I'm largely a task-oriented person. I like to see measurable results. The problem with being task-oriented, is that I get these ideas for organization, or I just get bit with the cleaning bug, and I just want to go until the project's done. Not really possible with a 3 year-old and an 18 month-old.
On the other hand, it's hard to resist a small face begging me to read a book, or someone needing a snuggle. This is such a crucial time to be with them and teach them. Timothy will be starting school all too soon, and Andrew's already growing up so fast! We took the side off of his crib this week, and he's learning to stay in it. I can almost see the wheels turning though: "What's the point of being able to get in and out of my bed if I'm supposed to stay there?" Oh well, it's getting better each night. Maybe soon we'll even find him asleep in the bed and not on the floor.
I keep reminding myself that Timothy is learning too. He knows his letters, he's very independent with building, and he loves to show how big he's getting. ...If only he'd potty train. I was looking back at my journal from last year, and realized it's been almost a year, off and on, that we've been working on this. At first he just wasn't ready, then we stopped because Mommy was loosing patience too easily. I have better hopes for this try, but he's still pretty resistant. It's hard for me not to get frustrated. But I guess this is a learning experience to me too. Certain things take longer for some people than others. I'm reminded all the time that this is one project that is not on my timetable, and it's going to take a lot more work than I'd prefer. But it does have measurable results. And, as my brothers can attest, it took me a long time to learn some things too (They had to eat my cooking while I learned.) One day both Timothy and I will reach our goal. He with potty training, and me with knowing how to best teach them. I'm pretty sure he'll reach his first. =)
