Some helpful things that work with Caroline and more...

Once C became mobile...at 8 months, changing her became quite a task.  She doesn't slow down, not even to get a dry diaper.  So recently, I discovered that having Cookie Monster or her baby doll go first with their diaper changing, she behaves on the table!  Not sure what it is, but it works!!

To prevent her from dumping her plate or cup of water on the floor I simply watch her closely and say, "Bring Mommy or hand Mommy the plate/cup."  

Thanks to Whit - I PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE her when she does something that she's supposed to do, like set her cup down instead of throw it, or pick up the things she knocked over while trying to get a toy.  She responds so well to this.

Tantrums have only shown faces when sleepy Caroline is around.  Then I know my limits and plan for food, drink, bottle, and diapers to not extend her breaking point.

Her biggest frustration right now is communication.  She does well with repeating words and I really listen and watch her as she does so to know what she means next time.  But, we do have trouble when she says words or babbles with a needy whine that we don't understand.  Most times she will run and point and that will start a cascade of questions from us, while also pointing.  Once we do that, she calms down and shakes her head yes or no.  

The poor girl is so frustrated and so ahead of what her body is able to do.  She knows what she is saying, she just can't seem to tell us so that we know what she is saying.  She thinks she's big stuff..and she sure acts like a two year old.  I always say Gracie is 3 going on 16, while Caroline is 2 going on 6.  

In writing the blog post last night, B and I recapped a lot of our favorite things about Caroline.  

* We love how she  says, "bellbee" - her bellybutton, and then proceeds to search for everyone's.  Once found, she digs her sharp nail into them.

* Our bed is her favorite activity.  She gets on our bed and rolls around in the pillows and loves to cuddle and giggle with me and B.

* She is doing a great job at the beginning puzzles she has.  She likes to put objects in other objects, such as keys in keyholes.  At Myrtle Beach, she found some play keys of Gracie's (very close to real ones) and walked over to the camper door and proceeded to try to lock the door with the keys. No one showed her this previously.

* She is a sweetheart.  Every night before bed, we drink our milk, read our books, brush our teeth (which can be a struggle when gums are sore), and I always ask for a hug, kiss and say "I love you."  She always gives me a hug by laying her head down on my shoulder, gives me a kiss (making the mmmm noise) through her pappy, and says her version of "love you."  Best part of the day.

* One of the more recent actions that I really have to hold back my laughter on is the look she gives.  If she is told no about something that she knows is a no-no, she gives us this look that is definitely a learned behavior from Gracie.  She looks toward the floor and cuts her eyes to the side, while pursing her lips.  Then she'll raise her chin and eyebrows, and do the "I'm not listening to you" face, while fluttering her eyes.  To me its hilarious, but I know in the back of my mind its only the beginning of her back-talking and defiance.  

I think I've learned the past couple of days that reflecting on the daily life of Caroline really makes me laugh at a lot of things that at the time made me mad.  It puts more in perspective for me and reminds me of the blessing she is.  I'm beginning to see the humor in more, knowing that B and I are doing the best we can to raise her, and as long as we are doing it with love, its all we can do.