James grows up - and so do I

Nearly two-and-a-half years into this parenting expedition, with my youngest turning 1 year old in a week, today was the day I decided to be a mother.   

As the babies become children, I’ve realised that a more specific, thoughtful approach must be used.  My former technique of priding myself on chaos, unpredictability, heedless spending (“they’re only babies once! Let’s go get pizza!  I deserve this cab!), and an attempt at an adult social life is no longer the theme of the day.  This weekend I’ve taken steps towards a working budget, spent only £3 in unnecessary costs (at the nearby coffee shop), tested children’s recipes using the book I nearly gave away a few months ago, texted and phoned a favourite babysitter simply because I was concerned about her well being, planned Jasper's birthday party for next weekend, and declined an offer to go out to a fancy restaurant in the evening with good friends.  And the events of this morning may have spurred this all on. 

This morning, I awoke to the creaking of my bedroom door.  As he has only recently gone into his own bed, it still took me a second to realise the little presence was James, aged 2.5.  He seemed to look at me and decide I was sleeping (I lay as still as possible, hesitating even to breathe).  A patter of departing feet.  Seconds later, I hear a squawk from the 11-month old as he awakes, and following his normal routine, starts to cry, as if protesting his very existence.  But this morning is different - James has it under control. Magically, through unknown means, he soon sends the little one into spasms of giggles.  Finally, I force myself out of bed (I’ve now forgotten whether it’s possible to start a day in a way other than “reluctantly,” no matter how sweet my boys are) and go into the room.  I find James completely naked, having cast aside his pull-up and sat on the potty to go wee wee.  Never mind that there was a poo in the pull up that has now been discarded on the floor.  It’s still a massive step in the evolution from baby to boy – he has deliberately surmounted obstacles in order to use the potty.  

And, amazingly, he seems to have tried to spare me a few extra minutes of shut-eye.  This little toddler seems to be solidly in my corner. He's becoming my friend.