Ramblings Of A STAY-AT-HOME-PARENT

• I refer to myself as the SAHP. Removing the gender connotation has the advantage of reducing the "Mr. Mom" references. I don't think Aly is called "Mr. Dad" because she goes off to work...
• AA is talking up a storm. Very expressive with her facial expressions and hand gestures. Still, let's be clear. While Aly and I understand much of what AA is saying, with the exception of one word utterances, most people would struggle with understanding her.
  
• AA is constantly asking "what's that". Example: If I'm cutting up a green pepper she will ask what it is. She seems to observe anything and everything and wants to know what things are and what I'm doing. That's cool.
• Some may find this trivial. However, we celebrated this breakthrough for AA. She has begun to fantasy play. First thing we do after waking from a nap is go to the bathroom. This past week, Elmo turned on the bathroom light, Elmo went to the potty (actually sat on the toilet), Elmo waved his potty goodbye when flushing and Elmo then turned the bathroom light off.
• Whenever possible, AA walks beside the shopping cart instead of riding. We dance and twirl in the aisles with every opportunity. My looking silly is of little to no consequence.
• AA loves her shades (sunglasses) and will squint and cover her eyes if we head out the door without them. Once walking into a building she will nonchalantly take them off and hand them to me. Too cute.
• I have not encountered any problems with other parents "accepting" me at area playgrounds. I admit to being very sensitive to how it may look having an older man at a park with lots of children around. Parents being protective of their kids is very understandable.
• Teaching AA a few basic words in sign language has paid off in HUGE benefits for each of us.
  
• AA folds her hands in prayer for about 5 seconds. She then fast forwards to Amen. I can't say that I blame her :) Some folks are just too long winded.
• There are days I can't imagine not doing what I do now. I have not missed my old job once.
• She likes to put on and take off her own shoes. Patience is the key. I try to remember to let her start getting ready first and then myself before rushing out the door.
  
• The only food she has trouble with is lettuce. The cud reflex just doesn't seem to be in the cards right now :)
• We follow fairly close to a daily routine if for no other reason than to help Dad remember what it is we (I) should be doing.
• Contrary to popular belief. Having a 2 1/2 year old doesn't keep me young :) but it does keep me humbled and thankful.
  
• For the most part. Salty Dog ignores AA and AA ignores Salty Dog. He's never snapped, growled or acted territorial around her once. I wish I could say the same thing about AA :) Salty does insist on accompanying me when getting her up in the morning and after her afternoon nap.
• Speaking of naps. AA takes one every afternoon. Sleeps for about 1 1/2 hours on average. Occasionally, two hours.
• She can point out a color when prompted but if asked what color something is, AA will respond by saying the word color...
• It's fun listening to her attempt to sing along to songs. La La La La,,, La La La La,,, Elmo's world... :)
• We travel with a DVD player in the car for longer jaunts. My reasoning. I'd rather have her watching Count Dracula than staring blankly at the back of a headrest.
• Often I will find myself looking at AA and remember how our journey began and why I am so thankful she was born in our hearts those few years ago.
• Starfall is a fantastic free Internet learning tool. We play on it daily.
• I hate shopping but not for AA :)
• AA has yet to discover candy and cookies and such. Our time will come but for now it's nice not having to contend with it.
• While sitting on the couch recently, AA came over and laid her head in my lap for the first time ever.
• With the exception of night-night, baby girl is potty trained. It's such a wonderful thing.
• I like Sid The Science Kid and Martha Speaks way more than I should. Geez...
  
• As the SAHP, you often wonder if you are doing all the things you need to be doing to help your little one learn.
• The purchase of a stick pony has done wonders in helping AA's balance and coordination skills.
• We're working hard on our please and thank you's.
• I still plan to dance with my daughter at her wedding.
• The Wait drains the energy and too often, the hopes and dreams from those still in their journey. Remember these folks in your thoughts and prayers...
• We couldn't be more proud of how the older kids have taken to having a little sister in the family. Alyzabeth is blessed to have so many family members and friends that surround her with love and attention. So very, very blessed...
  

peace
fm