Up until now, parenting has meant feeding, changing, and loving on my baby girl. Well that is no longer true. Alyssa has started throwing little tantrums. And luckily they are just little tantrums that only last a few seconds but still, its very frustrating and embarassing. She was terrible on the plane ride back from MO. She didn't sleep much the night before and didn't nap much during the day of travel but still, I am not trying to excuse her...she was being a little turd and thats all there is to it. Now I need to figure out how I handle these tantrums, we need to now figure out our parenting approach. Time out or is she still too little? Spanking (not hard obviously)? Ignore her and don't give her attention when she does it? A combination of them all? Not sure yet. It was hard on the plane because I did not want to bother the other passengers so I gave in more than I normally would. But maybe she knew she could get away with more in public, everyday I realize how much smarter she is than I give her credit for. Although with the tough parenting part is coming so much fun as well. She continues to show how big of a personality she has. She has this look that she gives people. She frowns her little brow, snarls her lip, and tilts her head down while she looks at you. It makes people laugh and shes figured that out this last week. She is walking around a lot more and really is just a lot of fun. I feel like I hang out with her now, not just watch/take care of her.
Dave was on leave the past 10 days and we spent that time in MD for my cousins wedding and then in MO to visit Dave's family. It went by way too fast and Dave has to go back to work tomorrow morning (and by morning I mean he has to be there by 430 AM!). Alyssa got to play with her cousins Kate and Luke. It was fun to see them hang out since last time they saw each other Alyssa and Luke weren't even sitting by themselves. I took a bunch of pictures in MO and have posted them.
I can not wait for Alyssa's first bday party! I went to the party store today to buy some more stuff. I bought some cake pans and a little picture frame with a pink sharpie for all her guests to sign. Both of our families are going to be there so that will be fun to have everyone together since we always have to travel to separate places to see them. I registered a few little things at a toys r us registry under Alyssa's name since people were asking me for ideas. There isn't much on there since she doesn't really need much. Just any educational toy (preferably not too terribly noisy so it doesnt drive me insane), maybe something to keep her occupied in the car (she hates riding in her new car seat so), or anything else you all think she may like I'm sure she'll appreciate it all!
