Last night Seren and I had a great time playing from the time I got home at 4:45 until 6:15. Then it got ugly. We are getting a lot of back talk. A lot of rude, non listening behavior. A lot of calling her brother 'stupid' and 'bad boy'. It is driving me up the wall.
And I feel like I am not quite being an effective parent with my discipline. Time outs ceased to be effective about a year ago. Now we start taking her dollies as punishment. But that is kinda lame too. (Although it is effective). I'm playing with the idea of marks on a piece of paper and if there are fewer marks, she gets a sticker. If there are more, she gets something taken away.
I don't know. I haven't researched this. I'd be open to ideas. All of this 'stupid' talk really gets to me.
ANYWAY, this is all to say that she was driving me nuts last evening. And vice versa.
She turns to me and says with anger spewing from her lips, "I can't wait to grow up and move out of here. I HATE living here!"
I tried my hardest not to laugh. I succeeeded. I calmly said, "I understand you are angry. That's ok to be mad."
"Yay, and Wyeth, when you grow up, do you want to come too!?"
Ahh...another first. Growing up is so bittersweet.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Running
So I finally joined a gym this month. Yup. You read that right. A $10.00 a month gym but a gym! I had to go check it out THREE times before I got the nerve to sign up. How pathetic!
I used to run. A lot. But since I birthed Seren, I haven't had regular exercise. And I think the jury is still out whether this will help. But I'm going with it.
So far, so good.
I've made a few observations and learned a few lessons.
1)I don't like it when women wear thongs to work out. When it is just obvious? Gross.
2)I don't have the right 'gear' for this. My stuff is some hiking clothes, some old t-shirts, a pair of old yoga pants. I look like a goof. Then again, at my gym, I fit right in with looking 'off'. See lesson learned number 1 for evidence.
3) I cannot drink water while running. Others can. I have decided it has more to do with the type of water bottle I'm using than my 'coordination'. (ahem).
4) Ear plugs that go around your ears/wrap around are essential. I spent more time holding on to my ear phones last night than focusing on my breathing while running.
5)I'm out of shape but that is kinda the point. We bought season passes to a local amusement park- Sesame Place- and if I go, I have to be in a bathing suit for most of the day. This is good motivation. That and the fact that seared into my minds' eye is the image of my butt from last summer. Ugh. I deleted the pic from my camera. But lets just say, the damage was done.
6) I'm thrilled to have this part of my life back (at least temporarily!) After 8 weeks on bed rest, there wasn't much muscle tone. I think it has stayed that way since Wyeth was born. Time to make a change!
7) I have no idea how much to stretch and when. And which muscles. No one there seems to stretch. Aren't you supposed to warm up for 5-10 minutes. Stretch and then run? Or is that circa high school 1995 guidance?
Wish me luck in keeping this up!
I used to run. A lot. But since I birthed Seren, I haven't had regular exercise. And I think the jury is still out whether this will help. But I'm going with it.
So far, so good.
I've made a few observations and learned a few lessons.
1)I don't like it when women wear thongs to work out. When it is just obvious? Gross.
2)I don't have the right 'gear' for this. My stuff is some hiking clothes, some old t-shirts, a pair of old yoga pants. I look like a goof. Then again, at my gym, I fit right in with looking 'off'. See lesson learned number 1 for evidence.
3) I cannot drink water while running. Others can. I have decided it has more to do with the type of water bottle I'm using than my 'coordination'. (ahem).
4) Ear plugs that go around your ears/wrap around are essential. I spent more time holding on to my ear phones last night than focusing on my breathing while running.
5)I'm out of shape but that is kinda the point. We bought season passes to a local amusement park- Sesame Place- and if I go, I have to be in a bathing suit for most of the day. This is good motivation. That and the fact that seared into my minds' eye is the image of my butt from last summer. Ugh. I deleted the pic from my camera. But lets just say, the damage was done.
6) I'm thrilled to have this part of my life back (at least temporarily!) After 8 weeks on bed rest, there wasn't much muscle tone. I think it has stayed that way since Wyeth was born. Time to make a change!
7) I have no idea how much to stretch and when. And which muscles. No one there seems to stretch. Aren't you supposed to warm up for 5-10 minutes. Stretch and then run? Or is that circa high school 1995 guidance?
Wish me luck in keeping this up!
Monday, March 14, 2011
"Self"
Wyeth is Mr. Independent. He wants to serve himself. He'd like to pour milk. He'd really like to put on his own shoes.
I got it Mom and Dad, I can do it myself.
So we here the battle cry of "SELF" quite freqently.
I love it. It means we are working to foster a sense of independence!
Now just ask us about how the whole 'use the potty' thing is going...yay, not so much!
He also continues to go to bed much later than I'd like. Since about October or November, he frequently needs between 30-45 minutes to fall asleep. He sings to himself. He chats. He talks to his stuffed turtle. He'll read a book that he has chosen. But it takes until 9 or 9:15. Which just drives me nuts! But he is thriving so I guess he is just a night owl!
Just seems way too late for a little one!
I got it Mom and Dad, I can do it myself.
So we here the battle cry of "SELF" quite freqently.
I love it. It means we are working to foster a sense of independence!
Now just ask us about how the whole 'use the potty' thing is going...yay, not so much!
He also continues to go to bed much later than I'd like. Since about October or November, he frequently needs between 30-45 minutes to fall asleep. He sings to himself. He chats. He talks to his stuffed turtle. He'll read a book that he has chosen. But it takes until 9 or 9:15. Which just drives me nuts! But he is thriving so I guess he is just a night owl!
Just seems way too late for a little one!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Pork: The Other White Meat
On Friday morning, we went to register Seren for Kindergarten at our local public school. We have had our reservations about the school in general. But who doesn't? It is the great unknown! And then I have my reservations about just sending my 'baby' to kindergarten! We looked into the school where she currently attends and while we LOVE it, it only offers a full day kindergarten and is quite pricy. As long as Sam is home, we don't really need full day kindergarten. The public school offers a half day program and is FREE and we'd get to know our community better. And I'm a public school advocate.
Anyway, so we already were feeling pretty emotional about this whole thing.
We get there with the requisite birth certificate, social security card, proof of mortgage, utility bill, etc., etc. And this is a whole team experience! Seren quickly gets taken to the kindergarten room where she is playing with other kids. She looks at us like "Hmm. What am I doing here?" We quickly explain and go stand in a long line. Once we get through the line, we stand in the office line. Once we leave the office, we sit down at a laptop to fill out more forms. And then fill out paper forms as well and then go and stand in the line we first stood in when we arrived!
Yah. It was that fun.
Meanwhile, Wyeth is demanding a "momo" which is his word for a granola bar. Since we didn't expect this little trip to be the fun "adventure" that it was, we don't have a momo. Or anything edible. He starts getting impatient. Sam and I start getting really impatient as our 9:30 start time has quickly become 10:30. And then nearly 11:00.
During this fun, Seren is being evaluated down the hall to make sure she knows her alphabet and the numbers 1-10.
Two parents in front of us is another family. Also waiting. Also getting impatient. He, however, is an alum of the school and the staff recognize him! He also is tatted up from head to toe. Lots of big beautiful tattoos. Lots of color.
I don't have a problem with tattoos. I have problem with gang signs but not tattoos in principal.
BUT
What I read on his forearm is huge, bold and black tattoo ink made me stop in my tracks. It read:
"I am 100% GRADE A, Pure American, Born and Bred WHITE MEAT"
Hmmm!? Lets re-read that tattoo.
Cue over-reaction on my part.
Is this some Aryan Nation we are sending her too? Does he really think that anyone that isn't White isn't American? Does he really think he is Grade A WHITE MEAT!? Does he really think that? Do his children think that? That no one else of different races has anything else to contribute?
Why are we sending her here? What message is this sending?! I want her to be exposed to many different ideas. Many different people in her life. Many different view points. People of different sexual orientations and faith traditions. I want it all- including the craziness that comes with diversity. I don't want to raise her in a bubble. But I'm not sure a 5 year old can navigate bigotry.
And then of course I'm being completely judgemental in my own thought!
Lets just say that after we finally made it through the 1.5 hour maze of forms, immunizations and tattoos, I cried myself all the way to the office.
I'm not ready for her to be a 'big' kindergartener. And I'm not sure this is what I want. My friends all told me, and they are right of course, that this is one person. The school doesn't think this. Most likely the great majority of the parents don't think this. And my dad pointed out, this man with the tattoo may not even think this anymore. I know all of this rationally. I really do. And this would just be one more viewpoint for her to be exposed to.
BUT...I'm not being rational. I'm being emotional!
So what do you think? Overaction on my part? Or would you too go home and do some googling on home prices in the 'other' district?
Anyway, so we already were feeling pretty emotional about this whole thing.
We get there with the requisite birth certificate, social security card, proof of mortgage, utility bill, etc., etc. And this is a whole team experience! Seren quickly gets taken to the kindergarten room where she is playing with other kids. She looks at us like "Hmm. What am I doing here?" We quickly explain and go stand in a long line. Once we get through the line, we stand in the office line. Once we leave the office, we sit down at a laptop to fill out more forms. And then fill out paper forms as well and then go and stand in the line we first stood in when we arrived!
Yah. It was that fun.
Meanwhile, Wyeth is demanding a "momo" which is his word for a granola bar. Since we didn't expect this little trip to be the fun "adventure" that it was, we don't have a momo. Or anything edible. He starts getting impatient. Sam and I start getting really impatient as our 9:30 start time has quickly become 10:30. And then nearly 11:00.
During this fun, Seren is being evaluated down the hall to make sure she knows her alphabet and the numbers 1-10.
Two parents in front of us is another family. Also waiting. Also getting impatient. He, however, is an alum of the school and the staff recognize him! He also is tatted up from head to toe. Lots of big beautiful tattoos. Lots of color.
I don't have a problem with tattoos. I have problem with gang signs but not tattoos in principal.
BUT
What I read on his forearm is huge, bold and black tattoo ink made me stop in my tracks. It read:
"I am 100% GRADE A, Pure American, Born and Bred WHITE MEAT"
Hmmm!? Lets re-read that tattoo.
Cue over-reaction on my part.
Is this some Aryan Nation we are sending her too? Does he really think that anyone that isn't White isn't American? Does he really think he is Grade A WHITE MEAT!? Does he really think that? Do his children think that? That no one else of different races has anything else to contribute?
Why are we sending her here? What message is this sending?! I want her to be exposed to many different ideas. Many different people in her life. Many different view points. People of different sexual orientations and faith traditions. I want it all- including the craziness that comes with diversity. I don't want to raise her in a bubble. But I'm not sure a 5 year old can navigate bigotry.
And then of course I'm being completely judgemental in my own thought!
Lets just say that after we finally made it through the 1.5 hour maze of forms, immunizations and tattoos, I cried myself all the way to the office.
I'm not ready for her to be a 'big' kindergartener. And I'm not sure this is what I want. My friends all told me, and they are right of course, that this is one person. The school doesn't think this. Most likely the great majority of the parents don't think this. And my dad pointed out, this man with the tattoo may not even think this anymore. I know all of this rationally. I really do. And this would just be one more viewpoint for her to be exposed to.
BUT...I'm not being rational. I'm being emotional!
So what do you think? Overaction on my part? Or would you too go home and do some googling on home prices in the 'other' district?
Monday, February 28, 2011
Blast from the past
Then: Wyeth 3 days old. Seren 30 months.
Now: Wyeth 25 months old. Seren 55 months.
Still reading to her little brother.
Now: Wyeth 25 months old. Seren 55 months.
Still reading to her little brother.
Friday, February 25, 2011
New names
We didn't give our kids easy names. Nope. Not familar at least. Pretty easy to say and spell but 'unique'.
We have been wondering what Wyeth would come up with in terms of pronouncing his own name.
And as of this week, according to Wyeth, I gave birth to "Sissy" and "wrr-wuff" (kinda like werewolf for 'wyeth')
Sissy and wrr-wuff, I love you both!
Work continues to do a number on my self esteem. The work is happening. It is but it has been a tough month! A long ass 28 days if you ask me!
We have completely adjusted our family schedule so I can arrive early, avoid traffic and then work a little longer as I face a deadline. The good news is that I'm out of the house without too much drama. Leaving at 6:45 doesn't leave too much time for drama. But it has also meant that this week I left twice without saying goodbye to Seren due to her sleeping in. (She wasn't feeling well). So that stinks. I write her a note and she calls me immediately when she wakes up. But, the good news is that when I come home from the office, it is much earlier and I have been doing some good PLAYING.
I just wish my own mental stress allowed me to relax more and just DO the work instead of second guessing myself. ALL OF THE TIME. Oh well. In time.
Meanwhile, outside of stress work land, life is going well. We are busy thinking about Seren's 5th bday (What to do?) and realizing that kindergarten is coming up before we know it. I'm still in shock about that; we register next Friday. NEXT FRIDAY!
INSANE!
Weekend here we come!!
We have been wondering what Wyeth would come up with in terms of pronouncing his own name.
And as of this week, according to Wyeth, I gave birth to "Sissy" and "wrr-wuff" (kinda like werewolf for 'wyeth')
Sissy and wrr-wuff, I love you both!
Work continues to do a number on my self esteem. The work is happening. It is but it has been a tough month! A long ass 28 days if you ask me!
We have completely adjusted our family schedule so I can arrive early, avoid traffic and then work a little longer as I face a deadline. The good news is that I'm out of the house without too much drama. Leaving at 6:45 doesn't leave too much time for drama. But it has also meant that this week I left twice without saying goodbye to Seren due to her sleeping in. (She wasn't feeling well). So that stinks. I write her a note and she calls me immediately when she wakes up. But, the good news is that when I come home from the office, it is much earlier and I have been doing some good PLAYING.
I just wish my own mental stress allowed me to relax more and just DO the work instead of second guessing myself. ALL OF THE TIME. Oh well. In time.
Meanwhile, outside of stress work land, life is going well. We are busy thinking about Seren's 5th bday (What to do?) and realizing that kindergarten is coming up before we know it. I'm still in shock about that; we register next Friday. NEXT FRIDAY!
INSANE!
Weekend here we come!!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Gratitude
I have been working lots recently. As it getting to the office at 7:20 and then working at night after we put the kids down from 9-10:30. Not fun. And it is wearing me down. And I'm not even sure if it is worth it. But I can't be Debbie Downer. So I have started to think of all of the things I'm so grateful for.
* Babies that stay inside. I have two friends on bedrest- both with twins- and it is working! I'm so happy for the families. I love seeing babies COOK and grow.
* Carseat warmers. I love that my Buick comes with butt warmers. They are the best! Especially with this nutty winter we have had.
* Dunkin Donuts Coffee. Need I say more? It is fueling this report.
* Valentine Dance Party last night- the kids and I cut a groove last night. All four of us wore red yesterdday- what amazing sweeties I live with.
* Extra daylight. Have you noticed? The other silver lining that comes with my early commutes is that I get to see the sun rise it all of its glory. Wow! The colors are stunning. So glad I get to really 'see' that.
* Good friends: Nuff said
* Good health: we always take it for granted but shouldn't.
* Family: my nuclear family that makes me smile daily and our extended family that acts as our support system. Couldn't do 'life' without them.
What are you grateful for today!?
* Babies that stay inside. I have two friends on bedrest- both with twins- and it is working! I'm so happy for the families. I love seeing babies COOK and grow.
* Carseat warmers. I love that my Buick comes with butt warmers. They are the best! Especially with this nutty winter we have had.
* Dunkin Donuts Coffee. Need I say more? It is fueling this report.
* Valentine Dance Party last night- the kids and I cut a groove last night. All four of us wore red yesterdday- what amazing sweeties I live with.
* Extra daylight. Have you noticed? The other silver lining that comes with my early commutes is that I get to see the sun rise it all of its glory. Wow! The colors are stunning. So glad I get to really 'see' that.
* Good friends: Nuff said
* Good health: we always take it for granted but shouldn't.
* Family: my nuclear family that makes me smile daily and our extended family that acts as our support system. Couldn't do 'life' without them.
What are you grateful for today!?
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