Hot, Hot, Hot

It's been extremely hot in Western NC. Most days it has been in the high 90's to low 100's.

It's sucky because it's too hot to be outside, unless we go to the pool. And the pool costs money, so we've only been going once a week.

I am so ready for Autumn. It is my favorite season, and it gets cooler. Heck, right now, I'd be glad for some 80 degree days. It would feel cool after the hot weather we have been having.

Adventures at the IHOP

Yesterday, my husband, my toddler and I went to IHOP for lunch. It isn't one of our normal lunch spots, but I was craving pancakes.

Right after we were seated, a grandmother and a toddler about Emily's age were seated near to us. Emily found the little boy very interesting, but soon was distracted by the crayons and kid's menu to draw with.

The little boy was acting like a typical toddler - tossing things, not wanting to sit in his seat, etc. I felt bad for him because his grandmother didn't know how to handle him. She kept threatening to spank him and kept raising her voice. It made me sad because his behavior was not that bad, and no worse than Emily's.

Emily got bored with her crayons and was a little cranky before our food came. So my darling husband took the bands that held the silverware together and re-attached them after he taked them off the silverware.

He had two that he used kind of like circular blocks. He would try to stack them, and Emily would knock them over, while giggling madly. This kept her amused until our food arrived.

There were a lot of older couples eating their as well, and one had been watching her giggle from across the room. As they were leaving, they came over to us and told us what a cute and happy child Emily is!

Over and Over Again

Today, Emily wanted me to read to her. This was good since usually she wants to do it herself. But it was bad because she kept wanting the same book read over and over again.

Her books of choice today were Dr Suess' ABC Book and Dr Suess' Tooth Book, which are both great kid's books.

Now, Emily talks, but not a ton. But after reading the ABC book to her over and over again today, she now is saying 'A, B, C' as one of her favorite phrases.

I also just got her a bunch of kid magnets that are of letters. She has had fun playing with those as well - she is just really interested in letters lately!

Meet Emily's Lovey - Henry!

I posted a while ago that I was worried because Emily didn't have a lovey. Well, she does now!

It's a stuffed dog named Henry - he is a Naughty Naughty Pet (he loves your Woolly Socks, which is why I guess he's naughty) and my husband won him out of a claw machine.

I'm happy she has a lovey now, but I'm a bit concerned for Henry's safety since he would be (possibly) hard to replace. I did do a quick search online and found this link - Henry Loves your Woolly Socks Plush, but he's out of stock.

I haven't checked eBay, but I just pray that Henry stays safe and sound so I don't have worry about finding his (Evil? Good?) twin.

For now, he is safely tucked next to Emily as she sleeps! 

Toddler Fun Rant

Emily and I go to Toddler Fun every Tuesday - it's a free program through the local hospital at the local Y.

Most of the kids that go are Emily's age and Emily's size - though sometimes some older kids come in, especially since it's summer, older siblings sometimes sit in.

Well, today there was a toddler who had two adults with him (mom and grandma I think), and his older brother was along too - the older boy was probably 7 or 8.

Well, the older boy was playing very rough - kicking the balls hard during ball time, and flopping around under the parachute - to the point I think he kicked a little girl (and he had his tennis shoes still on!)

The most annoying part of all of this, was that the two adults didn't say anything to him until the end (when he started trying to stomp the bubbles hard during bubble time). They just let him play hard around all the kids who were much, much smaller than him.

Emily had a good time, but my time was soured by the display of bad parenting!

Bad Parent or Good Parent

It's odd how your ideas change from before you have kids to after you have kids.

I know a lot of people look down on parents who 'leash' their kids, but for me, buying Emily's bat wing backpack with the leash on it was a very good thing.

You see, Emily really dislikes holding hands, and she wants to run free. But she doesn't get the concept of looking before she walks yet, so it was a nerve-wrecking, tantrum making issue.

I decided to get her the restraint and it was some of the best money I've ever spent. It gives her the illusion of freedom, and it gives me the piece of mind that if I have to, I can pull her out of danger.

I don't think this makes me a bad parent - rather a good one that is concerned about my child, but wants to give her some freedom to explore her world!