Part of me always wonders if I baby Flip too much. I try to think back to Star at this age and I seem to recall she was much more mature. We were able to reason with her, discuss with her, play more complex games with her and we definitely had higher expectations for her. I think. When I was in the moment with Star age 3 I thought I would remember every detail. Where was my ever ready IPhone?
At the age of 2 Star started choosing her own clothes. I remember for her first toddler class school photo she chose to wear 2 necklaces and carried a car in the photo. At the age of 3 it was my job to keep the clothes clean and the drawers stocked. Star picked her own clothes and dressed herself. She brushed her teeth and styled her own hair, with my help. Even though I wanted a button for her to announce "I dressed myself today." I don't think I needed it. People could tell by the layers upon layers of dresses and pants she wore. Or the multiple patterns on her socks. When Flip came around I was super glad to be able to dress someone again. They make little kid clothes so cute and finally I got to choose. But here is the curse, I am still choosing and putting on and taking off and washing and putting away. The fun is over. Grow up, kid!
Don't get me wrong occasionally she throws me a bone by taking off her clothes and running around naked. Or sometimes she will declare a preference for a certain set of pajamas or a shirt. She tried for a couple of days to put on her own shoes. One time she got herself fully dressed. But they are all short lived.
Today Flip was home with me. Her teachers are holding PTM - Parent Teacher Meetings. Ever noticed how Indians love acronyms? You will now. For the past couple of days Flip has been branching out and going over to friend's house to play. This is all very exciting to her. She calls up someone on the apartment intercom, arranges a play and then I march her off upstairs or down the hall. This morning she wanted to go 2 floors up to a 6 year olds house. Other than the endless supply of kids I this place the other great thing is the kids play no matter the age gap. It is perfectly fun for a 3 year old to play with a 6 year old. Or for 7 year old to be invited to a 12 year old's bday party. I reminded her she was still in her pajamas and needed to get ready. I suggested she could do this by herself while I tidy up the kitchen. She said, "ok Momma, but not my shirt. Last time I put my shirt on this boy said "thirga marga" (on backwards) and it made me sad."
I remembered exactly the time she is talking about. It was one of the rare occasions she dressed herself in her bright orange Virgnia t shirt. And she did indeed put it on backwards with the lettering across her back. She walked past all the boys playing cricket and they noticed and giggled at her shirt. I know those boys meant no harm. They probably thought it was cute as I did too, but she had taken the time and effort to dress herself and her efforts were laughed at.
So now I know 1) Flip is doing her best to grow up, 2) I need to honor her efforts more and 3) my baby understands Kannada.
At the age of 2 Star started choosing her own clothes. I remember for her first toddler class school photo she chose to wear 2 necklaces and carried a car in the photo. At the age of 3 it was my job to keep the clothes clean and the drawers stocked. Star picked her own clothes and dressed herself. She brushed her teeth and styled her own hair, with my help. Even though I wanted a button for her to announce "I dressed myself today." I don't think I needed it. People could tell by the layers upon layers of dresses and pants she wore. Or the multiple patterns on her socks. When Flip came around I was super glad to be able to dress someone again. They make little kid clothes so cute and finally I got to choose. But here is the curse, I am still choosing and putting on and taking off and washing and putting away. The fun is over. Grow up, kid!
Don't get me wrong occasionally she throws me a bone by taking off her clothes and running around naked. Or sometimes she will declare a preference for a certain set of pajamas or a shirt. She tried for a couple of days to put on her own shoes. One time she got herself fully dressed. But they are all short lived.
Today Flip was home with me. Her teachers are holding PTM - Parent Teacher Meetings. Ever noticed how Indians love acronyms? You will now. For the past couple of days Flip has been branching out and going over to friend's house to play. This is all very exciting to her. She calls up someone on the apartment intercom, arranges a play and then I march her off upstairs or down the hall. This morning she wanted to go 2 floors up to a 6 year olds house. Other than the endless supply of kids I this place the other great thing is the kids play no matter the age gap. It is perfectly fun for a 3 year old to play with a 6 year old. Or for 7 year old to be invited to a 12 year old's bday party. I reminded her she was still in her pajamas and needed to get ready. I suggested she could do this by herself while I tidy up the kitchen. She said, "ok Momma, but not my shirt. Last time I put my shirt on this boy said "thirga marga" (on backwards) and it made me sad."
I remembered exactly the time she is talking about. It was one of the rare occasions she dressed herself in her bright orange Virgnia t shirt. And she did indeed put it on backwards with the lettering across her back. She walked past all the boys playing cricket and they noticed and giggled at her shirt. I know those boys meant no harm. They probably thought it was cute as I did too, but she had taken the time and effort to dress herself and her efforts were laughed at.
So now I know 1) Flip is doing her best to grow up, 2) I need to honor her efforts more and 3) my baby understands Kannada.
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