I don't know about you, but some days adulting is just too much. The house constantly needs to be cleaned, the kids need a lunch for school, the animals must be fed. I mean, our lists go on and on and on, right? (All good problems to have, I realize--it means I have a home, healthy children, access to schools, and sweet animals...but still). I'm sure you can all relate to the overhwelm that you feel some days trying to be a semi-functional adult.
So, I'm about to make your life a little easier.
You know how you should be saving money for the future? For things like college for the kids, retirement, future travel, a new kitchen sink, and so much more? Well, here's how to do it with as little effort and pain-in-the-wallet as possible: Digit.
Digit is an app that helps you "save money without thinking about it." There are no hidden fees and it has bank-level security. But it's all digital and you can set it up on your phone. The app will move money from your checking account to your Digit account automatically (if you want it to) when it sees that you have enough dough to do so. It analyzes your deposits and expenditures to determine how much would be appropriate and when.
For me, the average savings transfer has been $5, and in less than 2 months, I now have $98 in my Digit account! I know that doesn't sound like much, but it's more than I would have saved on my own in that time. All-inclusive resort vacation, here we come!
I was not compensated by Digit for this post, I just really like their app. I will get a $5 referral deposit for every person who uses my link to sign up, so thanks in advance if you do!
Showing posts with label parenting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parenting. Show all posts
Friday, February 19, 2016
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Give Grace
While scrolling through the Instagrams recently I came across this photo:
If you look closely, you'll see a delicate gold tattoo on the inside wrist: GIVE GRACE. I was initially drawn to the appearance of the dainty, shiny thing, and then later really ruminated on the meaning of the words.
The older I get the more I realize that every person I meet is dealing with some plight or another. Chances are I may never know it, but it is worth it to remind myself and others daily that we have no idea what is going on in another person's life at any given time.
I recently learned that a friend of a friend's cancer has returned. Another friend had another in a series of miscarriages. And a different friend just had a precious baby boy who has a serious and life-long disability. Heart-breaking stuff.
When I had my miscarriage 3 years ago, I think the part that hurt the most was that not everyone knew. I was almost 15 weeks along, so we had told many people about the pregnancy, but still, afterward I would run into friends and when they didn't ask me about the miscarriage I was almost offended. I wanted people to know I had gone through something unspeakably difficult and sad. Not for the pity, though. I wanted others to know so that I could serve as a comrade in pain. My miscarriage made me realize how many women I know who have had the same experience. And there is comfort in shared experiences, don't you think?
So, back to the GIVE GRACE tattoo. When I commented on the above photo, Megan, of Scarlet & Grace offered to send me 2 tattoos. One for me and one to give to someone else who needed the message.
You can read more about the #GiveGrace Campaign, which aims to bring awareness to infertility and to help couples as they go through the IVF process.
I love the sentiment, and wanted to pass it on. So, go. Go give grace.
If you want a tattoo for yourself or someone who may be struggling with fertility issues or any other issue in which grace could be helpful, you can purchase one here.
XO,
B
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| (via Scarlet & Gold's Instagram) |
If you look closely, you'll see a delicate gold tattoo on the inside wrist: GIVE GRACE. I was initially drawn to the appearance of the dainty, shiny thing, and then later really ruminated on the meaning of the words.
The older I get the more I realize that every person I meet is dealing with some plight or another. Chances are I may never know it, but it is worth it to remind myself and others daily that we have no idea what is going on in another person's life at any given time.
I recently learned that a friend of a friend's cancer has returned. Another friend had another in a series of miscarriages. And a different friend just had a precious baby boy who has a serious and life-long disability. Heart-breaking stuff.
When I had my miscarriage 3 years ago, I think the part that hurt the most was that not everyone knew. I was almost 15 weeks along, so we had told many people about the pregnancy, but still, afterward I would run into friends and when they didn't ask me about the miscarriage I was almost offended. I wanted people to know I had gone through something unspeakably difficult and sad. Not for the pity, though. I wanted others to know so that I could serve as a comrade in pain. My miscarriage made me realize how many women I know who have had the same experience. And there is comfort in shared experiences, don't you think?
So, back to the GIVE GRACE tattoo. When I commented on the above photo, Megan, of Scarlet & Grace offered to send me 2 tattoos. One for me and one to give to someone else who needed the message.
You can read more about the #GiveGrace Campaign, which aims to bring awareness to infertility and to help couples as they go through the IVF process.
I love the sentiment, and wanted to pass it on. So, go. Go give grace.
If you want a tattoo for yourself or someone who may be struggling with fertility issues or any other issue in which grace could be helpful, you can purchase one here.
XO,
B
Monday, June 1, 2015
School's Out...for Summer!
Cue this song's chorus running through your head for the remainder of the day:
Since going back to the classroom as a middle and high school teacher last August, the promise of a 10-week summer has kept me excited nearly daily. It's true that after over 10 years out of the classroom, I was seeking the thrill of imparting knowledge, as well as the challenge of "getting through" to those difficult students. (The more operose the better, in my opinion.) But, really, if I'm being entirely honest, I was at least 50% going back to the classroom full-time so that I could have summers off with my babies.
The chunkiest little baby ever and her big cousin, Ben, lounging by my parents' pool. Flanked by dogs, of course.
This dreamy little surfer-dude peering through the rad doll house on the children's floor in the Richland County Main Library.
Jones and I signed up for the Richland Library Summer Reading Challenge today; I have such fond memories of participating when I was a kid. That end-of-summer reading medal was always hard-fought-for.
What are you up to this summer? So far I'm enjoying not having to give those obligatory "teacher's dirty looks..."
Since going back to the classroom as a middle and high school teacher last August, the promise of a 10-week summer has kept me excited nearly daily. It's true that after over 10 years out of the classroom, I was seeking the thrill of imparting knowledge, as well as the challenge of "getting through" to those difficult students. (The more operose the better, in my opinion.) But, really, if I'm being entirely honest, I was at least 50% going back to the classroom full-time so that I could have summers off with my babies.
Here's how we've spent the first few days of summer:
My fruity folks at Cottle Strawberry Farm.
This dreamy little surfer-dude peering through the rad doll house on the children's floor in the Richland County Main Library.
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| that Star Wars band-aid is so endearing, isn't it? |
What are you up to this summer? So far I'm enjoying not having to give those obligatory "teacher's dirty looks..."
Friday, July 18, 2014
Babies and Bourbon and Zombies
How's that for a title?
We have had a sick baby on our hands this week, and let me tell you, it is no cake walk. I am in awe of parents who care for seriously ill children on a regular basis, because sick babies are pitiful and exhausting. Birdie had the coxsackie virus. If you've never heard of it, consider yourself lucky. If your kid has had it, you feel my pain.
She's finally feeling better, and James and I are excited to escape the house for a date night tomorrow night. We're heading to Bourbon for an early dinner and then to see Evil Dead, The Musical at Trustus Theatre. If we have time, we may sneak by Craft & Draft for a pre-dinner nip. Have you heard of this new craft beer store & growler shop on Devine Street? We're excited to try it out.
It's crazy how valued a date night is once you have kids...you try to cram so much into the night, when really you should be home getting a good, uninterrupted night's sleep...
Nope, I'm too excited for a baby-free night out!
What are you up to in our fair city this weekend?
Check out this review of Evil Dead, the Musical in the Free Times.
Also, have you partaken in Bourbon's weekday 2:30-5:30 PM "Bite the Bulleit" special yet? It's a bump of Bulleit bourbon, a draft beer, and a burger for only $10!? The burger alone is worth more in my book--you must try it! Ordering the house made pimento cheese on top is essential. You will thank me, I promise.
I'll be posting about our date night on my Fig Columbia site blog soon, so check there for the details!
XO
We have had a sick baby on our hands this week, and let me tell you, it is no cake walk. I am in awe of parents who care for seriously ill children on a regular basis, because sick babies are pitiful and exhausting. Birdie had the coxsackie virus. If you've never heard of it, consider yourself lucky. If your kid has had it, you feel my pain.
She's finally feeling better, and James and I are excited to escape the house for a date night tomorrow night. We're heading to Bourbon for an early dinner and then to see Evil Dead, The Musical at Trustus Theatre. If we have time, we may sneak by Craft & Draft for a pre-dinner nip. Have you heard of this new craft beer store & growler shop on Devine Street? We're excited to try it out.
It's crazy how valued a date night is once you have kids...you try to cram so much into the night, when really you should be home getting a good, uninterrupted night's sleep...
Nope, I'm too excited for a baby-free night out!
What are you up to in our fair city this weekend?
Check out this review of Evil Dead, the Musical in the Free Times.
Also, have you partaken in Bourbon's weekday 2:30-5:30 PM "Bite the Bulleit" special yet? It's a bump of Bulleit bourbon, a draft beer, and a burger for only $10!? The burger alone is worth more in my book--you must try it! Ordering the house made pimento cheese on top is essential. You will thank me, I promise.
I'll be posting about our date night on my Fig Columbia site blog soon, so check there for the details!
XO
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Happy Birdie
This little Bird is just about the juiciest baby I've ever seen. Am I right?
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| Bird and my momma. I mean, rolls for days. |
And, she's pretty much the happiest baby I've ever known...
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| the head scarf is probably too much, but I couldn't help myself. |
...as long as she's being held. Namely by me. She's newly in that "oh-my-god-mommy-hold-me-or-I-might-die-or-at-least-drive-everyone-around-me-completely-insane" phase. So, this is how we travel most places these days:
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| Bird, channeling Axl Rose at last weekend's Mardi Gras festival at City Roots |
And that's just fine by me.
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| Preach. |
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Out of the Mouths of Babes
Jones and I often have our best conversations while in the car. Two of the most recent:
On the way home from school a few days ago:
J- Mom, I don't feel good.
Me- Oh No! Why not, babe? Does something hurt?
J- No. I just don't feel good. I don't feel like I'm outside.
Me- Well, that's because you're not. We're in the car. [stifled laughter]
J- My fwends gave me strangers.
Me- (silence)
Me-Your friends gave you what?
J- Strangers.
Me- Well, that sounds bad. Is that like cooties? [knowing full well he had no idea what cooties are, just wanting to prolong the entertaining conversation]
J- No, mom. Strangers is strangers.
And, then just this morning on the way to school:
J- Mom, animals don't wear clothes.
Me- Very good observation, hon. Why do you think that is?
J- Because they poop a lot.
That kid and this age (3) is proving to be the most entertaining yet. He constantly sings, (mostly made-up songs), and he loves to dance and make music. He is indeed his own drummer.
She is crawling and "cruising" all over the place, and wants exactly what her brother has in his hands at any given moment. And, her latest foray into the brave new world of vocabulary is "uh oh." She's really great at it and practices saying it constantly. We're rooting for a new word pretty hard over here :)
On the way home from school a few days ago:
J- Mom, I don't feel good.
Me- Oh No! Why not, babe? Does something hurt?
J- No. I just don't feel good. I don't feel like I'm outside.
Me- Well, that's because you're not. We're in the car. [stifled laughter]
J- My fwends gave me strangers.
Me- (silence)
Me-Your friends gave you what?
J- Strangers.
Me- Well, that sounds bad. Is that like cooties? [knowing full well he had no idea what cooties are, just wanting to prolong the entertaining conversation]
J- No, mom. Strangers is strangers.
And, then just this morning on the way to school:
J- Mom, animals don't wear clothes.
Me- Very good observation, hon. Why do you think that is?
J- Because they poop a lot.
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| Jones' most recent school picture. |
And in the world of 10-month-old Bird, here she is wearing her first hair bow:
She is crawling and "cruising" all over the place, and wants exactly what her brother has in his hands at any given moment. And, her latest foray into the brave new world of vocabulary is "uh oh." She's really great at it and practices saying it constantly. We're rooting for a new word pretty hard over here :)
Friday, January 10, 2014
Some Friday Fiction
My husband and I have an on-going debate about which is real-er, Big Foot or Loch Ness Monster. He is solidly in the Big Foot camp, and I whole-heartedly believe Nessie is a sweet, misunderstood dinosour-like creature who lurks in the loch.
A few months ago while perusing Etsy I came across these shirts and have fought the urge to buy them for our children ever since:
So, which do you think is more real? I argue Nessie because I think she'd be harder to fake.
This post was spurred after reading this news story about a supposed Bigfoot-killing in Vegas. The article is pretty funny, though I'm now a little worried that Bigfoot is indeed real.
Also, you can watch a live webcam of Loch Ness right here. Pretty sure I just saw Nessie.
A few months ago while perusing Etsy I came across these shirts and have fought the urge to buy them for our children ever since:
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| via here |
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| via here |
This post was spurred after reading this news story about a supposed Bigfoot-killing in Vegas. The article is pretty funny, though I'm now a little worried that Bigfoot is indeed real.
Also, you can watch a live webcam of Loch Ness right here. Pretty sure I just saw Nessie.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Tales of a Lady in Nesting
Anyone who knows me well or is a Facebook friend knows this already, but holy mother, I am nesting like a crazy-woman these days. I am exactly 2 weeks out from my due date with this baby girl, and I am as impatient and irritable as I have ever been. I know I should be relaxing and sleeping and soaking up these last bits of time that I have with my little family of 3, but it's just not in me right now.
I have over-scheduled our past few weekends, trying to fit in some fun things for Jones that might not happen for a while after the baby arrives: trips to the farmer's market, EdVenture Children's Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, haircut, festivals around town...we'll be at St Pat's for the parade tomorrow. I just can't sit still for the life of me. James told me a couple nights ago that pregnancy brings out the ADHD in me; I cannot be still, and I cannot focus on only one thing at a time. I have been cleaning, cooking, and crafting like it's my job. And I guess, biologically, right now, it is.
My default personality is a laid-back, fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants, procrastinator. The over-planning, anxious, antsy, irritable woman who has taken over lately is foreign and a bit disturbing to me; (and I can only assume to my loved ones as well).
Anyway, I know things will change as quickly as I post this, and our lives will be turned upside down by a new baby. Just had to vent.
Photo evidence of my nesting of late:
Here's hoping that this weekend brings an end to my craziness and a new beginning in the form of a healthy babe!
XO
I have over-scheduled our past few weekends, trying to fit in some fun things for Jones that might not happen for a while after the baby arrives: trips to the farmer's market, EdVenture Children's Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, haircut, festivals around town...we'll be at St Pat's for the parade tomorrow. I just can't sit still for the life of me. James told me a couple nights ago that pregnancy brings out the ADHD in me; I cannot be still, and I cannot focus on only one thing at a time. I have been cleaning, cooking, and crafting like it's my job. And I guess, biologically, right now, it is.
My default personality is a laid-back, fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants, procrastinator. The over-planning, anxious, antsy, irritable woman who has taken over lately is foreign and a bit disturbing to me; (and I can only assume to my loved ones as well).
Anyway, I know things will change as quickly as I post this, and our lives will be turned upside down by a new baby. Just had to vent.
Photo evidence of my nesting of late:
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| Valentine's Day goodies for Jones' class (via Pinterest) |
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| Easter Egg garland made w/ paint swatches/chips from Lowe's (via Pinterest) |
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| Vidalia Onion Pie (for Pi Day!) |
XO
Friday, February 15, 2013
Toddler Tantrums & Treats
Minute-to-minute my emotions and thoughts are so differently-focused these days...I blame the 34-week-pregnant-hormones.
Today's focus seems to have landed on how to prepare (and love-up) my sweet 2-year-old before this baby girl comes into the world. I'm having the typical anxieties about how he will react...I have a feeling nursing time will be pretty brutal, as Jones is already mama-clingy these days. And I'm pretty sure he totally gets that there is change coming, as he has already started wanting me to hold him and rock him "like baby" more and more.
I am reading up and asking advice on how to handle all of this, and for now, holding tight to the boy while also trying to lay down some discipline as his tantrums and willfulness seem to have spiked to the "terrible twos" level literally overnight. One thing I have thought might help with the behavior issues is to create a reward system for chores.
I know some might think 2 is a bit young to do chores, but Jones loves to help and he actually can do some helpful things around the house, (with a little oversight!) I just ordered these brilliant little chore magnets from Etsy and am excited for Jones to use them! I included Feed Dogs, Pick Up Toys, Brush Teeth, Try a New Food, and Water Garden, among other things...
A friend of mine "pinned" a genius idea on Pinterest the other day, a "nursing basket," full of new/rarely allowed toys, games, and stuff for the older child to play with only when the baby is nursing. As I've been thinking of what to put in Jones' basket, I came across these personalize-able flashcards from Pinhole Press that I had "pinned" a while ago, and I decided to order them for him. I think it will be a fun and educational thing to put in Jones' "nursing basket."
So, any advice for me on how to seamlessly (ha!) bring a new baby into a 2-year-old's world?? I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas.
XO,
B
Today's focus seems to have landed on how to prepare (and love-up) my sweet 2-year-old before this baby girl comes into the world. I'm having the typical anxieties about how he will react...I have a feeling nursing time will be pretty brutal, as Jones is already mama-clingy these days. And I'm pretty sure he totally gets that there is change coming, as he has already started wanting me to hold him and rock him "like baby" more and more.
I am reading up and asking advice on how to handle all of this, and for now, holding tight to the boy while also trying to lay down some discipline as his tantrums and willfulness seem to have spiked to the "terrible twos" level literally overnight. One thing I have thought might help with the behavior issues is to create a reward system for chores.
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| via here |
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| via here |
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| via here |
XO,
B
Friday, January 18, 2013
My Kid Likes to Party
Jones received an Elmo watch (analog, not digital, thank you very much) for Christmas from his Aunt Liz. He loves this thing, and we knew he'd love it because he's loved his Daddy's watch for months now.
He wears the Elmo watch nearly every day and when you ask him what time it is, without fail he responds emphatically: "Party Time!"
He's a pretty damn cool kid.
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| passed out, wearing Daddy's watch |
He wears the Elmo watch nearly every day and when you ask him what time it is, without fail he responds emphatically: "Party Time!"
He's a pretty damn cool kid.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The Ultimate Adventure
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| my greatest adventure |
A reminder to myself and any other mamas out there who may sometimes feel too "tied down" to indulge that nagging wanderlust, or too tired to endeavor to try new things, or too broke to pay for a babysitter and head out on the town--or out of town-- on a whim like we once could:
"Motherhood is the ultimate adventure..."
This nugget of wisdom borrowed from this post on Emphasis Added, one of my daily blog reads.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Motherhood, Officially
Sounds silly, but today the fact that I am a mother finally hit me like a ton of bricks. You wanna know why?
My shopping list includes the makings for cupcakes made to look like pumpkins and Halloween stickers for my adorable child's Halloween party at school tomorrow. Plus, I just realized that every. single. picture. I have posted on a social media site lately has been of said adorable child.
As if that wasn't enough, the ever-growing baby bump under my maternity jeans and sweater and the contantly-moving baby therein, give me a pretty much hourly reminder that I'm officially a mom. It's pretty grand.
Happy Halloween!
My shopping list includes the makings for cupcakes made to look like pumpkins and Halloween stickers for my adorable child's Halloween party at school tomorrow. Plus, I just realized that every. single. picture. I have posted on a social media site lately has been of said adorable child.
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| "Bodybag Johnny," aka my adorable child |
As if that wasn't enough, the ever-growing baby bump under my maternity jeans and sweater and the contantly-moving baby therein, give me a pretty much hourly reminder that I'm officially a mom. It's pretty grand.
Happy Halloween!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
My Toddler's Favorites
My 20-month-old's teachers told me yesterday that they had noticed that every time they tell the class to pick a book from the bookshelf, Jones always picks the same one: a book with kid-friendly recipes. They said it has pictures of foods made into cute little animals and shapes. I guess I'm not really surprised; the boy does love to eat. (And he gets it quite honestly, from momma and daddy).
At home, his favorite books right now include:
He is really into books where he can point out and say the word for what he sees on the page--it is amazing to see his comprehension expand so quickly! And his vocabulary is catching up, too. Although he still speaks entire paragraphs in seeming-gibberish, we are beginning to understand him more and more. His favorite words right now are "truck" (cuck) and "bus." He loves to point out every truck and bus we see when we're in the car. He also always points out the fountain ("wa-wa, mama!") that we see on our route to and from school everyday and the firetrucks in the fire house on Devine Street.
He's starting to put together 2-word phrases really well: "hold you" (when he wants to be picked up) is my absolute favorite...I mean, how can you resist that!? He also says "love you, mama/dada/yaya/didi/caca" to whoever he's with. I enact the proverbial hand-clasp-over-heart every time I hear it.
At home, his favorite books right now include:
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| via here |
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| via here |
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| via here |
He's starting to put together 2-word phrases really well: "hold you" (when he wants to be picked up) is my absolute favorite...I mean, how can you resist that!? He also says "love you, mama/dada/yaya/didi/caca" to whoever he's with. I enact the proverbial hand-clasp-over-heart every time I hear it.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Play
"If a child has been able in his play to give up his whole living being to the world around him, he will be able, in the serious tasks of later life, to devote himself with confidence to the service of the world."
~Rudolf Steiner
from Simplicity Parenting
Thursday, August 16, 2012
On Being Present
My son, Jones, (18 months), gave me his first-ever unprompted kiss this morning on our way out the door. I was a little rushed, and it barely even registered what he was doing until he had already done it. At the time I said "oh, thank you, sweet boy," or something equally trite, and we made our way to school and work.
Thinking back on that sweet kiss now makes my heart swell and swoon, and I am kicking myself for not being "present" enough in the moment to fully appreciate how sweet it was at the time. Isn't that always the way? Memories are more poignant and sweet-seeming than the actual moment. I hate that, but I guess it is human nature, and definitely parent-nature.
Also, my babe has started to watch TV all of a sudden... When I first became a mom I was firmly planted in the "no TV until 2 years old" camp, due to all the research saying it isn't good for babies. And, I still pretty much fall in that camp. But, upon my first hungover morning as a mother of a toddler, I begged my son to watch just 15 minutes of TV so momma could "rest her eyes" while lying on the couch. No go.
A couple months ago on our 10 hour drive to Boca Grande, FL, I brought along our portable DVD player and a stash of shows I loved as a kid and thought he would love- Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, The Care Bears Movie, and crossed my fingers that when the going got rough for Jones, he would discover that TV was super-cool. Nope.
The hubs and I have long-known that our baby is biologically-drawn to music and will dance to almost anything with a rhythm. Seriously-- think, cell phone rings, (and not necessarily ones that ring as songs, just plain old phone rings), the washing machine, and the 5-second transitional music played between NPR shows... Anyway, we finally figured out what type of DVD our child would be enamored of at this point in his life, and when I brought home the Sesame Street Singing with the Stars DVD a couple weeks ago, enamored he was!
The DVD is basically just Elmo and friends singing Sesame Street versions of songs by famous musicians. Jones dances, stares, and has even started air-drumming at appropriate times while watching this DVD over and over recently. The lineup of stars boasts everyone from LL Cool J, Feist, and Will I. Am (mommy's 3 favorites) to Hootie and the Blowfish, Destiny's Child, N Sync, and Andrea Bocelli. It's pretty crazy how many famous artists sing with Elmo. Some of the songs are pretty tough to take, and many get interminably stuck in my head; but it's not a horrible children's video, considering all the crap that is out there.
Anyway, though I am not proud of the fact that my 18 month old is now addicted to a DVD, my favorite part of his new obsession is that he likes to watch from my lap, while holding onto a finger or two. It makes me indescribably happy to see that sweet chunky butt backing up towards me to sit in my lap and then feel his tiny hand grasp my fingers. Sigh.
Here's to being present for these moments.
Thinking back on that sweet kiss now makes my heart swell and swoon, and I am kicking myself for not being "present" enough in the moment to fully appreciate how sweet it was at the time. Isn't that always the way? Memories are more poignant and sweet-seeming than the actual moment. I hate that, but I guess it is human nature, and definitely parent-nature.
Also, my babe has started to watch TV all of a sudden... When I first became a mom I was firmly planted in the "no TV until 2 years old" camp, due to all the research saying it isn't good for babies. And, I still pretty much fall in that camp. But, upon my first hungover morning as a mother of a toddler, I begged my son to watch just 15 minutes of TV so momma could "rest her eyes" while lying on the couch. No go.
A couple months ago on our 10 hour drive to Boca Grande, FL, I brought along our portable DVD player and a stash of shows I loved as a kid and thought he would love- Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, The Care Bears Movie, and crossed my fingers that when the going got rough for Jones, he would discover that TV was super-cool. Nope.
The hubs and I have long-known that our baby is biologically-drawn to music and will dance to almost anything with a rhythm. Seriously-- think, cell phone rings, (and not necessarily ones that ring as songs, just plain old phone rings), the washing machine, and the 5-second transitional music played between NPR shows... Anyway, we finally figured out what type of DVD our child would be enamored of at this point in his life, and when I brought home the Sesame Street Singing with the Stars DVD a couple weeks ago, enamored he was!
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| image via here |
The DVD is basically just Elmo and friends singing Sesame Street versions of songs by famous musicians. Jones dances, stares, and has even started air-drumming at appropriate times while watching this DVD over and over recently. The lineup of stars boasts everyone from LL Cool J, Feist, and Will I. Am (mommy's 3 favorites) to Hootie and the Blowfish, Destiny's Child, N Sync, and Andrea Bocelli. It's pretty crazy how many famous artists sing with Elmo. Some of the songs are pretty tough to take, and many get interminably stuck in my head; but it's not a horrible children's video, considering all the crap that is out there.
Anyway, though I am not proud of the fact that my 18 month old is now addicted to a DVD, my favorite part of his new obsession is that he likes to watch from my lap, while holding onto a finger or two. It makes me indescribably happy to see that sweet chunky butt backing up towards me to sit in my lap and then feel his tiny hand grasp my fingers. Sigh.
Here's to being present for these moments.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Reading Lately
As life settles back into a new-but-familiar-normal, I've found great comfort in again reading before sleep each night. While I was pregnant I was so sick and tired all of the time, that upon day's end, all I wanted to do was sleep. My mind barely focused on anything superfluous of work and child-rearing.
Excited to read again, here's what is on my bedside table right now--all holding my attention pretty equally so far:
Excited to read again, here's what is on my bedside table right now--all holding my attention pretty equally so far:
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| via here |
My boy is 15 months old already...
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I got interested in re-finding this one on my bookshelf and actually reading it after watching Midnight in Paris a couple weeks ago. Really liked the film, and loved all the references to literary and art figures from the 1920's. If you dig that sort of thing too, you should also read this.
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And, for a light beachy-read, this one is easy and enjoyable. I loved Giffin's Something Borrowed and Something Blue, and this one is pretty good so far too.
These 2 are en route to my home as we speak:
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This one intrigues me because I went to summer camp for 2 weeks once in my life and was terribly homesick the whole time. Then, I went off to college and, again, was terribly homesick for the first semester of Freshman year. After that, something clicked and I haven't been homesick more than a day in my life since, never again during college, and never during my year living in San Francisco. As a parent, I want to learn how to cultivate a sense of adventure, and to save my child from the homesickness I endured...or learn if that's possible.
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Feeling the need to purge our lives of so much stuff these days...hoping this one can help.
What are you reading? One of my favorite things about summer is having more time to read in the sunshine...I need some more to add to my list, so please, comment away.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Leafy Craft
The leaf mobile that I made and (James) hung in Jones' room:
I collected leaves from around the neighborhood--I tried to get different colors, types, sizes. Then I "laminated" the leaves in Contact paper, punched a hole through each, and tied them to a large skinny stick with fishing line.
I got the inspiration from one of the Parenting magazines I've read recently (can't remember which one!)
It was super-simple, but gives Jones' room a cool, nature-y feel. He loves to look at it, and someday I can tell him that we collected the leaves on our walks together during his first-ever Fall.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Summer Books
Warning: this post is asking a favor of you, dear reader: please comment.
As a reader of tons of blogs, believe me, I know the drill; rarely do I comment. But please know as a writer of a blog, it means the world when you get a comment. Truly.
Anyway, I would love any and all comments on this post in particular because I am planning my summer reading list and have basically nothing to start from. So, please tell me what to read! I like anything--fiction, non-fiction, chic lit, biographies, how-to/self-improvement, even a little sci-fi is ok once in awhile.
Here is the only book that is on my list so far that I plan on reading this weekend while I'm at the beach:
"The central premise of this book is that many of modern society’s strategies for nurturing children are
in fact backfiring – because key twists in the science have been overlooked. Nothing like a parenting manual, NurtureShock gets to the core of how we grow, learn and live."
Sounds interesting, huh? Not sure what to think of this, but I will definitely let you know my review!
So, please...give me some good book ideas for the summer?
XO, Becca
As a reader of tons of blogs, believe me, I know the drill; rarely do I comment. But please know as a writer of a blog, it means the world when you get a comment. Truly.
Anyway, I would love any and all comments on this post in particular because I am planning my summer reading list and have basically nothing to start from. So, please tell me what to read! I like anything--fiction, non-fiction, chic lit, biographies, how-to/self-improvement, even a little sci-fi is ok once in awhile.
Here is the only book that is on my list so far that I plan on reading this weekend while I'm at the beach:
 |
| image via here |
in fact backfiring – because key twists in the science have been overlooked. Nothing like a parenting manual, NurtureShock gets to the core of how we grow, learn and live."
Sounds interesting, huh? Not sure what to think of this, but I will definitely let you know my review!
So, please...give me some good book ideas for the summer?
XO, Becca
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