Second Cousins
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Heather talks about public tantrums (from kids) on today's Momversation.
- RIP Louis Mortimer Armstrong: http://bit.ly/1R4tv6
- Hugs and kisses to you, too! RT: @Monkey_Tree: @dooce he probably committed suicide because he was tired of LISTENING TO YOU WHINE.
- Our fish just died. And I'm sitting here crying. And it wasn't even my fault!
1. sheyna said:
no way.
2. marie said:
George!!! and Leta!! How CUTE!!!
/ first???!!!
3. Sarah said:
Adorable. Both of them. :)
4. Lindsey said:
Hmmm #4 not bad :)
A George! & Leta pic, too cool!
5. chickenflicken said:
That is too much cheekage for one picture, and now I understand why people get excited to be so close to the top. I've never been this close!!
Boo-Yah!
6. Jenie said:
Awwwww....how sweet!
7. Melissa said:
What a sweet picture. George!!
8. Chessy said:
Such incredible cuteness! And George is rather handsome. Thanks for the shot.
9. marie said:
oh well, not first.....but 3rd...c'est la vie.
and Dooce, Leta's in pink, AGAIN!
10. Sharon said:
George!
11. JenE said:
What a cutie. What's she holding?
12. Liz said:
How incredibly cute. Love it.
13. Melissa R. said:
How adorable. Both of them. Two peas...
14. Tom said:
Oh....my God. That look in Leta's eyes! Cuteness!
15. kEma said:
Damn I splashed, totally molton in my chair.....
Lets eat them BOTH!
16. becaru said:
always wondered how GEORGE! was related...
17. Bucky Four-Eyes said:
Aw, couldn't you have included Chuck's bony traitor ass in the shot as well?
18. Em said:
OH THE CUTENESS! Leta has a little "flirt" in her eyes.
19. christy said:
It's like the chemical formula for a perfect photo. I hope you use this power for good and not evil.
20. Fish said:
Wish it was sunny like that here.
The real question is, which one is responsible for the stinky present in the bathroom, this time?
P.S. GEORGE, what does your shirt say?
21. Virginia said:
Leta's so lucky to have cousine George!
22. Kieran said:
HEY its Black beard the Ass pirates first mate! Skippy!
23. Fish said:
OH, and by the way, this pic settles the whole "Leta looks like Jon" vs. "Leta looks like Heather" thing.
Obviously, the GEORGE gene has kicked the asses of both parents' genes (aside from the facial hair, that is).
24. Sheryl said:
Cute cousins!
Fish, I love this game! It's like Wheel of Fortune. I'd like an H.
Oh hell, I'd like to solve the puzzle. "The Outhouse".
25. Fish said:
"Black beard the Ass pirate"
Maybe that's what George's shirt says.
26. Sue From Ohio said:
hmmm, I'm not doing too bad in the posting # dept....
THAT IS THE CUTEST FRICKIN PICTURE!!!! George needs a woman so he can have kids! He looks like he would be such a cool and loving Dad!!! GO GEORGE!!!!
And Leta, keep giving cousin George those innocent eyes so he'll buy you something HUGE and LOUD for Christmas!!!
27. jenn said:
Is that a fake plant?
28. Fish said:
You can tell it's Monday. No one's working this morning. I'm sorry that I missed the Groundskeeper Willy quote session yesterday. Here's my favorite:
Willy: (Rips of shirt) Lunchlady Doris, Grease me up, Woman!
Lunchlady Doris: Okey Dokey.
29. Stephanie said:
George again! She loves George! Too cute!
30. matt said:
leta is clearly going to be a bad bad girl when she grows up. watch out utah.
31. Stephen McKenna said:
Is that the cap for the Draino that Leta is sucking on, or is it from the Tide bottle?
32. Fish said:
WD40, I think.
33. Sheryl said:
Fish,
Are you saying George is Blackbeard the umm Pirate himself?
After doing a prelim search, The Outhouse is either a dive bar in Kansas
http://www.digitalcity.com/kansascity/bars/venue.adp?sbid=111941622
Or it is a website for genealogy and family humor
http://rootslady.com/The_Outhouse/
34. gardens grey said:
I love the photo. They are both too sweet!
35. closet metrosexual said:
What is hanging on the fireplace? It's not a stocking, looks more like a business card holder. Does Santa "leave his card" for Mormon's?
36. anners said:
oh.my.
the cheeks!
37. Kieran said:
DONT EAT THE BABY! FOR THE LOVE THAT IS ALL MORMON DONT EAT THE BABY GEORGE!
BAD GEORGE! BAD!
38. Red said:
Two Sweet Cheeks.
39. Molly said:
Great Shot!!
They both look like they are up for causing some trouble...
40. sweetney said:
the decision to be made here is: whose cheeks does one pinch first?
41. Kano said:
Ummmm... does George reside at your humble abode? Or does he stop by frequently for Latte and Pepperidge Farms Pirouette Cookies?
42. Sarah said:
Oh God...GEORGE! Leta, AND she's in PINK....
are you trying to give me a heart attack?!?
Lovely, lovely photo. Makes me warm on this 'wind-chill below 0-degree day'. Brrrr.
43. AgMommy said:
Pink!!!!!!
44. Sherri said:
Those two just *look* like they're up to no good. I bet they just did something that they're going to blame on Chuck.
I can't get over how huge Leta's hands are, good for grabbing keys and toilet paper.
I like the fireplace
45. KellyH said:
George, dude, you seriously need to come to my house and sit on the floor with my 2 year old. You look like you'd withstand a 30 minute game of "Let's Pretend You're A Mountain and I'm the Explorer" much better than I can.
46. Sarah said:
Click on me to see The Outhouse we use at work.
47. veg4me said:
I guess I am the only one who saw horns on Leta's head at first glance. Second look revealed it to be George's skin..
48. psyche said:
That's really adorable...Looks like someone's blushing hehe :D
Great photo!
49. Scott said:
"Oh my God! A Yeti has taken that adorable child. Quick, get my tranquilizer gun. We have to take it down before it eats the baby like a muffin top."
It's like Harry and the Hendersons.
50. dänika said:
I want GEORGE!s glasses.
and I love the way a few strands of Leta's hair aren't lying down, but are pointing northeast. And the look in her eyes -- haha! She knows she's frickin' adorable.
51. Candice said:
I have to admit I didn't see it before, but now I must concede that George is pretty much the best thing ever.
52. midwifegoddessannie said:
AHHHH GEORGIE... He has 'fuck me' eyes..... He knows exactly how sexy he is.
53. Brian G said:
GEORGE!!! AWESOME!
54. Mary said:
How very sweet. Hi, George, I heart you.
55. mrs. george #2 said:
OH I think I'm gonna swoon. Let me grab my doo rag first, in order to be stylish.
Girl.A, where you be? Come out and play.
56. trisha said:
Isn't it first cousins, once removed?
57. dooce said:
that plant is for reals a real plant with real leaves and stuff. it lives. it lives!
58. Em said:
GEORGE!!!! Damn that baby girl is precious!
59. Bucky Four-Eyes said:
Trisha (#56) -- if Heather and George are first cousins, then you are absolutely correct. Leta and George are first cousins, once removed. When George spawns, his littl'un and Leta will then be second cousins to each other.
60. beachgal said:
Love it, love it, love it!
Dooce finally responded to, "Please post a picture of George holding Leta!"
Wonder what request will be next?
I love your site, Dooce, and am so jealous of your photo taking ability.
61. mercurial said:
Very cute pics, I have been exploring this site for 5 days, since my friend linked me to it. My husband I both appreciate the real humor. Thanks for the honesty.
62. JulieT said:
Now we know where Leta got her cheeks.
63. ashley g said:
GEORGE AND LETA! HOW ADORABLE!
that made my whole morning.
64. Megan said:
Is George single? :)
65. Jamie said:
George! and Leta look like they have the same nose. Cute pic.
66. LadyBug said:
That is absolutely adorable. "Cousin George" seems more like "Uncle George," doesn't he? (But not like weird Uncle Merv the Perv, but like that cool, sweet, cuddly uncle little girls have such a sweet bond with.)
And Dooce - You're quite the woman, to be able to keep a really for real plant AND a baby, alive in the same house, at the same time. I generally have to choose who gets fed/watered/cared for...the kids, or the plants. It's usually an easy decision (the kids), but some days.........
67. August95 said:
What a handsome couple. George and Leta look like they really enjoy each others company
68. kmp_flamingo said:
I'm strangely attracted to George...is he single? :-)
69. Ali said:
Not to be a downer, but I think they're actually first cousins once removed.
None the less, they are both way cute. Leta looks like she's up to no good.
70. Allyson said:
Is that a silk plant in the background? Just wondering.....
71. Shiz said:
George is the CUTEST, like, EVER.
Wow. George nay-sayers be damned!
72. pismire said:
Per yesterday's post: I hear that toilet paper is very high in nutritional value.
Oh, and GEORGE!
73. lulu cornichon said:
I've always been partial to George (floaters aside) but this photo really seals the deal. His expression says to me "I'm a stand-up guy with a heart of gold, but I can still pull a good wedgie."
Nothing like a big bear of a guy that'll hold a baby *and* make you laugh til the milk shoots out your nose.
How's that for unprecedented projecting?
74. Lisa said:
George and Leta in one pic!!!!!!!! Makes me want to go out and get a George... lol.
75. eddo said:
I like Leta's eyes in this picture, they are very supermodel walking down the runway right before turning left.
Also, I don't know why everyone is saying all those nice things about George, quite frankly I am livid because he always gets to bein the pictures! He is becoming a Celebrity by proxy! And he has thick hair and can grow a beard- something us Native Americans cannot accomplish so easily!
76. GirlA. said:
George is more wonderful than your average cousin George.
See for yourself.
77. trisha said:
Though, the Cousin George people who went to that Roaing 20s restaurant, with the Wurlitzer and marimbas, look like they are having a Big Time.
78. Fish said:
Dooce: Jon is asking about poop this early in the day? Geez, talk about putting on the pressure. Tell him to go de-cruft himself.
79. Carol said:
Speaking of de-crufting yourself. Check this out.
I especially like the logo/icon they have.
80. Mrs.Stray said:
80th~~~~ yeah baby.
It looks so bright and sunny and warm.
81. Fish said:
*tap tap tap tap tap tap tap*
Can't talk now, I'm signing up for the "'Just Can't Go' Constipation Monthly Newsletter."
82. Circus Kelli said:
GEORGE! And LETA!! Wonderful! What a terrific way to start out the day! Ohhh, and a really real for real living plant!
Dooce, darlin, you are my hero.
Oh, and is that your house, or are you in the waiting room at my dentist's office?? Seriously, that looks like my dentist's waiting room...
83. Sheryl said:
Maybe Jon is sensing some tension and wondering if the underlying cause is rooted in the bottom system. You know, Fahrfrohmpüpen. I don't know about Dooce, but I don't feel much like doing the nasty if I haven't been able to do the REALLY Nasty in a few days.
I mean, it is no secret to me why my poor kitty [who can't crap because she swallows too much hair no matter what I do to prevent it] immediately after dropping a deuce in the box, will run from one end of the house to the other with wild-eyed unadulterated freedom and joy.
84. Janis said:
Leta's thinking...
"Um hello? Camera? Picture? Me? George? Why is George in *my* picture? I love the guy but please, this is so obviously all about me!"
Lovely photo of the lovely Miss Leta and handsome Sir George.
85. Circus Kelli said:
Uh, I don't usually comment on this topic, but I've noticed with all three of my kids when they were in that 1-2 year old stage that if they suddenly get really happy and talkative and funny and silly -- check their diaper. There is usually a reason they are suddenly feeling so... relieved.
The fact that they don't sit down is a good clue, too... not to mention the "holy cow how can such a small person emit such a huge stank?!" factor.
86. red said:
LOVE this. it feeds both of our addictions.... leta and GEORGE!
87. Goooder said:
Aww she likes GEORGE!
And pooping only once per week must be painful! Drink some soy milk! It aint right.
88. Chris From Ohio said:
Wow. Continuing Jon's concert analogy, this is when the band gives in and plays a hit song because the audience is just so nuts for it. YAY GEORGE. YAY LETA. Any way we could get some OF FRANCE mixed in? !!!!
89. Big Gay Sam said:
umm.. one question. How is George able to have facial hair and attend BYU?
90. Susie said:
George! is to dooce.com as Norm! was to Cheers. Some day this will show up on a standardized analogies test. Of France!!!!
91. Becka said:
Do not be fooled by the cuteness...Leta is using her super Jedi mind trick us viewers into submission...while GEORGE! awaits as her ready henchman...
They really are adorable, though. Leta and GEORGE! can be my dictators any day.
92. trisha said:
Yes! Perfect analogy, there, Susie!
93. Amanda B. said:
Oooh, I love this with the Leta as Dr. Evil look!
And George! George is so awesome.
94. TracyDee said:
I like the contrast of George's bearded face and Leta's baby smooth face. They both look like they're having a great day :)
95. Regan said:
GEORGE!!!
and
LETA!!!
heaven.... :)
96. closet metrosexual said:
Sheryl (#83) - "The nasty" and the "REALLY Nasty?" Where is the romance? "We can't make love until I crap."
I can just hear the late, great, Barry White crooning "Come sit by the fireplace, have some wine, and some Ex-lax, too, Baaaybeee."
97. Melanie S said:
The cheeks. They are too much!
Love the George, and love the Leta!
98. George Lover said:
Big Gay Sam- We heard in weeks past that George! actually has a permission slip from his doctor allowing the beard. I think I read that he may be the only person to be allowed to wear a beard.
99. Carol said:
Your house looks very sunny and airy and clean and happy. I love the light.
100. jenn said:
If you can keep a plant alive, you should get at least a B+ in sanity.
101. Heather said:
Dooce,
RE: Maternal Milestones
Im sorry you feel that way. I think all Mother's are made to feel that way at one point or another in our childrens lives but DO NOT WORRY, each baby develops in their own time. I know you must have heard that like a million times but guess what, its true! And just remember who youre dealing with, Miss. Leta herself! She will never do anything until SHE'S ready to. Thats just her Leta style. Don't fret.
102. Big Gay Sam said:
ahh.. When I used to go to the BYU campus for my Reparative *brainwashing* Therapy, I would get some dirty looks (I had a goatee). It was really quite amusing.
103. Amber said:
GEORGE! LETA!
104. Clearly said:
Hi Dooce
I have been reading your site for quite a while now, but had to finally comment after reading your last entry on Leta.
My sisters baby will be one on Christmas day, and she just started crawling about 4 weeks ago. They were a bit concerned, but she has now very quickly progressed to standing up holding on to the table!
Apparently girls progress mentally quicker than boys and boys more physically so.
So don't worry, she'll do it in her own good time (Like most of us girls!)
Best Wishes for a fantastic Christmas to all the Dooce family and regular readers!
105. christy said:
Some more advice concerning maternal milestones: JUST LIE! No one is really asking to know anyhow, they are just making conversation. It makes it a lot easier on everyone involved.
The people who need to know what your baby is doing already know, and you will continue to keep them in the loop as needed.
Beyond that, fuck 'em. That's my personal parenting mantra.
106. Carol said:
I like that you titled your last entry "maternal" milestones. You obviously understand that they are YOUR milestones to reach. Both of my kids (will leave boring details out for once) have developed late in some areas, but they always get there. The worry and emotional drain was mostly caused by me for me.
Usually, there's no need to worry or feel bad. It will almost always work itself out. No matter what you do.
107. LisaG said:
Leta has the most beautiful ballerina hands.
Being a mother is hard and exhiliarating always - just like you describe, Heather. That part won't change - just the issues. The hardest part for me is detaching from their teenage emotions - they are over it in five minutes and I am left hiding under the covers drooling onto my pillow. And when someone says something that could maybe possibly be interpreted as criticism of your child or your parenting skills...look out - here comes Mama Bear. I've been a mother for 17 years and it still freaks me out when that happens. Anyway, chin up, you are in good company with the craziness!
108. Susie said:
Dooce,
Yea, I want to join Heather and I'm sure many others in telling you things you already know, but our hearts hurt for you at the thought of how you felt at that party, so we can't shut up:
1. That man didn't know that most babies aren't walking at 10 months.
2. He didn't know that MANY babies aren't crawling at 10 months, indeed many never crawl at all and grow up to be perfectly wonderful humans.
3. He didn't know Leta and he didn't know you, so his mistaken ideas of developmental milestones were the only "in" that he had to a conversation with the beautiful neighbor with the adorable baby.
4. ALL moms do have this happen sooner or later about some issue or other. I know that doesn't change that horrible feeling it creates; I can't even think of one single word that adquately describes that sad/angry/guilty feeling.
5. I choose to believe that most people who are hurtful in this way, out of absolute ignorance, really don't intend to offend. Ignorance is just like that.
109. JP said:
And you thought the MORMON GUILT was bad???? The guilt of MOTHERHOOD. The BITCH of all guilts.
There is always SOMETHING that you feel bad about. When you're moving all week and your girls get sick because of lack of sleep/schedule??? When you're a working mom and all the prissy at home mom's look down on you and talk about you because you're not like them? Bitches...
Anyway...my point being is that someone is always going to make you feel like a 'bad mom'...especially your children when they're old enough. You know that you're doing right. Leta is FABULOUS...you and Jon are great parents. Miss Lovely Leta will crawl/walk as soon as she's ready...
110. Stephen McKenna said:
Since when were Armstrongs statistically average? Leta will be just fine.
111. Bucky Four-Eyes said:
If we refer to ourselves as "regular" readers here, isn't that just taunting poor Heather?
Just wondering. . .
112. Matt in London said:
Hmmmm - my wife and I had a baby on Tues and sod the crawling, he's ruined our house without being able to move yet... :-)
Am I last??
113. Amanda B. said:
Dooce,
Leta is a little angel. I don't have any children and know you don't like all the advice even if I did. So I will say I am sorry you are having a tough time.
My little brother scooted around on his heiney like a deranged hermit crab instead of crawling.
He went from that to running (not walking) into doors, walls and furniture. He looked like an abused child until he was about 4.
He had to wear braces at night to straighten out his little legs and he HATED it. But all is well now.
All will be well. :)
114. Ali said:
I am joining the chorus here. My son NEVER crawled. He refused point blank to stand on his legs and jig about. The most he ever managed was a slug like kind of roll from time to time. Otherwise he was content to stay put, observing and getting people to run around after him. Eventually he started dragging himself around the furniture when he was almost fourteen months old. So what? He walked. He is really smart and very cute and NORMAL.
In contrast his brother got up and ran at nine months, is severely autistic, didn't speak until he was sixteen and will never lead an independent life.
Let's hear it for slow walking, I say. I threw away my milestones book and felt happy with slug baby number two.
Please don't do what I did with number one. I wasted his childhood standing around in hospital corridors waiting for people to be negative. That doesn't help anyone.
Leta is lovely. She will be fine.
Much love
Ali
115. AyEnDeeAreEeAyAitch said:
George needs to go make babies now.
Leta is damn close to perfect as are you Heather.
116. allison said:
Great pic of GEORGE! and Leta. I have one, or actually, two questions though, is Leta a blonde or a redhead? And does GEORGE! know how popular he's become?
117. U.B. said:
Good post Susie.
Many people struggle in a social setting, but I doubt there is any malice involved.
My older kid had health problems as an infant. It definitely changed her development schedule, but she's a wild thing now.
118. superMANA said:
I don't comment often but I feel I had to due to your latest post. My daughter didn't do a lot of things when she was supposed to as far as milestones go. Yet she's now 4 years old and totally healthy. I fretted about a lot of things when she was a baby - everything from her eating habits to thumbsucking to why she didn't craw at such-and-such age, and it really took away from the joy of being a first time mom. So the 2nd time around I decided to just not care about these milestones and enjoy every moment of my son's infancy. It goes by so quickly. But I know how you feel. I totally do!
119. Jessica said:
Have never posted before, but read every day. I want to eat Leta too, she is so damn cute. I love the photo of Leta & George.
Anyone who assumes, from the get-go, that a TEN MONTH OLD must be walking is dumb, plain and simple. Leta is gorgeous and really, smarter than the rest of us for realizing that mobility isn't necessarily all its cracked up to be. That feeling of "run and hide my baby from the world because only I know just how perfect she is" ... yes, imagining that anyone could find your girl anything less than divine shreds your heart. But if you care what a complete stranger says, Leta is beautiful and sounds like a fiesty and charming little girl, and she is lucky to have such an incredible, dynamic mother (and father too, yes).
Jessica (Seattle)
120. the niffer said:
Nice photo. Love the light.
Last night I saw a commercial for the D70 and I turned to my husband and said, "that's Dooce's camera." He affectionately called me a geek. He loves that I read Dooce's and Fish's and Karen's blogs, but he'd prefer if you'd all stop talking about babies. :)
Sheryl - I will have to show your comment to my husband. I cannot do the nasty until I've had my morning NASTY. Are there any other ladies out there who can back me up?
121. Slim said:
Dooce:
The best part is you KNOW that Leta is fine so even with a few moments of doubts brought on by an ignoramous (my word) you also know that you are rearing a wonderful babygirl who will do what she want when she bloody well please. If I am repeating advice my bad I didn't read all the comments today.
122. Tracy said:
The look on Leta's face is priceless: "Aw, yeah, I know I'm a cutie. HA!"
123. Janice said:
My son did not crawl until he was 11 months old. His legs were fine, he just DID NOT WANT TO. He is very opinionated, and if I want him to do something, he figures it out quickly to just do the opposite. He crawled for his grandparents just because I wanted him to crawl for ME not for THEM. :)
124. Joe said:
I think there needs to be some kind of law against George and Leta appearing in the same picture. Their cuteness could destroy the known universe.
125. marie said:
As ususal, Dooce, you have expressed succinctly what many, many mothers feel and go through. I recall feeling the very same way when my now 9 year-old was 10 months and "wasn't even crawling." She "wasn't even walking" until around 14-15 months. Somehow we both survived, and those days seem a distant memory to me!
Also, to Dooce and readers alike, have you seen the new retractable Sharpies commercial? There's a baby who REFUSES to let his mom put his feet on the ground; every time she tries, he screeches. So she uses her one-handed, retractable Sharpie and carries him around. Anyway, I thought how surreal it was that I saw that commercial and thought about a baby/mother that I don't even KNOW in person--only through the internet(s). Just wondering if anyone else had seen it and thought the same thing!
126. katie said:
Dooce:
All kids develop differently. My 5 yr old son crawled at 13 months and walked at 18 months. So did 2 of my friends kids. Ignore ignorant people!
127. Lisa said:
First of all, most ten months old aren't walking yet, let alone "running all over the house". some of them are barely crawling.Some people need to realize that every baby is different and these little things won't matter ten years from now. Dooce don't even worry about it, my sister had the same problem Leta does, and didn't start walking until 18 months. I'm sure Leta will be walking/crawling sooner or later!
128. becca said:
After all the stupid comments I endured about when E was going to start crawling/walking, I made a vow never to ask another parent about their child's development. Babies move when they're ready. Really. One day Leta will just pull up and start cruising, and you'll realize some internal clock went off and told her it was time. I never got why so many other people care when someone else's children move... unless you are training Leta to serve finger foods at a party, her mobility doesn't affect them at all.
129. Nobody said:
Our son might be reading before kindergarten. Our daughter is taking her time learning to talk. Different kids develop at different rates; they all take lots of love and lots of patience. Leta is fine. Relax.
130. Rebekah said:
Dooce- I know this will make you feel better. My daughter did not crawl until she was 13 1/2 months. She was almost 18 MONTHS when she took her first step. The crawl was not normal either. It was more of a dragging of her legs with the strength from her arms. I went through the same thing thinking that I must have done something wrong and broke her. Now I can't keep up with her at almost 5 yrs old.
Chin up girlfriend it will happen sooner or later.
I promise.
131. Shelagh McIntyre said:
Hey - My son just turned 10 months and he's not crawling yet either. Bum scootching, sure, and he can sit up by himself, but not crawling. Nothing wrong with that! :) Lets enjoy these less-mobile times! They'll disappear before we know it!
132. Carol said:
Dooce - To make you feel better about "sensory problems" with Leta... I contracted polio from the vaccine when I was 6 months old. My mom freaked out!! This was 1968 and that just didn't happen. Anyway, I definitely have weakness in my arm, but most of my friends have no idea. And I was an athlete all through school. Gymastics, even. It's amazing what you can overcome. Hope this makes you feel better. : )
133. Sue From Ohio said:
Forgive me for not reading every single frickin post so if I repeat, well, forgive me...
It seems to me that since you can't poop, it's probably not such a bad thing since Chuckles has decided to eat the paper. Nothing worse than pinchin a loaf only to find there isn't anything to wipe off the press...um, get my drift?
134. kath said:
You know, that whole kibitz-on-your-parenting thing is weird. Somehow, when you have kids, you're always wearing a t-shirt that says, "Advise me, I'm Clueless." I have a kid who sucks her thumb; everyone had license to comment in the grocery store line. If Leta isn't walking, then you get to listen to stories of how THEIR kids walked right out of the womb. Well-meaning, I tell myself. Well-meaning. But it doesn't quell my urge to run screaming, or to return later, with a gun.
135. me said:
Walking at 10 mos?? None of my kids did. My son walked at 13 mos. and my twin daughters, who barely crawled (it was lovely), walked at 14 mos.
Ahh yes. Motherhood...
136. Colleen from NJ said:
Alive/Verge of Collapse is the best name for this parent rollercoaster.
I'm with the niffer: evacuating the premises before the next door invasion is the best way to go.
Your Nikon D70 captured how much Leta's got George wrapped around her sweet, tasty little pinky.
137. Lori said:
To people who make presumptions about where your children are developmentally: PBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBLT!!
138. Becka said:
If it's not one thing that people comment on, it's another. When you have a baby, everyone feels the right to question, and everyone is convinced they're right.
Leta is normal. Leta is herself. Leta is going to take over the world with her cuteness and pinky cheeks.
139. trisha said:
My four-year-old isn't talking yet. I know how shitty it feels to be asked the questions.
And given the looks. I hate the looks more than the questions, even.
140. GEORGE! said:
Yes I'm single, and midwifegoddessannie about the eyes, I've put them to use many times before. Works especially good at Mormon dances.
141. Mari said:
GEORGE! and Leta! in Pink! in front of your beautiful arts and crafts fireplace with built-in bookcases! It's too much!
142. shy said:
is this your taken in your home, if so, i love your fireplace and built-in shelving unit!
oh, and... GEORGE!
143. manda said:
Do you watch "Significant Others"? It's a great show on Bravo and one of the wives had a poop issue that her husband interupted. Made me think of you.
:-)
144. nancy said:
awww I want one...no...not george
145. Sarah said:
I love your post on maternal milestones....motherhood is an unbelievable ride, Heather. And you are built to do it in style, my dear.
Advice (assvice) is meaningless here...you know Leta is ok. No matter what goes on with your child, you as a mother will feel protective, scared, heartache, joy, and more...and depths of love you never thought possible. You are a mother. And your family is beautiful.
146. trisha said:
Now, I think the issue here is that we don't just know are children are okay. How could we know that?
The reason a stranger's comments can both hurt and terrify is because we just don't know.
I am certainly not suggesting anything is "wrong" with anybody. I am just remarking that it's the not knowing, and to an extent the worry it is all our fault, that is the hardest part.
147. Rebecca said:
My son didn't walk until he was 16 months old. He's three now, and nothing is wrong with him at all.
148. Gordon said:
Free Chuck!
149. domino said:
What everyone else said, especially Susie (#108) and Becka (#138)
Dooce, your baby is perfect. Screw what everyone else thinks.
150. Sarah said:
Not sure what the big deal is? My daughter crawled at 10 months, walked at 13 months. She's 3 now and just fine. Everybody does their thing at different times and it all evens out.
Kids who crawl late and for a while before they walk are supposed to be great readers!
151. trisha said:
I personally don't think there is anything wrong ("wrong") with an child. Sheesh.
152. trisha said:
any child. I mean any child.
153. closet metrosexual said:
I don't even remember how old my daughter was when she walked/crawled. Does that make me a bad dad? No, it's just that in the long run, it really isn't all that important when it happens, as long as sooner or later it does. As Leta is an only child with a SAHM, she'll probably do these things a little later than a kid with older brothers and sisters or daycare buddies to learn from. The fact that you're concerned that you're doing enough for her is just further evidence that you're a wonderful mother. Leta's perfect, and I bet cousin GEORGE! will be willing to kick the asses of anyone who says different.
154. Molly said:
Heather ~
I know how you feel.. My 3 year old has ERBS Paulsey. It happened when she was born. She was an 11 pound baby, and well, she suffered major nerve damage in her left arm when she was born. She has been seeing a therapist every other week for 3 years.. Fortunately it is not as noticable now as it was even a year ago.. but the questions .. they get old.. I am so tired of explaining myself and the situation over and over..
Here are my blanket responses..
1. yes, she has a problem with her arm
2. she was 11 pounds born at 38 weeks.
3. no it was not a c-section
4. yes, she is participating in OT every other week.
thank you.
155. Beth said:
This is a great picture! George looks like he loves little Leta very much.
And at the risk of sounding like a psycho stalker, I've been reading your site for a couple of years now, and I feel PROUD of you - a person I don't even know - for the job you're doing raising your baby girl.
156. Anita said:
Dooce--
I'm calling it Baby Competition. And it does make me, at least, feel like I am an incompetent Mom when others talk about their children's milestones. Lately, it's sleeping through the night. We're not. Others are.
I totally agree with Marie, too, about anyone who thinks a 10 month old should be walking is a dolt.
I hope you get a virtual hug from these comments. We all feel insecure with our parenting skills. I'm getting tired of defending what we're doing (and we've just started!). Leta is lucky to have you for a mom. And the sharpie commercial is hysterical.
157. ab said:
See? She's in training for her forst word already. I can see it now. GEORGE!!!
158. Chris said:
Our youngest never crawled. She scooted backwards on her butt for a few months and then she stood up and started toddling. Now she's five and goes in the right direction and you'd never know her parents were worried that she'd picked up some crab DNA. Leta's fine. You're on top of it. Relax.
159. Melanie S said:
Dooce,
My sister's youngest child didn't walk until he was almost 15 months old. He would sit and scream for you to come get him. They started using an "exersaucer" and he finally started to put weight on his legs. I think he was just happy being carried everywhere and just didn't feel like it. Babies can be stubborn you know.
160. Kahli said:
Heather,
You are indeed, the first person I have come across who made me think motherhood was something worth looking into.
Your brutal strength, honesty, vulnerability and style combined with just enough heartache and utter grace, make you the perfect mother with the perfect baby. You SO keep it real and you are always so totally punk rock.
Everyone I know who goes and gets themselves in "the condition" I tell to check dooce.com and then they tell all their pregnant friends and we are in the midst of a pregant/new mother online revolution. All because of you I am not even pregnant!
You are wonderful and Leta is so going to be so right on in every phase because she totally already is.
Comment gallery: Thank you for sharing and always being punk rock. I enjoy coming here and visiting. Heather- thanks for making the space available.
xo
161. Jenny said:
The picture is just gorgeous.
Dooce: my sister Kaitlin was born with dislocated hips, though we did not know this until she was just about Leta's age and wasn't crawling or trying to move at all really. She ended up in a full body cast for several months and didn't walk until she was over 2 years old. Of course she's fine now, but for the first 2 years of my sister's life, through the cast, the physical therapy, my mom beat herself up the whole time. Like you, she thought she did something wrong, that she was never doing enough - when in reality she was doing all she could do and more.
Don't doubt your parenting skills. Leta is a very happy baby, and we all know just how much you love her and all that you do for her.
162. Viv said:
You are right on about your mothering comments, it is the best *and* worst job. And every kid is so unique; those developmental milestones (like in those preachy "What to Expect" books) only make us feel guilty and inadequate. I mean, just look at Leta - beautiful!
163. Kahli said:
How about:
All because of you AND I am not even pregnant?
Jeeeeezus.
I AM FINISHED WITH FINALS YOU GUYS SO NOW I AM JUST LAZY AND DUMB BUT SOOOOOO NOT BUSY WRITING PAPERS!
164. bunny said:
With motherhood it's always something. I think in a way the fact that she stays where you put her right now is good for your sanity.
Moms worry. That is what we do. One of mine used to pull her hair out as a toddler. People thought she was on chemo. Now she's eighteen and could be a stunt double for Eowyn.
This too shall pass. Soon enough you will be running behind her everywhere. Just tell people "Yes, she's a handful" and don't worry about it.
165. Amanda B. said:
K, Molly wins the "Bravest Hoo-Hoo of All Time" award.
And George! You are like Antonio Banderas, no?
166. blackbird said:
Your maternal mixed feelings will always be caught up in something. That's my experience anyway.
But let's all just remember that we ALL end up walking, functioning adults. (Well, maybe not so much my oldest.)
What am I. like 360th?
167. Reb said:
Well, technically, George and Leta would be first cousins once removed. George's son/daughter would be Leta's second cousin, unless of course George IS Heather's first cousin's kid.
Leta is beautiful, nonetheless, and her hair is getting noticeably less red. And George, of course, is still GEORGE!
168. kristal said:
Re: Milestones
My niece and I had our sons the same day, just hours apart. Her son was walking at eight months. By his first birthday, he was running and had a full mouth of teeth. My son had one tooth and was doing good to crawl around the living room. Now, Echo is fifteen months old and just getting the hang of this walking thing.
When people comment on how far behind my son is, I say "Yes. Aren't I lucky? I get to enjoy his time as a baby longer."
Every child is perfect, and Leta is no exception.
169. joy said:
My son never really crawled. He started walking while hanging on to things at first and went on from there. But he didn't start walking for as long as 15 months. His short feet and fat tummy were the obsticle. Oh well, now he's 23 going on 24.
170. Caroline said:
GEORGE! With Leta!
I'm so jealous of the cuteness that is your family.
Yes, I realize I'm totally kissing ass. Can I get a date with George out of it?
171. Les said:
I know you're getting a MILLION comments like this, but here's my two cents: I'm the youngest of almost 30 cousins, and I didn't walk until (gasp!) nearly a year and a half. My mom had to listen to all of my aunts stressing about how slow I was...one of them even suggested I might be retarded!
Ok, so flash forward some years...I have TWO masters degrees, and not one of my cousins ever even went to college.
Not that college necessarily means you're smart, but it's nice for my mom to say, "I told you so."
Oh, and I believe my mother finally got me to walk by bribing me with brownies.
God, brownies...I could still be bribed with those.
172. Carol said:
“Bravest Hoo-Hoo of All Timeâ€
I didn't even know they gave awards for hoo-hoos! I want one.
Other Categories:
The Hoo-Hoo Least Afraid of Hot Wax
Smartest Hoo-Hoo
Most Ambitious Hoo-Hoo
: )
173. Sara from WI said:
We may need to start some sort of a group for all of the people who have been reading this site for so long but have never posted anything. Dooce Lurkers Anonymous. Now my lurking has expanded into the sites of your online posse.
P.S. Being a mom is hard and wonderful. You know your daughter is wonderful and you know you're doing better for her than anyone else ever could. The hard thing about motherhood is that you feel like you need to make everyone else see that.
174. Sheryl said:
Hooha categories:
Biggest Flirt
Class Clown
Most Likely to Succeed
"___" Own a Volkswagen
"___" Be on Survivor
175. U.B. said:
I'm having kind of a venus vs. mars moment reading all the motherhood comments.
My daughter had big problems as an infant that basically suspended her physical development at six months, then she started (slowly) back up at about a year. No crawling or walking until much later after much phys. therapy and effort by all of us.
But, at the time and since, I was worried only about moving heaven and earth to help her and get her what she needed. It never once occurred to me think about other people's perceptions of what we were going through. I had to relate her story countless times, but I never thought much of it and just felt like the questions were genuine concern/human curiousity.
I'm pretty sure my beautiful wife felt the same way through the whole thing. But I'd better go give her a hug just in case (even though we went through this 6-7 years ago).
176. Caroline said:
Okay, one think I was thinking about. If the underscore makes the font italic than how do you underline something?
Oh, and George, seriously, pick me.
Plus, STILL no GEORGE! category? Who, _who_ else will fill the gaping hole between 'Feeling Guilty,' and 'How to Annoy Me?'
Honestly.
177. Carol said:
Best Dressed Hoo-Hoo
178. Girl.A said:
Who will fill the gaping hole?
179. Caroline said:
Okay, if no one's said it -- most popular hooha.
180. closet metrosexual said:
Most Popular Hoo-Hoo
and the ever important "Miss Congeniality"
181. Caroline said:
Also, there's most attractive, most likely to be a hippie, and most likely to work at McDonalds.
182. LadyBug said:
Well, as long as we're handing out hoo-hoo awards, Dooce should definitely get one for _this_ post:
http://www.dooce.com/archives/daily/12_19_2002.html
183. Amanda B. said:
The hoohoo most likely to be transgendered...
Girl A- I always a little afraid to click on your link...afraid yet curious...
184. Girl.A said:
Hooha with
The Best Smile
185. Amanda B. said:
aaaaaaaaaah. no dentata!
Hoohoo not Hooha. Hooha is what rednecks have after a few beers.
Not that I'm the Hoohoo police...
186. closet metrosexual said:
Be brave, Amanda B. Girl.A's links are the best, even if often times a bit disturbing (like the dentata. I'm still having bad dreams. Good dreams that turn into very, very, bad dreams.)
187. kp said:
i think my mother feels guilty for my Multiple Sclerosis...that breaks my heart because I know it's not her fault, and I know it's not your fault that Leta isn't mobile yet...maybe think of it as extra time for you to prepare for the day she does start to move! AHHHHHH. oh the stories you'll have then! i look forward to reading them.
sidenote--we had a "most likely to get lost in hometown"at school...can there be a most likely to get lost in a hoo-hoo?
188. moose said:
walking at 10 months is not typical. i'm sure he was just trying to connect with you, but it's amazing the doofus things people say. "sensory problems" aside, the tall ones usually walk later. it's just physically harder to balance all that height. i'm guessing, from your and Jon's height, that Leta is tall. not to make a prediction or anything...
189. Girl.A said:
closet metrosexual, I have dreams like that - but the opposite.
I'm being chased by the Killer Tomatoes or maybe the 50 Foot Woman. I'm crazed with terror and running away but then they catch me and THEN something good happens, unexpectedly.
Like, apparently only my subconscious knew that Frankenstein's neck bolts would make the perfect handlebars for the special humpty face dance.
190. John Sloas said:
i miss the non-moble days. hang in there.
191. closet metrosexual said:
Girl.A - why couldn't that have been a pic of you and the fifty foot woman? Then I'd be sure to have nice dreams. How about you e-mail me a little bedtime story tonight?
192. Fish said:
Girl.A, you really DO need your own sub-world in which to rule with an iron fist, don't you?
193. Michelle said:
Dooce, you are such a sweet mum. You can see in Leta's eyes that there is nothing wrong with either her or you! She has just got a strong character (much like her parents, I suspect) and she is showing it by doin' things her own way.
My brother was almost 2 when he started walking. He never even crawled. He scooted on his butt. One day another (walking) toddler was visiting, my brother obviously got sick of scooting after after him!
So what I am trying to say is - quit being so hard on yourself. Get Jon to give you a big hug, and know that you are doing a great job and raising the cutest little kid that makes the ovaries ache of every childless woman on here!
194. Fish said:
*gasp, Fish is actually going to comment on the picture*
Is it just me, or does Leta's hair look MUCH less red, and MUCH more blond than it has previously?
195. Girl.A said:
Amanda, please excuse my incorrect use of hooha. That's what we called it in the West but I am happy to oblige. I like Hoo Hoo better. It rhymes with Yoo Hoo. And is more Scarlett O'Hara than Hoo Ha, which is more Dana Hill, as you say...
Fish, I am flexible, not fascist.
196. MrsDoF said:
I'm thinking that the question about the state of your bottom system is a subtle hint that it might be time for some buffalo wings. The last such Eats sent you both to the bathrooms.
197. Lactivist said:
I look at it this way - the later they're mobile, the easier my life is!
Hang in there, Dooce! Leta is perfect.
198. Angela said:
Just like "the niffer" commented- whenever I see the Nikon D70 commercial with the rhino- I think of you Dooce. Not that you remind me of a rhino or anything.
P.S.
I think you are a great mom. Leta is precious. George too.
199. Susie said:
Looking over the comments, I'm not at all sure what a "Hoo-Hoo" is here today, but I think you've missed
The Hoo-Hoo Most Likely to Succeed
200. Fish said:
Girl.A/Amanda B (by virtue of her role as Hoo Hoo policewoman): Just what counts as an incorrect use of a hoohoo?
201. Amanda B. said:
Hmmm...I would think using a hoohoo as a plantholder would be out of bounds.
Wouldn't want to use it as a cookie jar.
Certainly not as a place to keep loose change.
202. Sheryl said:
Wait, Fish, are you asking about incorrect use HooHoo the word, or HooHoo the animal?
203. Fish said:
Remember that old David Spade SNL skit: "You can put your weed in there."
204. closet metrosexual said:
Amanda B - it's not a cookie jar, it's a nookie jar.
(Bad, bad, man. I'll shuddup now.)
205. Fish said:
Sheryl: who knew the Hoo Hoo that you knew could do do the woo woo so well.
Being a reformed grammarian, I think Hoo Hoo with caps is the proper name for the, ahem, animal, whereas hoo hoo sans caps is a mere desciptive term.
206. Amanda B. said:
Fish- i do remember that skit often because my car has all of these neat compartments, and it's often my give the passenger a giggle catch phrase.
But I'm not sure I get your assertion about the hoohoo grammarage. Your saying HooHoo would be, "Wow, did you hear about Jethro's HooHoo" and hoohoo would be "Man, Jethro is such a hoohoo head."?
207. closet metrosexual said:
Fish -
Are you sure about the Caps thing? I wouldn't capitalize ding ding, so why Hoo Hoo? (My two year old nephew told me yesterday that he pees standing up, and then he shakes his "ding ding." Hard to keep a straight face, as my bro-in-law is saying "Uncle Dave shakes his ding ding too.")
208. Carol said:
"Hmmm…I would think using a hoohoo as a plantholder would be out of bounds.
Wouldn’t want to use it as a cookie jar.
Certainly not as a place to keep loose change."
"Jethro’s HooHoo"
Good God Almighty, Amanda B.... you crack me up!
p.s. Hey, Sherly.Fish.
209. Kathy said:
Heather, others have said it better but let me just reiterate, walking at 10 months is unusual and lots of bubs aren't crawling at that age either. Leta is doing wonderfully with her parents' love and she will move in her own good time (and boy, then you'll miss these days of stillness!)
My daughter, now 16 months, is running all over the house *now*, but at 10 months she was neither walking nor crawling, and I copped lots of those comments (some well-meaning, some less so) about her "lack of movement". She is a tall girl and just couldn't quite co-ordinate herself totally. But as my very sensible and nice paediatrician reassured me, she was and is FINE, 100% fine, and so is Leta. I'm certain of it.
Christmas best to you and all your family, Heather ... have a great one.
210. Amanda B. said:
I'm sorry, I'll stop with the hoohoo. Just fliping through some med recs here for a case and whoopeeeee! several up close and personal pictures of this dude's colon! And this colon has polyps damn it.
So you'll understand if I get a bit carried away sometimes...
211. Sheryl said:
Despite his long shelf-life, the twinkie could not ring ding the ho ho's fruit pie.
212. Trance said:
Yet another parental chimer here. My kid was a chunky, *laaaaaazy* baby who squalled if anyone dared suggest that he propel himself or exert the slightest bit of energy, but at around ten/eleven months he just got up and started walking around like he'd been doing it all his life. Leta's mileage may vary, but I know how annoying it is when the PTA Posse stares at your kid as if he/she has grown a third eye just because little Stinky isn't keeping up with little Dakota Montana. Tell them to stuff a pair of Baby Gap socks where the sun doesn't shine. She'll be walking before she's three and by that point you'll be longing for the relatively tranquil days of immobility. ;)
213. Fish said:
Hiya Carol.
Amanda B: re: Hoo Hoo v. hoo hoo: Yexactleee! Although, your examples confuse me, as you use a male name.
Closet M.: Please, we must accord the Hoo Hoo the respect it deserves.
214. Danika said:
My 5 month old niece is already getting her two front teeth! Why doesn't Leta already have hers?? Huh? Huh?
Just kidding. Seriously though... all people are different. Babies develop at different rates and get hair or teeth or walk or crawl at different times. It is not a reflection of YOU (the mother) on the speed in which they develop.
Please don't feel like crawling under the blankets and hiding. The internet loves you and the internet isn't judging your parenting skills by how/when Leta developes.
Oh and GirlA... I like someone else mentioned both love and fear clicking your name.
215. lulu cornichon said:
Yeah, what's with the suggestive snack cake names? Subliminal marketing to hot horny housewives?
"Yes... Ding Dongs.... That's just what I need."
216. Sherly (aka Sheryl) said:
Carol Bo Barol Fanana Fana Fo Farol Me My Mo Marol - Carol :)
217. Fish said:
Trance: Dammit, now I can't name my next kid Dakota Montana. You've taken all meaning out of the name. Guess I'll have to go with my second choice, Dallas Indiana.
218. Fish said:
I forget. Is Sherly the good one or the bad one? ;)
Amanda B: What a delightful line of work you are in. You must start posting again so that we may all share in your ... exploration ... of human anatomy.
219. Sue From Ohio said:
I'm not sure hwere all the 'Hoo Hoo talk came in...I tried to go back but couldn't find the starting point..anyway, Closet Metro, since the subject was started shouldn't it be Miss ConGENITALity? Just thought I would ask...like I said, miss the conversation...late bloomer, as always :(
220. Sherly (aka Sheryl) said:
MMM, there goes Strawberry Shortcake. He had always wondered if the curtains matched the rug, but she was jailbait. Little Debbie was a real cupcake, but she was under age too. Maybe he would go for Hostess - her snowballs were perfectly pink and round. And he had heard stories about her chocodiles and brownie bites. *Kinky, baby*
221. Amanda B. said:
I'm a Disability Claims Rep. Help people who are disabled get their Title II or SSI. Depressing, especially around this time of the year, but it pays off if I can help.
Must fly off to the Wal of Mart now. Pray for me. No really.
222. Fish said:
Okaaaaaaaaay, guess that answers my question about Sheryl/Sherly.
Seriously, though. Amanda B., you must take up blogging again. I have a feeling you'd have some instant readership. I'm not threatening you, but, I DO still remeber you're URL, and I WON'T hesitate to share it with the class.
223. closet metrosexual said:
Fish, you're right. Honor, Respect, Love, and Fear the Evermighty Hoo Hoo.
224. Fish said:
Despite my constant typos today, I am not drunk.
Okay. Mebbee just a little.
225. Sherly (aka Sheryl) said:
Godspeed, Amanda!
226. Kathy said:
Leta will crawl/ walk/ talk/ WHATEVER - when SHE is ready, and not before.
My daughter was mobile at about 5 months -- scooting across the floor, and walked at 9 months .... I wish she would have sat still for just a little while longer.
227. Sherly (aka Sheryl) said:
Fish - I am not the bad one.
228. GMM said:
He is going to be George the Jungle Gym one day and she's gonna be crawling all over him and pulling his glasses off...
229. Tommy Himself said:
D. Boon lives!
230. Super Turtle Girl said:
Somehow when you look at George you just KNOW what he looked like when he was a baby...
Lookin' good, Leta. Tell 'em you'll crawl when you are DAMN GOOD AND READY. Or whatever. What's with these people? 10 mos. old and already putting pressure on you!!! When do you just get to be a baby, I ask you?
231. trisha said:
Exactly, STG.
Let's let babies be babies!
232. Darcie said:
At various times in my toddler's life, I heard, "Oh, he's not____ing yet?" This applied to crawling, walking, talking, holding his bottle. . .People should freakin' know better than to say such things to a mother--one who couldn't possibly worry any more!
233. Dr. Johnny Fever said:
I'll do you one better, dooce. My one-year-old daughter is allergic to peanuts, dairy products, eggs ad soy -- which means she is allergic to everything moderately edible. We never know if feeding her something might send her into anaphilactic shock. As a result of her inability to eat most "normal" foods, she's underweight -- and yet undeniably cute. I think this dichotomy is just part pf being a parent.
234. bran said:
dear leta,
gosh you're cute.
dear GEORGE!,
ditto.
love, bran.
235. Kahli said:
Sherly- good/bad:
Is that Tom Waits? If not, it so should be.... if it is something obvious, I apologize for my ignorance before hand, we all know I never did like that fuckin' dog.
236. lulu cornichon said:
Ignorant Fool: Is your baby walking yet? My kid was running marathons at eight months. And reading. And in debate club.
Normal Parent: No. You're so lucky. I bet you can't wait till she's smoking at nine, emptying the liquor cabinet at ten, and divorced at twelve. Early development is marvelous. You're so fortunate.
Ignorant Fool: ...
237. Tracy said:
I dig Leta's comma-eyes.
238. Karen! said:
Hylands teething tablets (www.hylands.com) will save the day! Little homeopathic wonder pills that dissolve in baby's mouth.
239. Elizabeth said:
I think that when it comes to children people often make thoughtless comments without realizing what they are saying. Most people (like I said, most people) don't do it to be mean and until you actually become a parent you would, in general, not even think twice about a comment like that. Hang in there and don't worry about the small stuff...and if you figure out how to do that please let everyone else know.
240. Denise said:
George kind of looks like an Ewok.
241. SINsApple said:
Look at that flirty look on Leta's face! She knows she's being held by one sexy hunk of man there. :D
242. lulu cornichon said:
yes! she is totally gesturing, Vanna-like, to the hunk behind her.
"You say you like George, ladies? Why, I've got George right here. And see my wee pinkie? And see him wrapped around it? I'm afraid George is busy, ladies. Terribly, terribly busy. Catering to my every whim, you see. Ya'll take care, now."
243. Amanda B. said:
Ack! Fish!
No, I hate my old blog. I hate the design, etc. I am working on a new one using Mambo, but it will take me some time. I'm no computer genius- that would be the hubby.
Torture me not Fish. And check your email for pics of the niece.
244. Trance said:
Fish: If you really want to stay one step ahead of the hepcat parent set, try Ashtyn Schuyler. Because really, states are SO passe. Or check out this site, which is good for many a laugh: http://www.notwithoutmyhandbag.com/babynames/
245. Danielle said:
For Fish (3:32pm),
"They called the dog Indiana"
246. kristine said:
I have three little girls. One walked early, one walked late, one was right on time.
One learned how to use the bathroom at the normal time, one is STILL wearing a pull up at night.
Leta will walk and talk and crawl when she wants to. (like someone already said)
Besides, when she's like twenty and calls you and says, "Oh man, I was at this party and when I got home I had to crawl to the bathroom." You'll realize, that is the ONLY time crawling comes in handy anyway!!
247. Linda said:
I agree with all the other parents, Leta will do everything in her own time. And you are doing everything right by getting her physical therapy etc. My son didn't walk until 17.5 months so I have been there done that with all the thoughtless comments. You are a great Mom!
248. about said:
Oh my god, if I have to read about one more person's non-mobile-yet-perfectly-normal child, sibling, cousin or grandparent, I am going to rip my ovaries out. WE GET IT. KIDS DEVELOP DIFFERENTLY. Gasp, someone alert the press!
249. Caroline said:
Is it just me or are the comments at the bottom always more interesting than the comments at the top? I've stopped reading the comments at the top, because, well, I really only have time for half.
Yea, and Leta looks like she has horns. Don't yell at me if someone already said that.
250. Amanda B. said:
Dooce- i'm not sure that's motherhood , so much as old age. :)
251. Caroline said:
About, I just skip the comments that start out with 'I have ___ {synonym for child/ren}, My child,' etceteras. They always end in a sob story or a sympathetic story or some totally unrelated story about someone's kid who I don't really care about. And they take up precious procrastination time that could be spent reading more interesting comments. Yea, I know, no life. Whatever.
252. George Lover said:
Ok, how about this for a response:
Dooce: "What? She's supposed to WALK? I've been discouraging any independent movement at all. Are sure, because that wasn't in any book I read."
253. Sherly said:
Caroline, I think you're right. I pretty much always scroll halfway down to read.
Heather, your message today is one of those posts that lets me know i am not ready for and may never be ready for children. Guilt isn't something I normally know how to feel - not because I am better than anyone at all. It's because I try not to do things I would ever feel badly about. Sometimes I think the amount of responsibility and care you have to invest in taking care of a child (esp infants) can affect the way you think and feel and react in ways that are so profound it's hard to understand them much less feel ok about it.
Please (seriously) don't post comments trying to make me feel better or convince me of anything. I'm ok with not being ready/able etc, and sad about that (I'm not sad about life in general - no pep talks, please).
But I just have to say that it makes me feel glad to know there are so many good caring parents out there who try to sort it out and keep going, through doubt or whatever it takes. Not all parents care how well they love and provide for their kids (I don't mean money) but so many do, and it is just wonderful.
254. nickyp said:
I don't usually comment, but your post about the guy at the party reminded me of how I felt last week.
I spent quite a lot of time at a work function trying to convince a colleague who is also a mother that my 14 month old son really does have a mild hearing deficit, that we do know that for sure and that this is why we have to make explicit efforts to teach him to understand words that kids with good hearing generally just pick up (up, drink, etc.). I was torn between the urge to pick up my son (who was playing on the floor with her daughter) and run from the room and the need to smack my colleague's smug face. Instead I sat there and just kept talking. It's not the first such moment my partner & I have had and it probably won't be the last. So I understand where you're coming from.
Also, my son didn't commando crawl until about 10 months, crawled on hands and knees at about 11 months and started pulling himself up on the furniture shortly after. He's not walking yet. Friends keep telling us that when he walks we'll wish he was still crawling. I hang on every milestone so I doubt that will be the case. I won't be happy until he's kicking soccer balls through windows - then I'll wish he was still crawling!
And, George and Leta look gorgeous together.
255. about said:
AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!
256. Leah said:
I knew a baby who walked on her knees (torso upright) all summer when she was 1 yr old and got calluses on them. It seemed odd and caused some concern but then once she started walking we missed it b/c it was unbelievably cute.
257. tangoali said:
Whose cheeks are more snackalicious??
258. tickled said:
Hey, Colleen--Your crack about
"evacuating the premises before the next door invasion" (#136) reminds me of some wiseguy's remark about God being a lousy designer because he put the intake too close to the exhaust.
I've always thought so, but what do I know?
259. GirlA. said:
Bad news comes, don't you worry even when it lands.
Good news will work its way to all them plans.
260. HDC said:
Definitely a photo to get printed & framed. Too much cuteness! And that's just the GEORGE part of it =)
As far as the crawling & walking thing, she'll get there in her own time. And you'll miss the days when she wasn't goin' mobile. But you're the mom and it's your job to worry, so nothing anyone else could ever say will get you to stop worrying about it. Such is life...
261. DG said:
Heather:* huuuug *
262. Lesley said:
Leta looks like Sweet Pea from Popeye the Sailor Man cartoon.
263. Dayna said:
GEORGE! Man, George is awesome.
Everyone before me has already said it, and I know that you know it already, but Leta will do things at her own pace. They all do. Be GLAD she's not mobile yet. You're in for a real treat when that happens, I tell you what.
264. sam said:
Dooce -
You rock.
George rocks.
Leta rocks.
It's all good. No worries about know-it-alls...they are always the ones that get the worst kids! :)
265. Nicole said:
We have no children, we have no plans to have any children. Anyone who is rude enough to ask when they are arriving ( a bit like the when is she walking question) gets told "my husband is impotent".
It shuts them up and reminds them that it is none of their business unless I choose to share that part of my life with you.
I like reading your blog for the snap shots of your life that you share. I do not need to then buy your curtains.
266. Psycho Kitty said:
Why is that song from the Patty Duke show running through my head?
267. marko Savic said:
she looks like a baby princess Leia
268. marko Savic said:
erm. That's a good thing :)
269. Claude said:
Nicole, better yet, tell them that YOU'RE impotent. Let 'em work on that one for awhile.
270. Sheryl said:
Just a few minutes til winter officially begins... in N. american, anyway.
271. Danielle said:
I knew a baby who went from not crawling
to walking. on. her. hands!
And here I thought that took years of gymnastics training! imagine.
(Note that I can only do that when I'm in a pool, and the water has to be just the right depth. And of course, I run out of air after a few 'steps'.)
_I_ _couldn't_ _resist_
272. sophie said:
endamame.
273. Fish said:
Cousins, Identical cousins ...
Dammit.
274. Agnes said:
I don't really think you need to worry about Leta--I was told by my mother that I myself didn't walk until I was 17 months old and was a very sedentary(sp?) baby.
275. Bob said:
Heather,
Time to close the book on this one.