Thursday, May 31, 2007

Hindsight is 20/20

Today was a day of poor parenting decisions. Too bad we couldn't have a do-over...

This morning was playgroup at Mill Lake. I decided to let Keziah nap in the morning and go a bit later and meet the other moms for a picnic lunch. I spent the morning getting things ready - making a special lunch for me and Micah, slathering us both in sunscreen, and getting together all the paraphanelia that is needed for such an excursion. We got to the park and Micah ran down the hill ahead of me in excitement, and then proceeded to wipe out once he reached the sidewalk, badly skinning one knee. He wailed, of course, but calmed down when I coaxed him onto the swings.
But 20 minutes later when it was time to sit down and eat, he actually looked at his knee and saw that it was bleeding. This brought on a fresh set of tears and he was still upset even after I hastily applied a band-aid. And he never really recovered. He complained and whined through the whole picnic, refusing to get off my lap even while I was trying to feed Keziah her bottle. I couldn't help but feel frustrated when I saw all the other kids sitting so well with their moms, eating their sandwiches and not whining.
Then the next tragedy was the peanut butter and honey that escaped his sandwich and was now sticking to his fingers - oh the agony!! We abandoned the sandwich eating and tried some of the other snacks, but when Micah saw the cookies that one of the moms was offering, he needed one. While all the other moms made their kids wait to take a cookie until they were done their other food, I gave in and let Micah have his right away to avoid a scene - though I did it somewhat sheepishly.
By this point I had threatened several times that we were going to go home if Micah didn't stop whining, but inside I kind of knew that I wasn't really planning on following through with it. We had barely gotten there and after all the prep that morning I really didn't want to go. But, in hindsight I wish I would've packed everything up right then and there.
It's hard enough to be firm with him at home when there's nobody around to see him wail, but in those situations when I'm not sure how he's going to react, it's pure fear that makes me cave to his whining...
I left feeling more frustrated with myself than anything.

Then this evening when Erik came home we had the ridiculous idea to head to Wal-mart after supper. It was a disaster right from the start. Micah whined to get out of the cart the whole time and Keziah was cranky as she usually is at this time of the night and I had forgotten her soother so that only made things worse. It took us longer than we thought and it was past their bedtimes by the time we got home. As we were coming in the house Micah tripped and fell onto his already-sore knee. He was almost inconsolable and he's still crying in his bed now at 9:30...

Ugh. One of those days.

This shot of Micah smiling was a rare sight today. Micah hates drinking water, but I spent about an hour trying to get him to drink this half-cup and told him he couldn't watch TV until he finished it. It wasn't easy but it worked!



Keziah and I had a nice quiet moment outside this afternoon while Micah was napping and I got some more super-cute pictures of her that I couldn't resist adding. I was only going to post a couple but there were just too many cute ones to choose from...



I've been able to bring out all of her really summery outfits this week with the hot weather we're having. I love this baby doll top from Old Navy...

Mmmm, that camera looks tasty...

Yep, I know I'm cute :)

18 comments:

Wenona said...

Sorry that you had a rough day at the park. I wish I had some advice, but since I don't have kids I don't!
Anyways, the pictures of Keziah are incredible cute. She has the cutest cheeks and I love that shirt on her. What a sweetheart!

Michelle said...

Ahhhh yes...one of those days! What's summer wihtout banged up knees?!? Brooklyn does the same thing...seems to be only one knee she always hurts :p Hopefully today will be better..we all have those days!

Nathan & Rosanna Toews said...

Jamie you are a GREAT mom! May God strength you today with his love as you pass that on to your precious ones.

Summer said...

Hope your days get better. The whining will stop for you. I'm sure.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you need a mom pick me up after that day. I recommend getting "Momfidence! An Oreo Never Killed Anybody and Other Secrets of Happier Parenting". It's a quick, easy and fun read (as you don't have a TON of extra time on your hands with 2 little ones) and it'll give your feelings of how you parent a boost I guarantee!

Trev and Rebekah said...

Sounds like a rough day. I'm sure it's a handful having a 2 year old and a baby. I can't imagine what that's like just yet. Hope your weekend is great for you.

jupo said...

Hang in there, Jammy! You are doing an amazing job at being a mommy! He'll grow out of this stage someday. But until then, just hang in there....

Raine said...

I am sorry to hear that you had such a difficult day. You are a wonderful mom and your kids are lucky to have you. Hang in there:)

Drea said...

micah and kizah look so much alike!

Elissa said...

Wow! I was just looking at those pictures of Keziah, and I can't believe how much she looks like the Toews side of the family. She defnintely takes after Erik, while Micah looked more like you as a baby.

Anonymous said...

I have one that beats baby push ups... a dear friend of mine has two boys. One is a month and a half older than our girls. Isaiah was pulling himself up and standing in his crib by 5 months. he would stand there and take his pjs off!! CRAZY!! At 6 months or so he started walking. Now, under 8 months, he runs around... PSYCHO??!!?!? I think so!!!

dee said...

Your day sounds very similar to the days I have been having with Ella who is also 2 1/2!

I know that we have never met but from reading your blog I know that you are a fantastic mom! You are doing an amazing job with your children! They are beautiful. I'm sure this is just a stage that Micah is going thru.

Janelle said...

oh sweetie...i've had my fairshare of those kind of days! don't doubt that you are a great Mommy - cause i KNOW you are! :) this stage will pass! (i'm reassuring myself at the same time that i'm telling you! haha)
big HUGS to you!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Sorry that you had such a rough day Jamie! I can't even imagine what I would do in that situation. I'd probably do EXACTLY the same thing! Hopefully today (and the weekend) will be better. I love the pics of the kids! Keziah's cheeks are so cute and chubby! Love 'em!

Donna said...

I haven't stopped by in awhile!

It is so hard to not follow through with stuff. I threaten alot and I am sure that is why my kids walk all over me! I always want to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Just pray through it, God will give you the right answers!

Jeff and Jocelyn said...

Uhh I feel for you in the parenting area. Sometimes I get so project focused or have my day so planned, that Aiden uncooperation becomes very frustrating. Wishing you a great weekend!
I love the pool video, I love the pause of whether he should laugh or cry:)

The Keowns said...

what can I say but. . .welcome to my world. I have learned that I must follow through with threats. If we are in a park, and one of them acts up and I threaten to leave, I have to be bold enough to get up and leave. Recently, Aidan has even gone to bed with no supper because I have to follow through with threats I have made.
I just have to let you know, I bought Liam a little puppy dog backpack at walmart with a leash on it. This works great if I am in a store that doesn't have carts or when I bring Aidan into school and don't want him to run off. This way I still have control but he has some freedom. I know it sounds bad, haveing your kid on a leash but it has been a lifesavor, especially this last week with Steve being gone.

Amber said...

Thank goodness for fresh starts every morning ;) You are a great Mom Jamie! It's hard work...but so worth it when you look at those precious little people who call you Mommy.