She Knows What She Wants

We try to get outside quite a bit on the weekends to get some fresh air. Norah is typically content walking up and down the sidewalk in front of our place.

The walks sometimes end, however, when she starts walking down the driveway toward the street and is upset when we try to put her back on course.

We have noticed that Norah often has pretty strong desires and isn't happy when things don't go her way. We are trying to figure out the best way to deal with these situations.

Sometimes I think it helps to "warn" her ahead of time. Tonight she was playing in the laundry basket and Seth and I commented to each other that it was time to feed her (to get the bedtime process started). When he picked her up she started crying, arched her back as they approached the chair, and refused to sit. When he put her down she marched straight back to the basket. We asked her if she was hungry and she seemed to be thinking it over, but never really responded. We then asked if she wanted to take her bath and she smiled and nodded. So off we went to the bath, with dinner to follow. It seems that sometimes choices (particular her making a choice) is starting to work.

Another interesting situation occurred during dinner tonight. She had some baked oatmeal and kept fussing for more (as soon as she put the last piece in her mouth she was doing the sign for more). I kept telling her that we weren't going to have anymore oatmeal tonight and that she needed to eat the rest of the food on her tray. It took several times, but eventually she seemed to accept it.

Another thing we are struggling with is reading. She is such a busy body and simply isn't interested in sitting on our lap to read a story. I often pick up a book while she is playing and read it to her even if she isn't right there watching, but I probably need to do a little research on how to read to a busy body. We believe in the importance, but besides me reading while she nurses (which has filled the need up to this point), we just haven't figured out a good way to get it done.

Suggestions are very welcome.