So these are the last few days of my leave with my girls...I have had a few good days, with occasional moments that were hard but overall. Fridays have been easier, as Cindy is home and it helps to have someone to tag in. Catherine was her usual self. She struggled with redirection but I have noticed something with her: if I am alone with her or Cindy is, she is more redirectable. When we are both there, she tries to feed off each of us and seems more hyper, out-of-control.
Christina, on the other hand, is just a cool cucumber most of the time. She seems to enjoy having both of us there, and she certainly enjoys the faces we make for her. She just coos and smiles away. She has been such a different kid. Some say it is experience, some say it the change of attitude of us as parents, I think those things help but, ultimately, she is just a different child than Catherine. Christina has been making me sad, with all her smiles and appearing to thoroughly enjoy spending time with me. I hate having to go back to work, even though I know it is what is best for her and me.
Anyway, yesterday afternoon was spent cleaning out Catherine's stuffed animals and books. Catherine was such a giving sister, working on sharing and even making a distinction of what she likes versus what Christina has liked (OK, maybe that is the over bragging parent, but please, just go with that notion!). She started over-giving by the end of the separation of goods so that was a little weird and created a weird energy. We tried to go return some items at a store and go see some animals at a store but it was too late, Catherine was tired and we ended leaving fast. We got everyone ready for bed and tried to sleep it off.
Unfortunately, Christina was coming down with a cold so she was up in the middle of the night...and had lots of trouble falling back asleep. I tried to contribute, but Cindy was really good with her and helped her fall back asleep. I sometimes feel so powerless in those situation and really want to help. I am not always very awake and not useful. I get angry at myself. I don't know, it may sound nuts but I wish I was better.
Anyway, today was starting a little rough. We were running slightly late for gym, Catherine was tired for the gym and struggled most of the AM. Christina was unable to sleep, Catherine was cranky and bossy. We tried to put them down for a nap but it was not helpful, so I decided to go for a ride to the mall. Yes, I am talking about taking 2 kids under 3 to the mall on a Saturday...but it was, actually, really great. And yes, I was alone, as Cindy had to work. Both slept on the way there. and then, they did awesome at the mall. We walked, got people say how cute they were, especially Christina...which brings me to my rant...
How come people look at the 3 month old and say "How cute!" "So precious" "Awww!" but ignore the toddler? I get so annoyed because they always annoy Catherine and I always make a point to include her somehow: "She got her looks from her sister" "Catherine, tell them you look exactly like her" etc. People are so freaking insensitive and really don't understand the impact of those statements and them ignoring the older child. Am I the only one who gets this? OK, rant over.
Anyway, Catherine was very good, helped me with some shopping for Cindy and even told me: "I don't like it" in front of the salesperson so I could leave without guilt. Christina also smiled and "hoooooo!" me a lot. We went home, got ready to go eat where it was rougher because Cindy was back! Seriously, I think they were both tired and Catherine is also coming down with a cold. We ate at a restaurant, where a man noted that Christina, due to her crying; "he'll make a great football player" to which I replied "I hope SHE will". After all, it was hard to tell, as she was wearing pink...OK maybe the guy was color blind...It really didn't annoy me but found it funny.
Catherine got home, went to bed, decided she needed the potty where she pooped and peeped...She was so funny though. She sat, asked for something to read (daddy's girl) and was there for a while. When I asked about pee or poop she denied it...and then slowly got up to "reveal it" to me! She then jumped up and down and was genuinely happy to see my happiness in my face. This stuff is only really cool if you understand how these little things are little gifts. Christina needed sleep too and went down fairly easy.
Last day tomorrow of the leave :(
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