Are We TOO Connected?

I know I have always used this blog as a way to talk about Madeline so my friends and family could be updated. At first, every little milestone made me run to the computer. But nowadays, she can pretty much already do everything. She can walk, talk, run, sing... and though she says adorable things all the time, it seems like there isn't one specific story that MUST be told! So instead, I was hoping you could indulge me with something that has been bothering me.

I wonder if I am the right person to even write about the topic of how technology connects people. I resist it...most of the time. I don't text. I have never sent one. I don't know how to even read them. That is not in keeping with my generation. I rarely carry a cell phone. I email, but I would still usually rather pick up the phone and talk to a person. I online shop, but not as often as I go to real stores.

I keep asking myself, what are people texting about? What is so important that it can't wait? Do we have thoughts that we don't have to tweet, FaceBook, or tell others? I rarely carry a cell phone. I think if I make plans with someone, I would rather spend time with that person. If someone calls while I am out, I can call them back.

So what is it that keeps us feeling the need to connect to people on a near constant basis? Instant gratification? Longing for attention? Boredom? I just don't know.

And lost in all of this constant steam of knowledge about others is a real connection. I don't want to hear that my friend broke up with her boyfriend when I see her FB status change. I want to hear about it from her. Sure, if you throw something up there, I am voyeristic enough to read it...but do I really need to know how your farm, mafia, etc. is doing? Do I need to know what you are a fan of? Am I also obligated to be a fan of what you are a fan of to stay in your good graces? It isn't real. The FB relationships aren't meaningful. It is nice to "feel" like you are staying connected to your friends that you knew 10 years ago, but of my nearly 200 FB friends, I probably actually only talk to 30 of them with regularity. I bet if you really think about it, you don't have 200 real friends. I think FB should call it acquaintances.

So where does that leave me? I am considering canceling FB, or at least not checking it with regularity. I have been checking a lot less already. I don't begrudge people technology or cell phones, as it may seem. I think they have some great safety features. But mostly, I can give you a piece of advice: if you go out with me, leave your phone at home. Spend the time actually talking to the person you made plans with. Or, don't make plans with me. Oh, and if you think you are sly about your texting because you do it under the table...you're not. It is still just rude.

Horror Movie?

Motherhood presents a myriad of challenges that you never think of before you have kids. For instance, taking a shower. What do you do with the baby when you're in there? For about 8 months now, Madeline has been in her crib with her music on and her books scattered around her. And it has been working, for the most part. But lately, she has been getting frustrated so cooped up. I could understand that. So, this morning, I had an idea that I thought would shake things up for my growing gal.

I locked the baby gate to the steps, closed all of the bedroom doors, and put her books and friends (Bobo, Elmo, and Blanky) in the upstairs hallway. I turned the music up loudly in the bedroom so that she could still hear it, and explained that Mommy was going to take a shower and she should sit here and read. Simple enough.

I closed the bathroom door (that also has a childproof door knob cover) and hopped in the shower. Somewhere between the shampoo and soap, I hear a tapping on the bathroom door and Madeline yelling, "Mama?"

"Yes," I answered. "Mama is in the shower and will be done in a few minutes. Go read your books."

Silence.

I smile, thinking what a good girl I have. Thirty seconds later, the outer shower curtain begins to peel back, and looking up at me with big eyes and a smile, the baby says, "hello."

It freaked me out. I still have no clue how she got in there. It was straight out of a horror movie. I skipped the conditioner and jumped out of the shower as quickly as I could. My heart still pounds just typing this!

Tomorrow, I think I will try again, only this time, I will lock the bathroom door! I have a Houdini on my hands--hmm...I think I will also have to look into magic camp...

Problem Solver

I will preface by saying, I am long overdue to post a blog entry. It is Facebook. It consumes my computer time. But I did want a nice record of what Madeline has been up to. So here goes nothing.

Madeline's latest accomplishments have all been related to her problem-solving skills. Here are two examples:

1. Madeline's favorite toy is her Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Tea Set. It comes with a tea pot, 2 purple cups, and a small tray with 3 cakes that fit into it. At first, she just liked to pour the tea. Then she wanted to serve me cake, but just brought me one at a time. After that, she wanted me to choose my own cake and would carefully carry the tray of cakes and present it to me. So this week, I was sitting on the couch and she was in the playroom. I saw that she wanted to bring me tea, but that she really wanted to bring it on a tray. You know what is is like when you see their little wheels turning? Ok, so she looks around the table for a solution. She sees a plate that goes with her kitchen set and turns it upside down. She puts the purple cup on it and carefully carries it to me. I was impressed that she used a object for a different purpose.
2. Madeline glums on to random objects and carries them around (see Elmo posting). Lately, it has been an Elmo shirt. But two days ago, it was a container she found. She wanted to bring it upstairs with her at bath time, but it was too big to crawl with. She was determined....so she put it one step higher and moved it up with each step, always keeping it one above her.

She has also been busy learning new words and skills. She has been enjoying counting to 10 (some numbers are better than others). I didn't teach her how, she saw it on her favorite Elmo video (10 is the number of the day). Madeline still loves to sing and considering her parent's terrible voices, she has decent pitch. She has gotten a bit braver--riding on some ride-on toys and even a see-saw. She is obsessed with screens (TV, computer, even camera picture viewer!) and knows all of the Sesame Street characters. Well, at this point she is screaming at me that she wants to see the babies, which in Madeline means she wants to watch home movies on our flickr site! See what I mean?!?

The End, The Beginning

As 2009 comes to a close, it makes one take in what has transpired the previous year, as well as look towards the future to what is yet to come. When I think back about this year in particular, I am happy. Happy for choices I have made, for the joy Madeline has brought to our lives as she grows, and for my man!

In that spirit, I would like to list a few of the things Madeline, age 16 months+, is doing these days.

• Madeline's newest passion is singing. Her favorites are Baa Baa Black Sheep, Old McDonald Had a Farm (see video below), and ABC's. (Notice her extra "EI" at the end.)
• Madeline has been sick a million times this year. We have dealt with her allergies to milk and soy (now resolved), croup, 2 bouts of Roseola, hives, countless colds/coughs, the flu, etc.
• Madeline has well over 200 words and is using them in public a bit more.
• Madeline can put her toys away after she is done playing with them.
• Madeline loves to march around the house with random toys/objects.
• She is just starting to be able to do some art projects (ie. stamping).
• Madeline loves to play with her babies and have tea parties.
• She can slide down a slide by herself.
• She is a gentle friend and likes other kids.
• She sleeps at her grandparent's house without issue and loves to play with them!
• Madeline is still VERY attached to mommy!
• Madeline sleeps 13 hours at night and 2-2 1/2 during the day (1 nap only).

And now we begin yet another year. What would I change about 2009 if I could? Nothing. Well, maybe I would have liked to avoid that whole Neocate craziness. But all things considered, it was a great year...and here's hoping 2010 is even better!

Tea Party Anyone?

Madeline's newest passion: tea parties. A friend bought her the laugh and learn set for her birthday. She loves to have them with her dolls, me, well...let's be honest, anyone who she can convince to sit down with her. Her favorite part is pouring the tea and when other people pretend to drink it. Today, she brought over the cup and said, "mmmm, it's so good". Then she said, "mama," meaning mama deliver the line I just gave you about 300 times in a row. I did, and trust me, the pleasure was all mine! Her pretend tea is packed with rich flavor!

Walking...As Promised!

Here Madeline is pushing her baby around...one of her new favorite activities.

This is Madeline walking less than a week after she took her first steps. In only one week, she went from mostly organized falling to walking on her own. It is now over a week since her first steps and she walks without falling...mostly!

This video shows Madeline playing with Alex on her new slide/climber. She loves it! Her favorite thing is to have you throw balls from the ball pit to her when she is at the top.

We've Got a Walker!

Madeline has FINALLY taken her first steps. Today, she took several steps at my grandma's house. Then, took several more at home. Photos and video to follow!