Love, The Hebdons: No

Skyler and I had a wonderful Valentine’s Day this year. I entered into a contest that our apartment held to win a gift certificate to a restaurant called “La Baguette”. To win I had to make a handmade Valentine. I used all of my crafting/scrapbooking/artsy skills and made a fabulous Valentine (it’s the one I posted a picture of two week ago). I turned it in, waited anxiously for the deadline to pass, and got a phone call saying I won! Skyler knew I entered the contest, but I wanted to keep the news that I won a surprise. It was SO hard for me NOT to tell him about it! Those who know me can imagine how I talk to him about nearly everything, so this was a big deal that I could keep mum about it until V-Day morning. He was completely surprised, and his reaction was just as awesome as winning. So we got a babysitter, dressed up, and ended up loving the food. We are definitely going back!

Claire’s Valentine gifts included cards and gifts from family, the nursery, and we shared our gifts of chips and chocolates with her. She also really enjoyed playing with a new friend while we were out enjoying an evening together.

So Claire has learned how to say “no.” Half the time she doesn’t know what she’s saying, and we’re learning not to ask her questions because most of the time she’ll say “no.” For example:

Me: Are you all done? Do you want me to take you out of your highchair?

Claire: No.

…

Claire: Done!

Yeah, sometimes it’s sad, like when we ask her if she wants a hug. “No.” *sniff*, okay. So I just pretend she’s a big joker and doesn’t really mean it, or I think she really means “no” and I try to respect her agency, but forcing her to do things has to happen more often now than ever before.