So this past Friday was Ava's first night in a "big girl bed". Roger and I bought a bed rail and he and Ava worked together to attach it to her reconfigured crib. She absolutely loved it! In fact, she wanted to just lie in it, completely avoiding her bedtime routine. It was so cute:) So here we on a Monday, and so far, so good! She stays in her bed until she falls asleep and she WAS being good about staying in her bed in the morning. This morning being the exception. Roger went to work at 6:30, and he woke her up. I changed her diaper and told her that it was still night-night time and that she needed to go back to sleep. I went back to bed and pulled the covers over my head at 6:40. At approximately 7:30, I heard a shrill and panicked scream, "Daaadddy! Where are you? Dadddy, Dadddy!!!" and she came bursting into our bedroom running around our bed screaming for Roger. Ughh...so we will see what she does tomorrow morning, who knows, maybe this morning was a one time thing? It's just so weird now, being the mom of a crazy, smart two-year old. She just turned two and she knows her colors, shapes (even hexagon, octagon, and oval!), ABC's, she can count to 14, tell stories, recount events, and repeat everything she hears! I would like to take some credit because I taught her most of it (mom brag), but I can't take any credit for how effortlessly she has made it all look. She is absolutely amazing!
Right now, Roger and Ava have taken off to the mall. I am so exhausted, going to the mall was the last thing that I wanted to do, so I am here with my sleeping baby, typing away. Today also marks day something or other that I haven't been on Facebook! How freeing...except I do still think about it as soon as one of the kids is sleeping. So what did I do today to replace my addiction? I did some laundry, cleaned the kitchen a bit, went outside so that Ava could play in the snow, made a salad, nursed a baby, played with Ava some more, started reading a self-help book...basically acted like a very boring 30-something with two little ones. How did that happen? I don't know. But I am okay with it. I hope it stays this way for awhile. I like it.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
Saying G'bye to Facebook, Temporarily?
The title says it all. I think that I am done with Facebook, at least temporarily. I find myself on it too often, with no real reason. The status updates are rarely insightful or significant in any way and I find myself just wasting away my free time, hour after hour. Currently, both children are asleep, and I've spent an hour, just perusing my Facebook, refreshing the page every so often, just to read somebody else's insignificant rant about nothing. I mean seriously, does anybody ever think of anything original, ever? Apparently not. And since I am not any different, and I have nothing original to say either, why bother? Maybe I'll spend more time blogging, maybe I'll spend my new free time cleaning the house (probably not), watching a new TV show (one addiction for another?) or reading a book (what a "novel" idea, lol), whatever it is, it will not include reading about "Sally's" crappy morning at the gym, what "Joe" ate for breakfast, or how much "Billy" hates Republicans. It's called TMI, and I kind of think that a lot of us are suffering from TMI Overload Disease mixed with delusions of grandeur. The mundane information overload is addictive and makes you believe that any and every thought that pops into your own head is worthy of an important exclamation to the world. When in reality, ehhh...not so much.
Monday, November 5, 2012
On Raising Adults...
I just got finished reading another goopy mom article about what parents hope to instill in their ever-angelic brood. It really got me thinking. Most articles state the obvious, the general, the vague. Things like, be courageous, be respectful, be kind. But after teaching in a high school for a few years, I know that those types of suggestions are rarely followed. So what if my husband and I were to die today? What is it that we want our children to know? We have a son and a daughter, and the world will most likely continue to be a very challenging, dangerous, immoral, self-centered place. So what are the ideals that we want our children to have? Of course, courage, respectfulness, kindness are in there, but how do you communicate these ideals very specifically with a young man or a young woman when the world muddles up these ideals with gray areas and exceptions?
I am going to take my best shot at this and sum up in precise measures, what it means to be a good person. Time tested solutions to most, if not all, of the problems and tough decisions in life.
1. Find a Church that you like, and go there. Go there as often as possible. Take part in the community that the Church provides, take advantage of what the Church has to offer, and make sure that you find something of value to offer to the Church, whether it be time, talent, money or perspective. Because no matter where you are in the world, what your age, what your life experience, or how much money you make, you will always be welcome there, and there you will always find Hope.
2. Pray often. Your father and I have not always been very diligent about prayer, but when we have needed the Lord, we have prayed, and the Lord has NEVER let us down. I am not kidding, the Lord will come through, for you too. It may take weeks, it may take decades, but pray often and pray thoughtfully, and He will always have your back.
3. Shut off the media. This is something that your father and I never had to deal with growing up. The constant barrage of TV channels, reality shows, newsfeeds, Twitters, Facebooking, Youtubing, is truly mind numbing. Remember that technology and media is an escape, it is not reality. Whenever you begin to think that your life is an online persona, turn it off. It is as addictive as it is fake. It can ruin your real life relationships, shelter you from others, and redirect your destiny in negative ways. Your life is not your computer or a television show. This may be hard to believe as a teenager and young adult. But remember, your life begins when you tune out and turn off. Trust us.
4. Remember that you are beautiful miracle! Not to be vain or narcissistic. But, when that nasty girl calls you a name in high school, when somebody stands you up or breaks your heart in college, when that jerk of a boss fires you, or a professor, or a boyfriend, or a best friend tells you that you're not enough, remember that you are amazing and wonderful beyond compare! When people treat you like dirt, and they will, remember that I prayed for years to bring you both into this world! Remember that God made you perfectly and that He has counted every hair on your beautiful head. And you, my beautiful baby, you are enough. Walk away from anyone that treats you as less than, because you are a miracle and a beautiful blessing.
5. Marry for love. When things get rough and the "ish" hits the fan, love is the only thing that will get you through it.
6. Respect and protect the integrity of everyone. It is very easy to respect the smart guy, strong guy, rich guy, but the true measure of humanity is the ability to treat even the least among us with integrity and respect. Animals, children, elderly, the immigrant, the poor and the disabled, they all have value, they all deserve to have a voice. You may be their voice someday if you choose, and sometimes you may be chosen to be their voice. Accept that responsibility with great care and judgment and pray for guidance along the way.
7. Don't do drugs, don't smoke. Don't drink until you are legally allowed to do so, and even then, watch yourself and know your own limits. Not only do drugs and alcohol hurt you and eventually kill you, but they hurt the people around you.
8. Clean up after yourself. Clean up after others.
9. Stay away from credit cards and save, save, save! You will be so glad that you did.
10. Take care of your health. We could just say, eat well and exercise, but it goes deeper than this. When you're healthy physically, mentally and emotionally, your day runs smoother, you feel better about yourself, you have more energy, you have a better life, period. So get involved in sports, dance, theater, choir, whatever you want to do and of course, learn to cook! Not being able to cook is a huge regret of mine, and it is one of the reasons that I have unfortunately spent many years eating packaged and processed foods. So take a cooking class or two and take care of yourself!
11. Landon, never hit a woman. Be a gentleman. Always treat women with the utmost respect and care.
12. Ava, if a man hits you, he is not a man. Leave him immediately and never look back.
13. Be faithful to your family. When you are single, be faithful to your mother, father, siblings, your cousins, your aunts and uncles. Show up for holidays, ask them about their lives, take care to let them know that you love them. When you are married, put your spouse first. Stay true to your spouse, be faithful to your spouse, forever.
14. Don't allow yourself to be exposed to the wrong people, things, or ideas. Be wary of who you call friend. Whether it be a coworker, significant other, or just someone you meet at a party. Understand that not every person is rational or good, some people are bad, plain and simple. Don't get caught up in groups that spread hate against anyone, don't get caught up in exclusivity, violence or verbal abuse towards anyone or anything. Some ideas are like bad rotten seeds, once they are planted, they take root and grow out of your control, taking over your life and your perspective on the world. They rot you in turn, from the inside out. Stay true to who you are and guard your heart as you would guard your own family and home.
15. Know that no matter how many times you make mistakes, you can always come home. We will always love you, unconditionally, no matter what.
Love,
Mom
I am going to take my best shot at this and sum up in precise measures, what it means to be a good person. Time tested solutions to most, if not all, of the problems and tough decisions in life.
1. Find a Church that you like, and go there. Go there as often as possible. Take part in the community that the Church provides, take advantage of what the Church has to offer, and make sure that you find something of value to offer to the Church, whether it be time, talent, money or perspective. Because no matter where you are in the world, what your age, what your life experience, or how much money you make, you will always be welcome there, and there you will always find Hope.
2. Pray often. Your father and I have not always been very diligent about prayer, but when we have needed the Lord, we have prayed, and the Lord has NEVER let us down. I am not kidding, the Lord will come through, for you too. It may take weeks, it may take decades, but pray often and pray thoughtfully, and He will always have your back.
3. Shut off the media. This is something that your father and I never had to deal with growing up. The constant barrage of TV channels, reality shows, newsfeeds, Twitters, Facebooking, Youtubing, is truly mind numbing. Remember that technology and media is an escape, it is not reality. Whenever you begin to think that your life is an online persona, turn it off. It is as addictive as it is fake. It can ruin your real life relationships, shelter you from others, and redirect your destiny in negative ways. Your life is not your computer or a television show. This may be hard to believe as a teenager and young adult. But remember, your life begins when you tune out and turn off. Trust us.
4. Remember that you are beautiful miracle! Not to be vain or narcissistic. But, when that nasty girl calls you a name in high school, when somebody stands you up or breaks your heart in college, when that jerk of a boss fires you, or a professor, or a boyfriend, or a best friend tells you that you're not enough, remember that you are amazing and wonderful beyond compare! When people treat you like dirt, and they will, remember that I prayed for years to bring you both into this world! Remember that God made you perfectly and that He has counted every hair on your beautiful head. And you, my beautiful baby, you are enough. Walk away from anyone that treats you as less than, because you are a miracle and a beautiful blessing.
5. Marry for love. When things get rough and the "ish" hits the fan, love is the only thing that will get you through it.
6. Respect and protect the integrity of everyone. It is very easy to respect the smart guy, strong guy, rich guy, but the true measure of humanity is the ability to treat even the least among us with integrity and respect. Animals, children, elderly, the immigrant, the poor and the disabled, they all have value, they all deserve to have a voice. You may be their voice someday if you choose, and sometimes you may be chosen to be their voice. Accept that responsibility with great care and judgment and pray for guidance along the way.
7. Don't do drugs, don't smoke. Don't drink until you are legally allowed to do so, and even then, watch yourself and know your own limits. Not only do drugs and alcohol hurt you and eventually kill you, but they hurt the people around you.
8. Clean up after yourself. Clean up after others.
9. Stay away from credit cards and save, save, save! You will be so glad that you did.
10. Take care of your health. We could just say, eat well and exercise, but it goes deeper than this. When you're healthy physically, mentally and emotionally, your day runs smoother, you feel better about yourself, you have more energy, you have a better life, period. So get involved in sports, dance, theater, choir, whatever you want to do and of course, learn to cook! Not being able to cook is a huge regret of mine, and it is one of the reasons that I have unfortunately spent many years eating packaged and processed foods. So take a cooking class or two and take care of yourself!
11. Landon, never hit a woman. Be a gentleman. Always treat women with the utmost respect and care.
12. Ava, if a man hits you, he is not a man. Leave him immediately and never look back.
13. Be faithful to your family. When you are single, be faithful to your mother, father, siblings, your cousins, your aunts and uncles. Show up for holidays, ask them about their lives, take care to let them know that you love them. When you are married, put your spouse first. Stay true to your spouse, be faithful to your spouse, forever.
14. Don't allow yourself to be exposed to the wrong people, things, or ideas. Be wary of who you call friend. Whether it be a coworker, significant other, or just someone you meet at a party. Understand that not every person is rational or good, some people are bad, plain and simple. Don't get caught up in groups that spread hate against anyone, don't get caught up in exclusivity, violence or verbal abuse towards anyone or anything. Some ideas are like bad rotten seeds, once they are planted, they take root and grow out of your control, taking over your life and your perspective on the world. They rot you in turn, from the inside out. Stay true to who you are and guard your heart as you would guard your own family and home.
15. Know that no matter how many times you make mistakes, you can always come home. We will always love you, unconditionally, no matter what.
Love,
Mom
Sunday, November 4, 2012
It's a Shock Top kind of night...eh?
Let's just say Mommy deserves this beer. Tonight Landon decided to scream for hours on end and Ava decided that she would like to start potty-training. Right. Now. My mommy senses tell me that Landon is going through a growth-spurt, hard to believe since the kid is already growing out of his 9 month old clothing at 3 months. And Ava, on her part, finds my attention being finely divided between her and Landon, which is maddening to a two-year old, I am sure.
What better way to get Mommy's attention, then to do something as monumental as peeing in a potty for the first time ever!? But peeing in the potty and being celebrated just doesn't cut it when baby brother is hogging all the attention with his screams. Ava wanted to go pee again, and again, and again, or at least try. And so there I am, trying to calm down a screaming baby while my two year old runs around naked yelling, "Mommy, pee in potty!", (while she sticks her hands and face into her potty chair, cue the mommy meltdown). Luckily, I was able to intervene just in time to stop a potty disaster, but good grief, can't we just all go to bed like calm, normal people?
So I looked in the potty. Yes, it was there! She had gone pee in the potty! I screeched with delirium, as I have been told that I am supposed to do, by some article I read somewhere on some website, to encourage the behavior. But I am sure my happy screams and celebrating were lost amongst the lung wrenching screams of my youngest little angel.
Why does it seem like the world is falling apart when Roger is working a night shift? It never fails. I am stuck juggling two kids through dinner, diaper changes, cleaning, feedings, bath time, stories, songs, prayers...the whole routine which should normally take an hour, takes a torturous two to three hours and by the end of it all, I am exhausted and cursing Roger for every day of every year that he has ever had to work or be in a "meeting" or study at night. I know it's not his fault, but come on! Even when he's on "vacation", he's working. He's putting together presentations, giving lectures, reading articles, attending meetings, dinners, socials, taking extra shifts...I am just so ready for all of this to be over.
So yes, after reading two books through incessant crying and whining, and saying prayers, while being climbed on and tickled, and singing umpteen lullabies while nursing and being screeched at, I am going to drink a beer. It is definitely a Shock Top kind of night.
What better way to get Mommy's attention, then to do something as monumental as peeing in a potty for the first time ever!? But peeing in the potty and being celebrated just doesn't cut it when baby brother is hogging all the attention with his screams. Ava wanted to go pee again, and again, and again, or at least try. And so there I am, trying to calm down a screaming baby while my two year old runs around naked yelling, "Mommy, pee in potty!", (while she sticks her hands and face into her potty chair, cue the mommy meltdown). Luckily, I was able to intervene just in time to stop a potty disaster, but good grief, can't we just all go to bed like calm, normal people?
So I looked in the potty. Yes, it was there! She had gone pee in the potty! I screeched with delirium, as I have been told that I am supposed to do, by some article I read somewhere on some website, to encourage the behavior. But I am sure my happy screams and celebrating were lost amongst the lung wrenching screams of my youngest little angel.
Why does it seem like the world is falling apart when Roger is working a night shift? It never fails. I am stuck juggling two kids through dinner, diaper changes, cleaning, feedings, bath time, stories, songs, prayers...the whole routine which should normally take an hour, takes a torturous two to three hours and by the end of it all, I am exhausted and cursing Roger for every day of every year that he has ever had to work or be in a "meeting" or study at night. I know it's not his fault, but come on! Even when he's on "vacation", he's working. He's putting together presentations, giving lectures, reading articles, attending meetings, dinners, socials, taking extra shifts...I am just so ready for all of this to be over.
So yes, after reading two books through incessant crying and whining, and saying prayers, while being climbed on and tickled, and singing umpteen lullabies while nursing and being screeched at, I am going to drink a beer. It is definitely a Shock Top kind of night.
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