What no one tells you about having your own place is that:
- you should never, ever buy the cheapest toilet paper you can find. We did that once, thinking we were being thrifty. That toilet paper made Scott brand feel luxurious. Just trust me on this one- Don't. Do. It.
- if you have a queen size mattress, get a king size comforter. Blanket stealing problems solved.
- you only need water, lemon juice and white vinegar to clean your microwave. Put a little of each in a bowl, microwave for 4 minutes, take out and wipe down the microwave with a paper towel. No harsh chemicals!
- one of the things you should have a small stock of is cans of ginger ale. I'm not a soda drinker, but when I have a stomach bug, it's one of the few things I can drink. And you know what you don't want to do when you have a stomach bug? Drive somewhere. Just keep some in stock.
Most of all, what no tells you about having your own place is that even though it might be filled with mismatched, hand-me-down furniture, it's your place and that alone will make it more beautiful than any other place you lived before. Memories will shape each corner, and echoes of laughter will carry down the staircases and hallways. Some day it will be hard to remember living anywhere but there.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
The Patience Tank
Raising young children requires a tank of patience so deep and so wide, you can scarcely imagine it until you're there yourself. I'm talking about tantrums over a piece of food falling, tears over being asked if they need to use the potty and fights over rocks in a pail.
I consider myself a relatively patient person when it comes to my kids. I try not to yell a whole lot, as I believe in leading by example. Instead, I choose to use a very firm tone. To not yell several times a day takes up a lot of the patience in that tank.
At the end of most days, the tank has some patience leftover. Some days, though?
Some days, I'm ready to call "Do over!" at 9am and put us all back to bed until the next day when we can start over.
Some days, when the kids are at each other's throats and mine, and we've made it all the way through lunch and I'm exhausted, I spend the hour until nap just laying on the living room floor. This seems to have a weird calming effect on the kids. One or both of them end up cuddling with me, or they play like angels together. I can't explain it.
Some days, as soon as Steve walks in the door, I'm walking out of it, leash in hand, to go on a walk with the dogs in the quarry. He encourages it- one of the many, many reasons I love him.
On those days, when the patience tank seems to have sprung a leak, I try to take deep breaths and remember the whole: "Don't let a bad day make you feel like you have a bad life". Each and every day is different; the bad ones just seem to be much longer than the good ones. I try to find something really good to look forward to- a walk, a TV show, a glass of wine with Steve- and do what I can to make it through until then.
This raising-kids-stuff isn't for the weak-hearted, let me tell you.
I consider myself a relatively patient person when it comes to my kids. I try not to yell a whole lot, as I believe in leading by example. Instead, I choose to use a very firm tone. To not yell several times a day takes up a lot of the patience in that tank.
At the end of most days, the tank has some patience leftover. Some days, though?
Some days, I'm ready to call "Do over!" at 9am and put us all back to bed until the next day when we can start over.
Some days, when the kids are at each other's throats and mine, and we've made it all the way through lunch and I'm exhausted, I spend the hour until nap just laying on the living room floor. This seems to have a weird calming effect on the kids. One or both of them end up cuddling with me, or they play like angels together. I can't explain it.
Some days, as soon as Steve walks in the door, I'm walking out of it, leash in hand, to go on a walk with the dogs in the quarry. He encourages it- one of the many, many reasons I love him.
On those days, when the patience tank seems to have sprung a leak, I try to take deep breaths and remember the whole: "Don't let a bad day make you feel like you have a bad life". Each and every day is different; the bad ones just seem to be much longer than the good ones. I try to find something really good to look forward to- a walk, a TV show, a glass of wine with Steve- and do what I can to make it through until then.
This raising-kids-stuff isn't for the weak-hearted, let me tell you.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Friday Five: Favorite Fall Recipes
As the weather turns colder, I'm more than happy to get out my crock pot and Dutch oven and turn on the stove!
Here are 5 Fall recipes that rock my world:
1. Beef Stew. This is, hands down, the best stew recipe I've found. The meat comes out so tender, and the flavor is amazing. I do what they suggest- add a slurry of cornstarch and beef broth at the end to thicken it up. Perfect with a crusty loaf of fresh bread. Yum!
2. Pot Roast & Veggies. After years of disappointing, rubbery pot roasts, this recipe nailed it. I highly recommend getting a fattier cut of meat, like a chuck roast. Last time I used bottom round and it didn't come out quite as well. I made mashed potatoes to go with it, and the juice/gravy from the roast is delicious on top of it all.
3. Roast Chicken with Rosemary. The idea of cooking a whole chicken used to scare me. Then I made this recipe and realized it's pretty darn easy! My variations: Rubbed chicken with olive oil, even under the skin by the breast. Chopped up rosemary and sprinkled it all over with the salt and pepper. Along with the onion, stuffed 3 cloves of garlic and sprigs of rosemary. Followed the 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees rule, and let sit for 10 minutes afterward. Perfection!
4. Roasted Acorn Squash. Not going to lie, kind of felt like a grown-up when I made this. Amazing. I only used about 1/6 cup brown sugar (half what the recipe calls for) and it came out so very, very good.
5. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins. Last, but definitely not least, these are a Fall staple in our house. Moist and delicious, and not too bad for you considering all of the fiber there is in pumpkin! My variations: Used unsweetened applesauce instead of oil, light brown sugar instead of white, 1 cup pumpkin, doubled the amount of cinnamon & nutmeg (didn't use cloves). 28 minutes at 350 degrees.
What's your favorite Fall recipe? I'm always looking to try something new!
Here are 5 Fall recipes that rock my world:
1. Beef Stew. This is, hands down, the best stew recipe I've found. The meat comes out so tender, and the flavor is amazing. I do what they suggest- add a slurry of cornstarch and beef broth at the end to thicken it up. Perfect with a crusty loaf of fresh bread. Yum!
2. Pot Roast & Veggies. After years of disappointing, rubbery pot roasts, this recipe nailed it. I highly recommend getting a fattier cut of meat, like a chuck roast. Last time I used bottom round and it didn't come out quite as well. I made mashed potatoes to go with it, and the juice/gravy from the roast is delicious on top of it all.
3. Roast Chicken with Rosemary. The idea of cooking a whole chicken used to scare me. Then I made this recipe and realized it's pretty darn easy! My variations: Rubbed chicken with olive oil, even under the skin by the breast. Chopped up rosemary and sprinkled it all over with the salt and pepper. Along with the onion, stuffed 3 cloves of garlic and sprigs of rosemary. Followed the 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees rule, and let sit for 10 minutes afterward. Perfection!
4. Roasted Acorn Squash. Not going to lie, kind of felt like a grown-up when I made this. Amazing. I only used about 1/6 cup brown sugar (half what the recipe calls for) and it came out so very, very good.
5. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins. Last, but definitely not least, these are a Fall staple in our house. Moist and delicious, and not too bad for you considering all of the fiber there is in pumpkin! My variations: Used unsweetened applesauce instead of oil, light brown sugar instead of white, 1 cup pumpkin, doubled the amount of cinnamon & nutmeg (didn't use cloves). 28 minutes at 350 degrees.
What's your favorite Fall recipe? I'm always looking to try something new!
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Marry Someone
Dear Rosie & Buddy,
One of my biggest hopes for both of you is that someday you will each find the kind of love that I share with your father.
Marry someone not because you think you can change them into something else, but because you love who they are right now and the potential of what they could become.
Marry someone not because you are lonely, but because you feel like if time were eternal, you still wouldn't have spent enough days with them.
Marry someone who you can talk easily and at length with, not just on the first date but 12 years later.
Marry someone who can make you laugh, even when you don't feel like it.
Marry someone who doesn't hesitate to say "Not at all" when you say: "Do you mind if I go to the creamery to get some space and write?" after you've been at home with the kids all day.
Most importantly: marry someone who encourages you to have time to yourself, time with your friends and family and time with him or her. You can only give your best to the world when you know exactly who you are, and when you have solid relationships with the most important people in your life.
A true partner will help you achieve your highest potential. This is what your father does for me daily, and I love him a little more each day because of it.
Love,
Mom
One of my biggest hopes for both of you is that someday you will each find the kind of love that I share with your father.
Marry someone not because you think you can change them into something else, but because you love who they are right now and the potential of what they could become.
Marry someone not because you are lonely, but because you feel like if time were eternal, you still wouldn't have spent enough days with them.
Marry someone who you can talk easily and at length with, not just on the first date but 12 years later.
Marry someone who can make you laugh, even when you don't feel like it.
Marry someone who doesn't hesitate to say "Not at all" when you say: "Do you mind if I go to the creamery to get some space and write?" after you've been at home with the kids all day.
Most importantly: marry someone who encourages you to have time to yourself, time with your friends and family and time with him or her. You can only give your best to the world when you know exactly who you are, and when you have solid relationships with the most important people in your life.
A true partner will help you achieve your highest potential. This is what your father does for me daily, and I love him a little more each day because of it.
Love,
Mom
Monday, October 21, 2013
Things I Don't Worry About
There are many stressors in life, and things that worry me, but having been a mom for over three years now, here are a few things I don't worry about:
1. If my kids finish their plates. This was a big one when I was growing up. I was very much expected to clean my plate. On reflection, I was eating past the point of being hungry, just to finish what was put in front of me. I have read about how this philosophy can translate to obesity in adulthood, and I have no doubt that it contributed to my weight gain in my 20's. From a young age, I was expected to eat all that someone else expected me to eat, not how much I actually wanted to eat. Habits are hard to break from how you were raised, and I used to fret over Rosie not eating enough. Not anymore. Some days one or both of them barely eat anything at a meal time, other times they eat everything and ask for more. They will eat when they're hungry, is what I've come to learn.
Rosie and Buddy get served what I've made for the rest of the family, especially at dinner. They do not get special food; I am not a short order cook. I admit, back when I used to worry about Rosie's eating, I would make her special meals just to ensure she ate. Thankfully I changed that before she was old enough to really know better. Now she knows that she can eat what's on her plate, or not eat at all. She's trying more things than she ever has before and her eating is the best it's ever been! Buddy has always been a good eater.
2. When my kids fall asleep. Rosie and Buddy are tucked in between 7 and 7:30. Some nights, they fall asleep right away. Other nights? Buddy lays in his crib, talking to his stuffed animals for a while. Rosie might actually get up and play quietly with her toys. It doesn't bother us in the least. Buddy eventually falls asleep, and Rosie finds her way back to her bed when she tires, and does the same. If either of them cries out, either Steve or I are there in a second. But if they're happy? We let them be. It works for us. They always get enough sleep.
3. If my kids are learning enough. I used to worry about this a lot, especially with Buddy, as I felt I wasn't getting enough one on one time with him. I quickly came to realize that he has something Rosie never had- a constant playmate, who is teaching him things left and right. Rosie is really good with her numbers, shapes and colors, and decent with the alphabet. Buddy still has no interest in letters and numbers, but what I have learned is, it will come with time. Anytime I think, "Am I teaching them everything they need to know?", I remember that they are getting a lot more enrichment than I did at that age, with story times, playgroups and my talking to and teaching them.
4. If Buddy wears a princess dress. I refuse to say No to my son when it comes to girly things, while at the same time saying Yes to my daughter when she wants to be a firefighter or pirate. Buddy can play with anything that Rosie plays with, and vice versa. There are a number of people who disagree with this, but I will not gender stereotype.
It's a parent's job to worry. It's what we do. We all worry about different things. All we can do is try our best to raise happy children!
1. If my kids finish their plates. This was a big one when I was growing up. I was very much expected to clean my plate. On reflection, I was eating past the point of being hungry, just to finish what was put in front of me. I have read about how this philosophy can translate to obesity in adulthood, and I have no doubt that it contributed to my weight gain in my 20's. From a young age, I was expected to eat all that someone else expected me to eat, not how much I actually wanted to eat. Habits are hard to break from how you were raised, and I used to fret over Rosie not eating enough. Not anymore. Some days one or both of them barely eat anything at a meal time, other times they eat everything and ask for more. They will eat when they're hungry, is what I've come to learn.
Rosie and Buddy get served what I've made for the rest of the family, especially at dinner. They do not get special food; I am not a short order cook. I admit, back when I used to worry about Rosie's eating, I would make her special meals just to ensure she ate. Thankfully I changed that before she was old enough to really know better. Now she knows that she can eat what's on her plate, or not eat at all. She's trying more things than she ever has before and her eating is the best it's ever been! Buddy has always been a good eater.
2. When my kids fall asleep. Rosie and Buddy are tucked in between 7 and 7:30. Some nights, they fall asleep right away. Other nights? Buddy lays in his crib, talking to his stuffed animals for a while. Rosie might actually get up and play quietly with her toys. It doesn't bother us in the least. Buddy eventually falls asleep, and Rosie finds her way back to her bed when she tires, and does the same. If either of them cries out, either Steve or I are there in a second. But if they're happy? We let them be. It works for us. They always get enough sleep.
3. If my kids are learning enough. I used to worry about this a lot, especially with Buddy, as I felt I wasn't getting enough one on one time with him. I quickly came to realize that he has something Rosie never had- a constant playmate, who is teaching him things left and right. Rosie is really good with her numbers, shapes and colors, and decent with the alphabet. Buddy still has no interest in letters and numbers, but what I have learned is, it will come with time. Anytime I think, "Am I teaching them everything they need to know?", I remember that they are getting a lot more enrichment than I did at that age, with story times, playgroups and my talking to and teaching them.
4. If Buddy wears a princess dress. I refuse to say No to my son when it comes to girly things, while at the same time saying Yes to my daughter when she wants to be a firefighter or pirate. Buddy can play with anything that Rosie plays with, and vice versa. There are a number of people who disagree with this, but I will not gender stereotype.
It's a parent's job to worry. It's what we do. We all worry about different things. All we can do is try our best to raise happy children!
Friday, October 18, 2013
Tom Foolery
It was October 31st, 2005, and it was our first Halloween in our first apartment. We had a bowl of candy at the ready, the porch light on, and a Jack O Lantern flickering on the steps.
No one came.
As we munched the candy, and watched The Blair Witch Project, we decided we weren't ready to throw the towel in yet when it came to Halloween. We had to make it fun again, and we had been toying with the idea of hosting some kind of themed party.
The Estelle Halloween Party was born.
We're already on our 8th one. We held it when we had a 2 month old (who had her first sleepover at Nana's that night). We held it during a blizzard- partially because none of us really believed it was going to snow that much- boy, were we wrong. That was a party to remember.
We buy a quarter of a keg of Sam Adams Octoberfest, and everyone brings something to eat. There's dancing, games and general tom foolery. We have two "Guess How Many?" jars of candy for people to guess, and we give away small prizes for Best and Funniest Costumes (voted on by everyone at the party).
The costumes are a hoot-Sarah Palin, Pillsbury Dough Boy, Judge Judy, Travelocity Gnome and Flavor Flav are just a few that have shown up at the party. A Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee and Progressive Flo are some of my favorites that I have dressed up as.
We can't wait to host this party once again, tomorrow night. It's official- Halloween is fun again!
No one came.
As we munched the candy, and watched The Blair Witch Project, we decided we weren't ready to throw the towel in yet when it came to Halloween. We had to make it fun again, and we had been toying with the idea of hosting some kind of themed party.
The Estelle Halloween Party was born.
We're already on our 8th one. We held it when we had a 2 month old (who had her first sleepover at Nana's that night). We held it during a blizzard- partially because none of us really believed it was going to snow that much- boy, were we wrong. That was a party to remember.
We buy a quarter of a keg of Sam Adams Octoberfest, and everyone brings something to eat. There's dancing, games and general tom foolery. We have two "Guess How Many?" jars of candy for people to guess, and we give away small prizes for Best and Funniest Costumes (voted on by everyone at the party).
The costumes are a hoot-Sarah Palin, Pillsbury Dough Boy, Judge Judy, Travelocity Gnome and Flavor Flav are just a few that have shown up at the party. A Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee and Progressive Flo are some of my favorites that I have dressed up as.
We can't wait to host this party once again, tomorrow night. It's official- Halloween is fun again!
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
This Fall. Right Now.
I can't remember ever enjoying Fall as much as I do this year.
We made a huge leaf pile with the kids. As they "buried" me, sound slowly muffled, leaf stems poked me in every direction and the crisp aroma of fallen leaves overtook me. I had forgotten how cool the world looks through a tangle of orange and brown leaves and stems.
We put up our bird feeder a few weeks ago. I've always enjoyed watching the birds, but I've never noticed the sequence in which they came until this Fall. The Chickadees found the feeder right away. Next came a Mourning Dove, and just now I saw a Junco hopping around the bottom.
I've said it before: this is my first Fall in over 3 years that I'm not either pregnant or taking care of a wee, wee one (under 14 months old). Every day my kids are a little more capable, and every day I feel like I awaken a little bit more.
I'm noticing so many things around me, a lot of them nature-related. I feel very in tune with our house, our yard and our little corner of the world in general.
I am content.
We made a huge leaf pile with the kids. As they "buried" me, sound slowly muffled, leaf stems poked me in every direction and the crisp aroma of fallen leaves overtook me. I had forgotten how cool the world looks through a tangle of orange and brown leaves and stems.
We put up our bird feeder a few weeks ago. I've always enjoyed watching the birds, but I've never noticed the sequence in which they came until this Fall. The Chickadees found the feeder right away. Next came a Mourning Dove, and just now I saw a Junco hopping around the bottom.
I've said it before: this is my first Fall in over 3 years that I'm not either pregnant or taking care of a wee, wee one (under 14 months old). Every day my kids are a little more capable, and every day I feel like I awaken a little bit more.
I'm noticing so many things around me, a lot of them nature-related. I feel very in tune with our house, our yard and our little corner of the world in general.
I am content.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Champagne Breakfast
About 48 hours from now, bacon will be frying, homemade cinnamon rolls will be put out, and the first coffees, mimosas and bloody marys will be served.
It's time for an annual tradition- the Columbus Day Champagne Breakfast- at our camps in Vermont.
It won't be the same this year. It'll be our first one without Grampa Pease.
I'll never forget the smile he would put on his face as he surveyed the scene around him- his wife, siblings, friends, kids, grandkids and great grandkids- talking, laughing, enjoying a champagne breakfast in the fresh, cool morning air in the middle of the Vermont woods.
The look on his face was one of contentment- if I had to put it into words, it would be: "This is what life is all about. Family and friends coming together and enjoying themselves. I feel like the richest man in the world right now."
So this year, we continue the tradition in his honor. Breakfast food after breakfast food will be prepared. The champagne will flow, and cards (Pitch and Cribbage) will be played. If I know this family, a toast will be made to Gramp. I'll be more than happy to raise my glass to one of the best men I have ever known.
It's time for an annual tradition- the Columbus Day Champagne Breakfast- at our camps in Vermont.
It won't be the same this year. It'll be our first one without Grampa Pease.
I'll never forget the smile he would put on his face as he surveyed the scene around him- his wife, siblings, friends, kids, grandkids and great grandkids- talking, laughing, enjoying a champagne breakfast in the fresh, cool morning air in the middle of the Vermont woods.
The look on his face was one of contentment- if I had to put it into words, it would be: "This is what life is all about. Family and friends coming together and enjoying themselves. I feel like the richest man in the world right now."
So this year, we continue the tradition in his honor. Breakfast food after breakfast food will be prepared. The champagne will flow, and cards (Pitch and Cribbage) will be played. If I know this family, a toast will be made to Gramp. I'll be more than happy to raise my glass to one of the best men I have ever known.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Reflections a Year Later: The Mental Part
I still find myself passing by racks of clothes in certain stores that I knew never had my size.
Except, that was when I was an extra large in shirts, and a 16 in jeans. I'm proud to say that I'm now a medium (sometimes a small) and a 6 in jeans, a recent development. My 8's were getting baggy.
Even though I did the hard work myself, no one did it for me, I still find myself in disbelief. In the past month, I ran into three people I hadn't seen in a long time, and the first words out of their mouths was some variation of: "Wow! You're skinny!".
I walked on air the rest of the day, following those three separate occasions.
I never heard the word "skinny" in association with my former 200+ pound self. I weigh less now (147) than I have my entire adult life. You know how most people look back at their high school or college pictures, wistful? Not me. I cringe. How did I let myself get so big? Why did I think that was okay? Why did I immediately tune out the doctor when she took out her BMI chart, and showed me how I was entering the red zone- the obese zone?
The truth is, I did think it was okay. I still convinced myself that I looked "good enough". I didn't see a reason to change my habits. That was, until I realized I was passing my bad habits onto my children, which I wrote about in this post. That's what finally prompted my 62 pound weight loss.
I don't always feel "skinny". I still have times where I eat a little too much, and my stomach grumbles at me, "Why?". The difference between now and a year ago, is that my healthy eating has become a habit, not something I have to continuously think about. Because I eat clean 85-90% of the time, I do indulge a little here and there the other 10-15% of the time. I know I can have a cider donut and not have it set me back 5 lbs. I know that I can eat that extra slice of pizza because it's not something I have often at all, unlike before.
I finally bought my first "for fun" clothing purchase since my weight loss (losing weight is awesome, rebuilding your entire wardrobe on a fixed income is not). It's a cute little dress. It's not something I'll be able to wear this year because it's considerably colder out, but definitely next. I hope to go out dancing in it, or to a date night or maybe wear it just because. It's the kind of thing I almost walked right by, forgetting that now I can wear this dress. They carried my size- medium.
Except, that was when I was an extra large in shirts, and a 16 in jeans. I'm proud to say that I'm now a medium (sometimes a small) and a 6 in jeans, a recent development. My 8's were getting baggy.
Even though I did the hard work myself, no one did it for me, I still find myself in disbelief. In the past month, I ran into three people I hadn't seen in a long time, and the first words out of their mouths was some variation of: "Wow! You're skinny!".
I walked on air the rest of the day, following those three separate occasions.
I never heard the word "skinny" in association with my former 200+ pound self. I weigh less now (147) than I have my entire adult life. You know how most people look back at their high school or college pictures, wistful? Not me. I cringe. How did I let myself get so big? Why did I think that was okay? Why did I immediately tune out the doctor when she took out her BMI chart, and showed me how I was entering the red zone- the obese zone?
The truth is, I did think it was okay. I still convinced myself that I looked "good enough". I didn't see a reason to change my habits. That was, until I realized I was passing my bad habits onto my children, which I wrote about in this post. That's what finally prompted my 62 pound weight loss.
I don't always feel "skinny". I still have times where I eat a little too much, and my stomach grumbles at me, "Why?". The difference between now and a year ago, is that my healthy eating has become a habit, not something I have to continuously think about. Because I eat clean 85-90% of the time, I do indulge a little here and there the other 10-15% of the time. I know I can have a cider donut and not have it set me back 5 lbs. I know that I can eat that extra slice of pizza because it's not something I have often at all, unlike before.
I finally bought my first "for fun" clothing purchase since my weight loss (losing weight is awesome, rebuilding your entire wardrobe on a fixed income is not). It's a cute little dress. It's not something I'll be able to wear this year because it's considerably colder out, but definitely next. I hope to go out dancing in it, or to a date night or maybe wear it just because. It's the kind of thing I almost walked right by, forgetting that now I can wear this dress. They carried my size- medium.
Monday, October 7, 2013
One on One
Dishes were piled in the sink. Toys were strewn all over the house.
Rosie and I were in the midst of a very giggly game of Memory.
It was bath night, and Steve was giving Buddy a bath. I love to do all sorts of things with my kids, but bath time is not one of them. Steve stepped forward months ago and offered to be the one who gives baths, provided I would dress them/ clip their nails/ brush their hair afterwards. Deal!
It's been one of the best changes we've made in our routine because it guarantees us one on one time with each of the kids, a few times a week.
My instinct is still to want to wash those dishes, pick up those toys, because I mostly operate under a "Work First, Play Later" mentality. However, on bath nights, my time with each kid is limited so I push the must-do's to the side.
Rosie and I played Memory, then drew some pictures. She drew her first recognizable face! We finished with a book. Steve brought Buddy out, and I dressed him. He immediately brought over his favorite book to me- "Trashy Town"- and I read it him.
I have to pause.
My baby boy, who didn't show interest in books for months and months, now has a favorite book, and wants me to read it to him. Over and over. I'll take it!
Before I knew it, Rosie's bath time was over. Steve brought her out, and I proceeded to get her dressed while he put Buddy down for bed.
On our best days, we run like a finely tuned machine, at least when it comes to who does what, between Steve and I. There isn't anything I do for the kids that he isn't able to do. When he comes home, he does as much as I do, and often times, more. I always knew he would be a great father but every day he exceeds my expectations.
He listened to my offhand comment about not liking bath time months ago, and just took it on. He is a true partner.
It's amazing what such a small change can do!
Rosie and I were in the midst of a very giggly game of Memory.
It was bath night, and Steve was giving Buddy a bath. I love to do all sorts of things with my kids, but bath time is not one of them. Steve stepped forward months ago and offered to be the one who gives baths, provided I would dress them/ clip their nails/ brush their hair afterwards. Deal!
It's been one of the best changes we've made in our routine because it guarantees us one on one time with each of the kids, a few times a week.
My instinct is still to want to wash those dishes, pick up those toys, because I mostly operate under a "Work First, Play Later" mentality. However, on bath nights, my time with each kid is limited so I push the must-do's to the side.
Rosie and I played Memory, then drew some pictures. She drew her first recognizable face! We finished with a book. Steve brought Buddy out, and I dressed him. He immediately brought over his favorite book to me- "Trashy Town"- and I read it him.
I have to pause.
My baby boy, who didn't show interest in books for months and months, now has a favorite book, and wants me to read it to him. Over and over. I'll take it!
Before I knew it, Rosie's bath time was over. Steve brought her out, and I proceeded to get her dressed while he put Buddy down for bed.
On our best days, we run like a finely tuned machine, at least when it comes to who does what, between Steve and I. There isn't anything I do for the kids that he isn't able to do. When he comes home, he does as much as I do, and often times, more. I always knew he would be a great father but every day he exceeds my expectations.
He listened to my offhand comment about not liking bath time months ago, and just took it on. He is a true partner.
It's amazing what such a small change can do!
Friday, October 4, 2013
Monarch
My kids love to be outside, and I couldn't be happier.
They delight in everything I show them- ant hills, Jewel weed seed pods, blackberries. All of a sudden all the little things I learned from childhood- how you can pick clover and taste the sweetness of it, how mica on rocks glitter in the sun- are useful again, in a way they haven't been in years. There is so much to see in every foot of outdoor space, and I enjoy getting down to the kids' level to show them.
This September, after a couple years of searching milkweed after milkweed, I finally found a monarch caterpillar. My excitement fed off onto Rosie & Buddy, and they very excitedly followed me into the house. Steve drilled some holes in the top of a mason jar, and we put the caterpillar in, with plenty of milkweed.
When asked what we should name her, Rosie exclaimed: "Redda!". So, Redda it was. Rosie ran off to get Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", so she could read it to Redda. I guess she didn't need me to make that connection for her!
Redda was already quite big when we found her, so it was no surprise to me that in a few days, we found her hanging from the top of the mason jar in a J shape. The next night, a chrysalis formed. It was hard to believe she was in that tiny green casing.
As luck would have it, Redda hatched the one evening that month that Rosie and Buddy were spending the night at Nana & Grampa's. Steve and I let Redda free outside, and watched her test out her new wobbly legs. I took lots of pictures, and emailed them to Nana so she could show the kids.
I'm so happy that my kids delight in the outside and what nature has to offer. I can only hope that their enthusiasm for the outside continues, and that they will always find nature as healing and exciting as I do to this day.
They delight in everything I show them- ant hills, Jewel weed seed pods, blackberries. All of a sudden all the little things I learned from childhood- how you can pick clover and taste the sweetness of it, how mica on rocks glitter in the sun- are useful again, in a way they haven't been in years. There is so much to see in every foot of outdoor space, and I enjoy getting down to the kids' level to show them.
This September, after a couple years of searching milkweed after milkweed, I finally found a monarch caterpillar. My excitement fed off onto Rosie & Buddy, and they very excitedly followed me into the house. Steve drilled some holes in the top of a mason jar, and we put the caterpillar in, with plenty of milkweed.
When asked what we should name her, Rosie exclaimed: "Redda!". So, Redda it was. Rosie ran off to get Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", so she could read it to Redda. I guess she didn't need me to make that connection for her!
Redda was already quite big when we found her, so it was no surprise to me that in a few days, we found her hanging from the top of the mason jar in a J shape. The next night, a chrysalis formed. It was hard to believe she was in that tiny green casing.
As luck would have it, Redda hatched the one evening that month that Rosie and Buddy were spending the night at Nana & Grampa's. Steve and I let Redda free outside, and watched her test out her new wobbly legs. I took lots of pictures, and emailed them to Nana so she could show the kids.
I'm so happy that my kids delight in the outside and what nature has to offer. I can only hope that their enthusiasm for the outside continues, and that they will always find nature as healing and exciting as I do to this day.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Halfway into 30
Tomorrow marks my half birthday, meaning I'm halfway into my 30th year. I'm quite positive I never realized when my half birthday was until recently, when curiosity found me counting out the months on my fingers.
Anyways, halfway into 30, I've come to realize a few things...
1. I will never like my ankles. It doesn't seem to matter that I've lost 62 lbs, it looks like my ankles are here to stay. Guess you just can't win them all.
2. 30 years (and 15 years into coffee drinking), I finally have the patience and common sense to let my coffee from Dunkin Donuts cool long enough so I don't burn my tongue. This is a recent development. I seriously used to burn my tongue almost every time. So much more enjoyable when I don't! (For the record, I never have and still don't get coffee out very often- I'd like to think I would have learned this much faster if I was a regular).
3. It's no longer an option for me not to moisturize every day. I used to only do so in the dead of winter when I noticed a little dry skin. Now I even use... gasp...night cream. You know what, though? It works pretty well!
4. It will never feel natural to me to get out of bed when it's still pitch dark outside. It makes me feel tired even when I've gotten my 8 hours!
5. I really need to tell people how I feel about them, as often as I can. In the past week, I have told one of my bestest friends how she saves my day, every day, by texting me and making me feel not so alone in my role as a stay at home mom. I have emailed my Pastor, thanking him for his beautiful sermon on Sunday and how much it affected me. I need to reach out and tell people just how much they mean to me, how what they do matters so much, because it's that kind of thing that makes a difference in a person's day and mine.
I'm enjoying this year very much! Looking forward to seeing what else 30 has to teach me.
Anyways, halfway into 30, I've come to realize a few things...
1. I will never like my ankles. It doesn't seem to matter that I've lost 62 lbs, it looks like my ankles are here to stay. Guess you just can't win them all.
2. 30 years (and 15 years into coffee drinking), I finally have the patience and common sense to let my coffee from Dunkin Donuts cool long enough so I don't burn my tongue. This is a recent development. I seriously used to burn my tongue almost every time. So much more enjoyable when I don't! (For the record, I never have and still don't get coffee out very often- I'd like to think I would have learned this much faster if I was a regular).
3. It's no longer an option for me not to moisturize every day. I used to only do so in the dead of winter when I noticed a little dry skin. Now I even use... gasp...night cream. You know what, though? It works pretty well!
4. It will never feel natural to me to get out of bed when it's still pitch dark outside. It makes me feel tired even when I've gotten my 8 hours!
5. I really need to tell people how I feel about them, as often as I can. In the past week, I have told one of my bestest friends how she saves my day, every day, by texting me and making me feel not so alone in my role as a stay at home mom. I have emailed my Pastor, thanking him for his beautiful sermon on Sunday and how much it affected me. I need to reach out and tell people just how much they mean to me, how what they do matters so much, because it's that kind of thing that makes a difference in a person's day and mine.
I'm enjoying this year very much! Looking forward to seeing what else 30 has to teach me.
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