It's the little things

Jordan is able to do just about everything on her own. She started putting her socks on her own with a very strong-willed stubbornness at 18 months old. She is an excellent paper cutter with scissors. Of course we need to work on a few things that she’ll encounter at school… Including opening milk boxes. But there was one thing that has held her up: Seat belts.

I’m not sure why, but Jordan hasn’t been able to get those things to click. Her dad’s car is really tricky and I even have a hard time doing it with two hands… but in my mom-mobile, it’s bothered me that she hasn’t gotten the job done.

Until now.

In the last week, it finally “clicked.” (Ha, get it, clicked?) I can send her to her car seat and she gets the job done on her own. She’s very proud and I’m really happy she’s finally found a way to do it safely.

How does she do it? Well, the seatbelt is on her right side, so it’s close for her hand to click the belt. She pulls extra seat belt out to make sure she has enough length to get the buckle to click. Then she feeds the extra loose seat belt back into the car so she has a tight seat belt fit.

Seriously, it’s the little things. But I’m really glad she finally figured this little thing out.

(Oh and one other thing she figured out when I was out of town – taking a shower by herself. Since I’ve been back in town, I’ve watched her wash her hair on her own and she’s really good at getting all of the soap off. Pretty cool.)

SO… what are your little accomplishments? You know, the little things that are worth celebrating. I realize I’ve celebrated a lot more of the tiny things with Jordan than I did with her brother. Mainly because I appreciate it more now. I understand the importance more. It’s just another thing Jordan has taught me.

5 Comments

  1. Nate Ramsey on April 21, 2011 at 5:29 pm

    Nice post!

    Here are a few of my own little things:

    1. Tying shoes. I didn’t bother to teach myself until I was 13, which is pretty embarassing. I figured it out immediately after I chose to make the effort. There was no excuse for me learning so late. This was the moment that I stopped letting people do things for me, and took control of deciding what I was capable of.
    2. Tying a tie. This one took me a couple hours of practice. It was a really frustrating process, but the success was worth it.
    3. Any time that people were convinced that I would fail. I enjoy defying expectations and challenging assumptions. That might not be a good thing though.

    • Jen Lee Reeves on April 21, 2011 at 8:06 pm

      Thanks for your insight Nate!! I’m pretty sure Jordan goes above and beyond when someone says she can’t do something as well.

  2. Jac on April 22, 2011 at 9:44 am

    I was very worried about little things when Skyler was first born. However, she was the first of the kids in our playgroup to be able to get herself dressed, put on socks, etc. (Yes, I suppose I’m bragging a bit *lol* I’m just so darn proud of her!)

    CONGRATS to Jordan!! Seat Belt Buckles are a tough thing sometimes with two hands!

  3. Jen Lee Reeves on April 22, 2011 at 10:17 am

    Go Sklyer go!!

  4. Nate Ramsey on April 22, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    Jordan seems to be doing a great job! Her strong will and creativity appear to be paying off.

    I love following this blog, it provides a lot of insight into family perspectives. Quite helpful for somebody who is interested in OT. 🙂

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