Taking a Break from Gus

I have friends who often say that they need a break from their kids. While I say that parenting is 90% good, sometimes that 10% can really get under your skin. It is usually nothing that my 20 month old son has done or is doing, it is usually more about my patience level at that particular moment. Knowing that doesn't make it any easier. At these hard moments, I try to take a deep breath,bite my tongue, and laugh. I try. I wish I was always successful.

The fact is, I like being with Gus. I like it a lot. I like when he works to figure something out. I like when he knocks over the blocks I piled up. I like his determination when he wants something. I like how he loves to play in the water. I like when he smiles. I like when he laughs.

I may have been guilty once or twice of wanting a break, but overall, I like having him around. I feel guilty when he has to spend additional time with a babysitter. So this past weekend, when he needed a babysitter for a late night chaperoning followed by an early morning run, I was happy my parents were willing to keep him overnight. On Saturday, I had about 45 minutes to myself in between two different events. All I could think about was how quiet, how empty, how lonely it felt at my house without Gus. I will take a break from work, a break from television, a break from doing laundry. But I won't take a break from Gus.

The Best Water

Gus loves water. 

Whether it is a pool, a hose, a water table, or the sink, he can't get enough. He just loves to play with water. When he is outside he heads to the water table to splash and play. If the hose is out, he is ready to spray the hose at anything (or anyone!) he can. He really does love to play in the water. While initially this summer he was a bit reticent to try getting in and was a bit nervous; taking it slow, he has learned to love everything about the pool.

Any opportunity to play with water makes Gus smile and laugh and sometimes squeal with joy. It is so great to see him so outwardly and openly happy, even if it is just taking a bath. While he will be happy to jump in the pool, put his face in the water, or spray himself with a hose, he hates having his hair washed. To be fair, it's not the washing of his hair he minds so much, but more about water being poured over his head. This also makes him squeal, but not with joy. It makes keeping him clean tough sometimes!

Of all the water that Gus has access to, it is that water he can't play in that continues to prove to pique his interest the most. The Toilet. It's my fault really, I showed him how to flush, and that is the intrigue that has held his interest.  He seeks it out whenever he can sneak access. He knows that the key to keeping his opportunity alive is to keep quiet. There's no squealing or laughter when he finds access to that great white bowl with the magic button. Apparently, much like our dog, Rip, Gus feels toilet water is the best water.