There’s no download this week – I needed a little break. However, something has been on my mind that I want to share with you instead.
In the scrapbooking world there are a plethora of products on the market that have the word “discover” on them. Trust me – I’ve created a ton myself. I always knew that the word was popular for scrapbookers for travel and just as a generic word that seemed to work in a variety of places in a project but I never knew until the last few weeks what that word would come to mean to this new mom.
It’s true that it seems like Cole changes before our eyes and has from day one. Just two months after he was born I saw a newborn baby only a week old and thought, “How is it possible that he was that tiny?” Already he had grown so much, learned new tricks with his mouth and didn’t look like a newborn any more. I think that during that time we, as new parents, were doing most of the discovering when it comes to babyhood.
But over the last couple of weeks we have seen a distinct change when it comes to our understanding of “discovery.” Coleman is able to focus on objects and on us now. He can open his hands to start and grab things like his current favorite: his burp cloth which he puts to his mouth accompanied by a growl to go with it. What started out as waving his arm and to his delight, accidentally hitting a toy swinging in front of him, he now hits the toys with purpose and determination, knowing that it will get the desired response.
Then there is his smile. Sometimes it’s a crooked little crinkle of one side of his mouth turning up. Sometimes it’s opened wide in sheer joy. We even have been getting giggles and laughs thrown in along with his shrieks and squeals and grunts that come with discovering he has a voice – perhaps the ultimate discovery of all for any individual.
Smiles at Cousin Brynne
As an educator by degree and a former school teacher, I am amazed and transfixed watching this learning process happen right in front of me. Although I have witnessed many awe-inspiring lessons through teaching, I have never had an experience in education like this particular one I am having right now. And I am finding as much delight and joy in Cole’s discovery process as he is.
My one question is: How do you get the jingle tunes emanating from the star that lights up above his activity gym from running constantly through your head?
Welcome to motherhood! I’ve been a mom for 35 years…my youngest child is 23, and I STILL occasionally find myself humming songs from Mr. Rogers and Barney. Spoooooky!
I try to remember a praise song to focus on when an annoying song starts running through my head. Something simple. It sometimes takes focus, or continual attempts before it sticks, but it helps.
Or–get Cole another musical toy so you at least have 2 songs alternating.
Love your thoughts on discovering. I turn to your blog when I need an attitude readjustment and rarely am disappointed. It’s upliifting to share in your journey as a new mom.
That is one of the BEST things about becoming a mom – discovering the world again through our children’s eyes. You really do take time to see the little things we usually overlook.
You don’t. There will always be a jingle, song, or high pitched voice of a favorite toy running through your head at the most unexpected times. For me it was Barney’s song that taught kids the days of the week, and then Sponge Bob, and now often the music popular with teenagers that I tell them I hate but find myself singing along to in the car. It’s just a mom thing, enjoy it while you can.
I agree with Brenda – “you don’t”.
Right now we have the “Elmo song” being sung by us (yep! Grandparents) through the house when my 20 month old grandson comes over. Never thought my husband and I would be singing that, esp. with “our” youngest being 18 almost 19 years old. But what a joy it is!!
Love your blog…download or not…no worries!! Thanks for sharing the pictures! It’s so fun to see Cole grow before our eyes! WOW!!
Isn’t he just a button!!
I agree with Sheila – for me one of the most enjoyable things about motherhood is “rediscovering” things I enjoyed a s a child – it may be songs, games, skipping, colouring in (still LOVE that!)
To see your child enjoying the simple pleasures and then remembering that you loved that too is great fun. Just go with the jingles and songs. Sing out loud!!!!
I am a Grandmother for the first time. Maddie is now 8 months old and I am so very lucky to be able to watch her grow. It is so wonderful. I don’t think I will be able to get the music from her toys from my head, well until the new toy comes along with some new music:) Our song right now is rubber ducky. She loves it and sings right along and even dances.
Your son is beautiful! He looks so happy and is growing so fast. I’m afraid I haven’t checked in for awhile and what a difference in that time.
Hi Kolette, My friends and I took your class at CKU in Provo a few years ago. You were such a great teacher and we learned so much. I often wondered what you were up to, then I stumbled on your blog. You blog is so much different than other crafty blogs (Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the stampin & scrappin blogs), but your blog is always inspirational and makes me always step back to appreciate what I have in my life. Your are such the optimist and we all can learn from your ‘glass half full’ messages. Congratulations on your cute baby boy.
WOW! I am so glad that I came across your blog tonight! I just spent the last hour looking and reading and you guys seem like incredible people! I look forward to getting to know you guys via your blog! Hugs from Conroe, Texas!
wow, he is a dream child, so ever beautiful I said from his beginning, look at his coloring? And then he his chubby cheeks. I love healthy babies. he is so special and thanks for the photos.
I one day here will get your package from me sent up. I am making this baby care package I do for Mothers.
Hint=it comes with an oops!