Drool: The good times will come again

In my last post, you probably noticed a real concern for being a good parent to a whiny, crying child. It is a skill that is hard to master.

I wanted to revisit the topic since it was such a hard blog for me to write. I am glad that so many of you enjoyed the recipe, and supported me even in this time of parenting hardship.

While I write this blog about parenting, I am not perfect. Parenting is really hard, and I try to provide information here for other parents as to what worked for me. But, that's all it is - suggestions. I am not an expert, and I am learning every day how to survive in this really hard job of being a parent.

Parenting also has its joys. But, it the combination of highs and lows that really inspired me to write this blog. I wanted to share my experiences with other new moms.

Perhaps like some of you - I came to be a parent when many of my friends were still dating. Others had older children. I didn't know much about the whole pregnancy or parenting game, and so I am learning every day. I think that perspective lends itself well to blogging, and hopefully you agree.

Alex turns 9-months-old tomorrow, and he is still in this whiny phase. Two suggestions I have received lately gave me more insight into what is going on in his baby brain.

First, he is still just a baby. He isn't a newborn, but he isn't a toddler either. He is stuck in the middle. And, while I think about how frustrating that is for me - it's also frustrating for him! He can't yet really move around, other than scooting on his butt. He can't really communicate - but he can make noise! That must be really tough for the little guy:  to be on the verge of all these discoveries, but not yet making the connection.

Second, the world is a scary place. Up until today, Droolface was cared for either by myself or hubby, my parents, hubby's relatives, or by a loving second-mother, whom we call Aunt Irma. It has been a pretty secure, loving place for Droolface. He has been able to explore and discover safely within this world. But, as he starts to look outside his bubble, and starts attending a larger daycare center, he is realizing how much is out there. And, he is realizing he still wants to be cuddled in his infant bubble with mama. Separation anxiety is kicking in.

I can totally understand separation anxiety. Trying new things is hard for everyone - no matter the age. Even switching jobs can be tough because you don't know what the future holds.

This worry or concern over what's coming next is something we all do. And, that includes our babies. Our little ones would love to spend the day in a sling attached to mommy or daddy. As parents, we would love this as well. But, reality has to set in and teach us all that we must cherish these moments with the little ones, but also educate and advance ourselves while bringing home the bacon (literally and figuratively).

With that, I will end this little soap box of a blog by saying good luck to all you parents out there. Some days are tough. Some days are amazing. Try your best - that's all I am doing, and I hope in the end we all succeed in raising amazing children.