Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Have you seen my body?


For the first time in any of my pregnancies, I'm ready to return to my pre-pregnancy body.
I know.  I know.  I have not given birth yet.
When I was first pregnant, some of my fellow pregnant moms told me how they had it rough and they were ready to return to their pre-pregnant bodies.
I must have been in lala land or I had a fairly good pregnancy because I never felt that way.  Not even after I gave birth.  I figured my body would return when it returned.  I exercised.  I ate right and felt it would be ok.  It also helped that I breastfed and had the mentality that my body is my child's fuel and lifeline and I willingly allowed that to be the primary focus.
Now I'm not saying I want to be dieting or what not.  What I mean by returning to my body is that for 4+ years my body has not been mine.  It has been a vessel for another either for living quarters or for growth and/or sustenance.
I'm missing me.  For so long my body hasn't been my body and I guess, I'm missing myself.
I still plan to breastfeed.  I still plan to be the mobile transport (babywearing, toddlertotting).  I'm just ready to see my feet again.  I'd also like to see my entire body not just via a mirror but also by looking down and behind.
I still love pregnancy and I still love the wonderful changes that happen to our bodies during pregnancy and motherhood but I'm also tired.  I'm tired of spending 5 minutes arranging and rearranging pillows to sit.
I'm tired of having to rock my way up and out of the couch or bed.
I'm tired of feeling as if I can't get any bigger and than realizing that I am.
I think this time around I feel this because it's impeding things I need to do.  I'm walking more slowly.  My breathing is more labored.  I can't chase after my daughter like I used to.
I know it's temporary but it's all just more apparent this go around.
I love my baby very much and I want to do what's best for him/her but it's also hard to juggle.
Maybe my friends were right about having them within 2 years of each other instead of 3.  Sure you're running around but not as much as with a 3 year old.  There would be more carrying unfortunately but at least it wouldn't be of a child that is 25+ lbs.
Eh, the grass is always greener.  It would be lovely to be 2 years apart but God said that 3 years was optimal for us.  I know that and it will be fine.
I will be able to chase after my daughter soon.  I will be able to climb and swing on the jungle gym with her again.  The waddle will go away.  Soon I'll be chasing after two kids with two different sets of interests, two different sets of friends, two differents personalities.
What a roller coaster ride parenthood is but I've got my unlimited ride wristband and I've got my hands in the air enjoying the ride, most of the time.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Walking in cloudy with a chance of meatball


I keep asking myself if I can do this.  Can I handle another newborn while juggling a toddler?  I know I can and will.  I think I'm really asking myself why am I doing this?  The exhaustion, the sleep deprivation, the giving of oneself completely and totally to this is tiring just to think about.
Now I know it's a rhetorical question.
Allow this pregnant woman to panic a bit but not to the point it becomes worrisome.  Worrying is one of the worst things a woman can do during pregnancy or at any time for that matter.
I guess I'm just feeling the effects of this pregnancy more physically this go around and hence, I'm thinking about the months ahead.
See the first go around, you are unaware of the actual labor and toll a newborn has on your mind and body.  So you walk in completely in bliss and ignorance.
Subsequent go arounds, you are just willingly walking into it and since it's the second go around, you probably have a young child in tow which lowers your peak performance levels already.
Essentially, I'm walking into newborn motherhood not feeling at the peak of my performance level and I'm willingly doing so.
Talk about being a glutton for punishment.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Mommy Fail


I'm in my third trimester of pregnancy.
My husband is in my third trimester of pregnancy.
So far we've had a back injury, a bum wrist from 2 broken wrists years ago and ragweed season hit us.
Oh, did I mention the above hit one person, my husband.
I don't know who is more pleasant to be around him or me.
I'm not sure how our toddler is coping with this insanity but she seems to be holding her own.
I'm not proud of what I"m about to share but it also gives me confidence in how she's learning self-reliance.  I hope it doesn't happen again as I'm a bit embarrassed about it and I'm just glad it was 15 minutes and not hours.
A few days ago DH was passed out cold in the bedroom.  I think he was up all night but it's all hazy. I had a bout of the pregnancy sleepies.  If you are pregnant, you know what the hell I'm talking about.  It's rare to get a good night's rest or to be comfortable in any position for a long time but every so often, you get hit with a Sandman one-two.  It might last 15 minutes.  It might last a few hours.  You just fall out cold.
Well, one minute I'm playing with my kid and reading books the next, I closed my eyes for a second and was out.  At one point, I opened my eyes to see my daughter climbing off the couch.  She looked at me and said something that sounded like, "I have to go potty.  I'll be right back."
Well, 15 minutes later, I wake up and she's sitting next to me reading me a book again.  Did I just dream she had to go potty?  Oh well.
I sit up and finish reading with her.  I then head to the bathroom and what did I find.  Guess.
I found my daughter had gone to the potty.  Not only did she pee but she also pooped and……..
wait for it…….  She even wiped as the wet wipes and dry wipes were used, not in insane quantities either.
I look over to the sink and she had the step stool opened and the soap pump looked wet and her handtowel was damp.
PG: TG, did you go poopers?
TG: Yes Mama.  I pooped and peed.
PG: Did you wipe yourself?
TG: Yes Mama.  I called and called but you didn't come.  You were sleeping.  Daddy was sleeping.  I also washed my hand because we wash our hands after we potty.
I took a wipe and said I wanted to wipe too like we usually do (she wipes then I wipe for safe measure), just in case.
Clean as a whistle.
I gave her a big hug and said I was very proud she went to the potty by herself and she also cleaned and dressed herself.

Friday, August 26, 2011

"Birds flying high, you know how I feel"


With #1, the 2nd trimester was all beans.  With #2, I'm feeling that way about the 3rd trimester.
It's typical for most pregnant women to enjoy their 2nd trimester and although I did enjoy it now, I'm feeling more emotionally happy and confident as I'm heading into my 3rd trimester.
Yes, my lungs are all squished and I'm feeling heavier than ever but emotionally and psychologically, I feel good.  I really feel good.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

An attached dad


My husband is a wonderful, patient man and is awesome with our daughter.
Case in point, my daughter is not keen on thunder and lightning.  Keen is probably putting it mildly.
Anyway, today we had some awfully brutal storms where the thunder seemed to be right outside our window.
Immediately my daughter put her hands over her ears and asked to be held tightly.
DH was walking our dog.
He ran home and immediately came in to check on our daughter.
She attached herself to him and hasn't let go.
He sat there patiently and let her talk out her fears and thoughts about thunder and lightning.
We've talked and read about thunder and lightning so she knows what they are and a vague understanding about what that's about.  (DH explains the positive and negative charges well and also adds a 'Clouds Bumping' visual to explain.)
She likes to visually see the lightning and rain outside our apartment and so she asked to sit outside to view the rain.  So he sat for 25 minutes in front of our apartment door.  In silence they watched the thunder, lightning and rain.  She clutched her notepad and pen.
He didn't talk.  He just listened to her.
If she had a question, he answered thoughtfully.
If she was quiet and just wanted to watch, he sat there allowing her to be uninterrupted with her thoughts.
(I wish he was like that with me allowing me to vent without offering a solution. :-))
I know my husband sometimes teases me for some of my thoughts and ideas regarding parenting, including my leanings toward attachment parenting, breastfeeding and babywearing but I think this just shows me he leans just as much as I lean.
Hoping everyone else has moments like these.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

I want Daddy.

We may be turning another leaf. Today, TG asked for DH for nighttime parenting. For months, DH was commenting how he's chopped liver around me but this could be that page turner that everyone says happens. I know parent preferences ebb and flow so perhaps this is another tide or we could go back to our routine tomorrow. We'll see.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Is Evil Dead really a classic?


I am so tired.  I've been working for over 12 hours now and I'm beat.
TG is asleep and although I could and should go to bed myself, I refuse to let my entire day be work.
So here I sit, barely able to keep my eyes opened.  My brain is too mushy to do anything I want to do.  The best I can do is sit here and maybe just maybe spend some time with DH watching something short and non-cerebral.
What does DH put on, Evil Dead or one of its follow ups.  He claims it is a classic but I've never seen any of the Evil Dead movies and I don't have any inclination to do so now.
So I sit here and sip my water and consider possibly playing a round of Sudoku or Scrabble just to decompress.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Guilt


Mama Guilt is so strong and prevalent.  You read a lot about Mama Guilt.  Is there such as thing as Daddy Guilt and does it eat away at Fathers like it does Mothers?
I suppose this particular guilt is my doing.  I chose a profession that involves strange hours.  At least I like what I do.
Essentially today's guilt comes from the fact that my 3 year old daughter had her plans changed because of a work emergency causing me to spend practically my whole day working.  She didn't get upset.  She understood and that's what's killing me.
In between calls and emails, I made her eats and checked on her as she played with her toys and books.  At one point she said, "Thank you TG for being so patient."
I gave her a great big squeeze and said, "Thank you TG for being so patient.  Mama appreciates it and is so proud of you."
My kid has the patience beyond a 3 year old.
And that folks is why I feel guilt today.
I'm putting out fires at work, thankfully at a job I like but my plans with my toddler were blown out the water and she's ok with it.
It's ridiculous, feeling guilt that I like my job.  I think it makes me a better person and yet I feel awful about it.  I suppose that's the type of guilt guys don't relate to because it makes no sense.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Another one about poop

You're not going to believe me when I tell you my daughter has not had any crazy bouts of stomach trouble until now.  She did have a weird 1 day bout of diarrhea 5 months ago or so but that's about it.
Well, my daughter has a case of constipation or what she calls, "Hard Poops."
I feel for her.
When I was a kid, I had major constipation issues.  Looking back , it probably was because all I ate was rice soup but who knows.
This particular case, I should have seen coming.
For the past three days, she hasn't really been eating her normal fiber intake.  She's also lowered her vegetable and fruit intake.  So it was inevitable.
I think it was probably harder for DH and I to witness and be a part of than TG.  1) We all have had our shares of tummy troubles and it's no picnic. 2) We're her parents and she's in obvious discomfort and we really can't do much about it at the moment.  3) The kid was crying, red eyed tears of hurt.
I explained how what we eat helps us poop and we've upped our intake of veggies, fruits and fiber.
DH gave her a soothing bath and rubbed her back and tummy for what probably was 20 minutes or more.
She carefully ate some veggie soup and we went to bed.
At 4 in the morning, she woke up and told me she had to go to the bathroom.  Thankfully, this bout was minimal and only took a short time to start relieving itself.  Now, just in case you don't know, it takes about 2-3 days for a toddler's system to get back to speed so we'll be monitoring this but I so felt awful.
I'm just grateful she hasn't moved towards the withtholding that some toddlers do after a hard poop.  That's seriously no fun.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Thankful

Anyway, today I was heading to a meeting at a Children's Hospital and I was in the transport elevators with a toddler who was an inpatient.  She was hooked to so many monitors and IVs.  It took one person to help transport the monitors, 1 person to push the crib and 1 person to be the stable entity transporting said little girl.
It reminded me how much I am truly blessed and truly grateful for my blessings.
It also reminded me that throughout all the insanity and craziness of what I do, there is a reason God put me where I am to do what I do.  I may not understand it but there is a purpose.
I know I say that my children are a blessing from God and that God is asking me to take care of his precious gifts here on earth.  Today just hit it home again.
If you are the praying kind, say a little prayer for the parents and children out there who may be dealing with illnesses.  Everyone could use an extra prayer.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Phil 4:6

I'm not naive to think parenting another child will be like parenting the first child.  Every child, every person is different and unique.  What works for one person doesn't work for another.
So you'd think I'd be trying to prepare a little more.
I'm not.  So much happened not just with the newborn the first time around that I, the ever-loving be prepared girl scout, refuse to prepare.  Maybe then, just maybe then, when things hit the fan or when the unexpected happens, I won't be thrown for a loop as much.
What's funny about that is most people know me as the person that goes with the flow.  At work I'm the person to make the project plans and is amending and adjusting as needed.  At home I'm planning too but I'm always working on the backup plans.  And what drives probably everyone around me who truly knows me is how I'm in constant plan mode.
That's why my cavalier attitude for #2 is so funny.  Perhaps this is what makes #2s more apt to roll with the punches.  Isn't that what they say in the psych journals regarding birth order?
Perhaps this will mean #2 will be more like my husband.  We'll still be outnumbered (2 kids:2 adults is outnumbered) but maybe, just maybe I'll be more lax and easygoing.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Should I be nesting now?


With #1, I didn't think I was nesting but apparently I was in a way.
With #2, I honestly don't feel the nesting vibe.
Nesting is that lovely point in the 3rd trimester where you have the compulsion to do zany things like, clean the kitchen cabinets inside and out, etc...
You'd think I'd be prepping but I'm really not partly because I have enough to do already and two, I dread asking for help.
Mostly, it's I have too much to do already and I really can't think about doing anything else right now.
My todo list keeps growing and my time keeps growing shorter and shorter.
I'd like to do many things but I'm also afraid to rock the boat.
I had a very hard time during my fourth trimester last time and although I can't say it will be relived, I'm having a hard time shaking it.
That's why I'm not planning.
I planned and was the good girl scout for #1.  I made meals to last us months.  I had each station ready.
Now, I'm just going to get the stations ready and wing it.
Call me cocky or naive or even in the been-there-done-that mode.  I just don't want to work myself up preparing for the unexpectedly.  And let's be honest, parenting is the unexpected.  Heck being a parent to a newborn and an infant is a constant tightrope walk.  Parenting is the hardest job you will ever have.  Parenting a newborn and infant is an insane job that tests you physically, psychologically and emotionally.  Maybe I'm in denial that we're jumping into the craziness of newborn parenting again.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Neverending shortage of Mom guilt


I'm hitting a point where I really can't run or chase my toddler and it makes me feel awful.
I want to have the energy and strength to run around with my toddler but my lungs are being pushed up into me and chasing an energetic child is harder.
I feel bad because now I'm depending more on others and that's not something I'm comfortable with.
Ever since I was little and my dad said to do what I can and try not to depend or bother others, it's kind of stuck in me to learn and do without burdening.  I know my dad probably didn't mean it as literal and was trying to deal with the madness at the time but it's stuck.  (You gotta love childhood memories.)
So now I want to try to spend some time with my #1 before #2 comes and I find myself needing help from others to do some of the things that she's accustomed to.
I try very hard not to say, "Your sibling is growing and Mama can't really do <blank>." though.  I don't want to start that whole, because of so and so, this.
Sometimes I try to say, Mama's belly is growing bigger and it's getting harder for Mama to run or pick things up or what not.  I hope she understands.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

I'm feeling good.

We've hit a point in our nursing relationship that I'm pretty comfortable with our slow progression towards weaning.  We're nursing still which I think is a big plus not only for her health but our relationship.  We generally nurse in the evening and early morning and it doesn't last more than 30 minutes.
I don't restrict it but it just seems to naturally fall to this pattern.
Because we are letting this progression happen naturally, I'm quite comfortable with my daughter saying to me, "No milk now.  Thanks."
I wondered how I'd feel about that but I'm ok.  I actually am pretty proud of her making the decision on her own.
I'm ready and she's ready and that's what makes this works.
I can't stand when folks try to pressure of force folks because of their thoughts and beliefs.  
Parenting is so unique.  Each relationship, mother and child, father and child, child and child is special and not cookie cutter.
Folks need to do what works for them.
I'm also thinking about #2, ToF.  I remember wondering what my relationship would be like with TG.   I'm beginning to wonder now about my relationship with ToF which signals to me I'm starting the third trimester.  
I know whatever it may be it is rooted in love and with God's help we will have a relationship as special and as rooted in love as my relationship with TG.
I'm not focused on the loss of my relationship now but more on the expansion and the blessing and the gift.
I feel good.  I feel excited and honored.  It's not going to be easy but no parent ever says parenting is easy.  But it's going to be another blessing come true and another chance to be a part of life and God's plan.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Duplos are Mom's Best Friend

My daughter received her first duplo set.  It's a construction quarry set.  I picked this set out because of the cement mixer and the dump truck.  My kid loves construction vehicles, especially cement mixers.
Well boy howdy, this toy rocks the big R.
On day 1 she played with it for 3 hours back and forth.  She even played with it through her supper.  She ate all her chicken and happily played with her duplos.
I was able to get bedtime ready and the bath without juggling and multi-tasking.
I even had to pry her away from the quarry for bathtime and she is a bath lover.
TG: I want to play.
PG: You can play but not now.  It's bath time.  If we don't take a bath now, we won't have time for storytime.  Tomorrow we can play some more.
TG: Ok.

Flash forward to to this morning and the first thing she said after Good morning and her usual I have to potty was, "I want to play now.  Can I go play?"
PG: Ok.  Do you want mama's milk first?
TG: No thanks.  I want to play.

She beelined to her quarry and has been busy since.  I may be able to make breakfast without interruptions.

I heart duplo.

Oh by the way for folks who don't know already, Mega Blocks blow.  I was never a Mega Blocks fan but she received her first set when she was 1 and then another set from her Dad for Christmas.  They don't fit well and don't hold together.  Spend the extra money and get the Duplos.

They are so worth the money.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

ToF's Playlist

I haven't been listening to music as much as I did with Bean but here is the playlist that I have in my head most days with ToF.

It's still growing and in flux.

I wonder if ToF will remember any of these.  Bean is partial to the Beatles and Queen now.


ToF's Playlist

Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are
Michael Franti - Say Hey (I Love You)
Adele - Make You Feel My Love
Florence + The Machine - Dog Days Are Over
Bruno Mars - Grenade
Frank Sinatra - Mr. Success
Frank Sinatra - I've Got the World On a String
Harry Connick Jr. - We Are in Love
Jamie Cullum - These Are the Days
Mel Torme - Comin' Home Baby
Nina Simone - Feeling Good
Rosemary Clooney - Sway 
Sammy David Jr. - A Lot of Livin' to Do
Queen - These Are the Days of Our Live
Queen - Somebody to Love
Rush - Not Fade Away
Squeeze - Everything in the World
ALO - Man of the World
Amy Winehouse - Valerie (Mark Ronson Version)
Jason Mraz - I'll Do Anything
Jason Mraz - No Stopping Us
The White Stripes - The Denial Twist
Zee Avi - Just You and Me
Beatles - Here Comes the Sun
Beatles - All My Loving
Beatles - We Can Work It Out
Beatles - You Can't Do That
Beatles - I'll Follow the Sun
Beatles - Don't Pass Me By
Bruno Mars - Count on Me
Blue Swede - Hooked on a Feeling
Impressions - It's All Right
Jackson Five - Enjoy Yourself
Mary Wells - The One Who Really Loves You
Sly & The Family Stone - If You Want Me To Stay
Kings of Convenience - I'd Rather Dance with You

Saturday, August 13, 2011

I feel alive


I feel weird.

I try to live by God's words to do everything without protest or griping.

Something happened that left me tossing and turning all night and I finally had to say something.  I was hurt and I needed to say something.

In retrospect, I probably didn't need to say anything but it was bothering me to the point that I had to let it out and I did.

What happened?

I hurt someone and although I think we had resolution and came to an understanding that we are very emotional about this I can't help feel bad but good at the same time.

I feel bad that someone got hurt but I felt good coming clean and saying what I needed to say.  I don't know if it was something I needed that makes me feel better about it all.

I clearly stated there was no malice at all in what I had to say but I had to say it.  I had to defend myself.

Again, I'm a strong believer of not needing to defend oneself with words.  My actions come from the heart and I think that's more important but in this instance, I really felt better saying something.

Now I know that sounds funny coming from a person that is pretty matter-of-fact and can be blunt at times to the point of actually being hurtful.

I know this sounds funny coming from someone who may be very logical but also tries to play along as well as a non-social person can be.

That's why I feel weird.  It's as if what I think should be logically fine (let my actions say it) but I needed this push today.  I needed to be able to say, hey, this is bugging the crap out of me and I have to defend myself.

But then I get back that nagging that one shouldn't have to defend oneself.

To that, my husband reminds me that guilt will get me nowhere and it's not wrong for a woman to have a set of balls every now and then. 

And thank you Holly Hudson &lt;a href=http://www.bertandholly6.blogspot.com/&gt; &amp; Mommyland for reminding that "Satan loves for those feelings of doubt to creep into our hearts."  I know it was said in a different context but it applies to most guilt.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Bean's Playlist

I was thinking about the playlists I listened to with Bean.
Here is a rough list of the common songs I would play on my iPod.

One day my kids will go really?  Really, Mom you listened to this?
Hey kids, I'm a firm believer of in utero listening.  It reflects the mother's feelings not only about the pregnancy but also everything that was going on in her world at the time.  And studies show a mother's psychological state strongly effects the child's disposition in utero and throughout his/her life.

So here is the list from as best I can recall from lists I found doted all over my laptop and iTunes playlists for Bean:


Bean's Playlist

Lionel Richie - You are the Sun
Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat - Lucky
Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
Zee Avi - Just You and Me
New Soul - Yael Naim
Frankie Smith - Double Dutch Bus
Maroon 5 - Shiver
Ella Fitzgerald - Mas Que Nada
Frank Sinatra - Mr. Success
Frank Sinatra - I've Got the World On a String
Harry Connick Jr. - We Are in Love
Jamie Cullum - These Are the Days
Mel Torme - Comin' Home Baby
Nina Simone - Feeling Good
Rosemary Clooney - Sway 
Colin Hay - Overkill (Acoustic)
Cure - Close to Me
David Bowie - Sound and Vision
Elvis Costello - Everyday I Write the Book
Monroes - What Do All the People Know
Paul McCartney - Baby I'm Amazed
Queen - Killer Queen
Queen - Somebody to Love
The Smiths - This Charming Man
The Smiths - Ask
Squeeze - Goodbye Girl
Squeeze - Everything in the World
Three Dog Night - Black and White
The Who - Squeeze Box
Yes - I've Seen All Good People
Beck - Girl
Blink 182 - I Miss You
Ellen Britton - I Wish I Was A Train
ELO - Mr. Blue Sky
Fugazi - Waiting Room
Jason Mraz - You and I Both
Cheap Trick - I Want You to Want Me
Modest Mouse - Float On
Peter & Gordon - A World Without Love
Phoenix - Everything is Everything
Queen of Hearts - Turn It Around
Queen of Hearts - Good Time
Semisonic - FNT
Supergrass - Alright
Weezer - Island in the Sun
The White Stripes - We're Going to Be Friends
Beastie Boys/Beatles Mashup - Pass the Word
Beatles - Here Comes the Sun
Beatles - Good Day Sunshine
Beatles - Hello Goodbye
Beatles - If I Fell
Beatles - Ob-La-Di, Ob-La,Da
Beatles - All My Loving
Beatles - I'll Follow the Sun
Beatles - Getting Better
Beatles - Drive My Car
Frankie Valli - Can't Take My Eyes Off You
Beach Boys - God Only Knows
Blue Swede - Hooked on a Feeling
Hollies - Bus Stop
Otis Redding - Sad Song
Redbone - Come and Get Your Love
The Killers - Change Your Mind
The Postal Service - Such Great Heights
Plain White T's - 1, 2, 3, 4

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Short Fuse

Not to be sexist but women do way too much but we need to because the world would stop on its axis if we didn't.
Perhaps it's the way society is or maybe it's a physiological thing but why is it that it's perfectly fine for a woman to be a caregiver, a wife, a mother, a teacher, a cook, a worker bee, a household manager, etc?
Men can be some of these things but rarely do you see men be all of these things and be those things simultaneously.
Women aren't expected but it's acceptable to be all of these things at once.
We keep the doctor's schedules.
We keep the family calendars.
We plan and pack for excursions.
We plan and cook the meals.
How the heck did this all fall on our shoulders?
If we don't do these things, things sort skirt by but eventually it falls.
For everything we do remember to pack, we forget that one thing.
I'd love to be able to just do whatever I wanted to do and say, eh, whatever.
Now I suppose I've put this upon myself.
Mom forgot the snacks.
Mom forgot the camera.
Mom forgot the map.
Heck, it wouldn't be Mom forgot if it wasn't Mom somehow placed in charge of packing everything for everyone.
Now I'm not saying that things will change because I know they won't and I'm not expecting accolades or even palm leaves fanning me as a I'm carried on an elephant feeding me grapes dangling from his/her tusk.
I just don't understand this all started.
I know it's not one-sided.   I know I'm perpetuating this but come on.
You think cavewomen had this same issue or did the clubbing on the head quash this?

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Theatre Tot


Being New Yorkers, you wouldn't be surprised our child has attended and experience live theatre numerous times already.  She has seen many different genres and enjoys most.
We spent the weekend attending a few shows, WiseAcre Farms and The Yellow Brick Road.  Both have a small cast.

WiseAcre Farms is playing at the 13th Street Rep.  It's a small theatre and the show asks for audience participation.  We entered the theatre and she asks, "Why are the lights off?"  What she means by that is why are the  house lights off?  She's seen enough performances to know that the house lights remain up until the show starts.  I chuckled.
She's been to small venues before but I suppose she's older now and has more questions.
She wasn't keen on the audience participation in this show but she did enjoy talking to the characters afterwards.  She was especially keen on the dog, O'Connor.  TG has named this show, the 'Scared Doggie show'.
It's recommended for kids 3-5.  Runtime is less than 40 minutes.


The Yellow Brick Road is the summer production at the Lucille Lortel Theater by TheatreWorks USA.  As with all TheatreWorks USA productions, it was a highly entertaining show with ingenuitive sets and use of their cast.
It's for an older children's crowd but it offered a nice indoor reprieve from the humidity. 
It's a Latin inspired retelling of the Wizard of Oz.  It's peppered with Spanish but most New Yorkers will understand and even learn something new.
The sound was a bit loud for our daughter and she kept her hand covering her ears most of the time but she seemed to like it.  She did label it the 'Thunder' Show as the wicked witch is accompanied by thunder and a loud cackle.
It's a 65 minute show which seems perfect for children.  If you are in NY and have kids who enjoy theatre, I recommend checking it out.  It's recommended for kids 7 and up but younger kids will enjoy it as well.  There are a few scary scenes (the witch scenes) and the sound can be a bit loud for kids with sensory sensitivities.  

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Calgon, take me away


Ever feel like you'd be better off just staying away from people as much as possible?  That whatever it is, you'll tick the person off or they'll tick you off?
I'm in that place right now.  Stupidity is driving me bonkers. Priority differences are driving me nuts.  Insane intense obsessiveness is driving me crazy and it's not my insane obsessiveness.
That's where this kills me. I have anal retentive tendencies.  I am obsessive compulsive.  I can't say anything because well, it would be like the pot calling the kettle black.
It's just making life uncomfortable for me and that's not hard when you're heading into your third trimester of pregnancy.
Maybe I need a vacation.
Maybe I need a break.
Maybe I need to stop thinking about everyone else for second and do something for me.

Monday, August 08, 2011

Slow Dancing

TG asking to dance with her dad to Sway right after dancing with Tasha to the same song.

Sunday, August 07, 2011

Saturday, August 06, 2011

Blue, Purple, Green


My MIL once told my husband that no one can make you feel anything.
I suppose those were wise words for a boy growing up.
I'm sure one day I may the say something simliar to my child.

Fact is though, I'm human and this woman does feel and people can make her feel things, good and bad.
Sometimes I wish I can just scream out, "Stop making me feel like S*&%!"
I know if I do, one, I'll look like a lunatic and 2) I'll get an ever helpful response of, "No one can make you feel like S(&^$.  You are the only one that can make you feel like s%#*."
Well, you know what, I feel like s)*$@.  Everyone feels like s($@& sometimes.  It's normal and I will get over it but can I just be allowed to say it?
That is all.  I feel better.
Go on with your daily to dos.

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

When determining process, ask yourself What is the purpose?

I have a major pet peeve.
I find that more and more folks are not working with intent or purpose.
This drives me nuts.
When you develop a process or procedure, it needs to be simple and straightforward to be successful.
The only way to make it simple and straightforward is to understand and know the purpose of said process.
You can't just do things because 1) it's always been this way, 2) it's the 'easy' way 3) it resolves the issue quickly.
Quick resolution may not equal the most appropriate method.
Before you start anything, please write down your intent and make sure your team (family, friends, coworkers, etc) is on the same page.

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Other's Feelings

TG broke my measuring cup yesterday and I was disappointed.  It was my favorite cup.
TG turned to me without missing a beat and said, "I'm sorry I broke your cup."  The sincerity in her apology was the sweetest thing I ever saw.  I quickly got over it and gave her a hug and thanked her for saying sorry.  It made me feel better.
I hope me kid continues to have her empathy.
Between this and her need to find out why kids around her are sad or crying, she really has an incredible hold on emotions.

Monday, August 01, 2011

Late Night Toddler Tantrum. Joy.

We had a rough night last night.
It started during the day as most things with a toddler.
A friend's birthday party kicked it all off.  It was a blast.  They served hot dogs and cake with refined sugar frosting.  TG isn't a fan of hot dogs so she skipped on the hot dogs and asked for a bun instead.  Then the cupcakes came out and she pushed the frosting away and ate the cake.  Then a pinata came out and she deftly and I mean deftly picked through the goodies on the floor and found the pure chocolate pieces and placed them in her goodie bag.
Usually I bring eats for her but since we were so close to home, I decided to make it a light day today.  Of course, my daughter kept asking for food.  Mental note: Always pack food for your kid.
Aside from her breakfast, eggs, this was what was fueling my child all morning.
The party was really sweet.  Seeing each kid's personalities come through with the pinata and the festivities was cute and interesting.  One kid stayed by the food table the entire time.  Another one just wanted to go home.  Another one didn't want to play the games and just hid in a tree.  Mine, kept asking every adult within earshot when can we sing Happy Birthday.
The big event came and everyone started singing at different times.  What does my daughter do?  She tells everyone, "Wait. Wait. Wait.  Let's start together."  Either my kid like order or she was expecting three part harmony from her friends.  Either case, she has high expectations of her fellow 3 year olds.
They started again and it ended in a rousing hand of applause.
She snacked on her cupcake passing on the additional frosting bags, like father like daughter.
Then she grabbed her goodie bag and turned to me and asked to go home for lunch and quiet time.
We headed home and had lunch together and then quiet time.  I suppose the am diet and the festivities led to a no nap but quiet time afternoon.
I of course took advantage of the quiet time and had a cat nap next to her as she played with her Matroyska robots.
Finally, TG said it was time to end quiet time because she had to poop.  I'm glad she asks before she ends her quiet time.  She bee lined to the bathroom, did her business and we moved on to arts and crafts.
By 6pm, I knew it was time for dinner and a quick bedtime.  She was acting up like I've never seen.  It was like textbook of an overtired child.  She barely ate her dinner and we just went straight to bed.  Stories, yogurt, teeth brushing, face washing and prayers took twice as long as she had two meltdowns.  DH even helped me with bedtime routine and it took that long.  At one point, DH had to pick her up and bring her outside of the bedroom to calm her down.
It took two hours for her to finally settle down and fall asleep.  She was so overtired all she did was pee and sing.  I'm not joking.  It was like Mortimer.  She didn't kept singing.  When she finished singing, she bee lined to the bathroom to pee.  Two flipping hours of this!
She finally passed out just about the time I was about to lose my schmidt.
It was so bad, I wound up making the oatmeal cookies that TG mixed in the mixer in the afternoon.  Usually we make cooking projects two parters as I feel I don't have patience (notice I said I not the toddler) to complete a cooking project in one full day.
I made the cookies and had a nice batch of piping hot toasted oatmeal cookies.
The rest of the night though was pretty textbook for an overtired child and DH took charge.  The entire night, the entire night was spent dealing with a toddler who kept waking up every sleep cycle pissed at the fact she fell asleep. 
If you have never seen a pissed off toddler, you must be childless.
Holy heavens, a pissed off 3 year old at 4am is not a fun thing.
This morning, DH looked like he went into battle and was creamed.
We met with some other parents and it seems like something was in the air last night because kids who normally don't have tantrums, like TG, were having a time of it last night.
I'm going to blame the diet and the dog days of summer.
TG finally became fully awake at 10am, long after church.
I think today is going to be a quiet day for everyone in our building.  We may have a cranky kid get together for a break but our plan to go to a show is nixed.