The Only Mom Playing in the Sandbox

As I sat next to my daughter digging and building castles the other day, I looked up at one point and realized I was the only parent playing in the sandbox. And, it got me thinking about all the different parenting styles. I know there isn't any one "right way" of doing things. But, for me -- I believe in the hands-on parenting approach. If Remi is digging in the dirt and picking up rocks, so am I. If she's rolling around in the leaves or splashing in puddles, you can find me rolling and splashing with her.

Remi and I visited a local farm where we went on an egg hunt hayride, sat with the Easter Bunny and explored the "Discovery Barnyard" and "Animal Farm." The "Discovery Barnyard" has lots of different play areas including a huge sandbox. Remi had a blast. She left that place with muddy knees, sand in her socks and shoes and a dirty rear-end. And, you better believe -- I left in a similar fashion. The way I see it is -- participating in these activities is a chance for us parents to feel like a kid again and, most importantly, bond with our children.

(When I say "I was the only parent playing in the sandbox," I actually mean sitting in the sand and playing. There were plenty of other parents standing in the sandbox talking to other parents and watching their children - some children were older than Remi and others were here age. She'll be 20 months on April 13, 2017. Also, as we were leaving I did notice one other mom sitting in the sand :-)

Broken Phones, Blowouts and Tantrums

It's day three of my single parenting gig (the hubby is away for two weeks traveling for work) and, boy, are we having fun. I'm sure you can sense a bit of sarcasm in that statement but, overall, Remi and I really are enjoying our time together. The past three days have been filled with plenty of laughter, hugs, kisses and "mommy and me" activities including a Phillies game. Of course, my days are never complete without some excitement such as two trips to the mall for a broken phone, a couple of blowout diapers, a few tantrums and a whole lot of mommy chasing toddler around.

With Brian gone, it's imperative that my phone is working properly. I just bought the iPhone 7 about a month ago and for the past several days it has been intermittently crashing on me. I took it to the Apple store the other day but it crashed on me again this evening. Luckily, my mother-in-law was over and able to go to the mall with me to keep Remi occupied while I took my phone back to Apple.

We decided to make a little evening of it and have dinner in the food court. First, let me tell you -- like many toddlers at this age -- Remi doesn't want to sit still for very long. As a result, mommy either eats on the run or doesn't eat at all. As I quickly stuffed my face full of salad, she began wiggling her chubby, little legs out of the high chair. She stood up and lunged right at me. Yes, lunged. Don't worry, I was prepared. I caught her. She sat on my lap for maybe a minute before squirming her way to the ground. She was off. And, so was I. Chasing her around doesn't bother me; I want her to enjoy and explore. I just wish I could get a full meal in my belly before the race begins. To make things more interesting, Remi stopped and squatted in the middle of the food court (a position I know very well). She proceeded to let me know she was making a "poopy." Once she was done, she was off to the races again. I realized as we were finally leaving the food court I -- surprise, surprise -- forgot my purse at the table. Never a dull moment...

The three of us finally made it out to my car where I changed Remi in the trunk (I have a hatchback). I knew the "poopy" was bad. And, it was. It must have taken at least eight wipes to get her heinie clean. And, guess what? The excitement wasn't over yet. Remi didn't want to sit in her carseat. I think I'm pretty good at remaining calm in these situations. I try to give her time to settle down then try again. But, once a tantrum sets in, there's no stopping it -- all you can do is let her work out her frustrations. She did and eventually sank down into her seat. However, that was after screaming, trying to bend backwards over the seat and some flailing of her arms. She let out a couple more yells as we drove off before sticking her thumb in her mouth and returning to her sweet self. (Seriously. It's like our children briefly become possessed during a tantrum.) Another day down. But, a great day nonetheless.

Still, I have to admit -- she's cute even when she's screaming...

(Two things:
1. Daddy, if you're reading this -- we love you so much and miss you!
2. Full-time single parents are amazing and deserve SO much credit.)

Bushkill Falls, April 3, 2017

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