Sunday afternoon Amor Chiquito began telling us that her ears were hurting. By Sunday evening she was in a lot of pain. Monday morning we found out that she was experiencing her first ear infection, a “double ear infection,” in fact.
All I have to say is yay for Ibuprofen and antibiotics!
We tried some home remedies, like warm compresses and drops of olive oil in her ears, but neither of those worked for Amor Chiquito.
The ear infection had us up four times (I think) the first night, before we got the antibiotic. The second and third nights, Amor Chiquito was only getting up once or twice, but, each and every time we gave her ibuprofen she could not sleep for a good two hours. She tried and tried, but it just wasn’t happening. She kept telling me that she wanted to “watch one Dora and then sleep.” Perhaps she was onto something. Maybe I should have listened, in retrospect.
Amor Chiquito and I got bad colds and we are just getting over the cold, after at least ten days.
So, to say that this mama has been tired is an understatement.
Last night was night three of the madness, the multiple night wakings, sometimes for hours. Let’s just say that mommy was tired, extremely tired, and, in my case, an extremely tired mommy at 4:30 am can easily lead to a snappy mommy. I told Amor Chiquito that I was feeling angry, that I was very, very tired, and that I was going to sleep. I angrily rolled over.
So, what do you think my child did? She hugged me and gave me kisses.
Her actions helped me snap out of it and helped me realize that she was not intentionally being difficult and that I needed help. I needed Daddy to take a turn. I had been at it for two hours. I had gotten about three hours of sleep.
This morning, after I had gotten enough sleep, it all came back to me. I felt like such a snappy B!
My thoughts after the fact:
If someone can help you/take a turn, reach out and let him/her take a turn with the little one. It is ok. We are human beings. We get tired. You are not less of a parent for reaching out for help.
If you are home with a sick child, nap when the child naps.
We make mistakes. Forgive and be gentle with yourself.
Children are very forgiving.
Do right by your child. Apologize. It is the right thing to do. It will ensure that the special bond you and your child have is left intact. Also, you are modeling something positive, something you want your child to be able to do when she screws up.
I decided I was going to do just that, apologize to my baby. So, when she came home from preschool (her first day back), I got down on my knees, so I could be at eye level with her, and we had a little talk.
Me: I want to talk to you about something. You know how we were awake for a long time in the middle of the night and we could not sleep?
Ari: Yes.
Me: I got very cranky. I am sorry. I was not nice.
Ari: Why you were like that, mommy?
Me: I was very tired. I needed some sleep.
Ari: O.
Me: I just wanted to tell you that I am sorry I was cranky. I will try not to do that. I love you. I want to give you a hug.
We hugged and it was over. Later on, she told her Daddy that I said I was sorry I was cranky and she asked him why I was cranky. He explained that when people are very, very tired, sometimes they get cranky.
Long post..Oops!
Moral of the story: when you screw up, apologize to your kid, forgive yourself and move on.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Article: Breastfeeding Information for the First Few Weeks of Life
Excellent advice for a new breastfeeding family:
http://givingbirthwithconfidence.org/2011/03/breastfeeding-information-for-the-first-few-weeks-of-life/
I would add one thing. If you are experiencing pain, meet with a lactation consultant or a La Leche League leader as soon as possible and ask that person to find out if your little one is tongue-tied. I don't know how often this happens, but Amor Chiquito was tongue-tied and that hurt like heck. That is an understatement, in fact!
If your child is, indeed, tongue-tied, the procedure to resolve this takes a minute. For us, it did not impact the way she nursed. As a matter of fact, she nursed about three minutes after the procedure and she was fine. My life changed on that day. Soon after I thought breastfeeding was a piece of cake!
http://givingbirthwithconfidence.org/2011/03/breastfeeding-information-for-the-first-few-weeks-of-life/
I would add one thing. If you are experiencing pain, meet with a lactation consultant or a La Leche League leader as soon as possible and ask that person to find out if your little one is tongue-tied. I don't know how often this happens, but Amor Chiquito was tongue-tied and that hurt like heck. That is an understatement, in fact!
If your child is, indeed, tongue-tied, the procedure to resolve this takes a minute. For us, it did not impact the way she nursed. As a matter of fact, she nursed about three minutes after the procedure and she was fine. My life changed on that day. Soon after I thought breastfeeding was a piece of cake!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Parent Teacher Conference Update
Parent teacher conferences take place in November and in March. We met with Amor Chiquito’s teachers last Thursday. Here is what we learned, in no particular order:
At the beginning of the school year, Amor Chiquito mostly worked individually. Now she is exploring new areas and working in small groups with the handful of kids she enjoys hanging out with. This means that she is doing less of the reporting she was famous for and more exploring and trying new things. For example, she is not as drawn to numbers as she is to letters, but she does do some math activities because she likes to spend time with the infamous R, a very sweet 4-year-old boy!
Speaking of the kids she spends time with, the teachers say that she makes more eye contact and is more involved in conversations with the teachers and with her peers
It used to be that when it was circle time and it was time for the kids to participate, she often repeated the same story, something about her grandma and her cousin. She no longer does that. She actually talks about whatever they are discussing. For example, they are learning about bears, manatees, and other animals at the moment.
One of the teachers said he feels like she looks taller, her face looks different, she looks more like a little kid and not a baby and that it is easier to understand her.
We talked about her language delay. They said language delays are common among kids growing up in bilingual homes.
We talked about how the L is finally emerging! She used to say I ‘yite’ and now she says I ‘lite.’ We are still working on the K, but the L is coming along nicely!
Daddy and I were wondering what helped the L emerge. Is it that she was simply ready? Is it something we did? Something the teachers did? It turns out that each week they focus on one letter. Two weeks ago, they worked on the L and this week they were reviewing it. They learn how to write it, what it sounds like, where the sounds come from, etc. Two weeks ago is when I heard the L for the first time! It sounds like the Montessori teachers made more progress than I have following the early intervention suggestions! Or, perhaps, it was just the right time for her.
As for the activities that Amor Chiquito is drawn to, she does lots of art work. She loves cutting and gluing. One of the teachers said she kicked Ari out of the art station today because Ari would spend all day there if they let her!
Amor Chiquito loves to write and she is very interested in learning how to write her name. She often said she couldn’t do it. She felt frustrated and sad. The teachers kept reinforcing that she is learning and that writing an A can be her signature because she is the only one with an A name in the classroom. Apparently their tactic has worked. She now excitedly says “I can do that! I can write an A for Arianna!”
She spends a fair bit of time at the practical life table. Some of the activities in that area include washing, pealing and cutting a carrot, using a hand drill, using tweezers, poring fluids, mixing fluids, among others.
Amor Chiquito likes to play family with her friends. She also likes to play the “store game.” They pretend they sell things, usually ice cream! That’s my kid!
Speaking of playing the family game, I feel very happy that my child sees different family types as “normal,” for lack of a better word. If one of the kids is a boy, then they have a dad, a mom and a baby. If they are all girls, they have two mommies and a baby. My child doesn’t even think twice about that. That is how it should be! I am glad we are finally catching up!
The teachers said that she is very engaged, very happy, very easy going and that she has internalized all the classroom rules. Speaking of internalizing classroom rules, when she did more observing, she would tell the teachers when someone was “not using her walking feet”! One of the teachers described her as “the eyes of the classroom”!
Geeky Entrepreneur and I were, once again, very impressed with her teachers, all three of them. They know so much about child development and they teach in ways that are very different than anything we have ever experienced, but that are very intuitive at the same time. You can tell how much they love their job. They had notes on Ari, but they also remember tons of things about her, despite the fact that they have 24 kids ranging in ages from three to five. I love and respect teachers like my daughter’s. Teachers out there, you really do change lives! As for my daughter’s teachers, I feel very blessed and very grateful to the three people that spend 25% of the day, five days a week, teaching my daughter and treating her like she is a person who matters, not one more little kid.
At the beginning of the school year, Amor Chiquito mostly worked individually. Now she is exploring new areas and working in small groups with the handful of kids she enjoys hanging out with. This means that she is doing less of the reporting she was famous for and more exploring and trying new things. For example, she is not as drawn to numbers as she is to letters, but she does do some math activities because she likes to spend time with the infamous R, a very sweet 4-year-old boy!
Speaking of the kids she spends time with, the teachers say that she makes more eye contact and is more involved in conversations with the teachers and with her peers
It used to be that when it was circle time and it was time for the kids to participate, she often repeated the same story, something about her grandma and her cousin. She no longer does that. She actually talks about whatever they are discussing. For example, they are learning about bears, manatees, and other animals at the moment.
One of the teachers said he feels like she looks taller, her face looks different, she looks more like a little kid and not a baby and that it is easier to understand her.
We talked about her language delay. They said language delays are common among kids growing up in bilingual homes.
We talked about how the L is finally emerging! She used to say I ‘yite’ and now she says I ‘lite.’ We are still working on the K, but the L is coming along nicely!
Daddy and I were wondering what helped the L emerge. Is it that she was simply ready? Is it something we did? Something the teachers did? It turns out that each week they focus on one letter. Two weeks ago, they worked on the L and this week they were reviewing it. They learn how to write it, what it sounds like, where the sounds come from, etc. Two weeks ago is when I heard the L for the first time! It sounds like the Montessori teachers made more progress than I have following the early intervention suggestions! Or, perhaps, it was just the right time for her.
As for the activities that Amor Chiquito is drawn to, she does lots of art work. She loves cutting and gluing. One of the teachers said she kicked Ari out of the art station today because Ari would spend all day there if they let her!
Amor Chiquito loves to write and she is very interested in learning how to write her name. She often said she couldn’t do it. She felt frustrated and sad. The teachers kept reinforcing that she is learning and that writing an A can be her signature because she is the only one with an A name in the classroom. Apparently their tactic has worked. She now excitedly says “I can do that! I can write an A for Arianna!”
She spends a fair bit of time at the practical life table. Some of the activities in that area include washing, pealing and cutting a carrot, using a hand drill, using tweezers, poring fluids, mixing fluids, among others.
Amor Chiquito likes to play family with her friends. She also likes to play the “store game.” They pretend they sell things, usually ice cream! That’s my kid!
Speaking of playing the family game, I feel very happy that my child sees different family types as “normal,” for lack of a better word. If one of the kids is a boy, then they have a dad, a mom and a baby. If they are all girls, they have two mommies and a baby. My child doesn’t even think twice about that. That is how it should be! I am glad we are finally catching up!
The teachers said that she is very engaged, very happy, very easy going and that she has internalized all the classroom rules. Speaking of internalizing classroom rules, when she did more observing, she would tell the teachers when someone was “not using her walking feet”! One of the teachers described her as “the eyes of the classroom”!
Geeky Entrepreneur and I were, once again, very impressed with her teachers, all three of them. They know so much about child development and they teach in ways that are very different than anything we have ever experienced, but that are very intuitive at the same time. You can tell how much they love their job. They had notes on Ari, but they also remember tons of things about her, despite the fact that they have 24 kids ranging in ages from three to five. I love and respect teachers like my daughter’s. Teachers out there, you really do change lives! As for my daughter’s teachers, I feel very blessed and very grateful to the three people that spend 25% of the day, five days a week, teaching my daughter and treating her like she is a person who matters, not one more little kid.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
All about Amor Chiquito: stories, funny statements and games
Lots of funny Ari stories, statements and games this week. Here they are, in no particular order:
One of our favorite restaurants, Bertucci’s, an Italian restaurant, is very child-friendly. Ari always gets paper, three crayons, and a piece of dough. We keep the crayons in the car for days when Ari needs/wants something to keep her entertained. The other day she was using her crayons and she said, “The crayons live in Bertucci’s.” I think she was talking about where they came from. Funny how she knows many verbs, but does not use all of them properly.
The other day we were in the car, driving to a yummy pizza restaurant. Ari said, “Mommy dolphin, I hungry!” She insists that she is a pink dolphin and that we are a dolphin family! I wonder what type of family we will be next.
Daddy told Amor Chiquito to go to him so they could brush teeth and get ready for bed. She was in the process of delivering my water bottle to me. She said “daddy, be patient.” We laughed for a while that time!
We were driving home and Ari was asking me repeatedly if she could play with our neighbor’s child, if the little girl was home, etc. Daddy has been thinking about using the “energy drain” concept that the Love and Logic series talks about. Basically, if the child is not listening/does not stop doing X, mom/dad loses energy and can’t play/do fun things. The child needs to restore Dad’s energy somehow. I have mixed feelings about this approach, but that is a post for another day. It seems to me that she does not get it yet. Maybe she is not ready. Maybe we can explain it better. I am not sure which one is true.
Back to the story, Daddy told Ari that if she kept repeating herself, I was going to lose a lot of energy and so I would not be able to call the neighbor to ask if her child could come over.
Two minutes later, Ari was asking again, but she was addressing Daddy this time.
Daddy: Oh, Ari, mommy is losing energy.
Ari: I not talking to her. I talking to you!
What? You didn’t know a 3-year-old could be a smart ass?! I have been starting to see a fair bit of that lately! Pretty funny stuff!
We have an area for shoes. Everyone’s shoes “live” there. Ari forgot/chose not to take her shoes off (I don’t know which it was). She was walking upstairs and Daddy stopped and asked about the shoes. Her response: Daddy, the shoes live upstairs sometimes!
Again, 3-year-old smart ass!
We have a new game. It is the train game. Ari is first, followed by Daddy, his hands on her shoulders. I am last. I put my hands on Daddy. We run at the same time, from the living room, through the dining room, to the kitchen, and back, over and over again. Ari loves it. It is uncomfortable for us grownups because we have to bend, seeing as how she is just over three feet tall and Daddy is almost six feet! But we can do it a few times and it makes her very happy!
Lastly, did you know that our car has the ability to sing? I knew Toyota Corollas are awesome, but I didn’t know they could sing! The other day our “car” sang the ABC song to us! It was Amor Chiquito, of course, singing in a very deep, silly voice!
Have I mentioned lately that I am thoroughly loving this age?! I really love to see her learning how to do new things, learning new words, exploring, figuring out what she loves to do, listening to her talk about how she would love to do such and such, but we can’t do it right now for whatever reason. I even love to see her challenging boundaries and working on conflict resolution because it gives me a glimpse of her true personality. So far, what I see is a little girl who is loving, compassionate, very persistent, but who can back off when it is necessary. I also see a little girl who is willing to compromise but who is also learning to say no. I am heavily biased, but, so far, it looks good!
One of our favorite restaurants, Bertucci’s, an Italian restaurant, is very child-friendly. Ari always gets paper, three crayons, and a piece of dough. We keep the crayons in the car for days when Ari needs/wants something to keep her entertained. The other day she was using her crayons and she said, “The crayons live in Bertucci’s.” I think she was talking about where they came from. Funny how she knows many verbs, but does not use all of them properly.
The other day we were in the car, driving to a yummy pizza restaurant. Ari said, “Mommy dolphin, I hungry!” She insists that she is a pink dolphin and that we are a dolphin family! I wonder what type of family we will be next.
Daddy told Amor Chiquito to go to him so they could brush teeth and get ready for bed. She was in the process of delivering my water bottle to me. She said “daddy, be patient.” We laughed for a while that time!
We were driving home and Ari was asking me repeatedly if she could play with our neighbor’s child, if the little girl was home, etc. Daddy has been thinking about using the “energy drain” concept that the Love and Logic series talks about. Basically, if the child is not listening/does not stop doing X, mom/dad loses energy and can’t play/do fun things. The child needs to restore Dad’s energy somehow. I have mixed feelings about this approach, but that is a post for another day. It seems to me that she does not get it yet. Maybe she is not ready. Maybe we can explain it better. I am not sure which one is true.
Back to the story, Daddy told Ari that if she kept repeating herself, I was going to lose a lot of energy and so I would not be able to call the neighbor to ask if her child could come over.
Two minutes later, Ari was asking again, but she was addressing Daddy this time.
Daddy: Oh, Ari, mommy is losing energy.
Ari: I not talking to her. I talking to you!
What? You didn’t know a 3-year-old could be a smart ass?! I have been starting to see a fair bit of that lately! Pretty funny stuff!
We have an area for shoes. Everyone’s shoes “live” there. Ari forgot/chose not to take her shoes off (I don’t know which it was). She was walking upstairs and Daddy stopped and asked about the shoes. Her response: Daddy, the shoes live upstairs sometimes!
Again, 3-year-old smart ass!
We have a new game. It is the train game. Ari is first, followed by Daddy, his hands on her shoulders. I am last. I put my hands on Daddy. We run at the same time, from the living room, through the dining room, to the kitchen, and back, over and over again. Ari loves it. It is uncomfortable for us grownups because we have to bend, seeing as how she is just over three feet tall and Daddy is almost six feet! But we can do it a few times and it makes her very happy!
Lastly, did you know that our car has the ability to sing? I knew Toyota Corollas are awesome, but I didn’t know they could sing! The other day our “car” sang the ABC song to us! It was Amor Chiquito, of course, singing in a very deep, silly voice!
Have I mentioned lately that I am thoroughly loving this age?! I really love to see her learning how to do new things, learning new words, exploring, figuring out what she loves to do, listening to her talk about how she would love to do such and such, but we can’t do it right now for whatever reason. I even love to see her challenging boundaries and working on conflict resolution because it gives me a glimpse of her true personality. So far, what I see is a little girl who is loving, compassionate, very persistent, but who can back off when it is necessary. I also see a little girl who is willing to compromise but who is also learning to say no. I am heavily biased, but, so far, it looks good!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The Multiple Personalities of Amor Chiquito
I think I mentioned a while back that Amor Chiquito was an elephant for a while. Every few weeks she becomes something different, usually an animal. This has been going on for at least four months now.
She makes the animal sound occasionally.
She talks about how such and such animal may or may not eat whatever we are having for dinner.
She talks about how such and such animal does not wear clothes, but she is a dolphin that gets to wear clothes and mittens!
This is the list so far:
Elephant for most of December.
Kitty cat for most of January, I think.
Sister jaguar for over a month (Go Diego Go).
Fairy for about three weeks, after Nana brought her a fairy costume.
Pink dolphin as of last Monday.
I think I got them all. Oh, every now and then she says she is a mermaid when she is in the tub.
Funny, fascinating stuff!
I wonder how much of this is because it is developmentally appropriate, because she comes from a crazy family with puppets and talking monkeys, or because she is simply a very silly and creative kid!
Does your child do this every now and then? Tell me some funny stories!
She makes the animal sound occasionally.
She talks about how such and such animal may or may not eat whatever we are having for dinner.
She talks about how such and such animal does not wear clothes, but she is a dolphin that gets to wear clothes and mittens!
This is the list so far:
Elephant for most of December.
Kitty cat for most of January, I think.
Sister jaguar for over a month (Go Diego Go).
Fairy for about three weeks, after Nana brought her a fairy costume.
Pink dolphin as of last Monday.
I think I got them all. Oh, every now and then she says she is a mermaid when she is in the tub.
Funny, fascinating stuff!
I wonder how much of this is because it is developmentally appropriate, because she comes from a crazy family with puppets and talking monkeys, or because she is simply a very silly and creative kid!
Does your child do this every now and then? Tell me some funny stories!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Recipe: Quinoa Chocolate Cake
I came across this recipe about two weeks ago. It sounded strange to me, but I was very curious.
Does it sound weird? Yes, definitely!
Is it yummy? It is so, so yummy!
Does it taste super healthy? It does taste a bit crunchy, but this is a moist, delicious super chocolaty cake!
What makes me think it's yummy? Well, for one, my picky husband won't put it down! The man just can't get into whole grains and he loves this cake!
Try it! Tell me what you think!
http://hybridrastamama.blogspot.com/2011/03/quinoa-chocolate-cake-recipe-gluten.html
Ingredients
1 cup white or golden quinoa
2 cups water
1/3 cup whole milk
4 large eggs
1tsp. vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
3/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
1 1/2 cups sucanat, rapadura, or sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
Directions
1. Combine the water and the quinoa in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered for 15-20 minutes. The water should be absorbed. Let cool.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease two- 8" round cake pans. Line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper. (You can also make cupcakes with this recipe).
3. Combine milk, eggs and vanilla in a blender or stand mixer. Blend or beat on low for one minute.
4. Measure out 2 cups of cooked quinoa and add to the blender or mixer. (You will probably have more than this so don’t just dump all the quinoa you made in).
5. Add the butter. Blend until smooth.
6. If using a blender, first whisk together the sucanat (or rapadura or sugar), cocoa, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Add the contents of the blender and mix well. If using a stand mixer, just dump the remaining ingredients in and mix on medium until well blended.
7. Divide the batter between the two pans and bake on center rack of oven for 40-45 minutes (until a knife inserted comes out clean). If making cupcakes, fill cupcake tins ¾ of the way full and bake for 25 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.)
8. Remove cakes from oven and cool completely in the pans before serving. You could make a two layer cake and frost it at this point. Or just serve each cake as is.
I have a plan! I would like to bake Ari's birthday cake myself. I will use this recipe. I will not reveal the ingredient list to my anti crunchy eating family until after they have fallen in love with this cake! I can't wait to see their faces when I tell them they just ate a whole lot of quinoa! The only thing is that Ari wants a Dora cake and decorating cakes is not one of my strengths, to say the least. We'll figure that out later. We have almost six months, after all!
Does it sound weird? Yes, definitely!
Is it yummy? It is so, so yummy!
Does it taste super healthy? It does taste a bit crunchy, but this is a moist, delicious super chocolaty cake!
What makes me think it's yummy? Well, for one, my picky husband won't put it down! The man just can't get into whole grains and he loves this cake!
Try it! Tell me what you think!
http://hybridrastamama.blogspot.com/2011/03/quinoa-chocolate-cake-recipe-gluten.html
Ingredients
1 cup white or golden quinoa
2 cups water
1/3 cup whole milk
4 large eggs
1tsp. vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
3/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
1 1/2 cups sucanat, rapadura, or sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
Directions
1. Combine the water and the quinoa in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered for 15-20 minutes. The water should be absorbed. Let cool.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease two- 8" round cake pans. Line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper. (You can also make cupcakes with this recipe).
3. Combine milk, eggs and vanilla in a blender or stand mixer. Blend or beat on low for one minute.
4. Measure out 2 cups of cooked quinoa and add to the blender or mixer. (You will probably have more than this so don’t just dump all the quinoa you made in).
5. Add the butter. Blend until smooth.
6. If using a blender, first whisk together the sucanat (or rapadura or sugar), cocoa, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Add the contents of the blender and mix well. If using a stand mixer, just dump the remaining ingredients in and mix on medium until well blended.
7. Divide the batter between the two pans and bake on center rack of oven for 40-45 minutes (until a knife inserted comes out clean). If making cupcakes, fill cupcake tins ¾ of the way full and bake for 25 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.)
8. Remove cakes from oven and cool completely in the pans before serving. You could make a two layer cake and frost it at this point. Or just serve each cake as is.
I have a plan! I would like to bake Ari's birthday cake myself. I will use this recipe. I will not reveal the ingredient list to my anti crunchy eating family until after they have fallen in love with this cake! I can't wait to see their faces when I tell them they just ate a whole lot of quinoa! The only thing is that Ari wants a Dora cake and decorating cakes is not one of my strengths, to say the least. We'll figure that out later. We have almost six months, after all!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Half birthday today.
Today is Amor Chiquito’s half birthday. I remember when she was about to turn one. It felt like a big deal. I can’t believe she is three and a half already! Wow! Before I know it, I’ll be planning her fourth birthday party.
At three and a half, Ari tells us stories, loves making up games, loves writing/drawing, cutting and gluing, loves doing things “as a family,” and loves making up songs! All the people that have told us that it gets better and better are absolutely right. I am loving this stage. It might be my favorite thus far.
Speaking of birthday parties, Ari is already telling me that she wants a Dora birthday. Why? Why me?! So be it. Her birthday, not mine. Sigh... :)
At three and a half, Ari tells us stories, loves making up games, loves writing/drawing, cutting and gluing, loves doing things “as a family,” and loves making up songs! All the people that have told us that it gets better and better are absolutely right. I am loving this stage. It might be my favorite thus far.
Speaking of birthday parties, Ari is already telling me that she wants a Dora birthday. Why? Why me?! So be it. Her birthday, not mine. Sigh... :)
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Podcast: The Power of Poop
I don't even know where to start with this one!
There is a lot more to poop than the fact that it is stinky waste! Apparently, poop transfusions can help with some chronic illnesses. Here is the transcript to a podcast on transpoosions!
http://freakonomicsradio.com/the-power-of-poop.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+freakonomicsradio+%28Freakonomics+Radio%29
I have to say that I guess I have some hang ups and some growing up to do. I don't think I'm ready to sign up for this! That being said, I figured some of you might find it interesting, so there you have it! Go read about the power of poop!
There is a lot more to poop than the fact that it is stinky waste! Apparently, poop transfusions can help with some chronic illnesses. Here is the transcript to a podcast on transpoosions!
http://freakonomicsradio.com/the-power-of-poop.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+freakonomicsradio+%28Freakonomics+Radio%29
I have to say that I guess I have some hang ups and some growing up to do. I don't think I'm ready to sign up for this! That being said, I figured some of you might find it interesting, so there you have it! Go read about the power of poop!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Article: "Zee hormones of love are zee hormones of birth."
Interesting and uplifting read about birth. Check it out!
http://chicomidwife.blogspot.com/2011/01/zee-hormones-of-love-are-zee-hormones.html#more
Now, if only more hospitals would get the hint!
http://chicomidwife.blogspot.com/2011/01/zee-hormones-of-love-are-zee-hormones.html#more
Now, if only more hospitals would get the hint!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Preschoolers throw the best birthday parties ever!
My birthday was yesterday. Geeky Entrepreneur is working on a huge, time-sensitive project so I had anticipated that Ari and I would be on our own for the day. It turns out that my brother needed a sitter for a few hours. Sounded good to me; Ari would get to play with her cousin!
This is how we celebrated my birthday!
The kids wanted to play with playdough. Ari chose pink and my nephew chose purple.
Next thing I know, they come over with playdough cakes, playdough candles, they are singing happy birthday, and they are cutting pieces of playdough cake for me to eat!
They did this a few times. They then chased each other for a while. We played hide and seek. We had pizza, grapes and orange juice for lunch. They thoroughly trashed my living room, but I had a great, unforgettable birthday! It was very cute, just priceless!
On Saturday, Geeky Entrepreneur wanted to celebrate my birthday. He wanted to get Ari involved. We went out for lunch and then Ari and Daddy went to get me a surprise. Ari came back with a huge smile, a big hug, a loud "surprise" and a piece of yummy chocolate espresso cake! What a cute and sweet family I have!
I think I will remember when I turned 28 for a while!
What celebrations have your children enjoyed recently? Ari is a big fan of Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and birthdays. She is already planning her Dora birthday party!
This is how we celebrated my birthday!
The kids wanted to play with playdough. Ari chose pink and my nephew chose purple.
Next thing I know, they come over with playdough cakes, playdough candles, they are singing happy birthday, and they are cutting pieces of playdough cake for me to eat!
They did this a few times. They then chased each other for a while. We played hide and seek. We had pizza, grapes and orange juice for lunch. They thoroughly trashed my living room, but I had a great, unforgettable birthday! It was very cute, just priceless!
On Saturday, Geeky Entrepreneur wanted to celebrate my birthday. He wanted to get Ari involved. We went out for lunch and then Ari and Daddy went to get me a surprise. Ari came back with a huge smile, a big hug, a loud "surprise" and a piece of yummy chocolate espresso cake! What a cute and sweet family I have!
I think I will remember when I turned 28 for a while!
What celebrations have your children enjoyed recently? Ari is a big fan of Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and birthdays. She is already planning her Dora birthday party!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Article: Nursing Beyond One Year
This is a La Leche League article, with citations:
http://www.llli.org/NB/NBJulAug90p99.html
To those who can't wait until I wean Ari, I say there, now leave me alone!
She really is weaning herself, by the way. We are down to nursing four times a day and often she is nursing for a minute or so on each side. I am pretty certain that the before bed and morning feedings will be the last ones to go. Not sure which one will go first.
http://www.llli.org/NB/NBJulAug90p99.html
To those who can't wait until I wean Ari, I say there, now leave me alone!
She really is weaning herself, by the way. We are down to nursing four times a day and often she is nursing for a minute or so on each side. I am pretty certain that the before bed and morning feedings will be the last ones to go. Not sure which one will go first.
Monday, February 28, 2011
As one of my friends put it, no Mini Paul yet!
So, the verdict is in. Not pregnant.
I got to have a long chat with my GYN. Just her and I. No students. That does not happen often, as she works for a teaching hospital. It is my choice, I know. Usually, I figure they need to learn at some point, with someone, so I don’t mind. But today I just wasn’t in the mood. I was ready to say no when she asked if she could bring the student in. I was hoping for some privacy and to get some medical advice from someone I trust. I knew the conversation would go differently if it was just her and I. I was right. When I asked about midwives in the area, she told me about the ones she really likes and the one group she does not like. She would not have said that if she had a student with her.
Anyways, she is not worried about my unusually long cycle. She said my “milk hormone” could still be high from when I was breastfeeding, to which I replied that I still am. Her response: “good for you. We don’t get to do that too many times during our lifetime. Do it for as long as you and her want to.” Thanks, doc. It’s nice not to be treated like I am a weirdo, and, frankly, I needed some nice, friendly words today. I guess I took for granted how regular my body has always been and so when I heard “your test came back negative” on the phone today… Let’s just say that the thoughts I was getting were not positive ones. I know a lot about infertility. I have a friend who has been trying to get pregnant for over four years. Wouldn't it be screwed up that my body "worked" this whole time and now that I know I want another baby, my body does not cooperate? I knew my thoughts were not rational, but they were there, nonetheless.
Long story short: she thinks that breastfeeding can have an impact on my cycle, even though I am only nursing about four times a day and I am not producing a lot of milk.
She said that we could check on my thyroid to rule that out. I need to decide if I want to do that right away or if I want to give my body some more time. I have had the test done before and the numbers have always been in the normal range.
She really thinks that I could be pregnant in a month or two. Naïve lady! She doesn’t know my kiddo’s schedule was screwed all winter break and she was going to bed at midnight. Naps are a blessing and a curse, did you know?! It’s not that easy to make a baby when you already have one!
K, now that I am done rambling and feeling like I might not be making much sense, it’s time to clean Ari’s lunch dishes and go to bed! Need to get back into my school night routine!
I got to have a long chat with my GYN. Just her and I. No students. That does not happen often, as she works for a teaching hospital. It is my choice, I know. Usually, I figure they need to learn at some point, with someone, so I don’t mind. But today I just wasn’t in the mood. I was ready to say no when she asked if she could bring the student in. I was hoping for some privacy and to get some medical advice from someone I trust. I knew the conversation would go differently if it was just her and I. I was right. When I asked about midwives in the area, she told me about the ones she really likes and the one group she does not like. She would not have said that if she had a student with her.
Anyways, she is not worried about my unusually long cycle. She said my “milk hormone” could still be high from when I was breastfeeding, to which I replied that I still am. Her response: “good for you. We don’t get to do that too many times during our lifetime. Do it for as long as you and her want to.” Thanks, doc. It’s nice not to be treated like I am a weirdo, and, frankly, I needed some nice, friendly words today. I guess I took for granted how regular my body has always been and so when I heard “your test came back negative” on the phone today… Let’s just say that the thoughts I was getting were not positive ones. I know a lot about infertility. I have a friend who has been trying to get pregnant for over four years. Wouldn't it be screwed up that my body "worked" this whole time and now that I know I want another baby, my body does not cooperate? I knew my thoughts were not rational, but they were there, nonetheless.
Long story short: she thinks that breastfeeding can have an impact on my cycle, even though I am only nursing about four times a day and I am not producing a lot of milk.
She said that we could check on my thyroid to rule that out. I need to decide if I want to do that right away or if I want to give my body some more time. I have had the test done before and the numbers have always been in the normal range.
She really thinks that I could be pregnant in a month or two. Naïve lady! She doesn’t know my kiddo’s schedule was screwed all winter break and she was going to bed at midnight. Naps are a blessing and a curse, did you know?! It’s not that easy to make a baby when you already have one!
K, now that I am done rambling and feeling like I might not be making much sense, it’s time to clean Ari’s lunch dishes and go to bed! Need to get back into my school night routine!
What did she say?!
Several funny Ari stories!
We went to visit Nana this weekend. Ari was very excited. She loves going “to the hotel” and seeing Nana, of course. Once I told her we would be going to the hotel, she knew instantly that we would be seeing Nana. She said “mommy, when we go to the hotel, our house is far away, but Nana is not! We can go see Nana after we sleep. I want to surprise her! Is that a good idea?!” So cute!
At the hotel, out of the blue, Ari started jumping, dancing on the bed, and singing “coca-doodle-doo” over and over again! We have a video! I’ll try to upload it on here another time.
On the ride home, Ari started playing silly games and saying silly things. “The highway is… pink. The hotel is… orange. The road is… red!“
Later on, “Daddy, your name is… Grandma! Your name is… Monkey!”
Silly Daddy responded with “and your name is… Shoe!”
Ari: “That not my name! I not a shoe! I Arianna! I a ferry!” )She was a jaguar for a month (thanks, Go Diego Go!) but she moved on about a week ago!
Then… A different, strange sounding, deep voice… “I a shoe. I don’t have a name!”
A shoe talked to us! Yes, you did read that right! You see, my mother-in-law is a puppeteer. My husband has many talking stuffed animals, mostly monkeys.
All that being said, I was not prepared to hear a shoe talk to me! Heck, my crazy, I mean, creative, husband was not prepared for it either! We are still laughing about it! Daddy and Nana are proud as can be!
Moving on… Last night Ari was looking at some of our wedding photos at my mother’s. She said that I was a princess. Daddy explained that we got married that day and that is why we were dressed that way. Her response: “Oh. I want to get married too. I want to marry my cousin.”
Lastly, tonight, at some point during the hour we spent together trying to get her to go to sleep, Ari said that she and her friend R (her best friend, a male classmate) were talking about having a play date. I asked where they thought they would play. At school? She said that she does not know yet, that they have not talked about it yet. Maybe at his house.
What? My daughter is marrying her cousin and she is going on a date with a cute and sweet 4-year-old boy?! I can’t stop laughing!
By the way, just as a random aside, I can’t believe it took her over an hour to fall asleep even though she had been up for about 12 hours. This does not happen often, but, clearly, it does happen every now and then. Oh, that reminds me… At one point I said that I was feeling frustrated and tired. I got a “huh?” as if “what the hell are you saying, mommy?” She did not know that word, I get it.
10 seconds later, “I feel fuh-tay-ted too, mommy. I not ready for sleep.”
I can’t get over it! This kid is too much! I just love love her silliness, her strange, made up games, and the remarks that come out of that little mouth! It does not get old!
We went to visit Nana this weekend. Ari was very excited. She loves going “to the hotel” and seeing Nana, of course. Once I told her we would be going to the hotel, she knew instantly that we would be seeing Nana. She said “mommy, when we go to the hotel, our house is far away, but Nana is not! We can go see Nana after we sleep. I want to surprise her! Is that a good idea?!” So cute!
At the hotel, out of the blue, Ari started jumping, dancing on the bed, and singing “coca-doodle-doo” over and over again! We have a video! I’ll try to upload it on here another time.
On the ride home, Ari started playing silly games and saying silly things. “The highway is… pink. The hotel is… orange. The road is… red!“
Later on, “Daddy, your name is… Grandma! Your name is… Monkey!”
Silly Daddy responded with “and your name is… Shoe!”
Ari: “That not my name! I not a shoe! I Arianna! I a ferry!” )She was a jaguar for a month (thanks, Go Diego Go!) but she moved on about a week ago!
Then… A different, strange sounding, deep voice… “I a shoe. I don’t have a name!”
A shoe talked to us! Yes, you did read that right! You see, my mother-in-law is a puppeteer. My husband has many talking stuffed animals, mostly monkeys.
All that being said, I was not prepared to hear a shoe talk to me! Heck, my crazy, I mean, creative, husband was not prepared for it either! We are still laughing about it! Daddy and Nana are proud as can be!
Moving on… Last night Ari was looking at some of our wedding photos at my mother’s. She said that I was a princess. Daddy explained that we got married that day and that is why we were dressed that way. Her response: “Oh. I want to get married too. I want to marry my cousin.”
Lastly, tonight, at some point during the hour we spent together trying to get her to go to sleep, Ari said that she and her friend R (her best friend, a male classmate) were talking about having a play date. I asked where they thought they would play. At school? She said that she does not know yet, that they have not talked about it yet. Maybe at his house.
What? My daughter is marrying her cousin and she is going on a date with a cute and sweet 4-year-old boy?! I can’t stop laughing!
By the way, just as a random aside, I can’t believe it took her over an hour to fall asleep even though she had been up for about 12 hours. This does not happen often, but, clearly, it does happen every now and then. Oh, that reminds me… At one point I said that I was feeling frustrated and tired. I got a “huh?” as if “what the hell are you saying, mommy?” She did not know that word, I get it.
10 seconds later, “I feel fuh-tay-ted too, mommy. I not ready for sleep.”
I can’t get over it! This kid is too much! I just love love her silliness, her strange, made up games, and the remarks that come out of that little mouth! It does not get old!
Today is the day!
Today I find out if I am pregnant or if my body is doing some sort of strange stuff it had never done before.
Sounds silly, particularly since I already have a child, but I am feeling nervous! There is no reason to be nervous. If I am pregnant, great. If I am not, we can try again. Still, I have that familiar nervous feeling on my tummy!
My appointment is at 2:15pm. Only four hours away!
Oh, by the way, I did try Planned Parenthood. It's nice to have readers who have a brain! Thank you, Logical Mommy, for the suggestion. It turns out they used to do blood pregnancy tests, but not anymore. Also, it turns out that needing an order from a provider for the test is not hospital policy. I am assuming it is statewide.
I understand needing an order for the blood test if my health insurance is going to pay for my blood test, but no such luck here. So, in that case, I insist that I am a grownup, I have a brain, it's my arm that will get poked and it's the money my husband worked his tail off to earn, so, dang it, I should just be able to go get me a blood pregnancy test!
How did I end up getting the test? I called my GYN's office yet again and explained my acid reflux situation, how if I am pregnant, then I know I can't take the medication, but if I am not, there is no need to be this uncomfortable. Finally got the dang slip! Today I find out just how much money Tums will be making from me and if I am not touching Prilosec for eight months or so.
Sounds silly, particularly since I already have a child, but I am feeling nervous! There is no reason to be nervous. If I am pregnant, great. If I am not, we can try again. Still, I have that familiar nervous feeling on my tummy!
My appointment is at 2:15pm. Only four hours away!
Oh, by the way, I did try Planned Parenthood. It's nice to have readers who have a brain! Thank you, Logical Mommy, for the suggestion. It turns out they used to do blood pregnancy tests, but not anymore. Also, it turns out that needing an order from a provider for the test is not hospital policy. I am assuming it is statewide.
I understand needing an order for the blood test if my health insurance is going to pay for my blood test, but no such luck here. So, in that case, I insist that I am a grownup, I have a brain, it's my arm that will get poked and it's the money my husband worked his tail off to earn, so, dang it, I should just be able to go get me a blood pregnancy test!
How did I end up getting the test? I called my GYN's office yet again and explained my acid reflux situation, how if I am pregnant, then I know I can't take the medication, but if I am not, there is no need to be this uncomfortable. Finally got the dang slip! Today I find out just how much money Tums will be making from me and if I am not touching Prilosec for eight months or so.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Are you ready for a health care vent?!
If you are not, you might as well skip this post! I’ll try to keep it brief, I promise!
Here is the story. I am late, as in my period was due a week ago today. Most of the time I have a 28 day cycle. My longest cycle ever was 31 days.
I know what you’re thinking! Pregnant, for sure.
I have done multiple pregnancy tests. Negative.
I call my GYN’s office to request an order for a blood pregnancy test after learning that I could be pregnant and the home pregnancy tests might not pick up the HCG (pregnancy hormone). Yes, that does happen. It happened to my best friend, it happened to my neighbor, etc., etc. Something to do with how my body produces HCG and the test just can’t pick it up.
The nurse wants me to come in for an appointment and she wants me to wait another week. What? I did not ovulate late. I know my body. Furthermore, health insurance is expensive in MA. We have the cheapest one and we still pay over $700 per month. This is the preventative plan. In other words, it covers our physicals and it starts to pick up other medical expenses after one person has spent over $2,000 or the family has spent over $4,000. The alternative would have been paying about $1,100 per month.
Anyways, this means that we need to spend $75 on a blood pregnancy test and another $100 or so to see a midwife or a GYN so that she can hand me an slip for a blood pregnancy test.
Oh, by the way, in Puerto Rico, I could go request a blood pregnancy test, pay $25, get the result the next morning, and be done with it.
Can you tell I am mythed? Is this not ridiculous?! I might be pregnant and I might not know until I am six weeks along?
Oh, by the way, I have acid reflux from hell. I am not taking the medication just in case I am indeed pregnant. If I am not, it would be great to know so I can stop being so freakin’ uncomfortable. Sometimes my reflux is so bad I can’t lie down. I would like to kick a nurse right about now!
Monday afternoon I am seeing the GYN who delivered Ari. I had scheduled this appointment a while ago. I’ll go in there, say hi, get the slip from her, and pay her over $100 just for seeing her for ten minutes and getting a piece of paper from her. Freakin’ awesome.
Ok, done!
Here is the story. I am late, as in my period was due a week ago today. Most of the time I have a 28 day cycle. My longest cycle ever was 31 days.
I know what you’re thinking! Pregnant, for sure.
I have done multiple pregnancy tests. Negative.
I call my GYN’s office to request an order for a blood pregnancy test after learning that I could be pregnant and the home pregnancy tests might not pick up the HCG (pregnancy hormone). Yes, that does happen. It happened to my best friend, it happened to my neighbor, etc., etc. Something to do with how my body produces HCG and the test just can’t pick it up.
The nurse wants me to come in for an appointment and she wants me to wait another week. What? I did not ovulate late. I know my body. Furthermore, health insurance is expensive in MA. We have the cheapest one and we still pay over $700 per month. This is the preventative plan. In other words, it covers our physicals and it starts to pick up other medical expenses after one person has spent over $2,000 or the family has spent over $4,000. The alternative would have been paying about $1,100 per month.
Anyways, this means that we need to spend $75 on a blood pregnancy test and another $100 or so to see a midwife or a GYN so that she can hand me an slip for a blood pregnancy test.
Oh, by the way, in Puerto Rico, I could go request a blood pregnancy test, pay $25, get the result the next morning, and be done with it.
Can you tell I am mythed? Is this not ridiculous?! I might be pregnant and I might not know until I am six weeks along?
Oh, by the way, I have acid reflux from hell. I am not taking the medication just in case I am indeed pregnant. If I am not, it would be great to know so I can stop being so freakin’ uncomfortable. Sometimes my reflux is so bad I can’t lie down. I would like to kick a nurse right about now!
Monday afternoon I am seeing the GYN who delivered Ari. I had scheduled this appointment a while ago. I’ll go in there, say hi, get the slip from her, and pay her over $100 just for seeing her for ten minutes and getting a piece of paper from her. Freakin’ awesome.
Ok, done!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Things that make me smile and make me want to hug my Ari!
What are some of the things kids do that make you smile?
Here is my list:
When she comes over and gives us hugs and kisses completely unprompted.
When I ask who she had lunch with and she responds, happily "R, my best friend"!
When I see her chasing her friend R at the playground.
When I see her and her daddy playing all sorts of silly games together, like the game where she steals his socks and runs away, the game where they feed a dragon, the game where she feeds daddy pretend ice cream, etc., etc.
When she asks for a family hug before bed.
When we talk about our day before she goes to sleep.
When she gives me something, she puts it right on my hand (I am very, very low vision).
When we make homemade waffles together in the weekend.
When, in conversation, she says things like "we're a team, mommy, we're a team"!
She is awesome!
Tell me some cute stories!
Here is my list:
When she comes over and gives us hugs and kisses completely unprompted.
When I ask who she had lunch with and she responds, happily "R, my best friend"!
When I see her chasing her friend R at the playground.
When I see her and her daddy playing all sorts of silly games together, like the game where she steals his socks and runs away, the game where they feed a dragon, the game where she feeds daddy pretend ice cream, etc., etc.
When she asks for a family hug before bed.
When we talk about our day before she goes to sleep.
When she gives me something, she puts it right on my hand (I am very, very low vision).
When we make homemade waffles together in the weekend.
When, in conversation, she says things like "we're a team, mommy, we're a team"!
She is awesome!
Tell me some cute stories!
A Beautiful Unplanned Unassisted Birth Story
So, before you go freaking out on me, personally, I would not plan an unassisted birth. I would consider a home birth. In fact, it sounds very appealing to me, after the experience I had the first time around, so long as I am accompanied by a midwife who has lots of experience, who could notice if something was starting to go wrong, who would respect my choices, and who I got along with easily. The other option I would consider is a birth center. There is a new birth center near us that does water births. More on that on a separate post.
So, there, that is my latest crunchy revelation!
Now, onto the blog entry I wanted to share:
http://www.jobdescriptionmommy.com/job-description-mommy/2011/02/guest-post-the-accidental-unassisted-birth-of-emily-by-andi-crater.html
This mama was planning a home birth. Her midwife was on the way. Things happened very quickly. The contractions were never super painful, so she thought she had a lot of time before her baby would be born. I want a birth like that!
The whole story is beautiful. My favorite part is the fact that the mama's 2-year-old would come and hug mom just before a contraction would start!
So, there, that is my latest crunchy revelation!
Now, onto the blog entry I wanted to share:
http://www.jobdescriptionmommy.com/job-description-mommy/2011/02/guest-post-the-accidental-unassisted-birth-of-emily-by-andi-crater.html
This mama was planning a home birth. Her midwife was on the way. Things happened very quickly. The contractions were never super painful, so she thought she had a lot of time before her baby would be born. I want a birth like that!
The whole story is beautiful. My favorite part is the fact that the mama's 2-year-old would come and hug mom just before a contraction would start!
The topics my 3-year-old has been discussing lately...
Here is a list of the topics Amor Chiquito has talked or asked about recently:
Why people work.
How people get money and what we do with it.
“Is Daddy working so we can buy food and go on the big boat again?”
“I don’t like the winter. I want to go back to the beach.” Don’t we all!
We went shopping and she wanted several things. I got her a jump rope and the Don’t Break the Ice game, but said we would need to save to get the other toys. She wants to save money to get herself a $20 Leapfrog laptop!
Daddy told her that school is her job and she said that she does not make money there so it’s not a job! She can’t make money because she is too little.
She is starting to talk about eating healthy.
For a few days, she was obsessed with not eating too much because her tummy would hurt. I think she heard one of us say that once and it really made an impression on her.
She has been hearing about her cousin’s birthday party, which is happening later today. She would like to have a Dora cake for her birthday. Why me?! I feel Dora is so annoying!
She would like a “sister baby.”
“Mommy, why you no have a son?”
She asked how babies get out of mommies’ tummies.
She also asked how babies get in mommies’ tummies! What? I didn’t ask any of this until I was five!
I am sure there is more, but this is what comes to mind right now.
Fascinating stuff!
Why people work.
How people get money and what we do with it.
“Is Daddy working so we can buy food and go on the big boat again?”
“I don’t like the winter. I want to go back to the beach.” Don’t we all!
We went shopping and she wanted several things. I got her a jump rope and the Don’t Break the Ice game, but said we would need to save to get the other toys. She wants to save money to get herself a $20 Leapfrog laptop!
Daddy told her that school is her job and she said that she does not make money there so it’s not a job! She can’t make money because she is too little.
She is starting to talk about eating healthy.
For a few days, she was obsessed with not eating too much because her tummy would hurt. I think she heard one of us say that once and it really made an impression on her.
She has been hearing about her cousin’s birthday party, which is happening later today. She would like to have a Dora cake for her birthday. Why me?! I feel Dora is so annoying!
She would like a “sister baby.”
“Mommy, why you no have a son?”
She asked how babies get out of mommies’ tummies.
She also asked how babies get in mommies’ tummies! What? I didn’t ask any of this until I was five!
I am sure there is more, but this is what comes to mind right now.
Fascinating stuff!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Is it all about separation?
I am kicking myself! I should/could have realized this sooner.
I have now spoken to two of Ari's three teachers about our mornings. One of them is a mother. The other day, B, the teacher, told me she asked Ari if she liked school and Ari said yes. B suggested that it might all be about separation, that if we spent the whole day with Ari in school, she probably would not complain about going to school in the morning. This conversation happened on Wednesday.
Thursday morning was work sharing. This is where the parents have the opportunity to spend the first half hour with the child in the classroom. This happens every other Thursday. We usually get through three activities. I very much look forward to work sharing days!
Wednesday afternoon, I realized that work sharing would let us test B's hypothesis. Thursday morning, before Ari had time to go through her morning ritual of saying she did not want to go to school, I told her that we would be working with her in her classroom that morning. She was beaming! She was so excited! She did not complain about going to school once.
B was dead on. And so was Daddy. He had mentioned this as a possibility a few weeks back, but, somehow, it did not click for me. I think it was because he talked about us being fun, not about separation. It's all about the key words, I guess!
So what to do now? It will be a learning process, like everything else. Here is what I am thinking so far:
I told her she can tell me when she would like mommy time or hugs. She is doing that.
I am making a point of spending more time with her after school. Often, she wants some time to just sit and watch TV. Frankly, I am not a fan of sitting down to watch Dora, but I think I might just suck it up and try. It would give us time to hug and cuddle.
I am spending more time playing silly games and finding things to talk about.
When the morning ritual comes up, I can be empathetic about the fact that she might be missing us and wishing we were there. We can dialog about how we can spend time together before school, after school, and how I can try to get to school earlier so we can spend some time together at the playground or getting her artwork from her folder. Every Friday the teachers put her artwork in a mailbox at school for us. But Ari really enjoys giving us the artwork herself. If I can get to school 15 minutes earlier and it will, in turn, make my child happier and my mornings more pleasant, I'll do it! I might not be able to do it every day, but I can try.
Assuming that Ari's concern is separation, do you have any other thoughts or suggestions?
I have now spoken to two of Ari's three teachers about our mornings. One of them is a mother. The other day, B, the teacher, told me she asked Ari if she liked school and Ari said yes. B suggested that it might all be about separation, that if we spent the whole day with Ari in school, she probably would not complain about going to school in the morning. This conversation happened on Wednesday.
Thursday morning was work sharing. This is where the parents have the opportunity to spend the first half hour with the child in the classroom. This happens every other Thursday. We usually get through three activities. I very much look forward to work sharing days!
Wednesday afternoon, I realized that work sharing would let us test B's hypothesis. Thursday morning, before Ari had time to go through her morning ritual of saying she did not want to go to school, I told her that we would be working with her in her classroom that morning. She was beaming! She was so excited! She did not complain about going to school once.
B was dead on. And so was Daddy. He had mentioned this as a possibility a few weeks back, but, somehow, it did not click for me. I think it was because he talked about us being fun, not about separation. It's all about the key words, I guess!
So what to do now? It will be a learning process, like everything else. Here is what I am thinking so far:
I told her she can tell me when she would like mommy time or hugs. She is doing that.
I am making a point of spending more time with her after school. Often, she wants some time to just sit and watch TV. Frankly, I am not a fan of sitting down to watch Dora, but I think I might just suck it up and try. It would give us time to hug and cuddle.
I am spending more time playing silly games and finding things to talk about.
When the morning ritual comes up, I can be empathetic about the fact that she might be missing us and wishing we were there. We can dialog about how we can spend time together before school, after school, and how I can try to get to school earlier so we can spend some time together at the playground or getting her artwork from her folder. Every Friday the teachers put her artwork in a mailbox at school for us. But Ari really enjoys giving us the artwork herself. If I can get to school 15 minutes earlier and it will, in turn, make my child happier and my mornings more pleasant, I'll do it! I might not be able to do it every day, but I can try.
Assuming that Ari's concern is separation, do you have any other thoughts or suggestions?
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Article: Psychological Impact of Circumcision
Just came across this article:
http://www.cirp.org/library/psych/goldman1/
It is clearly an anti circumcision article. A lot to think about and consider. I like that it sighted impirical studies.
If you have any circumcision articles you found helpful, be it pro or against, please feel free to share.
I know some of my readers have circumcised their boys. Please don't take it personal!
http://www.cirp.org/library/psych/goldman1/
It is clearly an anti circumcision article. A lot to think about and consider. I like that it sighted impirical studies.
If you have any circumcision articles you found helpful, be it pro or against, please feel free to share.
I know some of my readers have circumcised their boys. Please don't take it personal!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Update on the anti-school morning routine...
I talked to one of Amor Chiquito's preschool teachers on Thursday. He says Ari seems very happy, has a few friends she hangs out with all the time, and is working on many different things. He said "it looks like she is having the time of her life," as we were looking at her playing at the playground with her best friend, a very cute 4-year-old boy! He said that he would check in with the other teacher (she was absent that day) and ask if she was aware of anything.
Daddy says that Ari is happy to go in the classroom once they get there. In fact, sometimes, she almost forgets to give him a hug!
So it looks like it is nothing but normal kid stuff. Yay! I rather deal with that than deal with her feeling uneasy in the classroom, a kid bothering her, or anything like that.
Recently, I started telling her that she can tell me if she wants a mommy hug or if she would like some mommy time. She has been doing that. I figured if she is craving/needing more mommy time, that might help with the whining and the morning issues.
Long story short: it is a work in progress!
Daddy says that Ari is happy to go in the classroom once they get there. In fact, sometimes, she almost forgets to give him a hug!
So it looks like it is nothing but normal kid stuff. Yay! I rather deal with that than deal with her feeling uneasy in the classroom, a kid bothering her, or anything like that.
Recently, I started telling her that she can tell me if she wants a mommy hug or if she would like some mommy time. She has been doing that. I figured if she is craving/needing more mommy time, that might help with the whining and the morning issues.
Long story short: it is a work in progress!
Tons of parenting podcasts!
On this website, you will find many parenting podcasts. It looks like authors of different parenting books are interviewed.
https://yps1.worldsecuresystems.com/podcasts
I have not listened to any of them yet. Just discovered the website five minutes ago! But they sure do sound interesting.
Seeing as how, for me, parenting is a work in progress and I never stop learning, this is very exciting and I am looking forward to podcasting out! It's a new verb, one I made up a while back, thanks to Geeky Entrepreneur practically sleeping with his damn mp3 player!
https://yps1.worldsecuresystems.com/podcasts
I have not listened to any of them yet. Just discovered the website five minutes ago! But they sure do sound interesting.
Seeing as how, for me, parenting is a work in progress and I never stop learning, this is very exciting and I am looking forward to podcasting out! It's a new verb, one I made up a while back, thanks to Geeky Entrepreneur practically sleeping with his damn mp3 player!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Website: Fever in Infants and Children
I was trying to help my neighbor whose 3-year-old has a high fever and found this website:
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/tools/symptom/504.html
It mentions different symptoms, what may be going on, and if you should call the doctor or go to the ER.
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/tools/symptom/504.html
It mentions different symptoms, what may be going on, and if you should call the doctor or go to the ER.
On sharing unsolicited opinions...
Disclaimer: I am feeling very emotional tonight. No clue as to why, I just am. I apologize if this post turns out to be a disorganized rant.
That being said, I really wish people would stop and think before they share their opinions, particularly when they disagree with the way others parent. There are cases where a child is in danger, where it is obvious the child's needs are not being met, be it emotionally or physically, or cases where the child is not being treated with love and respect. When you are witness to such a thing, by all means, please try to find a way to respectfully talk to the parent of the child. Offer empathy, understanding, and suggestions. Do your best to avoid using an accusatory or condescending tone. Actually, let me back up. Before you do all that, go do some research and make sure you are right. Sometimes we think we are correct and we are not. Sometimes we think we know the facts and it is only our opinion, which may or may not be correct.
Going back to the way people parent, as I have said many times, different things work for different parents and kids. Here is my story. I have very high expectations as far as what type of mother I want to be. I feel that raising my little girl is the most important and biggest responsibility I will ever have. She has her own personality, but I strongly believe that the way I treat and address her will impact her a great deal. I am aware of my strengths and my weaknesses. I feel like since my Ari was born, I am always learning something. Sometimes, I feel as though I have the hang of something only to realize later on that a different way of doing things feel better/more appropriate to me. Example: discipline. More on that on another post.
As my mother-in-law has said many times, babies make you eat your nevers! There are many things I do or have done that I never thought I would do.
I have done a fair bit of cosleeping.
I am still breastfeeding. On, say, day 10, I didn't know if I would make it to six weeks, never mind nursing for over three years.
My kitchen is full of fresh fruit and veggies and there are probably only two or three cans of food in there. I refuse to tell you what my diet looked like when I was a teenager attending college!
I keep thinking about how Ari being in school has changed her eating habits. I think about what to send for lunch, what would be yummy and healthy snacks that I can bring when I pick her up, etc. I think I am going to start baking more. You have no idea just how much I dislike cooking, but there you have it! Tons of fruits and veggies, few cans, and lots of homemade snacks and meals.
You also have no clue as to how much I love Burger King! But I am trying very hard to avoid going there often because I don't want my child to think that eating French fries and cheeseburgers is something we do all the time.
So, bottom line is I feel like I have good and bad days, but, overall, I am giving this mothering thing my best. On days like today, when I feel emotional and my choices are criticized, based on someone's opinion, not on any facts, I don't know if I want to kick someone or if I just want to cry.
People, you don't know why others make the choices they make. You don't know what they know or don't know, what they have learned via first-hand experience or research. You don't know what their and their kids' preferences are. Don't be so quick to point out how others should or should not do such and such.
Someone who I respect and love dearly was telling me today that she thinks that Ari should have been weaned long ago, that breastfeeding is about nourishment, that the minute Ari started eating solids there was no reason to nurse anymore. She said that breastfeeding Ari at this age is about something else, that "something else" being a negative thing. I happen to disagree with her wholeheartedly. Breastfeeding, for us, is not only about nourishment. Breastfeeding is about a bond, a special and unique bond between my daughter and I. Breastfeeding boosts the child's immune system. Breastfeeding has a positive impact not only on her health but on mine too.
It is my choice to decide if/when I wean. I respect those that will nurse longer than I will and those that weaned earlier on. It is my choice if I will wean or if I will wait for my child to wean herself. It is my choice to change my mind. Now that my child understands language, I feel it is appropriate to talk to her about weaning, about how little babies need a lot of milk, kids like her eat food and get a little milk, and how some day she will be ready to stop and my body will stop making milk. It is my responsibility to listen to my child, to take her needs and wants into consideration, and to also set boundaries and ensure that I am taking care of my own needs.
Person that I love and respect so much, you love my child to pieces, but you only see us once a month. You don't know all the details about our breastfeeding relationship and how we are feeling about it. You parented your boys a while back the best way you knew how. Now it is my turn. I assure you that that little one that you love so much is loved and is being raised the best way I know how. I believe that breastfeeding, for now, is right for us. We will be done when we are both ready. I love you, but, please, think before you speak. Sometimes I feel like I just can't do anything right when it comes to parenting. When I talked about preschool, it was too early. When I talked about adopting, I got a weird look. When I talk about breastfeeding, you think I am doing something wrong. There are times when I screw up. That is inevitable. Breastfeeding is not a screw-up. When you disagree or think I am making a mistake, please take a minute to remember that I am doing the best I know how, to remember that I think and research a lot before I make decisions, and remember that empathy works better than a criticizing tone.
Ok, I'm done! Talking to Geeky Entrepreneur and writing it all out made me feel better.
That being said, I really wish people would stop and think before they share their opinions, particularly when they disagree with the way others parent. There are cases where a child is in danger, where it is obvious the child's needs are not being met, be it emotionally or physically, or cases where the child is not being treated with love and respect. When you are witness to such a thing, by all means, please try to find a way to respectfully talk to the parent of the child. Offer empathy, understanding, and suggestions. Do your best to avoid using an accusatory or condescending tone. Actually, let me back up. Before you do all that, go do some research and make sure you are right. Sometimes we think we are correct and we are not. Sometimes we think we know the facts and it is only our opinion, which may or may not be correct.
Going back to the way people parent, as I have said many times, different things work for different parents and kids. Here is my story. I have very high expectations as far as what type of mother I want to be. I feel that raising my little girl is the most important and biggest responsibility I will ever have. She has her own personality, but I strongly believe that the way I treat and address her will impact her a great deal. I am aware of my strengths and my weaknesses. I feel like since my Ari was born, I am always learning something. Sometimes, I feel as though I have the hang of something only to realize later on that a different way of doing things feel better/more appropriate to me. Example: discipline. More on that on another post.
As my mother-in-law has said many times, babies make you eat your nevers! There are many things I do or have done that I never thought I would do.
I have done a fair bit of cosleeping.
I am still breastfeeding. On, say, day 10, I didn't know if I would make it to six weeks, never mind nursing for over three years.
My kitchen is full of fresh fruit and veggies and there are probably only two or three cans of food in there. I refuse to tell you what my diet looked like when I was a teenager attending college!
I keep thinking about how Ari being in school has changed her eating habits. I think about what to send for lunch, what would be yummy and healthy snacks that I can bring when I pick her up, etc. I think I am going to start baking more. You have no idea just how much I dislike cooking, but there you have it! Tons of fruits and veggies, few cans, and lots of homemade snacks and meals.
You also have no clue as to how much I love Burger King! But I am trying very hard to avoid going there often because I don't want my child to think that eating French fries and cheeseburgers is something we do all the time.
So, bottom line is I feel like I have good and bad days, but, overall, I am giving this mothering thing my best. On days like today, when I feel emotional and my choices are criticized, based on someone's opinion, not on any facts, I don't know if I want to kick someone or if I just want to cry.
People, you don't know why others make the choices they make. You don't know what they know or don't know, what they have learned via first-hand experience or research. You don't know what their and their kids' preferences are. Don't be so quick to point out how others should or should not do such and such.
Someone who I respect and love dearly was telling me today that she thinks that Ari should have been weaned long ago, that breastfeeding is about nourishment, that the minute Ari started eating solids there was no reason to nurse anymore. She said that breastfeeding Ari at this age is about something else, that "something else" being a negative thing. I happen to disagree with her wholeheartedly. Breastfeeding, for us, is not only about nourishment. Breastfeeding is about a bond, a special and unique bond between my daughter and I. Breastfeeding boosts the child's immune system. Breastfeeding has a positive impact not only on her health but on mine too.
It is my choice to decide if/when I wean. I respect those that will nurse longer than I will and those that weaned earlier on. It is my choice if I will wean or if I will wait for my child to wean herself. It is my choice to change my mind. Now that my child understands language, I feel it is appropriate to talk to her about weaning, about how little babies need a lot of milk, kids like her eat food and get a little milk, and how some day she will be ready to stop and my body will stop making milk. It is my responsibility to listen to my child, to take her needs and wants into consideration, and to also set boundaries and ensure that I am taking care of my own needs.
Person that I love and respect so much, you love my child to pieces, but you only see us once a month. You don't know all the details about our breastfeeding relationship and how we are feeling about it. You parented your boys a while back the best way you knew how. Now it is my turn. I assure you that that little one that you love so much is loved and is being raised the best way I know how. I believe that breastfeeding, for now, is right for us. We will be done when we are both ready. I love you, but, please, think before you speak. Sometimes I feel like I just can't do anything right when it comes to parenting. When I talked about preschool, it was too early. When I talked about adopting, I got a weird look. When I talk about breastfeeding, you think I am doing something wrong. There are times when I screw up. That is inevitable. Breastfeeding is not a screw-up. When you disagree or think I am making a mistake, please take a minute to remember that I am doing the best I know how, to remember that I think and research a lot before I make decisions, and remember that empathy works better than a criticizing tone.
Ok, I'm done! Talking to Geeky Entrepreneur and writing it all out made me feel better.
It starts early.
Not wanting to go to school, that is.
The past few weeks, each and every morning, we hear the same thing.
Ari: I no want go to school. I no want to see my friends. I want stay home.
Me: Why?
Ari: Because. Because no. I want stay home.
Me: Why do you want to stay home?
Ari: Because I want to. I want to watch Dora.
Me: Does someone bother you in school?
Ari: Drew.
Me: Did he hurt you?
Ari: Not yet. He hit other kids.
On and on and on...
What to do?
I have wondered if it is a stage, the typical "I don't want to go just because." I have wondered if she feels uncomfortable. If so, what is going on? I have wondered if someone is picking on her or bothering her. If so, how do the teachers handle it? Would they tell me about it?
At this point, my guess is that it is simply that she wants to stay home just because. That being said, I feel I ought to look into it. If something was going on, I would kick myself later, to say the least.
I am going to talk to one of her teachers. I also would like to go in and observe via the one-way window for a little bit. I wouldn't make a habit of doing this. I would not want to make the teachers feel uncomfortable. But I would like to learn more about what it is like in the classroom. And, I want to know, first hand, how my child is doing and feeling when she is in the classroom. It will be a bit interesting to pull this off. Not driving sucks big time, particularly when the school is 20 minutes away and we live in the boonies, sort of. But I'll figure something out.
If I am correct, if this is only the classic "I want to stay home just because," how should I handle it? What do you do?
Thus far, I have been empathetic, understanding, but firm that she is going to school. I wouldn't mind keeping her home for a day if she needed to recharge. But she is saying she does not want to go each and every day. Yesterday, she said she did not want to go. If going on a cruise of the Caribbean for a week did not recharge her, I don't know what would!
Thoughts?
The past few weeks, each and every morning, we hear the same thing.
Ari: I no want go to school. I no want to see my friends. I want stay home.
Me: Why?
Ari: Because. Because no. I want stay home.
Me: Why do you want to stay home?
Ari: Because I want to. I want to watch Dora.
Me: Does someone bother you in school?
Ari: Drew.
Me: Did he hurt you?
Ari: Not yet. He hit other kids.
On and on and on...
What to do?
I have wondered if it is a stage, the typical "I don't want to go just because." I have wondered if she feels uncomfortable. If so, what is going on? I have wondered if someone is picking on her or bothering her. If so, how do the teachers handle it? Would they tell me about it?
At this point, my guess is that it is simply that she wants to stay home just because. That being said, I feel I ought to look into it. If something was going on, I would kick myself later, to say the least.
I am going to talk to one of her teachers. I also would like to go in and observe via the one-way window for a little bit. I wouldn't make a habit of doing this. I would not want to make the teachers feel uncomfortable. But I would like to learn more about what it is like in the classroom. And, I want to know, first hand, how my child is doing and feeling when she is in the classroom. It will be a bit interesting to pull this off. Not driving sucks big time, particularly when the school is 20 minutes away and we live in the boonies, sort of. But I'll figure something out.
If I am correct, if this is only the classic "I want to stay home just because," how should I handle it? What do you do?
Thus far, I have been empathetic, understanding, but firm that she is going to school. I wouldn't mind keeping her home for a day if she needed to recharge. But she is saying she does not want to go each and every day. Yesterday, she said she did not want to go. If going on a cruise of the Caribbean for a week did not recharge her, I don't know what would!
Thoughts?
Monday, February 7, 2011
Three-year-olds are so clever!
This is a good one! I am heavily biased, but, still, Ari is just too funny and impish!
We went out to dinner last night and I got a tiramisu. I shared it with her. We had some of it and I was going to save the rest for later.
Ari: Mommy, why you not eating anymore?
Me: Because I am full. I will finish eating it later.
Ari: But I'm not. When people are full, the kid eats the cake.
Geeky Entrepreneur and I could not stop laughing! I just love the remarks and realizations she makes. It never gets old!
We went out to dinner last night and I got a tiramisu. I shared it with her. We had some of it and I was going to save the rest for later.
Ari: Mommy, why you not eating anymore?
Me: Because I am full. I will finish eating it later.
Ari: But I'm not. When people are full, the kid eats the cake.
Geeky Entrepreneur and I could not stop laughing! I just love the remarks and realizations she makes. It never gets old!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Happy birthday, Daddy!
Today is Geeky Entrepreneur's birthday. As is typical with us, we did something simple and low key. I baked a blueberry cake and made lasagna for dinner.
I was feeling like I could have planned better, like I could have made his birthday more fun. It turns out I was wrong!
When Ari and I came home from school, she ran in Daddy's home office to say, more like scream, happy birthday! Unfortunately, Daddy was on the phone.
When we were getting ready to sing happy birthday, I asked Ari if she would like to bring the dessert plates to the table. She said yes. She not only brought them to the table. She walked around and gave everyone a plate, Daddy, grandma, Mommy, and herself!
She then did the same with spoons.
I asked her if she would like to bring the cake to the table. She was ecstatic! She very cautiously and carefully carried the cake!
We sang happy birthday together. Ari was beaming the entire time!
Daddy got many "happy birthday, Daddy" and many family hugs today!
At the end of the day, he said this was the best birthday he ever had! He enjoyed the meal and the cake, but I know that isn't what made it the best birthday ever! It was all about the fact that his 3-year-old was aware of the whole birthday celebration for the first time ever. Last year, as far as she was concerned, it was a chance to eat cake! This year, she was talking about it and looking forward to it for days. She made her Daddy feel very special!
It's the little things... I am so happy and so grateful. I love my little family!
I was feeling like I could have planned better, like I could have made his birthday more fun. It turns out I was wrong!
When Ari and I came home from school, she ran in Daddy's home office to say, more like scream, happy birthday! Unfortunately, Daddy was on the phone.
When we were getting ready to sing happy birthday, I asked Ari if she would like to bring the dessert plates to the table. She said yes. She not only brought them to the table. She walked around and gave everyone a plate, Daddy, grandma, Mommy, and herself!
She then did the same with spoons.
I asked her if she would like to bring the cake to the table. She was ecstatic! She very cautiously and carefully carried the cake!
We sang happy birthday together. Ari was beaming the entire time!
Daddy got many "happy birthday, Daddy" and many family hugs today!
At the end of the day, he said this was the best birthday he ever had! He enjoyed the meal and the cake, but I know that isn't what made it the best birthday ever! It was all about the fact that his 3-year-old was aware of the whole birthday celebration for the first time ever. Last year, as far as she was concerned, it was a chance to eat cake! This year, she was talking about it and looking forward to it for days. She made her Daddy feel very special!
It's the little things... I am so happy and so grateful. I love my little family!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Surprising Daddy, 3-year-old style!
Yesterday, my mother told Ari her cousin's birthday is coming up in February. Ari happily informed her grandma that her Daddy's birthday comes first. Brilliant me joined the conversation and told Ari we could bake Daddy a cake together and that it would be a surprise. She asked what type of cake it would be, what we would put in it, etc.
Fast-forward about half an hour... Ari and I come home.
Ari: Daddy, we have surprise for you. We make blueberry cake for you with milk and flour!"
I ended up baking the cake today so Ari could be part of the process, as opposed to baking it tomorrow morning, when everyone is gone. Tomorrow I'll prepare one of his favorite meals and I will not tell Ari ahead of time what that meal will be!
Silly kid! So darn cute!
Fast-forward about half an hour... Ari and I come home.
Ari: Daddy, we have surprise for you. We make blueberry cake for you with milk and flour!"
I ended up baking the cake today so Ari could be part of the process, as opposed to baking it tomorrow morning, when everyone is gone. Tomorrow I'll prepare one of his favorite meals and I will not tell Ari ahead of time what that meal will be!
Silly kid! So darn cute!
Article: Breaking the Silence
This is a must-read article, me thinks! Talks about how being a new mother is very hard and people tend to avoid talking about it.
http://birthfaith.org/postpartum-helps/breaking-the-silence
http://birthfaith.org/postpartum-helps/breaking-the-silence
Monday, January 24, 2011
Article: Facts About Motherhood
A list of the things that are just a bit different once one becomes a parent! I say parent, not mother, because I happen to know a fair number of dads out there who are just as actively engaged and involved as mom.
http://www.authenticparenting.info/2011/01/facts-about-motherhood.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AuthenticParenting+%28Authentic+Parenting%29
Only a little different... Right?!
Somehow, I'm signing up for this again! Yikes!
And, yes, it's true. I've been known to have a little someone go in the bathroom with me and say things like "Mommy, did you wipe? Don't forget to wipe."
Long showers... Pre-motherhood, they were showers. Now, they are "luxurious showers"! Oh how I love them!
Room-temperature food... My poor husband... When we go out to eat, often, it seems like Ari needs to go pee when the food is about to come out or it just did. We take turns, but he ends up taking her more often. If she has not seen him all day, she wants her daddy to help her. Also, if we go to a new restaurant with poor lighting, it's easiest for the parent with the better eyes to go find the bathroom.
Sleep... Yes, I agree wholeheartedly! This is, by far, what I miss the most! Can someone tell me just why the heck kids need to wake up so freaking early?! Why is it that on weekend days she wakes up before 7am and on school days, sometimes, it's 7:40 and I can't get her out of bed? Fascinating stuff!
So, yes, having a child turns your life upside-down, in a way, but it is also very rewarding. It is difficult to put that rewarding feeling into words.
http://www.authenticparenting.info/2011/01/facts-about-motherhood.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AuthenticParenting+%28Authentic+Parenting%29
Only a little different... Right?!
Somehow, I'm signing up for this again! Yikes!
And, yes, it's true. I've been known to have a little someone go in the bathroom with me and say things like "Mommy, did you wipe? Don't forget to wipe."
Long showers... Pre-motherhood, they were showers. Now, they are "luxurious showers"! Oh how I love them!
Room-temperature food... My poor husband... When we go out to eat, often, it seems like Ari needs to go pee when the food is about to come out or it just did. We take turns, but he ends up taking her more often. If she has not seen him all day, she wants her daddy to help her. Also, if we go to a new restaurant with poor lighting, it's easiest for the parent with the better eyes to go find the bathroom.
Sleep... Yes, I agree wholeheartedly! This is, by far, what I miss the most! Can someone tell me just why the heck kids need to wake up so freaking early?! Why is it that on weekend days she wakes up before 7am and on school days, sometimes, it's 7:40 and I can't get her out of bed? Fascinating stuff!
So, yes, having a child turns your life upside-down, in a way, but it is also very rewarding. It is difficult to put that rewarding feeling into words.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
I have some news!
So, after lots of talking and tons of thinking...
We are officially trying to conceive #2!!!
Wow, I can't believe I just typed that!
I am hoping for a fall/winter baby. Let's see if we can manage to have me come back from our cruise with child and I'm not talking about our adorable existing child!
I am very excited, and, frankly, somewhat scared! On most days, having a preschooler feels very manageable. But then there are those crazy nights, those very sucky nights. We have had a number of those recently. Thank you, germs; I so hate you! Germs are the one thing I hate about preschool.
Anyways, here is to a new journey, a new chapter in our lives!
We are officially trying to conceive #2!!!
Wow, I can't believe I just typed that!
I am hoping for a fall/winter baby. Let's see if we can manage to have me come back from our cruise with child and I'm not talking about our adorable existing child!
I am very excited, and, frankly, somewhat scared! On most days, having a preschooler feels very manageable. But then there are those crazy nights, those very sucky nights. We have had a number of those recently. Thank you, germs; I so hate you! Germs are the one thing I hate about preschool.
Anyways, here is to a new journey, a new chapter in our lives!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Leapfrog Scribble and Write it is!
The other day I posted about how I was looking at the Leapster. Thank you for leaving comments. They were very helpful!
I decided to get the Leapfrog Scribble and Write for a number of reasons.
She can work on learning to write, which she is very interested in.
It is small, so it looks just right for traveling. We will be in a plane for three hours next weekend, so just in time!
To be perfectly honest, this is the biggest reason! It is much cheaper than the other options I was considering! The Leapster 2 and the Leapster Explorer sound super cool, but they are each over $50 and each game generally costs around $25. So it was either spend at least $75 or $25! Should I mention that Christmas just happened and that I had a blast shopping for my child?! Know what I mean?!
My thought is let's see how she likes it and does with it. If she likes it, we can consider the Leapster 2 or the Leapster Explorer when her birthday is coming up.
I decided to get the Leapfrog Scribble and Write for a number of reasons.
She can work on learning to write, which she is very interested in.
It is small, so it looks just right for traveling. We will be in a plane for three hours next weekend, so just in time!
To be perfectly honest, this is the biggest reason! It is much cheaper than the other options I was considering! The Leapster 2 and the Leapster Explorer sound super cool, but they are each over $50 and each game generally costs around $25. So it was either spend at least $75 or $25! Should I mention that Christmas just happened and that I had a blast shopping for my child?! Know what I mean?!
My thought is let's see how she likes it and does with it. If she likes it, we can consider the Leapster 2 or the Leapster Explorer when her birthday is coming up.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Leapster, anyone?
So, apparently my 'crunchiness' has affected the way I shop! I am a big fan of getting Ari toys that are fun, educational and interactive as opposed to electronic toys where the child ends up playing by herself for extended periods of times if we don't set some boundaries. I don't think they are evil or anything, don't get me wrong. I think they are great, so long as we don't get so used to them that we stop spending a reasonable amount of time interacting with our kids.
So, all that being said, I have been hearing about the Leapster recently. I looked it up last night and it sounds super cool! One of the new games/attachments for it turns it into a camera. My Ari would so love that thing! Lately, she is borrowing our camera because she loves to take pictures. There are also Dora and Go Diego Go games that have to do with rescuing animals. You have no idea how many times in one day we pretend to save animals with ropes and other tools!
So... I am thinking about it. Do you know kids that have them? Do your kids have one? What do you think about them?
For those who are not familiar with the Leapster, but are curious, here it is:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3104361
So, all that being said, I have been hearing about the Leapster recently. I looked it up last night and it sounds super cool! One of the new games/attachments for it turns it into a camera. My Ari would so love that thing! Lately, she is borrowing our camera because she loves to take pictures. There are also Dora and Go Diego Go games that have to do with rescuing animals. You have no idea how many times in one day we pretend to save animals with ropes and other tools!
So... I am thinking about it. Do you know kids that have them? Do your kids have one? What do you think about them?
For those who are not familiar with the Leapster, but are curious, here it is:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3104361
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Article: Five Benefits to Cosleeping Past Infancy
So, cosleeping and bedsharing... A controversial topic...
As I have mentioned before, I believe in doing whatever works best for your family. Currently, this is what is working for us: Ari starts out on a mattress next to our bed. Sometime in the middle of the night, her and her elephant come over. We tried transitioning her to her room. It was not the right time. I could have forced the issue, made her miserable, and given up on tons of sleep. No thank you! There are times when nothing is working and you have to do something, try something different. But sharing our bedroom works for us, so we went back to that.
Yes, she is three. Yes, before she was born, I would have never imagined that she would still be in our bedroom. Furthermore, I never thought I would be ok with this.
Life as parents has taught me over and over again that I ought to do what is right for my family, regardless of what others think. I follow my gut. I do whatever keeps my family happy and healthy. That includes both my child and my husband. Finding a balance can be difficult at times. I am not saying it's always easy! Keeping everyone happy and healthy requires lots of adjusting and lots of communication. But it is definitely worth it. Right now, we wake up to a happy child telling us stories about pretend games or her plans for the day.
So, now that I have told you all about our sleep arangements, which is not what I set out to do, here is the article I wanted to share!
http://naturalparentsnetwork.com/five-benefits-cosleeping/
As I have mentioned before, I believe in doing whatever works best for your family. Currently, this is what is working for us: Ari starts out on a mattress next to our bed. Sometime in the middle of the night, her and her elephant come over. We tried transitioning her to her room. It was not the right time. I could have forced the issue, made her miserable, and given up on tons of sleep. No thank you! There are times when nothing is working and you have to do something, try something different. But sharing our bedroom works for us, so we went back to that.
Yes, she is three. Yes, before she was born, I would have never imagined that she would still be in our bedroom. Furthermore, I never thought I would be ok with this.
Life as parents has taught me over and over again that I ought to do what is right for my family, regardless of what others think. I follow my gut. I do whatever keeps my family happy and healthy. That includes both my child and my husband. Finding a balance can be difficult at times. I am not saying it's always easy! Keeping everyone happy and healthy requires lots of adjusting and lots of communication. But it is definitely worth it. Right now, we wake up to a happy child telling us stories about pretend games or her plans for the day.
So, now that I have told you all about our sleep arangements, which is not what I set out to do, here is the article I wanted to share!
http://naturalparentsnetwork.com/five-benefits-cosleeping/
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Update on us...
I realized I have been neglecting my blog again. Here is an update...
My silly child continues to pretend she is different animals! For a few weeks she was an elephant. Then she was a kitty cat. Last Friday she came home saying she is now a butterfly, a blue butterfly!
She is enjoying singing, dancing, and pretending all sorts of different things. Today she pretended that my mother's bedroom was a school and that my mom's yoga ball was the school's gate!
When we tell her it's time to go, she puts up pretend gates so we can't get to her!
She is still enjoying and loving school and so are we. In fact, we just re-enrolled her for the next academic year. She will be in the same classroom.
Geeky Entrepreneur had surgery on 12/23. His gallbladder was removed. Turnes out it was very inflamed. He still has a few stitches, but is mostly back to normal and can now eat whatever the heck he wants!
We just went on a little trip to see some friends last weekend. Ari got to play with my friend's 3-year-old. They got along very well and they are so cute together! Us grownups got to play Pandemic! So much fun! It is a cooperative board game. Check it out!
We just got tons of snow, maybe two feet? To be honest, I am horrible at checking the weather reports!
We are going on vacation in just over two weeks! Cruise of the Western Caribbean this time (Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica). Seven days away from this super cold place! I can't wait! Ari is excited and has asked if we can get another "boat that we put air into"!
I think that is about it for us. Let's see if I can get into some sort of schedule!
My silly child continues to pretend she is different animals! For a few weeks she was an elephant. Then she was a kitty cat. Last Friday she came home saying she is now a butterfly, a blue butterfly!
She is enjoying singing, dancing, and pretending all sorts of different things. Today she pretended that my mother's bedroom was a school and that my mom's yoga ball was the school's gate!
When we tell her it's time to go, she puts up pretend gates so we can't get to her!
She is still enjoying and loving school and so are we. In fact, we just re-enrolled her for the next academic year. She will be in the same classroom.
Geeky Entrepreneur had surgery on 12/23. His gallbladder was removed. Turnes out it was very inflamed. He still has a few stitches, but is mostly back to normal and can now eat whatever the heck he wants!
We just went on a little trip to see some friends last weekend. Ari got to play with my friend's 3-year-old. They got along very well and they are so cute together! Us grownups got to play Pandemic! So much fun! It is a cooperative board game. Check it out!
We just got tons of snow, maybe two feet? To be honest, I am horrible at checking the weather reports!
We are going on vacation in just over two weeks! Cruise of the Western Caribbean this time (Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica). Seven days away from this super cold place! I can't wait! Ari is excited and has asked if we can get another "boat that we put air into"!
I think that is about it for us. Let's see if I can get into some sort of schedule!
Monday, January 10, 2011
"Practice babies," are you serious?
Wow, I am in shock. I can't believe people would do this. I know people who did not study psychology may not know much about attachment theory. But, it's instinctual, is it not?
Why the heck would you have a child receive care from a group of mothers for a few weeks, then another group, then another...? You get the point. Wow. Unbelievable.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/practice-babies-cornell-unveils-dark-history-adoption-world/story?id=12548705
K, done. I'm going to bed. I am very tired and this really made me angry!
Why the heck would you have a child receive care from a group of mothers for a few weeks, then another group, then another...? You get the point. Wow. Unbelievable.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/practice-babies-cornell-unveils-dark-history-adoption-world/story?id=12548705
K, done. I'm going to bed. I am very tired and this really made me angry!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Article: Sighing
A short article. A nice reminder.
http://www.authenticparenting.info/2011/01/sighing.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AuthenticParenting+%28Authentic+Parenting%29
Our kids are people with feelings. Let's remember to be aware about how we respond to them.
http://www.authenticparenting.info/2011/01/sighing.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AuthenticParenting+%28Authentic+Parenting%29
Our kids are people with feelings. Let's remember to be aware about how we respond to them.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Article: Are you your child's friend?
I have been discovering several very interesting and informative parenting websites recently.
Check out this article:
http://www.enjoyparenting.com/daily-groove/friend
Growing up, I remember my mom feeling happy that her and I were 'friends.' As a grownup, I began thinking the idea of parents and kids being friends was a bad one. To be honest, I have not thought about it a whole heck of a lot recently, perhaps because Ari is still little? This article raises an interesting point. What is a friend? Given the article's definition of what a friend is, I think being your child's friend can be a beautiful and powerful thing for all involved. Thoughts?
Check out this article:
http://www.enjoyparenting.com/daily-groove/friend
Growing up, I remember my mom feeling happy that her and I were 'friends.' As a grownup, I began thinking the idea of parents and kids being friends was a bad one. To be honest, I have not thought about it a whole heck of a lot recently, perhaps because Ari is still little? This article raises an interesting point. What is a friend? Given the article's definition of what a friend is, I think being your child's friend can be a beautiful and powerful thing for all involved. Thoughts?
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Article from La Leche League
I was on the LLL website trying to find some information to help a friend with a newborn. Did not find what I was looking for, but I found this article:
http://www.llli.org/NB/Law45com.html
"I also realized that our society has little understanding of newborns, and does not sanction compassion for their needs or feelings. Demand nursing, as
I saw it, was no different from caring for a family member who has been rendered powerless. Would we refuse an incapacitated father a meal because it was "not time"? Or leave a paralyzed spouse alone in a room to "cry it out"--checking in every 10 minutes to say, "It's Ok"--without trying to find out what
is wrong and doing something about it? If he or she only wanted to be held, would we refuse, for fear of spoiling someone we love? How can anyone claim that legal or religious tenets require us to deny babies sustenance and comfort "in their best interests"?"
http://www.llli.org/NB/Law45com.html
"I also realized that our society has little understanding of newborns, and does not sanction compassion for their needs or feelings. Demand nursing, as
I saw it, was no different from caring for a family member who has been rendered powerless. Would we refuse an incapacitated father a meal because it was "not time"? Or leave a paralyzed spouse alone in a room to "cry it out"--checking in every 10 minutes to say, "It's Ok"--without trying to find out what
is wrong and doing something about it? If he or she only wanted to be held, would we refuse, for fear of spoiling someone we love? How can anyone claim that legal or religious tenets require us to deny babies sustenance and comfort "in their best interests"?"
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Article: Discovering Nature's Plan for Parenting
Just came across this article:
http://www.connectionparenting.com/parenting_articles/plan.html
Very thought-provoking. Makes a lot of sense to me. Go read it! I won't attempt to write about it right now because my husband is in surgery right now and my brain just isn't at 100% right now.
http://www.connectionparenting.com/parenting_articles/plan.html
Very thought-provoking. Makes a lot of sense to me. Go read it! I won't attempt to write about it right now because my husband is in surgery right now and my brain just isn't at 100% right now.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
My stay in the basement today!
So, I was in the basement, on the elliptical and doing laundry. When I went downstairs, Geeky Entrepreneur was playing a video game. Ari was with my mother.
When I finished on the elliptical and walked up the stairs, I realized the door was locked!
Some fun facts:
I almost never get signal down there.
My battery was down to two bars.
I usually bring the cordless phone, but I didn't today.
I was able to call Geeky Entrepreneur, but he didn't pick up.
So, there I was, thinking! I called my mom. Maybe he left to go get Ari. I was right. There he was, being a cute daddy, having a blast with his kid, at my mom's!
Here is the deal. Any time he walks by the door to our basement, if it's not locked, he locks it, so his kid won't fall down the stairs and all that. Awesome, ain't it?! But, wait, the child wasn't home! And, wait, the wife was down there, and he knew that! He even admits that he called my name to tell me he was leaving. Somehow, after trying to talk to me, "auto pilot" took over and he locked the door!
I told him he's sleeping in the car tonight! And I said he's pretty freakin' lucky that that is not a phobia of mine! Actually, I was laughing about it almost the whole time!
The best part? My adorable child had a word with him, multiple times!
"Daddy, that not nice. You need to be nice to mommy. You need to say you're sorry."
Everybody has had a blast with my stay at the Basement Hotel! My sister just called and asked "how was your stay at that awesome hotel?"
What a day! I bake him banana bread and bread pudding! I make sure he sleeps in because he is sick. I am taking care of logistics so I can keep him company at the hospital when he has gallbladder surgery this Thursday. And the man locks me in the basement! But I still love him!
Moral of the story: my husband is not allowed to take Nightquil!
When I finished on the elliptical and walked up the stairs, I realized the door was locked!
Some fun facts:
I almost never get signal down there.
My battery was down to two bars.
I usually bring the cordless phone, but I didn't today.
I was able to call Geeky Entrepreneur, but he didn't pick up.
So, there I was, thinking! I called my mom. Maybe he left to go get Ari. I was right. There he was, being a cute daddy, having a blast with his kid, at my mom's!
Here is the deal. Any time he walks by the door to our basement, if it's not locked, he locks it, so his kid won't fall down the stairs and all that. Awesome, ain't it?! But, wait, the child wasn't home! And, wait, the wife was down there, and he knew that! He even admits that he called my name to tell me he was leaving. Somehow, after trying to talk to me, "auto pilot" took over and he locked the door!
I told him he's sleeping in the car tonight! And I said he's pretty freakin' lucky that that is not a phobia of mine! Actually, I was laughing about it almost the whole time!
The best part? My adorable child had a word with him, multiple times!
"Daddy, that not nice. You need to be nice to mommy. You need to say you're sorry."
Everybody has had a blast with my stay at the Basement Hotel! My sister just called and asked "how was your stay at that awesome hotel?"
What a day! I bake him banana bread and bread pudding! I make sure he sleeps in because he is sick. I am taking care of logistics so I can keep him company at the hospital when he has gallbladder surgery this Thursday. And the man locks me in the basement! But I still love him!
Moral of the story: my husband is not allowed to take Nightquil!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
How did/will you talk to your child about Santa?
Regardless of which holiday your family celebrates, good old Santa will come up in conversation, simply because your kid talks to other kids and watches television. It's inevitable. It will happen sooner or later.
This is the first year that Ari has been aware of it all and so we had to make a decision. We were always leaning towards saying the truth. Santa is pretend, just like Dora, Diego, Barney, and all of them. She can talk about Santa and enjoy the character as much as she wants. I just don't want to lie to my child. I want her to grow up knowing that mom and dad were always truthful, at an age appropriate level, of course.
What about what my child might do with the information about Santa being pretend? You know she will tell her peers at preschool when one of them starts talking about how Santa is coming! If another family decided to tell their child that Santa is real, I don't think we should get in the middle of that. It is their decision and we ought to respect that. What happens in that case? Do I tell her not to talk about Santa? That's not realistic. Do I say that different people believe different things and that is ok? Will she understand that? I wonder how the teachers handle it. I will be asking in the next few days. I am very curious!
Here is a blog entry from a mom who had the talk about Santa with her four-year-old recently:
http://thefeministbreeder.com/on-being-honest-with-our-children/
Thoughts? What did/will you be telling your children when they ask about Santa?
This is the first year that Ari has been aware of it all and so we had to make a decision. We were always leaning towards saying the truth. Santa is pretend, just like Dora, Diego, Barney, and all of them. She can talk about Santa and enjoy the character as much as she wants. I just don't want to lie to my child. I want her to grow up knowing that mom and dad were always truthful, at an age appropriate level, of course.
What about what my child might do with the information about Santa being pretend? You know she will tell her peers at preschool when one of them starts talking about how Santa is coming! If another family decided to tell their child that Santa is real, I don't think we should get in the middle of that. It is their decision and we ought to respect that. What happens in that case? Do I tell her not to talk about Santa? That's not realistic. Do I say that different people believe different things and that is ok? Will she understand that? I wonder how the teachers handle it. I will be asking in the next few days. I am very curious!
Here is a blog entry from a mom who had the talk about Santa with her four-year-old recently:
http://thefeministbreeder.com/on-being-honest-with-our-children/
Thoughts? What did/will you be telling your children when they ask about Santa?
What to do when your child cries?
Check out this article:
http://www.todaysparent.com/baby/healthsafety/article.jsp?content=20100920_150903_9772&page=2#02
Thoughts?
http://www.todaysparent.com/baby/healthsafety/article.jsp?content=20100920_150903_9772&page=2#02
Thoughts?
Should we have another baby?
Just read this:
http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth/advice/0809228475.php?nid=360
So much to think about, especially when you tend to over-analyze everything, like I do!
What do you think? Any questions you would add to the list? Those of you with more than one child, what were your thoughts/questions when you were in the process of deciding if you would try for #2 or not?
I slept like crap last night because Ari has her tenth cold this semester. She woke up more than five times and she woke up each and every time I got out of bed. Somehow, I'm still thinking about another baby! Maybe I am a junky, after all, just like the article I linked to below proposes!
http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth/advice/0809228475.php?nid=360
So much to think about, especially when you tend to over-analyze everything, like I do!
What do you think? Any questions you would add to the list? Those of you with more than one child, what were your thoughts/questions when you were in the process of deciding if you would try for #2 or not?
I slept like crap last night because Ari has her tenth cold this semester. She woke up more than five times and she woke up each and every time I got out of bed. Somehow, I'm still thinking about another baby! Maybe I am a junky, after all, just like the article I linked to below proposes!
Is parenting an addiction?
Just came across this article. It argues that parents are stressed out most of the time and that they are on a high every now and then, like when their child comes over and gives them a kiss. It concludes that parenting is an addiction.
I don't know what to tell you. My head is spinning after reading this! Is being a mother the hardest thing I've ever done? Yes. Do I consider myself to be an addict? No! Am I simply in denial? Maybe, I suppose.
This is certainly making me think a lot! It rubs me the wrong way, but there is something to it, maybe. I don't know. Maybe I'm a junky and proud of it!
http://www.slate.com/id/2274721
Tell me what you think!
I don't know what to tell you. My head is spinning after reading this! Is being a mother the hardest thing I've ever done? Yes. Do I consider myself to be an addict? No! Am I simply in denial? Maybe, I suppose.
This is certainly making me think a lot! It rubs me the wrong way, but there is something to it, maybe. I don't know. Maybe I'm a junky and proud of it!
http://www.slate.com/id/2274721
Tell me what you think!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Review: Paragard (copper IUD)
*** This is my opinion, based on my experience with the copper IUD for the past three years. ***
A little bit about it:
It is a hormone-free contraception option.
It can stay in for ten years.
A provider needs to insert it and remove it.
If I remember correctly, it is not recommended for women who do not have children.
Pros:
It is hormone-free.
It is as close to permanent and worry-free as you get. You can forget about contraception for ten years.
Cons:
The insertion process is uncomfortable, even with a very gentle provider.
I experienced longer and heavier periods. When you tend to have short cycles, it can be very annoying.
Not to get graphic, but it can hurt when you have intercourse. You never know what's going to work!
It can affect lubrication.
The string can poke your partner. To be fair, this did not happen all the time, just a few.
(Who's blushing?!)
The biggest con for me was an ethical issue. In theory, you can conceive and the IUD would keep the embryo from implanting in the uterus. I have researched this and have asked multiple providers. There is no way to know how frequently this may happen. I am not going to get into the pro life or pro choice issue here. But I will say this: this really bothered us and I will not be using an IUD again. Was I ready to get pregnant during the past three years? No. Would I want to miscarry if I did get pregnant? Absolutely not.
Since I brought it up, I know you're wondering... Yes, I am IUD-free. We are in the process of deciding if we are going to try for #2. We are leaning in a certain direction, but we need a little more time and so I am not ready to share yet.
As for our choice for birth control if we decide we're done or after a pregnancy, we're leaning towards the diaphragm. More on that another time. I have an 'elephant' who would like to play!
A little bit about it:
It is a hormone-free contraception option.
It can stay in for ten years.
A provider needs to insert it and remove it.
If I remember correctly, it is not recommended for women who do not have children.
Pros:
It is hormone-free.
It is as close to permanent and worry-free as you get. You can forget about contraception for ten years.
Cons:
The insertion process is uncomfortable, even with a very gentle provider.
I experienced longer and heavier periods. When you tend to have short cycles, it can be very annoying.
Not to get graphic, but it can hurt when you have intercourse. You never know what's going to work!
It can affect lubrication.
The string can poke your partner. To be fair, this did not happen all the time, just a few.
(Who's blushing?!)
The biggest con for me was an ethical issue. In theory, you can conceive and the IUD would keep the embryo from implanting in the uterus. I have researched this and have asked multiple providers. There is no way to know how frequently this may happen. I am not going to get into the pro life or pro choice issue here. But I will say this: this really bothered us and I will not be using an IUD again. Was I ready to get pregnant during the past three years? No. Would I want to miscarry if I did get pregnant? Absolutely not.
Since I brought it up, I know you're wondering... Yes, I am IUD-free. We are in the process of deciding if we are going to try for #2. We are leaning in a certain direction, but we need a little more time and so I am not ready to share yet.
As for our choice for birth control if we decide we're done or after a pregnancy, we're leaning towards the diaphragm. More on that another time. I have an 'elephant' who would like to play!
Monday, December 13, 2010
We're a team!
That's what Ari said yesterday! I forget what we were working on together, but it led to some cuteness! She said something like: "Mommy, you do it. I do it too. We're a team!"
I think it's pretty cool that my 3-year-old thinks her family is a team! I hope that she remembers that forever! I look forward to always being a team, a kick ass, awesome, inseparable team. I hope that's not too much to ask for!
What cute thing has your little one said recently?
I think it's pretty cool that my 3-year-old thinks her family is a team! I hope that she remembers that forever! I look forward to always being a team, a kick ass, awesome, inseparable team. I hope that's not too much to ask for!
What cute thing has your little one said recently?
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Video about car seat safety
Sometimes, when it comes to car seats, we rush our kids to the next step before they are ready. We may have them forward-facing too soon, may put them in a booster seat too soon or we may stop using the booster seat too early.
For those of you with older kids, this video is a must-see. It walks you through five steps so that you can find out if your child is, indeed, ready to stop using a booster seat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqC1OvyLBf0
The video is quick. Please take a few minutes to watch it. This is really important stuff. You know how you drive. You have no idea how the drivers around you drive.
Logical Mommy, thank you for sharing.
**Edit**
Your child needs to be 57" tall before s/he stops using a booster seat. Read more here:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/faq/safety.shtml
S/he is throwing a fit? They get tons of choices, but this is, most definitely, not one of them.
For those of you with older kids, this video is a must-see. It walks you through five steps so that you can find out if your child is, indeed, ready to stop using a booster seat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqC1OvyLBf0
The video is quick. Please take a few minutes to watch it. This is really important stuff. You know how you drive. You have no idea how the drivers around you drive.
Logical Mommy, thank you for sharing.
**Edit**
Your child needs to be 57" tall before s/he stops using a booster seat. Read more here:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/faq/safety.shtml
S/he is throwing a fit? They get tons of choices, but this is, most definitely, not one of them.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Update from the Elephant Family
So, here is the deal! This week my child is an elephant! All of us are elephants! If you call her name, she will tell you "I'm not Arianna; I an elephant!"
The other morning, my sister said good morning to her.
Her response: That's not fair. Elephants don't like good morning."
If you talk about her clothes, shoes, etc., they are not her clothes or shoes. They are elephant clothes and shoes!
That reminds me... She is using many words and phrases that she clearly has heard but whose meanings she does not know. This is a bit dangerous! My kid could currently get anyone in trouble! The other day she told me that her grandma is not fair, that she is mean, and that she hurt her (Ari's) arm. She forgot to explain that she wanted to take her cousin's silly band, even though it was not hers and she already had three of her own. See what I'm saying?!
Back to the elephant silliness, I say it's all her dad's fault! Nana is a puppeteer. Daddy grew up with puppets and talking stuffed animals. He has over ten monkeys. Yes, still, right now! They are in front of me right now, all lined up on our love seat! The monkeys still talk to people. They talk to our friends and they even have talked to tenants and coworkers. The ones that talk the most are Momo and Bobo. Ari's first word was Momo, in fact! They have personalities. Momo is an annoying and impish troublemaker. Bobo speaks very slowly and is kind-hearted. He sounds like a pothead!
My child is learning from the best! What can I say?! We're never bored around here!
What silly thing did your child do or say recently?!
The other morning, my sister said good morning to her.
Her response: That's not fair. Elephants don't like good morning."
If you talk about her clothes, shoes, etc., they are not her clothes or shoes. They are elephant clothes and shoes!
That reminds me... She is using many words and phrases that she clearly has heard but whose meanings she does not know. This is a bit dangerous! My kid could currently get anyone in trouble! The other day she told me that her grandma is not fair, that she is mean, and that she hurt her (Ari's) arm. She forgot to explain that she wanted to take her cousin's silly band, even though it was not hers and she already had three of her own. See what I'm saying?!
Back to the elephant silliness, I say it's all her dad's fault! Nana is a puppeteer. Daddy grew up with puppets and talking stuffed animals. He has over ten monkeys. Yes, still, right now! They are in front of me right now, all lined up on our love seat! The monkeys still talk to people. They talk to our friends and they even have talked to tenants and coworkers. The ones that talk the most are Momo and Bobo. Ari's first word was Momo, in fact! They have personalities. Momo is an annoying and impish troublemaker. Bobo speaks very slowly and is kind-hearted. He sounds like a pothead!
My child is learning from the best! What can I say?! We're never bored around here!
What silly thing did your child do or say recently?!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Napping in school, sleep arrangements at home, and the lovely rash
Apparently, it was not a one-time deal. Amor Chiquito has now napped five times in school! Yay!
Somewhat related topic. We are in the process of moving her back to her room. It was unplanned, but it seems to be working ok.
For the past few months, Amor Chiquito has been sleeping on a separate mattress, right next to me. This has worked well. Daddy and I have enough room and Daddy does not get kicked anymore.
When Amor Chiquito got sick, I suggested Daddy sleep in another room. That way only one of us would be getting up in the middle of the night. You see, if I make sure he gets his sleep, then I feel just fine about asking him to take over at six or seven a.m! Getting another hour or two of sleep after a rough night makes my life and day so much better!
We have been dealing with a runny nose and a rash for over a week. We have been trying to figure out what is causing the rash. We wondered if there was something in our bedroom, so we moved Ari to her bedroom. She has slept there the past three nights and she has not complained once. She would prefer if I sleep with her. Usually, she comes to snuggle sometime between three and six a.m. The new system is mostly working. We'll see what happens in the next few weeks.
As far as the rash, I still have no idea whatsoever as to what is causing it. We saw a pediatrician on Monday. He says it is not an infection or anything serious. If it was an infection, benadril would not get rid of it. It gets rid of it completely, but after six to ten hours, the rash comes back.
I have gone through the list 20 times. No new soaps or detergents. No new foods. She gets the rash both at our place and at my mom's. She has gotten in the car. The doctor says it is something she is eating, touching, or smelling. It could be anything. I am clueless.
We are looking into an air cleaning system. If you know anything about that, please share! I am slowly going up the learning curve.
Somewhat related topic. We are in the process of moving her back to her room. It was unplanned, but it seems to be working ok.
For the past few months, Amor Chiquito has been sleeping on a separate mattress, right next to me. This has worked well. Daddy and I have enough room and Daddy does not get kicked anymore.
When Amor Chiquito got sick, I suggested Daddy sleep in another room. That way only one of us would be getting up in the middle of the night. You see, if I make sure he gets his sleep, then I feel just fine about asking him to take over at six or seven a.m! Getting another hour or two of sleep after a rough night makes my life and day so much better!
We have been dealing with a runny nose and a rash for over a week. We have been trying to figure out what is causing the rash. We wondered if there was something in our bedroom, so we moved Ari to her bedroom. She has slept there the past three nights and she has not complained once. She would prefer if I sleep with her. Usually, she comes to snuggle sometime between three and six a.m. The new system is mostly working. We'll see what happens in the next few weeks.
As far as the rash, I still have no idea whatsoever as to what is causing it. We saw a pediatrician on Monday. He says it is not an infection or anything serious. If it was an infection, benadril would not get rid of it. It gets rid of it completely, but after six to ten hours, the rash comes back.
I have gone through the list 20 times. No new soaps or detergents. No new foods. She gets the rash both at our place and at my mom's. She has gotten in the car. The doctor says it is something she is eating, touching, or smelling. It could be anything. I am clueless.
We are looking into an air cleaning system. If you know anything about that, please share! I am slowly going up the learning curve.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Gotta love people's stupid questions...
Here is a list of stupid questions people ask adoptive families:
http://chinaadoptiontalk.blogspot.com/2010/11/stupid-questions-smartass-answers.html
Still laughing after reading some of the answers parents wish to say but don't say!
I am very familiar with stupid questions because of being nearly blind. Here are a few.
You should see some people's reactions when they realize I have a degree. Really? From Mt. Holyoke College, one of the sister schools? Yes, my eyes don't work so well, but my brain is just fine, thank you very much, dumb ass!
You use a computer? Yes, it looks just like yours, but it's cooler because it talks! And I'm cooler than you because I type 60 words per minute and I've never been able to read the keyboard! Yup, I rock! Plenty of sighted people out there do it, I know, but, somehow, it's shocking when you hear a blind person does it too.
Geeky Entrepreneur's favorite: and what will she be having?
His response: I don't know. She can't see very well, but she can hear you just fine. Ask her.
He has said this, plenty of times!
Different topic: you have to wean her. When are you going to do that? Why does she still do that? She's too old for that.
You mean nursing? Well, you see, it's none of your business. It still helps her immune system. We'll wean whenever the hell we want, by the way, you nozi ass!
For the record, I welcome questions about anything, be it about my visual impairment, about how this may impact my parenting style, about breastfeeding, anything... It's all about how people ask questions, the words and tone they use. So, if you want to ask anything, feel free. Ask on here or email me.
What are some of the stupid questions you're asked?
http://chinaadoptiontalk.blogspot.com/2010/11/stupid-questions-smartass-answers.html
Still laughing after reading some of the answers parents wish to say but don't say!
I am very familiar with stupid questions because of being nearly blind. Here are a few.
You should see some people's reactions when they realize I have a degree. Really? From Mt. Holyoke College, one of the sister schools? Yes, my eyes don't work so well, but my brain is just fine, thank you very much, dumb ass!
You use a computer? Yes, it looks just like yours, but it's cooler because it talks! And I'm cooler than you because I type 60 words per minute and I've never been able to read the keyboard! Yup, I rock! Plenty of sighted people out there do it, I know, but, somehow, it's shocking when you hear a blind person does it too.
Geeky Entrepreneur's favorite: and what will she be having?
His response: I don't know. She can't see very well, but she can hear you just fine. Ask her.
He has said this, plenty of times!
Different topic: you have to wean her. When are you going to do that? Why does she still do that? She's too old for that.
You mean nursing? Well, you see, it's none of your business. It still helps her immune system. We'll wean whenever the hell we want, by the way, you nozi ass!
For the record, I welcome questions about anything, be it about my visual impairment, about how this may impact my parenting style, about breastfeeding, anything... It's all about how people ask questions, the words and tone they use. So, if you want to ask anything, feel free. Ask on here or email me.
What are some of the stupid questions you're asked?
The questions and hypotheses of a three-year-old
Last Wednesday was a short school day so I decided to stay at school and hang out with a mom of a child in Ari's classroom. We were sitting right outside Ari's classroom. Every now and then I could hear her voice.
At one point I heard this:
"Karen (a teacher), you take shower today?"
What? Did my child really ask this? She asked her teacher of all people?! Yes, she did, I'm pretty sure!
At one point today Ari said her mouth was hurting. Not quite sure what she meant by that. What I thought was interesting, to say the least, was her theory:
"Maybe my mouth stop hurting when I pee."
She pees. When she is done, she announces:
"Oh, my mouth still hurting. That did not work."
Can't make this crap up! I love it, absolutely love it!
Oh, the other day she insisted on bringing a book to bed. She fell asleep with the book on her hands. She remembered in the morning and asked for it right away. Like father like daughter. That's all I have to say!
So long as she doesn't do this in the bathroom for hours each day, it's all good. If she starts imitating her dad that way, too, I'll be having some chats with my two favorite people in this world! You have no idea how grateful I am that there are two bathrooms in this house. People, really, it's not like toilets are comfortable! I don't get it!
At one point I heard this:
"Karen (a teacher), you take shower today?"
What? Did my child really ask this? She asked her teacher of all people?! Yes, she did, I'm pretty sure!
At one point today Ari said her mouth was hurting. Not quite sure what she meant by that. What I thought was interesting, to say the least, was her theory:
"Maybe my mouth stop hurting when I pee."
She pees. When she is done, she announces:
"Oh, my mouth still hurting. That did not work."
Can't make this crap up! I love it, absolutely love it!
Oh, the other day she insisted on bringing a book to bed. She fell asleep with the book on her hands. She remembered in the morning and asked for it right away. Like father like daughter. That's all I have to say!
So long as she doesn't do this in the bathroom for hours each day, it's all good. If she starts imitating her dad that way, too, I'll be having some chats with my two favorite people in this world! You have no idea how grateful I am that there are two bathrooms in this house. People, really, it's not like toilets are comfortable! I don't get it!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Open Adoption/Bone Marrow Donation Story
I just came across this:
http://www.nola.com/health/index.ssf/2010/11/open_adoption_makes_lifesaving.html
A must-read, me thinks. Beautiful. A child was adopted via an open adoption. In other words, the families knew each other. Maybe it was exchanging photos, phone calls or a few visits a year. Either way, they could communicate with each other.
Over 15 years later, the child needed a bone marrow transplant. Apparently, it is very hard to find a donor for multiracial people. The family knew the birth family. A birth sister was a perfect match and saved the girl's life.
Please consider registering with Be the Match. The registration process is incredibly easy. You fill out a form online. You get a kit in the mail to do some cheek swabs. You get your card. That's it. You may or may not end up donating. It depends on who out there needs a bone marrow transplant and whether or not you and that person are a good match.
Please, please think about it. You know you want to! Some day it could be you or me, your sibling or mine, your kid or mine.
Here is a link to the Be the Match frequently asked questions:
http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/FAQs_about_Joining_the_Registry/index.html
http://www.nola.com/health/index.ssf/2010/11/open_adoption_makes_lifesaving.html
A must-read, me thinks. Beautiful. A child was adopted via an open adoption. In other words, the families knew each other. Maybe it was exchanging photos, phone calls or a few visits a year. Either way, they could communicate with each other.
Over 15 years later, the child needed a bone marrow transplant. Apparently, it is very hard to find a donor for multiracial people. The family knew the birth family. A birth sister was a perfect match and saved the girl's life.
Please consider registering with Be the Match. The registration process is incredibly easy. You fill out a form online. You get a kit in the mail to do some cheek swabs. You get your card. That's it. You may or may not end up donating. It depends on who out there needs a bone marrow transplant and whether or not you and that person are a good match.
Please, please think about it. You know you want to! Some day it could be you or me, your sibling or mine, your kid or mine.
Here is a link to the Be the Match frequently asked questions:
http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/FAQs_about_Joining_the_Registry/index.html
Monday, November 22, 2010
Impish in sickness and in health!
That's my kid!
Amor Chiquito was about to eat a piece of bread. She loves Italian bread, just like her daddy.
Daddy told her to please sit at the dining table. She grabbed her plate and went to the couch.
Me: Ari, that is not the table, silly goose!
Ari: Yes it is, mommy. I pretend!
Me: What are you pretending?
Ari: The couch is the dining table. I pretending!
Crafty kid! Clever! So, so impish, but oh how I love it!
Amor Chiquito was about to eat a piece of bread. She loves Italian bread, just like her daddy.
Daddy told her to please sit at the dining table. She grabbed her plate and went to the couch.
Me: Ari, that is not the table, silly goose!
Ari: Yes it is, mommy. I pretend!
Me: What are you pretending?
Ari: The couch is the dining table. I pretending!
Crafty kid! Clever! So, so impish, but oh how I love it!
Go away, germs!
Last night we had a hellish night. Amor Chiquito went to bed early, around 7pm. A lot of good that did me! I was trying to finish a consulting project. I told my client I would get him the final transcript on Monday morning. I know I don't have much of a brain in the morning, so the plan was to finish the project after Ari went to bed on Sunday night.
Back to Amor Chiquito, by midnight she had been up five times. She always woke up crying. I heard things like "daaadeee, maaamiii, I see something." Sounded like nightmares to me. Probably was. Nightmares are common at this age. Kids are afraid of things. They can imagine almost anything. They go to sleep and all the ugly stuff they are afraid of shows up in their dreams.
On the up side, Amor Chiquito did very well hanging out with Daddy. She usually wants me at bedtime. They actually took a nap together. Then I flushed the toilet. Bad, bad move, apparently! She woke up and she was ready to party at midnight! We were up for hours. Sometimes it feels like it's really hard to be nice to your kid!
When I crawled into bed with her I realized she had a fever. It wasn't very high, but it was definitely there. I can always tell from touching her hands and because her mouth feels particularly warm when she nurses.
Here we are. Lots of snuggling. Lots of mommy holding Ari time. Lots of time in bed, which is very unusual for her. No appetite. A very runny nose. Red, teary eyes. I don't know if the red eyes have something to do with the cold or if she is developing pink eyes or something else. So I'll be talking to a nurse tomorrow morning. I've learned all about colds and tummy bugs. This is my chance to learn about eye stuff!
I am very happy that the transcription project dropped on my lap and that it gave me plenty of work for two weeks. But I am also very happy that I am done now and that I can spend day and night, if need be, cuddling with my little girl, who feels particularly little when she is sick. That is the one good thing about having a sick kid: you really get to snuggle with them. You can hold them forever and they don't care. After a while, you start to miss your super active kid, though!
Cooties, be gone! We just got over a cold and a stomach bug less than two weeks ago. Oh, and we paid for a Montessori tuition for my child to have a blast in school and learn stuff, not for her to be home feeling yucky!
Hope you and your relatives are staying healthy!
Back to Amor Chiquito, by midnight she had been up five times. She always woke up crying. I heard things like "daaadeee, maaamiii, I see something." Sounded like nightmares to me. Probably was. Nightmares are common at this age. Kids are afraid of things. They can imagine almost anything. They go to sleep and all the ugly stuff they are afraid of shows up in their dreams.
On the up side, Amor Chiquito did very well hanging out with Daddy. She usually wants me at bedtime. They actually took a nap together. Then I flushed the toilet. Bad, bad move, apparently! She woke up and she was ready to party at midnight! We were up for hours. Sometimes it feels like it's really hard to be nice to your kid!
When I crawled into bed with her I realized she had a fever. It wasn't very high, but it was definitely there. I can always tell from touching her hands and because her mouth feels particularly warm when she nurses.
Here we are. Lots of snuggling. Lots of mommy holding Ari time. Lots of time in bed, which is very unusual for her. No appetite. A very runny nose. Red, teary eyes. I don't know if the red eyes have something to do with the cold or if she is developing pink eyes or something else. So I'll be talking to a nurse tomorrow morning. I've learned all about colds and tummy bugs. This is my chance to learn about eye stuff!
I am very happy that the transcription project dropped on my lap and that it gave me plenty of work for two weeks. But I am also very happy that I am done now and that I can spend day and night, if need be, cuddling with my little girl, who feels particularly little when she is sick. That is the one good thing about having a sick kid: you really get to snuggle with them. You can hold them forever and they don't care. After a while, you start to miss your super active kid, though!
Cooties, be gone! We just got over a cold and a stomach bug less than two weeks ago. Oh, and we paid for a Montessori tuition for my child to have a blast in school and learn stuff, not for her to be home feeling yucky!
Hope you and your relatives are staying healthy!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Just don't do it!
Don't let your child eat in front of your laptop, that is!
Duh! Makes perfect sense!
Here is the story! Ari woke me up at six A.M. this morning. She wanted to watch Diego and she wanted to eat. I set up Netflix on my laptop and gave her the banana she asked for. Didn't think a thing about it! She then asked for water. I gave her that too!
Did I say that she was on the couch with my laptop on her lap?! Bad move, I know!
After an hour or so, I went back to bed for a bit. Daddy came down stairs and found a piece of the banana and the cup resting on my keyboard!
Have I said oops?!
Oh, have I mentioned that my computer is about a month old!
So, suggestion for you and, let's face it, for myself: when we're almost sleep walking, trying to take care of our kids, let's have them eat at the dining table and let's put the laptop a little farther away from them!
Some lessons I need to relearn five or six times before I really get it, apparently!
If you're wondering: my keyboard was decorated with banana stickiness, but it seems to be working fine.
Duh! Makes perfect sense!
Here is the story! Ari woke me up at six A.M. this morning. She wanted to watch Diego and she wanted to eat. I set up Netflix on my laptop and gave her the banana she asked for. Didn't think a thing about it! She then asked for water. I gave her that too!
Did I say that she was on the couch with my laptop on her lap?! Bad move, I know!
After an hour or so, I went back to bed for a bit. Daddy came down stairs and found a piece of the banana and the cup resting on my keyboard!
Have I said oops?!
Oh, have I mentioned that my computer is about a month old!
So, suggestion for you and, let's face it, for myself: when we're almost sleep walking, trying to take care of our kids, let's have them eat at the dining table and let's put the laptop a little farther away from them!
Some lessons I need to relearn five or six times before I really get it, apparently!
If you're wondering: my keyboard was decorated with banana stickiness, but it seems to be working fine.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
My sweet Ari...
Vague title, I know. I really couldn't think of a good title. I'm tired.
So, as I have mentioned before, I am visually impaired, very visually impaired, actually! I have a rare congenital genetic eye condition. My retina did not develop properly. There are many blind spots on my eyes. I have very limitted peripheral vision.
Amor Chiquito has been aware of this since before she turned one. We have talked about it several times. At the same time, I don't want to overdo it. I don't want her to feel as though she needs to constantly watch out for me or take care of me. I am her mother. It should be the other way around.
All that being said, Amor Chiquito is very aware of my visual impairment and her actions really show it.
The other night, we were leaving my mom's place and we were walking to the car. Amor Chiquito and Daddy headed out first and I talked to my mom for another minute or so. It was dark outside, so I was walking to the car slowly.
Amor Chiquito: Daddy, we need to wait for mommy. She can't see when it dark outside.
Just a little while ago, Amor Chiquito and I were spending some time together before bedtime. Suddenly, she asked "mommy, can you see?"
I am a big believer in being honest to kids and using words that are age appropriate. So, my response was "yes, love, I can see a little bit. You can see a lot and I can see a little bit." I figured that would be sufficient for now. It was.
Other situations where it is clear that she is very aware:
Sometimes I call her name just to say I love you. Other times, I call her name so I can figure out where she is. If you've been with a little kid to a big store, you know what I'm talking about! So, when I call her name, her response is usually "I right here, mommy."
When she is about to hand me something, she typically says something like "right here, mommy," or "right in front of you, mommy."
I am so very grateful for my sweet child. She is so aware and she loves helping others. My hope is that our modeling positive behaviors will inspire her to continue to be the beautiful, caring human being she is right now.
I'm sure someone out there is wondering how my visual impairment has impacted my parenting style. It has, in some ways. I will write about that another day. The short version is that I do almost everything with my child. Some things I do differently. There are three things that I have a very hard time with: measuring her medicine, clipping her nails, and brushing her teeth. Breastfeeding was challenging at first, but we got through that, clearly! More later!
So, as I have mentioned before, I am visually impaired, very visually impaired, actually! I have a rare congenital genetic eye condition. My retina did not develop properly. There are many blind spots on my eyes. I have very limitted peripheral vision.
Amor Chiquito has been aware of this since before she turned one. We have talked about it several times. At the same time, I don't want to overdo it. I don't want her to feel as though she needs to constantly watch out for me or take care of me. I am her mother. It should be the other way around.
All that being said, Amor Chiquito is very aware of my visual impairment and her actions really show it.
The other night, we were leaving my mom's place and we were walking to the car. Amor Chiquito and Daddy headed out first and I talked to my mom for another minute or so. It was dark outside, so I was walking to the car slowly.
Amor Chiquito: Daddy, we need to wait for mommy. She can't see when it dark outside.
Just a little while ago, Amor Chiquito and I were spending some time together before bedtime. Suddenly, she asked "mommy, can you see?"
I am a big believer in being honest to kids and using words that are age appropriate. So, my response was "yes, love, I can see a little bit. You can see a lot and I can see a little bit." I figured that would be sufficient for now. It was.
Other situations where it is clear that she is very aware:
Sometimes I call her name just to say I love you. Other times, I call her name so I can figure out where she is. If you've been with a little kid to a big store, you know what I'm talking about! So, when I call her name, her response is usually "I right here, mommy."
When she is about to hand me something, she typically says something like "right here, mommy," or "right in front of you, mommy."
I am so very grateful for my sweet child. She is so aware and she loves helping others. My hope is that our modeling positive behaviors will inspire her to continue to be the beautiful, caring human being she is right now.
I'm sure someone out there is wondering how my visual impairment has impacted my parenting style. It has, in some ways. I will write about that another day. The short version is that I do almost everything with my child. Some things I do differently. There are three things that I have a very hard time with: measuring her medicine, clipping her nails, and brushing her teeth. Breastfeeding was challenging at first, but we got through that, clearly! More later!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Off to the beach!
No, we are not going to the beach! But Amor Chiquito really wants to! She woke us up around 5:30 today and the first thing out of her mouth was "I want go to the beach."
Really, kid?! 5:30am? Why? Everyone went back to sleep, except me. It takes me forever to fall asleep, so why bother? If I did manage to fall asleep, I would have to get up in less than an hour.
There is one thing I miss from my pre-parenthood days: sleep. Oh how I miss you, sleep! It's much better now, don't get me wrong. But all week she has been getting up two or three times a night. So this mommy is tired! And I have no idea whatsoever why she is getting up in the middle of the night lately. Maybe it's too warm in the house? Daddy would disagree, but Ari and I like to sleep in a very cold room. Poor man! You should see the way he sleeps!
Back to the beach, the ironic thing is that today is the date to make our final payment for our next vacation, not that Arianna knows that! But, hey, there is no way I will forget now!
Really, kid?! 5:30am? Why? Everyone went back to sleep, except me. It takes me forever to fall asleep, so why bother? If I did manage to fall asleep, I would have to get up in less than an hour.
There is one thing I miss from my pre-parenthood days: sleep. Oh how I miss you, sleep! It's much better now, don't get me wrong. But all week she has been getting up two or three times a night. So this mommy is tired! And I have no idea whatsoever why she is getting up in the middle of the night lately. Maybe it's too warm in the house? Daddy would disagree, but Ari and I like to sleep in a very cold room. Poor man! You should see the way he sleeps!
Back to the beach, the ironic thing is that today is the date to make our final payment for our next vacation, not that Arianna knows that! But, hey, there is no way I will forget now!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Two cute stories!
I am hearing so many stories lately. I love it! I really should get better about writing them down. Some of them are so adorable!
Here are two:
Last night, Amor Chiquito talked to Geeky Entrepreneur about hotels, going far away, and visiting family.
Amor Chiquito: Daddy, my house is not far away, but the hotel is far, far away.
Daddy: Do you like going to the hotel, Ari?
Amor Chiquito (very excited): Yes, Daddy, I love the hotel! Hotel is for resting. Then we see Nana and Titi (Spanish for auntie, my sister). Daddy, I want see Nana after we sleep, please!
This morning, Amor Chiquito and I had a conversation about the winter.
Amor Chiquito: Is it winter yet?
Me: No.
Amor Chiquito: I go look out my window.
(She ran, looked out the window, and returned, kind of sad/disappointed.)
Mommy, it not winter yet. I really really want to make a snowman.
So, her definition of winter: when there is snow on the ground!
Tell me about the cute things your kiddos are saying! I love cute kid stories!
Here are two:
Last night, Amor Chiquito talked to Geeky Entrepreneur about hotels, going far away, and visiting family.
Amor Chiquito: Daddy, my house is not far away, but the hotel is far, far away.
Daddy: Do you like going to the hotel, Ari?
Amor Chiquito (very excited): Yes, Daddy, I love the hotel! Hotel is for resting. Then we see Nana and Titi (Spanish for auntie, my sister). Daddy, I want see Nana after we sleep, please!
This morning, Amor Chiquito and I had a conversation about the winter.
Amor Chiquito: Is it winter yet?
Me: No.
Amor Chiquito: I go look out my window.
(She ran, looked out the window, and returned, kind of sad/disappointed.)
Mommy, it not winter yet. I really really want to make a snowman.
So, her definition of winter: when there is snow on the ground!
Tell me about the cute things your kiddos are saying! I love cute kid stories!
Why we get sick (Ari's version)
Amor Chiquito, Geeky Entrepreneur and I were sick this week. She has a cold and all three of us had a stomach bug. So, we have been talking about being sick, getting better, etc. Also, it sounds like Amor Chiquito has been learning about it in school. All this led to the following conversation:
Me: Ari, Mama (grandma) is sick. Her tummy hurts. Would you like to help her?
Ari: Yes, we need to give her kisses. I want to give her kisses! I want go Mama house, please!
Me: Would you like to share your Ginger ale with Mama? You and Daddy could bring her some.
Ari: Yes, I share my ginger ale with Mama! It make her feel a little better. And we can’t forget to give her hugs. Mommy, Mama got sick because people sneeze and she got germs. You have to sneeze on your elbow.
Later on, I was talking to my mom on the phone, telling her that Geeky Entrepreneur and Amor Chiquito would be delivering a few things soon. Amor Chiquito ran over and asked me to tell Mama that if she throws up she will feel a little better.
It is very fascinating to me how much kids understand and how much analyzing is going on in their little minds.
What interesting conclusions/realizations/advice has your little one shared recently?
Me: Ari, Mama (grandma) is sick. Her tummy hurts. Would you like to help her?
Ari: Yes, we need to give her kisses. I want to give her kisses! I want go Mama house, please!
Me: Would you like to share your Ginger ale with Mama? You and Daddy could bring her some.
Ari: Yes, I share my ginger ale with Mama! It make her feel a little better. And we can’t forget to give her hugs. Mommy, Mama got sick because people sneeze and she got germs. You have to sneeze on your elbow.
Later on, I was talking to my mom on the phone, telling her that Geeky Entrepreneur and Amor Chiquito would be delivering a few things soon. Amor Chiquito ran over and asked me to tell Mama that if she throws up she will feel a little better.
It is very fascinating to me how much kids understand and how much analyzing is going on in their little minds.
What interesting conclusions/realizations/advice has your little one shared recently?
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Donating breast milk helped a mother cope with her loss.
I had no idea what to title this post.
This story is beautiful, very touching, and sad. A mommy's baby passed away. She continued to pump breast milk after his passing. She ended up donating her milk to several people.
http://bcmbreastfeedingcoalition.blogspot.com/2009/08/breasts-in-mourning.html
What an unselfish and admirable way to grieve.
My thoughts and hugs to all of you parents out there who have lost a little one, whether you miscarried, had a stillbirth, sudden infant death. Whatever it was, I just want to send a big virtual hug your way.
This story is beautiful, very touching, and sad. A mommy's baby passed away. She continued to pump breast milk after his passing. She ended up donating her milk to several people.
http://bcmbreastfeedingcoalition.blogspot.com/2009/08/breasts-in-mourning.html
What an unselfish and admirable way to grieve.
My thoughts and hugs to all of you parents out there who have lost a little one, whether you miscarried, had a stillbirth, sudden infant death. Whatever it was, I just want to send a big virtual hug your way.
Big News: First Nap in School
So, at pick-up time in school yesterday, right away, one of the teachers came over and said “Arianna napped today.” Then, the other teacher came over. She always practices her Spanish with my mother and I. As one teacher was telling me that Ari slept, the other teacher was telling my mom, in Spanish, that Arianna slept for a long time, close to an hour and a half.
Call me super weird, but I almost wanted to cry! You have no idea how huge this is for us!
You should have seen my face! I simply could not believe it. I had given up on it. I was figuring that if she ever napped, it probably would not happen until March or something!
Amor Chiquito desperately needs a nap. When I pick her up, she is usually very tired and cranky. She only wants me, she wants to nurse many times, she is whiny, etc.
Yesterday, I picked up a completely different kid! She was happy, very active, and playful. No whining. She did not ask to nurse all day, not until bedtime. We played lots. We went out for a treat. We had a lot of fun taking a shower together.
I am so proud of her! I told her that I was happy that she napped and that I love seeing her rested and happy. Let’s see what happens the next few days!
Oh, if you are curious, this is week eight in school!
Have I mentioned that I still can’t believe it?!
Oh, by the way, she is less dependent on me when it is time to go to sleep lately. She is also not asking to nurse nearly as much. Is my baby getting ready to wean at last? My baby is growing up!
Yes, I know she is no longer a baby. Whatever, she is still my baby!
I had secretly started to wonder if kids really do wean themselves. I have been a strong believer in child-led weaning, but, to be honest, I have felt frustrated the past few weeks and I had begun to second-guess my decision. I feel that I am beginning to see the signs.
More on breastfeeding, weaning, and support for breastfeeding families in another post.
Call me super weird, but I almost wanted to cry! You have no idea how huge this is for us!
You should have seen my face! I simply could not believe it. I had given up on it. I was figuring that if she ever napped, it probably would not happen until March or something!
Amor Chiquito desperately needs a nap. When I pick her up, she is usually very tired and cranky. She only wants me, she wants to nurse many times, she is whiny, etc.
Yesterday, I picked up a completely different kid! She was happy, very active, and playful. No whining. She did not ask to nurse all day, not until bedtime. We played lots. We went out for a treat. We had a lot of fun taking a shower together.
I am so proud of her! I told her that I was happy that she napped and that I love seeing her rested and happy. Let’s see what happens the next few days!
Oh, if you are curious, this is week eight in school!
Have I mentioned that I still can’t believe it?!
Oh, by the way, she is less dependent on me when it is time to go to sleep lately. She is also not asking to nurse nearly as much. Is my baby getting ready to wean at last? My baby is growing up!
Yes, I know she is no longer a baby. Whatever, she is still my baby!
I had secretly started to wonder if kids really do wean themselves. I have been a strong believer in child-led weaning, but, to be honest, I have felt frustrated the past few weeks and I had begun to second-guess my decision. I feel that I am beginning to see the signs.
More on breastfeeding, weaning, and support for breastfeeding families in another post.
Monday, October 25, 2010
On Inducing Lactation
I just came across this website. It explains in great detail how a woman can induce lactation. Basically, it involves birth control pills, some herbs and a fair bit of pumping.
http://www.asklenore.info/breastfeeding/induced_lactation/protocols4print.html
If you are adopting, you can still breastfeed! What can I say? Our bodies rock!
http://www.asklenore.info/breastfeeding/induced_lactation/protocols4print.html
If you are adopting, you can still breastfeed! What can I say? Our bodies rock!
Classroom Visits One and Two
More about school! What can I say? We spent a fair bit of time at school last week.
Every other week, the parents spend the first half hour of the day in their children’s classroom. Last Thursday was our second time doing this. Basically, we get a glimpse of what Amor Chiquito is working on at this point in time.
Last week, we got to see Amor Chiquito work on “writing her name.” She also traced some geometric shapes. The kid is all about art work and “writing her name.” It’s all her. We are certainly not rushing her into writing anything.
The other time we went we worked on three different things. Amor Chiquito worked with tweezers. She did some counting and matching with an older classmate. And the third activity… I have no recollection whatsoever! Actually, come to think of it, I think she did some writing. What else is new?!
Every other week, the parents spend the first half hour of the day in their children’s classroom. Last Thursday was our second time doing this. Basically, we get a glimpse of what Amor Chiquito is working on at this point in time.
Last week, we got to see Amor Chiquito work on “writing her name.” She also traced some geometric shapes. The kid is all about art work and “writing her name.” It’s all her. We are certainly not rushing her into writing anything.
The other time we went we worked on three different things. Amor Chiquito worked with tweezers. She did some counting and matching with an older classmate. And the third activity… I have no recollection whatsoever! Actually, come to think of it, I think she did some writing. What else is new?!
Curriculum Evening
Last Wednesday was curriculum night. We spent close to two hours in Amor Chiquito’s classroom, chatting with her teachers, looking at the different activities the kids work on, etc. The teachers went over each area and over the Montessori philosophy. We even got a Montessori-style math lesson!
The classroom has various work stations: practical life, math, sensorial, writing, reading, art, etc. The kids either work at one of those tables or sit on the floor, on a small rug, with a tray that holds whatever they are working on. Why a rug? If I see you on a rug with such-and-such toy, I know that that is your work space and that that activity is yours for the time being.
The kids also get math, Spanish and yoga lessons.
So, the infamous math lesson… It was great! All the parents were in awe, wishing we had attended a Montessori school as a child. By the time kids get to first grade they are adding four-digit numbers and some of them are even starting to learn the multiplication tables. The difference is that kids learn with beads, bars, squares and cubes. They learn about carrying numbers over and all that. But they do it all sans pencil or paper. They are learning in a way that they find fun and engaging.
Things I love about the Montessori preschool classroom:
Kids learn about ‘peace and grace.’ In other words, they develop social skills. They learn to be mindful of each other. They learn to peacefully coexist. They learn to set healthy boundaries. They even learn about being a host! Geeky Entrepreneur and his guy friend whose kids attend a Montessori school joke that their kids know more about “being civilized and hosting” than they, the dads, did when they were 20!
Here is an example: when we toured the school and sat in the classrooms in the spring, the tour guides were 11-12 year olds. When we went into the elementary classroom, a girl asked if we wanted water and brought us some.
Oh, this reminds me… The preschool kids serve themselves their own snacks and get themselves drinks. They use a two-cup glass pitcher and tiny, five-ounce glasses! So cute! If you see the tiny pitcher, you’ll agree with me!
Back to what I love about the classroom:
There are many different toys, each one teaching something and simultaneously letting my kiddo be a kid. Amor Chiquito might learn something from a toy now and she might learn something else from it later on.
I also like the fact that there is structure, but she learns at her pace. There is time when everyone is together as a group. They do circle time, read stories, sing songs, etc. There are also times when each child gets to work individually, with another kid, or with a teacher. When Amor Chiquito is working on something, it is something she chose and she works on it for as little or as long as she needs to. That is not to say that she does whatever she wants to do all day. The teachers are trained, have a curriculum, and they are aware of who is learning what. If they notice that Ari is mostly into art (which she is), they use art to draw her into another area so she can learn something else. If your child is into math, but it is time to move on, the teacher might say “would you like to count these?” Next thing you know, the child is learning about something else.
I often get to chat with the teachers, usually at pick-up time. But the curriculum evening gave us an opportunity to learn more about what Amor Chiquito loves to do and what she is like in the classroom. Here are some funny facts!
One of the teachers describes Amor Chiquito as ‘the eyes of the classroom’! My child is a tattle tail, in other words!
If someone needs help, she goes and tells the teachers.
If someone is running, she tells the teachers that so-and-so ‘is not using his running feet.’
When it is rest time (you know it’s not nap time, not for my kid!), Amor Chiquito lies down, picks up her head, asks her friends if they are ok, lies down, picks up her head, asks if they are ok, you get the point!
At Q&A time, Geeky Entrepreneur asked if the teachers might have suggestions as to how to ask about her day because we just don’t get much out of her as to what she did in school today. The admissions officer (also a teacher), Laura, who I have loved since day one, was in the classroom. She said that three-year-olds tend to be in the present, so when we ask about the school day, she will probably talk about what she just did, not what she did four hours ago. She also said that a child Amor Chiquito’s age tends to do lots of observing. All three teachers, as if they were a quire, said “nooooo”! They each went on to say that she is very busy and that she is, most definitely, doing, not observing. It was definitely a funny moment. Everyone in the classroom was laughing. Next thing I know other parents were calling my silly kid Arianna Genius.
The funny thing is that, since I am not a teacher and since she is my first/only child, I had no idea that Amor Chiquito is not your typical three-year-old. She has known her letters since she was two and she loves to doodle. I know not every child does these things. But I also know that plenty of kids do. Long story short, she is who she is and I don’t question it. I love her for who she is. I will continue to do my best to figure out what she needs to continue developing.
The classroom has various work stations: practical life, math, sensorial, writing, reading, art, etc. The kids either work at one of those tables or sit on the floor, on a small rug, with a tray that holds whatever they are working on. Why a rug? If I see you on a rug with such-and-such toy, I know that that is your work space and that that activity is yours for the time being.
The kids also get math, Spanish and yoga lessons.
So, the infamous math lesson… It was great! All the parents were in awe, wishing we had attended a Montessori school as a child. By the time kids get to first grade they are adding four-digit numbers and some of them are even starting to learn the multiplication tables. The difference is that kids learn with beads, bars, squares and cubes. They learn about carrying numbers over and all that. But they do it all sans pencil or paper. They are learning in a way that they find fun and engaging.
Things I love about the Montessori preschool classroom:
Kids learn about ‘peace and grace.’ In other words, they develop social skills. They learn to be mindful of each other. They learn to peacefully coexist. They learn to set healthy boundaries. They even learn about being a host! Geeky Entrepreneur and his guy friend whose kids attend a Montessori school joke that their kids know more about “being civilized and hosting” than they, the dads, did when they were 20!
Here is an example: when we toured the school and sat in the classrooms in the spring, the tour guides were 11-12 year olds. When we went into the elementary classroom, a girl asked if we wanted water and brought us some.
Oh, this reminds me… The preschool kids serve themselves their own snacks and get themselves drinks. They use a two-cup glass pitcher and tiny, five-ounce glasses! So cute! If you see the tiny pitcher, you’ll agree with me!
Back to what I love about the classroom:
There are many different toys, each one teaching something and simultaneously letting my kiddo be a kid. Amor Chiquito might learn something from a toy now and she might learn something else from it later on.
I also like the fact that there is structure, but she learns at her pace. There is time when everyone is together as a group. They do circle time, read stories, sing songs, etc. There are also times when each child gets to work individually, with another kid, or with a teacher. When Amor Chiquito is working on something, it is something she chose and she works on it for as little or as long as she needs to. That is not to say that she does whatever she wants to do all day. The teachers are trained, have a curriculum, and they are aware of who is learning what. If they notice that Ari is mostly into art (which she is), they use art to draw her into another area so she can learn something else. If your child is into math, but it is time to move on, the teacher might say “would you like to count these?” Next thing you know, the child is learning about something else.
I often get to chat with the teachers, usually at pick-up time. But the curriculum evening gave us an opportunity to learn more about what Amor Chiquito loves to do and what she is like in the classroom. Here are some funny facts!
One of the teachers describes Amor Chiquito as ‘the eyes of the classroom’! My child is a tattle tail, in other words!
If someone needs help, she goes and tells the teachers.
If someone is running, she tells the teachers that so-and-so ‘is not using his running feet.’
When it is rest time (you know it’s not nap time, not for my kid!), Amor Chiquito lies down, picks up her head, asks her friends if they are ok, lies down, picks up her head, asks if they are ok, you get the point!
At Q&A time, Geeky Entrepreneur asked if the teachers might have suggestions as to how to ask about her day because we just don’t get much out of her as to what she did in school today. The admissions officer (also a teacher), Laura, who I have loved since day one, was in the classroom. She said that three-year-olds tend to be in the present, so when we ask about the school day, she will probably talk about what she just did, not what she did four hours ago. She also said that a child Amor Chiquito’s age tends to do lots of observing. All three teachers, as if they were a quire, said “nooooo”! They each went on to say that she is very busy and that she is, most definitely, doing, not observing. It was definitely a funny moment. Everyone in the classroom was laughing. Next thing I know other parents were calling my silly kid Arianna Genius.
The funny thing is that, since I am not a teacher and since she is my first/only child, I had no idea that Amor Chiquito is not your typical three-year-old. She has known her letters since she was two and she loves to doodle. I know not every child does these things. But I also know that plenty of kids do. Long story short, she is who she is and I don’t question it. I love her for who she is. I will continue to do my best to figure out what she needs to continue developing.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Montessori School Children's Fair
Amor Chiquito, her cousin, Grandma and I attended the children’s fair at Amor Chiquito’s school yesterday. It was a lot of fun. The kids had a blast. I had a blast watching them! It was also great to see how almost every parent did something, be it cook and donate some food, set up, staff a table, etc., to make it happen.
One of Amor Chiquito’s favorite activities was the bounce house! In fact, she liked it so much she went in twice.
She also loved the pony rides. Did that twice as well. She looked so cute riding the pony, helmet and all!
Amor Chiquito painted a pumpkin. She said the pumpkin is Nana’s surprise birthday present. She did not know this, but Halloween is Nana’s favorite holiday. So Nana will be so very happy, mostly because her one and only grandbaby made it just for her!
Amor Chiquito did some beading. She has a bracelet made by her and I.
She went to the face painting station. She got a butterfly on her face and green hair. I wish you could have seen the green hair!
The fair was held at the school playground, so Amor Chiquito also spent lots of time climbing, going on the swings, and playing in the sandbox.
By the time we came home my feet were killing me and I needed a nap. But I am so glad the kids got to go and I am glad Geeky Entrepreneur and I got to do our part to help the school out. We each cooked something.
Next year, I hope to talk more families into going. Yaminette, I’m looking at you! I also hope that both grandmas can make it because I know they will love seeing the kids having a blast!
Those of you with kids nearby, I will do a better job next year and tell you ahead of time so you can come join us if you and your kids would enjoy that.
One of Amor Chiquito’s favorite activities was the bounce house! In fact, she liked it so much she went in twice.
She also loved the pony rides. Did that twice as well. She looked so cute riding the pony, helmet and all!
Amor Chiquito painted a pumpkin. She said the pumpkin is Nana’s surprise birthday present. She did not know this, but Halloween is Nana’s favorite holiday. So Nana will be so very happy, mostly because her one and only grandbaby made it just for her!
Amor Chiquito did some beading. She has a bracelet made by her and I.
She went to the face painting station. She got a butterfly on her face and green hair. I wish you could have seen the green hair!
The fair was held at the school playground, so Amor Chiquito also spent lots of time climbing, going on the swings, and playing in the sandbox.
By the time we came home my feet were killing me and I needed a nap. But I am so glad the kids got to go and I am glad Geeky Entrepreneur and I got to do our part to help the school out. We each cooked something.
Next year, I hope to talk more families into going. Yaminette, I’m looking at you! I also hope that both grandmas can make it because I know they will love seeing the kids having a blast!
Those of you with kids nearby, I will do a better job next year and tell you ahead of time so you can come join us if you and your kids would enjoy that.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Lunch Update
A while back I posted about how Amor Chiquito was barely eating her lunch. Well, that has changed! Here is the update:
Amor Chiquito was not much of a breakfast person. By the second or third week of school that changed. She now has a bowl of cereal before she leaves every morning.
We learned from one of the teachers that she was, most definitely, eating. She was going for seconds at snack time, in fact!
About a week after I posted here about lunch, Amor Chiquito started wiping out her lunch completely. When she started eating her entire lunch, I was sending a quarter of a homemade waffle and fruit. I was alternating between grapes and strawberries. Here we are, three weeks later, and the kid is still in love with waffles and strawberries! I don't offer waffles at home so that she does not get sick of them. We'll send something else, eventually, but why screw with it if she is loving waffles and strawberries right now?
I used to send water. She was not drinking much. I switched to juice. I sent orange juice for a while. This week, I am sending crangrape juice and water, about a two to one ratio. Four ounces of 100% juice. No juice at home because she has juice in school and at grandma's, of course. It is working beautifully.
If you are curious, she still will not touch meat! Her protein comes from dairy and nuts. Fortunately, we now know that she is not alergic to any nuts.
Amor Chiquito was not much of a breakfast person. By the second or third week of school that changed. She now has a bowl of cereal before she leaves every morning.
We learned from one of the teachers that she was, most definitely, eating. She was going for seconds at snack time, in fact!
About a week after I posted here about lunch, Amor Chiquito started wiping out her lunch completely. When she started eating her entire lunch, I was sending a quarter of a homemade waffle and fruit. I was alternating between grapes and strawberries. Here we are, three weeks later, and the kid is still in love with waffles and strawberries! I don't offer waffles at home so that she does not get sick of them. We'll send something else, eventually, but why screw with it if she is loving waffles and strawberries right now?
I used to send water. She was not drinking much. I switched to juice. I sent orange juice for a while. This week, I am sending crangrape juice and water, about a two to one ratio. Four ounces of 100% juice. No juice at home because she has juice in school and at grandma's, of course. It is working beautifully.
If you are curious, she still will not touch meat! Her protein comes from dairy and nuts. Fortunately, we now know that she is not alergic to any nuts.
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