Does Popeye Like to Take Baths?
Does Popeye like to take baths? I know he was a sailorman so he obviously enjoyed being near the water- but what about in the water?
Eli is my little 'Popeye'- that is my new name for him. Recently I have been trying my hand at making my own babyfood for Eli. It has been a success- much easier than I originally expected. I have made apples, carrots, broccoli, peaches, peas and spinach for him.
Today I offered him the spinach for the very first time. He was absolutely crazy about it. he loved it so much! I could hardly get the spoon out of his mouth before he was opening his mouth asking for more- it was so fun. The whole time I was telling him that he was going to grow big and strong muscles like Popeye because he was eating his spinach. I would have never guessed that spinach would be his favorite food- he and Popeye must certainly have something in common.
The thing Eli really does not like is taking a bath. He protests it from the moment I bring him into the bathroom. He must have a bad association. I think I know why he fears it so much though- actually it is quite a funny story.
Ever since Eli's umbilical chord fell off and I could give him real baths, I have been bathing him in the big adult bathtub by getting in there with him and holding on my lap during the bath. Two weeks ago I felt it was time to stop getting inside the tub with him. He can sit up very well on his own now so I didn't think he needed my assistance anymore. Plus I thought he would enjoy actually getting to splash and play with his toys in the tub. I was geared up for him to have so much fun.
I had never bathed a baby that young in a bathtub before. Let me just say some motherly instincts are natural- and others are not! I did so many things wrong- but I just didn't know any better- it was my first time.
So we were visiting our good friends Shaun and Katie McDonnell ( http://www.mcdonnellplace.com/ ) in Jacksonville. They have a 2 year old and a 8 month old. Since they have an older child they have a lot of bath toys. Katie usually stores them all in a big bucket but the day I bathed Eli there she put the toys in something else and left the bucket empty by the tub.
So here I am bathing Eli in the bathtub by himself for the first time. It came time to rinse his hair out. All had gone well up to this point and he was having fun in the water. I wasn't sure how to rinse out his hair but when I saw the bucket I figured it was there because that was what Katie used to rinse out her own children's hair.
So I proceeded confidently to fill up the large bucket to the top with water. I held it up over Eli's head and dump- it all came out in a fraction of a second. It was a huge rush of water all over his little body.
Eli started screaming. He was so discombobulated. He had no idea what had just happened to him- but whatever it was he knew he did not like it one bit. I felt so bad. The bath ended at that moment. I rushed with a towel and scooped him up. I cuddled him and apologized. I knew I had messed up and I felt so bad. Honestly I did not know any better- I didn't know the best way to rinse the shampoo out of his hair- but that obviously was not it!!!
So from then on he screams at the sound or site of water unless it is in a sippy cup. I am trying to be extra nice and gentle with him during his baths. We sing songs, I splash with him and we play with his bath toys. He has just begun to tolerate it a little- but he is still far from enjoying himself during this regular duty we have to go through in his routine.
Hopefully he will begin to enjoy his baths soon. Taking a bath is a fact of life- it is something we all must do. I don't want Eli to be the 'smelly' kid in school. I will try to give him a new good association with a bath- it will take time to rebuild his trust in that area.
Even though I felt awful for doing this to him- I still had to laugh about it too. I know I will have a lot of stories to put in this mistake category as Eli grows up. Mistakes aren't all that bad as long as I learn from them. I am learning everyday more about being a mom. There is just so much I don't know- wow! Just as I teach Eli everyday, he teaches me daily too.
Let me share just one more funny Eli story with you. The other day Barb, Carl, Eli and I all went to the hotdog joint by our house. My hot dog came in a basket lined with paper. We got a big basket of fries to share between us too. I filled my own empty basket with tons of ketchup because I love ketchup.
Eli was sitting in his highchair beside me. Well, as soon as I picked up my hotdog Eli grabbed my paper basket lining. As soon as he grasped it he was so proud of himself. When ever he grabs an object he then proceeds to excitedly shake it vigorously. He began doing this with the paper but there was a major problem- my paper was filled with ketchup.
Oh what a disaster! Barb, Carl and I were all rushing to bring the situation under control and minimize the mess. It wasn't long before things settled down. Then we were able to enjoy our hotdogs and curly fries.
I guess now it is time to make sure the only things within Eli's reach are his own toys. He is getting so dexterous and quick- I really have to keep my eye on him now. I love him so much though- he is just such a tremendous blessing. I am so proud that he is my son.
posted by Kellie # 10:51 PM
