Thursday night, Calliope slept thirteen hours. And then she took a three hour nap on Friday afternoon.
And this weekend, she's been perfectly charming. Reminding me that once again, it's all about sleep. Having a well rested child is the secret to world peace, more or less.
I'm so relieved to be besotted with my little girl again.
I'm trying to take Tiara's advice, and to choose my battles. Once I put my foot down, I can't go back, but what I can do is choose to say "yes" more often. And to be more sympathetic to her frustration.
So tonight, near bedtime, she started whining from the living room, and saying "help!" in an angry voice. Rather than getting frustrated, or trying to jolly her out of it, I left what I was doing in the kitchen and joined her in the living room, and said sympathetically, "Oh, you're having trouble with the puzzle. Would you like some help?"
She gratefully answered "yes," and with a little encouragement to counter her fatigue, she was able to complete the puzzle successfully. Then we went to get ready for bed.
Of course then we had a minor meltdown because I refused to let her wear the Ergo doll carrier to bed. But she didn't have a full on meltdown. And after a couple of time outs in the last month, she no longer kicks me, even when she's lying on the floor in front of me while I change her into pajamas. So this time she just flapped her hands and whimpered like an infant. This, I can deal with.
Yesterday we went to the Queens Farm Museum with Amy, Seth, and Eleanor. Eleanor was very whiny and I was pleased to have the well behaved child, for once! Apart from the pumpkin throwing incident, which resulted in Calliope being strapped to my back in the baby carrier, with the pumpkins safely out of reach.
Our new babysitter, Catherine, came by after nap time and watched Calliope while I went out for a birthday dinner. I was very pleased that Calliope went to Catherine readily. Catherine will be staying with Calliope for my upcoming weekend away in DC, so I'm grateful that Calliope seems comfortable with Catherine already. That will make my weekend away a lot more relaxing for everyone.
So glad that your new nanny is working out!!
ReplyDeleteI'm watching your journey into the twos carefully, and making a mental note of all your tips. Before I know it, it will be my turn. Glad to hear things have improved!
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere that it's ok every once in a while to change your mind after you've said No - but only occasionally, and only when you've decided that you were probably unreasonable by saying no to start with. When I do change my mind, I always make a big deal out of it, so Finn understands there's a reason why I changed my mind and I won't always do it. Feeling like I have "permission" to change my mind makes it much easier for me. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd sleep - it is where it's at. That's my struggle these days!
It makes me happy to hear your new nanny is working well!