I ten dooo it
Simultaneous with the onslaught of winter, Graham has become quite capable of handling every possible thing himself. While I am happy that he is a confident and independant child, I am not so happy when it is combined with frigid temperatures.
Imagine for a moment, We have just pulled into our driveway after an afternoon of errands, and the dakota's are experiencing winter's first bite. The wind is howling, as I navigate my way towards Owen's car seat, my hair is whipping into my face, my eyes, my mouth (one reason, I almost always wear ponytails) and I finally am able to heave O's 3-ton carrier out of the passenger side back seat. We stumble,/waddle over to Graham's side. I unbuckle him and start to help his arms out of the straps when he gets this very proud, very insistant look on his face. "I ten Dooooooo it" I try to help him anyways, because it's blistering cold out here with the lake wind. But, G let's out a very hearty "NO!!!" (pause for dramatic effect) "I ten do it my-selse" and I realize that unless I am able to carry a kicking and screaming toddler along with the cumbersome infant carrier through the hurrican force gusts Graham will be getting out of the truck on his own.
Now, if G would stick to business, and hop right out, maybe this wouldn't be such a miserable predicament, but of course that's not the case. He pauses in his strapless freedom, takes it all in then slowly slides out of his seat. I am clenching my teeth in attempted patience and to numb the pain. He then spots several toys that he has forgotten existed because they've been living on the floor of our vehicle, and he squeals with glee as he picks them up and examines them each carefully. My pleas of "Come on Graham, you need to hurry," and "mommy's cold" may or may not have any impact on his very deliberate exit. And with his arms full of toys, he must be extremely careful not to drop his Arby's happy meal compass, or ripped up Dora book so he proceeds with caution to the gate, only to be sidetracked by the always interesting mulch. Owen and I are now needing immediate attention for frost bite when we finally get inside the cozy house.
Winter is an ugly animal around here, and I am suspicious that it's an even uglier one to tame with babies in tow.
posted by shannon | 9:58 AM
4 Comments:
I hear ya in the independant department!!! Cooper is going through that right now too. It must be a 2 year old thing to take their sweet little time and don't even care that you are now a human popcicle!!! Aren't you glad you moved back to good 'ol SD??!!
Oh my! I remember those days, except their were 2 little guys and one little girl all determined to do it their way. What I would have given for a garage. I think that was the only time I might have cursed SD and it's bitter winds, especially when I had the baby seat in one hand, a couple of bags of groceries and the screaming kids underfoot. They had discovered how cold it was once the door was shut.
Oh Shannon, it is actually a semi-distant memory for me and before you know it, it will be for you too. Good luck in the meantime. Piece of advice...take the keys out of the ignition(very important point-trust me), get G out first and let him do his thing in the car, then go get Owen and lug him into the house going back for G who will have by that time gotten his stuff together. Works pretty good most of the time. Or you could just get a garage with a remote.
OH AMEN! I have been through this so many times lately. Though when we are home I let him take his time and start bringing things (like lu and bags...) In the house. But i can do that cause of the garage. When we are out though... oh then is when i feel powerless and have to wait freezing cold and even in the ice cold rain. Any yes they don't seem to care.
I miss you. Life has been so challanging lately with the boys. I could use you in my life. Wish so much we lived near each other.
I can relate to your post. Lily is the same way! She is so independent and strong-willed!
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