Last week I took Thomas to the Pediatrician for his 15-month check-up. Yes, my baby is now a toddler and growing up way too quickly for his Mama.
All the routine measurements were taken...height, weight and head size...our little guy is within the 75th percentile in all categories...healthy and growing.
Then of course there are the routine growth and development questions...eating habits, agility, understanding simple commands and words. Well, I started to be concerned when they asked how many words he can say..."does he ask for a 'cup' or say other simple words?"
"No, nothing specific like that but he makes lots of sounds and jibber jabbers all the time." The Pediatrician asked what sounds and I told her he makes the sounds of a sheep and cow when I read his Old MacDonald book and the "vrmmm vrmmm" sound when he plays with his cars and trucks or when I read him his book about transportation. She then said she felt a bit better as long as he was understanding and making sound association to the items/pictures.
So, being me...the worry wart, I left his appointment feeling like I had failed my child. I know I'm doing my best and most likely he'll be a motor mouth like his Mama in no time but I still can't help but be critical of myself. Thomas' first word was "Ma" which he said to everything...including me. It's amazing how a simple word can bring so much joy. It's also amazing how a simple word can make you roll your eyes and laugh when he's banging on the bathroom door and repeating "ma, ma, ma, ma..." making sure you know he's there and that he wants to come in. Who knew they started doing that so young? Just another reminder of how quickly he has grown. I look forward to more days...more words and more "firsts".
April 25, 2013
Time - written in November, 2012
Today was unusually warm for the end of November, so I took advantage of the sunshine and got to work outside. Baby Thomas (now nearly 13 months old) was waddling along the driveway while our dog Lola jumped beside him and then would run around the yard and scatter leaves. It's nice living in a culdesac because I don't worry about traffic zooming by our house and the neighbors are very considerate when coming and going.
I was sweeping the porch when I noticed one of my neighbors leaving her home and heading towards her car. Her husband recently died and I had been meaning for quite some time to offer my condolences. I would see her husband every day come home from work. He was a quiet man and he kept to himself. He never looked up when I drove by and waved. I never heard a hello from him in the 4 years we have lived here. At Christmas time when I'd knock and bring a plate of goodies, it was his wife who answered and she would always ask me to remind her of my name. That was the extent of my conversations with both of them for the most part.
I'm much closer to all my other neighbors and converse with them regularly. Over the years we've become quite fond of them and have enjoyed living by each of them. I always felt bad that I didn't have more contact with the older couple but had been told by other neighbors that it was normal for them to keep to themselves.
I smiled and waved at her, she smiled back. I felt the urge to go across the street and visit with her but thought it best to let her go about her business. Then Lola suddenly noticed her and bolted towards her. I ran after her but by the time I reached the two of them, Lola had already jumped several times and nearly knocked her over. I apologized for Lola but suddenly found myself face to face with her and I couldn't just walk away without speaking about her loss. She was gracious, soft spoken and very kind. As we ended our conversation, I hugged her and as I was about to return home she reminded me to enjoy my little one because time is so precious. I was grateful we spoke.
I was sweeping the porch when I noticed one of my neighbors leaving her home and heading towards her car. Her husband recently died and I had been meaning for quite some time to offer my condolences. I would see her husband every day come home from work. He was a quiet man and he kept to himself. He never looked up when I drove by and waved. I never heard a hello from him in the 4 years we have lived here. At Christmas time when I'd knock and bring a plate of goodies, it was his wife who answered and she would always ask me to remind her of my name. That was the extent of my conversations with both of them for the most part.
I'm much closer to all my other neighbors and converse with them regularly. Over the years we've become quite fond of them and have enjoyed living by each of them. I always felt bad that I didn't have more contact with the older couple but had been told by other neighbors that it was normal for them to keep to themselves.
I smiled and waved at her, she smiled back. I felt the urge to go across the street and visit with her but thought it best to let her go about her business. Then Lola suddenly noticed her and bolted towards her. I ran after her but by the time I reached the two of them, Lola had already jumped several times and nearly knocked her over. I apologized for Lola but suddenly found myself face to face with her and I couldn't just walk away without speaking about her loss. She was gracious, soft spoken and very kind. As we ended our conversation, I hugged her and as I was about to return home she reminded me to enjoy my little one because time is so precious. I was grateful we spoke.
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