Who remembers the tight rolled jeans fad? The precursor to the skinny jeans, but cooler because you did it yourself; you couldn't just buy them off the rack. I remember seeing kids with rolled jeans in junior high, wanting to look cool like that, trying it and not being sure why it didn't quite look right... and then feeling like I had arrived at a degree more cool when I figured out the trick of pulling the pants out and folding over the extra material before I rolled them up.
Yep. I'm cool like that. (A little behind the trends if I ever do get on board...)
Now I'm a mom, and junior high is a number of years in the past. But I've been doing something with my little one that has brought back those memories - you see, for a long time now, it's been easier to diaper Nolan on his feet - wherever I can get him to stand still, that's where he gets cleaned and changed.
And that t-shirt hanging down? It gets the old tuck and roll to stay out of the way.
Thank you, 80's, for that cool trick to make life a little easier.
Showing posts with label Parenting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parenting. Show all posts
Monday, June 17, 2013
Sunday, June 16, 2013
A Crying Baby Funny
It's funny because it happened almost 40 years ago. You know the one - it's not the 'ha ha funny' kind of story, but the 'you'll laugh about this later' kind of story?
My mom was letting my brother cry it out in his crib, and she let him cry and cry and cry... Finally she went to check just to make sure he was okay, and found he had climbed up out of his crib onto the top of a small dresser where he had got stranded on his hands and knees - unable to sit, lie down, stand, or get back in his crib.
He was fine, and while she probably felt terrible at the time, we all* agree that it's funny now!
*By all, I am excluding my brother, because I didn't check with him, and he may very well make up a story of how he is scarred for life because of it.
My mom was letting my brother cry it out in his crib, and she let him cry and cry and cry... Finally she went to check just to make sure he was okay, and found he had climbed up out of his crib onto the top of a small dresser where he had got stranded on his hands and knees - unable to sit, lie down, stand, or get back in his crib.
He was fine, and while she probably felt terrible at the time, we all* agree that it's funny now!
*By all, I am excluding my brother, because I didn't check with him, and he may very well make up a story of how he is scarred for life because of it.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
DIY vs Pay for the Professionals!
Sometimes you can do-it-yourself, if you have some training or experience and you're a handy guy.
Like building a shed:
Or renovating a kitchen:
Or basement:
Sometimes you can do-it-yourself, if you have the understanding of how it all works.
Sometimes you need someone else to do it.
Like when the sewer breaks and the tree needs to come down:
Sometimes you need to pay someone else, even if you think that it should be your job.
Like fixing unhealthy ways of thinking. Sometimes it takes a stranger with the right questions to get at the root of your issues and help you work your way back to healthy thinking. Maybe that's all I'll say about that: pay for the counseling.
Like fixing bad habits when there are multiple ways to address the issue and you're not on the same page and you just want someone else to tell you what's best for all involved. (Thank you Baby Sleep Site for getting us to the point where N is now {mostly} sleeping through the night!)
Don't be afraid, parents, to ask for help, to pay for help, if you feel like you're over your head. Parenting is not something we've trained for or been educated in; even if you're great at most of it, there may still be things beyond you. Get the help you need. Don't let the thought that it's your job to fix it get in the way of getting the job done well, in the most healthy way.
It's okay to ask for help.
Like building a shed:
Or renovating a kitchen:
 |
| Different angle, but you can see the changes. |
Or basement:
Sometimes you can do-it-yourself, if you have the understanding of how it all works.
Sometimes you need someone else to do it.
Like when the sewer breaks and the tree needs to come down:
Sometimes you need to pay someone else, even if you think that it should be your job.
Like fixing unhealthy ways of thinking. Sometimes it takes a stranger with the right questions to get at the root of your issues and help you work your way back to healthy thinking. Maybe that's all I'll say about that: pay for the counseling.
Like fixing bad habits when there are multiple ways to address the issue and you're not on the same page and you just want someone else to tell you what's best for all involved. (Thank you Baby Sleep Site for getting us to the point where N is now {mostly} sleeping through the night!)
Don't be afraid, parents, to ask for help, to pay for help, if you feel like you're over your head. Parenting is not something we've trained for or been educated in; even if you're great at most of it, there may still be things beyond you. Get the help you need. Don't let the thought that it's your job to fix it get in the way of getting the job done well, in the most healthy way.
It's okay to ask for help.
Thursday, June 06, 2013
Knowing the Consequences
We had a girl come home yesterday with apologies the first thing out of her mouth. She did something wrong, she knew it, and she was sorry.
She was afraid of how much trouble she'd get into...
...but yesterday evening ended up being one of the best family nights we've had in a long time.
We discussed the issue over supper, but when it came time for the discipline, we asked, well, what are the consequences for that? And she knew. So, well then, that's what you have to live with. No need to yell, no need to berate you for making a wrong choice, you just need to live with what you knew was coming.
And then we went off to get ice cream to celebrate being done level 10 swimming. Because just because you are being disciplined for one thing doesn't mean that we shouldn't celebrate when you do things well.
It struck me this morning that this was a great example of the Old Testament being relevant today; I'm reading through Joshua, and just passed where Joshua re-read all the blessings and curses, all that Moses commanded and wrote, as a reminder to all the people. What he read would have included all the laws with their corresponding consequences, and what we know as Deuteronomy 28, which is a clear summary of the consequences for obedience and disobedience.
God wanted his people to know what would happen as a result of certain actions. He wanted them - he wants us - to be able to choose wisely. Does it help you make a right choice when you know what the fallout will be for the wrong one?
That's the idea behind our consequence list at home here. We all know what will happen for {most} infractions, and there's the hope that maybe that might help a better decision be made. It certainly helps as parents to not have to come up with something appropriate on the spot; it was thought through and decided already when there was no high emotion involved.
This time the wrong choice was made in spite of knowing the consequences... and living with the consequences will help the right choice look better next time. Hopefully.
She was afraid of how much trouble she'd get into...
...but yesterday evening ended up being one of the best family nights we've had in a long time.
We discussed the issue over supper, but when it came time for the discipline, we asked, well, what are the consequences for that? And she knew. So, well then, that's what you have to live with. No need to yell, no need to berate you for making a wrong choice, you just need to live with what you knew was coming.
And then we went off to get ice cream to celebrate being done level 10 swimming. Because just because you are being disciplined for one thing doesn't mean that we shouldn't celebrate when you do things well.
It struck me this morning that this was a great example of the Old Testament being relevant today; I'm reading through Joshua, and just passed where Joshua re-read all the blessings and curses, all that Moses commanded and wrote, as a reminder to all the people. What he read would have included all the laws with their corresponding consequences, and what we know as Deuteronomy 28, which is a clear summary of the consequences for obedience and disobedience.
God wanted his people to know what would happen as a result of certain actions. He wanted them - he wants us - to be able to choose wisely. Does it help you make a right choice when you know what the fallout will be for the wrong one?
That's the idea behind our consequence list at home here. We all know what will happen for {most} infractions, and there's the hope that maybe that might help a better decision be made. It certainly helps as parents to not have to come up with something appropriate on the spot; it was thought through and decided already when there was no high emotion involved.
This time the wrong choice was made in spite of knowing the consequences... and living with the consequences will help the right choice look better next time. Hopefully.
Saturday, June 01, 2013
If you have a teenage girl.
I read a couple of posts this week that I thought were worth passing on; if you've got a teenage girl, be sure to check these out. They are probably worth the read if your girls are younger or if you have boys, too, just filter accordingly!
Emily at Chatting at the Sky wrote One Thing Your Daughter Doesn't Need You to Say addressing the pressure our kids feel to be a good example - pressure from themselves or from us. It hit home because I know there have been times I have expected M to be an example to her friends that don't know Jesus. She offers a great alternative; the freedom to just be themselves.
As a follow up to that, she wrote 12 Things Your Daughter Needs You to Say. Lots of good stuff in there, too.
Go read, be encouraged in your role as a parent, and inspired to raise up your children to Godly lives.
Emily at Chatting at the Sky wrote One Thing Your Daughter Doesn't Need You to Say addressing the pressure our kids feel to be a good example - pressure from themselves or from us. It hit home because I know there have been times I have expected M to be an example to her friends that don't know Jesus. She offers a great alternative; the freedom to just be themselves.
As a follow up to that, she wrote 12 Things Your Daughter Needs You to Say. Lots of good stuff in there, too.
Go read, be encouraged in your role as a parent, and inspired to raise up your children to Godly lives.
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
For Moms who are Tired
Parenting is hard. So many decisions to be made, questions to answer, meals to be planned... Where do you go for help? What helps you keep sane and balanced? I have a few places I find encouragement, and this is a collection of reminders that I wrote down in my journal and on my phone when I was struggling with being tired and frustrated. I've appreciated having them there to read over when I need a refresher - it's like a little time out to get back on track - so I thought I'd share them.
To be a good mom, keep:
* Getting enough sleep. Nap first, then chores.
* Trying again. Each moment / decision/situation is another opportunity.
* Praying. Nothing else will keep you grounded in reality (usually that it's not really that bad) and nothing else gives that hope and peace.
* Anticipating. Plan ahead so you're not faced with decisions and have to say no (ie. after school snacks - have it ready!)
* Biting your tongue against the nagging.
* Firm, and expect things done well.
* Double checking until it's done right - not because you expect perfection, but because you are training life skills.
* Telling yourself to enjoy today.
* Kissing their daddy - let them see you enjoying each other.
* Reminding yourself that it's a good thing that they don't always get what they want. They need that training for later when they want something they know is not right - they have to know that they can handle the disappointment and that they will get over it.
* Playing. My stuff will wait - get on the floor and make eye contact. That is love. Yes, there is times when it works to work while they play beside me, but prioritize.
Remember that this stage is not forever. "This too shall pass!" DECIDE to enjoy each moment you can and see each trying bit as a bit - not as defining the whole day. Yes, he cries - he can't talk. Yes, he's heavy - you GET to hold him! Yes he naps - Hooray!
To keep yourself grounded, remember:
* Know yourself. Recognize when it's PMS and cut yourself some slack.
* There has to be some compromise.- when you choose to put the other person first, follow through cheerfully. Don't play the martyr. Periodically re-evaluate and if the choice is still the same, strengthen your resolve to see it through.
* Stay positive. Fight the negative thoughts - they have no place in your head.
It's kind of a random collection, but it's full of things that I need reminding of.
I just got some books on motherhood by Sally Clarkson - has anyone read any of her stuff? I read a bit of one from the library and thought it seemed like it would be a great purchase. I'm hoping for encouragement and inspiration to overflow...
Where do you get your encouragement? How do you get yourself back on track when you feel 'off'?
To be a good mom, keep:
* Getting enough sleep. Nap first, then chores.
* Trying again. Each moment / decision/situation is another opportunity.
* Praying. Nothing else will keep you grounded in reality (usually that it's not really that bad) and nothing else gives that hope and peace.
* Anticipating. Plan ahead so you're not faced with decisions and have to say no (ie. after school snacks - have it ready!)
* Biting your tongue against the nagging.
* Firm, and expect things done well.
* Double checking until it's done right - not because you expect perfection, but because you are training life skills.
* Telling yourself to enjoy today.
* Kissing their daddy - let them see you enjoying each other.
* Reminding yourself that it's a good thing that they don't always get what they want. They need that training for later when they want something they know is not right - they have to know that they can handle the disappointment and that they will get over it.
* Playing. My stuff will wait - get on the floor and make eye contact. That is love. Yes, there is times when it works to work while they play beside me, but prioritize.
Remember that this stage is not forever. "This too shall pass!" DECIDE to enjoy each moment you can and see each trying bit as a bit - not as defining the whole day. Yes, he cries - he can't talk. Yes, he's heavy - you GET to hold him! Yes he naps - Hooray!
To keep yourself grounded, remember:
* Know yourself. Recognize when it's PMS and cut yourself some slack.
* There has to be some compromise.- when you choose to put the other person first, follow through cheerfully. Don't play the martyr. Periodically re-evaluate and if the choice is still the same, strengthen your resolve to see it through.
* Stay positive. Fight the negative thoughts - they have no place in your head.
It's kind of a random collection, but it's full of things that I need reminding of.
I just got some books on motherhood by Sally Clarkson - has anyone read any of her stuff? I read a bit of one from the library and thought it seemed like it would be a great purchase. I'm hoping for encouragement and inspiration to overflow...
Where do you get your encouragement? How do you get yourself back on track when you feel 'off'?
Monday, March 11, 2013
Like Reading It for the First Time
Nolan's Bible story the other morning had me in tears.
It was about Abraham being asked to sacrifice Isaac, and Sally Lloyd-Jones, the author of the Jesus Storybook Bible that Nolan got from Granny & Papa when he was dedicated, tells it so well. The whole Bible, in whatever translation you read it, points to Jesus all the way through, but it's not always so obvious. This book is written with every story clearly pointing to Jesus.
But this one: "Many years later, another Son would climb another hill, carrying wood on his back. Like Isaac, He would trust his Father and do what his Father asked. He wouldn't struggle or run away..." choked me up.
Last week I started reading to the kids at breakfast again; I used to read the Bible to M before N was born, but we got out of the habit when we added his needs in the morning. Now, though, he is old enough (sort of!) to sit and listen / play without interrupting, so we are back at it. I've decided that we will read from this Jesus Storybook Bible, and we weren't even half a page in, on the first day, before M's 13 year old eyes lit up in an 'Oh - that makes sense!' look. (Passover explained: "God told his people to take their best lamb, to kill it and to put some of its blood on their front doors. "When God passes over your house," Moses explained, "God will see the blood and know that the lamb died instead of you."")
It's gold.
It was about Abraham being asked to sacrifice Isaac, and Sally Lloyd-Jones, the author of the Jesus Storybook Bible that Nolan got from Granny & Papa when he was dedicated, tells it so well. The whole Bible, in whatever translation you read it, points to Jesus all the way through, but it's not always so obvious. This book is written with every story clearly pointing to Jesus.
But this one: "Many years later, another Son would climb another hill, carrying wood on his back. Like Isaac, He would trust his Father and do what his Father asked. He wouldn't struggle or run away..." choked me up.
**********
Last week I started reading to the kids at breakfast again; I used to read the Bible to M before N was born, but we got out of the habit when we added his needs in the morning. Now, though, he is old enough (sort of!) to sit and listen / play without interrupting, so we are back at it. I've decided that we will read from this Jesus Storybook Bible, and we weren't even half a page in, on the first day, before M's 13 year old eyes lit up in an 'Oh - that makes sense!' look. (Passover explained: "God told his people to take their best lamb, to kill it and to put some of its blood on their front doors. "When God passes over your house," Moses explained, "God will see the blood and know that the lamb died instead of you."")
It's gold.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Sleep Decisions
Sean is away for 5 nights in March, so I am deciding whether to sleep train Nolan that week in the hopes of getting him to sleep through the night. Right now (when he's not bothered by teeth!) he wakes three times a night; when we go to bed, and roughly 2 and 4. I go in at first peep (well, when I can tell that it's a sitting up awake noise, not a in-his-sleep noise), nurse him and put him back in his crib.
The reasons why I wouldn't do anything:
The reasons I'm considering it:
Other Considerations:
Like I said, Sean is going away for 5 days in March - that's the main reason these decisions have come up now... I'd love it if you'd weigh in with your thoughts and opinions and stories of sleeping through the night / sleep training / weaning...
The reasons why I wouldn't do anything:
- he hardly wakes up so it's easy to put him right back in his crib (usually - sometimes he sits right back up again and I pick him up for a few more minutes and try again)
- it doesn't affect my overall sleep too much
- and honestly, I enjoy holding the sleeping baby and know it won't last forever
The reasons I'm considering it:
- Sean is a light sleeper and wakes multiple times a night either to Nolan or to me coming or going.
- I believe Nolan could sleep through the night and just needs a chance to try it.
- I would do better on a fuller night's sleep, you know, managing emotions and all that...
Other Considerations:
- Sean doesn't like the idea of letting him cry it out, so we're researching other methods.
- The goal I'd like to see is to have him better able to self-soothe & get to sleep on his own; for naps half the time he does and the other half he falls asleep nursing. For bedtime, I pretty much always tack on another feed at the end of our routine so he can fall asleep nursing.
- My plan is to start now with naps and always put him down awake, rather than letting him fall asleep nursing. I imagine there will be some crying, but we'll see how it goes. When Sean is gone, maybe I'll try that at bedtime, too. As far as when he wakes in the night... that's to be determined. Ideally, once he can put himself to sleep, when he wakes in the night, he'll just go back to sleep on his own.
- There's the whole issue of weaning tied up in there, too. I imagine once he no longer nurses, he might no longer wake. ??Maybe?? And I am happy to have him nurse for a while longer yet; no rush for that. As it is, he only nurses a couple times during the day now anyway.
Like I said, Sean is going away for 5 days in March - that's the main reason these decisions have come up now... I'd love it if you'd weigh in with your thoughts and opinions and stories of sleeping through the night / sleep training / weaning...
Friday, November 16, 2012
The Influence of Parents: A Spiritual Treasure
Over the long weekend, M spent a night over at her Grandpa's. She came home the next day with a treasure: One of my old Bibles! I guess at one point between moves we left some books there. She had been going through the bookshelves and brought home Little Women and Jane Eyre, too; some good classics.
I took some photos of all my old Bibles with the set now complete (the one she brought was that second one) and got to thinking about what message they send... I think there's a few, but what impressed me most was about the influence parents have. Those first three Bibles? They all have my Mom's handwriting on the dedication page, with my name and the dates of when I was five years old, nine years old, and for my 15th birthday. They went from the King James to the Children's Living Bible (easier to read), to the New American Standard Bible (best mix between readability and literal translation). The fourth, the New Revised Standard Version, was new from Neil for our wedding, since the middle one saw me from 15 to 22, including four years of Bible school, and was falling apart, and the last one that I'm using now, is a TNIV (Today's New International Version), from Sean for our wedding, when we both got new ones (also because my old one was falling apart again...)
Parents and spouses - people in your life who should encourage your spiritual self; I'm so glad they did for me. Thank you.
Madeline got a kick out of the spine that had fallen off and that was stuck as a bookmark in the text: "I will read 3 chapters and a Psalm every day and on Sunday 5 chapters and a Psalm..." I read that Bible from when I was eight to when I was 15. I wonder what she thought of that commitment? I wonder if it made her think about her own commitment to read? We try to encourage her to read first thing in the day, before she reads anything else just for fun, but you can't be legalistic about something like that. I just hope and pray that God's Word becomes as important to her as it is to me. As it always has been to me.
Pray with me, won't you, for our children, that they would have a love for God's Word, a desire to commit both to him and to the good habit of reading it? I will pray for you as parents, that you would influence your children in a positive way and leave a legacy that lasts.
I took some photos of all my old Bibles with the set now complete (the one she brought was that second one) and got to thinking about what message they send... I think there's a few, but what impressed me most was about the influence parents have. Those first three Bibles? They all have my Mom's handwriting on the dedication page, with my name and the dates of when I was five years old, nine years old, and for my 15th birthday. They went from the King James to the Children's Living Bible (easier to read), to the New American Standard Bible (best mix between readability and literal translation). The fourth, the New Revised Standard Version, was new from Neil for our wedding, since the middle one saw me from 15 to 22, including four years of Bible school, and was falling apart, and the last one that I'm using now, is a TNIV (Today's New International Version), from Sean for our wedding, when we both got new ones (also because my old one was falling apart again...)
Parents and spouses - people in your life who should encourage your spiritual self; I'm so glad they did for me. Thank you.
Madeline got a kick out of the spine that had fallen off and that was stuck as a bookmark in the text: "I will read 3 chapters and a Psalm every day and on Sunday 5 chapters and a Psalm..." I read that Bible from when I was eight to when I was 15. I wonder what she thought of that commitment? I wonder if it made her think about her own commitment to read? We try to encourage her to read first thing in the day, before she reads anything else just for fun, but you can't be legalistic about something like that. I just hope and pray that God's Word becomes as important to her as it is to me. As it always has been to me.
Pray with me, won't you, for our children, that they would have a love for God's Word, a desire to commit both to him and to the good habit of reading it? I will pray for you as parents, that you would influence your children in a positive way and leave a legacy that lasts.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Nolan at Nine Months
I've had a nine-month-old for a whole week now, and the biggest development is that HE'S WALKING!!! Yes, an early stepper; takes after his dad, who according to my mother-in-law also walked at nine months.
I counted around 35 steps at the library the other day - they've got a great open space for him to cruise around in. His balance is great, he can stop and go, and turn around... so fun to watch.
We had him dedicated at church this past Sunday. I always find baby dedications to be a special time, since the congregation speaks out loud these words:
It is one way that you can practically feel the ties between us growing and strengthening. A great picture of church, and a great reassurance that we are not alone in our desire for this boy to grow up with a heart for Jesus.
We are so thankful that our parents could be there as well as a few of his aunts, uncles, and cousins, and that they could all spend the day with us.
I counted around 35 steps at the library the other day - they've got a great open space for him to cruise around in. His balance is great, he can stop and go, and turn around... so fun to watch.
We had him dedicated at church this past Sunday. I always find baby dedications to be a special time, since the congregation speaks out loud these words:
As your
faith community, we support you as you bring this child of your love and the
love of your Heavenly Father. As you commit your child and yourself to the
Father, we commit ourselves to you, to support, to encourage, to pray and to
take an active part in the nurturing of this young life. As God is our witness,
we receive this child in love, and promise to be unto your child, father,
mother, brother, sister and friend.
It is one way that you can practically feel the ties between us growing and strengthening. A great picture of church, and a great reassurance that we are not alone in our desire for this boy to grow up with a heart for Jesus.
We are so thankful that our parents could be there as well as a few of his aunts, uncles, and cousins, and that they could all spend the day with us.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Sleep Training Update
Have I ever mentioned that my baby is an excellent baby? I think he's pretty awesome.
He also does the opposite of what I think he will, and if I say something, I jinx it. Even if I'm just thinking something - like, "He's doing so well on this drive!" - he'll go and change and do the opposite. It's mostly pretty funny.
So when he was getting up four times a night and I wrote the post about thinking about sleep training? That night he only woke once. Just to mess with me, I'm sure.
But I did make my way through one book yesterday, and while so much of it is common sense, there is lots too, that you just don't think about until you make the effort to look into it. Here's a few highlights of what 'THEY' say:
Bedtime? 10 minutes. Today's naps? Two minutes this morning, three this afternoon. This kid rocks!! So glad he picked up on how to put himself to sleep so quickly. In another day or two we'll have to address the nighttime wakings - it might be time to stop all nighttime feeds and just let us all sleep all the way through. Hopefully he's got the skills now so that when I don't go in when he wakes up at night, he will just go back to sleep. (Did I just jinx it???)
He also does the opposite of what I think he will, and if I say something, I jinx it. Even if I'm just thinking something - like, "He's doing so well on this drive!" - he'll go and change and do the opposite. It's mostly pretty funny.
So when he was getting up four times a night and I wrote the post about thinking about sleep training? That night he only woke once. Just to mess with me, I'm sure.
But I did make my way through one book yesterday, and while so much of it is common sense, there is lots too, that you just don't think about until you make the effort to look into it. Here's a few highlights of what 'THEY' say:
- Have a routine for bedtime. We do - around 7 he gets a bath, into his jammies, we play a little more, then I'd nurse him and he'd fall asleep.
- Have a routine for naptime. Hmmm...
- Naptimes are important to do at home in his crib. (Especially while training him to fall asleep on his own.) Lots of the time he would fall asleep in the stroller or carseat while we were out; when he got tired at home I would nurse him or rock him to sleep.
- Babies need to go into their crib awake; the whole point of sleep training is to teach them how to fall asleep on their own - once they master this we can get a little more flexible in our schedule again. I knew this, but haven't decided that it was something we needed to tackle, until now. And I did put him in his crib awake some bedtimes and when we were home at naptime, but I was just introducing the idea to him, and would still help him get to sleep.
- Take away the props - nursing, rocking, stroller, carseat, soother; and introduce the favorites - the blankie or the stuffed animal that he can use to help himself fall asleep. I had started to give him one 'stuffie' at bedtime; now I'm more intentional about it.
Bedtime? 10 minutes. Today's naps? Two minutes this morning, three this afternoon. This kid rocks!! So glad he picked up on how to put himself to sleep so quickly. In another day or two we'll have to address the nighttime wakings - it might be time to stop all nighttime feeds and just let us all sleep all the way through. Hopefully he's got the skills now so that when I don't go in when he wakes up at night, he will just go back to sleep. (Did I just jinx it???)
Friday, August 24, 2012
Sleep Training
Nolan, with teething and learning to crawl, has been getting up twice as often at night these last couple of weeks. Two times was doable; four is a bit much. So we're starting to talk about training this little one to sleep through the night. Sigh. The end result sounds great, but the process sounds painful.
Any stories? What worked for you and your child? What do you recommend?
Any stories? What worked for you and your child? What do you recommend?
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
A Growing Boy Needs Food!
Are you familiar with the concept of 'cluster feeding'? Some things I've read say that a baby should be on a three hour schedule - eating, awake time, then nap. (Secrets of the Baby Whisperer says it's EASY - Eat, Active, Sleep, You). I agree that idea makes sense, and even though Nolan will often fall asleep while nursing, sitting him up to burp and changing him will usually keep him awake and happy for a while - he doesn't need to stay sleeping. (At night, though, I will usually just put him right back down; I don't know that he even really wakes up at all.) The three hour thing, though - that fits throughout the night and day for the most part, but the evenings around here... not so much. And tonight was one for the books - Nolan was so fussy he sent Sean off to google cluster feeding! Cluster feeding is when the eat more often for a time, like every hour instead of every three. You can't raise any baby exactly by the book, but it sure is helpful to be able to have things explained - I'd likely have gone crazy trying to figure out what was wrong with the kid, knowing 'he can't be hungry - I just fed him!' No, nothing wrong with him, and yes, he is just hungry again. Even though yes, he just ate. Sometimes it can seem like they eat non stop from 5 till 10... oh, great. I hope the next two months aren't all like this. It won't be too bad when it's expected, though.
There, that's a snapshot into my life at the moment. Nolan is great, even when he is saying he wants more food - when he does get hungry, he wants it NOW. I should take him to get weighed soon - according to our scale (me, then me with him), he's 13 lbs. I measured his length tonight and he's 24 inches. (Just like one of my nephews when he was born!!!) Long guy - we can almost see him growing. At 3 weeks he was into 3 month clothes; at 5 weeks now we have to move him up to the next size again! Guess I'll be shopping for sleepers tomorrow.
We went to Winnipeg this past weekend, and he got to meet the rest of the family. It was good to see everyone, as usual. I think the funniest part was seeing Zach haul out his book and crawl up on Sean's lap to read it, over and over.
Madeline has this week off school, so we get another couple of days with her home with us. That's a treat. I don't think we have anything we have to go out for tomorrow, so maybe I'll get some pictures up... Thanks for checking in with us.
There, that's a snapshot into my life at the moment. Nolan is great, even when he is saying he wants more food - when he does get hungry, he wants it NOW. I should take him to get weighed soon - according to our scale (me, then me with him), he's 13 lbs. I measured his length tonight and he's 24 inches. (Just like one of my nephews when he was born!!!) Long guy - we can almost see him growing. At 3 weeks he was into 3 month clothes; at 5 weeks now we have to move him up to the next size again! Guess I'll be shopping for sleepers tomorrow.
We went to Winnipeg this past weekend, and he got to meet the rest of the family. It was good to see everyone, as usual. I think the funniest part was seeing Zach haul out his book and crawl up on Sean's lap to read it, over and over.
Madeline has this week off school, so we get another couple of days with her home with us. That's a treat. I don't think we have anything we have to go out for tomorrow, so maybe I'll get some pictures up... Thanks for checking in with us.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Grateful on a Monday Morning
I am a little tired this morning, but will pop in a workout video anyway, when I've finished here. Monday mornings are always a full-head-space time for me: planning the week's meals and shopping list, thinking of the week and our plans and what needs to be done when, doing cleaning and chores and fitting in work, too. I don't dislike Monday mornings, I just am aware that they take a different level of attention, and I'm feeling like a nap to start off the day wouldn't be a bad thing. I am thankful for this Monday morning.
I've been napping more lately... I think that's ok for being almost 33 weeks. I am thankful for this little active one inside me and look forward to our meeting!
Especially since things may get infinitely more crazy before baby comes in January. We are looking at the possibility of moving. Looking after our future and investing... we want to buy another place and keep this one to rent out. We already have people anxious to move in here, but we don't get to go look at places till tomorrow. There are two that are possibilities in our minds, but I am convinced that our God is big and powerful and on our side, so I am praying for a great house at a great price at the perfect time. I have my ideas of what those would be, but I am trusting in Him and in Sean and we'll keep you posted. I am thankful for potential and exciting times.
I have had better mornings lately getting M out the door - my attitude has improved as I've been more aware (thank you, small group) of what I am letting into my life and how that affects what comes out. I want to have a heart full of peace and joy, so when I tell M to get a move on in the mornings now, it's usually more patient and kind, sometimes joyful even - she likes her silly mom and if I can help her mood stay up, I will keep trying. Amazing how that makes so much sense and how little we think about it - My actions affect her actions. My words and tone of voice affect her words and tone of voice. My attitude affects her attitude. And until she learns to control those things on her own, I will keep trying to lift her up in all those ways. How easy it is to bring her down (and let her bring me down!) - but I am the adult! I am the parent! I am the one who's responsibility it is to be aware and intentional about my actions, words and attitudes. How else is she going to learn it? So I am thankful for a week of good mornings, and look forward to more as I keep working on me.
Have a great Monday! What are you thankful for?
I thought I'd link up with all the other grateful people over at A Holy Experience today...
I've been napping more lately... I think that's ok for being almost 33 weeks. I am thankful for this little active one inside me and look forward to our meeting!
Especially since things may get infinitely more crazy before baby comes in January. We are looking at the possibility of moving. Looking after our future and investing... we want to buy another place and keep this one to rent out. We already have people anxious to move in here, but we don't get to go look at places till tomorrow. There are two that are possibilities in our minds, but I am convinced that our God is big and powerful and on our side, so I am praying for a great house at a great price at the perfect time. I have my ideas of what those would be, but I am trusting in Him and in Sean and we'll keep you posted. I am thankful for potential and exciting times.
I have had better mornings lately getting M out the door - my attitude has improved as I've been more aware (thank you, small group) of what I am letting into my life and how that affects what comes out. I want to have a heart full of peace and joy, so when I tell M to get a move on in the mornings now, it's usually more patient and kind, sometimes joyful even - she likes her silly mom and if I can help her mood stay up, I will keep trying. Amazing how that makes so much sense and how little we think about it - My actions affect her actions. My words and tone of voice affect her words and tone of voice. My attitude affects her attitude. And until she learns to control those things on her own, I will keep trying to lift her up in all those ways. How easy it is to bring her down (and let her bring me down!) - but I am the adult! I am the parent! I am the one who's responsibility it is to be aware and intentional about my actions, words and attitudes. How else is she going to learn it? So I am thankful for a week of good mornings, and look forward to more as I keep working on me.
Have a great Monday! What are you thankful for?
I thought I'd link up with all the other grateful people over at A Holy Experience today...
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Blog Launch
Post # 401!
Seems like an appropriate time to make a blog announcement.
Like any parent, I pray for my kid. I pray for little things, for big things, for the problems I'm having with her (or with myself that's keeping me from dealing properly with her). For the last number of years, I've been writing down some of those prayers. Writing prayers, like journaling, helps me slow my thoughts and think about what I'm saying; it helps me pray better. I've wondered for a while what to do with those prayers, and if they could be used somehow to help other parents pray for their kids by providing some inspiration, some ideas.
This last year or so I've made a habit of sitting on the couch by the front window when M leaves the house for school. She catches the bus just out of sight down the road, so I sit there and read my Bible and write in my journal and watch for the bus, so I know she's on her way safely. I've been using that as my trigger to pray, too. I stop whatever I'm doing and pray for her when I see her bus going by. It's been a great reminder.
School ended yesterday; today was the first day of summer vacation. I'm so glad summer is here (especially today's 31 degrees!), but as of today, no school bus as a prayer trigger. So as of today, I am launching a new blog. It's been in the works for a week or so now, and I'd like to offer it to you! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I'll be posting a prayer for our children - I'd love it if you prayed along with me for the kids in your life. The address is: http://prayersformychildren.blogspot.com/ or you can get there with the link below.
Seems like an appropriate time to make a blog announcement.
Like any parent, I pray for my kid. I pray for little things, for big things, for the problems I'm having with her (or with myself that's keeping me from dealing properly with her). For the last number of years, I've been writing down some of those prayers. Writing prayers, like journaling, helps me slow my thoughts and think about what I'm saying; it helps me pray better. I've wondered for a while what to do with those prayers, and if they could be used somehow to help other parents pray for their kids by providing some inspiration, some ideas.
This last year or so I've made a habit of sitting on the couch by the front window when M leaves the house for school. She catches the bus just out of sight down the road, so I sit there and read my Bible and write in my journal and watch for the bus, so I know she's on her way safely. I've been using that as my trigger to pray, too. I stop whatever I'm doing and pray for her when I see her bus going by. It's been a great reminder.
School ended yesterday; today was the first day of summer vacation. I'm so glad summer is here (especially today's 31 degrees!), but as of today, no school bus as a prayer trigger. So as of today, I am launching a new blog. It's been in the works for a week or so now, and I'd like to offer it to you! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I'll be posting a prayer for our children - I'd love it if you prayed along with me for the kids in your life. The address is: http://prayersformychildren.blogspot.com/ or you can get there with the link below.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Speed... An Acceptable Drug For Young People
The card game Speed, that is. My almost 12 year old and I have been playing this lots lately - maybe there's someone in your life this could be quality time with.
To play Speed, deal out two piles of seven cards and place them on the sides of the table. Split the deck so each of you has 19 in a pile in front of you. Take three cards from that pile to hold in your hand. At the same time, each of you take the top card from the side pile at your right and turn it over into the middle. From the cards in your hand, play onto the middle two piles one card higher or lower than the card showing (if we turn over a 5 and a 10, for example, we could lay down either a 4 or 6 or 9 or J). When you've played a card, replenish your hand from the pile in front of you. The object is to finish your pile first. If you get through the side piles (you flip one over from them when you are both out of plays), turn the center pile over to become the new outside pile.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
10 000 Hours
I experienced a parenting fail again this morning. A parenting fail is where the kid goes out the door to school and she doesn't have a smile on her face and on this side of the door, I'm thinking, "Why? Why do I lack patience? Why do I frustrate her and why do I let her frustrate me? When will I learn???"
This happens too often for my liking, but thankfully, not as often as it used to. And the negative effects didn't even last too long, amazingly, because I remembered something I read recently. It was the "when will I learn" question that did it - that gave me the answer. 10 000 Hours. That's the answer. If you want to be good at something (like managing mornings with children??), it takes lots of practice and hard work.
I read this quote in Michael Hyatt's post on Why Real Creativity Requires Significant Work: "In his book, Outliers: The Story of Success, Malcolm Gladwell talks about the “10,000-Hour Rule.” The basic idea is that success in any field is, to a large extent, the result of practicing a specific task for 10,000 hours—or more." That has stuck with me all week, and rather than being a downer and causing me to think that I'll never get there, it has proven to be a motivation. Keep trying, keep practicing. Yes, I'll fail, but then I get a clean slate to try again. To keep working on it, whatever the 'it' of the moment is.
I hope this encourages you. Lots of what we do in life is hard work - keep at it. Keep working hard at the things that are worth doing well...
This happens too often for my liking, but thankfully, not as often as it used to. And the negative effects didn't even last too long, amazingly, because I remembered something I read recently. It was the "when will I learn" question that did it - that gave me the answer. 10 000 Hours. That's the answer. If you want to be good at something (like managing mornings with children??), it takes lots of practice and hard work.
I read this quote in Michael Hyatt's post on Why Real Creativity Requires Significant Work: "In his book, Outliers: The Story of Success, Malcolm Gladwell talks about the “10,000-Hour Rule.” The basic idea is that success in any field is, to a large extent, the result of practicing a specific task for 10,000 hours—or more." That has stuck with me all week, and rather than being a downer and causing me to think that I'll never get there, it has proven to be a motivation. Keep trying, keep practicing. Yes, I'll fail, but then I get a clean slate to try again. To keep working on it, whatever the 'it' of the moment is.
I hope this encourages you. Lots of what we do in life is hard work - keep at it. Keep working hard at the things that are worth doing well...
Sunday, March 13, 2011
The Commandments... In Rhyme
I was making a little progress decluttering and came across this poem I had copied out in a class while my professors sang it. I will share it here with you, but you'll have to come up with your own tune, or track down Paul Beckingham and ask him to sing it for you.
The Ten Commandments
Thou shalt have no God but me,
Before no idol bow thy knee.
Take not the name of God in vain,
Nor dare the Sabbath day profane.
Give both thy parents honor due,
Take heed that thou no murder do.
Abstain from words and deeds unclean,
Nor steal through thou art poor and mean.
Make no willful lie nor love it,
What is thy neighbour's, do not covet.
May some of you find this useful as a fun tool to teach your kids the Word.
PS - Spell check did not like 'decluttering' and instead, recommended cluttering, sputtering, fluttering or muttering.
Monday, January 03, 2011
Up Rather Than Down.
When I sit down to 'do devotions' in the morning, I have 4 books with me usually.
I pray for up rather than down.
Optimism rather than pessimism.
Acceptance rather than grumbling.
Willingness rather than laziness.
Good rather than bad.
Cheerful rather than grumpy.
Positivity rather than depression.
Up rather than down.
- My Bible, which is the one constant, whether the others get opened or not.
- My journal, which is the next most used, and truthfully, I can easily spend more time writing than I do reading.
- My notebook where I write out prayers for M - I find it helps me think clearly about what it is I want for her.
- My gratitude journal, where I jot down things I am grateful for. Helpful to focus myself on what is good around me.
I pray for up rather than down.
Optimism rather than pessimism.
Acceptance rather than grumbling.
Willingness rather than laziness.
Good rather than bad.
Cheerful rather than grumpy.
Positivity rather than depression.
Up rather than down.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Self - Punishment
The night before last, Sean and I woke up at 1:30 AM to an alarm - I go in to Madeline's room to turn off her alarm, since it wasn't either of ours, and of course can't do that in the dark, so I pull the plug. The wrong one, then the right one, and the alarm is still going off.
"It's her watch," Sean calls.
"Where the heck is it?" I ask, blind in the dark.
"Try by my hair stuff," Madeline says, awakened by the alarm or me, I'm not sure which. I find it, and by now it has stopped, but I take it down two floors in case it goes off again.
Back to bed, and Sean says, "It took me SO long to fall asleep..." Oops - somebody's going to be in big trouble. He's off to work before she comes down in the mornings, so he was going to deal with it at supper. He goes easy on her, just saying that she can have her watch back ONLY IF SHE DOESN'T TOUCH ANY BUTTONS.
So this morning I go in to wake up Madeline, and see that her clock is wrong. "I'd better change that," I say, "so you're not late for breakfast."
"What time is it?" she asks, and when she finds out that it's actually 7:20, not 7:40 like her clock says, she does the math incredibly fast and realizes that she was in bed with the lights out 20 minutes before she had to be last night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)