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Parenting Skills

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By marydalene

I will be the first to admit that I’m not the best parent in the world. I try, certainly, but I’m subject to all the frailties that most of us suffer.

Sarah and I had just returned from her pediatrician’s office after her 18-month well-baby checkup. She’s healthy and growing – 24.9 pounds (60th percentile), 32.5 inches tall (75th) and her head is 19.5 cm (98th – yes, large heads run in the family) – but isn’t walking yet. To make a long story short, he requested she have an MRI and go see a neurologist at Primary Children’s. (More on that later.)

So, yes, I was a little preoccupied. I was on the phone making arrangements for these procedures and not paying super close attention to my baby girl. I also was thinking of the things I need to do today, like making a quick run to Target to get cat food before Timothy got home from school.

If I’d been paying attention to my needy baby, I would have realized that a trip to Target probably wasn’t the best idea. But, preoccupied self that I was, I went anyway. I turned around to see this:

This, by the way, is a VERY rare occurrence for Sarah. She just doesn’t sleep in the car unless she’s exhausted.

So, trying to make up for the lack of being a good mom before, I tried to be good. I turned around and went home, not even stepping foot out of my car. I thought, well, if she’s tired, I should let her sleep. I can get cat food later.

I came home and wasn’t successful getting her out of her car seat without waking her. But I thought that if she’d fallen asleep in the car, I should let her try to go back to sleep in her crib. This is what I found an hour later.

I give up. Although, I must admit it’s hard to be too upset with myself since she’s always so happy to see me. Love you too, baby doll.

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Comments

  1. GrammyzanneJanuary 15, 2010 at 9:02 PM

    What a very precious smile.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MarnieJanuary 15, 2010 at 10:57 PM

    Oh, Mary, that sounds so serious. She looks so normal and happy and I can't believe you have to do these tests. Poor girl. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  3. JanetJanuary 15, 2010 at 11:25 PM

    She is a darling. I can't help but smile back.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lynda/MomJanuary 16, 2010 at 10:13 AM

    I used to try to leave my babies asleep in the car (in the garage) if it wasn't too hot or something, but they just wake up--and once awake, game's over. I trust things will go well with the developmental issues. And don't think you aren't a great parent--you and Jared are just great! Aunt Lynda

    ReplyDelete
  5. Shae, Jay, and chillin'January 17, 2010 at 4:34 PM

    She sure looks peaceful and cute asleep in her car seat. Once my kids get a power nap, there is no chance of nap later. I hope all goes well with her testing. Take care and you both are excellent parents!

    ReplyDelete
  6. JoanneJanuary 19, 2010 at 6:11 AM

    I'm with Sarah, when you are exhausted it's just time for a nap wherever you are!

    ReplyDelete

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