HE TRACES. BIG WHOOP?

In one of my many Wacky's classes, we were told that telling a child how "good" they were or how amazing everything was that they did would actually be damaging. "Don't label your child," Wacky would say. Instead of them doing a "good job" when they built a tower of blocks, you should praise them for their efforts... their concentration... their architectural ingenuity. Blah blah blah.

Here's the thing, to some degree, Wackidoo has a point. If you're constantly telling a child that they're good, when they do something not so good, they will feel bad. And apparently, there's something wrong about a child considering themselves to be "bad." (like they turn into serial killers or something. I have no idea). Anyway, I totally understand how too much praise can actually lead to a child having little self confidence-- if their focus is on a result and on a reaction (from a parent). However, as a parent, I find it soooooooo difficult, especially during these developmentally magical and slightly crazy making years, to not kvell over his every move.

For instance, today we (he) spent about 30 minutes tracing in a new book Grandma L got him. Initially, he wanted my help as he didn't think he could do it (and wasn't entirely comfortable or sure how he wanted to hold the marker). After a few tries though, he was on his own and tracing all the pictures. Now, I only know what my 3 year old is doing so maybe it's not so impressive, but to ME, I was floored by his tracing ability. I found it hard not to "Wow" and "That's so great, Jonah!" him with every stroke.

Do you think everything your child does is magic? How much praise for a child is too much?

... I mean, I was so proud of him, I decided I'd film some of it to send to grandparents and great grandparents who I know would be equally proud of their budding artist, Rhodes Scholar, and future Justin Bieber. (Being a pop culture icon is just as impressive as studying at Oxford these days, isn't it?) Of course, it didn't take long until the 3 year old interested in all things poop became entirely DISINTERESTED in mommy's praises....

I'll have to figure out a different way to label this sort of behavior.... ;-)

Hey! BTW, we're giving away $150 on Parents Ask to Amazon. Leave a comment on the video, telling us your favorite children's book and you'll be entered to win. Oh and ignore my iphone in the shot. I promise it's not next to me during "quiet, reading time." ;-)

THIS YEAR... REALLY.

Every year, every goddamn year, I make A LIST. Sometimes it's just in my head. Other times it's on paper. But every year, the list IS MADE. Every year I resolve to do more, do less, be something. Well, I wish I could say that this year "the list" can suck it and I'm going to spend 2010 being exactly as I am... But alas, I can't... Because if there was any year that needs to be put to rest, tweaked, and given a complete overhaul, it is 2009. Yep. See ya bitches. Here's what I'm doing in 2010:

1) Hitting Less Curbs. I personally think I'm a fine driver. But my OCD about parking too parallel/close to the curb can be damaging and annoying to those driving with me. Also, tires are expensive.

2) Social Media(ish). This year I'm going to Tweet more and Facebook (stalk) less.

3) Stop Shhh-ing. I have a tendency to tell people they're talking too loud. I actually think I have like weird hearing issues (see #4), but in general, I realize my shh-ing habit is annoying. So in 2010, talk as loud as you want people. I won't stop you... For now.

4) Pop Pills. I've spent the majority of my adult life teetering on serious hypochondria. But I've really started to loosen up and trust that in general, for example, mixing Advil and a glass of wine is totally fine (yes, I have doubts about this). But this year, I'm going to stop fixating on silly things and trust that I am a healthy woman...

5) Drink more. Water, that is. I need to drink more water. Period.

6) Exercise. This one is so boring and so unoriginal. But goddamnit, this year I need to exercise and not pretend that pushing Baby-Ko up and down the block on his tricycle counts as cardiovascular activity.

7) Tell more stories. I'm thrilled to be working at Parents Ask and writing for a living. But that's not enough. I need to write at least three times a week on Perfectly Disheveled and AND finish (well, first I need to start) my book proposal. I mean, sitting across from Barbara Walters isn't going to happen magically...

8) Parent better. Today I compiled a list for Parents Ask of all the Best Parenting Books of the decade. This year, I will read (and not just at Barnes and Noble before a movie) some of these books... I might even take all the info that Wacky has bestowed on me and use it. Maybe.

9) That's a Crock of... I got a crock pot for Hannukah and this year, I am determined to use it once a week (okay, once a month is just as admirable). So, if you have great crock pot recipes send them my way... Or send me your unwanted gift cards to various restaurants. Take out is just as appreciated.

10) Shag. Get your mind out of the gutter, people. Recently, I got a fabulous shag rug from CB2 but it sheds like a mo' fo'. Seriously, when I leave the house, it looks like I've been living with a den of polar bears. It's crazy. So this year, I need to de-lint more (and that includes Baby-Ko). Seriously.

Obviously, I could keep going with the list... Do more Laughing, hugging, singing, and dancing... Do less arguing, complaining, procrastinating, and worrying, etc... But I think this is a good (written) start... And a good way to say goodbye to 2009.

Happy New Year.

See you in 2010.

xo

J-Ko

RULE THE ROOST

Discipline. The D Word. Something I've never been very good at when it comes to myself (diet, exercise, french fries etc.)... and something I'm realizing that I'm not so great at when it comes to my son. Shortly after Baby-Ko turned 1 and started "testing," I remembered the pride I felt when a mere look or simple redirection of attention settled his urge to do the "don't" and I certainly didn't need to use the evil "N" word. I had mastered parenting at an early age (both mine and his), and I thought whoever invented "time out" could just suck it. My kid's GOOD. Really good... which according to Wacky, you're never really supposed to say because it actually gives them this whole personality disorder or something like that...

But I digress...

The point is, Baby-Ko is now 2 and because I've been back to work full time for the last year and because I no longer have any Wacky's (other than my wonderful family members) coaching me through the (not-so) "terrible two's," I feel like I'm completely clueless when it comes to the discipline department these days. (Certainly, you remember the Vacuum incident that rocked the nation....?)

Baby-Ko's newest thing is to swing his beloved (and filthy) blankie in the air... first he starts out doing it cutely, as if he enjoys feeling his blankie around his body, side to side. Then he starts getting closer to people or things, and the blankie sort of turns in to a whip. I suppose it could potentially really hurt another person, but mostly it's just annoying and I'm not sure why he does it, and I'm certainly not sure how to get him to stop-- as taking his blankie away isn't an option.... I don't think... (is it???)

For whataver reason, the other morning, Baby-Ko decided to test his limits again with said blankie. Carrying it in his little hands, he marched right in to the bathroom, lifted up the toilet lid and dropped it in the bowl.

First, he felt like ballsy.

Then, he was proud....

Then, he was screwed....

Not knowing whether to laugh, discipline, or be grateful for the fact that the toilet had JUST been flushed, I shook my head, said nothing, got a plastic bag, removed the now ass ridden blankie from the toilet, and carried it right to the washing machine.

For the next 45 minutes as the washer and dryer removed the germs and frayed corners that my son so derives comfort from, Baby-Ko was devastated and distraught by his decision. I did my very best, as he stood in the laundry room sobbing and pleading for his blankie to come out, to explain the consequence of what happens when we put things in the potty (that don't belong). But honestly, he didn't care.... My normally happy son who loves nothing more than to help me "do laundry," was being tortured by a great white blankie eating shark.

Fortunately, in a few weeks Wacky is holding a lecture for Two Year olds (well for the parents of two year olds that is) and I am attending. I very much look forward to a little Wacky gospel... Of course, I'm not sure she'd approve of redirecting a tantrum with YouTube videos or Sesame Street... Shh. Let's just keep that between us for now... okay?

POOP SHAME

The other day, our nanny ("Bee-Bee"), proudly exclaimed that Baby-Ko has been mimicking her. She told me that when she went to change his diaper, it was stinky and she said "Ooof," and he copied her and said "oof!" She thought it was hilarious and I guess created a little game and while making a "pee-eww!" face says, "Baby-Ko, do you have poo-poo?" He then says, "Nooo. Ooof!" She  proudly showed me their little poo-poo shtick game and I laughed.  Funny (smart) kid, I thought.  Poo-poo is "ooof."

But the next day, when I saw he was sort of struggling while making poops, I said, "Baby-Ko are you making-" and he, almost defensively, answered, "NO!" 

He seemed to be in pain. "Ooof?" I said, trying to lighten things up. 

"NO," he said sadly and walked away.  Did I shame him???

Suddenly I remembered hearing that you're not supposed to embarrass or call attention to your toddler's poop or smell. "It will make them feel bad and make them not want to go." I have no idea where I heard it, but I can only assume it dates back to one of Wacky's lectures or a play date with a PREPMM (Perfect Read Every Parenting Manual Mommy).  But maybe this time, those nutty broads are right... Maybe "ooof" makes him feel bad. Maybe he likes his poop and wants to go freely.

I told my mom my theory and asked her if she thought I should say something to Bee-Bee -- tell her that I would prefer not to "tease" Baby-Ko about pooping. "I don't want him to have poop shame," I said. "He should poop without any judgement..." As I was saying this ridiculously "West side" mommy thing, I started to laugh right along with my mom.

"Nahh. Don't say anything. He'll be fine. He'll still poop... 'Ooof' or not... He'll go. Believe me," she said.

"He won't feel bad? Ashamed?"

"J-Ko, have you known any man in our family (or in the world?!) to feel shame about pooping?"

POINT TAKEN.

But just out of curiosity and because my OCD is raging tonight, does annnnnnnnnyone think ooofing at his pooping may cause a little poop drama down the road? Or is Wacky's word, once again, a load of crap? Literally...

SCAR! or SCAR?

A couple weeks ago, a coworker of mine wrote a post about how she may have traumatized her son when she unintentionally changed a tampon in front of her 5 year old son. One reader told her she was "inappropriate...." another said  "Gross!.... another said "C'est La Vie...."  I personally lean to the "C'est La Vie" side, especially tonight....

As soon as I got home from work,  I threw off my high heeled boots, got down on the floor and started playing with Baby-Ko. A few minutes in to our castle building session, I had to go to the bathroom. Baby-Ko followed me in to the bathroom and attempted to say "potty" (genius) as I sat down on it. Brilliant. As I started to go, I realized that this trip wouldn't be as quick as I had intended. Something came up (This totally happens to other people right? Because my husband and I have a conversation all the time about how he doesn't understand how women, or me really, can just start gong to the bathroom and all of a sudden realize they have to go #2). 

Anyway, as I was sitting there Baby-Ko lost interest in playing with my bracelets on the floor and started to lean over the tub. "Nooooo! Danger!" I screamed. He laughed and leaned over again. "No, baby! No! Danger!" (Btw, remember when I was a SAHM and used to take Wacky's Class and I tried to never say "no"? Ha. Those were the days).  Totally ignoring/testing me, Baby-Ko started to push himself up OVER the side of the tub. I stood up (yes, I stood up). "NO, Baby-Ko! STOP!"  With my pants down, my toddler diving in to the tub head first,  I went into do or die, fight or flight, scar or SCAR mode fast. Without even thinking I yanked open the cabinet, grabbed a box of tampons and held it up. He looked at me (I had his attention). "Look," I said, dumping the tampons out of the box, "Please help mommy put these back in the box." Done. Baby-Ko was now off the edge of the tub and by my feet playing with my tampons. 

One by one Baby-Ko examined the wrapped tampon and put it back in the box. Once he got them all in the box, he dumped them out and started all over again. (Genius). Staring at him, I didn't feel guilty. In fact, I felt accomplished. I felt like a real mom. A mom who had a total "do what you got to do" parent moment. But it occurred to me as I finished up my biz, that there might be some people that find my total parent moment, totally "gross" and totally "inappropriate." 

Personally, I think I have to seize these "do whatcha gotta do" moments as much as I can now before what I "gotta do" actually screws up my kid.   So tell me, is there an age cut off  where you have to stop winging it and parenting by the seat of your pants? That sounds like it takes an awful lot of planning!

RECHARGED

Several months ago, during a Mommy & Me class, Wacky said that it was imperative that we go away with our husbands for at least one night WITHOUT the baby. She said that sending the baby to a Grandparent's house for the night and staying HOME doesn't count.... We have to go OUT OF TOWN or at least to a HOTEL "for the sake of our marriages." And she said that we MUST do this BEFORE the baby turns ONE. 

Well it only took 360 days... but we did it. We went away for the night WITHOUT the baby.... AND IT WAS WONDERFUL. For my birthday, T-Ko planned a mini-getaway to Palm Springs. We stayed at The Parker, which is soooooo up my alley. The interior design was done by Jonathan Adler, so it's very funky yet beautiful.  I was able to slip in to "vaca" mode the second we stepped foot into the hotel. Knowing that it was just T-Ko and I, no baby to tend to, no schedule to keep or house to tidy, I felt relaxed from head to toe!

Despite the fact that it was a 107 degrees, we lounged poolside and caught up on magazines, sleep, and EACH OTHER. We had fun with with each other, just each other, for the first time in a long time and it was so so great. We even ordered room service. Twice. In one night. 

Sure, we missed Baby-Ko and were thrilled to see him when we got home. But getting out of town for a little over 24 hours to reconnect, recharge and regroup WAS really exactly what we needed. Wacky, great advice. Thank you! Now where should T-Ko send the bill...?

ON MY MIND...

 While nothing extraordinary took place, this past week did feel like a busy one, leaving me with a few things on my plate and on my mind...

**

 T-Ko and I finally got the chance  to go see a movie. We went to see "Dark Knight" and it freaked the shit out of me. The entire time, I had my sleeves covering my eyes and my nails digging into T-Ko's hand. When we left, I thanked g-d that I wasn't pregnant because I would for sure have had to call the doctor the next day, convinced that my shpilkes during all of  The Joker's scenes had caused something terrible to happen to the baby. Of course, I was also convinced that at 7 months pregnant, I had caused my baby to go deaf after seeing another summer blockbuster. Seriously, "Ratatouille" was very loud...

**

Wacky's lecture this week was about "not labeling" your baby. For example, if your baby falls and bops their head on the floor and starts crying, you don't want to say "You're okay, you're okay," because in a way, you are telling your child that they have to be okay (and not have their own emotions). Instead, you want to say "Oh, you fell. That looked like it hurt..."  OR another example, if your baby tends to get physical when playing with other children, you don't want to say that he/she is "aggressive," as they will personify that label and start to actually act like it. Instead you want to say that they're "excited" and "engaged."  

SO, I have been thinking about Wacky's lecture and trying to apply it to my marriage, and I'm pretty sure I've got it down: I shouldn't say T-Ko is  "lazy" because he doesn't do the dishes." He's just "not a good helper." 

**

My cleaning lady acted like she was solving a crime when she looked at me suspiciously and asked me if I was pregnant. 

(I will take another minute to let you digest this. AGAIN). 

YES. For the second time in a week, I was asked if I was pregnant (which I am not). She is a very kind, sweet lady, but I was less than thrilled  when she pointed to my dress and said, "Yaay-Ko, you skinny, but I think you pregnant in that dress," (say in Spanish accent).

It's official. The Empire Waist Gods have it out for me.

**

I took two Tae-Bo classes this week, watched what I ate, doubled up on Colace and voila: lost 2 pounds. It's not as much as I had hoped for, so as I go into my final week of my 30 day diet, I am happy to announce my 30 day diet has now turned into a 60 day one.  

**

When I asked T-Ko how I should end a blog that really has no end (or beginning for that matter), he said I should talk about how much I love him....

T-Ko, I DO love you. You're my best friend. And the funniest person I know. Now please go do the fucking dishes.

The end.

NON, NEIN, NEE, NYET....

The lecture in Wacky's Class today was about using the word "NO." Wacky said that our babies are entering a stage where they will begin to "test" us and that through repetition, will begin to understand consequences. She said that by saying "no" all the time we'll sort of stifle their curiosity and exploration and that we should use the word "no" sparingly; it should be saved for 2 or 3 things and instances in your house that are dangerous....like the fireplace, or the stove, or daddy's gun collection...

Wacky said that if you use the word "no" too often, it becomes unimportant and has no meaning and can lead to inconsistent parenting (kind of like when Baby-Ko wants to play with my iPod and I say "No" and then T-Ko uses his blackberry as a teether). Wacky said that instead of saying "no," you narrate the situation for them and then use redirection as a tool to get them to stop doing whatever it is that they shouldn't be doing. So for example, if Baby-Ko reaches down for his poop while I'm changing his diaper, I should say, "Wow, Baby-Ko. You've found your poop. Poop comes out of your tush and is pretty messy. Why don't you play with mommy's bangle instead.... " Or something like that.

I don't know. It's all very fluffy and lovely sounding.... The idea that we'll always have this free-flowing line of communication with Baby-Ko sounds fantastic... The idea that I'll always have the time to redirect his attention when he's playing with the phone, for example, and has accidentally dialed 911... or the patience to tell him to stop playing with the trash in the waste basket (actually, NOT say "stop" but instead, "Wow, Baby-Ko. You've found the trash. Did you know that Americans generate about 4.6 pounds of trash per person, per day? Why don't you help me by carrying the garbage to the back yard where we will start a compost heap instead."

I don't know. Things were different when I was a kid. My mom said "no" all the time and I think I turned out okay... and she certainly didn't rely on a Wacky to tell her what to do. Unless of course my Grandmother counts...

A WACKY DADDY

"Are you so excited to come with me?" I asked T-Ko as we got dressed.
"Oh, yeah. Thrilled," he said dryly. "I've been waiting for this day my whole life."
"You'll be in a room full of women..."
"Who cares? Their vaginas all look like Glad bags."
"What?! A glad bag?? Does MY vagina look like a 'glad bag?'"
"I don't know. I never see it."
"Ha ha." I quickly pull down my pants and flash T-Ko. (Mommy is sassy!)
"Nope. It's fine," he says.
"Phew," I say sarcastically.

Okay. I realize that T-Ko is not the "oooh, can I come with you to Mommy & Me" kind of Daddy, BUT I was hoping for a little more enthusiasm. I mean, I have been taking Baby-Ko to Wacky's class for 5 months now and a lot of the other daddies have attended before. Not to mention, I was dying for him to meet Wacky and become brainwashed just like me. Usually I return from class and tell him the newest advice that Wacky has given us, (like "under no circumstance, may you take the babies in a public pool"), to which T-Ko always responds "F Wacky."

"Hmm, what can I do to embarrass you...?" T-Ko said mischievously as we pulled up to class.
"Nothing. Don't do anything. Just sit and observe." I said seriously. "I hope your socks don't have holes in them."
"What? Why??"
"Because you can't wear shoes in the class."
"I hate it already."

Of course, T-Ko didn't hate it at all. In fact, I'm pretty sure he enjoyed it. It certainly helped that Wacky was in a cheerful mood and answered all of my annoying questions without any obvious judgement. It also helped that the other mommies encouraged T-Ko to join us during "Happy Feet" (the dance we do at the end of the class with the babies).

There was no way I was going to be able to convince him to join us for lunch afterwards, but at least I got him to come to Wacky's class and see what hype is all about. Plus, seeing T-Ko dance with Baby-Ko, was enough to keep me happy for a long time... And I'm pretty sure seeing my hoo ha, albeit briefly, and confirming that it does not in fact resemble a Glad trash bag (whatever that means), is enough to keep HIM happy for, well, at least a few days...

MOMNESIA'S A BITCH

I wish I had something wildly entertaining to write about but unfortunately nothing has happened in the past few days that I feel warrant a post.... Plus I think I have a terrible case of "Momnesia." Seriously. Ever since I saw the report that women become forgetful after having a baby on the Today Show, my Momnesia has been in full affect. (Come to think of it though, I do remember their set that day and loving the Jonathan Adler vase behind the couch....)

ANYWAY, at my last Mommy & Me class, the lecture was about introducing table foods to the babies. WACKY made us stand in a circle and repeat this how-to-save-your-baby-from-choking mantra like 16 times. We repeated it after her like school children and then she said "say it again... again, AGAIN...!!!" Being the wise ass that I am, I cracked a smile and I don't think Wacky appreciated it. She had us pretend what to do in case they were choking. She told us she'd come around the circle to each of us to see if we were doing it properly. Maybe she was secretly punishing me for not taking the mantra seriously because when it was time for me to demonstrate with Baby-Ko, she had her assistant check my "Choke hold." With all due respect, I think I'd prefer to get my life saving skills checked off by Wacky herself. Isn't that what I pay top dollar for??? BUT the JOKE is, I CAN'T even remember the fucking mantra for the life of me!!! Seriously, I got in the car after class and racked my brain trying to remember it.

Turn the baby over and hit them.... NO.
Upside down and on the back... NO.
Upside down, boy you turn me... NO.
911... NO.
Call Wacky???... Hmmm. Probably not.

Well, I guess I'll just have to watch Baby-Ko like a hawk when I give him "Yam/ Cheerio Pillows." (Yes, that's my newest creation. He refuses to eat ANYTHING EXCEPT cheerios. So I have to cram pieces of cheese, fruit, yams, etc, on to the cheerio to trick him). Who knows, maybe they'll do another report on the Today Show on how to get your babies to eat AND safe their lives in the process. I just hope I remember what they say instead of the remembering that I've seen Meredith Vieira in that Tory Burch dress before. Apparently Momnesia is selective....

ON THE LIST

According to Wacky, Baby-Ko (who's not even 8 months old) should already have his name on 4 to 5 PRESCHOOL WAITING LISTS. The kid hasn't even tried Cheerios yet and is already expected to be competing for a spot at a good preschool....

Of course, without fail, I bought into the hysteria, and found myself on a TOUR of a preschool TODAY. Wacky gave us a list of all the schools she signs off on (a list that we weren't allowed to take home until we completed the 3 week discussion). When we talked about the Valley schools during Week 2, she said that the one I saw today was one of her favorites. (In all seriousness, I think Wacky's point of view on nursery schools is spot on and she did dole out some valuable advice on this one). When I tried to tell T-Ko the things that Wacky told us to look for, he said "as long as they give free apple juice and Lorna Doones, I approve." Thanks, Daddy.

Even though it was a hundred years ago, I decided to invite my Nana with me to the tour since she used to be a Professor of Early Childhood Development and owned her own nursery school. When we walked into the school with Baby-Ko we were immediately greeted by the Program Director. She brought us out to the play-yard and memories of my own early childhood came flooding in... Play dough, searching for roley-polies, nap time, and of course snack time...

The rest of the tour and visit was fine. It was a lovely little school.... Very developmental, social and sensory oriented like Wacky says a good school should be. But to be honest, the highlight was not the tour....
It was the fact that COREY FELDMAN and his wife were their checking it out as well.

That's right, Corey Feldman. As in Goonies, Stand By Me, License To Drive... As in "My Two Coreys" (the painful to watch reality show about life after fame with he and the Corey Haim). Back in the day, I obviously was way more in love with Corey Haim (oh, and Ralph Macchio AND C. Thomas Howell) than Corey Feldman. Nonetheless, to have a BOP and Teen Beat icon sitting across from me on a mini chair, asking questions about how the school handles separation and transition, is like, RAD.

BUT the fact that Baby-Ko is ON THE LIST, is like, TOO THE MAX!

WACKY'S CLASS

Baby-Ko and I go to a very popular Mommy & Me class here in Los Angeles. The teacher, who's name I won't say, (but rhymes with "WACKY"), is known around town and apparently a spot in Wacky's Class is so coveted, you have to get on the list the minute you conceive. I literally had to sign up for it when I was 10 weeks pregnant and that's when I realized that we lived in the most competitive town there is. Baby-Ko hadn't even developed arm buds yet and already he was on "a waiting list" for the September babies’ class. However, we were told that we'd most likely get in because some of the other babies (on the list) might end up being born in August or October. Fortunately, Baby-Ko was born right on time and some other baby was born early (sorry, sucka) and we were in.

Women flock to Wacky's class and many feel that Wacky's word is the gospel. She definitely offers some valuable information and does wonderful interactive games and songs with the babies. I always look forward to class and I would say 99% of the time I agree and appreciate her opinions and advice. But there are days like last week, for instance, when I asked her what she suggests I say to strange random children who approach Baby-Ko and want to touch his face or take his pacifier, that I question her opinion. Her advice: "Put a mosquito netting over his stroller. That way no one can touch him." Um, yeaaaaah. Considering we A) don't live in the tropics and B) Michael Jackson does that to HIS kids, I think I will have to come up with a different way of addressing this issue....

ANYWAY, at the top of every class, Wacky gives a lecture on a different topics pertaining to the babies and the stage they're in. Topics range from Sleeping/Eating to choosing Nursery Schools (a titillating, fear inducing, 3-week lecture...) to Poop (yes. Poop. Apparently it's a bigger deal than I thought). Ironically, last week, as I surveyed the room, taking note of all the things the babies were doing that Baby-Ko wasn't, Wacky announced that we were going to be talking about Development.

First of all, I know that I shouldn't compare Baby-Ko to other babies and that they all develop at different rates, blah blah blah. But come on, you put 15 babies, all born in the same month, in one room, you are going to notice if one of the babies is practically walking and yours is still on its back admiring the lights. Okay, fine, Baby-Ko is somewhere in between that but I have to say that I generally find myself feeling bad about the fact that Baby-Ko leaves his "bag o' tricks" at home. Seriously... Like all week long he'll babble and coo, roll both ways, sit up on his own... And then we get to class and he's all fuss and frankly, no fun. There I said it.

I'm not a horrible stage mom in the making, I promise, sometimes I just want to feel and know that Baby-Ko is where he needs to be, doing the things he needs to do despite his Grandparents saying that he's the most brilliant and gorgeous child that ever was. And, yes, according to the list of "Hallmark Developmental Milestones" that Wacky gave us, Baby-Ko is right on target. But I have to say that I'm secretly happy that Wacky cancelled class tomorrow and all the mommies have made arrangements to meet at the outdoor mall with the babies. That'll give me an extra week to work on his sitting up skills....