Nine Months: The New Terrible Twos?
Maddie turned nine months old today. She was whiny and clingy and a general pain in my ass all day long. Gerald was home sick and I’ve been feeling crappy for so long now that I forget what it’s like to have a good day.
I’m not sure if Maddie’s getting whatever funk Gerald brought home or if she’s teething (still only those two bottom teeth visible) or if she’s just trying to drive me insane. But dear 8 pound 5 ounce baby Jesus, please let her stop whining. And it’s VERY UNFAIR that the only time she says “mama” is when she’s crying or whining. “Meh Meh!”
I’m glad she loves me and wants to spend ALL of her time with me, but I need a break. There’s only so long I can watch her bang on things before I want to bang my head against the wall. This is an awkward age. She’s curious and wants to play, but the games she can play get boring in about 2.76 seconds. Maybe that’s just me, though. Maybe the rest of you are content to play with your babies for hours. Maybe I’m wired wrong.
Just so this post isn’t entirely of a bitchy nature, let me tell you that Maddie now claps (with SOUND!) and clicks her tongue on the roof of her mouth. She also gives “high fives” and dances whenever she hears music. Her new favorite song is “1234” by Feist. However, “Why Does The Sun Shine?” by They Might Be Giants is still a big hit, too. She’s a whirlwind of emotions and makes me smile 1700 times a day. I wouldn’t trade her for anything.
Woman, I was right there with you at about that age. And I gave myself a lot of shit for feeling the way I did then. Let me give you some advice and save you some serious money on therapy - YOU’RE DOING A GREAT JOB SIMPLY BY BEING YOU! TAKE A BREAK WHEN YOU NEED IT!
When d hit 9 months, he got severe seperation anxiety. maybe it’s that!
Hang in there!
I am totally stuck on stuff to do with AD too. She isn’t interested in tv or DVDs or anything (WHAT??) and I think she’s sick of all of her toys. And my attempts to get her started on a nice game of solitaire have FAILED.
Oh I remember that time seeming like it had to be the terrible twos, then at about a year I thought no this is it. And that just keeps going on! Yikes! We’re not even to 2 yet…I worry.
I hear you on the play thing. That age was tough. But it does get better. Once she’s more mobile she’ll start to entertain herself more and more. It seems like every month it gets a little better (and still is). I usually have to be in the same room though. That’s why I was happy to get a laptop right after he turned 1.
Don’t feel bad, you’re doing great. And how great that she’s clapping and hi-fiving. Those are such fun milestones.
The only thing that worked for us at that age was one of those doorway bouncers (jumperoos?). We put it in the kitchen doorway, and it would keep Mimi busy long enough for me to make dinner. Now that she is two, there are a lot more highs and lows (and total meltdowns), but she is a lot more interactive. It’s NEVER boring.
Ha ha! If I watch a child play for more than 5 minutes, my brain dissolves and trickles out my ears.
i remember that same time period being absolutely awful for us too. it gets better then worse then better - but seriously one day it will just be better. like someone flipped a switch. and then a few weeks later it all goes to hell again . . . but seriously I’m sure you’re doing great!!!!!!
You are not alone. Trust me.
Swistle: Thank you. I HEART YOU FOREVER!