This is not my favorite stage. Any ideas for helping a one-year-old learn that ear-shattering screams aren't the best way to get what you want? Someday he's going to say "please pick me up" and "please give me a cracker" or even just "please!!!!!!" But until the glorious day comes, what in the world am I going to do to save my eardrums and my sanity?
In other news, I think he tried to say "shoe" yesterday. And he might have also tried to say "kiss". We couldn't get him to do it again, but...it sure sounded like it and the context was right.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Small happy dances
The number on my scale has halted its downward trend. But I'm ok with that since
a) I have nothing to blame but myself and the Easter candy, and
b) I had to take my belt in to the last notch yesterday.
Things aren't half bad around here. :)
a) I have nothing to blame but myself and the Easter candy, and
b) I had to take my belt in to the last notch yesterday.
Things aren't half bad around here. :)
This is great
Sunday, April 30, 2006
More reading
Jonathan’s interest in books is fascinating me as it develops. His latest interest is not being read to, but “reading” to me. He doesn’t want to wait for me to read what is on the page – if I try to do that, he fusses and turns the pages and throws the book on the floor. But if I just let him sit in my lap and turn the pages on his own, he’ll point to things and give me a wonderful running commentary.
Magnetic
About a week ago one of our alphabet magnets was found on the floor, sans magnet. “I hope Jonathan didn’t eat that,” I said. I did a load of diapers a few days later. As I pulled the last clean, wet diaper out of the washer and swept my hand around to catch any loose socks, my fingers found something small and hard and metallic.
Well, at least it isn’t inside him anymore. :)
Well, at least it isn’t inside him anymore. :)
Friday
Friday was a nice day. We woke up to a grey day with lovely mild temperatures. Rain threatened, but never quite materialized. The sort of day that said “open the doors and make hot chocolate!” So we did! Jonathan and I snuggled on the couch and read books. We played on the bed and he crawled all over the mommy mountain. We danced. We went outside and inside and outside again. I didn’t make a list or even look at my chore cards. And it was nice. It isn’t the sort of day you can do all the time. Chores do need to happen and one should not drink an entire pot of hot cocoa too often. :) But every now and then it really is nice to sit back, slow down, and live life with no demands beyond that of a little boy who wants to play with you.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Dance Baby Dance
I hate working out. Granted, some types are better than others, but it's not something I "enjoy". But I'm enjoying this kind, so this is a completely shameless plug for the people who made it.
Dance Baby Dance is a home workout dvd that combines playing with your baby/toddler with getting back in shape. The dances go through a range from warm-ups to cardio dance to cool down. They are simple (only one or two, maybe three "steps" to learn. I've learned most of them without even going through the "teaching" parts of the dvd. Seriously, this is not one of those things that takes a year just to learn how to do the moves. Five minutes, maybe. :)
Jonathan enjoys it because hey, he's in my arms, and what could be better! I enjoy it because I like dance, it is simple, I can do it when it's raining, and the music is fun. It's nice to feel happy while working out, isn't it?
The other nice thing is that it is effective without a lot of time investment. Cardio dance is hard enough...cardio dance with a 20+ lb kid in your arms is something else! Twenty or thirty minutes wipes me out completely.
If you want to look into it, you can go to the Infantastic website or check them out on Amazon.
Dance Baby Dance is a home workout dvd that combines playing with your baby/toddler with getting back in shape. The dances go through a range from warm-ups to cardio dance to cool down. They are simple (only one or two, maybe three "steps" to learn. I've learned most of them without even going through the "teaching" parts of the dvd. Seriously, this is not one of those things that takes a year just to learn how to do the moves. Five minutes, maybe. :)
Jonathan enjoys it because hey, he's in my arms, and what could be better! I enjoy it because I like dance, it is simple, I can do it when it's raining, and the music is fun. It's nice to feel happy while working out, isn't it?
The other nice thing is that it is effective without a lot of time investment. Cardio dance is hard enough...cardio dance with a 20+ lb kid in your arms is something else! Twenty or thirty minutes wipes me out completely.
If you want to look into it, you can go to the Infantastic website or check them out on Amazon.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
"Primary care physician" = "doctor/patient relationship"?
I don't think so.
We’re changing insurance companies again. Therefore, we’re all changing doctors again. Once again we will blindly pick a name off a page and hope that he speaks English without too much of an accent. This never used to bother me very much. I was a healthy adult with little need to actually see a doctor, so who cared if it was a different one every time? Five doctors in six years didn’t have much effect on my life.
But my life is different now. Now I have Jonathan, and potential pregnancies, and hopefully more children. Now I want a real “primary care physician”. Someone who can keep all the records on all the members of my family in one place. Someone who in ten years will recognize me when I bring my fourth child for her shots or because of an ear infection. Someone with whom I can have a relationship.
Every health-care article I read talks about how important the “doctor-patient relationship” is. Doesn’t that sound like a nice idea? Only I’m not sure that in today’s world, it will ever really happen.
This new insurance provider will be my fifth since I started college. Every job change has meant an insurance change. Sky-high insurance costs often force employers into an insurance change. And every insurance change has meant a doctor change. In a system like this, there is no chance to build a relationship.
And it isn’t only the fault of insurance. The longest “relationship” I’ve ever had with a doctor (in fact, the only time in my adult life that I’ve seen a doctor more than once) was with Dr. O. during my pregnancy. Something like 15 visits over nine months. I was happy with him, comfortable with him, trusted him with the delivery of my child. Only when it actually came down to it, someone else delivered my child, and the hospital wouldn’t even call him.
Before Jonathan was born, I interviewed a lot of pediatricians. I found one I liked and set everything up so that he would automatically be Munchkin’s pediatrician from birth. Only he was on vacation when Jonathan was born, so we were assigned another pediatrician. She was nice enough, but I had no idea who she was or what her theories were or if she would do a good job with Jonathan’s circumcision (she didn’t.)
Jonathan is one year old now, and the new doctor under the new insurance next month will be his fifth doctor. How can good healthcare happen under these circumstances? If a given doctor sees me or my child only once or twice before passing our files off to someone else, what are the chances of actually catching something abnormal before it becomes a real problem? I doubt they are very good.
It is a frustrating situation, and it seems doubtful that it will get fixed any time soon. Universal healthcare doesn’t seem to be the answer from its track record in Europe and Canada. HMOs seem to force doctors into doing things in ways they may not like, but most of us can’t afford to be in a PPO program. And no matter the program, the doctors are seeing too many patients in too little time and with too little background information…because after all, any given patient might be me or my son with our history of bouncing from doctor to doctor to doctor.
I heard recently of a pediatrician who still does house calls. I wonder if he’s taking new patients? I wonder if Gabe would mind moving?
We’re changing insurance companies again. Therefore, we’re all changing doctors again. Once again we will blindly pick a name off a page and hope that he speaks English without too much of an accent. This never used to bother me very much. I was a healthy adult with little need to actually see a doctor, so who cared if it was a different one every time? Five doctors in six years didn’t have much effect on my life.
But my life is different now. Now I have Jonathan, and potential pregnancies, and hopefully more children. Now I want a real “primary care physician”. Someone who can keep all the records on all the members of my family in one place. Someone who in ten years will recognize me when I bring my fourth child for her shots or because of an ear infection. Someone with whom I can have a relationship.
Every health-care article I read talks about how important the “doctor-patient relationship” is. Doesn’t that sound like a nice idea? Only I’m not sure that in today’s world, it will ever really happen.
This new insurance provider will be my fifth since I started college. Every job change has meant an insurance change. Sky-high insurance costs often force employers into an insurance change. And every insurance change has meant a doctor change. In a system like this, there is no chance to build a relationship.
And it isn’t only the fault of insurance. The longest “relationship” I’ve ever had with a doctor (in fact, the only time in my adult life that I’ve seen a doctor more than once) was with Dr. O. during my pregnancy. Something like 15 visits over nine months. I was happy with him, comfortable with him, trusted him with the delivery of my child. Only when it actually came down to it, someone else delivered my child, and the hospital wouldn’t even call him.
Before Jonathan was born, I interviewed a lot of pediatricians. I found one I liked and set everything up so that he would automatically be Munchkin’s pediatrician from birth. Only he was on vacation when Jonathan was born, so we were assigned another pediatrician. She was nice enough, but I had no idea who she was or what her theories were or if she would do a good job with Jonathan’s circumcision (she didn’t.)
Jonathan is one year old now, and the new doctor under the new insurance next month will be his fifth doctor. How can good healthcare happen under these circumstances? If a given doctor sees me or my child only once or twice before passing our files off to someone else, what are the chances of actually catching something abnormal before it becomes a real problem? I doubt they are very good.
It is a frustrating situation, and it seems doubtful that it will get fixed any time soon. Universal healthcare doesn’t seem to be the answer from its track record in Europe and Canada. HMOs seem to force doctors into doing things in ways they may not like, but most of us can’t afford to be in a PPO program. And no matter the program, the doctors are seeing too many patients in too little time and with too little background information…because after all, any given patient might be me or my son with our history of bouncing from doctor to doctor to doctor.
I heard recently of a pediatrician who still does house calls. I wonder if he’s taking new patients? I wonder if Gabe would mind moving?
Reading and other updates
This morning Jonathan sat on my lap and we read books for 12 minutes. Seriously, folks, this is a record. Usually he submits for about 12 seconds and then crawls all over the place. I've been reading to him anyway, just letting him crawl and look at whatever he happens to be interested in, on the assumption that someday he'll figure out that reading with Mommy is fun. Maybe its working. :)
Jonathan likes to walk. But only holding onto my hands. He holds my fingers and walks slightly ahead of me, sort of pulling me along above/behind. It is really good practice for him, and we do it a lot, but sometimes I have other things to do that require the use of my hands. This is a cause of great grief to the poor child. Crawling isn't as much fun as walking with Mommy, you see.
He loves to play outside. Our back door is permanently open when it isn't raining, because Jonathan is so much happier with the option to go outside. He's pretty good about obeying the "stay on the patio" rule, and I hope that he will continue to get better about the "don't pick the flowers" rule. :)
Jonathan likes to walk. But only holding onto my hands. He holds my fingers and walks slightly ahead of me, sort of pulling me along above/behind. It is really good practice for him, and we do it a lot, but sometimes I have other things to do that require the use of my hands. This is a cause of great grief to the poor child. Crawling isn't as much fun as walking with Mommy, you see.
He loves to play outside. Our back door is permanently open when it isn't raining, because Jonathan is so much happier with the option to go outside. He's pretty good about obeying the "stay on the patio" rule, and I hope that he will continue to get better about the "don't pick the flowers" rule. :)
Monday, April 24, 2006
Babbling
Jonathan talks. Constantly. How I wish I knew what he was saying! It's funny to make up possibilities - imagining that he's telling me all about the tree, or the big truck that just went past, or the bird singing. Sometimes I try to figure out what he's really talking about...but its almost impossible to tell.
Brigid was over here this morning for a few hours. She's nearly two years old, and she talks in clear, understandable sentences. It was very fun to see what Jonathan will eventually be able to do.
For now, though, I'm just enjoying the babble. :)
Brigid was over here this morning for a few hours. She's nearly two years old, and she talks in clear, understandable sentences. It was very fun to see what Jonathan will eventually be able to do.
For now, though, I'm just enjoying the babble. :)
Large families
I saw a neat family the other day. It was a family of seven - five children - and I'm pretty sure the oldest couldn't have been more than 8 years old. She was a beautiful little girl, and she was holding her tiny baby sister. I stopped to say hello and ask how old the baby was. The little girl holding her beamed with pride as she said "two weeks". She was so pleased to show off her sister, and it was obvious that she was proud to be trusted with her. The mom and dad were quite busy between shopping and taking care of the other three kids ("stay here, keep your hands on the cart!") but it was a good kind of busy. Not the type of flustered mother of two yelling at both her kids who (of course) ignore her completely. Not like that at all. This family was clearly happy, healthy, and the kids were already learning the value of family and true responsibility. I left the store smiling and praying that God would allow us to have a family like that one.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Bilingual
Not really. :)
Gabe is reading a bilingual board book to Jonathan. (We got it free from Kaiser.) Jonathan is laughing uproariously. So...does he get that it isn't his language? Why does he think it's so humorous? Does he think Gabe is just talking nonsense, and thus should be laughed at?
Whatever it is, it's really funny. :)
Gabe is reading a bilingual board book to Jonathan. (We got it free from Kaiser.) Jonathan is laughing uproariously. So...does he get that it isn't his language? Why does he think it's so humorous? Does he think Gabe is just talking nonsense, and thus should be laughed at?
Whatever it is, it's really funny. :)
First steps!!
Yes, folks, he's done it! Jonathan took his first step (actually, three!) today. I was encouraging him to come to me, and he let go, balanced, gave me a huge grin, and then took three steps and grabbed my hands.
Way to go, Jonathan! :)
Way to go, Jonathan! :)
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Dy, this is for you...
Since I think you might be the only person reading this who doesn't know me. :) You can't see much of my hair in this photo, unfortunately, but its long (3 or 4 inches past my shoulders) and I'm wearing it half back in this photo. So...do you think the short cut could work with my face?
Mommy's helper
Jonathan likes to help! I've been talking to him for months about "helping" mommy do the laundry. Generally that has consisted of him playing on the floor next to my feet, or standing up holding on to to laundry hamper, or putting his hands and cheek against the washing machine to feel the vibrations. Today I sat him down near the pile, asking him (like always) if he wanted to help mommy do laundry. He reached into the pile, picked up a sock, and held it up to me. So I picked him up and said "Jonathan, can you drop it into the washer?" And he did! Of course I laughed and said "yay Jonathan" and generally made a big deal of it. :) Then I set him back down on the floor while I put another sheet in. When I looked down, there was Jonathan with a pillowcase in his hand, reaching up toward me. I picked him up again to see what he'd do, and sure enough, into the washer went the pillow case!Now, I wonder how old he'll need to be before he can "help" do the dishes? ;)
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Really good book
God Bless Me by Helen Haidle. You can order it here. This is my favorite board book so I thought I'd share. I highly recommend it. :)
Monday, April 17, 2006
Humor
Jonathan has a sense of humor. He discovered the other day that not only could we feed cheerios to him, but he could feed cheerios to us. This was fun! Gabe and I ate quite a few slightly soggy cheerios for awhile.
About a day later, Jonathan started holding cheerios up to our mouths as if he wanted to feed them to us. But as soon as we opened our mouth, he'd snatch the cheerio away and put it in his own mouth. And giggle and giggle and giggle.
And the thing is, it really is funny. How did he figure out that things are funny? And who told him? We've never done anything of the sort to him...he just figured it out on his own.
Maybe he'll grow up to be a comedian. :)
About a day later, Jonathan started holding cheerios up to our mouths as if he wanted to feed them to us. But as soon as we opened our mouth, he'd snatch the cheerio away and put it in his own mouth. And giggle and giggle and giggle.
And the thing is, it really is funny. How did he figure out that things are funny? And who told him? We've never done anything of the sort to him...he just figured it out on his own.
Maybe he'll grow up to be a comedian. :)
Methodical
We think he got it from me. :)
When I was small, my mom used to keep my busy by giving me a muffin tin and a dish of mixed beans. I would sit still for hours and sort them by type into the muffin cups.
Ok, yes, I was a little neurotic. :) But evidently I was having a good time, and being QUIET so I can see why Mom let me do it.
I have a feeling that when Jonathan is old enoughto know not to eat the beans or stick them up his nose or in his ears, he'll enjoy it too. Right now he likes to very carefully transfer blocks into our cupped hands, then out, then in again. Or stack pieces of paper into our hands, then back (still stacked!) onto the floor. Or put cheerios IN the cup, then take them OUT of the cup (yes, I think he might be starting to know those words.) He is so deliberate and methodical in these actions. He moves slowly and carefully and has such a definite purpose. I don't know what the purpose is, but he sure has one!
Do you suppose it is too early to see personality and character traits in him? Because if not, poor kid, he's going to end up like me. :)
When I was small, my mom used to keep my busy by giving me a muffin tin and a dish of mixed beans. I would sit still for hours and sort them by type into the muffin cups.
Ok, yes, I was a little neurotic. :) But evidently I was having a good time, and being QUIET so I can see why Mom let me do it.
I have a feeling that when Jonathan is old enoughto know not to eat the beans or stick them up his nose or in his ears, he'll enjoy it too. Right now he likes to very carefully transfer blocks into our cupped hands, then out, then in again. Or stack pieces of paper into our hands, then back (still stacked!) onto the floor. Or put cheerios IN the cup, then take them OUT of the cup (yes, I think he might be starting to know those words.) He is so deliberate and methodical in these actions. He moves slowly and carefully and has such a definite purpose. I don't know what the purpose is, but he sure has one!
Do you suppose it is too early to see personality and character traits in him? Because if not, poor kid, he's going to end up like me. :)
Friday, April 14, 2006
Catechism for toddlers
Something I've been thinking of for awhile, and which the coming of Easter has brought more to mind...
Jonathan really likes my cross necklace. I'm starting to label it a "cross" (as opposed to a "necklace") every time he wants to touch it, now, and when we're in church I'll point out the necklace and then the cross up front. Hopefully eventually he'll make the connection. Brigid (Jessica’s daughter) recognizes the cross at church now, and they’re working on a very basic catechism with her:
“Doss!”
“Yes, that’s the cross. Who is on the cross?”
“Desus!”
“That’s right, Jesus. Why is he on the cross?”
And eventually they hope to help her respond “because he loves us!” She’s not there yet, but it seems like a really appropriate way to catechize a very small child. Gabe and I are going to copy their idea. :)
Jonathan really likes my cross necklace. I'm starting to label it a "cross" (as opposed to a "necklace") every time he wants to touch it, now, and when we're in church I'll point out the necklace and then the cross up front. Hopefully eventually he'll make the connection. Brigid (Jessica’s daughter) recognizes the cross at church now, and they’re working on a very basic catechism with her:
“Doss!”
“Yes, that’s the cross. Who is on the cross?”
“Desus!”
“That’s right, Jesus. Why is he on the cross?”
And eventually they hope to help her respond “because he loves us!” She’s not there yet, but it seems like a really appropriate way to catechize a very small child. Gabe and I are going to copy their idea. :)
Holy Week with a one-year-old
Not the same as Holy Week by myself or with my husband! I’m feeling a little disconnected from it all this year. Last night was Maundy Thursday, and since it is a 2 hour service that started at 7:30pm, I stayed home with Jonathan. For us right now, it just wasn’t realistic to go. So Gabe went to church and I watched a movie at home. Today I’d like to go to the Good Friday service, but since Gabe has our car and most of my friends have kids (and thus no extra seats in their cars) I sort of doubt we’ll be able to go. We are going to attend the Ante-Communion service tomorrow morning at 8am, but it’s the shortest service of the year (I think) and without the build-up of the Thursday and Friday services I think it may fall a little flat. Of course, since it is Holy Saturday, I suppose falling flat would be sort of appropriate.
Easter will still be Easter on Sunday. We’ll sing the Gloria and say “alleluia” again, and we’ll ring bells and praise God for his glory and love. Resurrection Sunday will happen even if I can’t fully participate in the days leading up to it. So…thanks be to God. And thanks be to Him for my son, who is a living example of God’s love and mercy and grace and life-giving-ness.
Easter will still be Easter on Sunday. We’ll sing the Gloria and say “alleluia” again, and we’ll ring bells and praise God for his glory and love. Resurrection Sunday will happen even if I can’t fully participate in the days leading up to it. So…thanks be to God. And thanks be to Him for my son, who is a living example of God’s love and mercy and grace and life-giving-ness.
Philosophy of bathtime
Jonathan is so serious sometimes. This morning I gave him a bath because he played outside a lot yesterday and this (early!) morning, and he was seriously dirty. :) He submitted without too much protest to being washed, and then settled down happily to explore the running water. He put one hand in the stream, held it there, stared at it, and just contemplated what was happening. For something like 30 seconds. And he did this multiple times. He's also started trying to "catch" the water in his cupped hands and drink it. It doesn't work, but he keeps trying. It's like he knows that it ought to work, somehow. I wish I knew what was going on in our little philosopher’s head!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Assisted walking
Sort of like assisted living, which is also rather appropriate (in a way!) for this one-year-old. :)
Mom and Dad M. gave Jonathan a little rider "truck" thing (I'm not quite sure what to actually call it!) for his birthday. He can sit on it and push himself around with his feet - at least, he'll be able to do that when his legs get a bit longer. And he can stand behind it and hold onto the upright handle to push it/walk around. He LOVES doing this. Mommy has decided to love doing this, too. :) You see, it is a highly Mommy-intensive activity. Because, well, he can't steer. Which means that I have to set his initial trajectory, and when he hits a wall, I have to come rescue him and re-set the trajectory. It takes him about 10 seconds to hit a wall or get stuck in the corner, which means I get to walk with him all over the house. :) But he is practicing walking, and he's having a blast. What more could a one-year-old, and the mom of a one-year-old, want?
In other news, Mom and Dad P. gave him this really great "pounding bench". You know the kind where you can pound pegs through indefinitely, just switching sides? We're working on teaching Jonathan that this is the ONLY toy that he gets to bang with impunity...and he must NEVER use the hammer against the glass door. :) Thankfully he can't bang very hard with it yet, and we have high hopes that he'll learn this lesson before doing any damage. Until then, this is another Mommy-intensive activity. :) He loves it, though. In fact, when we first took it out of the wrapping paper, Gabe let him look at it for a minute and then took it away (without really thinking!) to cut off the plastic wrappings. Jonathan let out this absolutely heartbreaking wail and cried a small river. When Gabe hurried back with the new toy, all was sunshine and smiles again.
Thanks to all family for the great gifts. Jonathan is a lucky little boy.
Mom and Dad M. gave Jonathan a little rider "truck" thing (I'm not quite sure what to actually call it!) for his birthday. He can sit on it and push himself around with his feet - at least, he'll be able to do that when his legs get a bit longer. And he can stand behind it and hold onto the upright handle to push it/walk around. He LOVES doing this. Mommy has decided to love doing this, too. :) You see, it is a highly Mommy-intensive activity. Because, well, he can't steer. Which means that I have to set his initial trajectory, and when he hits a wall, I have to come rescue him and re-set the trajectory. It takes him about 10 seconds to hit a wall or get stuck in the corner, which means I get to walk with him all over the house. :) But he is practicing walking, and he's having a blast. What more could a one-year-old, and the mom of a one-year-old, want?
In other news, Mom and Dad P. gave him this really great "pounding bench". You know the kind where you can pound pegs through indefinitely, just switching sides? We're working on teaching Jonathan that this is the ONLY toy that he gets to bang with impunity...and he must NEVER use the hammer against the glass door. :) Thankfully he can't bang very hard with it yet, and we have high hopes that he'll learn this lesson before doing any damage. Until then, this is another Mommy-intensive activity. :) He loves it, though. In fact, when we first took it out of the wrapping paper, Gabe let him look at it for a minute and then took it away (without really thinking!) to cut off the plastic wrappings. Jonathan let out this absolutely heartbreaking wail and cried a small river. When Gabe hurried back with the new toy, all was sunshine and smiles again.
Thanks to all family for the great gifts. Jonathan is a lucky little boy.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Hmm.
I should note that Jonathan turned one two days ago. Abject apologies for not posting on the day of the happy event. :)
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Overworked and underpaid
Well, that’s ministry. And that’s what I’m doing.
I’ve been feeling kind of mildly to moderately crummy this week, and it really came to a head this afternoon. The sort of crummy where I’d come to the end of my day and wonder “how is it that I feel like I’ve worked all day long and I still didn’t get the dishes done?” Well, I just looked over my “timecard” for the past week, and now I think I know why. My timecard has 9 hours of Family Ministries work listed on it. Mind you, that’s only the work that was done in blocks of time, worth writing down. Lots and lots of FM work is done in 5 minute phone calls and emails here and there scattered throughout my day.
On top of all that, I’ve also been working (for at least half again that amount of time, I’d estimate) on youth ministries projects – namely trying to get the calendar for the next three months put together (it’s already late being mailed out and it isn’t even finished) and putting together a non-hokey flyer for the Deanery Youth BBQ coming up and prepping for the Bible study lesson that I taught on Friday night.
Gee, that’s a lot of work.
So this afternoon I sat down to rest a bit and check my email. My email. The place where I ought to get fun things like letters from my sister and mom. Mine, mine, mine. Here are the contents of my email this afternoon:
1) Family Ministries email
2) Family Ministries email
3) Spam
4) Family Ministries email
5) Notification of spam
(which I actually should go read, because sometimes Family Ministries emails get blocked.)
So, so, so disappointing. I cried. And then I cried some more. My poor husband, who had to deal with me. :)
I am quite certain that part of my inability to deal with this is the fact that my lunch today consisted of Jonathan’s birthday cake and ice cream. (We didn’t have time to eat lunch before his party, because I was very late getting out of a Family Ministries event at church. Are you getting the theme, here?)
But I really think that the reason my life seems out of wack right now is because, well, it is. I signed up for youth group because I like youth and I had a pretty good idea what the time commitment would be. I signed up for Family Ministries because it sounded exciting, important, and my job description said FOUR HOURS A WEEK. I figured I could handle that much. And I think I could…only it isn’t just four hours. It’s twice that. And I’m already behind.
Someone, please teach me how to delegate. And say “no”. And organize my life better. Please?
I’ve been feeling kind of mildly to moderately crummy this week, and it really came to a head this afternoon. The sort of crummy where I’d come to the end of my day and wonder “how is it that I feel like I’ve worked all day long and I still didn’t get the dishes done?” Well, I just looked over my “timecard” for the past week, and now I think I know why. My timecard has 9 hours of Family Ministries work listed on it. Mind you, that’s only the work that was done in blocks of time, worth writing down. Lots and lots of FM work is done in 5 minute phone calls and emails here and there scattered throughout my day.
On top of all that, I’ve also been working (for at least half again that amount of time, I’d estimate) on youth ministries projects – namely trying to get the calendar for the next three months put together (it’s already late being mailed out and it isn’t even finished) and putting together a non-hokey flyer for the Deanery Youth BBQ coming up and prepping for the Bible study lesson that I taught on Friday night.
Gee, that’s a lot of work.
So this afternoon I sat down to rest a bit and check my email. My email. The place where I ought to get fun things like letters from my sister and mom. Mine, mine, mine. Here are the contents of my email this afternoon:
1) Family Ministries email
2) Family Ministries email
3) Spam
4) Family Ministries email
5) Notification of spam
(which I actually should go read, because sometimes Family Ministries emails get blocked.)
So, so, so disappointing. I cried. And then I cried some more. My poor husband, who had to deal with me. :)
I am quite certain that part of my inability to deal with this is the fact that my lunch today consisted of Jonathan’s birthday cake and ice cream. (We didn’t have time to eat lunch before his party, because I was very late getting out of a Family Ministries event at church. Are you getting the theme, here?)
But I really think that the reason my life seems out of wack right now is because, well, it is. I signed up for youth group because I like youth and I had a pretty good idea what the time commitment would be. I signed up for Family Ministries because it sounded exciting, important, and my job description said FOUR HOURS A WEEK. I figured I could handle that much. And I think I could…only it isn’t just four hours. It’s twice that. And I’m already behind.
Someone, please teach me how to delegate. And say “no”. And organize my life better. Please?
Thursday, April 06, 2006
First word...I think.
Today Jonathan and I were grocery shopping. I gave him my change purse to play with, which of course meant that I stopped every few steps to pick it up for him. About half-way through my shopping list I hear a little voice intoning "uh-oh" with exactly the same inflection I always use. Sure enough, there was the change purse on the ground.
So what do you think...first word? :)
I think it probably counts more than "da-dee" because he did it four times in a row today. And "da-dee" really isn't consistent at all.
So what do you think...first word? :)
I think it probably counts more than "da-dee" because he did it four times in a row today. And "da-dee" really isn't consistent at all.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
The sun is shining. There is laundry hanging up on the line (not the laundry that was hanging on the line during the rainstorm!) There is laundry in the dryer as well, because we got behind on clean laundry while it was raining. Jonathan is happily alternating between the living room and the patio. I'm leaving the door open because it is so nice outside, and he really enjoys it. He is a little worried by the strong gusts of wind that blow through periodically, but he's certainly not going to let a little thing like that spoil his fun! Have I mentioned lately how wonderful he is? I love watching him explore and learn and play. He is such a little BOY now...not at all the baby of six months ago. He's turning one year old on Saturday.
While I'm at it, I think I'll post my "what Jonathan is doing now" updates. I've been keeping a mental list for the past few days but haven't had a chance to post it. But he's happy now, and I think he's only eating a few leaves...so here goes. :)
Jonathan loves his bedtime routine. It's a very simple one - just a diaper change (he doesn't love that part!) then toothbrushing, then we turn on music and swaddle him to nurse. By the time we get to the swaddling he's calm and grinning from ear to ear. He knows what comes next! He smiles at his daddy until he's all wrapped up, and giggles in anticipation before we nurse. It's the best part of the day, I think.
He's almost walking. Yesterday he almost took a step - it was like he forgot that he couldn't - only then he remembered just in time not to. :) Oh well, it will happen someday. And with any luck I'll be there to see it!
A favorite game right now is putting things (blocks, cheerios, anything!) into our hands and then deliberately taking them out, and putting them back in, one by one, over and over and over again.
He anticipates what comes next in favorite funny games, and giggles before the "punch line".
He plays peek-a-boo with the people behind us in church. I don't think we're good for their concentration. :)
He copies us. Last night we had artichokes for dinner, and Jonathan was quite pleased with himself as he copied how we ate the leaves. He also copies me when I sneeze. Which, ufortunately, I am doing a lot right now. Darn allergies. But it is oh-so-cute when my "aah-choo!" is followed by a small "tchoo!" Every time.
When Gabe comes home at night, he and Jonathan play "catch me if you can". Gabe gets down on his hands and knees with Jonathan, and crawls slowly toward him. Jonathan shrieks with laughter as he crawls away as fast has he can, periodically stopping to look over his shoulder to see how close Daddy is. They'll circle the whole house like this. I love listening to the shrieks of merriment as I'm getting dinner ready!
Jonathan knows how to obey, and he knows he'd better do so! Many of the things that were battles a month or two ago just aren't, really, any more. It's a welcome respite. And when he does do something he shouldn't, he KNOWS it. So a stern tone of voice saying "Jonathan..." gets his attention, and he responds by crawling away from the offending object as fast as he can go! It's so funny it's very hard to be serious with him. :)
While I'm at it, I think I'll post my "what Jonathan is doing now" updates. I've been keeping a mental list for the past few days but haven't had a chance to post it. But he's happy now, and I think he's only eating a few leaves...so here goes. :)
Jonathan loves his bedtime routine. It's a very simple one - just a diaper change (he doesn't love that part!) then toothbrushing, then we turn on music and swaddle him to nurse. By the time we get to the swaddling he's calm and grinning from ear to ear. He knows what comes next! He smiles at his daddy until he's all wrapped up, and giggles in anticipation before we nurse. It's the best part of the day, I think.
He's almost walking. Yesterday he almost took a step - it was like he forgot that he couldn't - only then he remembered just in time not to. :) Oh well, it will happen someday. And with any luck I'll be there to see it!
A favorite game right now is putting things (blocks, cheerios, anything!) into our hands and then deliberately taking them out, and putting them back in, one by one, over and over and over again.
He anticipates what comes next in favorite funny games, and giggles before the "punch line".
He plays peek-a-boo with the people behind us in church. I don't think we're good for their concentration. :)
He copies us. Last night we had artichokes for dinner, and Jonathan was quite pleased with himself as he copied how we ate the leaves. He also copies me when I sneeze. Which, ufortunately, I am doing a lot right now. Darn allergies. But it is oh-so-cute when my "aah-choo!" is followed by a small "tchoo!" Every time.
When Gabe comes home at night, he and Jonathan play "catch me if you can". Gabe gets down on his hands and knees with Jonathan, and crawls slowly toward him. Jonathan shrieks with laughter as he crawls away as fast has he can, periodically stopping to look over his shoulder to see how close Daddy is. They'll circle the whole house like this. I love listening to the shrieks of merriment as I'm getting dinner ready!
Jonathan knows how to obey, and he knows he'd better do so! Many of the things that were battles a month or two ago just aren't, really, any more. It's a welcome respite. And when he does do something he shouldn't, he KNOWS it. So a stern tone of voice saying "Jonathan..." gets his attention, and he responds by crawling away from the offending object as fast as he can go! It's so funny it's very hard to be serious with him. :)
Friday, March 31, 2006
Dilemma
The check from Everyday Hogwash actually came! I'm $200 richer, and Gabe says I can spend it on anything I want. So...$20 goes off to St. Jude's Children's Hospital (my charity of choice for extra windfalls). But now I have $180 to spend on anything.
This is difficult. There are lots and lots and lots of things that I'd like to have. It is a very long list. But $180 compared to that list suddenly seems like not very much money at all. I like to think of it as lots of money, so I don't like to compare it to the list.
Out of the many wishful thinking desires, the one I think I complain about most is a lack of really nice clothing. (Gabe can attest to just how often I complain about this!) I've been buying clothes from Target and Mervyns for years, but the tug of Ann Taylor and Liz Claiborne have never quite been overcome. After all, when it comes down to three servicable shirts vs. half a truly beautiful shirt, usually the former wins.
But, oh, the tug of beauty! A few days ago I gave into some internet window shopping, and filled my "shopping cart" with $163. 99 of Liz Claiborne clothing. Nothing ridiculous, mind you, just a lovely skirt, two 3/4 length sleeve shirts (cotton, so they'll wash!) and two sleeveless tops. Ok, so the price is ridiculous. But all prices are ridiculous today, so I'm going to pretend I didn't notice. Gabe came home that night and was greeted by sighs of longing, and the question "what would you do if I just bought these?" Evidently that isn't an option. More sighs of longing.
But, then came the check! The lovely, glorious check. The check that is more than what I wanted to spend on Liz Claiborne! No more sighs of longing...I can buy with impunity!
But wait, there is another dilemma. What size do I buy?
For those of you who are not mothers, this question may seem silly. But consider:
1) I am currently in between sizes. Size A needs a belt to stay up and size B only fits in the morning before breakfast.
2) I would like another baby. Babies grow inside mommies, creating a truly amazing expansion. If I were to actually have another baby in the near future, it would be wise to be wearing nice clothing in size A, so that they have a chance of fitting for more than a week.
3) If I do not have a baby, I have high hopes of continuing back to my pre-Jonathan size. Which is more like size B. Thus, if I buy my lovely nice clothes in size A, in a month or two they will no longer fit.
Dear readers, this is truly a difficulty. Suggestions are implored. If they are not forthcoming, perhaps I will take another look at my list.
This is difficult. There are lots and lots and lots of things that I'd like to have. It is a very long list. But $180 compared to that list suddenly seems like not very much money at all. I like to think of it as lots of money, so I don't like to compare it to the list.
Out of the many wishful thinking desires, the one I think I complain about most is a lack of really nice clothing. (Gabe can attest to just how often I complain about this!) I've been buying clothes from Target and Mervyns for years, but the tug of Ann Taylor and Liz Claiborne have never quite been overcome. After all, when it comes down to three servicable shirts vs. half a truly beautiful shirt, usually the former wins.
But, oh, the tug of beauty! A few days ago I gave into some internet window shopping, and filled my "shopping cart" with $163. 99 of Liz Claiborne clothing. Nothing ridiculous, mind you, just a lovely skirt, two 3/4 length sleeve shirts (cotton, so they'll wash!) and two sleeveless tops. Ok, so the price is ridiculous. But all prices are ridiculous today, so I'm going to pretend I didn't notice. Gabe came home that night and was greeted by sighs of longing, and the question "what would you do if I just bought these?" Evidently that isn't an option. More sighs of longing.
But, then came the check! The lovely, glorious check. The check that is more than what I wanted to spend on Liz Claiborne! No more sighs of longing...I can buy with impunity!
But wait, there is another dilemma. What size do I buy?
For those of you who are not mothers, this question may seem silly. But consider:
1) I am currently in between sizes. Size A needs a belt to stay up and size B only fits in the morning before breakfast.
2) I would like another baby. Babies grow inside mommies, creating a truly amazing expansion. If I were to actually have another baby in the near future, it would be wise to be wearing nice clothing in size A, so that they have a chance of fitting for more than a week.
3) If I do not have a baby, I have high hopes of continuing back to my pre-Jonathan size. Which is more like size B. Thus, if I buy my lovely nice clothes in size A, in a month or two they will no longer fit.
Dear readers, this is truly a difficulty. Suggestions are implored. If they are not forthcoming, perhaps I will take another look at my list.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Doing things the hard way. :)
Jonathan plays hard, practices hard, sleeps hard, and cries hard. This mom is tired from trying to keep up! Everything he does is just so intense. When he plays, it occupies him entirely. Often that means it needs to occupy me entirely, too! He can play peekaboo over, around, and through the coffee table with me endlessly. He loves practicing walking, usually around me as I sit on the floor, or holding my hands or my pant legs as I move (very, very, very slowly!) from room to room. Chores don't happen fast around here. ;) All this intensity equals one very tired boy, and sometimes I think that he actually ought to sleep more than his body actually does sleep. He gets cranky to the point of screaming hysterically whenever he is put down for so much as a second...displays all the signs of needing to go to bed...but what do you do, put him to bed at 5pm? So we struggle through the last two hours of our day. Play hard, practice hard, and Mommy works really hard to keep Jonathan from crying hard.
It's almost 5pm. I'm off to help my crying son. :)
It's almost 5pm. I'm off to help my crying son. :)
There isn't much nicer...
than waking up in the morning with sunshine coming in through your window, a tiny boy snuggled in bed with you, and realizing that you got over 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep, and that you feel good.
*blissful sigh*
Jonathan seems to have completely made the switch to full nights of sleep. He nurses off to dreamland, transfers into his crib, and then doesn't wake up until 5am or so to nurse. Which means that I don't have to really wake up until, oh, 6am or thereabouts.
Sometimes I think I'm crazy to want another newborn. :)
*blissful sigh*
Jonathan seems to have completely made the switch to full nights of sleep. He nurses off to dreamland, transfers into his crib, and then doesn't wake up until 5am or so to nurse. Which means that I don't have to really wake up until, oh, 6am or thereabouts.
Sometimes I think I'm crazy to want another newborn. :)
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Friday, March 24, 2006
In n Out
Not the restaurant. :) Jonathan has figured out how to put things into and take things out of baskets, boxes, bowls, buses (toy ones, that is). His favorite so far seems to be taking laundry out of the basket. Clean laundry, dirty laundry - he's not picky as long as I don't disturb him as he strews it all over the floor. :) The nice thing is that with a little encouragement, he'll also put it all back IN.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
DA-dee!!!
This morning when Gabe came out of the bedroom, Jonathan turned around, grinned, and said “DA-dee!!!!!” I think he’s connected the word to the person. :)
In other news:
Jonathan can crawl awfully fast. And he increases his pace to match how badly he wants something.
He’s playing peek-a-boo consistently, and it is often self-initiated. He’ll peek around a corner at us, disappear, peek again, and laugh when we catch on to what he’s doing and say those magic words “peek a boo!!”
The vacuum cleaner used to be a big, scary, horrible monster. But it might be ok now. Yesterday I had to vacuum because company was coming over and it had been way too long since the floor was clean. I took the opportune moment when Jonathan was happily occupied outside on the patio to go get the vacuum cleaner. Of course, by the time I got it out of the closet, Jonathan was working on coming back inside. I turned it on at the other end of the room, warning Jonathan that it was about to be “noisy!” Well, it roared to life, and Jonathan scooted backward so fast! …it really was funny, although I tried not to laugh at the poor kid. His face crumpled and he really wailed. So I left the vacuum turned on, but came and picked him up and comforted him and talked to him about it. When he calmed down we walked over to the still-running vacuum, and he was ok if I held him and vacuumed at the same time. But it’s very hard to vacuum carpet with a 21 lb baby on your hip! So after awhile I took him back outside with some toys (vacuum cleaner still running!) and helped him get interested in them again. It worked! I went back and vacuumed the rest of the room, and Jonathan was ok! He even dared to come inside and follow me around a bit, although he was careful to leave quite a bit of space between himself and the noisy monster. I was proud of my brave boy. And glad that my floor was finally clean again. :)
Side note: This is why everything seems to take ten times as long to complete when you have a baby. It really does! Vacuuming the floor used to just be vacuuming the floor - now it is:
1) distract the baby
2) turn on vacuum cleaner
3) comfort the baby
4) vacuum part of the floor slowly with baby in arms
5) distract the baby
6) vacuum part of the floor
7) distract the baby
8) vacuum the rest of the floor
9) pick up the baby
10) put away the vacuum cleaner
Ok, now I just made myself laugh and I feel better for not vacuuming the whole house. :)
And last of all, I have grand new goals for work outs and weight loss. Check with me tomorrow to see if I still want to stick with them. Yesterday I tried out a “couch to 5K” running program that I heard of from Amber. It seems like it is actually do-able (and this from someone who HATES running!) And this morning I tried a new “baby dance” workout video, and Jonathan and I really enjoyed it! We only did the “warm-up/light exercise” routines this morning, because according to the running program today is a rest day, but it was lots of fun. The dance is very simple and intuitive, which is nice since I’m definitely not very coordinated when it comes to dance. Anyway, I’m feeling good (endorphins are great, aren’t they?) and hoping that with this new variety I’ll be more interested and inclined to stick with workouts. Jonathan is almost 1 year old and I’m sick and tired of being 8 lbs overweight. Wish me luck and keep me accountable, will you please?
In other news:
Jonathan can crawl awfully fast. And he increases his pace to match how badly he wants something.
He’s playing peek-a-boo consistently, and it is often self-initiated. He’ll peek around a corner at us, disappear, peek again, and laugh when we catch on to what he’s doing and say those magic words “peek a boo!!”
The vacuum cleaner used to be a big, scary, horrible monster. But it might be ok now. Yesterday I had to vacuum because company was coming over and it had been way too long since the floor was clean. I took the opportune moment when Jonathan was happily occupied outside on the patio to go get the vacuum cleaner. Of course, by the time I got it out of the closet, Jonathan was working on coming back inside. I turned it on at the other end of the room, warning Jonathan that it was about to be “noisy!” Well, it roared to life, and Jonathan scooted backward so fast! …it really was funny, although I tried not to laugh at the poor kid. His face crumpled and he really wailed. So I left the vacuum turned on, but came and picked him up and comforted him and talked to him about it. When he calmed down we walked over to the still-running vacuum, and he was ok if I held him and vacuumed at the same time. But it’s very hard to vacuum carpet with a 21 lb baby on your hip! So after awhile I took him back outside with some toys (vacuum cleaner still running!) and helped him get interested in them again. It worked! I went back and vacuumed the rest of the room, and Jonathan was ok! He even dared to come inside and follow me around a bit, although he was careful to leave quite a bit of space between himself and the noisy monster. I was proud of my brave boy. And glad that my floor was finally clean again. :)
Side note: This is why everything seems to take ten times as long to complete when you have a baby. It really does! Vacuuming the floor used to just be vacuuming the floor - now it is:
1) distract the baby
2) turn on vacuum cleaner
3) comfort the baby
4) vacuum part of the floor slowly with baby in arms
5) distract the baby
6) vacuum part of the floor
7) distract the baby
8) vacuum the rest of the floor
9) pick up the baby
10) put away the vacuum cleaner
Ok, now I just made myself laugh and I feel better for not vacuuming the whole house. :)
And last of all, I have grand new goals for work outs and weight loss. Check with me tomorrow to see if I still want to stick with them. Yesterday I tried out a “couch to 5K” running program that I heard of from Amber. It seems like it is actually do-able (and this from someone who HATES running!) And this morning I tried a new “baby dance” workout video, and Jonathan and I really enjoyed it! We only did the “warm-up/light exercise” routines this morning, because according to the running program today is a rest day, but it was lots of fun. The dance is very simple and intuitive, which is nice since I’m definitely not very coordinated when it comes to dance. Anyway, I’m feeling good (endorphins are great, aren’t they?) and hoping that with this new variety I’ll be more interested and inclined to stick with workouts. Jonathan is almost 1 year old and I’m sick and tired of being 8 lbs overweight. Wish me luck and keep me accountable, will you please?
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Karate
Two weeks from today I will receive a black belt in Tang Soo Do. Before that happens I have to make it through a high level exam. Yikes.
I wasn't feeling very "yikes" about it until this morning. Actually, I was mostly feeling a combination of apathy and frustration. I just wanted it to be over so that I could have something to show for these many years of work, and then STOP. I guess part of me still feels that way. But now there is another part that is, frankly, terrified.
You see, this morning I participated in a karate tournament. It was a stupid tournament. One of those pathetic situations where "competition" is actually randomly selected teams who are "all winners", and where three teams of four all get second place. God forbid any of these children learn anything about true competition. But that is another issue.
I decided to participate because I wanted to sort of practice being "on the spot". I haven't done a real karate test for something like two years, and a black belt test is a big deal. So I guess I just wanted to know what pressure would do to me.
Now I know.
I was doing a form that I know really well. I went through it this morning at home and knew it cold. At the tournament before I was called up I was able to be calm and focused and in mokso. I said my name, the name of my school, and the form I would be doing in a reasonably modulated voice. And then when I began the form, my body betrayed me. My knees shook, my hands shook...have you ever tried to do something that requires balance when your knees don't want to hold you up? And frankly, shaking hands don't do much to add to the "look how tough I am" impression. Sigh. The way I wanted it to go, the way I visualized it happening, just didn't materialize. And the frustrating thing is that I don't know what to do about it. How do you make your body behave when what happens seems to be entirely out of your control?
I did everything right leading up to it. Focus, calm, deep breathing, visualization, feeling heavy. And somehow it all flew away when I needed it.
So I'm left looking forward two weeks, and being very, very, very worried. I'm already concerned about this test, just because I'm not in the physical or emotional shape that I expected to be in approaching my black belt exam. I'm trying to come to terms with that. Adding the fear that two weeks from today will go very much like today is just awful.
I want to do well on my test. It won't be perfect (no one's black belt test is perfect) but I want to do well. I wish today had given me more reason to believe that could happen.
I wasn't feeling very "yikes" about it until this morning. Actually, I was mostly feeling a combination of apathy and frustration. I just wanted it to be over so that I could have something to show for these many years of work, and then STOP. I guess part of me still feels that way. But now there is another part that is, frankly, terrified.
You see, this morning I participated in a karate tournament. It was a stupid tournament. One of those pathetic situations where "competition" is actually randomly selected teams who are "all winners", and where three teams of four all get second place. God forbid any of these children learn anything about true competition. But that is another issue.
I decided to participate because I wanted to sort of practice being "on the spot". I haven't done a real karate test for something like two years, and a black belt test is a big deal. So I guess I just wanted to know what pressure would do to me.
Now I know.
I was doing a form that I know really well. I went through it this morning at home and knew it cold. At the tournament before I was called up I was able to be calm and focused and in mokso. I said my name, the name of my school, and the form I would be doing in a reasonably modulated voice. And then when I began the form, my body betrayed me. My knees shook, my hands shook...have you ever tried to do something that requires balance when your knees don't want to hold you up? And frankly, shaking hands don't do much to add to the "look how tough I am" impression. Sigh. The way I wanted it to go, the way I visualized it happening, just didn't materialize. And the frustrating thing is that I don't know what to do about it. How do you make your body behave when what happens seems to be entirely out of your control?
I did everything right leading up to it. Focus, calm, deep breathing, visualization, feeling heavy. And somehow it all flew away when I needed it.
So I'm left looking forward two weeks, and being very, very, very worried. I'm already concerned about this test, just because I'm not in the physical or emotional shape that I expected to be in approaching my black belt exam. I'm trying to come to terms with that. Adding the fear that two weeks from today will go very much like today is just awful.
I want to do well on my test. It won't be perfect (no one's black belt test is perfect) but I want to do well. I wish today had given me more reason to believe that could happen.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Naming things
Remember a few days ago I posted that I thought Jonathan might know that his bus was a "bus"? Well, I'm sure of it now. He also knows that Pooh Bear is "Pooh Bear". I discovered this when I was trying to finish something and keep Jonathan from fussing at the same time. I rather distractedly said "Jonathan, where is your Pooh Bear? Can you go get your Pooh Bear?" And then was shocked when he crossed the room, and a few minutes later came back dragging Pooh Bear along with him. I don't think that could have been coincidence, since he had to go so far to get it.
I don't know where that is along the "Standards of Development", but I think it's pretty neat. :)
I don't know where that is along the "Standards of Development", but I think it's pretty neat. :)
Peek-a-boo!
Jonathan loves to play peek-a-boo. It's been a favorite game for months. Just recently, though, he's become quite proactive about playing it. Gabe and I will cover our faces with our hands or a towel or blanket, and Jonathan will pull them away and laugh with delight. He knows what is behind the obstruction!
Standing up
Jonathan is working incredibly hard right now. Pretty much every other minute, he's practicing standing. This started about three days ago, and he's already progressed from letting go for a millisecond and then grabbing on again, to standing for a couple of seconds and then falling on his bottom (hurrah for the padding of diapers!) to moving unassisted from a crouch to a full stand, and just this morning he stood up for a couple of seconds and actually used his muscles to adjust his balance as he tipped forward, backward, and back upright. It is the most amazing thing to watch. I've never seen such a fast learning curve. I think he'll walk soon. What fun to see my little baby turning into a little boy!
Obviously, not enough of you voted.
Because I didn't win. And I'm holding you, dear reader, personally responsible. At least, as personally responsible as I can, not knowing who you are.
Well, it was a fun dream. And in theory I am going to get a $200 check in the mail. :)
Well, it was a fun dream. And in theory I am going to get a $200 check in the mail. :)
Monday, March 06, 2006
Vote for me me me me me!!!!
Usually new dishwashers are expensive...but not this time! Particularly if you go to EverydayHogwash and vote for my entry detailing our ridiculous installation experience - I'm up for the $1000 weekly prize!! Vote for the entry titled "Please remove your floor and call us in the morning". Voting only goes through March 7th, so please go vote right now! :)
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Funny Google Game
Hat tip to Shannon for this one. :)
Do a Google search for "(Your Name) needs" and see what you get. Aren't my results fun?
Emily needs something new.
Emily needs a new computer.
Emily needs to be whipped into shape.
Emily needs eating companions around noon Wednesday!
Emily needs to wake UP!!
Emily needs to be saved.
Emily needs to find something that's her own to fulfill her.
Emily needs money.
Emily needs aesthetics.
Emily needs to write the way most people need to breath.
Emily needs a #1 fan.
Emily needs to steer clear of the negative.
Emily needs help with a decision.
Emily needs a series of exemptions to Harvard’s administrative rules.
And the very best one:
EMILY NEEDS YOUR PRAYERS NOW! WILL YOU PRAY?
Do a Google search for "(Your Name) needs" and see what you get. Aren't my results fun?
Emily needs something new.
Emily needs a new computer.
Emily needs to be whipped into shape.
Emily needs eating companions around noon Wednesday!
Emily needs to wake UP!!
Emily needs to be saved.
Emily needs to find something that's her own to fulfill her.
Emily needs money.
Emily needs aesthetics.
Emily needs to write the way most people need to breath.
Emily needs a #1 fan.
Emily needs to steer clear of the negative.
Emily needs help with a decision.
Emily needs a series of exemptions to Harvard’s administrative rules.
And the very best one:
EMILY NEEDS YOUR PRAYERS NOW! WILL YOU PRAY?
Cruising, etc.
An update on Jonathan's growing list of skills:
Cruising - all over the place! He can almost circle the family room without crawling now. He starts at the piano bench, moves to one couch and then the other, then to the coffee table and thence to the computer chair and desk. And he's fast. Gabe and I can hardly believe that only a week or two ago he was only taking tentative back and forth steps, and now he is off to explore the world.
Standing, unassisted. Yes, this is a new development in the past two days or so. He can't do it for more than about one or two seconds, but he does let go and balance fairly frequently. Usually he does it when he's excited about something: he lets go to clap his hands, and then looks a bit shocked at his sudden unsteadiness. :)
Words. ??? He's starting to use Dada and Mamamama in ways that just might be deliberate. I'm not sure I'd swear to that, yet, but it is definitely starting to seem more likely. I'm keeping my eye on it.
Understanding words. Oh yes, he's understanding a lot more now. I wish I could get inside his head and know just exactly how much more! One interesting example happened yesterday: I rather idly said "Jonathan, where is the bus? Do you want to play with your bus?" And he went straight to it. This might have been a fluke, except that it seemed so purposeful I tried it again a few times during the day, and every time he went straight for the bus. It's a new toy, and he likes it a lot...perhaps that combined with developmental readiness has helped him connect the word with the toy?
Teeth. Pray for us - I think he's getting another one.
Cruising - all over the place! He can almost circle the family room without crawling now. He starts at the piano bench, moves to one couch and then the other, then to the coffee table and thence to the computer chair and desk. And he's fast. Gabe and I can hardly believe that only a week or two ago he was only taking tentative back and forth steps, and now he is off to explore the world.
Standing, unassisted. Yes, this is a new development in the past two days or so. He can't do it for more than about one or two seconds, but he does let go and balance fairly frequently. Usually he does it when he's excited about something: he lets go to clap his hands, and then looks a bit shocked at his sudden unsteadiness. :)
Words. ??? He's starting to use Dada and Mamamama in ways that just might be deliberate. I'm not sure I'd swear to that, yet, but it is definitely starting to seem more likely. I'm keeping my eye on it.
Understanding words. Oh yes, he's understanding a lot more now. I wish I could get inside his head and know just exactly how much more! One interesting example happened yesterday: I rather idly said "Jonathan, where is the bus? Do you want to play with your bus?" And he went straight to it. This might have been a fluke, except that it seemed so purposeful I tried it again a few times during the day, and every time he went straight for the bus. It's a new toy, and he likes it a lot...perhaps that combined with developmental readiness has helped him connect the word with the toy?
Teeth. Pray for us - I think he's getting another one.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Interesting
I just put Jonathan down for his morning nap. Usually, this is a nurse to sleep affair. This morning, he bit me. Twice. So that was the end of nursing, and I thought "oh no, now what?" Because we always nurse to sleep. He was swaddled and comfortable, though, so I just snuggled him close in the same position we normally nurse in, and sang him soft, low register lullabies...and he fell asleep.
I totally wasn't expecting that. :)
I totally wasn't expecting that. :)
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Lent
Lent began yesterday. Gabe and Jonathan and I went to church for the 6am service. Gabe likes to begin the season with church in the morning, and though the logistics of it with a young baby and a late night the previous night were awful, I have to agree that it does feel more appropriate. Somehow a Lenten service at 6:30pm falls a bit flat, since you’re already one day in.
BUT, with a baby, a 6am church service doesn’t work so well. When it’s a 6am Lenten (read quiet!) church service, it works even less well. And when said baby only got 8 hours of sleep the previous night (instead of the recommended 11), it just doesn’t work at all.
So I kicked off Lent holding, shushing, comforting, and walking the hall with a baby who alternated between “talking” and crying. Somehow it just wasn’t the same. When you’re getting one word out of three, and focusing on a small child who doesn’t care about the liturgy at all, it’s hard to feel like the service has any meaning. Strike that – the service itself has meaning, but I’m not absorbing any of it. I’m shushing my son and hoping that I can keep him quiet enough for everyone else to absorb it.
Concentration in church services has always been a problem for me. So I don’t want to blame it all on Jonathan. But really, for someone who already has this problem, adding a baby seems to remove all possibility of my ever overcoming it. I get up to the altar and wonder how we got to this part of the service, already.
God’s grace in the Eucharist doesn’t depend on my being able to pay attention, even if this is hard for me, with my Evangelical background, to understand and accept. But paying attention does help me receive and feel and know that grace more easily, I think. And I miss it.
That said, I am glad, glad, glad that Jonathan is here with us, even if he does add difficulty to church services for me right now. I am glad that he can participate in the imposition of ashes (although that is the strangest, and most simultaneously awful and awe-full experience I think I’ve ever had) as well as the redemptive partaking of communion. I am glad that he is a baptized member of the family of God. And I am glad that our parish and priest love and accept babies – even babies who are too young to understand the need for quiet.
Lord, in this season of Lent, teach me to see your grace in the simplicity of daily life – even and especially life with a baby.
BUT, with a baby, a 6am church service doesn’t work so well. When it’s a 6am Lenten (read quiet!) church service, it works even less well. And when said baby only got 8 hours of sleep the previous night (instead of the recommended 11), it just doesn’t work at all.
So I kicked off Lent holding, shushing, comforting, and walking the hall with a baby who alternated between “talking” and crying. Somehow it just wasn’t the same. When you’re getting one word out of three, and focusing on a small child who doesn’t care about the liturgy at all, it’s hard to feel like the service has any meaning. Strike that – the service itself has meaning, but I’m not absorbing any of it. I’m shushing my son and hoping that I can keep him quiet enough for everyone else to absorb it.
Concentration in church services has always been a problem for me. So I don’t want to blame it all on Jonathan. But really, for someone who already has this problem, adding a baby seems to remove all possibility of my ever overcoming it. I get up to the altar and wonder how we got to this part of the service, already.
God’s grace in the Eucharist doesn’t depend on my being able to pay attention, even if this is hard for me, with my Evangelical background, to understand and accept. But paying attention does help me receive and feel and know that grace more easily, I think. And I miss it.
That said, I am glad, glad, glad that Jonathan is here with us, even if he does add difficulty to church services for me right now. I am glad that he can participate in the imposition of ashes (although that is the strangest, and most simultaneously awful and awe-full experience I think I’ve ever had) as well as the redemptive partaking of communion. I am glad that he is a baptized member of the family of God. And I am glad that our parish and priest love and accept babies – even babies who are too young to understand the need for quiet.
Lord, in this season of Lent, teach me to see your grace in the simplicity of daily life – even and especially life with a baby.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
I won!
It remains to be seen if the check actually arrives (has anyone actually received one of these?) but if it does, great rejoicing will ensue! Yay for Lazy Technician, and yay for my family and Friendly Neighbor! And yay for Everyday Hogwash! We're coming out $290 ahead, along with having a brand spanking new dishwasher (which works beautifully, btw) and an unscathed floor. :)
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Please remove your floor and call us in the morning
Last week we were supposed to have a new dishwasher installed. It had been sitting in our living room for a few days while the company figured out who was going to come put it in, and I was so pleased that we actually had an installation date! Jonathan and I waited around the house for the required hours ("The technician will be there between 11 and we're not sure when") and when he finally showed up, we led Nice Technician to the house with great rejoicing.
While he got started, I went to the back bedroom to put Jonathan down for a nap. About ten minutes later, I realized that there was no longer any noise coming from the kitchen. Hmm. I decided I'd better check it out, and Jonathan wasn't going to sleep anyway. As I walked into the kitchen, I was greeted with a rueful look and the statement "we have a problem." Oh. Uh oh. My visions of a beautifully working dishwasher by the end of the afternoon began to crumble around my feet.
Nice Technician very kindly informed me that there was no way he could install the dishwasher, because the floor level was too high. Um, what? Yes, that's right, the floor level is higher than the dishwasher. Evidently the previous homeowners put down laminate flooring on top of the original lineoleum, raising the level of the floor 1/4 of an inch higher than the level of the dishwasher. "You can take up the floor, and then call us back to install it for you. Or you could just take up 1.5 feet of the floor in front of the dishwasher. That would work too." Oh. Well. If that's all I have to do.
So away went Nice Technician. And I called my brother and informed him of my woes (which also included a teething ten-month-old, but that' s another story.) Wonderful Brother was full of great ideas for how to get around the problem...like taking the counter off and lifting the dishwasher out that way. Um, thank you, Wonderful Brother, but I think that might be just as difficult as pulling up the flooring. :)
Fast forward to the weekend. My family just happened to be visiting this past Saturday. Dad and Wonderful Brother walked through the door and immediately attacked the problem. (I planned it this way, just so they could have lots of entertainment during their visit!) :) After about 12.5 minutes of tinkering, Dad informs me that Nice Technician was actually Lazy Technician. Dad, Wonderful Brother, Studly Husband, and Friendly Neighbor had the dishwasher out within 30 minutes. And the new one was installed in another hour or two.
And they didn't even scratch the floor.
While he got started, I went to the back bedroom to put Jonathan down for a nap. About ten minutes later, I realized that there was no longer any noise coming from the kitchen. Hmm. I decided I'd better check it out, and Jonathan wasn't going to sleep anyway. As I walked into the kitchen, I was greeted with a rueful look and the statement "we have a problem." Oh. Uh oh. My visions of a beautifully working dishwasher by the end of the afternoon began to crumble around my feet.
Nice Technician very kindly informed me that there was no way he could install the dishwasher, because the floor level was too high. Um, what? Yes, that's right, the floor level is higher than the dishwasher. Evidently the previous homeowners put down laminate flooring on top of the original lineoleum, raising the level of the floor 1/4 of an inch higher than the level of the dishwasher. "You can take up the floor, and then call us back to install it for you. Or you could just take up 1.5 feet of the floor in front of the dishwasher. That would work too." Oh. Well. If that's all I have to do.
So away went Nice Technician. And I called my brother and informed him of my woes (which also included a teething ten-month-old, but that' s another story.) Wonderful Brother was full of great ideas for how to get around the problem...like taking the counter off and lifting the dishwasher out that way. Um, thank you, Wonderful Brother, but I think that might be just as difficult as pulling up the flooring. :)
Fast forward to the weekend. My family just happened to be visiting this past Saturday. Dad and Wonderful Brother walked through the door and immediately attacked the problem. (I planned it this way, just so they could have lots of entertainment during their visit!) :) After about 12.5 minutes of tinkering, Dad informs me that Nice Technician was actually Lazy Technician. Dad, Wonderful Brother, Studly Husband, and Friendly Neighbor had the dishwasher out within 30 minutes. And the new one was installed in another hour or two.
And they didn't even scratch the floor.
Second tooth
So I'm starting to figure out why the last two weeks have been so awfully difficult. Another tooth just appeared. And this morning Jonathan is back to his normal, happy, pleasant self. I'm so glad...I've missed my cheerful son. Maybe we'll get a respite for a bit, now, before more teeth show up? :)
Friday, February 24, 2006
Character
For the past few months, Jonathan has had a reasonably regular pattern to his days. If he fussed, it was generally because he was tired or needed to nurse. Usually both happened simultaneously, which was simple – he nursed to sleep and all was well. He had a fussy late afternoon period, but cheered up as soon as Daddy walked through the door.
I don’t think I appreciated that enough. :)
Suddenly its like I have a new son. Jonathan is changing so fast that I feel like I can’t keep up. Heck, I can’t catch up, much less keep up. He’s learning so many new things: to me it’s happening like lightening, but I think he wishes he could figure it all out faster. He gets frustrated so easily now. He’s learned that when Mommy sits down in her desk chair, that means she’s not paying attention to him. Even if he was playing happily right before, the minute I sit down at the computer he’s unhappy. He’s learning the same thing when I’m in the kitchen washing dishes. He’s also learned how to be truly disobedient – sigh.
And while all these milestones are amazing, and I’m so glad to watch him develop and grow, I’m finding parenting him to be really difficult. There isn’t an easy-to-understand pattern anymore. When he fusses, it might be for any number of reasons. His teeth might be bothering him. He might have tried to crawl somewhere and gotten stuck. He might have bonked his head into the wall (sometimes on purpose!) He might need his diaper changed. He might be hungry, but if he is, he might want to nurse or he might not want to nurse, wanting solids instead. He might be tired. He might be overtired, because I have no idea when he ought to be napping. Some days he takes three and some days he takes one. He might be angry because I wouldn’t let him climb up the bookshelves. He might just want to be held (and held and held and held).
What is a mother to do? :)
I called my mom yesterday to say “everything is going wrong (no really, everything is going wrong!) and I don’t think I’m cut out for this mothering business!” Ok, I know that sounds melodramatic, but it’s really how I felt. Mom said that God makes us parents to build character. :) To which I responded: “You always said God gave me parents to build character! I’m all done building character!” Of course, I’m not really. And I think she’s right. God grows us the most in the difficulties, usually. So now I pray that I will learn patience (quickly, please!) :) and creativity, and the ability to love and give and give and give and give…and when I think I have nothing left to give, to give some more. Because God gives to us that way, and it is my job to model His love to my children.
Lord, please continue to build character in me, even when I think I don’t want anymore. Help me to love my son as you love me.
I don’t think I appreciated that enough. :)
Suddenly its like I have a new son. Jonathan is changing so fast that I feel like I can’t keep up. Heck, I can’t catch up, much less keep up. He’s learning so many new things: to me it’s happening like lightening, but I think he wishes he could figure it all out faster. He gets frustrated so easily now. He’s learned that when Mommy sits down in her desk chair, that means she’s not paying attention to him. Even if he was playing happily right before, the minute I sit down at the computer he’s unhappy. He’s learning the same thing when I’m in the kitchen washing dishes. He’s also learned how to be truly disobedient – sigh.
And while all these milestones are amazing, and I’m so glad to watch him develop and grow, I’m finding parenting him to be really difficult. There isn’t an easy-to-understand pattern anymore. When he fusses, it might be for any number of reasons. His teeth might be bothering him. He might have tried to crawl somewhere and gotten stuck. He might have bonked his head into the wall (sometimes on purpose!) He might need his diaper changed. He might be hungry, but if he is, he might want to nurse or he might not want to nurse, wanting solids instead. He might be tired. He might be overtired, because I have no idea when he ought to be napping. Some days he takes three and some days he takes one. He might be angry because I wouldn’t let him climb up the bookshelves. He might just want to be held (and held and held and held).
What is a mother to do? :)
I called my mom yesterday to say “everything is going wrong (no really, everything is going wrong!) and I don’t think I’m cut out for this mothering business!” Ok, I know that sounds melodramatic, but it’s really how I felt. Mom said that God makes us parents to build character. :) To which I responded: “You always said God gave me parents to build character! I’m all done building character!” Of course, I’m not really. And I think she’s right. God grows us the most in the difficulties, usually. So now I pray that I will learn patience (quickly, please!) :) and creativity, and the ability to love and give and give and give and give…and when I think I have nothing left to give, to give some more. Because God gives to us that way, and it is my job to model His love to my children.
Lord, please continue to build character in me, even when I think I don’t want anymore. Help me to love my son as you love me.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Biting and hair pulling
Any ideas for teaching Jonathan that biting me is not ok? Now that he has a tooth, and more on the way, nursing feels more like a battle than the comforting, relaxing experience it used to be. I’m tense because I never know when he’s going to bite me, and darn it, it hurts! I don’t want to wean him, but I don’t want this to go on, either. So I’m looking for practical, “this worked for us” techniques to help him learn not to bite. So far I’ve been saying “no biting, ouch!” in a stern voice, but he seems to just think it’s funny. These past few days he seems to think all reprimands are funny. Yesterday he wouldn’t stop pulling my hair, no matter what I did. He just viewed it as a challenge, I guess, and tried harder. I finally slapped his hand, which I really don’t want to do! And it didn’t really work, either – he cried for a minute and then tried again. And I felt guilty about it. I’m at a loss on this one – up until now a stern voice, shaking head, “no”…these all worked. Now he thinks disobedience is funny, and he seems to think those things that hurt me are particularly funny. I don’t know what to do. Ideas?
Monday, February 20, 2006
Gated communities
We live in a “gated community”. In theory, the gates are to let us and our friends in, and keep the bad guys out. In practice, anyone who really wanted to get in for nefarious purposes would just have to hop the gate. My 8.5 month pregnant friend pointed out that it would be possible for her (even now!) to step up onto the conveniently located cross-bar and open the “people gate” from the inside. So much for protection.
But when it comes to getting ourselves in, or getting our friends’ cars in…well, that’s another story.
For the last two years, the call box wasn’t updated. There was a stack a few inches thick of letters requesting that a number please be added, but since July 2004 no new numbers had been entered. Why, you ask? Well, because July 2004 was when the board member who knew how to do it moved away. So much for the call box.
For the past year, whenever the gates were out of order it was cause for celebration. Quick, let’s have a party NOW while everyone can get in! At least, when the gates were broken open. Sometimes they broke shut, which was definitely not cause for celebration. When that happened, you hoped that they got fixed before you were late for work.
A few weeks ago, someone evidently had had enough of the gates. He drove up to them, and then drove through them. Hey, you can’t really blame him. These gates could make anyone crazy – it was only a matter of time. The resultant 45 degree angle left just enough room for a compact car to squeeze through, so once again we were free to invite people over. As long as they drove small cars.
Sadly, last week the gates were replaced. Our remotes don’t work quite so well with this new one. Most of the time you have to be about two feet away for it to register the signal and start opening. Sometimes it doesn’t register at all, and three or four cars will get stuck outside, drivers futilely punching their remotes.
There is hope on the horizon, however. The new gate has a new call box. An updated call box. A pretty, shiny call box. The only problem is that it doesn’t have any numbers in it. Today I asked a board member if, when, and who was going to be getting our numbers into the call box. She blithely responded “Oh, within the week, definitely!”
I’m not holding my breath.
But when it comes to getting ourselves in, or getting our friends’ cars in…well, that’s another story.
For the last two years, the call box wasn’t updated. There was a stack a few inches thick of letters requesting that a number please be added, but since July 2004 no new numbers had been entered. Why, you ask? Well, because July 2004 was when the board member who knew how to do it moved away. So much for the call box.
For the past year, whenever the gates were out of order it was cause for celebration. Quick, let’s have a party NOW while everyone can get in! At least, when the gates were broken open. Sometimes they broke shut, which was definitely not cause for celebration. When that happened, you hoped that they got fixed before you were late for work.
A few weeks ago, someone evidently had had enough of the gates. He drove up to them, and then drove through them. Hey, you can’t really blame him. These gates could make anyone crazy – it was only a matter of time. The resultant 45 degree angle left just enough room for a compact car to squeeze through, so once again we were free to invite people over. As long as they drove small cars.
Sadly, last week the gates were replaced. Our remotes don’t work quite so well with this new one. Most of the time you have to be about two feet away for it to register the signal and start opening. Sometimes it doesn’t register at all, and three or four cars will get stuck outside, drivers futilely punching their remotes.
There is hope on the horizon, however. The new gate has a new call box. An updated call box. A pretty, shiny call box. The only problem is that it doesn’t have any numbers in it. Today I asked a board member if, when, and who was going to be getting our numbers into the call box. She blithely responded “Oh, within the week, definitely!”
I’m not holding my breath.
A morning perspective
Last night was hard. This morning I woke up (after only six hours) to Jonathan’s hand grasping my nose. But we got up, and read stories, and I discovered that Jonathan knows how to turn the pages now.
It’s funny, because I’m still exhausted and a little frustrated, but somehow cuddling him, reading stories, and discovering another new thing that he has learned has made me remember how much I love him, and how much I love being his mom. Even on six hours of sleep.
It’s funny, because I’m still exhausted and a little frustrated, but somehow cuddling him, reading stories, and discovering another new thing that he has learned has made me remember how much I love him, and how much I love being his mom. Even on six hours of sleep.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Hard.
Note the time of this post. Sigh. Yawn.
Jonathan went to sleep tonight at 7:15. He woke up at 10:15. Since Gabe and I were planning to go to bed, I decided it would be easiest to just nurse him back to sleep. So I did, he fell asleep, and we put him back in his crib. Ten minutes later, he woke up again. We let him cry for a bit, hoping he'd go back to sleep. Unfortunately, he's figured out how to get out of his swaddle, and instead of crying lying down, he stands up and yells over the edge of the crib. Not much chance of him going back to sleep that way.
So Gabe and I decided to try something I'd read about for use when night weaning. The idea is that Daddy goes to bed with the baby, so that he's not crying alone (more practically, so that he can't get himself out of his swaddle and stand up!) and Mom is in another room so she's not smelling of milk right next to his nose.
In theory, it's a really good idea. In practice, well, we have an incredibly stubborn son. He's not hungry (I nursed him at 10:30!) but he wants to nurse. And he's been wailing about it since 11pm.
This is so very hard to listen to. And neither Gabe nor I are getting any sleep. But at this point I think that we can't really just give up and nurse him. Because I'm pretty sure that he's old enough to figure out that if he just screams long enough, he'll get what he wants. And we certainly don't want that.
But I'm sitting here second guessing myself and worrying and being tired and wishing that he'd just give up and go to sleep. He's so tired.
He's not hungry. He's not hurting. His diaper is clean (we checked) and his Daddy is snuggling with him. He just can't use Mommy as a human pacifier.
I hope we're doing the right thing.
Jonathan went to sleep tonight at 7:15. He woke up at 10:15. Since Gabe and I were planning to go to bed, I decided it would be easiest to just nurse him back to sleep. So I did, he fell asleep, and we put him back in his crib. Ten minutes later, he woke up again. We let him cry for a bit, hoping he'd go back to sleep. Unfortunately, he's figured out how to get out of his swaddle, and instead of crying lying down, he stands up and yells over the edge of the crib. Not much chance of him going back to sleep that way.
So Gabe and I decided to try something I'd read about for use when night weaning. The idea is that Daddy goes to bed with the baby, so that he's not crying alone (more practically, so that he can't get himself out of his swaddle and stand up!) and Mom is in another room so she's not smelling of milk right next to his nose.
In theory, it's a really good idea. In practice, well, we have an incredibly stubborn son. He's not hungry (I nursed him at 10:30!) but he wants to nurse. And he's been wailing about it since 11pm.
This is so very hard to listen to. And neither Gabe nor I are getting any sleep. But at this point I think that we can't really just give up and nurse him. Because I'm pretty sure that he's old enough to figure out that if he just screams long enough, he'll get what he wants. And we certainly don't want that.
But I'm sitting here second guessing myself and worrying and being tired and wishing that he'd just give up and go to sleep. He's so tired.
He's not hungry. He's not hurting. His diaper is clean (we checked) and his Daddy is snuggling with him. He just can't use Mommy as a human pacifier.
I hope we're doing the right thing.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Clapping hands
Jonathan has finally learned how to clap his hands, and it is so much fun to watch! He claps with me when I sing songs, now, which is quite fun. Lately we've been singing "I'm gonna sing, sing, sing"...and I'm hoping that next he'll figure out how to wave his hands in the air on "praise the Lord!" :)
He also claps for himself (along with me) when he obeys. Too cute. He's getting better about obeying. Really the only times it's a problem are when he's just too tired and needs a nap. Other times a stern voice and the fact that I'm looking at him and frowning are enough. Then when he doesn't do whatever he was thinking about doing, I clap for him and say "good job obeying!" I'm happy about the obedience, and tickled about the way he congratulates himself when he does. :)
He also claps for himself (along with me) when he obeys. Too cute. He's getting better about obeying. Really the only times it's a problem are when he's just too tired and needs a nap. Other times a stern voice and the fact that I'm looking at him and frowning are enough. Then when he doesn't do whatever he was thinking about doing, I clap for him and say "good job obeying!" I'm happy about the obedience, and tickled about the way he congratulates himself when he does. :)
Thursday, February 16, 2006
I miss having clean shirts.
I bought a new shirt about two weeks ago. It was lovely. I felt gorgeous in it, which was nice because I haven’t felt quite gorgeous in some time. I’ve worn it maybe five times. It’s not gorgeous anymore. :( I don’t know what exactly got on it (although I have a sneaking suspicion that it is baby-related) but it doesn’t wash out. And it didn’t “sunshine out”, so evidently it is permanent.
I know that it’s a little thing. I know that I shouldn’t care so much. But I’m so disappointed I could cry. Maybe I will. Except that I don’t think salt water gets stains out, either.
I know that it’s a little thing. I know that I shouldn’t care so much. But I’m so disappointed I could cry. Maybe I will. Except that I don’t think salt water gets stains out, either.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
I need to start complaining.
In a funny, entertaining style, of course. Evidently Everyday Hogwash gives out $200 to daily winners, and $1000 to weekly winners. All you have to do is write awesome complaints about daily irritations.
I could use $200. So I am now taking suggestions for things to complain about. :)
I could use $200. So I am now taking suggestions for things to complain about. :)
Monday, February 13, 2006
Teething
I was expecting Jonathan's first tooth long before now. Ten months is definitely later than average - though I'm not complaining! Nursing without teeth is much less worrisome than nursing with teeth! :) I wonder, now, if a bunch of his teeth will come in at once, to make up for lost time?
Anyway, does anyone have any amazing and wonderful ideas for how to make this teething time easier for our little one? The past few days have really been pretty miserable for him.
Anyway, does anyone have any amazing and wonderful ideas for how to make this teething time easier for our little one? The past few days have really been pretty miserable for him.
Answered prayers
Isn't it neat when God answers prayer in an immediate and unmistakable way? Two nights ago Gabe and I were awakened by our son, who cried inconsolably and refused to be comforted. Coming on the heels of three or four days of a crabby, cranky baby, I was exhausted and having a hard time feeling compassionate. (I believe my exact thought was something like "Oh Jonathan, just be quiet!") Obviously, this wouldn't do. So as I rolled over to try to comfort him, I prayed "God, please give me empathy for him right now!" And then I stuck my finger in his mouth. Why, I haven't any idea. It's not like he likes sucking on our fingers anymore. But when I did, there was a razor sharp tooth chomping down on my finger! Instant empathy. The poor kid was teething, all this time we thought he was just being impossible!
Thanks be to God, who gives us tired parents the compassion we need. Isn't it wonderful that we only need to ask for it?
Thanks be to God, who gives us tired parents the compassion we need. Isn't it wonderful that we only need to ask for it?
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
I'm a plumber!
And a semi-successful one, at that. :)
Last night our kitchen sink stopped draining. Not only did it stop draining, dirty water started bubbling up in the second sink in an alarming manner. And everything under the sink got sprayed with said dirty water at an amazing velocity.
Needless to say, the dishes did not get washed last night.
So this morning I called up my father-in-law to find out whether I ought to take it apart myself, or if I should call a plumber. He encouraged me to take it apart, pointing out that if I DID break it, the worst that could happen is that I'd need to call a plumber. Ah. Well.
So I took it apart, and I think I understand why plumbers get paid so stinkin' much. The operative word being "stinkin'". Gross.
But the happy part is that I didn't have to pay the plumber, because our pipes are now put back together and they only leak a VERY little bit. :)
Last night our kitchen sink stopped draining. Not only did it stop draining, dirty water started bubbling up in the second sink in an alarming manner. And everything under the sink got sprayed with said dirty water at an amazing velocity.
Needless to say, the dishes did not get washed last night.
So this morning I called up my father-in-law to find out whether I ought to take it apart myself, or if I should call a plumber. He encouraged me to take it apart, pointing out that if I DID break it, the worst that could happen is that I'd need to call a plumber. Ah. Well.
So I took it apart, and I think I understand why plumbers get paid so stinkin' much. The operative word being "stinkin'". Gross.
But the happy part is that I didn't have to pay the plumber, because our pipes are now put back together and they only leak a VERY little bit. :)
Monday, February 06, 2006
Midnight antics
Well, 2 am, actually.
This morning Gabe and I awoke to find our son wide awake, attempting to climb over us and out of bed. It was a little surreal, since he hadn't cried or anything. He just woke up, decided it was time to play, and went exploring.
It would have been cute if he had gone back to sleep.
This morning Gabe and I awoke to find our son wide awake, attempting to climb over us and out of bed. It was a little surreal, since he hadn't cried or anything. He just woke up, decided it was time to play, and went exploring.
It would have been cute if he had gone back to sleep.
Good news!
From his dad, as of 1am this morning:
Hunter has kept down all his feedings since 7am this morning. He is now being allowed to eat as much as he wants. His bilirubin levels are ok, too. So unless he takes an unexpected turn for the worse he will be home tomorrow.
Hunter has kept down all his feedings since 7am this morning. He is now being allowed to eat as much as he wants. His bilirubin levels are ok, too. So unless he takes an unexpected turn for the worse he will be home tomorrow.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Keep praying
Hunter is still in the hospital. The update from his mom today:
Today he has kept his feedings down so far. I'm skeptical that this will continue, but I hope so. There is talk amongst the Pediatricians that maybe he has another problem besides the Pyloric Stenosis that is causing him to vomit. Maybe acid reflux? As far as when he can go home we are just waiting to see how he feeds.
Their little girl is doing well, however, and handling lots of separation from her folks really well.
Thanks for praying, everyone!
Today he has kept his feedings down so far. I'm skeptical that this will continue, but I hope so. There is talk amongst the Pediatricians that maybe he has another problem besides the Pyloric Stenosis that is causing him to vomit. Maybe acid reflux? As far as when he can go home we are just waiting to see how he feeds.
Their little girl is doing well, however, and handling lots of separation from her folks really well.
Thanks for praying, everyone!
Hunter update:
As of 11pm last night, from his dad:
Hunter was one good feeding away from coming come this afternoon. However, he vomited that and the next three feedings. So as of about 30 minutes ago he's back on the IV (they had removed it earlier today), and we can't try to feed him again until 7:00am, which will make for another long night.
Please pray for us as this is a disappointing development.
Hunter was one good feeding away from coming come this afternoon. However, he vomited that and the next three feedings. So as of about 30 minutes ago he's back on the IV (they had removed it earlier today), and we can't try to feed him again until 7:00am, which will make for another long night.
Please pray for us as this is a disappointing development.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Hunter update
From his dad (as of 11pm last night):
Hunter is doing very well. He has fed every two hours since 4pm, which is four feedings at the time of this email, and not vomited at all! Praise God! This is the first time he has eaten and not instantly vomited since Tuesday afternoon. Also, since the surgery this morning his personality has returned to normal. He sleeps all day, wakes up to eat, and is happiest when being held.
If this continues there is a good chance he will come home tomorrow. The only other issue is that his bilirubin (jaundice) levels are high --a condition exasperated by the dehydration and malnutrition that resulted from several days of vomiting everything that entered his stomach. Before they hooked him up to an IV early this morning the whites of his eyes had become solid yellow. They may give him some light therapy, which is the normal means of treating jaundice, or they may just not do anything if he is recovering well on his own.
There is much to be thankful for. We love that little 27-day-old-guy a whole bunch, and we're relived to know he is going to be alright. Plus, tonight our whole family should get a full night of sleep. Hooray!
Thank you for your prayer.
Hunter is doing very well. He has fed every two hours since 4pm, which is four feedings at the time of this email, and not vomited at all! Praise God! This is the first time he has eaten and not instantly vomited since Tuesday afternoon. Also, since the surgery this morning his personality has returned to normal. He sleeps all day, wakes up to eat, and is happiest when being held.
If this continues there is a good chance he will come home tomorrow. The only other issue is that his bilirubin (jaundice) levels are high --a condition exasperated by the dehydration and malnutrition that resulted from several days of vomiting everything that entered his stomach. Before they hooked him up to an IV early this morning the whites of his eyes had become solid yellow. They may give him some light therapy, which is the normal means of treating jaundice, or they may just not do anything if he is recovering well on his own.
There is much to be thankful for. We love that little 27-day-old-guy a whole bunch, and we're relived to know he is going to be alright. Plus, tonight our whole family should get a full night of sleep. Hooray!
Thank you for your prayer.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Update on Hunter
Hunter has been diagnosed with Pyloric Stenosis. This is an enlargement of the stomach muscle that regulates the passage of food to the small intestine. Pyloric Stenosis causes Hunter to throw up, which keeps him from getting any nourishment. He had surgery this morning to correct the problem.
Update from his dad:
The surgery went well. Hunter is now sleeping and recovering from surgery back in his room at Children's Hospital. We'll try to feed him this evening (starting with a half ounce of pedialyte). If he's able to keep that down then we'll know that the surgery was a success, and he may be able to come home as early as tomorrow. If he is not able to keep anything down I am not sure what will happen next.
Please pray that he will be able to digest his food at this first post-op feeding, which should be about 4:30 pm. And pray that he will not vomit anymore as that will be a very bad sign.
Emily again: please pray for their family. Particularly pray for their daughter, almost two years old, who is staying with family friends while her parents are at the hospital.
Update from his dad:
The surgery went well. Hunter is now sleeping and recovering from surgery back in his room at Children's Hospital. We'll try to feed him this evening (starting with a half ounce of pedialyte). If he's able to keep that down then we'll know that the surgery was a success, and he may be able to come home as early as tomorrow. If he is not able to keep anything down I am not sure what will happen next.
Please pray that he will be able to digest his food at this first post-op feeding, which should be about 4:30 pm. And pray that he will not vomit anymore as that will be a very bad sign.
Emily again: please pray for their family. Particularly pray for their daughter, almost two years old, who is staying with family friends while her parents are at the hospital.
Climbing the walls
Having an almost 10 month old gives new meaning to the phrase. He really tries to do it!
Pat pat pat
Jonathan knows a new word! I've been using "pat pat" with him to encourage a gentler sort of motion (as opposed to "bang bang", you know!) And today he demonstrated that he understands what I'm saying! He had two blocks in his hand, and was patting them on my leg. I said "you're patting my leg, pat pat", and he grinned and patted them together. This might not seem so neat, except that patting blocks together is what I've been using when I work on the concept with him. Besides, his eyes showed understanding. Does that make sense?
What a brilliant child I have. :)
What a brilliant child I have. :)
Please pray for Hunter
Hunter is a three-week-old baby, the son of a friend of mine. He has not been able to keep anything down for over 48 hours now, and is not doing well. His parents took him back to the hospital last night.
Please pray for his healing, and that his parents would have peaceful hearts and clear heads.
Please pray for his healing, and that his parents would have peaceful hearts and clear heads.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
You should go read
this.
I love reading this woman's blog...she is the mother of three boys and an infant daughter, and her writing never ceases to either amaze me or make me laugh or make me think. This particular post is inspiring, and helps me to look forward to having lots of kids, instead of being scared of the idea.
Go read it. Right now. :)
I love reading this woman's blog...she is the mother of three boys and an infant daughter, and her writing never ceases to either amaze me or make me laugh or make me think. This particular post is inspiring, and helps me to look forward to having lots of kids, instead of being scared of the idea.
Go read it. Right now. :)
Monday, January 30, 2006
Nehemiah Institute
Anyone familiar with them? I took their "Worldview Opinion Survey" online, just to see what my results would be. After all, having had a fully Christian education, I figured I'd probably score pretty well, right?
Well. They give you a numerical score that places you in one of four categories:
Biblical Theism (this is the category you're supposed to be in!)
Moderate Christian (me)
Secular Humanism
Socialism
I scored a little too close for comfort to "secular humanism". How can that be, you ask? That was my question, too! I took a close look at exactly how they scored this little quiz. It turns out that my dismal score is a result of my politics. The Nehemiah Institute thinks that my Christian worldview is crummy because
1) I believe that the Bible is NOT the foundation of civil law and should NOT be the primary source of instruction for establishing civil government in all nations.
2) I believe that individuals should be allowed to conduct life as they choose, as long as it does not interfere with the lives of others.
3) I believe that Government should rest as directly as possible on the will of the people.
Huh.
Well. They give you a numerical score that places you in one of four categories:
Biblical Theism (this is the category you're supposed to be in!)
Moderate Christian (me)
Secular Humanism
Socialism
I scored a little too close for comfort to "secular humanism". How can that be, you ask? That was my question, too! I took a close look at exactly how they scored this little quiz. It turns out that my dismal score is a result of my politics. The Nehemiah Institute thinks that my Christian worldview is crummy because
1) I believe that the Bible is NOT the foundation of civil law and should NOT be the primary source of instruction for establishing civil government in all nations.
2) I believe that individuals should be allowed to conduct life as they choose, as long as it does not interfere with the lives of others.
3) I believe that Government should rest as directly as possible on the will of the people.
Huh.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Picking things up
Jonathan likes to pick things up. He likes to pick up his toys. He likes to pick up Cheerios. He likes to pick up banana and avocado and smush it in his hair. He tried to pick up water (running in the sink), and was quite puzzled when it slipped through his fingers!
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Elena tagged me...
so here are my rather boring responses.
Four Jobs I've Had
Pharmacy counter girl
Math teacher
Choir director
Mother (only I think this is more like a calling)
Four Places I've Lived
Tustin, CA (I was too little to remember this one, though)
Santa Ana, CA
Grass Valley/Nevada City, CA (Northern California – this is where I remember growing up. It’s absolutely beautiful with pine trees, and snow I the winter)
La Habra, CA (current residence – come for a visit!)
Four Vacations I've Taken
Fallen Leaf Lake
Fallen Leaf Lake
Fallen Leaf Lake
Fallen Leaf Lake
Perhaps this seems repetitive, but if you’d been there you’d know why we kept going back! :)
Four Vehicles I've Owned
Bicycle :)
91 Honda Civic. She was a great car and I was sorry to see her go!
Mercury Sable (I forget which year) Ugly car, and finally broke badly enough we had to get rid of it.
98 Toyota Corolla - yay for cars that never break!
Amber, want to participate?
Four Jobs I've Had
Pharmacy counter girl
Math teacher
Choir director
Mother (only I think this is more like a calling)
Four Places I've Lived
Tustin, CA (I was too little to remember this one, though)
Santa Ana, CA
Grass Valley/Nevada City, CA (Northern California – this is where I remember growing up. It’s absolutely beautiful with pine trees, and snow I the winter)
La Habra, CA (current residence – come for a visit!)
Four Vacations I've Taken
Fallen Leaf Lake
Fallen Leaf Lake
Fallen Leaf Lake
Fallen Leaf Lake
Perhaps this seems repetitive, but if you’d been there you’d know why we kept going back! :)
Four Vehicles I've Owned
Bicycle :)
91 Honda Civic. She was a great car and I was sorry to see her go!
Mercury Sable (I forget which year) Ugly car, and finally broke badly enough we had to get rid of it.
98 Toyota Corolla - yay for cars that never break!
Amber, want to participate?
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Time times two (or three or four)
I think that perhaps one of the reasons I often get to the end of my day and wonder if I've really accomplished anything, is because I have an unrealistic expectation of how much time things take. From now on I think I will double (and then some!) my estimates. :)
This morning Jonathan and I got up at 6:15am. He'd been awake for some time, but I sat him up and responded to his talking with mumbles and "umphs" for awhile before I could convince myself to actually get up. Anyway, we got up, had breakfast, gave Jonathan a bath (which was abundantly necessary after his breakfast!), and then I put him down for his nap and took a shower. By the time those things had been accomplished, it was nearly 9am.
I guess I just don't think of things taking this long! Baby breakfasts last three times as long as mine do, and get ten times as messy. Baby baths are twice as long as mommy showers. No wonder we can't seem to get to church on time! :)
This morning Jonathan and I got up at 6:15am. He'd been awake for some time, but I sat him up and responded to his talking with mumbles and "umphs" for awhile before I could convince myself to actually get up. Anyway, we got up, had breakfast, gave Jonathan a bath (which was abundantly necessary after his breakfast!), and then I put him down for his nap and took a shower. By the time those things had been accomplished, it was nearly 9am.
I guess I just don't think of things taking this long! Baby breakfasts last three times as long as mine do, and get ten times as messy. Baby baths are twice as long as mommy showers. No wonder we can't seem to get to church on time! :)
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Life really IS beautiful
Today has been a perfectly lovely day. Aside from a few items which were added in a fit of overestimation of the hours available, everything on my list is completed. Not only that, but completed in a reasonable amount of time, without allowing myself to be side tracked by such odious inventions as the computer (yes, please note that I am only NOW blogging!)
And the completed list is only a tiny part of why the day is so lovely. On top of that, the house is clean. You all have permission to drop by. Tonight. Not tomorrow, please, for tomorrow it will have (somehow!) magically returned to it’s former state. But tonight the dishes are done, the house is picked up, the FLOOR IS CLEAR, my desk is – well, um, we won’t talk about my desk, ok?
Jonathan and I went for a lovely long walk today, all the way to the post office and Walmart. Hurrah for exercise! It had the added benefit of allowing me to do almost all my “little bits and pieces” shopping – you know the things that accumulate over a few weeks and which you can’t get at the grocery store? And I stopped at Kohl’s on the way back to try on jeans. This almost ruined my day, but it was salvaged by the happy thought that designers are probably not mothers, and thus do not have the needed experience to know how to fit a mommy body. So. There. :)
This afternoon a technician came out (earlier than they said he’d come) to install something on our air conditioner, and Jonathan and I were presentable and so was the house. He even carried his ladder through from the front door to the patio door, and didn’t trip on anything.
After that Jonathan and I took a blanket outside to the tiny patch of grass and tree outside our front door. I settled in with a book to enjoy the sun and breeze, and he took off, puffed apple cracker in hand, to explore his world. His knees will never be the same, I fear, and his face is dirtier than it has ever been, but he sure had a good time! Who knew that leaves could be so entertaining? Now if only I could convince him that they are not good to eat.
A nice side effect of all this exploration is that he wanted a nap – thus this opportunity to play on the computer. And I don’t even have to feel guilty about it, because there is not one single (reasonable) thing that I need to be doing right now!
*happy sigh*
And the completed list is only a tiny part of why the day is so lovely. On top of that, the house is clean. You all have permission to drop by. Tonight. Not tomorrow, please, for tomorrow it will have (somehow!) magically returned to it’s former state. But tonight the dishes are done, the house is picked up, the FLOOR IS CLEAR, my desk is – well, um, we won’t talk about my desk, ok?
Jonathan and I went for a lovely long walk today, all the way to the post office and Walmart. Hurrah for exercise! It had the added benefit of allowing me to do almost all my “little bits and pieces” shopping – you know the things that accumulate over a few weeks and which you can’t get at the grocery store? And I stopped at Kohl’s on the way back to try on jeans. This almost ruined my day, but it was salvaged by the happy thought that designers are probably not mothers, and thus do not have the needed experience to know how to fit a mommy body. So. There. :)
This afternoon a technician came out (earlier than they said he’d come) to install something on our air conditioner, and Jonathan and I were presentable and so was the house. He even carried his ladder through from the front door to the patio door, and didn’t trip on anything.
After that Jonathan and I took a blanket outside to the tiny patch of grass and tree outside our front door. I settled in with a book to enjoy the sun and breeze, and he took off, puffed apple cracker in hand, to explore his world. His knees will never be the same, I fear, and his face is dirtier than it has ever been, but he sure had a good time! Who knew that leaves could be so entertaining? Now if only I could convince him that they are not good to eat.
A nice side effect of all this exploration is that he wanted a nap – thus this opportunity to play on the computer. And I don’t even have to feel guilty about it, because there is not one single (reasonable) thing that I need to be doing right now!
*happy sigh*
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Red belt!
Yup, I got one! This means that I am considered "ready to test" for my black belt. I don't know exactly when the exam will be, but probably within the next few months.
The really cool thing was that on Tuesday (the night I got it) I felt like a martial artist again for the first time in way, way too long. For the last many months it seemed like something was always in the way - pregnancy, recovering from the c-section, exhaustion due to mothering an infant, shoulder injuries, etc. I just couldn't recapture the mokso focus. But on Tuesday it was there again! I hope I can maintain it now that I remember what it feels like.
It has been such a long road getting here. It is nice to have the goal in sight.
The really cool thing was that on Tuesday (the night I got it) I felt like a martial artist again for the first time in way, way too long. For the last many months it seemed like something was always in the way - pregnancy, recovering from the c-section, exhaustion due to mothering an infant, shoulder injuries, etc. I just couldn't recapture the mokso focus. But on Tuesday it was there again! I hope I can maintain it now that I remember what it feels like.
It has been such a long road getting here. It is nice to have the goal in sight.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Solving crankiness with cuddles
About a week ago I realized that Jonathan was being a lot more cranky. And I was being a lot more frustrated with his crankiness. Not a good situation. So I sat myself down and did some thinking about why we were in said situation.
I think that what happened is this: Jonathan got a lot more mobile, and a lot more self-entertaining, very quickly. And as I realized that I could put him down and let him be on his own, I did. The result, I think, is that he didn't feel nearly as secure. Yes, he can play on the floor with his toys while I do other things. And he does and he should. But that kind of alone time needs to be limited...he's only 9 months old, after all! I think that I just sort of lost track of the fact that he's still a baby who needs me. And as I'm consciously choosing to remember that and act accordingly, he's being much less fussy.
It feels good to be a proactive mom. I'm spending more time playing with him on the floor - he sits in my lap and plays with toys. He's still getting lots of new experience and stimulation, but he's feeling safe and happy because he knows I'm right there with him. And we sit on the couch and cuddle and read books in the morning. And in the afternoon I try to anticipate his more fussy time by carrying him in the sling. Yes, I don't get much done around the house after 3pm...but Jonathan isn't crying, either. We're both happier at the end of the day, so I think it's a great trade-off!
Isn't it neat to see a thought-out parenting choice actually work the way you hope it will work? :)
I think that what happened is this: Jonathan got a lot more mobile, and a lot more self-entertaining, very quickly. And as I realized that I could put him down and let him be on his own, I did. The result, I think, is that he didn't feel nearly as secure. Yes, he can play on the floor with his toys while I do other things. And he does and he should. But that kind of alone time needs to be limited...he's only 9 months old, after all! I think that I just sort of lost track of the fact that he's still a baby who needs me. And as I'm consciously choosing to remember that and act accordingly, he's being much less fussy.
It feels good to be a proactive mom. I'm spending more time playing with him on the floor - he sits in my lap and plays with toys. He's still getting lots of new experience and stimulation, but he's feeling safe and happy because he knows I'm right there with him. And we sit on the couch and cuddle and read books in the morning. And in the afternoon I try to anticipate his more fussy time by carrying him in the sling. Yes, I don't get much done around the house after 3pm...but Jonathan isn't crying, either. We're both happier at the end of the day, so I think it's a great trade-off!
Isn't it neat to see a thought-out parenting choice actually work the way you hope it will work? :)
Sweetness
When Jonathan is getting sleepy, and I've been intelligent enough to put him in the sling instead of letting him get fussy elsewhere, sometimes he'll lay his head down on my shoulder and suck on his fingers. Those are the moments when I know that I'd rather be right here doing this than anything else in the world.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Fun development!
Jonathan is enjoying time spent reading together! I’ve been trying to read to him for months, but without much interest on his part. So we’d read in 30 second bursts, pretty much, and then he’d try to eat the book. :) But lately he’s been so much more fascinated by the pictures and by my voice. So encouraging! This morning we snuggled on the couch and read (some of!) the poems in Eloise William’s Poems to Read to the Very Young. I’ve always loved that book, and it’s so fun to see Jonathan enjoying it too!
Monday, January 16, 2006
My kitchen baseboards are clean!
This makes me a successful housewife, right? ;)
In other news, my wonderful husband mopped the kitchen floor for me tonight while I put Jonathan to bed. Isn't he nice to me?
In other news, my wonderful husband mopped the kitchen floor for me tonight while I put Jonathan to bed. Isn't he nice to me?
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Overcoming neatness
I am a very organized person (stop laughing, everyone who knows me - I know that's an understatement). :) I dislike messes and would be quite happy if the house could just stay in "neat as a pin" order all the time. I like everything to have it's place and more than that, everything should BE in it's place at all times.
Life isn't really like that. And life with a baby REALLY isn't like that. So I'm working on overcoming my unreasonable desire for a perfectly neat life. And I'm finding that this takes quite a bit of effort. For example, I just watched as Jonathan dumped his wooden blocks, his plastic blocks, his other plastic blocks, and a basket of sundry toys all over the floor. Does he really need to play with all of them? Of course not! But is it good for him to learn that pulling on something results in gravity dumping them on the floor? Absolutely. He's exploring his world and I need to encourage that and worry about picking them up later. Last night is another good example: Gabe and I were feeding him dinner and Jonathan didn't want to be fed. He wanted to do it himself! So I mentally braced myself and then gave him his own food. Which he promptly spread all over his tray, hands, face, arms, and legs...but some of it did get in his mouth. :) Was it a mess? Completely. In fact, we had to give him a bath afterward. Was it worthwhile? Of course! I could sit there and watch his mind processing so much as he worked to pick up food from his tray and practiced bringing his spoon to his mouth.
I think that this will probably be an ongoing process for me. It's not a natural reaction to think "heck, let him get his food in his hair - he's learning!" But I think that it's probably one of the most important things for me to be learning right now. Because I want to raise an adventurous boy who will jump in puddles and play in the mud and explore his life without fear of a mother sighing and saying "not again" to his dirty clothes.
So friends, you can pray for me as I learn to overcome neatness. :)
Life isn't really like that. And life with a baby REALLY isn't like that. So I'm working on overcoming my unreasonable desire for a perfectly neat life. And I'm finding that this takes quite a bit of effort. For example, I just watched as Jonathan dumped his wooden blocks, his plastic blocks, his other plastic blocks, and a basket of sundry toys all over the floor. Does he really need to play with all of them? Of course not! But is it good for him to learn that pulling on something results in gravity dumping them on the floor? Absolutely. He's exploring his world and I need to encourage that and worry about picking them up later. Last night is another good example: Gabe and I were feeding him dinner and Jonathan didn't want to be fed. He wanted to do it himself! So I mentally braced myself and then gave him his own food. Which he promptly spread all over his tray, hands, face, arms, and legs...but some of it did get in his mouth. :) Was it a mess? Completely. In fact, we had to give him a bath afterward. Was it worthwhile? Of course! I could sit there and watch his mind processing so much as he worked to pick up food from his tray and practiced bringing his spoon to his mouth.
I think that this will probably be an ongoing process for me. It's not a natural reaction to think "heck, let him get his food in his hair - he's learning!" But I think that it's probably one of the most important things for me to be learning right now. Because I want to raise an adventurous boy who will jump in puddles and play in the mud and explore his life without fear of a mother sighing and saying "not again" to his dirty clothes.
So friends, you can pray for me as I learn to overcome neatness. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)