What We Have Learned

Learned quite a bit this week, and last night when she was finally out, we had to sit back and laugh at it all. We talked about what has been working and what has not. While still a super sweet, fun, bright, and happy little girl, she is becoming more and more comfortable (which is great, of course) and that means her toddler independence has surfaced. Friday was a long day. We met Nuanthip, applied for her passport, got her passport photo taken, and got translations done. The translations took 2 hours so we walked around the mall. A few mini meltdowns, but not too bad. The hardest part was we were all so hot and tired and she didn't get her nap until way late. It was hard carrying her for a long period of time. Not emotionally, of course (that was wonderful) but physically. I am the only one she lets hold her, but sore back and all, I love every minute of it. The sling is cute and helps and she doesn't mind it, but it is so hot here to have another layer on both of us. Something I hadn't thought of. We haven't tried the Ergo yet but need to the next time we are out and about. 

Ruby is a very resilient child and it's incredible how she handles things. She was fascinated rather than scared of Bkk traffic and all the cars and motorcyles going by. She says brrrooom. Seeing that she handles these things well, we took a chance and took her in the Toys R Us at World Plaza. She was so cute and sweet it hurt our hearts. The things we all take for granted and this was her first time ever in a toy store. She sweetly smiled and walked around the place looking at every single thing but not trying to take anything. She did however, jump right in the ball pit on display! She really loves balls so a ball pit is on the must-have list for next Spring. We lured her out after awhile and found a little Leggo station which she also liked. She sat at the little table and chairs was rather determined to figure it out. She's so funny, this kid. I sware she is gonna invent stuff someday cause she has to watch everything and learn and figure it all out. We just love her personality and curious nature! We also found a kids clothing store and got her new shoes. It was so cute because they were all lined up and she actually went over to the lilac shoes with white polka dots first. (The kid's got taste!) So that is the pair we got. The crocs she had on kept slipping off her feet. They are size 7/8 and just a wee bit too big yet. We thought her new shoes were so cute but didn't realize they had squeakers in till she got up and walked around. Adorable! She just loves them and we had a ball squeaking down the mall while Mommy's back got a break.

Okay, so here is the list of things we have learned so far:

1. There is nothing more important than nap time.

2. Except for eating at the scheduled time. And once you tell her we are going to eat or we sit down in a restaurant, you had better get that food there fast!

3. Do not interupt a happy child while eating. She thinks you are going to take her food away!

4. Once you teach her to eat with her spoon, you had better let her do it for now on or else!

5. Stick with the schedule and you get the happiest, easiest child on the planet. Be late for nap or food and throw off her schedule and you get one cranky little girl.

6. A crowded restaurant with Thai dancers is not appealing to a 2 year old. (That we didn't realize this is very funny as we look back on it!) She was entertained for a second and then had a mini meltdown because we didn't let her get down and run. She had her new squeaky shoes on.

7. Do not see live entertainment with child with squeaky shoes! LOL. People will glare.

8. Diverting attention to something else goes over WAY better than mai chai (no).

9. Toddlers are independent and like to do things themselves sometimes.

10. Messes can be cleaned so let her eat her rice with her fingers and slop it all over. (It's actually really funny and cute to watch! She is so proud of her newfound independence! I can still feed her - and so can Daddy at times - but she HAS to hold the spoon now...or else sweet Ruby turns into Miss Fussy Pants.

11. Squeaky shoes can make a toddler happy for a good hour at least. They also have residual value as they are super fun again the next time they get down. 

12. Stacking cups are the most versatile toy on the planet. Blocks that can also be strung are a close second.

13. Every other toy gets boring after awhile. (Mum-Mum crackers, however, never get old.)

14. Every toy can and will be used as a weapon. Watch out for flying objects during fits of laughter!

15. Sticking with my work-outs and lifting weights for my back and arms would have been a good thing.

16. Laugh things off and it all works out okay.

We had a great few hours at the pool today. She was so much fun and is SUCH a water baby! Put her arm swimmies on and she was almost swimming herself! Mommy was allowed to hold on to her waist but she wanted me to be out of her view so she could see Daddy and swim to him. Gotta get that child enrolled in swim lessons as soon as we get back! She is so comfortable with us now! We are really grateful. She wakes up groggy, but happy every morning and is such a cuddle bug! I can't wait till she wakes up in the morning so I can hold her. She gives tons of kisses and hugs throughout the day and will come into the bathroom when I am getting ready and just fling herself in my arms. How much she fills my heart! 

Today something amazing happened. She really has attached to me! She will fuss a bit if I am not holding her when she is tired. When she wants to play, Daddy is the man. Period. No one can make her laugh like him and she imitates the funny faces he makes and it's HILARIOUS. Gotta get that on video and show you all! He can always make her laugh and she loves him already. But Mommy is the one she comes to when she cries, when she is sleepy, and for her bottle. Sometimes if we are at the pool or a restaurant I will VERY quickly run to the restroom or grab a towel or something. If Daddy is playing with her when I go she hardly notices, but smiles big when I return. Well, today at lunch we put her in her high chair and then I realized I left something on our towel. So I ran over to get it and she had full out tears and sobbing by the time I got back 2 minutes later (if that). As soon as I held her for a minute she stopped. She is bonding with me soooo well and so fast! We are truly blessed. Coming along with Daddy, too. He got to help with her bottle last night and I let them alone in the afternoon (nearby on the computer, but just the 2 of them on the floor) for snacktime and play. It was so sweet to see them together. Life is but a dream right now!