No, Momma

Sunday morning after all the LSU-AU weekend excitement, Eden did not want to be apart from Ashley for a second. "Can Daddy get you breakfast." Break down cry fest. "Can you let Momma dry her hair?" "Sure you crazy loon if I can be right under her nose while she does it." {Ashley thankfully obliged and sat on the floor to dry her hair}

... while I brush my teeth ...

Drop off at the church nursery a little bit later was brutal on both Eden and Ashley that morning. Eden was grabbing onto Ashley with her arms AND her legs saying "No-o-o ... Mama." This was the second Sunday {the second one ever} that Eden got upset when we took her to the nursery. Of course they told us Eden was fine a few minutes after we left, but Ashley said she just might not be able to do it again. What's the point if she'll grow out of it soon anyway?  Ashley has also been wondering why it is that Eden's first breakdown being dropped off happened right after she learned how to actually say no, as in "No, Ma-ma!" a.k.a. "No, Momma, don't go! PLEASE don't leave me!"

When we headed to the contemorary church service an hour later, Eden was back to normal, dancing to the praise music and running up for children's time. How could her morning and later in the day be so different? Come to find out, we think she is cutting a tooth. Go figure. This only supports Ashley notions that she shouldn't leave her baby when she's crying.
.............................

Update from the Editor:

Well, dropping Eden off at PDO on Tuesday was not any better. She grabbed onto me with her fists tightly and her strong legs aroung my waist and screamed as I tried to put her down. It was not fun. I stood in the hallway and heard her calm down, but still. Graham says I have to let her walk in on her own from the car, not pick her up, and talk to her before going in. I did the talking part but forgot the do-not-hold part, so maybe that will work next time.

On Wednesday morning, we were all outside as I was leaving for work. Eden desperately wanted me to hold her, and then put one hand on either side of my face and looked at me and said, "No-no, Ma-ma" and then proceeded to try to take my scarf off. If that's not a clear message {one that will melt your heart}, I don't know what is.

So, any advice for someone just now going through this? Any advice other than "you just have to do and it'll pass"? I know you smart people out there must have some strategies to share. Please send them our way!

thanks, ashley {and graham}