MARTYR MOM




Let me begin by saying that no one can take care of my daughter as well as I can, not even my husband, or my mother. With that being said, I can't be with her all the time, so I will have to settle for mediocre care (being somewhat sarcastic). I have been having trivial issues with Courtney's babysitter lately, and my husband just finallly called me on it. Every day, I find something different to complain about.

For awhile, I complained that the babysitter never dressed her in the clothes I laid out for her the night before. She watches Courtney in our home and gets there shortly after she awakes and doesn't change her out of her pajamas until her morning nap. I always lay her clothes out the night before, but I would come home to find her in something completely different! How dare her rummage through my daughter's dresser and closet to choose other clothes! What was wrong with the outfit I chose..did it not meet her standards! My husband finally pointed out that her granddaughter (who lives next door) was having fun dressing her up in pretty clothes like a doll, and it made her really happy, so let it go already. At least she was wearing clothes she never got to wear anyway and was getting use out of them before she grew out of them. Point taken.

Then, I became irritated that I couldn't always find all her toys in the evening. I'm so anal, I actually count her Weebles, Little People and Books while I clean up before bedtime. Then, I voiced to my husband my suspicion that the babysitter's grandchildren were stealing Courtney's toys! I had to have a conversation with their mother. Then, I would feel like an ass when Casey would find them the next day under the couch!

My current obssession is how I believe the babysitter is not trying hard enough to get Courtney to take her afternoon nap! She doesn't care about her enough to make sure she gets proper sleep. When, in actuality, she is transitioning herself to one nap a day, like most one-year olds do!

So, apparently, I've lost my mind! And it's a good thing I don't voice these concerns to the babysitter, because then I would run the danger of losing an absolutely amazing caregiver. It's borne of guilt for not being with my daughter all day every day, and I know that in my mind, but my heart is quick to make me lash out at everyone because I miss my little girl. But Casey always brings me back to reality. It doesn't get easier, but I should feel fortunate for the help I have.

On a brighter note, my daughter is bilingual! Absolute genius!
She says agua when she wants or sees her cup of water and says "Chito" for Lechito when the babysitter gives her milk. Did I mention her sitter speaks Spanish? Another awesome benefit.

She's also learned to say Thank You, Pee Pee, Baby, Hi, Bye and Fishy!
Did I mention she's a genius?