John and I decided early on that we wanted to tailor our parenting style in a way where Brecken could learn how to do things on his own--without us hovering over him.
We never baby proofed our house (except for the chemicals) so he would learn boundaries, we taught him how to go up and down the stairs before he was ten-months-old, we showed him where to find snacks in the cupboard, and we even taught him how to turn on the television by himself (big mistake).
John once joked that if we were to leave him home alone for a week he would survive.
I didn't find his life or death scenario amusing.
Even with the vast amount of independence we have given Brecken I am still the kind of mother that gives him my undivided attention for hours. Whether it be reading books, practicing the alphabet, coloring on butcher paper, playing outside, or building towers out of blocks.
While I have truly loved every minute with Brecken, I have slowly begun to wean myself from the amount of attention I give him. It's been difficult--and heart wrenching.
And with my ever growing stomach it has become even more difficult to pick him up, so I am often left hovering over him while he cries because there is only so much lifting I can do before I pee my pants.
true story.
I keep telling myself that each day will get easier.
hopefully I'm right.
One big change towards being more self-sufficient has been our morning routine.
After Punk wakes up I allow him to sit on my bed and watch a movie while drinking some milk. In the past I would lay in bed and cuddle with him. Now I use this time to shower, start laundry, get dressed, and make breakfast--basically I try to get all the crap done that we mothers never have time to do because our kids our wreaking havoc on our lives.
Although it may seem like I am just replacing myself with the television it has been a large step for us in creating some much needed independence.
But independence does have it's boundaries with a two-year-old.
A few days ago I was sitting in the kitchen working on etsy orders; I assumed Brecken was sitting quietly in my room watching a movie.
He, however, was not.
Quiet is usually code word for trouble in our house.
Brecken's new infatuation with pens included drawing beautiful masterpieces on our bed sheets, bed skirt, duvet cover, dresser, and all over himself.
Independence is now coming at the cost of my sanity (and my linen closet).
Heaven help us all because the next step towards independence starts next week with potty training.
Let's just hope he doesn't find any permanent markers between now and then.
;)
