"Self": Reading, Driving, and Climbing StepsI hate to start each post with "it's been a long time," as it's such a cliche saying, but "wow, it has been a long time!" This posting will be all over the place, but hey, as I said before "it's been a long time." The past month has been busy to say the least. I have been faced with more big decisions at one time than ever before in my life. The beloved director of my preschool has decided that after 26 years at CHCP she would like to try a new job. She leaves us in a really great place, but will be sorely missed. As I was qualified for the position, I had to do much soul searching as to what I'd like to do. I felt like I had to protect the preschool I have come to love. With much guidance from friends, family, and the director herself, I decided that at this time having both Steven and myself making giant career moves at one time isn't wise. And of course we couldn't forget our sweet Edmund in all this. Perhaps in a few years I'll begin ascending the career ladder, but for now I'm happy to stay put. It helps that my co-teacher and friend, Jennifer, will be with me for at least another year. Her husband's contract was recently renewed. Hooray!
Steven and I have also purchased our first home in Southwest Durham. It will be strange to leave Chapel Hill after all these years. Of course we're not going to a distant planet, just a few minutes away, but again it will be a change. The neighbor
hood is wonderful, and we even had a chance to meet some of our neighbors when we showed up at the annual neighborhood yard sale. For some reason Steven had us go undercover, so won't the neighbors be surprised when they discover our true identities :) One of the young boys even asked for a high five from Edmund. Edmund was more than happy to oblige. We're very excited about this big step, but a little nervous at the same time.Steven will graduate in 2 weeks and will officially be Dr. Pattishall. He'll have a month off after graduation, during which time we plan to spend as much time together as a family as we can. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as our family makes some big transitions.
Time to change gears. I've never quite understood why everyone talks about the terrible twos. Most two year olds have words and can express pretty clearly how they are feeling. Toddlers are a different story. Toddlers may try to get their point across in a word or two, but if the caregiver doesn't understand or comply, the toddler will hit full meltdown mode. Edmund is no exception. Don't get me wrong, Edmund is as sweet as he can be, most of the time. However, there are times when even Edmund loses it. And currently meltdowns occur over two things: water at snack and washing hands. Edmund loves milk. However, our rule is water at snack time, or we'd go through a gallon of milk a day. This past week we've had a mini tantrum every day over this rule. Believe me it takes everything in my being not to give in. I'm a preschool teacher, so I know consistency is key, but boy are there days I'd like to take the easy way out. However, today we had a breakthrough. Edmund and I got home from Gymboree free play and guess what? Edmund asked for water. When I gave him his water he didn't throw the cup on the floor or at me, but drank it. Way to go Edmund.
Handwashing is another meltdown trigger. You would think that my little guy would think handwashing was a waste of time, but Edmund is the complete opposite. It doesn't help that the guidelines for preschool handwashing are ridiculous. If we were able to comply fully with North Carolina's handwashing requirements for preschools all day/everyday, the children and teachers would be at the sink all day. I even talked with the woman who helped develop the handwashing guidelines, and she said that even she wouldn't be able to comply 100%. It's not to say the teachers don't strive for perfection, but sometimes there are more important things than washing hands. Another thing that makes handwashing so appealing for Edmund is the sinks at the preschool. They are autom
atic. Once the children discover they can make the water run by sticking their hands under the sensor, they feel the power. The power of water is a big draw, and Edmund is far from the only child who would spend all day at the sink in his classroom. He relishes using the step stool to step up to the sink independently. It's when Jennifer or I take the step stool away from the sink that the meltdowns happen. Edmund is definitely the most vocal of his friends when it comes to his displeasure in having the stool taken away. You may think the teachers cruel for taking the coveted step stool away, but imagine a mob of angry handwashers vying for one sink and one stool, and you'll think differently.These days Edmund is asserting his independence like there is no tomorrow. If I make an attempt to help wash his hands, he will hold a hand out and say "self." In fact Steven and I hear the word "self" constantly throughout the day. Loosely translated "self" means "step away, I'm a big boy, and I will accomplish this task by myself even if it takes me all day." Because of "self" we must plan for a little more time to accomplish quick tasks (i.e. dressing, feeding, washing hands, getting in the car seat, climbing obstacle courses, etc., etc.).
As you might imagine, a day with Edmund is never boring. I know Edmund must learn to spread his wings and fly (figuratively). If he pulls a "self" on flying we're in trouble. I know that this is one of a series of phases Edmund we'll go through. As challenging as this so-called "phase" is, I am loving every minute of it. Edmund is a true individual. My goal as a parent is to give Edmund the tools to use "self" more and more as he grows. I just hope he'll still allow me some snuggly reading time every now and then.
