Phase 1 (0-3 months): Clockwork. Feeding, changing diapers, holding, napping, going for walks. Then, feeding, changing, holding, napping, feeding, and changing some more. Also, getting used to new life.
Phase 2 (4-7 months): Cruise Control. You’ve created a system that works. You’ve adjusted now to the new family. You go from having a dependent newborn to an active and responsive being. It’s when personalities start to emerge and everyday brings new insights to your little one. While there are many dramatic changes during this time, as parents you are quicker to adjust, so the ride is smooth.
Phase 3 (7-12 months): Childproofing. Your little one has realized they have control and power. You feel pride and happiness while your internal alarm is going off: SAFETY! SAFETY! SAFETY! This phase has a similar feel to clockwork. It’s crawling, and walking, and crying, because they crawled away from you, or bumped their head, or fallen down. It’s here, then there, then back over here.
And….Phase 3 has begun. Let me tell you, we have quite the crawling caterpillar!
I’m beginning to childproof, in the words of Dane Cook, Stat-Pronto-Tonight! And, I’ve already managed to plug the outlets. Although, I tried to vacuum the other day, and couldn’t get the childproof plug out after trying for 5 minutes. Seriously…5 minutes!!! The “childproofing” phenomena should be simplified to “proofing,” because it’s just as challenging for adults.
This looks like a science project. What has been you’re experience with childproofing!? Please Share!