So for the past 5 years I've been through a parental bootcamp of sorts. It started on October 1, 2005 with a beautiful baby girl who was feisty from day 1. She never went through what I call the "blobby" infant stage of just lying there, snuggling, and being adorable. The day she was born, I remember everyone remarking how she was holding her head up and looking around already. She also pooped on me about 4 times in a row and screamed her head off whenever she couldn't see what was going on. This insistance on being omnipotent of her surroundings forced us to hold her facing outward until she was able to crawl on her own and sit up by herself. Once she was mobile, books were deshelved, markers colored walls, and playdough was stuck in carpet. She screamed at the least little displeasure and grunted and pointed to get what she wanted until she learned to talk...at 2 years old. And, she never rewarded my patience and love with even a snuggle. She was too busy to pay me any attention.
Luckily this all began to change around age 4 in which she became more demonstrative with her affections. And now that she's 5, she has matured into a sweet, loving, caring child. She showers me with hugs and kisses and tells me she loves me out of the blue. She is more patient and understanding, although we still battle about bed times and cleaning up. Overall she is an amazing sister to both her siblings, and I can tell that she destined to be the center of attention in whatever her future holds. I'm so proud of her and lucky to have her in my life. She's also one of the funniest people I know and has amazing comedic timing at such a young age. I feel like I am the grasshopper to her sensei. She has taught me how to be an effective parent- how to communicate, bargain, and most importantly not to sweat the small stuff. I am now prepared to handle whatever (Sophie) may come.
