The “where the hell are y’all at, I’m up” whimper–
Gia is sleeping in her own bed… in her own room. Gia 0, Adults 1. She begins to stir around 6:30am but it isn’t until 6:45ish that her soft babbling becomes that ‘alright, quit playing, come get me’ cry. It’s at this time that hubby and I play our daily game of chicken… looking at each other like whose turn is it. After some stalling and a little back and forth, one of us gets her changed and dressed by 7am. I make her breakfast, sit her in her high chair, and then… IT begins.
The “that looks interesting, I wanna touch it, drool on it, throw it and things of that nature” grunt—
My days are filled with unfathomably persistent grunts, squeals, and moans. Boogs can’t ‘use her words’ just yet, and these noises and the accompanying pointing and demanding gesturing, are her only means of communication… besides the 2 signs she knows. And if I pretend not to hear her, she cranks up the volume, waves her hand in my face to get my attention and then proceeds. Very smart, that one.
Her demanding grunts and pointing, while irritating, are far worse when we’re in public. I’m admittedly easily embarrassed and I think she’s clever enough to know this… already. It never fails. Here’s how things usually play out–
-We enter a quiet environment, that’s usually filled with well behaved children and their proud parents.
-Gia proceeds to fuss, buck and fall out in an attempt to escape my grasp and walk around.
-To keep her quiet, I put her down. Gia 1, Adults 1
-She walks around like Fred Sanford, waving, and saying ‘bye bye’ to complete strangers. Loving their attention.
-I pick her up. She falls out.
-I distract her with whatever I have on hand to buy myself 5 minutes of peace. Actual real life examples include keys, straws, envelopes, my debit card, an empty plastic bottle, a lip gloss tube, and a wrapped, unused tampon. Why not give her a toy you ask? Because she doesn’t want them. She wants MY ish. And once she has it, she throws it, or drops it on the floor. Every time. Then looks at me, looks down at it, points at it, and starts with the grunting and squealing.
SOS! What am I supposed to do? If I take the stuff away she wails… if I give it to her, she throws it then wails… giving in is a short term fix, but I have a feeling that I’m in trouble if we don’t start correcting this ASAP! She is now more than aware that if I throw a tantrum I get what I want.
While standing, she’ll bear down, arch her back (hilarious) and commence a loud series of grunts and moans. We know she’s achieved success when she offends and resumes normal play. Occasionally, she’ll make the stinky face to let us know that our butt wiping services are needed.
So there you have it. The soundtrack of my life… it’s remixed, looped and shuffled. And now you know why that glass of Shiraz tastes so damn good at the end of the day.
Later Gators,
Nik
My Sadah turned 1 Aug 19th and you've pretty much summed up my new turn of events. So you are not alone…..good to know I'm not either.
*puts hand up* Erm, excuse me, but you said something about poo balls rolling away? Away??? FOR WHERE?!?! Ah ah! Wetin?
LOL… Gia is going to put you in a nursing home one day if you keep this up Nikki! lol!!
OMGawh!!!! Gia has LEAD HAIR!!! LMBO!!! That is classic!!
Shelli
That is hilarious Nikk!! (LOL)I'm sure you and your husband will come up with something to handle her. After all, your parents came up with something to handle you and Syl, hahahaha.
Also, baby girl's hair is quite the "rave" with the lovely long braid in the middle adorned by curls all around. Too Cute.
Allnatural1 (Michelle in TX)
Thank You for sharing!!!! LOL Adventures in Boogyville 🙂 you should really publish- she is adorable and quite smart…keep up the good work (I am secretly keeping track of your experiences and still trying to decide if I want to embark on the adventure myself…right now the vicarious experience is enough 🙂 ) you are doing a great job even when you think you're not- it all starts with love and it is well known that that is one loved special little girl!
Aw, Boogs still the cutest despite her starting on the worse period of YOUR life with the exception of middle-school thru high-school period. In public when the kid starts acting out-walk away…say falling out…walk away and when she look and see you're not coming back, she'll promptly get up and run to catch up with you had to do my son that way a few times and that stopped that!
those are some serious lead hairs!
Thanks guys for the laughs, your stories, and the sweet words.
Boogs says hi!!!
Gia has some serious lead hairs!!
Thanks for sharing…this is hiliarious!!! My daughter is almost 4 months and I can definitely relate to the whimper in the morning…LOL My daughter does that about 6 AM and hubby and I are like maybe if we wait she will go back to sleep…ummm no!!! After about 20 mins our little one will do a cry like "One of yall better come get me!!!"….
The joys of parenthood…sigh..gotta love it!!!
Nicole
Truly a funny post!
Nikki you having me cracking up EVERYTIME you post something about Baby G ! Hilarious!
She will eventually get past the tantrums, when she has them at home (out in public is another story) try ignoring her and see what kind of a response you get from her….
If not, there is always prayer, I had to resort to that many a times when my kids were little LOL.
Oh and Nikki you might need to rub/massage her belly on the regular and give her diluted prune/apple juice every few days if she is regularly having those hard poops. Try to massage her tummy and back. She'll be fine you just have to put a little firmness in your sing song voice and the kids really respond to the no thank you scenario, don't know why but it works especially with the older kids.
Lmaooooo I absolutely love the Boogie Chronicles! Lmaooo @ the well forms balls! Hahahahahahahahaha! Aww Nikki enjoy every moment the good and not so good, because like every one else said she will be a big girl In no time flat!
Her hair is perfect! Lol when it's a head full and you have two heads to do, you will remember this time!
O.k Nikki (and baby Gia/aka Boogie) you're going to have to start using psychology on her. I smile and say no thank you but do you see those pretty hands, eyes or whatever you want to distract her with. I worked in a day care and saying no thank you but directing their attention somewhere else stopped the tantrums unless they were not feeling well or wanted extra attention but you have to use your really nice voice. I usually would say no thank you (name) are you tired, do you want some attention what's going on with my angel and I was weak for the babies so I would rock them for as long as I could cooing and loving on them. Usually they just needed more attention or were upset about something from home and I would comfort them but would still be firm. Boogie would be spoiled by me and would love me up something good but I would still tell her no thank you Boogie Boogie singing a silly song making her laugh.
Your storytelling is one of a kind. When is the book coming out? I would read it and let others know about it.
Gia's hair is just right for her. I am glad I read the comments 'cause I did not even see that one braid sticking up, how funny.
Like others wrote, enjoy every stage of growth and learning, they grow up so fast. This coming from a mom of a 20 year old & 18 year old, both young men. Reading your accounts help me remember them at Gia's age, thanks!
We have a similar soundtrack. 🙂
Just adorable! Just know that you are not alone. Does that help? LOL
She looks so much like your hubby!
Nikki,
I LOVE the Baby G posts! I'm so grateful you find the time to keep us updated I love hearing about her and her latest adventures. I look forward to seeing what she's doing next lol. I see she's running things as she shoud be. Thanks again, keep 'em coming.
Thickroots
lol children really are the head of the house! lol
I am CRYING! Boogie is too cute and a hot mess at once
I like the baby's hair. I's so cute and the baby is so cute. Congrats that you had a baby like her..
Awww, your baby is too cute. I had my daughter 18 years ago and this story brought back memories as if it were yesterday. I never had problems with falling out and tantrums. I was never a very patient person and motherhood didn't change that. I always figured God knew to give me a quiet and agreeable baby. lol But those times when she did cry for seemingly no reason.. I would just put my finger to her lips (a shhhhhing motion) and say no, no, no.. typically she would stop crying.. then I would pick her up and cuddle her. Worked like a charm. A positive reinforment of sorts, I guess.
Oh and then she went through a biting phase.. we cut that out real quick when she bit me. I took her little hand and bit her right back. That was the end of that. =)
Nikki – my nephew use to do what Gia does – whenever I'd tap his hand he'd turn on the smile, hit me and run ( I would not chase him, I thought that would make him think even more so, "yea Auntie is playing"). I finally had to take a hard stand and tap his hand a little harder the 2nd time. The good thing was when I'd tap his hand harder the 2nd time, he did not cry but seemed to understand I was not playing a game with him. Oh but how cute for him to think I was playing.
bahaha!Babies are endless sources of wonder. I'm sure she'll have many hilarious things to say when she can "use her words"
and that tiny braid! So adorable!
OMG! You'll long for the grunts once she starts talking. My 3 1/2 yr old likes to have full out philosophical discussions. Usually when I'm trying to sleep. 🙂
Mommyhood is wonderful!
This is funny. I'm right there with you. My daughter passed the grunting stage, now she's into having a conversation at 3am in the morning. Want to pretend that you're sleeping? Nope, she starts rolling all over you and grabbing your face. Eventually, I'll get this girl out of my bed.
You're doing a good job Nikki. Gia appears to be very social and quite a communicator. Like CurlyQ mentioned that hitting back is a negative. It's only reinforcing some form of approval which might later be duplicated with other children.
Have you tried getting to her level to speak with her when she has a tantrum? I did this with my nephew and it worked like a charm.
Stay strong. This too shall pass!
baby coolio?! #dead
Y'all are too much for me tonight.
Thanks for the HILARIOUS stories. I'm not alone!
This sounds like my 20-mo. old son! Down to the T. Including the toys…keys, water bottles, wallets and cell phones. I know about the embarrassment and I usually stop what I'm doing and yank his ass out of there. Well, except for this one bad time at the post office.—>http://loveandtangles.blogspot.com/2011/09/trials-of-new-mommy-so-much-for-showing.html
Very funny story. When feeling embarrassed, just blame it on not having a nap.
And why am I mad that I didn't even SEE her little ponytail and when I scrolled back up and saw it, iHollered! OMG, that is so funny! And it's so cute the way it's just standing up off her head throwing gang signs and ish! Lookin' like a little baby Coolio! I LOVE this kid!
HIlarious! You have got your hands full and my heart goes out to you. Thirty years ago my husband accepted his first tenure track position 3000 miles from ALL family we had a 1 yr old little girl. Thank God for the internet and for all you do. hang in!
Nik, this is a classic post! Gia is gorgeous, even in that angry picture!
I know CurlyQ, I need help girl! I'm learning. I feel like those moms I used to shake my head at at the grocery store.
"I pop gia's hand from time to time but she looks at me, smiles and hits me back. She thinks I'm playing… and she's so cute all I can do is smile!"
Now Nikki, you know you my girl, right? But this may be some of the issue…. She doesn't know when it's seriously time to get it together from you. If she's smiling after you pop her, seems like it's not effectively getting the point across. And then she Hits. You. Back?! Aw hayull naw! And when you smile at her after all this, it encourages her to keep doing it. Sometimes we gotta bite our lip and no matter how cute it is laugh later when they're in bed because she's reading your body/face. Mad love to all of you, she's adorable!
THISSS!!!! Too funny!
Girl… yes. My son is about to be 2 in November and the tantrums have come in full force. They didn't start until maybe late July, and we've been learning to take it one day at a time and be responsive but not too much. Don't feel embarrassed if she shows out in public; just stay calm but firm with her. (Hard to do I know… they so damn cute you don't wanna see or hear them cry.) Mine has started to slap and bite too, so we gotta figure out a way to quell that immediately before he gets himself into trouble with other kids.
Funny enough, when they're just going about their business toddlers can be some of the most interesting little people on Earth lol.
Girl, you are a mess. Thanks for sharing her with us! Good luck with the poop!
I always wondered why my mother is not squeamish.
OMGawhhhh!!!! I'm crying here!!! Literally, tears are in my eyes and my stomach hurts from laughing so hard … it was the poop. The poop did it!!! LMBO!!!!!!
Now, I have to go back and read everyone's comments because I'm sure that they'll have me cracking up too!!
As someone with no children but who is constantly accused of being mean to children, you get really close to her face and in a snarly growl tell her she better get it together and you're not having it. Again, I have no children … but this intimidation always seems to work on other kids, including my niece. My sister and bro-in-law used to accuse me (facetiously;) of beating her. I told them "No, she just knows that with me, there's no bribe coming. So, she may as well quit it." Again, I will admit, I don't have any kids … so, I know I may be in for a rude awakening when they are my own. Thing is, my mom wasn't having none of that and I act just like her. So, I'm relying on being able to have the same effect on my children … wishful thinking????
LOL!
Shelli
LOL @ Frances!!
I pop gia's hand from time to time but she looks at me, smiles and hits me back. She thinks I'm playing… and she's so cute all I can do is smile!
Oh yes and keep it coming!!! Love the posts!!!
Lol, a mess!
Oh yes and I just noticed the braid in the top of her hair….NOW IT KNOW… you did not do that….LOL – FUNNY!!!!
What the what????
LMBO!!!! Oh my goodness – Faryn too. Except with the tantrums – I commence to ignore of POP her lil ASS!!!!! LOL So that works most of the time. Adult 1 Faryn 0….. If not then Faryn 1 Adult 0….LOL
And, what is up with them wanting to play with wrapped up tampons. I tell Faryn that is not Sexy and to wait her turn…lol
Anyway don't feel bad – girl I am going through the exact same thing to….LOL
Enjoy
Oh my gosh Nikki, she sounds just like my daughter! Even the hair situation! 🙂
ROFL!! Sounds so darn familiar! I feel your pain (pleasure)!
OMG Nikki; I love it! HILARIOUS.
My Kayla is 3 wks younger than your Gia and she's starting to do the same thing! (They're hair twins too- you'll definitely have to do a segment of infant/toddler hair care.) I wish your family so much luck handling toddler-time; this is our 4th time around, but never with a little "lady" (if you can call her that when she starts acting up!) Wumpie (Kayla) and I will be on the look out for the next episode of "The Boogie Files".
Keep up the GREAT work,
Tiff
LOL put a bow on her little braid! It'll look cute (and funny) lol. Like Pebbles from the flintstones. 🙂
Thanks guys!!! Y'all are the bestest. I'm trying to catch her on camera to show you just how much I'm NOT exaggerating!
This was so funny I was tearing up:) Thanks for the giggles. Love her little pony tail. Put a bow on it.
Definitely can relate Nikki. My BooBoo Bear is 13 months old. Pretty good kid, but he has his moments for realsies…..changing him is espeically annoying as he likes to twist and turn on the table. But, these are the moments that we will one day laugh (hopefully:).
Laughed out loud. Great story Nikki!
Oh em geezus! Some of the above is what I am experiencing with my now 9 month old. She fallin out in church yesterday (flipping herself back)- but only with me though, passed her to her auntie and she stopped.
She never wants a toy either- just like you said, only my ISH! I will give her anything to satisfy her for the moment so she can stick it in her mouth and throw it down. Thanks for sharing and its a bit comforting knowing that I'm not alone!
awww she's so cute. ^_^ the first picture is great — she looks like an angry CEO!
i just saw a thing about something called "baby signs" — supposedly it helps them communicate with you and they experience less frustration.
Best of luck to all you parents out there. I love kids and they love me, but I plan to be barren forever.
LOL! I know the feeling! I have a 3 & 4 year old, and they are in daycare and school but I remember those baby days! My 3 year old still throws a helluva fit but we are still learning how to deal.
"The soundtrack of my life… it's remixed, looped and shuffled."
I love that sentence–I could not imagine a more perfect way to describe raising babies 🙂
On another note, what brand(s) of Shiraz do you recommend?
LMAO! This is by far one of the funniest things I have ever read. She is too too cute. After reading this & looking back at the first picture of this post, the caption "Who gon check me boo?" seems oh so appropriate. 🙂
Gia is so cute and full of personality! Personally, I love the lonely little braid…LOL!
As for the other stuff, all I can say is hang in there mommy!
For you and daddy's sake it probably is time to try to get the tantrums under control. Notice that I said "try" because it won't be easy. It will probably get better as she learns to talk, provided you consistently encourage her to use words to get what she wants even if it's just a word or 2. That's also a great time to introduce simple grace & courtesy by reminding her to say please & thank you every time she asks for/gets what she wants, then smiling and praising her each time she says it. Granted, it takes time and patience and it's certainly not worth a battle every single time she resists. Even if you give in sometimes, the key is to keep reminding her and showing her how happy it makes you when she uses her words and manners.
Gia might be ready for potty training sooner than other babies. Brace yourselves and hold onto your sense of humor. I remember a few horrific accidents where I just had to sit back and laugh to keep from crying and being grossed out.
BTW I always love your "Boogie" posts. You should start a new mommy blog!
xoxo,
-Mom of 2 wonderful boys (13 & 8)
If there was a love button, I'd click that. Too cute.
HILARIOUS post Nikki. Gia is a ham and I'm loving watching you adjust to motherhood. Keep the posts coming!
Nikki this was TOO funny! Isn't it crazy, when you become a mom, how much of your life revolves around "pooh"?! LOL 😉
LmaO rOTfl omg Nikki your narrations are the best! I couldn't stop laughing as I was reading.
Nikki,
That was a hilarious story. Its really hard for them at that age because they can't express themselves. I am a stay at home mom of 3 kids with 3 year old twins (Boy/Girl) at home. I TOTALLY understand your pain. I wouldn't dare take them out of the stroller around that age. LOL! I had to set boundaries and let them know I was in charge. 🙂 (Easier said than done.) Once you get over this….something else will take its place. Gotta love motherhood!
ROFLMBAOOooooooo!!!!!!
Gia is quite the diva and adorable to boot.
"an unused wrapped tampon" CLASSIC!!
And OH, do I remember those "not quite all the way out" poop days. More than a few times I've had to resort to getting a paper towel and pulling poop out of my son's butt. I always say that once you become a mother, nothing grosses you out. You become immune. I've handled pee, vomit and poop. What else is there? LOL!!!!
NIkki,
Boogie and her antics are hysterical! Mama, you remember also that "this too shall pass" and she will grow out of the tantrums as she learns to communicate her feelings. She is a public pooper. My soon to be 10 year old would always be found in a closet somewhere doing the do and then emerge doing a Frankenstein-like walk and demanding to be changed. 🙂
Her hair is coming in nicely.
I am in my cubicle laughing out loud!!! Nikki, you are the best storyteller, you really should gather these things together and write book, I don't think you'd have any problems selling it. Boogie is adorable and I love her like a niece, but I must say, all the things parents go through with little ones makes me very happy that I just have a dog. Waaay easier!
Awww! Her hair reminds me of my son's at that age. He had one LONG patch, and the rest was just growing back in before we gave him the BC. LOL!!! The good thing is that you know what her cries mean; I didn't know that much at all! Stop getting embarrassed!!! A screaming, pouting, hollering one year old is perfectly normal. Let her cry, especially at home. If you're in public, take her outside or to the bathroom, and give her a little talk or maybe a tap on the hand. Yes, it's inconvenient, but necessary. Stay strong!!!
tiannamae.blogspot.com
Oh how I love Gia stories! HIGHLIGHT of my day 🙂
LMFAO Rhonda you are so right. I drove my mom insane during puberty.
Nik, I was delighted to log back on and see Gia. Score: Gia: 1, Rhonda: 1! Your musings are the "mostest". I love, love, love these postings.
Down to business…the hair, are these 2a curls? And, where is her bow? And, what is her fall/winter routine? Winters in PA are not for the faint at heart.
Potty training, indeed. In fact, you may want to move that one up on the priority list.
With regard to the other..ranting, wailing, pouting, bucking, tantrums, and the like…the best is truly yet to come! Score: Gia: Infinity, Nik: 0.
Have you tried baby signing?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gSZfW4gVhI
My husband and I are going to try this a couple months after our little princess is born <3
You are such an amazing story teller! Love it! Now, on to the hair…..it looks like The "give em the finger on the cool" do! Gia 2, Adults 1! Btw,I love your site. I check it before I check my bank acct balances!!!
Isn't mommy-hood a wonderful, tiring and scary experience! I'm a first time mom of a 16 month old (that means something now), and I understand totally that "give me everything you got or you'll pay" stage…. We are getting out of it but I'm learning with this little one (part Taurus/Gemini, born on the cusp) that by asking for it and giving her the perception that she is being nice to me is working best. Right now, all she wants is to be considered… my grandmother would have just took everything from her and dared her to even think to cry but it's working for us.
LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!! OMG!!! I am having a laughing fit remembering these same tryst when mine were that age!!! LOL!!! Not to chide your misery, but thank you for reminding me that just when I thought things couldn't get any worse-THEY GREW UP!!!! LOL!!! So where you are now is the fun and laughable age. Trust me, enjoy!! LOL!! ;o)
"This too shall pass" at the pooping attempts. LMAO. You guys are funny. Nikki.. my little cousin hated to sit in his buggy. In the train or metro or in shops, he'd start wiggling and if you didn't get him out, he'd start CRYING AND SHREAKING. LOUD. NONSTOP. Until you let him out to destroy other people's and stories stuff. God we couldn't take him NOWHERE. The terrible two's really are the terrible two's. He's three now and so adorable and sweet, I sometimes look at him and wonder if somehow we my cousin got him cloned.
OMGosh, too cute! And her hair is coming in very nicely. She will follow in good footsteps with Curly Nikki as her mama. I can see Gia years from now saying to someone, "My hair must always be on point. Do you know who my mama is?!" LOL.