Neglectful

So, yeah, I ummmm, yeah, well, I haven't updated in nearly three weeks.  But you know, I've been busy:  internet surfing, Facebooking, keeping warm from the cold.  Oh yeah, and taking care of a 16 month old, working, playing house.  You know, the usual stuff.

Anyhow, I somehow managed to miss Patrick's commemorative 16 month video, but not to worry.  I promise to put together something extra special to celebrate months 16 AND 17 together.  People, I'm *that* good.

We're heading down to Miami later this week to spend a week with Abuelo and Abuela, who are eagerly anticipating the arrival of a 22 pounder.  Nevermind their charming, most intelligent daughter and her loveable snowape husband, it's all about the grandson.

And, so, if I don't have a chance to update while I am frolicking in the tropical (read: hot, humid and sticky) climate that is Miami, I promise to return with stories of dominoes, rice and beans, and Dexter tours.  If not, at least I'll have some pictures of Patrick being carried around like a king. 

Carry on now.

This Morning

I tell you, this little kid eats more than I do.  this morning's breakfast consisted of: an entire banana, a bowl of oatmeal (blueberries and cream) made with milk, a few handfuls of Cheerios, and half a cup of milk. 

Me?  A glass of tea and a piece of toast.

And he settles in to watch Mickey Mouse, I am going outside to shovel.

My work is never done.

Baby Jail Casualty

This afternoon, when I picked up Patrick at baby jail, his teacher told me that he had a mark on his left arm.  It was near his elbow and they had noticed it when they rolled up his sleeves to wash his hands.  I asked what kind of mark and the teacher said it was a bite mark.  I was surprised, since most of the kiddies in his class are, well, let's face it, missing most of their teeth.

So we took a look at it.  And, whoa!  A bite mark.  From someone with a full set of teeth. 

We went through all the questions - it was washed, the skin didn't break through, they put antiseptic on it, etc.  And apparently, Patrick didn't cry or anything when it happened.

(I honestly think that he was bit and to defend himself, he probably shoved the little girl who did it.  And yes, I am sure it was a little girl, because 1) there is only one kid with a full set of teeth in his class and it's A GIRL and 2) girls are evil that way.)

Once home, he was in great spirits.  Ate a bowl of carrot and chicken ravioli, brushed teeth, changed clothes, got cleaned up a bit and off to dreamland he went.

But here is a shot of the mark:

 

And here is a shot of the happy, bitten child:

(He kinda looks like the ghost in Ghostbusters that is eating all the hotdogs and buns...)

I'm just thrilled he's happy, despite the mark.  I couldn't take another day like the one we had yesterday.

Feeling Better

No, I'm not feeling inadequate anymore.  I took a long, hot shower and collected my thoughts and emotions.

And then I uploaded new pictures from my camera and was reminded of our trip to The Children's Museum of Manhattan.  Even though it was only yesterday, it seems like a lifetime ago already.  We joined some friends of mine that I hadn't seen in years and their kids (I had never met them!).  The kids had a good time and the parents (and friends!) were exhausted at the end of the day.  I think that means it was a success.  Enjoy the shots of Patrick discovering... stuff.

 

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Inadequate

This afternoon, Patrick and I had lunch at my aunt's house.  For the most part, Patrick loves going there and is always extra charming.  But today, I don't know what ever got into him.  He was happy at first, then threw a tantrum when it was time for lunch.  He refused to eat on his own, even though he was sitting in his booster seat. Eventually, I had to hold him and spoon-feed him.  Then he got happy again.  And all of a sudden, another fit of rage.  And aside from being able to feed him, I wasn't able to comfort him in any other way.  And I felt completely useless as a mom.  This is the first time I have ever felt this way.

Now, before anyone starts commenting/calling/emailing, I know I am a good mother.  I know I provide for Patrick and that he loves me.  But today, I just didn't know what he needed or wanted.  I know many moms have days like this; it's nothing new.  But it's new for me.

Could it be the terribles two's arriving 8 months early?