Let's face it: My 9 month old has more attitude than most people I know. I don't know what to do with her. Fortunately, the Baby Bible (yes, I swear by it) tells me that it is a good idea to start disciplining your child at 9 months. I just haven't quite figured out what that means yet, other than telling her "no" when she does something naughty. I will probably have people instantly hating me and get all sorts of hate mail for saying my 9 month old needs discipline, but please read on before you judge me too harshly.
Exhibit A: Hallie refuses to sleep regularly all of the sudden. She has been a terrific sleeper her whole life and has taken regular naps and had regular bedtime always. But now, bad bad news. For example, two nights ago, she was up from 3 am to 6 am, just because she could. She finally went back to sleep at 6, but then woke up about an hour later and was ready to go for the day. Devin and I were exhausted, but she had a hay day all morning long playing and laughing and refused to take a nap until 2 pm. Ridiculous. Before we pull out the teething excuse, let me just say that she has 4 teeth and we never even noticed they were coming in, it was never really a problem for her. I really just think she is asserting her independence in all ways possible.
Exhibit B: Hallie refuses to eat anything unless she has two different items to choose from. And, it can't just be any two foods, it has to be two foods on opposite ends of the spectrum. Example. Yesterday morning, I tried to feed her bananas and pears for breakfast. Two foods she has never had problems with, in fact, two foods I daresay she has loved. Well, before she would even take one bite (meaning she didn't even know what it was), she clenched her jaw shut and turned her head to the furthest corner of her high chair in obvious refusal. After trying to let her feed herself (she usually likes that), I finally decided to get something that contrasts the fruit. I got some crackers out, and after having a bite of the cracker, only then would she take a bite of the fruit. What?! This is becoming an every meal occurance. How does she figure these things out?
"Yes, I just stole Sadie's toy. What are you going to do about it?"Exhibit C: Hallie absolutely has to have attention on her 100% of the time if there is a group of people around. When she is home with just Devin or I, she is usually fine to just entertain herself, play on the floor, or do whatever. BUT, heaven forbid we are around others and she is not getting all the attention. If eyes are diverted for too long or if someone is not playing with her or holding her, she will let out the most ear piercing screams known to man. I know- I have been personal witness to far too many to count. Its like a "Excuse me? How dare you look at/converse with/play with someone else" scream. NOT PLEASANT!
Exhibit D: The woman has manipulation down to a science. For example, she refuses to say "mama" unless she is in dire want of something. Every other time, she says "dada" when I request that she say "mama" (she thinks that is funny too). But, say I put her down for nap and she really wants out of the crib, she will call out "mama" just as I am leaving the room. Rude! Terrible torture. So then I don't know if I should praise her for being so awesome at saying "mama" or if I should just leave her be since I know she busted it out due to manipulation tactics. Hmmmmm?
Where this child comes from, I don't know. Now, I don't want anyone to read this and think that I am ungrateful for my dear, sweet Hallie. I am very grateful for her and she is hilarious most of the time, but man alive, why don't these kids come with some sort of guide?! This new age is bringing on challenges I fear will not go away anytime soon!
Aunt Mari Ann "sharing" her diet coke with Hals. Perhaps that is the problem???
14 comments:
what a great post, it really is quite comical. may i suggest "GIVE UP NOW!" once you think you have it figured out they turn on you to give you a new challenge. i'd say, maybe have another baby, i noticed having siblings do make a huge difference.... Good Luck!
I'm laughing so hard! Hallie is hilarious! (It's only funny until Sadie starts to act up...then it won't be so funny!) Good luck with Miss Hals. I know-- you can bring her to my house for a weekend and then you and Devin can have a little getaway. Sadie and I would love her company!!
What a little sassy girl! She is hilarious (as was your post). Sounds like she knows who rules the house. You're right, you are in for it for the next few years. BTW, she looks so much like Devin in the first picture and a lot like you in the second. I can finally see it!
Kim I know this great place that takes troubled youth. 1185 E. 300 N. Provo, UT. Good luck.
Your post made me laugh so hard...until I realized that this could be my future. Hopefully boys are slower than girls in realizing who is really in charge :)
Good luck with your headstrong girl!
I love reading about your little girl. She is so cute and funny!
awwww what a tricky little girl. she is smart. i feel that my little Ty already is smarter than we think too... and he's only 1 1/2 weeks old! i don't know if i want to read all of your troubles you're having with Hallie- that's not really something I'm looking forward to with Ty. :) haha. good luck with your smarty pants Hals.
oh hallie! these little kiddos are TOO smart! isn't it crazy that they already have these little personalities developing?
She sounds like Kate. Terrible sleeper, picky eater, and grumpy all the time! 9 months isn't too young for some discipline. If Kate was being kinda naughty and getting into something I didn't want her too I would tell her NO and move her. If she kept doing it she got a slap on the hand. If she kept doing it she got "time-out," I would put her in her bed by herself with the lights on for a few minutes.
As far as waking up just to wake up I would ignore her. If Kate wasn't sick and if she wasn't poopy or something else. As long as I knew she was fine, I would ignore her. If I sent Ian in to lay her back down she would be fine, if I went in she would want me to pick her up. I also used the cry-it-out method.
Don't start letting mealtimes become a battle. Pretty soon she'll be 2 and hardly eat anything! I would open all different kinds of baby food and prepare all sorts of food just to get her to eat and now she will refuse to eat what we are eating. She won't starve herself. Just try the same food again in a few hours.
Good luck! I know times can be frustrating.
P.S. "Time-out" is great for mommy's too! Just take a break if you need one!
haha I loved this!... but I know the frustrations too! Jackson went through weird stages like this too (and still does every once in a while). I think the sleeping thing is just something that happens with babies.
She is so cute though! That pic with Sadie I think she really looks like you!
Oh the joys of parenthood and the things I get to look forward to! I have to admit I was laughing hysterically. Hals is just so darn cute! I hope things take a turn for the better and she starts behaving for you! :) Good luck!
Just look at her face and you just melt. I would be in big trouble. :) Sorry I have to advice for you. Good luck!
I bet your mom and dad are loving that you had a child that turned out to be just like you. I don't really know that but it seems very possible. Quite hilarious! I'll be calling for help when my child turns out the same way.
P.S. I didn't even realize until later that I didn't even write what my new job is. haha I am going to be Barb and Steve Youngs assistant. Remember when I sent that letter to them???
I think it is DNA
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