Maggie update
Posted on January 30, 2008 - Filed Under Uncategorized
I thought I would write a post, after not doing so in a very long time, regarding Maggie’s development. I know many of the people who will read this have experienced all of this through the development of their own children and therefore, may find this just a bit boring. However, what they have also experienced is the immense pride and amazement brought on by the smallest accomplishment. Every parent should have the incredible pleasure of such experiences; missing them on a routine basis is very sad. That’s one of the reasons I have the highest degree of respect for people who fulfill public servant roles in our society; these jobs often take people away from their families for extended periods. Think about firefighters, who leave their local areas to fight huge wildfires (sometimes started by irresponsible pricks) hundreds of miles away; certain cops who must travel to complete long term investigations; the working poor, who often finds themselves away from home and family for months or years at a time so we can have our precious mushrooms, apples, or cheap furniture.
Wow, I can really get off on tangents, can’t I? Back to the point. Physically, she’s doing great–running faster all the time and, as the pictures we put up from Planet Kid in Boise indicate, climbing anything she sees that’s worth it. She’s still a skinny little thing but as she continues to age, she obviously puts on weight. She’s even–sort of–learning how to jump. Behaviorally, the big breakthrough, only a couple of days old, is her decision to begin potty training herself. Over the weekend, she requested we put her on the toilet and it hasn’t stopped since. Apparently, the teachers at school put her and the other kids up there every day, so that’s where Maggie’s initiative has come from, I’m sure. Although (here’s the bragging dad part), it should be pointed out that she weaned herself at 10 months.
A host of things on the mental level has been taking place, especially as manifested in her growing language ability. Once again, because of school, she has learned and often says, “Excuse me” when she needs to get around someone. In fact, last night she said, “Excuse me doggie. I blow my nose” on her way to the bathroom to get a tissue. It certainly wasn’t as clearly pronounced as an adult’s speech but because we’re used to her speech patterns, we could easily tell what she was saying. According to Erin’s mom, Maggie’s use of “I” this young is an indication of her high intelligence; I’m not sure how valid that opinion is given the bias which accompanies being a grandparent but we’ll give it to her anyway.
All positive changes and developments? As those of you with children will certainly guess, definitely not. One of the less positive or convenient changes is Maggie’s growing individuality. One of her favorite expressions is, “NO!!!” There are plenty of times she completes defies and disobeys us. I especially need to remind myself that growing up is a process and that she is just starting, so some of this strong-will is just her learning that she is a separate person and able to influence her environment and surroundings. Sounds good, right? Easier said than done.
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3 Responses to “Maggie update”
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you and Erin are great parents.
wow i am so proud of my precious little grandaughter you guys have made us so happy to have this opportunity to be grandparents to her i agree with jill you are wonderful parents
Jason,
I like hearing about Maggie… no need to worry about “boring” me. In fact, I think those with kids are more inclined to read about such posts than those without. Most my friends are still bachelors and I’m always hesistant to talk about my kids b/c I think I’ll bore them. Anyways, I’m glad to hear she’s doing so well. She does, indeed, sound like a smartie. And I love that age where they’re talking and putting together whole sentences for the first time. I often say I wish I could freeze time and keep Cam and Reagan at 6 and 3. A day doesn’t go by where they don’t crack me up with something they say. I’ve been meaning to call you here lately and catch up. I hope all is well. Take care.
Jake