I'm Not Trying to Out-Mom You

Usually on Saturdays, we try to do something as a family and today it was a trip to Southport's town centre for a walk around in the only slightly brisk winter weather.  We stopped for a late lunch at the newly refurbished New China City.  (It's name was always "New China City" even before the redecorating, ironically.)

Eating out is always a treat, but there is no question that as soon as Jackson started walking, it became a bigger challenge than ever before because there is a very short window of time that we have to work with before the novelty of taste-testing off of Mommy and Daddy's plate wears off and he wants to travel around and through the restaurant.  We try to time the dining experience so that he falls asleep about half-way through which gives us time to finish our meals and discuss the week's events.  Today, however, Jackson didn't take a nap all day--which was a first--so we ended up taking the rest of our meal home when our little explorer wanted to run laps around the fish tank and water features.

The other hurdle that we encountered was another baby at the table beside us.  This baby's mom was very attentive and talkative with her tot and doing a good job of making-up 'conversation' with a baby about the same age as Jackson.  The only problem with sitting beside another young family is if I tried to talk to Jackson with the same comments that all moms say ("What a good boy!"  "You are so smart."  "Oh!  Do you see the fish?" etc.), then it sounds like I'm mocking the other mom.

There isn't a problem if "Mom 1" is not talking to her child or the baby is asleep; there wouldn't be any comparisons made by any bystanders then.  But, out of fear of sounding like a parrot, I used minimal conversation with Jackson until the other mom left.  I was afraid it would sound like I was trying to 'out-mom' her and it would turn into a verbal who-loves-their-baby-the-most competition.  If the restaurant was a bit louder (for instance, at a Pizza Hut), then it's a free-for-all because we struggle to even hear the table next to us; however, with a quieter table-clothed restaurant, only one baby-talking Mom is acceptable.

I didn't worry too much about Jackson feeling rejected because as soon as they finished their ice cream, we showered him in compliments and included him in our conversation.  I don't think he was too damaged.

Modelling his cuddly, soft robe (dressing gown)

Hugging his bunny and sitting in his 'spot' to go up to bed 

Not quite ready for sleep!  One more game of chase before bedtime

Developmental updates:  This week at nursery, we found out that Jackson is quite the Casanova.  At the beginning of the week, it was Sadie's name that was being tossed around because apparently, when she goes home, the only word she says is "Jackson" over and over.  By the end of the week, he was giving hugs to Tabitha and the nursery teachers said that on Friday, they were giving each other 'kisses.'  Oh great!  Well, at least he is a caring and sweet boy and being a good friend instead of hitting or biting.  Always look on the bright side of life.  Do do, do doo do doo do do.  Jackson is also starting to nod and shake his head to answer questions, although we're not sure that he completely understands the 'yes' and 'no' connotations, respectively.  It's cute nonetheless.  He has also begun playing with his cars and trucks in a more 'grown-up' way by gliding them along tracks and down ramps instead of just across the floor or on tables.

If you see Sammie Miles Davis, Jr. and Bella, give them my love.