I'm not sure what happened when Madie turned 3? But since then her imagination has been in over-drive. She has always played and acted out scenes to a movie or pretended that her dolls, barbies and princesses talked to her and each other...but never have there been imaginary people who not only talk but do things as well. (My mom always told me that I had imaginary friends. I remember a little but not very much about "my friends.")
But Madie and her friends are everywhere all the time. She has to tell me what they are doing and what they are saying. But when are imaginary friends getting too close for comfort?
I'll tell you....
Last night, Madie and I were taking a bath (During the Summer it is just easier to put her in the tub with me so that there is only one bath time instead of two, especially when we stay outside until late in the evening.) and this was our conversation:
Madie: Mommy, they want you to sing Somewhere Over The Rainbow.
Me: Who?
Madie: Them.
Me: Who's them?
Madie: My friends.
Me: Where are they?
Madie: Right there.
So, I play along and start singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow and then she says....
Madie: Hey mommy....they want you to look at then when you sing to them.
Okay, okay I get it....I want my child to be creative and imaginative. But at bath time, I'm keeping the door shut...my tubs not big enough for Madie and all of her "friends." And I don't give private concerts for people I can't see while I am taking a bath. Now, if they want to have a sing-a-long while I am cooking dinner I am all about it--but bath time...we are going to have to talk.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Imagination Overdrive
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Madie Talk
The other day Madie and I were in one of hubby's favorite stores, Academy Sport and Outdoors as Madie calls it. I try to keep Madie with me and away from hubby so that he can look around and enjoy his time in his store. He is usually confined to the fishing department so I always know exactly where to find him.
While Madie and I were walking around the following conversation took place.
Madie: What's that ladies name?
Me: I don't know.
Madie: Ask her what her name is?
Me: No, you ask her.
Madie: What's her name?
Me: I don't know.
Madie: She looks like her name might be a maw-maw.
She's smart. She did look like a maw-maw and I'd bet money she was. Thankfully she had walked off and we didn't get to have that conversation with her.
Potty Trained And It Feels So Good
As a parent there have been many things that I have been unsure of but I've always seemed to get by. I would always just tell myself to use my common sense, raising a child is not supposed to be rocket science. Then there are other things/milestones that I have feared. Potty training was one of them. I had read numerous books and articles on the subject and wondered how in the world I was going to get Madie potty trained.
I was encouraged about 9 months ago when Madie actually went to the potty whether it was by accident or not she had no interest whatsoever about continuing to go to the potty. She would on occasion, whenever it was convenient with her. No amount of candy corn or smarties could persuade her. As with walking and talking all children develop at different rates and I knew she would show interest when she was ready.
Ready or not?
About 2 weeks ago I decided it was time. I was ready to commit and do what ever I needed to do to see if Madie was ready. We were going to be home one day so when she got up that morning I took her diaper off and put her big girl panties on. We had about 3 accidents that day. No accidents the next 2 days and one accident the day after that. I can proudly say that it has been 13 days with NO accidents and only wearing a diaper at night. She stopped wearing one at nap time about 4 days ago and so far so good. I must admit that skittles, special skittles (thank you so much skittles for coming out with more flavors and colors to give the illusion that they are more special) candy corn, gummy worms, suckers and twizzlers have played a major roll. There is nothing like consenting to 3 skittles at 7am because Madie used the potty or having to brush her teeth 2 times before bed because she decided she needed to potty one more time. Maybe that's why the teeth they have now fall out?
Now, when we are out somewhere and we need to go potty she will tell me, "Way to go Mommy, you went potty," in the restroom and then she will say, "Give me a high five." There may be some snickers or laughs from others who may be in the there, but I cherish every second of it. Because it shows me that she is supporting me just like I have supported her. We've developed quiet the little support team and I can't believe we did it.
Needles to say, I am so proud of her. I'm also proud of myself. I really never thought this day would come and now that its here it is so bittersweet. My baby girl is growing up way to fast.
