Today you screamed and shouted until I sat you on my knee
I only wanted to use the toilet, by myself, for 40 seconds
I think you expect me to ignore my basic bodily functions
It’s quite hard to wee with a climbing 1 year old attached, by the way
Well, as long as you’re happy, I told you
The look you gave me said, obviously.
They say everything is a phase, so this won’t last forever
And I’ll miss these days when you are grown up and don’t need me anymore
I know they are right
It is hard though, this phase is hard
I can’t cook, dress or brush my hair without you needing me
And you seem to get annoyed a lot
I hold you though and you are happy, it makes you so happy.
You have decided, in your wisdom, that you don’t need to nap anymore
Even though you feel so tired and cranky
So I really can’t get anything done, we must cuddle, eat and play, all day, all week
Still, as long as you’re happy, I guess that’s what we’ll do.
There are things I wish I was better at
The way I manage things, what I do and don’t achieve
But I guess you don’t mind, as long as you’re happy
I question myself a lot, am I doing the right thing by you, for you?
Hopefully, as long as you’re happy, I’m doing ok
So we’ll have more takeaways, and the jobs will pile up
You’ll laugh your big laugh, play, dance and shout
And you’ll be happy, apart from all the grumpiness
The days are relentless, but I’m ok, in case you are interested
I’m tired and a bit frustrated, but it’s alright, as long as you’re happy
It’s been a two hour, two man battle but you are finally asleep
We watch you breathe in and out, snoring, peaceful, happy
I think about everything that must get done now, at 9 o‘clock
And how we will start this all over again at 6
But, as long as you’re happy, I’m happy
And I really do mean that, not just because you are asleep.
As with most baby related things, the Velcro phase has evoked conflicting emotions for me… I love being needed by our son, yet struggle to not be able to do anything at all without a small person firmly attached! Does anyone else feel this way? Please feel free to join in below, or on Facebook or Twitter.
Big Trouble in Little Nappies 
What a lovely lovely blog post. So so true…my daughter has just turned two and is now pretty independent (ish)…(erm…some days) and it means I can actually get things done around the house. You quickly forget how they change and their wants and needs change too. You’ve captured this phase really well in your post!
http://www.lauraevelynbee.co.uk
Thanks so much Laura 🙂 I’m pleased to hear that this phase isn’t forever… Not that I want to wish it away either, but the last few weeks have been very, very intense! I’ll be banging on about some other phase next month no doubt!!
Sounds just like my two. With my first this ‘phase’ lasted two years!! But she is now an independent, confident three year old. My second daughter is on month 16 of it. 24 hours a day! This too shall pass and all that!
Two years??!! Oh no, don’t tell me that! Though well done for surviving, ready for your second daughter to take her place in the by the sound of it! Mine is 14 months and I was expecting neither the clingyness, or the temper, he just keeps surprising me! This too shall pass is a good mantra, and we’ll no doubt miss it, in some ways, maybe!
It was a long time ago but I remember it so well! An almost desperate feeling of being trapped – might just as well have been handcuffed together as that’s what it felt like. Then later, after the baby stage, I remember my daughter at probably 2-3 years bringing her toys into the bathroom with her to keep me company!
Yes, that’s so true! In the nicest way, I do feel quite handcuffed at times, it’s of course sweet that they want to be with us, but so very intense as well. Particularly when the little stinkers won’t go to bed either! 😉
Can to relate to this! It’s such a tough job when you aren’t prepared for this full on being a mum is. When all you had to do before was look after yourself or pet! It’s crazy but the good outweigh the bad. I write this as one is screaming at me until I look at her and smile then she laughs and the other is doing the same on the other side. They are sat in their high chairs spitting food at me! Couple of bosses! Super cute monkeys!! I’m
Off to read more of your blog 🙂 x
‘Couple of bosses’ is such an apt term! I hope they give you a pay rise and better holidays soon 😉 Yes the good definitely (mostly) outweighs the bad and we have so much fun every day…. It is just exhausting though isn’t it! Twice as much for you I would imagine!
Nice post and I like the term ‘the velcro phase’. Here I was thinking that everything would be plain sailing once our first born comes along in a few weeks. Maybe I’ll buy some velcro and attach it to me and the baby so I have two hands free to do everything else that needs to be done 🙂
Ha, you might have yourself a good money earner there! Though I am grateful for your visit, perhaps don’t come back until you’re up in the night with your little one and / or being driven round the bend 😉 Seriously, good luck for your little one’s arrival and I look forward to hearing of your adventures!
Thanks! Ok, deal – I’ll be back in 6 weeks, probably all apologetic for my blasé approach to velcro 🙂
I can totally relate to this. Some days are relentless and never ending, but it’s totally worth it (I think!) Thanks for linking up to the #binkylinky
Yes, that is it exactly! So, so worth it (I also think!) but no opportunity to take five, ever! Thanks again for visiting and for hosting the #binkylinky.
My youngest was a velcro baby and it does pass. However I have to tell you that even as teens they interrupt you when you are on the loo/ in the shower. I would sell my left leg for a bath without a visitor in the room 😉 #binkylinky
Oh no at teen bathroom visits! I wish I’d savoured those loan baths pre-baby a bit more now! It’s good to hear the Velcro phase isn’t forever, even though part of me does relish it a little bit! 😉 Thanks a lot for visiting.
Aww bless. It must be so hard. My little one is only 3 months old but I find it hard to deal with when she won’t let me out her down for a minute, I can’t imagine what her being 1 will bring!! I’m quite OCD and like to get things done round the house etc but everyone says to savour these moments now as they won’t last forever and I guess that’s so true!xx #binkylinky
Oh don’t get me wrong, aged three months I got even less done than I do now so I don’t want you to think it will be even harder aged 1! I am in full admiration that you have a blog up and running…. I was still struggling to get dressed 😉 It is so true about savouring the moments, and I love his cuddles, but at the same time it is really hard isn’t it when you can’t put them down for a moment to do the essentials? Like go to the toilet!!
I dont even know its got a name but I vividly remember this phase! He would literally hang on to my legs and I have to drag my legs!!! I am so glad that this phase had ended for us. Hang in there. Sending your hugs =) #binkylinky
Awe, thank you Merlinda! The leg clinging is a thing here too, today he upped the ante and started smacking them as well, owch! I’m glad to hear evidence that it is a phase and it does end 🙂 x
A really lovely post. I’m really lucky that Potato has never been extremely clingy. I’m often a little sad that he’s happy to do his own thing with or without me. Thankfully, he’s always been very cuddly, so whatever he’s doing, he comes back to me every now and again for a cuddle and kiss.
It must be so tough not being able to do anything without him attached to you! You’re doing a great job. I know so many people who have been thoroughly frustrated by this phase. It will end, and you’ll miss the constant attention 🙂
Thanks for linking up with #BinkyLinky
Thank you 🙂 Potato sounds like he’s got the balanced sussed, lots of essential cuddles for Mummy, but happily playing solo too! You are right that I will no doubt miss all his fuss and adoration when he moves on to more interesting things as I do so enjoy the cuddles… Just not so much when nipping to the loo! Thanks for reading and for hosting #BinkyLinky
I remember these days so very well. We really do put so much pressure on ourselves as Mums – and everyone tells us we really shouldn’t but it is a hard habit to break when your instincts tell you otherwise. A lovely piece. Thank you so much for linking to Prose for Thought 🙂 x
Thank you so much. The pressure thing seems very universal! Even though we know we shouldn’t, it still sneaks in, along with that pesky guilt… Thanks for hosting such a great linky 🙂
The ‘Velcro phase’ is a great phrase – sums it up so well. Love this – the clingy phase can be so frustrating and difficult for us mums but as you say, the most important thing is that our little ones are happy and if we can manage that then we are doing a great job even if it does feel overwhelming at times x
Thank you, that’s really lovely and true – they have no idea when we are overwhelmed and are always happy with us doing our best 🙂
You’ve really captured this phase so well. My first son was the same and it is exhausting. Thankfully my third is uber laid back but then he does have two big brothers to entertain him! You are right that his happiness is the main thing and it sounds like you are doing an excellent job ensuring that. I used to repeat the mantra ‘this too shall pass’ when it felt like too much! It WILL pass! Xx #prose4T
Thanks so much. With three kiddies, it is a good job your third is laid back, I’m in awe! I can’t see who you are from your comment – if you see this please let me know as I’d love to visit your #prose4T piece 🙂
I’m so glad we’ve just come out of the other side of this. Number 3 was clinging to me until a few weeks ago. Now he’ll come up and cuddle me briefly, maybe even give me a spittle-filled kiss, but then he’s off again to annoy his brother and sister. It doesn’t last forever, but it is draining. It sounds like you’re doing a fab job.
Great writing too. x
Thanks for empathising with me – with having three children to look after and juggle demands for, you would be well within your rights to tell me to pull myself together!! A spittle-filled kiss and cuddle can’t be beaten, especially when they are then happy to do their own thing for a little while too. I think we are more or less out of this now, depending on teeth / tiredness / general mood, in fact last week it was all about throwing a strop if I tried to pick him up! He’s just keeping me on my toes!
And thanks very much, I really appreciate that.
After the first one you get less tolerant of the clingy phase and you learn to block out the crying haha. X
Ha! That is genuinely very good to know!