An Intro To Toddler Stripping

Isn't it funny how parents celebrate each tiny little milestone that their child accomplishes? I mean, walking and talking and sitting up and rolling over and all the big things are certainly celebratory, but I'm talking about things like "Aw, honey, he's picking his nose!" (Quickly followed by, "Junior, we really shouldn't do that because it's unsanitary and just plain disgusting".)

But I consider myself a wiser parent than some. This is for many reasons. The first of which is that it's not so much wise as it is the fact that I don't care enough. The child's binky fell on the airport floor, so what?! Plug it back in and let's go already. (Okay, in my defense, it was her 4th and last one, and we were 6 hours into a 12 hour destination-to-destination day and had been up for over 24 hours.) I also consider myself a bit seasoned because I'm currently working on my 4th production. I think this just means that I'm stupid, not wise, but I look for any pat on the back that I can give myself.

So when our 4th (at the tender young age of NEARLY 5) learned to take off his clothing and strut around naked, we were less than thrilled. I could see how this could be a lifelong benefit, but right now it's so much easier to keep him clothed. I do have to say, though, that we're grateful that it's not a full-blown case of Naked Toddler Syndrome. He only undresses when he perceives it's bedtime and the other kids go get dressed. He's such a follower. Truly, if others would jump off a bridge he'd giggle, wave his arms around a few seconds, and take the plunge.

So the other night we're sending the kids to bed when he realized that someone, somewhere, was getting dressed in pajamas. He wanted to do that, too. But he lacks the dressing part yet. He went upstairs fully clothed, and came down butt nekkid. Literally. The diaper was tossed down the stairs ahead of him, and upon sliding down the steps to reach it he grabbed it and twirled it around his head a few times in victorious glee, proving to us that he can strip with the best of them.

Only, unbeknownst to us, the diaper was a Live One. Small brown marbles were being flung out of that madly twirling diaper faster than a tired parent could take control of the situation. I am ever so grateful that it was small brown marbles because the clean up was much easier than it could have been. And that means he did not leave a trail down the steps as he slid into home.

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Have you entered the contest for a free shirt from my store? There's still time! I'll announce the winner Wednesday evening. Anyone who divulges an embarrasing episode is in the drawing. Go! Enter! Win!