MOPS Email This week. Cute Story! :)

Beyond Compare

by Liz Sagaser, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator at
MOPS International and mom of two

My first child was born to talk and possessed a considerable vocabulary by her first birthday. For her recent third birthday, we gave her a copy of Little Miss Chatterbox, with a note inside sharing our fondness for her own chatty ways. 

And then came Truett. Our son, 22 months younger than our verbose daughter,  is worlds apart from his sister in many ways. Paisley takes the lead, Truett likes to follow. Paisley diapers her babies while Truett has a fondness for rocks. A rock from the garden in each hand, maybe even in his mouth, and he is a happy boy.

My husband and I have wondered whether Truett is on track developmentally in terms of his speaking ability. By twelve months, Paisley had lots to say. Truett, on the other hand, had just managed to eke out “mama” and “dada” at that point. A recent conversation between us went like this: “Truett, do you like your Teddy Bear? Can you say Teddy Bear?” Truett’s thoughtful reply? “Goo Goo Ga Ga.” (This is not a paraphrase. That was his exact response!)

I marveled at my son’s perfect use of baby speak, chuckled in response, then made up my mind that Truett is an avid listener. I can see him processing what goes on around him, and he will have something to say when he is ready. Even our pediatrician has encouraged us to relax, stop comparing and let our son learn and develop at his own pace. 

What is it, I wonder, that makes us want to pit our children in competition against one another? God made each of us in perfect, wonderful uniqueness. Instead of comparing our children to anyone else’s accomplishments, we should celebrate their individual talents, personalities and even quirks. My little rock-biter might not have much to say now, but he is learning every day and growing at his own pace. What a blessing to be part of his journey.

 

Dear God, thank you for blessing me with unique, wonderful children. Grant me patience to watch them grow and learn on their own timelines, and in their own ways.

Easy Sausage Pinwheels

 

You'll need:

1 can crescent rolls

1 pound ground sausage (I prefer hot)

1 package cream cheese softened

Brown sausage then drain and rinse thoroughly.  Mix sausage and cream cheese until combined well.  Roll the crescent roll dough out into a large rectangle on a piece of parchment paper and make sure all seams are pinched together.  Spread the sausage cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough.  Then, roll the dough lengthwise and wrap in parchment paper.  Put in freezer for up to 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.  When ready, slice into half inch pieces and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Toy Review!

Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Learning Home

The Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Learning Home has to be the greatest toy ever made... well, next to a cardboard box of course.  The Learning Home keeps my son occupied for very long periods of time.  It is a great activity center with a lot to do and play with.  My son especially loves to go in and out of the door.  There is also a light to turn on and off, mail box, window, spinny flower, clock and so much more.  The toy is great for crawlers all the way up to preschoolers.  I have a 4 year old nephew that still loves to play with it.  The Learning Home is very durable and easy to clean.  There are countless educational opportunities at every turn and there is something different to do every time you want to play.