Childfroth
Eleanor had her 2-year healthcheck last week. Though I was not there, I love hearing about these occasions. I know the point is to identify any problems so that corrective measures can be taken, but when there aren't any (and you know it) there's not a parent alive who does not enjoy hearing their child is healthy and well.
The weekend just gone, we went to Norwich to spend time with sheyna's family. This included a trip to the coast and Eleanor's first experience of the seaside. She loved the idea of going in the sea, but very quickly went cold on the idea (in more ways than one). However, the beach was a source of endless delight. Also pleasing from that trip was watching her gently interact with her cousin (less than half her age) which gave me hope for her interactions with her brother.
Given Eleanor's love of the beach and playing in the sand, and playing with sandpits at the houses of her friends, sheyna and I pretty much agreed to get a sandpit. Given that this was going to happen anyway, we also took it as an opportunity to use it as an incentive to encourage Eleanor to use the toilet seat (something she is more inclined to do than a potty).
Yesterday, I got a call from sheyna who related that she was using the toilet herself when Eleanor stormed into the room and demanded: "Move mummy! I want a sandpit!"
Lo and behold, Eleanor proudly used the toilet seat, and the first thing I heard when I got home last night was: "Daddy! Going to get a sandpit!"
On the one hand, its somewhat gratifying to know my daughter has the determination and resources to work to get what she wants, but there may be a need to revise the level of expectation/incentive to more realistic levels.
Anwyay, this weekend we're getting underlay for the carpet to go in Master Williams' bedroom and a sandpit...