Recently, I have noticed a change, however. We seem to have come full circle and once again errands with Annabelle are a treat for both of us. She is a social creature and so very interested in everything and everyone around us. Several times in the past couple of weeks we have run out for a quick errand and, much to her dismay, gone straight back home. I knew she was dismayed, of course, because she let out an, "Ohhh, nooo!" as soon as we turned onto our street and was very annoyed with the idea of getting out of the car. Quite a change from the days of screaming over getting into the carseat.
When we're out, Annabelle notices and comments on everyone we see, and interacts with whoever will notice her. On our last visit to the grocery store, she picked two plumeria flowers off the ground and, as we walked in to the store, held them up to passersby, declaring, "TWO flowers!"
One day last week, while watching me sign my credit card receipt, she said, "write" and I answered with, "Yes, I'm writing my name." She latched on to the word name and has since been talking about different people and their names nearly nonstop. We now learn the name of the checker and bagger on each shopping trip and she tells them goodbye as we leave, then reenacts the farewell in the car all the way home, and for many days afterward. Seemingly out of the blue, she'll say, "Bye, Jackie! See you next time, Jackie" I really would like to see and hear what goes on inside her mind!
In addition to names, Annabelle has become quite interested in the songs we regularly sing and listen to and she makes frequent requests. We have created many an impromptu medley, since a new song is frequently asked for well before the first has ended. Each of our favorites has been given a one or two-word name by Annabelle so it's easy for her to let me know what she wants to hear. "Home on the Range" is, of course, called, "Buffalo!" "My Bonny Lies Over the Ocean," simply "Osh!" and "My Favorite Things," is referred to as, "Rainy, Rosie." That last one took me an entire day to identify, and I was quite thrilled with myself when I finally figured out what the poor child was begging for.
So many of the things I looked forward to in the difficult early days of toddlerhood have developed: more independent play, longer stretches of sleep, more interaction with other people, fewer handfuls of sand in the mouth, clearer communication. I'm struck with pride on a regular basis, but it's all bittersweet. I am needed less and less every day, and I know I will look back on and miss these days and the ones that came before. I'm just trying to remember to soak it all up!
Tell me: What's new in your house?
What a joy Annabelle is!! And yes the time is speeding by, but with your attention to detail and your diligent observations, and this beautiful blog dedicated to her development, you are stretching it out mama! And I don't think it's any different when they are 9 and 6. I was talking to hubs yesterday about this, that because I get to watch them learn and grow everyday, and because I am still such a large and active part of their lives, I think have been able to slow the process down--or in my mind at least. I only recently started feeling my time getting short though. They are asking for more now, more time with friends, more independent experiences (especially the boy), the time for letting go is close...
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Oh my gosh, is she ever cute! I'm glad you have reached a rewarding phase of toddlerhood, with enjoyable interactions and more 'breathing room' for yourself! I find that, although i was(am) wistful about my babies growing up, they really get equally enjoyable in different ways. So rest assured! Although it changes, they always are remarkable and sweet in different ways. I love having conversations with my older boys now; they are pretty interesting characters and I have more insight into 'what goes on in their heads,' which is so mysterious when they are younger! Annabelle is a sweet and intelligent little thing, and I'm sure her older self will be just as remarkable! I hope someday I can meet her! =) And you!
ReplyDeleteAND p.s., we have the same bath toy as you; the white and orange duck. Yikes, we were sisters in a past life...
That's so cool! I remember when that happened with me and Baby T, although now every once in a while I would love to go on a quick grocery shopping trip again. What is that like? I can't even remember. When I go out with Baby T and Little M, I usually have nothing to do, nowhere to be, and am not in a rush. Which is good, because Baby T likes to pick up a lot of stuff at the store and then we have to put it all back. But when Big T comes with us, I lose my patience and feel rushed. Because he doesn't understand just lollygagging around with a 2 year old. But I do love the constant entertainment at this age!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds spectacular - I'm glad for the two of you, who seem to be getting such joy out of life! Social toddlers are quickly becoming my favorites; a little girl ran up to our family the other day and shyly took my hand, giggled, and then ran off again to join her own family. It was so precious, and Libra talked about her for the rest of the day. "Who that kid, Mama? Hold your hand?" He's gotten pretty social himself, and often tries to get other adults' attention for various things: "Hey, watch me! Hey, look at me!" "Here, this yours," and "Here go," too, when he wants to hand something off. So cute!
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