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Yeah, doesn’t sound like much, does it? But it is Tater Tots favorite meal. Let me translate for you. “Nanee” (not sure of the spelling here, I’m in uncharted ToddlerSpeak territory) is Mac and Cheese. Don’t ask me how it became nanee. But that’s what it is. “Bo’s” is all my fault. I started by playfully calling her vegetables “vegetabos” so she, naturally, shortened it to “bo’s”. Good job, Mommy. “Appy” is applesauce and surprises me since she can say “apple” quite clearly but it has taken on a life of its’ own. So “appy” it is. Of course, most of the time I try to use the correct words for them but I find myself slipping into her language more often than I’d like. It’s just too cute!

She still has no interest in moving from pureed vegetables to steamed/chopped/anything-but-pureed vegetables so I think I’m going to have to get creative. Add to that a resistance to using a spoon and you have goopy, messy, colorful vegetables all over The Tot, the placemat, the booster seat, the lovely dining room table, and the floor. Luckily I’m not all that uptight about stuff not getting everywhere. There will be time to be neat. This is not the time. I feel pretty strongly about not restricting her from doing stuff just because it creates more work for me. It’s my job. This is the time for her to explore smooshing vegetables and other foods all over her face and in her hands and smacking them on the table to see what happens. Never mind that they splatter on my Momiform .

Luckily, we have come a ways since that post last summer. I’ve made some strides toward reclaiming a modicum of style although the white t-shirts are still in part-time residence and the style is quite casual. The hair…well, it’s still in a ponytail most of the time but at least it’s well-maintained with a nice cut and highlights. And I’ve added some earrings most days. Little studs that are difficult to grab and rip out of my earlobes. The shoes are still flip flops or tennies but I don’t think that’s going to change any time soon.

Maybe I’m just remedial when it comes to Mommyhood but it seems like it’s taken me this long to really settle into feeling comfortable with my Mommyness and find my Mommy Style. I’ve always loved being Princess Tater Tot’s Mommy but it has taken me a while to become more confident in my Mommy Skills and with the changes in my Mommy Body. Less freaking out at every little thing and over-analyzing every little decision. Not that I’m all the way there yet. But I feel good.