIRE LIFE. Like when you don't pick her up and carry her all her waking hours plus some of yours.
As an staunch promoter of independence, this period is a challenge for me. But it is offset by the fact that she is so highly curious and intent, two tenents which foster independence in the long run.
Everything right now is "looK!", something you'll hear about 18 seconds into this video. After my response, you can almost see her cataloguing the word into her files as she peers out of the garage at the cars that were driving by, and the butterfly iris swaying in the wind. Every time I start to feel impatient, I remind myself that one day they won't seek our counsel on what's what, and that they won't want to be carried at all.
Reader Comments (3)
I like when you tell Mateo to stop procrastinating so he can help with other chores. Hee! My mom is a big believer in benign neglect for childrearing and passing chores off early (of course not when we were one - but I was doing my own laundry before age 12). My sisters and I all grew up very independent. But I have to admit we don't usually ask her for advice.
The directives were in jest, of course. Kidding. No, serious. Ha. Maria Montessori did have something going, though.
Too cute. I love how he keeps putting the diaper in and out... so funny. Oh and I would like to see the fuzzy fish named Moby... AJ has a few toy fish and he LOVES them.