Other Babies

I really hate to admit this, but I'm not sure that I actually liked babies (Note: Babies, not children. I love kids) until I had my own.

The day Monster was born, my whole world changed in more then one big obvious way. I now notice every single baby, family or pregnant woman! I love everything about parenting, my child, babies, talking about babies, playing with or around babies, and watching babies minds develop and learn.

Just this weekend I attended a wedding, and we had left Monster with my parents for the reception. Attending this wedding were two baby boys from different families, both at tables right in front of mine. The whole meal, toasts and desserts I felt like a creep just watching these two little boys playing with their parents or other guests at the table desperately missing my own little boy.

The boy at the table in front of us to the left was tiny, in a cute little button down with khakis', my guess was that he was about 3 or 4 months due to how he was acting, playing, and devouring his bottle. As I watched him interact with his mommy, my heart strings were repeatedly plucked because it wasn't long ago that Monster was acting that very same way. This baby was at the stage before the hair pulling, grabbing at everything in front of him and jumping around on your lap as if he was in a jolly jumper that Monster's now.

I later spoke with his dad, and found out he wasn't 3-4 months at all, but merely 4 days younger then my Monster. Even though I am well aware of how huge Monster is for his age, it's still so shocking for me to see other children his age, half his size. I don't want to brag, but Monster must either be smarter (haha!), or more inquisitive then other babies close to his age.

The boy sitting at the table in front of us to the right was about 7-8 months old, maybe older. His parents brought with them a portable high chair, and were feeding him solids like cheerios, and steamed broccoli and cauliflower. It was like I was right smack dab in the middle of two boys a little younger, and a little older then Monster, and yet, all three babies acted so different.

I do wish I had an opportunity to ask just how much older the older baby was. I can't help but compare my Monster to other children, or watch intently as an older baby acts or plays to see what I can be expecting in the near future. Developing minds are just so fascinating!

Oh, I would have also liked to apologize to the other parents in case they saw me staring at their baby, and ensure them I wasn't a kidnapper, but simply a baby-crazed mama!

A Mothers Secret Agenda

Every parent has dreams, ambitions and expectations for their child(ren), anywhere from complete world domination, to becoming the next Vancouver Canuck, or perhaps becoming a world class surgeon.

I realize that in the end a child will likely vocalize their likes and dislikes and ultimately only pursue the goals or dreams they have for themselves rather then what their parents want for them. That doesn't mean it hurts to try...

Hubbs has already decided that it is important to put Monster in hockey. I agree, that we should put him in as many different activities as our little town has to offer to find one that he loves and excels at.

I personally have my own ambitions for my son. I would adore it if he became musically inclined. We have in our possession an acoustic guitar and bass guitar that neither the Hubbs nor I actually know how to play. Those instruments are longing to be enjoyed, strummed and make the music they were intended to. Monster will inherit those instruments as soon as he is old enough to take classes to learn to play them.

This mommy's secret agenda is to simply expose Monster to as many different songs and types of music as I possibly can in order to inspire a love and appreciation for music. It gives me another reason to dance and sing around the house like a crazy person too!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

B. Curious Toys

(..Continued from previous post.)

The best find of the day, however, was not clothing related at all!

As the three of us were walking towards the bakery, I caught a glimpse of something bright and colorful on an end cap. I walk towards it for a closer look, knowing it must be something baby or kid related and I'm always scouting out new and exciting toys for learning.

To my great excitement, I was RIGHT! I came across a B. Curious Toy called "Times Square". It's a new rendition of a classic toy I've seen many times. It incorporates so many levels for learning, this toy will keep Monster and I busy for a long, long time.

On the packaging the toy boasts 6 sides of learning, and fun. As I examined the toy closer I couldn't contain my excitement for it. I put it in the cart without question, and couldn't wait to get it and my Monster home to try it out. Of course, at 4 months my Monster is a little young to know his letters and numbers, but he does have enough hand-eye coordination to operate the piano and the telephone (somewhat).

This toy is aimed at children ages 1-3, but with some dedication, this is a toy we and his learning can grow with starting even now. Now that my eyes are open to this toy maker, and his potential, I am saddened by the fact that it is primarily sold in Targets. An American big box store.

B. Curious Toys

The Sippy Cup!

I'm sure it seems a little young, but in my opinion, you can never stop teaching your little ones new things.

I decided when we started feeding Monster solids that it was also time to start practicing with a sippy cup. I put only an ounce of infant formula into the cup for practicing purposes, not thinking we'd actually get very far.

The first time we tried it, Monster wasn't even 4 months old yet, so it didn't go over well. The spout on the sippy cup is slightly larger, and harder then the nipple of a breast (of course) or bottle but requires a similar sucking motion.

We tried the sippy cup again about two weeks ago, and Monster was very enthusiastic once he figured out that "milk" came out of it! The only real benefit to him learning to use a sippy cup is independence when drinking. If it's not easier for me to help him with his cup, then it is to feed him a bottle, it won't be the primary liquid source but merely a way to "wash down" his food while eating.

At least he is willing to learn, so maybe my goal of being strictly on a cup during the day by 6-9 months isn't far off.