- Tuesday, August 24, 2010
- Posted in family,toddlerhood,travel
cedar and his new froggie pack from auntie dd, taken with palm pre phone (august break #23)
meeting daddy at our home airport, taken with palm pre phone
My sister got a pass to help me through security at the airport today. I need help because Cedar has suddenly become SO active and isn’t a fan of sitting still in wide open spaces. : ) So holding onto him while taking off my shoes, his shoes, my backpack, his backpack and pulling out all the liquids is so totally impossible when he wants to run off. This is why we use the monkey backpack leash. I know people have opinions about it and I can have compassion for their aversion to it but oh my gosh, what would I do without it? He would run off in an instant and I would lose him and be a total mommy wreck. Besides, the idea of a monkey hugging him brings him massive amounts of delight. At this stage, it has saved our lives and sanity, since I travel alone with him a lot. I do wonder if those people that have opinions about these leash backpacks have had a very active toddler that won’t let you carry them in slings or packs, hold them, hold your hand or sit in a stroller while in crowded spaces. Bless the hearts of anyone that can handle it better than I can.
So, after Darlene and I got through all the liquid testing and padding down of security, we saw these adorable stuffed animal fuzzy backpack rolly thingies in the window of one of the airport shops. So, of course Auntie DD had to go check them out and Cedar immediately started pulling one of them around the shop. He’s all about pulling wagons with stuffed animals inside, so a stuffed animal he can pull was absolute bliss.
He proudly walked around the airport with his new froggie pack and monkey on his back. Everyone laughed and smiled and while getting on the airplane, Cedar kept stopping and pointing to his new froggie pack, showing all the folks in the aisle seats. It was awesome. Thank you, Auntie DD…score!!!
The moment he saw daddy coming towards him when we arrived at our home airport, rather than hug him, he pointed to his new froggie pack to show it off. It was hilarious and so fun to see Boho Boy totally get the excitement about it.
Here is a video of Cedar pretending to talk on the phone on our iPod Touch, while mid-flight home:
August 24, 2010
I am a big fan of the backpack/leash. I had one for my daughter when she was 2 years old and I was heavily pregnant with twins. She use to take off in a split second, and being in the state I was, could not chase her. I use to get filthy looks from passers by but I would rather that than lose my daughter xx
August 24, 2010
Happy Mummy, happy baby is what I say. No matter what you do for whatever reason you will be judged. I breastfeed, and when I HAD to return to work 3 days a week when my first baby was only 7mths old – I was a terrible mother for working and stupid and insame for expressing my milk 3 times a day at work!!! I am not blessed with the ability to give birth naturally, but I was blessed with a truck full of boobie juice, and as I was only working to put food on the table it made sense to me not too waste money on formula when I had so much boobie juice for free! Same with me using cloth nappies to save money – I was judged horribley for doing what worked for my family. I never stood on a soap box and judged others, I just did what worked for my family. Whether its boobie juice, natural birth, formula, controlled crying, type of nappy or brand of baby food – for some reason it will always be judged – I choose not to judge. As I tell my girls, if we were all the same life would be boring! And we could never learn from each other id we were all the same. Go forth and do what you and your family need and what works for you. Blessing Kaz
August 24, 2010
He looks so happy with the new froggy bag! I don't have kids but if I would see the leash for a kid, I would totally understand it
The video isnt here so I need to come back to see it when it works, Cedar is so cute that I always come to see his happy face here.
August 24, 2010
I have a similar backpack/reins for my twins (who are 18 months) and would not be without them. It is so easy to judge others…. but difficult to imagine walking in others shoes for a day. That case looks so fun, on the lookout for some-thing similar (this age group seem to love being independent and having their own mini versions of adult products).
August 24, 2010
There is nothing wrong with wanting to keep your child safe, I used reins too whenever I went into the city
August 24, 2010
Ah bless. Cedar is adorable!
helen x
August 24, 2010
as a momma you do whatever works!
it's a long winding road and and as you walk on it be one with your choices, whatever they may be~
you love him so much and that is what matters…
August 24, 2010
Thank you for sharing about Cedar's monkey pack. It can be so easy to believe something about another without knowing their story. We used slings with our babes, who did enjoy them, but as they were older we would sometimes use the sling like Cedar's monkey pack.
August 24, 2010
Opinions, BAH!!! YOUR little man, YOUR choice. My youngest outdid Houdini for disappearing acts (all the way up to present day, at 19 years of age!), so a leash (& jingle bells on his shoelaces when he learned to wriggle out of the leash) were paramount. Better safety, however you manifest that, than losing Cedar. Correct response to unsolicited opinions? "None ya." (woot!)
I so love hearing Cedar's voice.
August 24, 2010
P.S. What in the WORLD does Boho Boy do to get such defined calf muscles? Yowza!
August 24, 2010
my younger bro and SIL lived in France for a time, we went to visit them when my niece (now 14) was 2 yrs old. When we walked around in crowded places (and she didn't want to be in a stroller) she had a kiddie "leash". It was fantastic knowing she could feel free and her parents could feel SAFE knowing she couldn't run off in to the crowd. Some people who give a look but it was mostly a look of "why didn't I think of that?"
It's not like these things are around their necks with a collar for heaven's sake. MORE parents should use them for toddlers in airports, malls and the like – it would cut down on many a meltdown of "OMG he/she ran over there".
I love the monkey hugging him from behind. I think you have all the right ideas for safety and your peace of mind!
Love the video!
August 24, 2010
I am not a fan of the leash for everyday kinda hanging out(I would rather hold my sons hand and teach him to do the same)…HOWEVER, in an airport situation or where there are large groups of unknown people, I think they are completetly appropriate.
Hope you had a wonderful trip!
August 24, 2010
I happen to love the monkey backpack leash… I had 3 of them! One for each of my boys, and they saved my sanity anytime I had to go out with all of them LOL! Imagine going out with a 4 year old, a 2 year old and a newly walking 1 year old. Good times!
I once traveled with my oldest (this was about a year and a half after 9/11) and had to do it all myself. Holding a 1.5 year old, trying to take the stroller apart, open all the bags, take the lap top and camera's OUT of their bags, take off his and my shoes, remove my jewelry etc. NOBODY helped me. And they acted irritated I was holding up the line. Grrrrrr.
August 24, 2010
in my dreamiest of dreams, i would have loved to carry cedar in a sling or a carrier…but he resisted both of those things since birth.
and in most places, i can hold him or hold his hand.
but in busy places like an airport or an amusement park, he gets over stimulated and has a difficult time sitting still. he wants out of the stroller and just wants to run independently. this was our way of giving him that free spirit freedom but with the ability to keep him close so we don't lose him in a blink.
everyone has their own story and this is why i choose not to judge. especially coming from my own journey of everything unfolding so different than i once thought. i have more compassion not having gotten pregnant or given birth or been able to breastfeed…when i once thought i would be doing all of those things and more hippy dippy stuff. its all as it should be and i feel so very peaceful about the decisions we make for cedar and his well being (and ours too).
blessings to all.
August 24, 2010
Ahh, if only these were available when my babies were babies. I had "lost" them more than once as they dashed off in a flash. I can tell you there is nothing that gets your heart rate flying like not being able to find them….On the other hand, my eldest who couldn't be still or be held is an all american runner so when I think back I see the seeds of her current bliss so you never know how the fidgeting/wondering will play out……
Cedar is such a star!
Cheers
Christine
August 24, 2010
for those who judge – stuff 'em I say! You don't judge until you've walked in someone else's shoes and who knows what situation there might be behind any given scenario. As an example, I've never needed reins with my daughter, she's always walked beside me as good as gold and it's be straightforward even when travelling alone with her and her older brother. Him – I couldn't set out of the door without them – he was like Forrest Gump, he would head straight for the hills given *any* opportunity and I just couldn't keep chasing him or risking him near the roads. Some might observe me now and think "ooh, attachment mother" with the two children holding my hands, but I'm the same person I was when I had Chris on the reins. Whatever makes both of you happy and secure and less stressed, especially when travelling. Sounds like you had a wonderful time and that backpack is just the cutest thing, yey for gift giving generous Aunties!
August 24, 2010
I had a tether for my very active boy when he was young, because he gave up the sling and refused the stroller and i valued his precious life more than people's ugly comments.
the funny thing is I could have made some extra money if I had bought a few and kept them with me, some people actually tried to buy the tether from me because their child was very active as well and they didn't know where to buy them!
August 24, 2010
every child is different
every mother makes choices accordingly
none should be judged
wether you do
wether you don't
we should focus more on lifting each other up and supporting one another as mothers, women and sisters
we all answer to our own Spirits
looks like a fun trip for you both!
As much as I love a family getaway with all of us I equaly have always enjoyed that one on one time with my boys, so special.
love and light
August 24, 2010
I have a puppy backpack for my extremely independent, fearless daughter, and it has worked great in situations such as you described. Do what you need to do! Cedar knows he is loved and having a monkey to keep him company (and safe!) is not going to traumatize him or anything crazy like that. I'd be surprised if he even remembers wearing it when he is older!
August 24, 2010
nice photo shoot.. i like tht tno of these pics
August 24, 2010
I know you get a lot of comments and people that praise your beautiful writings, musing, and ways of life…but I also wanted to share my own feelings of adoration for your inspiring child rearing techniques and the amazing spirit you are nurturing in your son. I am 10 weeks pregnant and i already have used your blog as a means to decide on how I want to raise our child…you really give me (a person from a broken home) the kind of affirming posts that make me feel as though raising a healthy child in a loving home is not impossible but rather the most rewarding thing a human can do in life. Thank you for your truths, be they small or grand, and thank you for sharing yourself to willingly with people you don't even know. I admire your life, knowing that it isn't perfect but that you have made it for yourself and it gives me strength.
xoxo
Joy
August 25, 2010
As a parent, you do WHATEVER you have to in order to keep your children safe, and out of harm's way. Children can disappear in an instant no matter how well schooled they are about staying close. I never take risks with mine, particularly when we are around crowds or traffic. I love the leash! Nothing is worth potentially losing a child.
August 25, 2010
Um yes, I noticed Boho Boy's calves as well! Whoah!
August 25, 2010
Love the monkey:) We have one that gets used occasionally when the need arises and my kids call it the "monkey buddy" and fight over it (even though 2 of them are too old for it at 6 & 4!
August 25, 2010
so precious! cedar is adorable "pretend talking" into the phone.
My opinion about the backpack/leash is that ultimately it is your choice to make and no one elses. As long as you and your child are both comfortable and are safe that is all that matters. When my nephew was 2 years old, my sister and I were leaving a restaurant that was fairly close to the road where busy afternoon traffic was flying by. We were loading up the car and I was holding his hand, and suddenly he jerked his little hand from mine and started SPRINTING towards the road!!! I was screaming "STOP!!!!!!" and literally snatched him up right before he got to the edge of the lot and into the road. Talk about SCARED TO DEATH! I immediately started crying with fear of what could've happened but relief that he was alright. What I would have given for a backpack/leash thing then!
Another wonderful post as always love!
Take care and hope to hear more from you soon!
August 25, 2010
Read the Continuem Concept.
August 25, 2010
I love that you use a backpack leash, love that you shared it on your blog, love that you received so many positive and non-judgmental and supportive comments.
Who knows your child better than you? I appreciate it when people honor and support a Mama's decision, regardless if their opinion is different, and don't make you feel bad for your decision.
My daughter loves her pink puppy backpack, and wears it around, sans leash, she puts her snacks in the little zipper pocket.
August 25, 2010
dear anon ~
than you for the Continuem Concept link! i have done a lot of research on attachment parenting and so much of it is in alignment with my values and desires on how to nurture and raise cedar. i am not comfortable putting a label on my parenting style because i honor nuggets of wisdom from so many places. i was unable to hold cedar in a sling and carrier because he resisted it and was not comfortable in confined spaces, and i listened to his guidance. isn't that what so much of this is about? listening and paying attention to how very different all of our children are? that is what brings me to not putting a label on myself i suppose. not every child will respond or need the same things. but attachment parenting is in my heart and i have resonated with it so, so much.
i want to thank each of you for your gentleness, as always…and your own teachable stories.
xo
denise
August 27, 2010
I have never used one of those but I SO would in that situation. It is great that you travel with him and I think it's sad that people would think any ill of you keeping your child safe. You are doing the right thing for you and your family and I think it's great.