Plays Well (Mostly) With Others

Today I watched a two-year-old boy for a woman whose late husband was a member (mostly in paper only) of our church ward here in Boise. I was amazed at how well they played together. Ronan got here a little after 9:00 in the morning and they happily played while I mopped the floor and made rolls. It was wonderful!! I couldn't believe how much easier it was to get things done! Despite being younger Caleb is definitely more bossy and physical. He pushed Ronan more than once and usually won out if they wanted the same toy. But all in all I'd say it was a success. (I'm not sure how to teach Caleb not to hit, kick, push, or hit other kids on the head with things...we're working on it. However, no blood and no excessive crying.)

Caleb also made me love him all the more when he was able to get Ronan to laugh when I couldn't get him to even stop crying. When Ronan's mom was still here dropping him off she gave him a sippy cup with orange juice in it and I told him he needed to drink it at the table. He wanted to go into the living room and I told him no. His mom tried to help but she had to leave after a few minutes so she wasn't late for work. Ronan was quite upset and clung to his sippy cup. I sat Caleb in the other chair and Caleb started making noises and faces at Ronan. All the sudden Ronan stopped crying and started to laugh. Then they sat there making noises at each other and laughing hysterically. It was great! They continued to make each other laugh all day.

So the day did go well, however, I'm not cut out for this baby-sitting business. In Twin Falls I ended up watching kids quite a bit (not for money--just for friends) and everytime it wears me out. Today was the first day in Caleb's little life that he did not take a nap. Neither of them did. I tried, but to no avail. Plus Caleb had a doctor's appt at two in the afternoon which wasn't the best time as far as toddler naps go. So by the end of the day we were all a little worn out. Everyone says it's different with your own kids. I sure hope so. I am also so glad that I have a degree that will allow me to find a job if the need arrises and a job that will allow me to be with my kids in the late afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Baby-sitting seems to be the need around me if I want to serve my neighbors, I just wish I were a little better at it. I find it exhausting!