So Long, Sucker!

I'm a terrible mother. I'm one of "those" moms... who talks major crap about all the wrongs other mothers do (but happen to overlook the fact that I do some of those, myself!) Let me give you a prime example...

Exhibit A: The Sucker

I always judged those "other" mothers who had toddlers running around with pacifiers in their mouths. You know... the 2 year olds who couldn't talk right because something was blocking the way of words coming out! Well, why was it wrong for them, and not for me? I have a 21 month old, and I thought our use of one was ok because it was simply for bedtime. The only other time she used it out of the bed, was in the car on long road trips. It kept her quiet - so I was all for it.

Then we get to today... She's an uncontrollable ball of "I WANT!!!" and I thought, you know what? I'm going to take away the one thing she needs more than anything... When that comfort is gone, just maybe she'll simmer down and realize her wants aren't so important. (Not to mention, she's almost 2... she can live without it.)

So tonight, it's "So long, Sucker!" Fortunately, we wore Victoria out with a long walk, followed by an hour of outdoors at the playground. Not sure her legs could go on if she wanted them to. She's currently fed, bathed, and dramatically fake-coughing between forced sobs in her bed. She was fine when I went to sit beside her and pat her on the back... but that's another form of pacification that I won't get started. I love her to death - but one of the major keys in raising children is to help them develop independence! I know... at 21 months, I should be welcoming every chance I get to cuddle my sweet babies... (sucks to be the third!) hehehe

Wish us all luck, and say a little prayer of courage for my little Victoria. It's not easy growing up!

Summer Vacation (from kids!)

$600 and 5 hours later, Stevie Lynn is at summer camp. For 2 weeks! I'm excited for her! She'll be able to look back someday and say "I went to a 2 week summer camp in southern Germany!" It's a real adventure camp... living in tents, kayaking on the lake, water balloon fights, campfires, and tons of kids wallowing in the mud and playing in the rain. For her, I hope it's everything that every kid wishes they could experience.

For me? *sweet sigh of relief* It's a two week vacation from having to play referee between her and Ava. Ava constantly begging to ride the coattails of her big sister on the playground, and Stevie, constantly looking for excuses as to why it's not the best idea for Ava to be outside with her right now.

And then? I've got an AWESOME mother-in-law (for more reasons than a few) that is taking Stevie AND Ava this summer for almost 2 weeks! For the girls - what fun, to spend time with their family in a farmhouse in France... running around the garden, chasing lizards and playing in the water. Going on walks through the forest, and splashing in the creek. For me (and Nico) we get to experience life has parents of only ONE child.... for 2 beautiful weeks.

Well, added bonus for me is that Nico won't be going to get the girls until after I'm on a plane to Sweden for work... so I won't see them for a total of a month after they leave for France.

YES - I will miss them. But you know what? They're going to have fun. I don't have to worry about their safety. I have peace of mind in all situations regarding their absence.

Let the vacation begin!