I decided to start blogging about Jordan from the moment I found out I was pregnant. Jordan was born with a little arm that didn't grow like most babies. Her left arm stopped just above the elbow. Now I'm committed to making sure Jordan gets everything out of life. We feel blessed to be the parents of a very special little girl.

6.18.2008

"I can't do it."

I knew it would happen someday... But it's happening now. Jordan is telling me "I can't do it." She often says it with a task she can do but takes extra effort. Most of the time it is putting on underwear or shorts.

"I can't do it."

But you can. I've seen you do it. I know it takes extra effort but I KNOW you can do it.

So now I have to be stubborn. I'll let her yell or scream "I CAN'T DO IT!" But I require that she at least tries. Often when I get her to finally try, she CAN do it. Other times she's frustrated and I help. But at least she tried.

This morning I had to leave her on the floor crying for 15 minutes until I got her into the "try" mode. The "can't" mode is very hard to move away from. But I can't allow "can't" to take over her life. If there's anything I'm committed to, it's making sure my girl can do ANYTHING.

"Can't" doesn't belong in her world.

3 comments:

Student of Life said...

I think it's amazing that she even tries to dress herself. My boy is almost four, and he has NO DESIRE at all to dress himself. Couldn't care less. I still have to talk him through it, and most of the time I end up doing most of the work. Good for you for getting your baby girl off on the independent track. I hope to join you there at some point!

Jenny Rodriguez said...

You're such a rockin' mommy. There must be days would it be SO much easier to just do it for you her. Jordan will be all the more strong and amazing because of the mom you are!

twin power mommy ♥ said...

Amen to that!