[angelkisses0102]

A couple of tips...

~Alex sits on the bathroom counter while I brush my teeth/get ready. I am right there so he doesn't fall and I make a big deal about him sitting up there.

~Alex also sits on the kitchen counter when I am doing things in the kitchen...that are safe. We put one of those Step 2 play kitchens in our kitchen and I have him 'cook' while I am near the stove...he knows to stay away then...too dangerous. Honestly, I do not cook much anymore...I may prep everything or clean up but DH does the *hot* stuff...because of Alex.

~I let Alex talk on an old cell phone while I am on the phone....I do hold him most of the time though.

Probably not what you want to hear...but after a while, you just get used to holding them and you will be amazed at what you can do while holding a toddler....

One thing I strongly suggest starting now is talking to her about Mommy not leaving....about being scared, etc. I wish I would have started talking to Alex sooner... It really does help them to hear over and over and over again that we WILL be there.....

Karen