Jocelyn has been digressing a bit lately. I think she has a feeling and understanding that this baby is coming soon (I am due Jan 27th). She has exhibited some baby girl behavior that is starting to be really annoying.
For example, she wets the bed during naps now. She now has to wear a pull-up to nap in.
She used to sleep through the whole night without waking up wet but now has to wear a diaper. (Why is it that the faster they potty train, as in Jocelyn's case, they have more accidents? Whereas with Samuel, it took a year to potty train him but once he got it he never struggled with accidents again. Any of you experience this? ).
She talks in baby talk now. It drives me crazy! The jibberish is cute while she's reading books to herself or her animals but when she tries to communicate with me in her baby talk, I don't respond.
She likes to be wrapped up in her blanket, cuddled and rocked. Sometimes she'll even suck her thumb.
She forgets how to put on her own coat and socks.
And today after one of her temper-tantrums I asked her to put her own socks and shoes on like a big girl and she wailed, "I'm not a big girl!" whereas 2 months ago she was so proud of growing up like Samuel.
So my only theory for this behavior is jealousy and fear of this little baby, whom she is excited to see, is coming into her life and she will no longer be the young one, the princess, the baby, the only girl.
I can totally relate!! I feel the same way in a lot of ways right now. Come to think of it, as I write this, I can't put on my socks (because I can't see my feet) or coats (because my shoulders have grown like a man's), I wet the bed (well, not exactly, I just have to work on those kegel exercises), I liked to be wrapped up and coddled, and I yell instead of talk in jibberish. So, I suppose, we are more alike than I thought. I only hope this doesn't last for too long after this little wiggly girl is born.
Picture taken November 2008 by Liz Draper
Sorry, that is so hard. I hate to say it, but she is going to be the middle child, and it might not get better for a while. My suggestion would be to make sure she gets as much attention and one-on-one time as possible. I've been trying to do this with Drew, too, which is really hard when the husband is super-busy.
ReplyDeleteI loved your comparison of yourself to your daughter. Classic! Hang in there!
I agree...she obviously is in need of some attention from you and will really need it when the baby comes...Payten has actually done really well, but it has been a struggle sometimes when I won't let her hold the baby or I have to take her to feed her. We got her a baby doll that I tell her to take care of while I'm taking care of the real baby and that has helped some. I think her regression is normal and will definitely correct itself if you tell her that you need her to be the big girl to help with the baby. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteCute pics by Liz Draper. How do you know her? I went to beauty school with her. Small world, haha!
ReplyDeleteInteresting hurdles to come to someday .. (for me i mean) You're hair is sooo curly! So beautiful!
ReplyDelete