because he is worth it...

My little Parker has been sick for the past couple of days. He's got a cough, fever, won't drink, won't eat...minus the THREE Fruitabu this morning! We've been spending our days on the couch, watching movies. I have no idea how many times Curious George played today! Surprisingly, Parker has had the greatest attitude about being sick this time around. He is super clingy, but I secretly love this. I hope my boys will always want to sit on my lap and snuggle...even when it isn't cool anymore:) Even though he feels really icky, he is still being sweet to me and wants me to comfort him.

I think our relationship is on the mend. Not that it has been terrible, but we've had a few rocky spots since Griffin was born. Since Griffin's arrival, Parker has been waking up from his nap in a nasty mood, usually crying...and just generally sort of ticked off at me much of the time. I get it. I mean, a new baby in the house is a tough thing to handle, especially for a two year old. But I knew that I needed to make some adjustments...

I tried a new approach with Parker this week and it seems to have made a huge difference. First (and this is a total no-brainer), I have been making a huge effort to respond calmly, and even joyfully, rather than react to frustrating situations with Parker. Of course this is going to change the mood in our home! And second, I am trying to show interest in things that Parker is interested in...not just me. In a book I'm reading, the author talks about how it is important to build significant purpose in our child and one of the ways we can do this is by showing them they have our attention...even in the small things. I've always played with Parker, but lately it has been more of me trying to get Parker involved in one of my ideas or asking him to help with Griffin or around the house...because, you know...I'm busy! So now that we have more of a predictable schedule, I have devoted a period of time in our morning to nothing but Parker. This means no phone calls, no cleaning, no folding clothes. Kids know when we're paying attention and I want him to know that I care about what he cares about. During Griffin's morning nap, Parker gets a bath and while I'm drying him off, I ask Parker what he wants to play with. Lately he has wanted to play with the garage. But whatever he wants to play, I totally engage...with sound effects and everything! Little boys are all about the explosion noise:) Anyway, long story short, I want to show Parker daily that he matters, that he has my full attention, and that I want to be involved in the details of his life.

Since I've been making effort in these two areas, Parker has not cried upon waking from his nap and his overall disposition has changed. He's more agreeable, more teachable, more affectionate, and more fun. And I am even finding more joy in the tumultuous two's!

This evening Parker was having a hard time getting to sleep so I crawled into his little bed with him. By the way, I far exceeded the weight limit on that thing...but it didn't matter! I held his hand and he pulled himself up next to me and immediately started to settle down. He decided to place his face right up against mine so that our noses were touching and he breathed right into my mouth for a good 10 minutes! If I am sick in a couple days, I will know where it came from, but those moments are priceless and he's worth it...