Okay, well, we did a close-to-9pm-bedtime last night and I think that was the right move. Well, I hesitate to say, “THIS IS IT,” because nothing is ever “it” with kids. The minute you get used to something, they’re liKe, “PSYCH. NOW IMMA DO THIS.” 

But last night was real good. 

We all went down to sleep together around 9ish and he slept through the night. It’s 5am as I’m typing this and he’s still sleeping so hard. So, I feel like it’s a nice little win for all of us. Because now I can have a quiet morning to journal and hydrate and finish up a report for this morning. 

9pm bedtime it is. 

For now. 

Yesterday, Jenn took me to H-Mart yesterday! I’ve been wanting to go since I read the book, Crying in H-Mart. It reminded me a lot of 99 Ranch Market. Though, 99 Ranch Markets seem to be more focused on Chinese cuisine and H-Mart more on Korean. But, still, always so fun to go to markets like that.

Picked up a few goodies and made some chicken curry last night. SO MUCH NOSTALGIA. Gina used to make this when we were roommates and the flavor of it brought me back to 2009. Living in west LA in our 2-bedroom apartment (that was like $1150 per month?!?!?!). Those were the days.

After H-Mart, Jenn dropped me off at Ishu’s school. 

I sat in the stroller room, watching him from the big windows for a few minutes. He was having so much fun (and also getting out so much energy) that I didn’t want to pull him out right away. So I lingered for a bit. And, in doing so, I also watched a little kid whack him TWICE. Once on his back and once on his tummy. Ishu was running in circles around the big room and when that happened, he paused and looked at the kid, a little confused. And then he carried on running and laughing. 

I know kids can get a little rough with one another. And, in a room full of running, wild toddlers, you can’t always see every little thing that happens. 

But, you can bet that last night, we practiced the phrase, “DON’T TOUCH MY BODY,” and, “I DON’T LIKE THAT.”

We also gave him some language he could use to tell his teacher if he needs help. But, mostly, I want him to be able to say to anyone  – in the moment – to back off. 

Fortunately, he didn’t seem too phased by the hitting toddler. 

But, if this is a pattern, I want him to be ready to say, “THANKS BUT NO THANKS BUDDY.” 

Overall, though, he was such a happy little boy running in circles around the room. 

Maybe that’s also why he’s sleeping so hard right now. 

I keep going back and forth between wanting to pick him up from school early because that’s such a LONG TIME to be away from home and from me! But, also, during these winter months, it kinda feels nice to have the option to keep him at school a little later. To let out all the energy he can. Because there’s only so much running around you can do in our little apartment. (And, clearly, he’s completely fine and not wallowing in a corner. He’s HAPPY). 

Alright, I’m going to go work on this report a little before he wakes up. And then there may be some more practicing of, ‘DON’T TOUCH MY BODY” during breakfast today. 

Being a parent is so crazy. You think you’re responsible for just keeping a little human alive. But you’re also responsible for helping that little human navigate all those moments when you’re not there. 

I MEAN, HOW IS THAT NOT THE HARDEST JOB IN THE WORLD? 

Okay, I’m signing off. 

HAPPY FRIDAY.