Dear Sweet Kidlet,
I'd like to apologize for feeding you a snack you don't like. Judging from the enormous amount of Cheerios that I vacuumed up this afternoon you aren't fond of Honey Nut, Fruity, or Yogurt Burst Cheerios.
You're lucky that the intelligent mice, who decided to make our garage their home, didn't find your hidden stash in the backseat. While we have proof that their jumping skills are quite impressive they didn't have any clue that jackpot of their dreams were just inside that car. You're very very lucky. Remember how much Mommy screamed when we saw those mice that one day?
In the future I'll try and give you a snack you'll enjoy.
Love,
Mommy
P.S. You still aren't getting the Lucky Charms.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Dear Munchkin(creators of The Best Snack Cup Ever),
Could you please make the lid child-proof?
Thanks!
Mom to a toddler who rips that lid off with lightening speed when he's mad and wants to teach me a lesson or simply is unsatisfied with his snack.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
A Late Summer Retreat
Ahhhh, a week in the mountains is just what I (we) needed. My parents came in town and we journeyed across the state to our most favorite mountain town.
I mildly enforced a no tv and no blackberry rule although I did enjoy the expanded satellite channels which included my favorite news channel on one or 3 occasions.
So as not to extend an invitation for an uninvited tour of my house I didn't update my facebook status with updates that would look something like this:
.'Is enjoying some early morning quality mommy/daughter time on the porch watching the river rush by.'
.'Is in awe of amazing waterfalls.'
.'Is Googling how to get to Tom Cruise's home in Telluride.'
.'Just watched Darryl Hannah walk right past us as we eat some amazing mexican food.'
.'Is sorta wondering if it's truly possible to go 100% trash free (which happens to be Telluride's goal by 2025)'
.'Just found the perfect cowboy boots for Corben!'
.'Is nibbling on the best white chocolate and lime truffle e-v-e-r.'
The End.
I mildly enforced a no tv and no blackberry rule although I did enjoy the expanded satellite channels which included my favorite news channel on one or 3 occasions.
So as not to extend an invitation for an uninvited tour of my house I didn't update my facebook status with updates that would look something like this:
.'Is enjoying some early morning quality mommy/daughter time on the porch watching the river rush by.'
.'Is in awe of amazing waterfalls.'
.'Is Googling how to get to Tom Cruise's home in Telluride.'
.'Just watched Darryl Hannah walk right past us as we eat some amazing mexican food.'
.'Is sorta wondering if it's truly possible to go 100% trash free (which happens to be Telluride's goal by 2025)'
.'Just found the perfect cowboy boots for Corben!'
.'Is nibbling on the best white chocolate and lime truffle e-v-e-r.'
The End.
Monday, August 24, 2009
It Hurts Me More Than It Does You
As a kid I never understood when my parents would say "this hurts me more than it does you" but now as a parent I get it.
The inspiration of this post came from a friend (see below) but the guts to really verbalize and stick up for what I believe came from my newfound courage and confidence in my parenting (see previous post).
I met up with a friend last week and she began to tell me of her playdate from hell the previous day. Still reeling from the shock and horror of what had happened she told me the story. In short it was her dear friend and her child that had come over to play. The friend's child didn't want to read books so the child picked up a plastic broom and started whacking my friend's child over the head which resulted in a big gash and lots of blood and tears. Yikes!
My friend was mortified when her friend didn't scold her child no, not even raise her voice in the littlest bit. We both said "if that were my child..." etc.
So for awhile we talked about what you do when another child does something to your own kid. It's a sticky situation. Everyone disciplines their child differently: some use time out, some spank, some yell till they are blue in the face, some rationalize with their child, and some do nothing. It's probably pretty rare that you find a friend who parents exactly like you. And your way isn't the only way either. (don't worry I take my own advice too)
While my little kidlet is only 2 he's definitely getting to the stage where he is interacting more with other kids. Two year olds don't share. They don't get it. You can teach them that they can't hoard all the cars and need to share some with their playmates - I'll probably have to do that a thousand times before he'll actually get it. Two year olds hit. Two year olds pull hair. Two year olds cry when they don't get what they want. Two year olds don't understand how to take turns. But what do you do when your kid is the one whose hair gets pulled or is the one who got their face slapped. Or what do you do when your kid is the one who did something? It is SOOOOOO tempting to yell at the other kid. It's not your kid and he just hurt your baaaaaaaabeeeeeeeeeeee he must paaaaaaaaaay. But isn't discipline for our kids supposed to be out of love and because we want to teach them how to become considerate and decent human beings? I think that that is a love that can only come from a parent.
I remember once when I stayed at my Aunt & Uncle's house while my parents went out to dinner. My parents rarely left us and I'll confess I was a momma's girl so I didn't really like to be left anywhere. Anyways, a big storm hit and we had to go the basement. I remember being very scared and I just wanted my mom & dad. For some reason or another I remember my uncle threatening to spank me if I didn't stop being upset. There had to be more to it but I was only like 4 or something. I was shocked. I got spanked here or there as a kid but not very much and only by my mom or dad. It really scared me to think someone else would punish me like that. I never ever want my kids to have that kind of fear.
After a lot of contimplation and a few experiences I sort of adopted a "do unto others" kind of approach on how I will deal with other kids who hurt my kidlet or visa versa. I will not treat another person's child in a manner in which I wouldn't want done to my own child. I've seen my child get yelled at by other people and I've seen other parents yell at other kids in a way that they would never ever talk to their own kids. It can be really scary because you make a mental note to never leave your kid with that parent. It's always in the back of your mind.
Moving right along, it's ok if you don't really like my way of thinking or my rules. I don't mind if you disagree I just ask that this be how you handle my child if he does something naughty. I guess a plus side is that maybe my friends will all know that I will always be respectful of their parenting and their kids. But also don't worry I'm not going to hand out my list along with a consent waiver at the next playdate k? Promise.
1. If my child hits/hurts/etc your child I will discipline my child. Please hold your tongue and do not scold my child.
2. If you catch my child hitting/hurting/etc your child then please untangle and separate the kids and tell me what happened if I didn't see it directly (see #1).
3. If your child hits/hurts/etc my child I will bring it to your attention and you can do whatever it is you do to discipline your child.
4. Of course the exception to these rules is if you're babysitting my kid or I'm babysitting yours. In that case a respectful but firm tone towards scolding my child will be sufficient. Even if you know that my child might get a swat on the hiney at home for pulling the cats fur I would never ever in a million years want anyone else to swat his behind for doing the same thing at their house. I would never ever ever swat another child on their bottom. Ever.
So this post was not really directed to anyone in particular but if it makes you consider how you treat other children then mission accomplished. Phew that was a long one!
The inspiration of this post came from a friend (see below) but the guts to really verbalize and stick up for what I believe came from my newfound courage and confidence in my parenting (see previous post).
I met up with a friend last week and she began to tell me of her playdate from hell the previous day. Still reeling from the shock and horror of what had happened she told me the story. In short it was her dear friend and her child that had come over to play. The friend's child didn't want to read books so the child picked up a plastic broom and started whacking my friend's child over the head which resulted in a big gash and lots of blood and tears. Yikes!
My friend was mortified when her friend didn't scold her child no, not even raise her voice in the littlest bit. We both said "if that were my child..." etc.
So for awhile we talked about what you do when another child does something to your own kid. It's a sticky situation. Everyone disciplines their child differently: some use time out, some spank, some yell till they are blue in the face, some rationalize with their child, and some do nothing. It's probably pretty rare that you find a friend who parents exactly like you. And your way isn't the only way either. (don't worry I take my own advice too)
While my little kidlet is only 2 he's definitely getting to the stage where he is interacting more with other kids. Two year olds don't share. They don't get it. You can teach them that they can't hoard all the cars and need to share some with their playmates - I'll probably have to do that a thousand times before he'll actually get it. Two year olds hit. Two year olds pull hair. Two year olds cry when they don't get what they want. Two year olds don't understand how to take turns. But what do you do when your kid is the one whose hair gets pulled or is the one who got their face slapped. Or what do you do when your kid is the one who did something? It is SOOOOOO tempting to yell at the other kid. It's not your kid and he just hurt your baaaaaaaabeeeeeeeeeeee he must paaaaaaaaaay. But isn't discipline for our kids supposed to be out of love and because we want to teach them how to become considerate and decent human beings? I think that that is a love that can only come from a parent.
I remember once when I stayed at my Aunt & Uncle's house while my parents went out to dinner. My parents rarely left us and I'll confess I was a momma's girl so I didn't really like to be left anywhere. Anyways, a big storm hit and we had to go the basement. I remember being very scared and I just wanted my mom & dad. For some reason or another I remember my uncle threatening to spank me if I didn't stop being upset. There had to be more to it but I was only like 4 or something. I was shocked. I got spanked here or there as a kid but not very much and only by my mom or dad. It really scared me to think someone else would punish me like that. I never ever want my kids to have that kind of fear.
After a lot of contimplation and a few experiences I sort of adopted a "do unto others" kind of approach on how I will deal with other kids who hurt my kidlet or visa versa. I will not treat another person's child in a manner in which I wouldn't want done to my own child. I've seen my child get yelled at by other people and I've seen other parents yell at other kids in a way that they would never ever talk to their own kids. It can be really scary because you make a mental note to never leave your kid with that parent. It's always in the back of your mind.
Moving right along, it's ok if you don't really like my way of thinking or my rules. I don't mind if you disagree I just ask that this be how you handle my child if he does something naughty. I guess a plus side is that maybe my friends will all know that I will always be respectful of their parenting and their kids. But also don't worry I'm not going to hand out my list along with a consent waiver at the next playdate k? Promise.
1. If my child hits/hurts/etc your child I will discipline my child. Please hold your tongue and do not scold my child.
2. If you catch my child hitting/hurting/etc your child then please untangle and separate the kids and tell me what happened if I didn't see it directly (see #1).
3. If your child hits/hurts/etc my child I will bring it to your attention and you can do whatever it is you do to discipline your child.
4. Of course the exception to these rules is if you're babysitting my kid or I'm babysitting yours. In that case a respectful but firm tone towards scolding my child will be sufficient. Even if you know that my child might get a swat on the hiney at home for pulling the cats fur I would never ever in a million years want anyone else to swat his behind for doing the same thing at their house. I would never ever ever swat another child on their bottom. Ever.
So this post was not really directed to anyone in particular but if it makes you consider how you treat other children then mission accomplished. Phew that was a long one!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Is that a grey hair?
Lately I've been checking everyday for a grey hair and I'm only 27.
I've been down on myself lately for my parenting. I'm new at this ok? I don't have any answers and all waters are unchartered at this point. Most of my friends are also in the boat with me although some would argue that they have a GPS and advanced copy of How To Perfectly Parent Your Child. I've let what people think, what they say (or only say with their eyes and disapproving glances) get to me.
As a parent I'm pretty laid back and I like it. I have known far too many parents (of boys in particular) who are always picking at their kids for this or that or everything. That's just not me. It's probably part of my fabric that has been woven since childhood. I can always remember my mom saying she'd pick her battles. I always thought I knew what that meant but truthfully I'm just figuring out what that means. I was sassy as a kid and I had my fair share of time in a corner or a swat on the hiney but I do remember at some point I knew what the "LOOK" was and it worked. The road to get there has to start somewhere...right?
I'm ashamed to admit I was starting to let what people think (or what I imagined them thinking) get to me and sow seeds of doubt in what I thought of my kid's behavior and maybe even of my kid. I began to wonder if _______ was really worth punishment just because so-and-so thinks it is. The line between normal 2-year-old behavior and disobedience was getting very thin and blurry. It felt like I was traing my child in a way to simply appease someone other than Brad and I. It was getting very overwhelming and very discouraging very quickly.
It's funny because all around me this week there have been articles, or tv segments or friendly observations that have helped strengthen my resolve. Like big arrows pointing me in the right direction. I couldn't be more thankful for this peace because I really don't want to waste one precious second wondering if my kid is acting up more than the other kids or whether this or that is quote-unquote normal.
Then this afternoon as I was mulling this post over in my head, I received my weekly parenting tip/newsletter email. I'll leave you with a quote from it because they too must have known that it's about this time in a parent's life when unsolicited advice, glares and other parents' haughtiness start to sow seeds that need not be watered.
"It's tempting to compare your preschooler with his playmates, but it's not constructive. At this age, kids start developing in wildly different ways. Some focus fiercely on language or motor skills for a time while other skills stagnate. And new skills are acquired at a whole range of "normal" rates. Trust your gut: Does your child seem okay to you?"
Next up...why it's not ok to discipline someone else's child (especially in front of their parent).
Whoa, maybe I need to channel my inner Martha Stewart for awhile so my inner Dr. Laura can tame herself. Sugar cookies anyone?
I've been down on myself lately for my parenting. I'm new at this ok? I don't have any answers and all waters are unchartered at this point. Most of my friends are also in the boat with me although some would argue that they have a GPS and advanced copy of How To Perfectly Parent Your Child. I've let what people think, what they say (or only say with their eyes and disapproving glances) get to me.
As a parent I'm pretty laid back and I like it. I have known far too many parents (of boys in particular) who are always picking at their kids for this or that or everything. That's just not me. It's probably part of my fabric that has been woven since childhood. I can always remember my mom saying she'd pick her battles. I always thought I knew what that meant but truthfully I'm just figuring out what that means. I was sassy as a kid and I had my fair share of time in a corner or a swat on the hiney but I do remember at some point I knew what the "LOOK" was and it worked. The road to get there has to start somewhere...right?
I'm ashamed to admit I was starting to let what people think (or what I imagined them thinking) get to me and sow seeds of doubt in what I thought of my kid's behavior and maybe even of my kid. I began to wonder if _______ was really worth punishment just because so-and-so thinks it is. The line between normal 2-year-old behavior and disobedience was getting very thin and blurry. It felt like I was traing my child in a way to simply appease someone other than Brad and I. It was getting very overwhelming and very discouraging very quickly.
It's funny because all around me this week there have been articles, or tv segments or friendly observations that have helped strengthen my resolve. Like big arrows pointing me in the right direction. I couldn't be more thankful for this peace because I really don't want to waste one precious second wondering if my kid is acting up more than the other kids or whether this or that is quote-unquote normal.
Then this afternoon as I was mulling this post over in my head, I received my weekly parenting tip/newsletter email. I'll leave you with a quote from it because they too must have known that it's about this time in a parent's life when unsolicited advice, glares and other parents' haughtiness start to sow seeds that need not be watered.
"It's tempting to compare your preschooler with his playmates, but it's not constructive. At this age, kids start developing in wildly different ways. Some focus fiercely on language or motor skills for a time while other skills stagnate. And new skills are acquired at a whole range of "normal" rates. Trust your gut: Does your child seem okay to you?"
Next up...why it's not ok to discipline someone else's child (especially in front of their parent).
Whoa, maybe I need to channel my inner Martha Stewart for awhile so my inner Dr. Laura can tame herself. Sugar cookies anyone?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Dreamweaver
I've been dreaming a lot lately. My nightly slumber is not restful as of late and is being assaulted with vivid, graphic, and desturbing dreams. The past 2 mornings I've woken up exahausted and in a sour mood because I can't leave the details of my dreams in my dreams. I haven't eaten anything weird (or anything since dinner) before bed and I haven't watched anything sad/scary (--> not my thing no matter what time of day) either. In fact, I think I was watching "How Do They Do It" on the Science Channel last night before I drifted off. If what you watch has anything to do with your dreams then I should have been dreaming of how I could get my hands on a Bugatti.
I don't feel like I have an subconscious craziness going on or anything. You know, no underlying resentment or other psychobabble-terms that I can pin this on.
I hope it stops pronto. I hope I can go back to dreaming of God-knows-what and I don't really care as long as I can't recite the exact details of what I dreamed about the next morning. Deal?
I don't feel like I have an subconscious craziness going on or anything. You know, no underlying resentment or other psychobabble-terms that I can pin this on.
I hope it stops pronto. I hope I can go back to dreaming of God-knows-what and I don't really care as long as I can't recite the exact details of what I dreamed about the next morning. Deal?
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Reality of Reality
I've been feeling quite contimplative lately. When we lived in Virginia our life was pretty much eat, breathe, live military life. Every facet of our life was surrounded by the Navy: our neighbors, our friends, church, etc. You couldn't sling a dead cat where you wouldn't see a Sailor, ships, and utilities (the name for the uniform worn by sailors on a ship). But here in Colorado Springs I've felt more like we're civilians with a husband that has long working hours but with the occassional perk of a military discount and access to the commissary if I feel like making the trek.
In Virginia the reality of friends moving was always present. Someone was always up for new orders and saying (mostly tearful with the occassional joyous) good-byes was part of military life. Since we've been here not many of our friends have had to move. Very (very) few of our friends are military so unless they just want to they don't need to move.
But now. It's our turn. 3 years have flown by. I can't even expresse how fast time has gone. We absolutely love Colorado. We've made some amazing friends here and our experience here has changed us for the better both personally and professionally for Brad.
We're at a crossroads and have a lot of decisions to make over the next 10 months or so. It's scary and exciting and panic attack inducing but we know the path that we're supposed to take will become clear...eventually. But oh how I wish I had a crystal ball so I could know NOW. What really gives Brad and I comfort is knowing that even if we had planned the outcome of our time in Colorado there's no way we would have ever been able to orchestrate how well it has turned out. We know the same will be true with whatever happens for us next.
But for now I'm choosing not to focus on how sad the thought of leaving makes me but to enjoy the time I have left here and have fun watching my kidlets grow, the arrival of new babies, and cherishing the friendships that I hold so close to my heart. Also I'm not going to disagree that I'm a little excited at the prospect of what new adventures lie ahead for my family! We love a good adventure!
In Virginia the reality of friends moving was always present. Someone was always up for new orders and saying (mostly tearful with the occassional joyous) good-byes was part of military life. Since we've been here not many of our friends have had to move. Very (very) few of our friends are military so unless they just want to they don't need to move.
But now. It's our turn. 3 years have flown by. I can't even expresse how fast time has gone. We absolutely love Colorado. We've made some amazing friends here and our experience here has changed us for the better both personally and professionally for Brad.
We're at a crossroads and have a lot of decisions to make over the next 10 months or so. It's scary and exciting and panic attack inducing but we know the path that we're supposed to take will become clear...eventually. But oh how I wish I had a crystal ball so I could know NOW. What really gives Brad and I comfort is knowing that even if we had planned the outcome of our time in Colorado there's no way we would have ever been able to orchestrate how well it has turned out. We know the same will be true with whatever happens for us next.
But for now I'm choosing not to focus on how sad the thought of leaving makes me but to enjoy the time I have left here and have fun watching my kidlets grow, the arrival of new babies, and cherishing the friendships that I hold so close to my heart. Also I'm not going to disagree that I'm a little excited at the prospect of what new adventures lie ahead for my family! We love a good adventure!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
You Know Your Dog Needs A Bath When...
...he walks into the running shower while you pry your two year old out of a nice warm shower with his daddy.
Guess there goes all the hot water for my shower tonight.
Guess there goes all the hot water for my shower tonight.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Horror With A Side Of Mind Your Own Business, Please.
Do you ever have one of those "man, I hope that never happens" fears? I have those fears all the time now. I think it's because I have kids. Sometimes they are little fears and sometimes they are the big ones.
Today I had one of my minor fears come true. I finally went to the library to pick up a book that I requested. I had Corben attached to me with this and I had my diaper bag around the same shoulder that I was carrying Nevie's car seat. I was going to set her seat down but before I could get her all the way to the ground my diaper bag slid off my shoulder and the force knocked her seat off my arm and sent it slamming to the ground. Luckily it was less than a 6-8 inch drop but it still made a terrible noise and of course it startled her awake and she started crying. It was my abosolute luck that a librarian was RIGHT THERE to witness the whole thing. She scolded me under her breath and huffed a lot and shot all sorts of dirty looks my way. Too bad I was so busy calming Nevie and making sure Corben didn't take ALL of the books off the shelf or else. She acted as though I did it on purpose. She stood there for the longest time probably debating on whether to call DFS on me or something. If only she knew what it felt like to resemble a pack mule for even the smallest of errands.
Then we went back to McDonald's where I had to take both of my kids in just to fetch a forgotten sippy cup from the play area. Iiiiiif only there were a drive-thru for things like a lost and found, milk, diapers, and the library my life my be a tad bit easier. I mean there are drive-thru liquor stores why hasn't anyone actually come up with a drive-thru for the truly essential things? Ok wine is practically essential.
Today I had one of my minor fears come true. I finally went to the library to pick up a book that I requested. I had Corben attached to me with this and I had my diaper bag around the same shoulder that I was carrying Nevie's car seat. I was going to set her seat down but before I could get her all the way to the ground my diaper bag slid off my shoulder and the force knocked her seat off my arm and sent it slamming to the ground. Luckily it was less than a 6-8 inch drop but it still made a terrible noise and of course it startled her awake and she started crying. It was my abosolute luck that a librarian was RIGHT THERE to witness the whole thing. She scolded me under her breath and huffed a lot and shot all sorts of dirty looks my way. Too bad I was so busy calming Nevie and making sure Corben didn't take ALL of the books off the shelf or else. She acted as though I did it on purpose. She stood there for the longest time probably debating on whether to call DFS on me or something. If only she knew what it felt like to resemble a pack mule for even the smallest of errands.
Then we went back to McDonald's where I had to take both of my kids in just to fetch a forgotten sippy cup from the play area. Iiiiiif only there were a drive-thru for things like a lost and found, milk, diapers, and the library my life my be a tad bit easier. I mean there are drive-thru liquor stores why hasn't anyone actually come up with a drive-thru for the truly essential things? Ok wine is practically essential.
Friday, May 29, 2009
It's a Bird. It's a Plane. No Really, it's a Bird. **UPDATED**
You know that Windex commercial where the blackbirds are teasing each other about running into a window because it was so clean?
Between little kidlet fingers and a dog there's little hope that my sliding glass door stays clean for very long.
That's why I was slightly suprised when I heard a little "thud" on the the glass just a bit ago. The dog and the kidlet were in the living room with the Husband and I so I instantly knew what it was.
Right now on our deck is a bird. A bird who did not die on impact. No, this bird is struggling. What the heck do you do with a struggling, dying, bird who managed to muster up enough strength to stand up but then fell on it's beak? The Husband asked where his new outdoor gloves were becaused he thought he should move him. I'm against the moving of the bird. I think it will stress him out and it'd be a shame if he died from a heart attack instead of well...the accident. I suggested using some latex gloves we have around here so he could toss them after he touches the bird but the Husband is afraid of being 'beaked' (those were his words. I would have said pecked but true to form 'beaked' sounds funnier).
So the fate of the bird is still up in the air...or on the deck if you will.
But is it terribly wrong that I sort of feel triumphant that my glass door is so clean and my house so inviting that...well...you know.
What a bird saver. He's quite proud of himself, can you tell?
In the end this was all that was left.
Did I mention he also came up with a name for the bird while he was out there nursing her back to health? Alice. Her name IS Alice (not was...crisis averted!)
Between little kidlet fingers and a dog there's little hope that my sliding glass door stays clean for very long.
That's why I was slightly suprised when I heard a little "thud" on the the glass just a bit ago. The dog and the kidlet were in the living room with the Husband and I so I instantly knew what it was.
Right now on our deck is a bird. A bird who did not die on impact. No, this bird is struggling. What the heck do you do with a struggling, dying, bird who managed to muster up enough strength to stand up but then fell on it's beak? The Husband asked where his new outdoor gloves were becaused he thought he should move him. I'm against the moving of the bird. I think it will stress him out and it'd be a shame if he died from a heart attack instead of well...the accident. I suggested using some latex gloves we have around here so he could toss them after he touches the bird but the Husband is afraid of being 'beaked' (those were his words. I would have said pecked but true to form 'beaked' sounds funnier).
So the fate of the bird is still up in the air...or on the deck if you will.
But is it terribly wrong that I sort of feel triumphant that my glass door is so clean and my house so inviting that...well...you know.
****THE UPDATE****
When I got brave enough to look out the window this is what I saw:
I knew there were worms out there because I stiffled many screeches while working in my garden last week. It didn't take him long. A baby worm for a baby bird.
The prize.
The prize.
What a bird saver. He's quite proud of himself, can you tell?
In the end this was all that was left.
Did I mention he also came up with a name for the bird while he was out there nursing her back to health? Alice. Her name IS Alice (not was...crisis averted!)
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