Some things we take for granted. Like getting dressed. Unless we are paraplegic, an absolute klutz or have just smoked far too much cabbage, getting dressed is a cinch.
Sure, if you happen to be the winner of the 2004 Imelda Marcos Shoe Collection Trophy, you might have trouble choosing just the right shoe for the occasion. But actually slipping your foot into your selection should be a cinch.
The only time getting dressed should pose a problem is on April Fools Day. Underwear is pretty hard to put on when it is drenched in water. Harder still when it comes straight out of the freezer. And even harder when wrapped around last year's frozen Christmas cake. But that still leaves 364 days of easy dressing.
Some things we just take for granted...until you become a parent.
"No!" Little Lady screams in mock rage.
Just come back here so I can pull up your pants and slip on your shirt.
"No!" the toddle repeats in defiance.
Did you know that there are some things you can do at 30 miles per hour? Putting a shirt on an agile toddler is not one of those things. Around the chair. Over the back of the couch. Under the table. Into the bathroom. SLAM!
Ouch. Make that: into the bathroom door.
"No!"
Please, Little Lady, let me put on your shirt.
"I'm not Little Lady. I'm Baby Swan."
OK, Baby Swan. Let me put on your shirt.
"You're Papa Baby Swan."
OK. You're Baby Swan. I'm Papa Baby Swan. Just let me put on your shirt.
"Now I'm Tutter."
Tutter is a mouse puppet in a children's show she watches. OK, Tutter, let's put on the Tutter shirt."
"No. You be Tutter."
OK, I'll be Tutter. I'll be whomever you want be to be. Yesterday I was Big Spider. The day before I was Spider Web. I remember being a crocodile, a monkey and a detective. I have no idea who I am anyway, so I might as well be Tutter.
"Are you Tutter?"
We hear a lot about the "terrible twos", but we don't hear much about the identity crisis years. Speaking with mothers down at the play center, it seems many kids go through this phase.
"I saa-aid, are you Tutter?"
You probably did, too. Ask your mother if you ever went through a phase when you were always pretending to be someone else...so much so that you were almost convinced it was real.
It's bad news if your mother's eyes gloss over nostalgically and she answers, "Yes dear, I remember when you were quite convinced you were an African dung beetle."
It's worse news if she adds, "I think the pre-teen years were the hardest. We had no idea how to explain the birds and the bees to a beetle."
But the worst news is if your mother sighs and says, "I remember well. Your father and I are still hoping it's just a phase you're going through."
The best of us go through identity crises now and then. I am The Happy Guy. I am also a writer. And a search engine optimizer. And a husband. And a homeowner. And a father.
But not this morning. This morning I was a very tired and frustrated Tutter mouse puppet...with generously distributed bruises to prove my credentials.
"No!"
Aw, c'mon, Baby Swan. This is your Tutter speaking. Please come out from under the staircase.
"No. You be Baby Swan."
I suppose that at her age, she can probably get away with going topless. But sooner or later she'll get hungry. And when she comes out to feed, I'll get that shirt on Baby Swan. Or Tutter. Or whomever that toddler is today!
About The Author
David Leonhardt publishes The Happy Guy humor column:
http://www.thehappyguy.com/positive-thinking-free-ezine.html
And A Daily Dose of Happiness:
http://www.thehappyguy.com/daily-happiness-free-ezine.html
When you take your child to the library, check out... Read More
You will need to begin gathering the things your baby... Read More
You are a proud parent of a happy and healthy... Read More
The design of your home has an amazing affect on... Read More
Baby clothes are one of the most popular types of... Read More
Throwing a surprise baby shower doesn't have to be difficult.... Read More
Reading is one of the most important things you will... Read More
There are many types of car seats available on the... Read More
1. "A baby is God's way of saying the world... Read More
Your Aquarius Baby..January 20 - February 18Your Aquarian baby will... Read More
Where To Give Birth..You have a choice where to have... Read More
Baby Gifts from gift certificates to very expensive toys. Something... Read More
When you're holding a baby shower one of the most... Read More
Research has shown that babies in their mom's womb can... Read More
Baby slings are one of those things that have been... Read More
Any parent of an active toddler has asked this question:... Read More
Baby Signing..Around 20 years ago, two American doctors discovered baby... Read More
So, you are thinking about potty training your toddler and... Read More
Are you looking for cute baby names? This article explains... Read More
The best baby shower invitation ideas help everyone to have... Read More
After all the baby furniture is purchased, you'll have to... Read More
There are many whimsical, fun baby room themes if you... Read More
For ages caring parents have carried their babies with them... Read More
Teething is what your baby experiences when her first set... Read More
Free baby shower invitations are the best! Everyone knows that... Read More
Using baby shower checklist-hostess are the best way to stay... Read More
The sudden appearance of a new baby can be rough... Read More
Babies can communicate their needs and desires a lot earlier... Read More
You have just learned that you are expecting a baby.... Read More
When buying luxury baby bedding, perhaps first decide what style... Read More
Imagine your little baby in her nursery. So happy in... Read More
A new baby with colic is one of the most... Read More
Your Scorpio Baby..October 23 - November 21 Young Scorpios have... Read More
Decorating your child's nursery is an exciting experience. Your little... Read More
Look for Books! The books that you pick to read... Read More
When to have a baby shower is a personal choice.... Read More
If you're a parent with a young child then here's... Read More
It can sometimes be difficult for a parent to understand... Read More
Many of the things listed below will help with your... Read More
Does baby shower hostess etiquette allow for gift suggestions, if... Read More
When you have already made the decision not to use... Read More
As a host, you need to consider the people that... Read More
Forget bears and bunnies. Today's diaper bags are all about... Read More
For ages caring parents have carried their babies with them... Read More
Today one of the biggest trends in naming is choosing... Read More
When you came up with such question, what will be... Read More
Congratulations! You're a new parent and you've brought your precious,... Read More
Picture this; you are invited to a baby shower. How... Read More
Remember how miserable you felt when you last had a... Read More
Before reading this article keep in mind that most doctors... Read More
One of the easiest and safest ways to carry your... Read More
You have just learned that you are expecting a baby.... Read More
After reading several books about potty training (my son was... Read More
Potty Training ResistanceFrom your perspective, your child is resisting all... Read More
Expectant parents spend hours preparing the nursery, poring over pregnancy... Read More
Are YOUR Stuffed Animals DIRTY?Stuffed animals and dollies can lead... Read More
When choosing and buying baby clothes, parents can be faced... Read More
When you plan for a baby room decor, the best... Read More
If you're a new parent, be aware that you baby... Read More
As children are growing from todddlerhood to childhood parents are... Read More
* A baby is born every seven seconds.* Babies are... Read More
There are different types of baby showers to cover just... Read More
In this article you will be provided with information about... Read More
Baby girl shower invitations basic theme is the welcoming of... Read More
All parents want something absolutely unique for their baby. Be... Read More
One of the first decisions we make is if we... Read More
Babies & Toddler |