I now understand why so many parents whose kids come through juvenile court want to be their kids friends more than their parents - because the discipline part sucks. I am starting to hate the discipline part. Carley is coming up on 2 years old and there are times when she doesn't listen well. Chris is very gentle, both in speaking and handling Carley. Not to say that I'm rough, but my language can be loud when I'm trying to get her attention.
It kills me when Carley doesn't listen and acts up and I feel like a jerk when I need to get stern with her. So for the last few days I've been down in the dumps. It has seemed like Carley has preferred everyone else. As much as I welcome a break now and then, I do admit that going from being her number 1 to number 12 hurts. But it's just a test.
Today I had an unexpected day off when my babysitter called in sick. I was feeling even worse because of it. Carley and I were getting ready to go to the park and she was sitting on the couch while I got my shoes on and out of no where Carley says "Wahee, Mama. Wahee, Mama".
In Carley-speak, she's saying "I love you, mommy". I was so touched that I cried and I'm not afraid to admit that. She has only spontaneously said "I love you" about 5 times to everyone else - including Elmo, but she has never said it with a name attached, so for her to say "Wahee, Mama" was the best thing to ever happen to me today.
