Community Center Chaos

First, let me point out that I am a first time mom to a moderately shy little one. She has been exposed to many settings with other children (parks, zoos, playrooms), but is also used to her alone time because she stays home with me. Anyone who knows Jada knows I'm not making up the part about her personality. For example, I took her to the wading pool at a park and she sat in the middle observing each child for a good 20 minutes and didn't even play in the water. I obviously have great respect for introverts because I married one, but I cannot say I am the same way. I will continue trying to balance Jada's life between interactions and time spent alone just so she can be comfortable with who she is regardless of the setting. So here is my dilemma...

I think of myself as an engineer working in the anticipation field. At the community center today, the design only allowed for chaos. The large gym was full of wonderful toys, cars, balls, and playhouses. I love all types of children, quiet, noisy, rowdy, or goofy and I think children need to burn off energy so the children are not the problem. Unfortunately, too many little kiddos were run over by the older children zooming around on the tricylces. Jada did not get hurt, but I saw 3 infants get run over in a matter of 30 minutes.

Designate a certain wheel area with orange cones!

Have I really become that overbearing mom? The rules say children 6 and under. Jada loves being there and is learning how to be social. Am I being irrational?

Sixteenth Month

The redirection method of parenting is allowing for me to keep half my hearing. As Jada prepares each morning to scream 76 times each day (somehow I see her brushing her hair in front of a vanity saying this to herself), I find the great logic in ignoring the behavior, but the long term damage to my husband and my ears to be of concern. Greater good, my friends. Greater good. Derek and Stacy have felt the brutality of each high note more than any other outsider, but the daily soprano is starting to make me feel nauseous. And in some weird way it makes me laugh only because she is our kiddo. Don't you dare bring your screaming kid near me:) Back to the point - redirecting her to get something is my secret weapon for now. And any other advice would be helpful...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryZefVnnV8I

A Place to Call Home

We love Seattle. We are not Seattle people. Does it take a certain trait? Is it okay that we prefer country music, air conditioners, hate bicyclers on the road and still live here? The diversity and creativity is astounding and I like to find myself in the mix, not so Wenatchee World if you know what I mean. We would love for Jada to go to school with a plethora of cultures, religions, and traditions. Can we find a city where we can afford a home with a pool and yard, with the charm, freedom of expression, and amusement of Seattle?

HOLD THAT THOUGHT - Just as I was writing this I heard the front door crack open and little footsteps. I figured I had accidentally left the door open after someone (wanting me to hang their dad's political sign up in our yard) came by around 8:30 (yes, baby awake now). Our cats love any opportunity to get outside so I thought I'd go into the living room to see a cat outside (which I did), but apparently the neighborhood RACCOON wanted to come in and make himself comfortable! It was huge! I cannot believe it didn't start a war with my cats. As soon as the raccoon saw me it turned around and left. WHAT?! Maybe Seattle is not the answer, but I guess I wouldn't want an eastern Washington snake in our house either!