Today I was just sitting doing some work on the computer, enjoying the quiet while Zaylee's asleep, when it occurred to me that I should write a little for you all. I have to admit, there has been nothing extraordinary to write about lately, just sort of settling into a daily routine. It does get a little mundane at times - I feel like I should be more creative with all the time I have to spend with Zaylee at home. Perhaps some of you experienced moms could offer some advice about how to fill our summer days. If you know me, you know that I am not one to just sit and "relax." I think sitting doing nothing is terribly boring and stressful. I relax by being productive - in a fun way. I like to paint, sew, work out, clean, read, etc. But a lot of the things I like to do in my free time are things that Zaylee isn't particularly interested in. She hasn't taken much to books yet, she doesn't like to be held very much, and she seems to grow tired of her toys very quickly. I'm wondering, "What does a 9-month-old really like to do?" She wants me to pay attention to her and interact with her (and so do I!), but I feel like I haven't quite found how she wants me to do that yet. Sometimes I feel like instead of encouraging her play time, I'm just annoying and in the way. So yes, I need some advice.
Another thing that has really been difficult lately is getting this little lady to let me dress and change her! She is SO strong-willed and HATES having to lay down for even a couple minutes in order for me to put a new diaper on her. I've tried putting toys on her changing table, but she acts like she knows I'm trying to distract her and won't allow me to fool her. She doesn't want me to sing songs, or dangle things over her head, or anything. It seems like all the "textbook" ideas aren't working. I need something more creative to get her to relax and stay still. Same thing goes at naptime - as soon as I lay her down in her bed, instead of just relaxing like she did a few months ago, she flips over and stands up as fast as she can, and screams as soon as a walk out of the room and close the door. And these are times when I know she needs to nap. I've tried to make sure she's good and tired because otherwise she'll cry for up 45 minutes before settling down. Any suggestions?
Well, enough on my frustrations. Otherwise, everything has been going well in the Mullinax home. Robbie and I haven't had much time together this week since his training has kept him very busy (and tired). I'm looking forward to the weekend so that we can spend some time together as a family. We're hoping and praying that his work will allow him to have the last week of July off, so that we can come down and help at Spring Mill Bible Camp. We might even try to get a couple weeks away so that we can really spend some quality time with our families. It's been 7 months (Christmas) since Robbie's been home, and I know he's starting to really get homesick. I was able to come visit in February, but that was still a while ago - Zaylee was barely learning to sit up on her own at that point! So, all of you reading this, please pray HARD that Robbie can get off - it's a matter of God opening a door for us at this point.
Speaking of doors opening, Zaylee just woke up. On with the day! Hope to hear from some of you soon!
2 comments:
On the changing the diaper thing, ask her to go get it for you, like put it a few feet away so she can crawl/walk to it and ask her for it and praise her for being such a big helper she may be more apt to let you do that if she brings it to you, Did that make sense?? It did to me! HAHA.. Also on the getting bored stuff, get a baby pool, I'm talking like really small and fill it with sand or water and let her play in it my kids have always loved that.
Hey,
I found you again! Glad to see the update on your family! Sounds like you have a little "Miss Independent", and that is a good thing. As she gets more able to communicate, she (and you) will have more fun. Just don't feel like a bad mother when you insist on doing what needs to be done-i.e. diaper changing, naps, etc. Sometimes babies (kids in general) don't know what is good for them:) And do some fun stuff for you-she doesn't need your 24/7 undivided attention. Life is not like that (as we all have to learn that the world does not revolve around us).
Miss ya'll-tell Robbie hello! And kiss that sweet baby for me!
Donna Manning
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