Author: Brand_New_World_Betsy

IMG_7513.JPG, originally uploaded by griffey.

She’s turning into Linus, which is something I always feared would happen.

The sacred pink blankie used to live only in her crib or be brought out for naptime at daycare. But now that she can say the word “blankie,” she can ask for it whenever she wants. Today, she demanded to take blankie and Minnie Mouse for a ride in the stroller. She went to her room, pointed to the crib and shouted “blankie!” I gave it to her. She then carried it into the living room, where the stroller was parked, and tapped it, saying “ride! Mommy…ride!” And so we went on a walk, despite the 58 degree temps. And then blankie stayed outside with us and got nice and dirty as she dragged it around the yard. When I protested, took it from her, and told her no, she FLIPPED OUT. Will she be one of those kids that has her blankie in the grocery store, on the playground, at the doctor’s office? Gah, I hope not. Well, at least it’s “blankie” and not “binky.” She has classmates at daycare who are much older than her who still suck on the “binky” all day long.

Me, I pick my battles.

IMG_7496, originally uploaded by griffey.

Poor Eliza ended up with a double ear infection, thanks to the RSV. This coincided with her first week in a new room at daycare. Needless to say, the transition hasn’t gone smoothly.

She seems to be missing her old classmates and teachers. She asks for a few of them by name every morning. And she isn’t sure about her new teacher, whose tone of voice is a little harsher (even to my ears). She’s also a little intimidated by the bigger, faster, more mobile kids.

She cries at drop off, and she cries a little bit throughout the day, although we hear she’s crying a little bit less than before. Who knows how long it will take her to get comfortable in her new surroundings. Eliza is bright and intuitive, which means she’s also quite sensitive (to change, to others’ feelings, to chaos). I am beginning to see glimpses of the special challenges involved in raising this kind of child. But I am also seeing the joy.

Eliza is simply mind-blowing. She can now say some of her numbers in the correct sequence. I was helping her climb the stairs, counting them as we go. I said “One…” and she said “two…” Flabbergasted, I continued: “Three…Four….Five…” and she said “Six…” I almost fell down the stairs. So I kept going: “Seven….eight….” and Eliza added “nine…” and I shouted TEN! And scooped her up and hugged her, amazed. I don’t know where she learned this. Wasn’t from us.

IMG_7238.JPG, originally uploaded by griffey.

Since starting daycare on August 1, Eliza has had: 3 ear infections, 1 sinus infection, a cold, and a stomach virus that led to horrible diaper rash. When will this winter from hell be over?

Everyone keeps telling us she’ll get stronger, that this is some sort of rite of passage that all little ones go through. But I just feel so sorry for her. She has had more fevers in the last month than I can count on both hands. I think she has forgotten what feeling “normal” is even like.

And by the way, she’s 13 months old now. But the 12th month was a rough one. So we’re going to just move on and hope for better days ahead.

IMG_7076.JPG, originally uploaded by griffey.

Hobbies: driving (just kidding!), walking (or should I say toddling), putting thing into containers and dumping them out, finger painting, reading books with mom and dad, feeding her babies and stuffed animals, feeding mom and dad, mimicking sounds and words.

Favorite books: Where to begin? Especially loves all books by Matthew Van Fleet (lots of cool textures) and the “That’s Not My…” series (she has robot, monster, and snowman…guess who got her which book, mommy or daddy???)

Favorite foods: We’ve unfortunately slipped into toddlerhood in this category. Is now rejecting old favorites (read: lots of the vegetables she once loved!). Greatly prefers things like cheese, any kind of bread product, turkey, ham, yogurt, Goldfish crackers, and most fruits. Is on an interesting and strange strike against pears, though. Surprisingly doesn’t like her Dad’s delicious scrambled eggs. Hoping she’ll come around.

Favorite toys: She got lots of new stuff for birthday and Christmas, but she loves all the books the most. Also her new drum and instrument set from Nana. Still obsessed with any and all baby dolls. Also likes her shape sorter, which she can do with help.

Changes and milestones: has at least one of her molars and is getting the other three. Has been a trooper about it, though. Now sitting forward facing in her carseat. Started walking for real a few days before Christmas! Can climb steps frighteningly fast. Says lots of words and learns more almost every day. Her favorite new word is “ball,” which comes out more like “baw.”