I haven’t been keeping up with my weekly installment of Thankful Thursday posts so I’m going to work on it ahead of time this week so I can get back into the swing of things (that’s the plan anyways).
In other news, my sling is my best friend. Liv is happy being toted all over the house while I do laundry, yell at Kade, do dishes, yell at Kade, vacuum, yell at Kade, and make dinner – all the while yelling at Kade. Actually, Kade has been behaving much better lately but his whining is grating on my nerves (I have to keep reminding myself that repetition is something all toddlers do, but hearing the same whiny request over and over can nearly send one over the edge).
He’s been acting out against Liv lately. Last week when Kyle was holding her he hit her on the head and when Kyle’s dad and Marcie visited on Friday he did the same thing (twice). Last night, while Kyle was at the store, he hit Liv while I was nursing her. I was so upset that I almost started crying and he could sense my disappointment because I didn’t even have to raise my voice and he was begging to give me a kiss. He kept saying, “I give kiss Mama, I give kiss Mama.” It made me realize how much my reactions affect him and how much he seeks my approval (and Kyle’s). There are times that I lose it and yell at him and I wish I hadn’t. I also know that he cannot hit his sister and he needs to learn that, but he loves her and he isn’t hitting her because he wants to hurt her, he’s hitting her to get attention from us. Kyle and I are learning as we go in this parenting thing, and it’s never easy but it’s always worth it because when Kade did kiss me I just felt love and the anger was gone.
7 Comments
Maybe he is hitting Liv because he is being ignored. You are talking about toting her all over the house in your “sling”, he feels left out. Maybe someone should give Kade some time.
Wow Erika…that comment that “someone” wrote is a bit harsh. I think your an awesome mom and if you ever need anything I am always here. I love you!
Yeah, Kade has had more attention now than before Liv was born. He is just being a 2 year old. It is hard to deal with him sometimes, but we will all make it through.
The reason I wear my newborn in a sling is so I can be there for Kade. If I lay her down she is not content and I have to keep stopping what I am doing to comfort her, which means I have to stop playing with Kade to tend to the baby.
Okay, glad I wasn’t the only one that felt the comment was kind of harsh. Didn’t want to be the first one to post though. Hmmm, don’t you just love when someone posts something and doesn’t sign their name? Anyway, as always you two are doing a wonderful job. I definitely like the sling idea. It looks comfy. Probably as comfy as you can get. Keep your heads held high. You two should be proud parents and proud of what you do. I know I could not do it. Sending our love your way, Heidi PS-just love those b and w pics. Gorgeous!
Erika,
I don’t know who made the harsh comment but I will tell you one thing you and Kyle are great parents and you give both your children time and alot of love.
Just remember that you have alot of family and friends who are there for you. Keep up the good work that you are doing with your children.
Love
Mom
Erika,
The first comment made me giggle. It’s pretty silly for someone to harsly criticize but not have the courage to add their name. Oh my.
From all of my child psych classes, the number one thing they drilled into our heads was to remember to be consistent. That is the best advice they gave us and it really works in the classroom. Sometimes it is frustrating to repeat the same actions over and over, but in the long run it really is effective. I’m not sure how it would work at home, but I thought I’d throw it out there.
Please know that I think you are amazing. I look at you, happily married with two beautiful children, and I am proud to say that you are my friend. I am sending you tons of love, warmth, and light from the beautiful west.
Huge hugs!
Amanda
p.s. I forgot where I saw your e-mail, so here is mine: akbayer314@aol.com