Back...Again

I don't know why keeping up regularly with this blog is so hard for me lately.  I honestly haven't even been back to this page since my last post that I remember.  But I actually do enjoy blogging and I like getting the opportunity to write more often.  So, here I am, trying again.

I'm going to start with a question for other moms and dads.  The thing is, Elijah doesn't talk.  He has a few words he'll say, mostly ours and his grandparents' names, "Elmo," and "cookie."  Those are his big ones.  He also says "Thomas," and "tractor" with some frequency.  But we really have to work to get him to use any other words.

And the thing is, he is very smart and he can talk.  He can say "downstairs," and "window," and "light," and "in," and all kinds of things.  He just never does, unless we make him.  We've started really pushing him to use more words and most of the time it just frustrates him.

I came home from work the other morning and found he and Nathan sitting in the living room, both of them looking irritated.  Nathan told me they had had a 30 minute battle of wills because he asked Elijah to say "downstairs" after he woke up before they went down to breakfast.  And Elijah would. not. do. it.  Eventually Nathan just tried to get him to say any word, any word at all and the little guy still refused.

We talked to his pediatrician about it and he mentioned it might just be because Elijah is very mellow.  He doesn't feel like he needs to talk to get what he wants.

Every day I tell him that pointing and whining to get what he wants isn't cutting it anymore and he needs to start giving us words, and he just sits down and cries.  I feel terrible. 

If anyone has had a similar experience or has any advice or ideas I'd love to hear about it.

Sick Mama

My least favorite person showed up today.  I can't stand myself as a parent when I'm sick.  I get cranky and irritable and all my energy is gone.  Elijah is sick as well so we stayed home today and were annoyed with each other all day.

He got mad at me because I wouldn't let him out in the 50 degree weather while his little nose is running like a faucet.  And I have to say, I was less than pleased with the 20 minute nap he favored me with. 

I tried to be fun and engaging.  I built a crappy half-assed fort and sat on the floor with him reading books and playing with his puzzles.  But every time I had to stand up, my knees hurt a little more.  We ended up watching way, way more television than I am comfortable with Elijah seeing in one day. 

Unfortunately, when sick mama shows up, that's all I can make myself do.  Let's hope that bitch goes home soon.

The Great Dilemma

We've been really lucky so far to keep Elijah out of daycare.  Ever since I went back to work I've been on second shift and our dads who both work from home have been good enough to watch him for us.  It's been so nice knowing he's with family, well looked after, and loved.

It also created a pretty neat bond between him and the grandfathers.  Nathan's dad goes by "Pop Rice" with the grandkids and my dad is "Grandpa."  Elijah has tried to say those two words before most others.  He loves his grandmother's also, of course, but his grandfathers are his buddies.

We always knew we would not be able to impose on them forever, though.  And now my father-in-law is getting ready for planting season and my dad has his own things going on.  So it's time to start looking for daycare.  There are other reasons as well.  I try not to be, because everyone always says he'll do it when he wants, but I really am concerned about his not walking.  I'm hoping putting him with other kids closer to his age will encourage him to do what they are doing.

And I think he could use the socialization in general.  He needs to get to know other people than just Mama, Daddy, and his grandparents.

We are lucky that it won't be full time.  My 3-11 hours from Thursday to Monday mean he only has to be watched for about 3 hours 3 days a week.  Our parents, who actually do enjoy watching him, are going to alternate one day a week, so really, he only has to be in care two days a week.

Still, it bothers me to think of leaving him with someone who isn't family.  We don't know much about the world of day care.  What we do know is that we don't want him in a "center;" we'd rather he stayed with someone in a private residence who only watches a few other kids.  I thought about getting a babysitter or nanny to just come to our house, but then he wouldn't get the socialization.

Pray for us!