We've recently turned a beautiful corner in our hellish sleep battles, and it tells you something when you find yourself shocked at how a human (any human) can sleep straight through the night without getting up! And when I say sleep battles, they are both those of E's AND mine. Aaaahh peace and rest and some time with Hub. I kinda like him.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
B's Favorite Things
Aahh alternative down mattress topper how I love you.
I have learned to pare down when I need to (obviously) since E's birth. And now I don't feel guilt about it anymore! Though the need to write will prevail over all.
Have a safe New Year!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas
To those who celebrate! E would like to add a Happy birthday to baby "Jenus," and a hope that you got nice "pwesents." It is a beautiful day.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Do They at least get easier?
Can anyone else agree that growth spurts suck hard core? Is E the only one who can't get enough food at all and freaks out during them?
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Quickie Book Review
Remember I mentioned that I was going to read, "The Highly Sensitive Child?" I just bought it and find it awesomely helpful in understanding both myself and E. A lot of it we've been doing, but she offers a lot of great insights and suggestions. She speaks of "highly sensitive" as more of a technical temperament term.
I highly recommend this book so far. I even think her book, "The Highly Sensitive Person" would be really helpful for me as such.
I highly recommend this book so far. I even think her book, "The Highly Sensitive Person" would be really helpful for me as such.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Coffee
Lots of stuff percolating with not a lot of time/will behind it. I can say that my sister may be joining my readers soon and may get a plug for her new blog here, and I wish Dibits a very happy belated (THIRD?!) birthday. My sweetness is breathing down the neck of two... Aaand he just learned to say he was one.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Funny Hub
Hub: E's birthday is coming up! What do you want to do?
Me: just celebrate quietly I guess.
H: What about.. Umm.. Kangaroo Jack's???
M: (blank stare and pause) Monkey Joe's?
H: (sheepish) whatever.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Happy Things Post
Remember when I used to write these? If you don't, no worries. It's been years. In any case, I want to start doing them again. They made me feel good. And that is 95% of the reason for this blog eh?
So now... on to my Happy Things post of the moment.
1. Dove Nutritive Therapy conditioner. - I find Dove a little "crunchier" than other mainstream brands and less likely to have some of the vile ingredients in many of them. On top of that, this conditioner when smoothed on my painful eczema areas is one of the only things that has helped in a long time. I don't have much choice many days on whether I wash my hair or not, but sometimes I can just rinse it and use this conditioner and voila! All good to go. It's got real oils in it (coconut being one) and I love.
2. Boy and Bear - Got hooked on their song Mexican Mavis a while back when I got it free from the South by Southwest iTunes sampler. When I looked up more of their work, I found that I love them! After Christmas I hope to buy more of their stuff. (psst... you can still get Mexican Mavis for free on their site!) Great Aussie band.
3. Ginger dressing - God it's delicious. And I just found a local company that makes some just as tasty as that you'd find at a Japanese restaurant. HEAVEN!
4. My new Kindle! I just got a Kindle Fire as a combo present, and I LOVE IT! It is fabulous. I wonder sometimes if the e-ink kindles would be easier on the eyes for reading, but so far it's doing pretty well for me.
5. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon - My first borrowed Library book on the Kindle. It is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I'm absolutely adoring it so far. Beautiful adolescent fantasy. Note that some reviews say that some oft he stories in it are already existing Chinese folktales.
6. Seeing holidays through a toddler's eyes.
7. Playing with Hub and E in the gorgeous, gorgeous Florida fall.
8. My Salvation Army Angel - Boy of 5 whose wish is simply, "Batman." Melt. (melted Hub too)
So now... on to my Happy Things post of the moment.
1. Dove Nutritive Therapy conditioner. - I find Dove a little "crunchier" than other mainstream brands and less likely to have some of the vile ingredients in many of them. On top of that, this conditioner when smoothed on my painful eczema areas is one of the only things that has helped in a long time. I don't have much choice many days on whether I wash my hair or not, but sometimes I can just rinse it and use this conditioner and voila! All good to go. It's got real oils in it (coconut being one) and I love.
2. Boy and Bear - Got hooked on their song Mexican Mavis a while back when I got it free from the South by Southwest iTunes sampler. When I looked up more of their work, I found that I love them! After Christmas I hope to buy more of their stuff. (psst... you can still get Mexican Mavis for free on their site!) Great Aussie band.
3. Ginger dressing - God it's delicious. And I just found a local company that makes some just as tasty as that you'd find at a Japanese restaurant. HEAVEN!
4. My new Kindle! I just got a Kindle Fire as a combo present, and I LOVE IT! It is fabulous. I wonder sometimes if the e-ink kindles would be easier on the eyes for reading, but so far it's doing pretty well for me.
5. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon - My first borrowed Library book on the Kindle. It is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I'm absolutely adoring it so far. Beautiful adolescent fantasy. Note that some reviews say that some oft he stories in it are already existing Chinese folktales.
6. Seeing holidays through a toddler's eyes.
7. Playing with Hub and E in the gorgeous, gorgeous Florida fall.
8. My Salvation Army Angel - Boy of 5 whose wish is simply, "Batman." Melt. (melted Hub too)
Friday, November 25, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Oh the Drama
A lot has been going on at chez Challenged. Some of it traumatic, but much of it ended well I'm so glad to report. My mom was just very ill. She's ok now but could have lasting serious complications. But we will take it over the alternative!
Another bright spot is that my mammogram came out A-OK. Work has some saddening craziness, but I am so much better at checking work at the door - another plus.
All this has inspired me to write a happy things post (a long dormant installment on this blog) so it's a-bubbling in my head. Til later. With any luck I'll also be able to do some commenting!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tiny Prints Talent Search Contest
Tiny Prints is having a Talent Search Contest! I've already entered E, but I thought I'd let you all know about it in case you wanted to enter. Here are the categories:
·
Cutest Baby (From ages of 0-24 months)
·
Cutest Kid (From ages of 25 months - 10 years old)
·
Cutest Family
·
Cutest Couple
·
Cutest Pet & Owner
Fun right? I like that there are multiple categories. If you win the grand prize, you get $1000 cash and a $500 Tiny Prints gift certificate. You can enter via the Tiny Prints Facebook site or their official site and can also read about the rules there. MY rules are that if you enter, I want to know so I can go vote for you. It's a contest where fans vote for the winner. I'm entering E, and if you'd like, you can go try to guess which kid he is. I won't tell you if you're right of course, but it could still be fun to try to figure it out! You have until November 21st to enter. I'm especially looking forward to the pet/owner category.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Christmas Cards and such
I just ordered my free cards from Tiny Prints that I received after reviewing them here on the blog, and I'm so excited! I didn't end up using the one I posted, but I love the one we did choose. I'll reveal it after they've all gone out. I don't want to ruin the surprise for the people who read this and will get one. I just love that site and their products. I doubt I'll be able to afford to do this on the same level every year, but it will be my hope to do so. And I don't even get anything for this blathering! I just like it that much.
All this has gotten me so excited (again) for the holidays. I only have to buy the turkey, cranberries, garlic and chocolate pudding (Hub has requested chocolate pie) for Thanksgiving. I work that day, so it requires a lot of pre-planning and Hub participation. He does a great job! We will have the usual stuffing, turkey breast, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, homestyle pole green beans, fresh cranberries sauce (once you've had fresh, you won't go back), pumpkin pie and chocolate pie. I'd make more except that it's not reasonable for 2-3 people on a workday. Alas, my Grandmother's sweet potato casserole, and my Mom's noodles sing a siren song that I resist.
E has been starting to notice "Cwismas Twees" and "Big Giant Cwismas Twees" along with snowflake lights that he calls "pwetty fwoers." Oh how excited he will be.
Want to join us?
All this has gotten me so excited (again) for the holidays. I only have to buy the turkey, cranberries, garlic and chocolate pudding (Hub has requested chocolate pie) for Thanksgiving. I work that day, so it requires a lot of pre-planning and Hub participation. He does a great job! We will have the usual stuffing, turkey breast, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, homestyle pole green beans, fresh cranberries sauce (once you've had fresh, you won't go back), pumpkin pie and chocolate pie. I'd make more except that it's not reasonable for 2-3 people on a workday. Alas, my Grandmother's sweet potato casserole, and my Mom's noodles sing a siren song that I resist.
E has been starting to notice "Cwismas Twees" and "Big Giant Cwismas Twees" along with snowflake lights that he calls "pwetty fwoers." Oh how excited he will be.
Want to join us?
Sunday, November 13, 2011
My Generation
I stumbled on this article on one of those social media sites we're always moaning about. And I liked it. It's a bit dark and negative for my viewpoint... and I also feel like he is characterizing all of us under a behavior style we didn't all have, but I like this take on generation X and this upcoming generation all the same. Read it, and tell me what you think of it.
5 Ways We Ruined the Occupy Wall Street Generation
5 Ways We Ruined the Occupy Wall Street Generation
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Butternut Squash
It's fall again, and time to reinvest in my discovery of the ease and deliciousness that is butternut squash. You are likely to know this already, but I wanted to share my favorite way to make it.
Put the oven at 350 degrees, and cut the squash in half however you can. Clean out the seeds and strings. Place the squash flesh down in a pan of water with a pat of butter and some cinnamon. Cook for approximately 30-40 minutes, checking to make sure it doesn't dry out. When it's finished, scoop out the insides and add more butter, a dash of salt, cinnamon and agave nectar to taste. And if you use more, "healthy" butter, you have a tasty, healthy, wonderful meal addition! Another favorite is roasted parsnips, but that's for another post.
Put the oven at 350 degrees, and cut the squash in half however you can. Clean out the seeds and strings. Place the squash flesh down in a pan of water with a pat of butter and some cinnamon. Cook for approximately 30-40 minutes, checking to make sure it doesn't dry out. When it's finished, scoop out the insides and add more butter, a dash of salt, cinnamon and agave nectar to taste. And if you use more, "healthy" butter, you have a tasty, healthy, wonderful meal addition! Another favorite is roasted parsnips, but that's for another post.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
In Remembrance
About the Ta-Tas*
Is it strange that to me, women wrapped in their blue exam robes at the imaging center look elegant? That whole experience is full of contradiction. I find the robes elegant and the women beautiful and kind, yet as I hug the mammography machine and the tech smooshes my girls into, let's face it, comical positions between two plastic plates, the absurdity of how it would look to the uneducated observer makes me stifle giggles.
I'm back from my 6 month follow up to my previous mammogram where they found breast calcifications. You may remember that I had lots of breast pain during and post pregnancy, and the doctor sent me to have a mammogram after my milk dried up. They found calficiations, which are usually nothing (upon further research, I'm assuming they are microcalcifications), but can be indicative of a bigger problem. Therefore, they wanted to monitor a little more closely. Today they took the usual ton and a half images and did another ultrasound. While lying there, I realized I have had more ultrasounds than I can even count. There have been 3 thyroid sonograms, 2 breast ultrasounds, 6 baby ultrasounds and many many fertility treatment ultrasounds. The people at the center always say things like, "Thanks for being so good about this!" and I think, "This is cake!"
But even though they say not to worry, I always fret a bit during these sorts of tests. Today I'm fretting more than before because my u/s tech acted differently than the last time. Last time she declared that all looked good and clear, and I was free to go. This time, she came in and (perhaps only to my over-worried imagination) acted more subdued with me after reporting to the doctor. She said to call my doctor for more detailed results in about 3-4 days. I'm hoping her lack of mentioning that everything looked good wasn't anything ominous. Thoughts from those who've done this?
*Good thing I'm not on search engines
I'm back from my 6 month follow up to my previous mammogram where they found breast calcifications. You may remember that I had lots of breast pain during and post pregnancy, and the doctor sent me to have a mammogram after my milk dried up. They found calficiations, which are usually nothing (upon further research, I'm assuming they are microcalcifications), but can be indicative of a bigger problem. Therefore, they wanted to monitor a little more closely. Today they took the usual ton and a half images and did another ultrasound. While lying there, I realized I have had more ultrasounds than I can even count. There have been 3 thyroid sonograms, 2 breast ultrasounds, 6 baby ultrasounds and many many fertility treatment ultrasounds. The people at the center always say things like, "Thanks for being so good about this!" and I think, "This is cake!"
But even though they say not to worry, I always fret a bit during these sorts of tests. Today I'm fretting more than before because my u/s tech acted differently than the last time. Last time she declared that all looked good and clear, and I was free to go. This time, she came in and (perhaps only to my over-worried imagination) acted more subdued with me after reporting to the doctor. She said to call my doctor for more detailed results in about 3-4 days. I'm hoping her lack of mentioning that everything looked good wasn't anything ominous. Thoughts from those who've done this?
*Good thing I'm not on search engines
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Cleaning is Popular
Um so... Blogger now keeps track of page views for each post and it declares that while most of my posts have anywhere from 2-8 views, the one about my cleaning discovery (which I stand by by the way. Today I got out days old cough syrup stains) has FIFTY-SIX. What gives? Is Blogger crazy? Or are you all not telling me something?
Halloween!
Oh my gosh what a fun night! E enjoyed himself immensely. The Dosts! The SKELS! The PUNKINS! The WITCHES! And of course we cannot forget the CHOCWIT. He also calls it "bar." He was an adorable little "Supoman" who "flew" from house to house. Daddy even gave him Superman's hair do.
Aside from all that though, his favorite moments of the night were receiving a pencil with a pumpkin eraser on top and seeing our next door neighbors dressed as a family of pirates. At one point, when they drove away to go trick or treating elsewhere he said, "No! Come back pirates!" He then proceeded to ask about them every 10 seconds or so. The drawback to a super fun night was the fact that E never ever wanted the night to end. We had to be very creative toddler parents to get him inside with a minimum of drama. But it was so worth it.
Now on to Thanksgiving and Christmas! I love Holidays.
Aside from all that though, his favorite moments of the night were receiving a pencil with a pumpkin eraser on top and seeing our next door neighbors dressed as a family of pirates. At one point, when they drove away to go trick or treating elsewhere he said, "No! Come back pirates!" He then proceeded to ask about them every 10 seconds or so. The drawback to a super fun night was the fact that E never ever wanted the night to end. We had to be very creative toddler parents to get him inside with a minimum of drama. But it was so worth it.
Now on to Thanksgiving and Christmas! I love Holidays.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Future Shoe Salesman
I took E to try on shoes at a children's shoe department about 2 weeks ago. The other day he noticed my shoes lined up on their wire racks in the closet. He proceeded to drag our the right shoe from every pair and present it to my foot saying, "How 'bout dis?"
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Lasagna and Chocolate: A Toddler's Perspective
Incidentally, an experience with the lasagna from the last post was how we discovered that E calls all new things he finds exceptionally delicious, "chocolate." He had had tastes of chocolate here and there and seems to love it with his mother's fervor, but he hasn't had it enough to firmly identify it. Therefore, when he demanded more and more of what he called, "dewishus chocwit," I knew he was granting my cooking his highest honor.
What else earns these raves? Some cookies? Chocwit. Panera souffles? Chocwit. Vanilla pudding? Chocwit. And mint iced cream? You guessed it... Chocwit.
Oh the cuteness.
What else earns these raves? Some cookies? Chocwit. Panera souffles? Chocwit. Vanilla pudding? Chocwit. And mint iced cream? You guessed it... Chocwit.
Oh the cuteness.
MY Kind of Lasagne
True Italians and lasagne aficionados may want to click away before I even get started. I may strike horror in your heart with the following post.
Now that I've warned you, here's the first shocker. I really don't like lasagne very much. I don't eat beef. I don't love the taste of ricotta, and it makes me very sick, and I'm not into really heavy meals unless they involve potatoes. My husband, however, is a total lasagne fiend. He would eat it multiple times a week if only I would make it for him. Up until now, he's had to get his fix from those frozen meals or when we dined out as I was very insecure about my ability to make it.
As his birthday and Canadian Thanksgiving approached, I tried to think of something I could cook that would make him very happy. Lasagne came to mind as always, and when I mentioned it at work, someone told me that the recipe on the back of the no boil (NO BOIL? I thought. AMAZING!) Barilla lasagne box was quite easy and that I could substitute all kinds of things.
I ran out and bought all the supplies I needed, made it, and it was DELICIOUS if I do say so myself. Actually, Hub and E said so as well, so I'm not just imagining it. Here's what I did:
Instead of Ricotta, I used Lactaid (you may recall my lactose intolerance) cottage cheese.
Instead of ground beef, I used ground turkey (NOT the all white meat kind)
Instead of 4 cups of mozzarella, I used 2 cups of part skim mozzarella.
Instead of Barilla marinara I used Classico cabernet marinara (it's delicious and was on sale)
I forgot the eggs, so just added a little olive oil instead and prayed it would work.
The verdict: VERY tasty, much more healthy and much lighter than the usual lasagne. The only failing was that due to the egg issue, it wasn't as "stacked" and compact as it usually would be. But it tasted amazingly good. I did it! And now, thanks to Jen's suggestion, I will be making 2 lasagnes at once, so I can freeze one and save myself some dinner prep.
P.S. The flat Barilla noodles were VERY good. And once again, let me remind you that they can't even search me, so I'm not in the market for free stuff.
Now that I've warned you, here's the first shocker. I really don't like lasagne very much. I don't eat beef. I don't love the taste of ricotta, and it makes me very sick, and I'm not into really heavy meals unless they involve potatoes. My husband, however, is a total lasagne fiend. He would eat it multiple times a week if only I would make it for him. Up until now, he's had to get his fix from those frozen meals or when we dined out as I was very insecure about my ability to make it.
As his birthday and Canadian Thanksgiving approached, I tried to think of something I could cook that would make him very happy. Lasagne came to mind as always, and when I mentioned it at work, someone told me that the recipe on the back of the no boil (NO BOIL? I thought. AMAZING!) Barilla lasagne box was quite easy and that I could substitute all kinds of things.
I ran out and bought all the supplies I needed, made it, and it was DELICIOUS if I do say so myself. Actually, Hub and E said so as well, so I'm not just imagining it. Here's what I did:
Instead of Ricotta, I used Lactaid (you may recall my lactose intolerance) cottage cheese.
Instead of ground beef, I used ground turkey (NOT the all white meat kind)
Instead of 4 cups of mozzarella, I used 2 cups of part skim mozzarella.
Instead of Barilla marinara I used Classico cabernet marinara (it's delicious and was on sale)
I forgot the eggs, so just added a little olive oil instead and prayed it would work.
The verdict: VERY tasty, much more healthy and much lighter than the usual lasagne. The only failing was that due to the egg issue, it wasn't as "stacked" and compact as it usually would be. But it tasted amazingly good. I did it! And now, thanks to Jen's suggestion, I will be making 2 lasagnes at once, so I can freeze one and save myself some dinner prep.
P.S. The flat Barilla noodles were VERY good. And once again, let me remind you that they can't even search me, so I'm not in the market for free stuff.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Some Days
Some weekends I feel on top of the world and like I have everything under control. Others I don't even know where to start. This weekend is one if the latter.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Anticipating Parenting Struggles
A couple instances got me thinking on my parenting. First, my cousin has been dealing with some pretty heavy duty tantrums in her home with her 3 year old and is working hard on parenting solutions. Second, Jen mentioned reading some books about parenting of which I'd never heard. I read some of the baby and one year old books and even "The Happiest Toddler on the Block" (which I loved), but I think it's time to educate myself on the more advanced parenting that is fast approaching with E.
We, as a family, I would say are all 3 highly sensitive people. Hub deals much better and is able to close it down, but I think he still has that empathy as well. This seems to be the biggest stumbling block we have when dealing with other people, daycare, etc with E. I want to educate myself as much as possible so I can provide him with a firm foundation for school and life. We worry a lot about his success in large groups of children.
So I've done some searching and came up with these books. Can anyone tell me if they've read them and like or not like them? It's so difficult with a sensitive child because I read everywhere that it's estimated that only 15% to 20% of the population is like this. That must be why most people think we're either A. Full of crap when we mention it or B. Just want an excuse to baby our wonderful child. Well Eff them.
Here's the list. I appreciate any insights!
The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted Child: Helping your child thrive in an extroverted world
The Strong Sensitive Boy
The Highly Sensitive Child: Helping Our Children Thrive When the World Overwhelms Them (This title in particularly struck me as accurate)
We, as a family, I would say are all 3 highly sensitive people. Hub deals much better and is able to close it down, but I think he still has that empathy as well. This seems to be the biggest stumbling block we have when dealing with other people, daycare, etc with E. I want to educate myself as much as possible so I can provide him with a firm foundation for school and life. We worry a lot about his success in large groups of children.
So I've done some searching and came up with these books. Can anyone tell me if they've read them and like or not like them? It's so difficult with a sensitive child because I read everywhere that it's estimated that only 15% to 20% of the population is like this. That must be why most people think we're either A. Full of crap when we mention it or B. Just want an excuse to baby our wonderful child. Well Eff them.
Here's the list. I appreciate any insights!
The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted Child: Helping your child thrive in an extroverted world
The Strong Sensitive Boy
The Highly Sensitive Child: Helping Our Children Thrive When the World Overwhelms Them (This title in particularly struck me as accurate)
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
A Little Bit of Endo, A Little Bit of Celebrations
I saw Endo today. My triglycerides have come down over 100 points on the Met, and my "good" cholesterol has gone up! My bad cholesterol is a little higher than before, but I attribute that to the Birthday celebrations. I was quite bad. I made homemade lasagne for the first time! I shall share what I did and how I tweaked it so that I found it delicious instead of gross soon. I also ate lots of sugar free pie and a delicious pumpkin muffin from the Hub.
Now look at me getting all distracted by food. Anywho, thank God it indeed was as many of you observed, a case of insulin issues aggravating my triglycerides. Now I won't have to go on THAT kind of medication too. Now, I just have to get more pissed off over the fact that I have to investigate every little food decision while people way less healthy than I can shovel it in. Oh the sadness.
Speaking of birthdays. Happy happy to my wonderful Hubby! I wish Hallmark made cards as good for Daddies from babies as they do for Mommies from babies. The ones for hubbies aren't as good as for wifies either. Anyone else notice this depressing discrepancy? What the heck? Just because men express it less doesn't mean they don't like some good ole sappiness on their birthdays. Mine is a little sweetie under that crabby old man demeanor. ;-)
Now look at me getting all distracted by food. Anywho, thank God it indeed was as many of you observed, a case of insulin issues aggravating my triglycerides. Now I won't have to go on THAT kind of medication too. Now, I just have to get more pissed off over the fact that I have to investigate every little food decision while people way less healthy than I can shovel it in. Oh the sadness.
Speaking of birthdays. Happy happy to my wonderful Hubby! I wish Hallmark made cards as good for Daddies from babies as they do for Mommies from babies. The ones for hubbies aren't as good as for wifies either. Anyone else notice this depressing discrepancy? What the heck? Just because men express it less doesn't mean they don't like some good ole sappiness on their birthdays. Mine is a little sweetie under that crabby old man demeanor. ;-)
Cute Baby Stories - Travel Home Edition
- Upon long and intensive study of the trees as we flew over Baltimore, "Wook! Bwoccowy!"
- Displeasure over wearing a coat... which he calls a "jack," and which he pairs with the word "off" when he's over it. Tee hee.
- Mesmerized by the quavering leaves of a brightly colored aspen, "BUTTUHFWIES!"
- Upon studying everyone around him in the airport security line as they begin to remove their shoes - leaning over and dutifully unfastening the velcro on his own.
- Noticing a man very resembling his grandpa as we are preparing to board the plane, "HI Papa!!"
- As we take off over the trees of Baltimore, "Bye bye Bwoccowy!"
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Accidental Cleaning Trick aka The Post Blogger Lost
My original post was all witty and stuff. Oh well. Now you get the "sum up." (movie anyone?)
We have a lot more carpet spills than we used to. I spend a lot of time figuring out best cleaning practices.
Did you know (discovered through laziness, brain cell loss, call it what you will) that if you spray a carpet stain with Nature's Choice Shout laundry treatment and then cover it with a wet cloth you leave there all night long, that you won't even really have to scrub the next morning? The stain (even blueberries) will disintegrate?
Sweet huh? Sometimes dingy-ness pays.
Note: this particular shout does not make me gack from the chemical smell. Highly unusual for me. Two thumbs up. And my blog is not searchable, so I'm not just saying that for free stuff. Want to share any clever tricks you've discovered with me? I could use them!
We have a lot more carpet spills than we used to. I spend a lot of time figuring out best cleaning practices.
Did you know (discovered through laziness, brain cell loss, call it what you will) that if you spray a carpet stain with Nature's Choice Shout laundry treatment and then cover it with a wet cloth you leave there all night long, that you won't even really have to scrub the next morning? The stain (even blueberries) will disintegrate?
Sweet huh? Sometimes dingy-ness pays.
Note: this particular shout does not make me gack from the chemical smell. Highly unusual for me. Two thumbs up. And my blog is not searchable, so I'm not just saying that for free stuff. Want to share any clever tricks you've discovered with me? I could use them!
IF Follows Even on the "Other Side"
Today I went to get my blood drawn for the appointment where they test to see if the Met has made a difference in my blood lipids. That's a whole anxiety post in itself.
What really struck me however, was my encounter with the phlebotomist. I've had her before. She's really sweet and always makes children small talk. This time, she asked (as I clench up because I hear it so often) if E is the first and only. When I nodded, she murmured, "That's so sad."
What? Conflicted immediately. She's so kind that it's hard to be angry. And I guess it is a little sad in some ways. But those are personal. What's so sad to her I wonder? Is it our decision itself? Is it that we or E are missing out on the joys of siblings? Will he not have as good a life as an only child? (which I reject) Is it that she assumes it's out of our hands?
Mind still whirring, I stuttered something about possibly adopting. As always, I lamely feel the need to defend my decisions. It's not until afterwards that I know what I wished I had said...
"It's not sad at all. It's miraculous and awesome that we got this chance at all. We are in love now with the family life we lucked into. Every single day is a blessing, and I am content and as happy as I've ever been. So please congratulate us that we are where we are when so many still struggle."
What really struck me however, was my encounter with the phlebotomist. I've had her before. She's really sweet and always makes children small talk. This time, she asked (as I clench up because I hear it so often) if E is the first and only. When I nodded, she murmured, "That's so sad."
What? Conflicted immediately. She's so kind that it's hard to be angry. And I guess it is a little sad in some ways. But those are personal. What's so sad to her I wonder? Is it our decision itself? Is it that we or E are missing out on the joys of siblings? Will he not have as good a life as an only child? (which I reject) Is it that she assumes it's out of our hands?
Mind still whirring, I stuttered something about possibly adopting. As always, I lamely feel the need to defend my decisions. It's not until afterwards that I know what I wished I had said...
"It's not sad at all. It's miraculous and awesome that we got this chance at all. We are in love now with the family life we lucked into. Every single day is a blessing, and I am content and as happy as I've ever been. So please congratulate us that we are where we are when so many still struggle."
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Letters
Oh E,
You break and re-make my heart in a million tiny (good) ways every day.
Love,
Your grateful Mommy
You break and re-make my heart in a million tiny (good) ways every day.
Love,
Your grateful Mommy
Murderous
I type up a fun post I've been thinking about all day after not posting for real for days. I am all excited and hit "Publish." It doesn't work. It merely saves. I do this multiple times. I click "Save" to be sure to save my work and Blogger assures me it is "saving..." I pop out of blogger and go back in to, indeed, Publish this time, except that it hasn't saved my post. Oh but wait, it has, but it's saved only the first 2 sentences of about 4 paragraphs. Effing great. I haven't been liking you much for a while Blogger, and tonight I am beyond annoyed.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Because this little video warms my heart, and I just love it. And because I figured if I could use a little heart warming right now, maybe you could too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCjJyiqpAuU&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Sent from my iPod
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Bullets: Sleep, shoes, holidays and more
- Thanks for all your kind words regarding our sleep situation! I wanted to clear up though that he's sleeping great... with me. That means that I go to bed when he does and get up when he does, (napping sometimes too), thus MUCH less me time. Much less me time equals much less blog time.
- We are looking into getting him his own mattress, and me sleeping with him less and less time until he's used to it. Lots of modifications to his room needed.
- Sometimes I feel like I have a million things to do and no time to do them.
- I can't lie. I'm more than a bit jealous at the imbalance in the number of girls shoes available to boys shoes. And not just the styles.. the actual difference in number.
- Go ahead. Go search Ebay, or Amazon. Check me.
- Halloween decorations come out today! (as soon as the little man awakens)
- I am turning another number in the thirties this week. ACK! This is getting a little frightening folks.
- We are loving this beautiful Florida fall weather. Finally! Temps in the 80's during the day and 50's-60's at night. THIS is where it's at. Now we can work outside without melting into an incoherent puddle.
- What are you up to? What's your weather like?
Monday, October 3, 2011
Sleep Update
Sleep. It seems it's been the main theme of my life since E was born. Anyway, a few of you have asked how it's going on that front. I imagine you can tell by the lapse in my blogging and commenting that we aren't perfect in that arena right now. He's back to going to bed easily with me and falling asleep fairly well. He still awakens a lot in the night talking or fussing. I think his brain is just buzzing right now. We tried the toddler bed, and it was just a big fail. I think our next tactic is to get the full sized mattress, put it on the floor for now and sleep with him less and less each night until he's used to sleeping in his own room by himself. I don't imagine we won't have fallbacks, but we need to get back to some semblance of our normal.
Any thoughts on toddler adjustment to new beds welcome as always.
Any thoughts on toddler adjustment to new beds welcome as always.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Christmas Card Traditions
Yeah yeah. I know it's not even Halloween yet, but my post in Christmas cards got me wondering what all of you who celebrate it do. Do you send letters? E-cards? Traditional cards? Or do you not send any? Personally I love cards, but I wrestle with the cost and waste of it all in so many ways. I think I enjoy e-cards just as much from less immediate family. Thoughts?
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
*Sniffle*
Oh the glory and the horror of having a babysitter watch your baby on your extra day off while you get big house projects finished.
Tiny Prints and Christmas Prep
I have decided that this year I will prepare early for Christmas because it actually seems possible now. I've finally adjusted as much as I'm going to to being a full time working Mom. I fought it and tried to find a way around it, but there's just nothing for it. I've got to be happy that we have enough money coming in and a good healthcare plan through my employer. But there will always be that bit of sadness that I couldn't wallow in my baby's sweetness and willingness to love on Mommy while it's here.
But I'm definitely digressing. The point is, I'm trying to time manage much better. Do you remember last year? Things weren't so easy there as Christmas came upon us. I don't want that to happen again. So this year, I started investigating card options early and found that Tiny Prints was offering cards in exchange for a blog post where I could say anything I want about their cards! Usually I shy away from any sort of reward for product endorsement or review, but I felt really comfortable with this because they saved my butt last year. I did a lot of research online for a company that would let me do all my card prep online, including sending them out to family members, and Tiny Prints was the only one that I felt was reasonable. Their system is so easy to use. It allows you to catalog your favorites and keep an address book of recipients. I have heard lots of people express despair over fully printed Christmas card giving, but for me that year it was either that or no cards at all. I chose to employ help.
There was definitely an upcharge for the extra options, and it was a lot more expensive than sending out my own cards, but it was worth it at the time. It was also one of the most reasonably priced options on the internet. We were very pleased with how our cards turned out, and now it holds a special place in our memory box as our first Christmas card as a family.
This year's?
This year, I think I'll send my own out from Tiny Prints because I have gotten a bit of a better handle on this Mommy thing, but this is one of those "Mommy club" things I felt left out on before E - sending a photo Christmas card. I didn't mind when others did it, but it stung that if I did, it would just be me and Hub... looking pretty much the same. And by damn, now that I can have fun with it, I'm going to glory in it!
But I'm definitely digressing. The point is, I'm trying to time manage much better. Do you remember last year? Things weren't so easy there as Christmas came upon us. I don't want that to happen again. So this year, I started investigating card options early and found that Tiny Prints was offering cards in exchange for a blog post where I could say anything I want about their cards! Usually I shy away from any sort of reward for product endorsement or review, but I felt really comfortable with this because they saved my butt last year. I did a lot of research online for a company that would let me do all my card prep online, including sending them out to family members, and Tiny Prints was the only one that I felt was reasonable. Their system is so easy to use. It allows you to catalog your favorites and keep an address book of recipients. I have heard lots of people express despair over fully printed Christmas card giving, but for me that year it was either that or no cards at all. I chose to employ help.
There was definitely an upcharge for the extra options, and it was a lot more expensive than sending out my own cards, but it was worth it at the time. It was also one of the most reasonably priced options on the internet. We were very pleased with how our cards turned out, and now it holds a special place in our memory box as our first Christmas card as a family.
This year's?
A portion of the proceeds from this card go to the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research
Foundation’s efforts to cure the skin disorder that affects thousands of
children each year.You can choose from other options that help different charities. I like that.
This year, I think I'll send my own out from Tiny Prints because I have gotten a bit of a better handle on this Mommy thing, but this is one of those "Mommy club" things I felt left out on before E - sending a photo Christmas card. I didn't mind when others did it, but it stung that if I did, it would just be me and Hub... looking pretty much the same. And by damn, now that I can have fun with it, I'm going to glory in it!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Bedtime Saga Updated
So we realized that E no longer seemed as comfy in his crib, so we fluffed it up a bit, and his naptime improved dramatically. He had longer, more restful sleeps and went down without crying again.
As for the other steps in our training plan, we got through step 6 with flying colors. He had been fighting all bedtime and crying in the middle of the night even with me. We got to where he ran eagerly fir bedtime and only took minutes to fall asleep rather than hours. And there was no more wailing in the middle of the night. We even started on step 7 and didn't have a lot of angst at first. I pulled the futon up beside his crib and snuggled in. He threw a fit... A fit that didn't stop. He kept asking for the "bed." He started to heave and gag.
At this point, I conceded defeat and asked him if he wanted a big boy bed like "Caillou." He said yes and we talked more about a bed while he indicated he didn't like the crib. We had wondered about this. So sadly now he doesn't want to go to sleep at all again, and we're resetting. We're also at the sad junction of realizing that we now need to really toddler proof his room and convert his crib to a bed. Nothing big I guess seeing as it's not like he's ever been a fabulous sleeper for more than a month at a time. It's more an emotional adjustment. There's a lot of worry about his safety, and a little angst about this big neon, "I'm not a baby!" flashing sign.
We will adjust the plan to his new bed as soon as it's ready. Oh my baby. In the meantime, I welcome advice and thoughts.
As for the other steps in our training plan, we got through step 6 with flying colors. He had been fighting all bedtime and crying in the middle of the night even with me. We got to where he ran eagerly fir bedtime and only took minutes to fall asleep rather than hours. And there was no more wailing in the middle of the night. We even started on step 7 and didn't have a lot of angst at first. I pulled the futon up beside his crib and snuggled in. He threw a fit... A fit that didn't stop. He kept asking for the "bed." He started to heave and gag.
At this point, I conceded defeat and asked him if he wanted a big boy bed like "Caillou." He said yes and we talked more about a bed while he indicated he didn't like the crib. We had wondered about this. So sadly now he doesn't want to go to sleep at all again, and we're resetting. We're also at the sad junction of realizing that we now need to really toddler proof his room and convert his crib to a bed. Nothing big I guess seeing as it's not like he's ever been a fabulous sleeper for more than a month at a time. It's more an emotional adjustment. There's a lot of worry about his safety, and a little angst about this big neon, "I'm not a baby!" flashing sign.
We will adjust the plan to his new bed as soon as it's ready. Oh my baby. In the meantime, I welcome advice and thoughts.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Small Success
Tonight, for the first time in weeks, and after day 3 of our training plan, E wasn't nervous about his room, asked to go to bed, and fell asleep quickly and easily! Yay for the right path!
Addendum to Training Plan
Note that we will move him to crib sleeping as soon as he's falling and staying asleep easier in bed with me. And in addition to spooky and scary, he's saying Die and Dead. Wth? He acts freaked out about it too. Could he possibly have any idea??
Training Plan for my Toddler
E is in a phase of SERIOUS sleep regression. We're talking sleep regression in every way possible. Part of it is developmental I'm sure. He's saying a lot of, "Scary Mommy! Spooky." and "Not comfy!" But there are more issues that aren't really important to delve into here. Suffice it to say, it got to the point where I said to myself, "Barb. Think about this from a training perspective. Addressing all this little issues is just slapping a temporary band aid on them and not treating the whole problem." So after talking to Hub and Jen, I did just that.
So now you get to see what a real training plan in action looks like. (Crying it out failed spectacularly) And it may fail. And we may need to retrain. But that's ok. We have a plan and consistency, and that helps. So here goes...
1. Play time in E's bedroom and crib before bed.
2. Upon bedtime, go straight to our room and have him wind down by stories and him "talking it out" (he seems to need this now) before falling asleep.
3. Repeat for 2-3 days.
4. Add reading books in the rocker to play time in E's room.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 for 2-3 days or until the rocker seems comfy.
6. Add turning lights off and singing while in rocker (he's been weird about the dark even with a night light)
7. Repeat steps 1-6 until he is comfortable.
8.Try putting him in the crib after adding some more "comfy" stuff, and Mommy may stay to help him.
9. At this point, either go back a few steps if there is a fail, or phase Mommy out of staying by reducing time in there. This step is still in development depending on his reaction.
The end.
So now you get to see what a real training plan in action looks like. (Crying it out failed spectacularly) And it may fail. And we may need to retrain. But that's ok. We have a plan and consistency, and that helps. So here goes...
1. Play time in E's bedroom and crib before bed.
2. Upon bedtime, go straight to our room and have him wind down by stories and him "talking it out" (he seems to need this now) before falling asleep.
3. Repeat for 2-3 days.
4. Add reading books in the rocker to play time in E's room.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 for 2-3 days or until the rocker seems comfy.
6. Add turning lights off and singing while in rocker (he's been weird about the dark even with a night light)
7. Repeat steps 1-6 until he is comfortable.
8.Try putting him in the crib after adding some more "comfy" stuff, and Mommy may stay to help him.
9. At this point, either go back a few steps if there is a fail, or phase Mommy out of staying by reducing time in there. This step is still in development depending on his reaction.
The end.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Sleep Help
E is acting very afraid (spooky Mommy!) of his own bedroom suddenly. We think nightmares have been had. Help?
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Letters to Babybutt
Dear E,
Oh my darling, wonderful boy. Things have been busy, and I've neglected my love letters to you. You are 20 and a HALF months old now, and there are so many things to say! YOU have so much to say. You are a full fledged, full thinking, intelligent, loving little boy. No more baby I'm afraid. The other night I called to say I was coming home from work, and Daddy let you answer the phone. You said, "Hewwo mommy! Mommy come home?" Then you told me all about the "Wan Mowas." It took my breath away to hear such a big boy!
You still love letters and words. Numbers are fun too. You can count to 10, but words are your true love. "Supa Why" is your hero, and I'm pretty sure he's the reason you know the letters you do. Oh we tried to teach you too, but nothing compares to that weirdly convoluted group of digi animated kids whose "super big problems" include, "What do I do if Dad can't tie my shoes?" (use your super word powers after mangling a classic story, that's what!)
But anyway, your water obsession has reached an almost mindless zombie stage. Luckily you're still pretty easy going so the tantrums aren't too bad. You've shown lots of potty interest and initiative and have started imaginative play. Mommy and Daddy have so much fun with that.
So sorry about the miserable teething and allergies my babe. I know it's "scwatchy," and we both wish we could take it on for you. You're just happy with us scratching it for you though. Love it when you stick your leg out in front of us and request it.
Singing is an awesome interest right now, and we never tire of asking you to sing the ABCs, Winnie the Pooh, or any of the many in your repertoire.
Daddy and I both consider it an honor to be your parents. You're delightful.
Love you kiddo,
M
Oh my darling, wonderful boy. Things have been busy, and I've neglected my love letters to you. You are 20 and a HALF months old now, and there are so many things to say! YOU have so much to say. You are a full fledged, full thinking, intelligent, loving little boy. No more baby I'm afraid. The other night I called to say I was coming home from work, and Daddy let you answer the phone. You said, "Hewwo mommy! Mommy come home?" Then you told me all about the "Wan Mowas." It took my breath away to hear such a big boy!
You still love letters and words. Numbers are fun too. You can count to 10, but words are your true love. "Supa Why" is your hero, and I'm pretty sure he's the reason you know the letters you do. Oh we tried to teach you too, but nothing compares to that weirdly convoluted group of digi animated kids whose "super big problems" include, "What do I do if Dad can't tie my shoes?" (use your super word powers after mangling a classic story, that's what!)
But anyway, your water obsession has reached an almost mindless zombie stage. Luckily you're still pretty easy going so the tantrums aren't too bad. You've shown lots of potty interest and initiative and have started imaginative play. Mommy and Daddy have so much fun with that.
So sorry about the miserable teething and allergies my babe. I know it's "scwatchy," and we both wish we could take it on for you. You're just happy with us scratching it for you though. Love it when you stick your leg out in front of us and request it.
Singing is an awesome interest right now, and we never tire of asking you to sing the ABCs, Winnie the Pooh, or any of the many in your repertoire.
Daddy and I both consider it an honor to be your parents. You're delightful.
Love you kiddo,
M
Hub Speak
What he says: "I'm not napping. I'm just resting my eyes a bit."
What he really means: "I'm going to be unconscious and snoring in 2 seconds, and that will last at least an hour... Just so you know."
What he really means: "I'm going to be unconscious and snoring in 2 seconds, and that will last at least an hour... Just so you know."
Apropos of Nothing
- Feeling kinda like a bitter, evil human being lately. Why?? Eff you hormones.
- Bedtimes have been a real struggle lately as well. Here's to hoping we power through and come out on the other side with a good routine.
- E has been starting to come out with random thoughts like, "I wike juice!" or, "I call Daddy!" It's cute.
- He's also remembering things and bringing them up. He's keen to tell us over and over how a cloud of bugs got in his face last week. He also brought up last night (we had a good long conversation before bedtime) how I "dwop cwothes!" when Jen was here. I left them on a Disney tram, and he remembered that it bothered me. I had forgotten to tell him I got them back, so we had to rectify that oversight.
- I'm really excited about Halloween. I've always loved that holiday. I just wish we got more kids trick or treating at our house. It bums me out. :(
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Grumpy
I'm really grumpy with blogging right now, and I'm not sure why. I mean, I know some of the things I'm grumpy about, but I'm not sure why they're bothering me, and I'm not sure what's stopping me from writing even though I have ideas. I'm just in a bit of a pissy mood in general lately, so perhaps it's because dear AF is on her way or some other hormonal balance for which I'm famous. (Maybe just locally, but you know what I mean.)
On the bright side, we went into a Sedano's grocery store for the first time today and were delighted by cheap, delicious empanadas de pollo along with a wonderful lady selling them who didn't speak much English. I don't speak much Spanish, so together we taught each other and bumbled our laughing way through a conversation. Our next stop was the ice cream/sherbet counter where we had a mix of tamarindo (tamarind), mango and guanabana (pronounced gwa-NA-va-NA - yes I mangled it at first) sherbet. The lady there was a delight too. We will surely be going back. As I've mentioned before, most Hispanic cultures (particularly the women) delight me. I come from a very expressive family and have spent a lot of my life becoming more quiet and trying to tone down my reactions so as not to appear, "so emotional." It's too tiring to explain to people that that's just the way we are. But when I'm surrounded by Colombians or Chileans or many other nationalities in those parts, I feel at ease and happy. It's nice to live here.
So to sum up, I'm a grump who still gets a high off food and happy people. What do you do when you feel this way about blogging? Perhaps it's that I'm not getting much of a high off it anymore? Any thoughts welcome.
On the bright side, we went into a Sedano's grocery store for the first time today and were delighted by cheap, delicious empanadas de pollo along with a wonderful lady selling them who didn't speak much English. I don't speak much Spanish, so together we taught each other and bumbled our laughing way through a conversation. Our next stop was the ice cream/sherbet counter where we had a mix of tamarindo (tamarind), mango and guanabana (pronounced gwa-NA-va-NA - yes I mangled it at first) sherbet. The lady there was a delight too. We will surely be going back. As I've mentioned before, most Hispanic cultures (particularly the women) delight me. I come from a very expressive family and have spent a lot of my life becoming more quiet and trying to tone down my reactions so as not to appear, "so emotional." It's too tiring to explain to people that that's just the way we are. But when I'm surrounded by Colombians or Chileans or many other nationalities in those parts, I feel at ease and happy. It's nice to live here.
So to sum up, I'm a grump who still gets a high off food and happy people. What do you do when you feel this way about blogging? Perhaps it's that I'm not getting much of a high off it anymore? Any thoughts welcome.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Today
As we went out the door today, E was distracted by the grass, the bugs, the driveway... So I said, " Hey E! Want to go play with Dibits right now?" He said, "Yes you DO!" and did the toddler run toward me.
Too bad I don't have that kind of motivation regularly.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Oedipus
When I lie prostrate on the floor, E always jumps on my chest and snuggles me. Sometimes he even pushes me to that position to do so. Daddy misses getting so many hugs, so I told him to try it tonight.
E cuddled him for a brief moment, then pounded his little fist on Hub's chest and said in his high, sweet voice, "Dead? Dead?" and came back to me. Oh dear.
Disclaimer: I don't for a moment imagine that E really knows what he said/did. I imagine it's something he got from daycare.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Strangers Can Still Be Kind
Today Hub, E and I were eating at Panera Bread (yum) for dinner. A lady next to us said, "Excuse me, but I would just so hate for this to go to waste. There are people starving in the world...." She trailed off and indicated to the half a bagel and full package of cream cheese remaining on her plate.
Hub graciously accepted, and she hastened to give him a napkin and plastic knife she hadn't touched. I liked the feeling of that. I like that she offered so kindly and conscientiously. I like that I'm married to a man who always seems to believe and participate in a world community where that can still happen. And I like that E witnessed it all.
I Remember
Ten years ago today, I was drawn to my mother's living room from my old bedroom because of concerned sounds and a special report issuing from the TV. There had been a plane crash it seemed... Right into a World Trade Center tower. How strange and horrible an accident!
But our family was very preoccupied and only half watching the news. The horror was hard to process through the fresh grief of the passing of a dear child in our family - only 12 years old. It was 2 days after the family's vigil by his bedside in a big Pennsylvania children's hospital that I had flown from my home in New York to attend.
In the hours that followed, we if course learned the truth and feared for family in DC. We also were horrified at the thought that his body was supposed to be driven through roads shut down by the crash in Shanksville.
In the end, we were able to drive in muted grief with his mother to help her pick out something to put in his casket that day. It was under eerily quiet skies. His funeral proceeded, and I begged my mom to drive with me back to NY rather than have to fly.
I don't usually post much about shared or other people's tragedies. I just don't feel I have much to add. I don't feel that I can contribute words with enough depth to properly memorialize or honor the victims. But this time, 10 years later for some reason, I felt the need to remember that sweet soul in our family and that horrible day in writing. God bless all who have experienced these trying times in our history and those dealing with personal trials. Love to all.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Training Forum - Comments Discussion
About two weeks ago, I posted a Training Tutorial to follow up with all the thoughts on positive reinforcement training technique. I am hoping for these posts to inspire questions and great discussion surrounding this subject? Why? Because frankly I love talking about it, and it's fun! In a serious vein though, the more we understand behavior and how it is shaped, the better off our animals, loved ones and co-workers will be.
I had 3 great comments on that post that I wanted to share. Jen's thought was that it would indeed be fun to train the little dog to station to the carpet when the doorbell rang and when the garage door went up. I share it here simply because I thought it was great thinking that next step out ahead of time. In most cases, it would probably be best to train one instance first and then the other so as to avoid confusion and deterioration of the behavior. So maybe we would focus on the doorbell first. My thought was to train the behavior on a verbal and pointing cue first, then pair that cue with the doorbell ringing. When it seemed good and solid, you could drop the verbal and only use the pointing and doorbell. Eventually you could try to drop the point or see if he went there automatically when the doorbell rang and drop it. After that was good and solid, you could do the same with the sound of the garage door. Obviously this training would work better with 2 people. It's fun to think about though and would be a great behavior to train! This brings up the thought that often, when trainers go to the pound looking for dogs, they are looking for the "problem" and "overactive" dogs. The ones that seem frantic for a job usually make the best show animals. The little dog is one such character. He's so frantic for a job that training him is a breeze. Trin, on the other hand, is very smart but has to be taken along much more slowly. Her trust has to be earned the hard way, and care has to be taken even with sudden movements or louder sounds. This is a case where the clicker might not be the best bridge to use. It's just too harsh.
Natalie says:
Natalie's shepherd sounds like the smart kid in class who gets bored easily. That animal would require inventiveness and for the trainer to be on their game at all times. Training him would not be advised if the trainer were feeling at all subpar at that moment. Changing up behaviors and asking for the unexpected can help, as could keeping sessions short (him wanting more), and changing up reinforcers. But again, it's hard to really know without seeing the sessions. There are just so many variables in the moment (and they are so fun to figure out!) that I wish I could see it. Natalie, if you disagree with anything I've written, have further questions, or have tried some of these things and they did or didn't work, please let us know! I would love the dialogue.
Rebecca says:
ABSO-FREAKIN-LUTELY Rebecca!!! I've trained a 13 year old animal who had never had a trainer before in her life with beautiful results. Now does it mean some of your expectations have to be lowered? Of course in some cases. Your 10 year old greyhounds are not going to be running a high intensity agility course, and their motivation for certain rewards may not be as high as it once was. They may even be more set in their ways, so progress could be slower on certain things. Repeated behavior builds confidence and insistence on that behavior. In other words, practice makes perfect, and if they have practiced a behavior a certain way for 10 years, it may take a little while to change. Plus your new relationship may take a little adjustment. However, do it just like I said. Find your most motivating reinforcer. If they are hard to motivate, use that reward ONLY for training. Make sure they aren't overweight. Start small to build confidence for all of you and definitely train a bridge. Were you looking to extinguish unwanted behaviors, train new ones or both?
Note that no matter what you are training be sure to train and keep in your back pocket behaviors that you both enjoy rehearsing. That way training is not just about work, obedience or phasing out "bad" behaviors. It's fun too. We generally only keep up well with things we enjoy to some extent. (who here has trouble with punishing exercise they don't like? I thought so.) So enjoy yourselves!! Have at it in the comments! We learn best by looking at real world situations and discussing all our viewpoints. Thanks for the great comments!
I had 3 great comments on that post that I wanted to share. Jen's thought was that it would indeed be fun to train the little dog to station to the carpet when the doorbell rang and when the garage door went up. I share it here simply because I thought it was great thinking that next step out ahead of time. In most cases, it would probably be best to train one instance first and then the other so as to avoid confusion and deterioration of the behavior. So maybe we would focus on the doorbell first. My thought was to train the behavior on a verbal and pointing cue first, then pair that cue with the doorbell ringing. When it seemed good and solid, you could drop the verbal and only use the pointing and doorbell. Eventually you could try to drop the point or see if he went there automatically when the doorbell rang and drop it. After that was good and solid, you could do the same with the sound of the garage door. Obviously this training would work better with 2 people. It's fun to think about though and would be a great behavior to train! This brings up the thought that often, when trainers go to the pound looking for dogs, they are looking for the "problem" and "overactive" dogs. The ones that seem frantic for a job usually make the best show animals. The little dog is one such character. He's so frantic for a job that training him is a breeze. Trin, on the other hand, is very smart but has to be taken along much more slowly. Her trust has to be earned the hard way, and care has to be taken even with sudden movements or louder sounds. This is a case where the clicker might not be the best bridge to use. It's just too harsh.
Natalie says:
This makes me think back to when I attempted to train my dog Zoe. She's such a freakin airhead she constantly gets over-excited and starts offering every behavior in the book, then gets confused, then gets upset and overwhelmed. My first dog was easy to train - highly food motivated (though lazy), and smart. The shepherd is easy to train, though after the initial training finding motivation he will actually listen to is hard work - he's easily distracted by things and ignores all training if something else is going on.It's so hard to know from reading it, but Zoe might just be in line with the little dog. Those dogs usually need a "job" to do even between behaviors. Sometimes those dogs do very well with going to "their spot" or "station" each time the craziness starts just to reset. These dogs usually need very short sessions that end on a good note if at all possible. The sessions can be lengthened bit by bit, but when I say short, 30 seconds is not out of the question. Whatever length of time is the time her attention span keeps, shorten it by about 20 seconds to end it with her wanting more. Sometimes these animals even need to be trained to focus. Most of the time the focus is assumed and the animal gets it without us consciously training them to do so. But with certain individuals, training them to focus on you at your cue (I just use their name and the word "focus") needs to be the first step in their program. Once they've got it down, move from very easy behaviors to harder ones at their pace. If it's the case of her spazzing out with behaviors that are known and solid, brief time-outs (in which you leave the session by simply turning your back or withholding further stimulus from her for a few seconds) can be warranted. And this is where I repeat that positive reinforcement trainers are not sunshiny morons. They believe it's the best mode when at all possible, but know that we have a toolbox full of techniques to use and that sometimes punishment is necessary. A time-out, though gentle and preferred to physical violence, is a punishment. It's the removal of the opportunity to earn reward and/or your attention. Thus, it's a negative punishment. But it does give the individual time to gather him or herself (animal or human) and get the message across that the current behavior is not working.
Natalie's shepherd sounds like the smart kid in class who gets bored easily. That animal would require inventiveness and for the trainer to be on their game at all times. Training him would not be advised if the trainer were feeling at all subpar at that moment. Changing up behaviors and asking for the unexpected can help, as could keeping sessions short (him wanting more), and changing up reinforcers. But again, it's hard to really know without seeing the sessions. There are just so many variables in the moment (and they are so fun to figure out!) that I wish I could see it. Natalie, if you disagree with anything I've written, have further questions, or have tried some of these things and they did or didn't work, please let us know! I would love the dialogue.
Rebecca says:
So, does this work to teach an old dog new tricks? I mean that LITERALLY. I have two 10-ish year old Italian greyhounds that came to us from an abusive situation and we have done horribly training them. Is it too late? Because all this step by step stuff makes me feel like it might be do-able.
ABSO-FREAKIN-LUTELY Rebecca!!! I've trained a 13 year old animal who had never had a trainer before in her life with beautiful results. Now does it mean some of your expectations have to be lowered? Of course in some cases. Your 10 year old greyhounds are not going to be running a high intensity agility course, and their motivation for certain rewards may not be as high as it once was. They may even be more set in their ways, so progress could be slower on certain things. Repeated behavior builds confidence and insistence on that behavior. In other words, practice makes perfect, and if they have practiced a behavior a certain way for 10 years, it may take a little while to change. Plus your new relationship may take a little adjustment. However, do it just like I said. Find your most motivating reinforcer. If they are hard to motivate, use that reward ONLY for training. Make sure they aren't overweight. Start small to build confidence for all of you and definitely train a bridge. Were you looking to extinguish unwanted behaviors, train new ones or both?
Note that no matter what you are training be sure to train and keep in your back pocket behaviors that you both enjoy rehearsing. That way training is not just about work, obedience or phasing out "bad" behaviors. It's fun too. We generally only keep up well with things we enjoy to some extent. (who here has trouble with punishing exercise they don't like? I thought so.) So enjoy yourselves!! Have at it in the comments! We learn best by looking at real world situations and discussing all our viewpoints. Thanks for the great comments!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Answers and updates
For all of you who asked, Mr. Shatner was spotted entering a limo outside Hub's convention. So it isn't a big fancy story, but kind of cool anyway.
I was hoping today would be a day of family togetherness and a chance to catch up on horribly neglected housework, but alas it was not to be. E seems to have inherited another tendency of mine - popping his elbow out of its socket. Only we had no idea and worried he'd broken his fingers rolling on them in the middle of the night. The only way we slept at all was with me holding his arm steady. All night. Since nothing was open today, (isn't that always the way?) we ended up in the ER. Poor baby kept asking us to fix it. They got it done there at least, and thank God it wasn't something worse.
I really wish I could have a free week to catch up on projects, necessities and fun stuff like blogging. Ah well.
Thank God for this iPod or I'd be really disconnected. (Thanks Hub! ... And Apple. I love you both!) I just don't find it up to the task more thoughtful posts like my training ones since I have to email them in. Last time I tried Blogger on here it wouldn't work. Any tips?
Friday, September 2, 2011
Vacation Hangover
Coming down and recovering from a vacation of any sort is always a challenge. It's doubly a challenge when you've spent most of it zipping madly back and forth between family members and activities, and workdays flank leave and return time like bookends.
BUT we're returning to normal. We had a fabulous time in beautiful Canada. E enjoyed his cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents very much. William Shatner was seen, maple "weafs" were pointed out repeatedly, art was perused, and wildlife was investigated (bugs are fascinating.) Sleep has also returned to the house thanks to the emergence of one, nasty, stubborn canine. Hallelujah! There are only 3 more to go!
It's always a struggle for me to balance an exciting, busy time with the need to blog. I have such mixed feelings about it. I love when our lives are so full, yet that means when I have the extra time to write, I usually need it to decompress or hell, just sleep instead. That makes me miss blogging. I guess all in all however, that's a pretty awesome conundrum to have.
What about you guys? What things do you drop when you are busy? Would you give up sleep for blogging? Is it the main thing that recharges you?
Next up: we explore some training comments/questions left on the last training post. I want it to be an open forum, so start getting those thinking caps on. I want to do it justice, so it will be done on a day off.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Oh Canada
I had half a Tim Hortons iced cap, a few bites of Poutine, and a stroll through beautiful Toronto today. Portions due to Met belly that has been rebelling grandly at my food choices this week. Aside from that fact, I know you're jealous. Don't hate on the lucky.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Cute Baby
My boy is fast asleep beside me, and man is he precious.
Quick cute story: Hub was playing a video on you tube for E. It stopped playing for a moment (as it often does to load or when E hits the pause). Before Hub could say or do anything, E said, "Hold on!" then typed on the keyboard, jiggled the mouse and said, "OK!" Adorable parrot.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Training Questions
I had a couple of great thoughts/questions on my last post. If the ladies who posted them don't mind, I will answer them in post form so that we can hash out possibilities and learn more about training! It's always a work in progress.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Training Tutorial
Before you continue, if you want to know the theory and whys behind operant conditioning and positive reinforcement, here are Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
So... let's pretend we're going to train a dog to target to your hand. This is one of the easiest things to train and will give you confidence for more complicated behaviors. First off, we need to set up our toolbox.
Is your dog motivated at all? Is it overweight and doesn't care about food? If it is, proceed with a diet first (overseen by your vet), then continue. Remember too that you can feed in different ways or use other rewards (though they are sometimes harder to be clear with).
In your toolbox, you will need:
a reinforcer - In this case, let's say it's pieces of kibble
a bridge - we will use a clicker with the word "good" as a secondary bridge since most
can't help but say it anyway. For a more skittish animal, a quieter sound may be
needed.
knowledge - understanding of the animal's habits and when and how it will work best
ex) Is he too distracted when the whole family's home around dinner? Short
morning sessions may be best then.
a training plan - We're going to basically make one in our tutorial, but a step by step plan of how
hope to proceed builds confidence and shapes your training. It's definitely fluid
and can be modified, but as a new trainer, it's best if you have this on your side.
Later, as your skill set improves, you can do more spur of the moment training.
A planned cue - In this case, let's say it's an open palm held out to your side along with the word
"target."
Find a good place to stash your reinforcement (the kibble.) Fanny packs work nicely. You can line it with a plastic bag if you want.
And now I totally want to go back to Jen's and train the little dog to station to the carpet when the doorbell rings. It would be so much fun!
Questions? Concerns? Cries of agony? I hope to open up a post soon to training questions, difficulties, situations etc where we can all brainstorm together on how to deal with them. We can extinguish behaviors or reshape them as needed as well, but that's more advanced stuff I didn't want to get into with this first tutorial. And remember, it's all the same principle for ALL of us.... human and animal alike. We just need different tools and expectations for different individuals and situations.
So... let's pretend we're going to train a dog to target to your hand. This is one of the easiest things to train and will give you confidence for more complicated behaviors. First off, we need to set up our toolbox.
Is your dog motivated at all? Is it overweight and doesn't care about food? If it is, proceed with a diet first (overseen by your vet), then continue. Remember too that you can feed in different ways or use other rewards (though they are sometimes harder to be clear with).
In your toolbox, you will need:
a reinforcer - In this case, let's say it's pieces of kibble
a bridge - we will use a clicker with the word "good" as a secondary bridge since most
can't help but say it anyway. For a more skittish animal, a quieter sound may be
needed.
knowledge - understanding of the animal's habits and when and how it will work best
ex) Is he too distracted when the whole family's home around dinner? Short
morning sessions may be best then.
a training plan - We're going to basically make one in our tutorial, but a step by step plan of how
hope to proceed builds confidence and shapes your training. It's definitely fluid
and can be modified, but as a new trainer, it's best if you have this on your side.
Later, as your skill set improves, you can do more spur of the moment training.
A planned cue - In this case, let's say it's an open palm held out to your side along with the word
"target."
Find a good place to stash your reinforcement (the kibble.) Fanny packs work nicely. You can line it with a plastic bag if you want.
- Step 1 - Condition the bridge by going to Fido and then just click the clicker and give him a treat immediately after. Do it many times in a row, but not too many that he loses interest. When you think he may have the idea, wait until he looks down or somewhere else and click the clicker. Does he look to you for treats? If he does, you know the bridge is established. He now knows that that sound means treats and will eventually get into the "training game" and know that it means, "Yes you did the right thing!" and that a reward is coming.
- Step 2 - Hold out your hand, palm out toward Fido. He is likely to investigate it with his nose because that's what dogs do. The minute he does so, click with the other hand and then reward him with a treat. (Don't feel you have to do the reward in a great hurry. That's why we established a bridge.. to give you time to get the treat.)
- Step 3 - Repeat step 2 a few times until it seems like he's getting the idea.
- Step 4 - Now to add the verbal cue, when he touches his nose to your hand, say, "target" quickly and then click immediately. Repeat this step a few times.
- Step 5 - When you've done step 4 a few times, hold out your hand and say "target" simultaneously. When he touches his nose to your hand, click and reward.
And now I totally want to go back to Jen's and train the little dog to station to the carpet when the doorbell rings. It would be so much fun!
Questions? Concerns? Cries of agony? I hope to open up a post soon to training questions, difficulties, situations etc where we can all brainstorm together on how to deal with them. We can extinguish behaviors or reshape them as needed as well, but that's more advanced stuff I didn't want to get into with this first tutorial. And remember, it's all the same principle for ALL of us.... human and animal alike. We just need different tools and expectations for different individuals and situations.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Posting in the Comments
So lately, (as some of you can attest), I've been writing more in your comments sections than in my posts. And I think that some of this material that was prompted by your lovely thoughts should have been used to create my own lovely thoughts here... except that I have been somewhat brain dead and distracted. Therefore, I will share with you just one of those since I particularly liked the original post that spawned it.
Recently, Dresden (yay for a name!) at Creating Motherhood posted asking what you think parenting newsletters should really tell you but don't. This was my contribution:
How, although the whole newborn thing is magical, wonderful, lovely etc, you will also feel like you’ve been hit by a mack truck for a while… and then can’t stop crying that you just didn’t get hit by that truck in the right WAY. You’re a horrible accident victim. And everyone else will tell you how if you had stood just a little to the left, the truck would have creamed you SO MUCH BETTER. OK.. actually, it’s probably easier being hit by a real mack truck.
Recently, Dresden (yay for a name!) at Creating Motherhood posted asking what you think parenting newsletters should really tell you but don't. This was my contribution:
How, although the whole newborn thing is magical, wonderful, lovely etc, you will also feel like you’ve been hit by a mack truck for a while… and then can’t stop crying that you just didn’t get hit by that truck in the right WAY. You’re a horrible accident victim. And everyone else will tell you how if you had stood just a little to the left, the truck would have creamed you SO MUCH BETTER. OK.. actually, it’s probably easier being hit by a real mack truck.
Highlights
- It's a miracle! I had a fairly drama free bed time and (so far) evening! I'm going to write a few things!
- But just a few because I'm a little jealous of this alone time and need to catch up on LOTS.
- Liiike, our trip to visit relatives soon. Need some thoughts on the whole strapping the car seat to the suitcase to drive E around the airport in thing. (Jen, I know you've done this. Fess up.) Or should I just check it and take his umbrella stroller? We'll be by ourselves for the trip there.
- I've been getting decent sleep, but only because it was so horrible, I gave in and let E sleep with me for a few nights. He sleeps pretty well then and only shrieks a few times. It has to be the teeth right? He's in his crib right now and seems ok. I also wonder if it's just more separation anxiety stuff since it eases on non-daycare days. :( Way to make a Mom feel super guilty for working.
- As part of the aforementioned sleep issues, E has been requesting to fall asleep to music off and on. Usually he enjoys himself a little Jack Johnson. The Curious George movie has made him a fan. However, he also loves him some Jeopardy and dances to the theme.. especially during Final Jeopardy. Two nights ago, he was so taken with it that nothing would do for him to fall asleep to except, "SONG JEPADY! SONG JEPADY!"
- Testament to my fatigue is the fact that I was also able to sleep to "Song Jepady" on repeat approximately 1000 times before I woke up and turned it off.
- Bonus to sleeping with E for a few nights: I've found out that he full on belly giggles in his sleep. It's one of the most adorable things I've ever seen. The other night he even said, "Agin??" in between giggles just like he does when he wants us to tickle/chase/whatever him again.
- And my final cute baby thing... he can now sing all of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. He's so proud.
- I wrote half of a really nice post to Hub for our anniversary. Maybe I'll get it finished at some point.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
It's Our Anniversary All Week!
It's really only our 8th wedding anniversary the middle of this coming week, but why not celebrate for days? Since Hub is working on our real anniversary, we decided to start early with our day off together. When I came home from work last night, Hub had some of my favorite stuff from Whole Foods ready for me along with special desert that my tummy can handle! Tonight we made our way to Seasons 52 where I had a most delicious tamarind glazed turkey tenderloin skewer with vegetable couscous and green beans. Or as fancy restaurants like to say, "hericots verts," which means the exact same thing, but I guess the French just sounds so much better. I also had one of their amazing shot glass desserts. It was the sugar free cookies and cream, and I was highly impressed with the delicious non-sugar free taste.
E came with us and was less than pleased for a lot of it since his evil canines were bothering him (still coming in), and we hadn't brought any "meh-sin." He was pleased that he got to eat the Oreo from the top of my dessert though.
If you haven't yet tried Seasons 52, please do. They rotate their menu according to what's in season to use food that's as fresh as possible. They also strive to keep their food heart healthy and low calorie yet amazingly delicious. I adore it. Those of us on Metformin should probably send them a huge thank you card.
Tomorrow I post a step by step training post. I swear! If I don't do it, please hound me.
E came with us and was less than pleased for a lot of it since his evil canines were bothering him (still coming in), and we hadn't brought any "meh-sin." He was pleased that he got to eat the Oreo from the top of my dessert though.
If you haven't yet tried Seasons 52, please do. They rotate their menu according to what's in season to use food that's as fresh as possible. They also strive to keep their food heart healthy and low calorie yet amazingly delicious. I adore it. Those of us on Metformin should probably send them a huge thank you card.
Tomorrow I post a step by step training post. I swear! If I don't do it, please hound me.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
For whatever reason - be it being busy, other worries, fatigue or just plain apathy, I'm not that interested in writing right now. I'm worried about the state of our political system and planning some trips. I'm also, after seeing the last Harry Potter and finding it brilliant, immersed in re-reading the series. I'd forgotten how much I liked The Prisoner of Azkaban.
Oh. And my baby is a full fledged gabbering toddler. Loving it.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Thoughts in my head right now
Harry Potter movie rocked!
I'm going to re-read all the books
Baby, 30 mins is NOT a nap when you only slept 9 hrs last night. PLEASE GO TO SLEEP.
Mommy obviously needs a nap too.
There is so much to be done today that is not going to happen. Sigh
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Cut From the Same Cloth
I get my hormonal wackiness honestly. My paternal Grandmother attempted to conceive her first child for 5 years before any success, and then she had a few other bumps in the road upon conceiving her next three. My Mother's side of the family is riddled with PCOS, endometriosis and thyroid disease of all sorts. It's a wonder any of us conceive at all. I guess sometimes it's a bonus that I hail from a place where people have their babies early. Otherwise, many of us may not even be here.
But I digress. My Mother was not immune to these issues. She has adenomyosis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (like me.) I wouldn't be surprised if there were other problems lurking in there. If she hadn't had me so young, there likely would have been no babies for her. She has had multiple surgeries and deals with emotional and physical symptoms from both disorders.
The problem with adenomyosis is that much like PCOS, it is not well understood or supported. Her doctors' main fix is to give her a hysterectomy which, sure, would ease the pain related to it, but not take away many of the other problems she suffers due to such a hormonal dysfunction. She's going through a particularly rough patch recently, and I just want her to have help. Does anyone out there have adenomyosis or know enough about it to recommend an online support group, book, or research that could help her?
I would appreciate it so much. She deserves a break.
But I digress. My Mother was not immune to these issues. She has adenomyosis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (like me.) I wouldn't be surprised if there were other problems lurking in there. If she hadn't had me so young, there likely would have been no babies for her. She has had multiple surgeries and deals with emotional and physical symptoms from both disorders.
The problem with adenomyosis is that much like PCOS, it is not well understood or supported. Her doctors' main fix is to give her a hysterectomy which, sure, would ease the pain related to it, but not take away many of the other problems she suffers due to such a hormonal dysfunction. She's going through a particularly rough patch recently, and I just want her to have help. Does anyone out there have adenomyosis or know enough about it to recommend an online support group, book, or research that could help her?
I would appreciate it so much. She deserves a break.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Druggie Update
Now that E is finally settling back into a sort of routine following our lovely family visit, I thought I'd catch you up on what's been going on with me treatment wise...
- After that initial little bout of discomfort on the Metformin, my body is doing amazingly well! Even when I've had the occasional sweet or carb, I haven't responded in a crazy way. I don't know if it's because I started on the XR and not the regular this time (last time I switched), but it's been awesome.
- I'm still having crashes after meals and such, but I'm not up to my full dose yet. Since I'm a pansy, I went to 750 mg between the 500 and 1000. The therapeutic dose that got me E was the 1000mg/day.
- Interestingly enough, the awful joint pain that I figured had to be the start of some nasty arthritis has eased with the start of the Met. It eased so slowly that I didn't really think about it until tonight when I sat cross legged for an hour and could still walk straight afterward! (Note: PCOS contributes to joint pain. Nice. Gotta love that beyotch)
- I'm already feeling more emotionally stable again. It's so amazing the difference when my thyroid and PCOS are under control. I then understand why "normal" people are so aghast at some of my emotional issues.
- Read research that said while diet and exercise are the most beneficial therapy for many PCOSers, that they are most beneficial for those with a more out of whack BMI and that those already doing moderate exercise, eating fairly well and with an ok BMI see the least benefit. HAH! So there. (Can you tell I'm a little insecure about the fact that I can't keep it under control with diet and exercise?)
- Concerned about some research pointing to a decrease in the ability to absorb Vitamin B12 and folic acid when on Metformin that can lead to all kinds of problems. I plan to address this with Endo and was wondering if any of you had dealt with or heard about this?
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tired Mean Mama
Dear people who make prolonged and unnecessary noise outside my son's window after midnight,
Pray you never meet me in a dark alley. (turn the loud jalopy off already!)
Yours,
Tired mama who just got him to sleep and is disturbed by your rudeness herself.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Of Sleep and more Not Blogging
Things E requires to sleep:
Full tummy
No change in routine
No distress
His Pooh lovey (unwashed)*
White noise
Night light
Seahorse (thank you thank you Elizabeth)
The right prep
The right temp and the clothes of his choosing.
No "ghosts" (new appearing tonight)
Full tummy
No change in routine
No distress
His Pooh lovey (unwashed)*
White noise
Night light
Seahorse (thank you thank you Elizabeth)
The right prep
The right temp and the clothes of his choosing.
No "ghosts" (new appearing tonight)
Starting to think we are lucky we even get the weeks when he says, "I can nap?" goes right down and sleeps through. We still co sleep occasionally... Like tonight.
*made the huge mistake of washing Pooh in a detergent load tonight when I usually use Eco nuts or no scent stuff. He kept throwing him down and crying hard, "Poooh!! Are you??? POOH." Mommy epic fail.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Thanks for the Support and A Bad Blogger excuse
Well... two doses in and I'm already feeling some of the effects of the Met. I have to remember that the last two times I was on it, the name of the game was strictly restricting diet in the beginning, slowly tapering up the dose and adding foods back in slowly and gently as time went on.
Many of you mentioned the scariness of cholesterol/triglyceride lowering drugs, and it worries me too. I'd like to know more if you have info. But you're right Panamahat. It is kind of a tricky thing. Who wants side effects, but who wants heart disease either? Especially when one side of your family has a habit of kicking it in their sixties from heart issues and the other side has a habit of needing cholesterol and/or triglyceride lowering medications... to the point of, "you're going to fall over dead if you don't do this despite your eating cardboard and running triathalons (literally) for a year." So that's why I'm hoping dealing with the PCOS is the main issue. The drug my Doctor mentioned was a "Fibrate." Has anyone had experiences with them? I hear they are not as "bad" as statins.
Congratulations Jen for your success on Metformin! I just started up taking it again yesterday. It was a long 3 months of adjustment (see earlier treatments posts if you want to read my whining) last time before I felt good. But when I felt good, I felt awesome! I felt the best I had in years, and my blood levels showed it.
Thanks for the cheerleading all! I wanted to write this post and thank you, but also let you know that things will be spotty for a bit while we entertain family! I know. It's awesome.
Many of you mentioned the scariness of cholesterol/triglyceride lowering drugs, and it worries me too. I'd like to know more if you have info. But you're right Panamahat. It is kind of a tricky thing. Who wants side effects, but who wants heart disease either? Especially when one side of your family has a habit of kicking it in their sixties from heart issues and the other side has a habit of needing cholesterol and/or triglyceride lowering medications... to the point of, "you're going to fall over dead if you don't do this despite your eating cardboard and running triathalons (literally) for a year." So that's why I'm hoping dealing with the PCOS is the main issue. The drug my Doctor mentioned was a "Fibrate." Has anyone had experiences with them? I hear they are not as "bad" as statins.
Congratulations Jen for your success on Metformin! I just started up taking it again yesterday. It was a long 3 months of adjustment (see earlier treatments posts if you want to read my whining) last time before I felt good. But when I felt good, I felt awesome! I felt the best I had in years, and my blood levels showed it.
Thanks for the cheerleading all! I wanted to write this post and thank you, but also let you know that things will be spotty for a bit while we entertain family! I know. It's awesome.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Letters to Babybutt
Dear E,
Your new pooping time of at precisely the beginning of nap time is a little inconvenient. Interesting though is Mommy's ability to smell it through your closed door. I'm not sure if this is a testament to Mommy's skill or your stinky-ness.
Love you,
M
Your new pooping time of at precisely the beginning of nap time is a little inconvenient. Interesting though is Mommy's ability to smell it through your closed door. I'm not sure if this is a testament to Mommy's skill or your stinky-ness.
Love you,
M
She's Baaaack
OK, so she was never really gone, but we are starting to see more and more PCOS related changes in my blood work again. Most notably, while my cholesterol levels are reflecting dietary changes by being annoyingly out of whack as opposed to "let's put you on medication" screwiness, my triglycerides have not obliged. They are beyond "semi-high" and trucking for the border. They're overachievers those triglycerides. I've done the diet and exercise thing and only ever seen "better" with it and not "optimal." I'm tired of trying so hard. At this point it's go on triglyceride lowering drugs or look to PCOS as the culprit and manage that first. Since I've also been having my "crashes" in the morning and my newly regular cycles seem to be lengthening, after visiting Endo today (have I mentioned that I love them there?) we've decided to go the way of Metformin again. We always knew this would probably be the case, and in a way I'm relieved, but oh man, here we go on the food roller coaster.
I had been annoyed lately by a stubborn 10+ pounds (I lost 2 on my diet fix) that wouldn't go away (another PCOS crapper), but now I'm thinking I should keep all the "skinny" clothes since last time I got down to high school weight from being so sick in the beginning on Met. That time I had the willpower to do it as one of my last resorts for getting pregnant and staying healthy. This time it's one of my last resorts so I don't travel the same tragic heart health road as family members before me. Wish me luck!
I had been annoyed lately by a stubborn 10+ pounds (I lost 2 on my diet fix) that wouldn't go away (another PCOS crapper), but now I'm thinking I should keep all the "skinny" clothes since last time I got down to high school weight from being so sick in the beginning on Met. That time I had the willpower to do it as one of my last resorts for getting pregnant and staying healthy. This time it's one of my last resorts so I don't travel the same tragic heart health road as family members before me. Wish me luck!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Potty Adventures
We always let the baby run "nakey" after his bath. He was stooping and bending a lot, but I didn't think much of it. We had one little "pee pee" incident before I saw him get into position. The bad news is that one made it to the carpet. The good news is that when I ran him to the potty, he finished going on it!*
*Side note: He's been telling us a lot now when he has to "poo" and almost every time he's "Tinky" or has "Poop dipey." As he said to Hub the other day, "Poop go away!"
*Side note: He's been telling us a lot now when he has to "poo" and almost every time he's "Tinky" or has "Poop dipey." As he said to Hub the other day, "Poop go away!"
Intelligence or Bad Parenting? Companion Post
The ever witty Jen posted this about the ever amusing Elizabeth on her blog today, and I could immediately relate. So here is my version of that story:
Recently I noticed that almost every time I put my hand on E's head from the front seat (he's still rear facing), he says, "FWIES?" "Fwies" descend from that direction when he's having a snack attack. He also says it when he notices any fast food type establishment out the window.
Sometimes E gets very hungry in the car, and golgish, chos and stwabees just don't cut it.
I experience the same confusion as Jen and don't know whether I should relate this story of my son's knowledge proudly or sweep it under the rug. You'd never know I regularly cook and freeze healthy food for my son's daycare.
Recently I noticed that almost every time I put my hand on E's head from the front seat (he's still rear facing), he says, "FWIES?" "Fwies" descend from that direction when he's having a snack attack. He also says it when he notices any fast food type establishment out the window.
Sometimes E gets very hungry in the car, and golgish, chos and stwabees just don't cut it.
I experience the same confusion as Jen and don't know whether I should relate this story of my son's knowledge proudly or sweep it under the rug. You'd never know I regularly cook and freeze healthy food for my son's daycare.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Summer Camp Day 17 - Weekends!
Day 17 – What is your favorite thing about the weekend? Do you take a break from blogs or is this when you catch up?
My favorite thing about the weekend is most definitely our family time. It's so much fun to just play. I hate that we only have one day off together as a family unit. E seems to live for that day.
Obviously I catch up on blogs (if you read this) only on weekends at night or when E is napping. I'm out of the house for about 12 hours a day on work days and then with the scramble of bedtime and getting ready for work/daycare time, I get very little blogging in. I've learned to let that stuff go and go back to basics when I needed to. Trying to get as much done as I used to was starting to cause some break downish stuff, so I re-prioritized.
My favorite thing about the weekend is most definitely our family time. It's so much fun to just play. I hate that we only have one day off together as a family unit. E seems to live for that day.
Obviously I catch up on blogs (if you read this) only on weekends at night or when E is napping. I'm out of the house for about 12 hours a day on work days and then with the scramble of bedtime and getting ready for work/daycare time, I get very little blogging in. I've learned to let that stuff go and go back to basics when I needed to. Trying to get as much done as I used to was starting to cause some break downish stuff, so I re-prioritized.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Summer Camp Day 15 - Still behind the game
I'm still catching up on summer camp posts after the day for which they are intended but what the heck!
Day 15 – What was your college experience like? Were you involved in any clubs, groups, etc? If you did not go to college what was your experience like after high school?
My college experience was stressful and wonderful and enlightening and comfortable. My family did not have much money, so it was on me to get loans and scholarships when applying for college. Luckily I did well academically and was involved in a lot of extra-curricular activities, so I scored a few financial prizes from my high school, some great aid from the state of Pennsylvania (they had one of the best systems then - not so much in this economy), and some aid/loans from Federal student aid. I landed on my final school of choice for so many reasons but one of the biggest incentives was an academic scholarship of close to $10,000 a year. (Woot!) The downside to that was that I had to manage a 3.5 GPA for my entire school career to keep the scholarship - hence the stress and anxiety part of my experience. Organic chemistry did not want me to keep my money. Organic chemistry is a bastard if you did not know. He will suck you dry.
But enough about that. I went to a small, private school that was large compared to my 64 person graduating class in high school. The campus was absolutely beautiful and surrounded by my sweet PA mountains and countryside. It was Catholic, so we had a gorgeous yet comfy little chapel on grounds and lots of priests and brothers walking around. It was also the most comfortable I've ever felt with the Catholic faith. It was ok to disagree at my school as long as you weren't breaking school rules. It was ok if you were another faith, and in fact, other faiths were welcome to join church services if desired. It was a liberal arts college and experience in every single sense of that phrase. I adored it.
I majored in Biology/Environmental Science and learned so much. Outdoor labs and fieldwork were my absolute favorite experience. There are so many aspects of my education I don't use now that I would love to go back to using.
Some high school classmates also attended the school, so I had built in friends. However, I usually hung out with other Bio students. We geeked out over all kinds of sciency stuff. We also did our share of attending the local bar and frat parties, but we were never hard core partiers... too geeky. ;-) I made a few lifelong friends and spent a long time mooning over Hub and the distance between us. I felt much more accepted and strong than I ever felt in high school. I felt the world was my oyster.
As I've noted in this blog before, years later I went on to take a few Master's level classes in my attempt to get a Conservation Biology graduate certificate. I didn't finish because I got pregnant with E. I'll finish if the mood strikes. Right now I'm having too much fun with this project. Anyway, I found grad school incredibly stimulating, brain prodding and different from undergrad. There was a lot more treating us as colleagues and a lot less lecturing at the students. There was also a lot more emphasis on understanding critical thinking and how to find our answers rather than memorization and emphasis on test scores. It was a fabulous way to learn. It was really hard, but it was also an amazing experience. I recommend that anyone who loves the school experience in any way should try at least one graduate level course in something that stimulates them.
ETA: Clubs!? Oops. OK, I was a chairperson for the Student Activities Organization, a member of the Biological Honor Society, President of an Environmental Awareness Association, a tutor, a school van driver for pick ups at the train stations, mall runs etc, and I had work study as a lab assistant. I also worked part time in retail for about 15-20 hours a week. Talk about stretched for time as I carried 17-20 credits every semester except the last! (where I only carried 14. Woot!)
Day 15 – What was your college experience like? Were you involved in any clubs, groups, etc? If you did not go to college what was your experience like after high school?
My college experience was stressful and wonderful and enlightening and comfortable. My family did not have much money, so it was on me to get loans and scholarships when applying for college. Luckily I did well academically and was involved in a lot of extra-curricular activities, so I scored a few financial prizes from my high school, some great aid from the state of Pennsylvania (they had one of the best systems then - not so much in this economy), and some aid/loans from Federal student aid. I landed on my final school of choice for so many reasons but one of the biggest incentives was an academic scholarship of close to $10,000 a year. (Woot!) The downside to that was that I had to manage a 3.5 GPA for my entire school career to keep the scholarship - hence the stress and anxiety part of my experience. Organic chemistry did not want me to keep my money. Organic chemistry is a bastard if you did not know. He will suck you dry.
But enough about that. I went to a small, private school that was large compared to my 64 person graduating class in high school. The campus was absolutely beautiful and surrounded by my sweet PA mountains and countryside. It was Catholic, so we had a gorgeous yet comfy little chapel on grounds and lots of priests and brothers walking around. It was also the most comfortable I've ever felt with the Catholic faith. It was ok to disagree at my school as long as you weren't breaking school rules. It was ok if you were another faith, and in fact, other faiths were welcome to join church services if desired. It was a liberal arts college and experience in every single sense of that phrase. I adored it.
I majored in Biology/Environmental Science and learned so much. Outdoor labs and fieldwork were my absolute favorite experience. There are so many aspects of my education I don't use now that I would love to go back to using.
Some high school classmates also attended the school, so I had built in friends. However, I usually hung out with other Bio students. We geeked out over all kinds of sciency stuff. We also did our share of attending the local bar and frat parties, but we were never hard core partiers... too geeky. ;-) I made a few lifelong friends and spent a long time mooning over Hub and the distance between us. I felt much more accepted and strong than I ever felt in high school. I felt the world was my oyster.
As I've noted in this blog before, years later I went on to take a few Master's level classes in my attempt to get a Conservation Biology graduate certificate. I didn't finish because I got pregnant with E. I'll finish if the mood strikes. Right now I'm having too much fun with this project. Anyway, I found grad school incredibly stimulating, brain prodding and different from undergrad. There was a lot more treating us as colleagues and a lot less lecturing at the students. There was also a lot more emphasis on understanding critical thinking and how to find our answers rather than memorization and emphasis on test scores. It was a fabulous way to learn. It was really hard, but it was also an amazing experience. I recommend that anyone who loves the school experience in any way should try at least one graduate level course in something that stimulates them.
ETA: Clubs!? Oops. OK, I was a chairperson for the Student Activities Organization, a member of the Biological Honor Society, President of an Environmental Awareness Association, a tutor, a school van driver for pick ups at the train stations, mall runs etc, and I had work study as a lab assistant. I also worked part time in retail for about 15-20 hours a week. Talk about stretched for time as I carried 17-20 credits every semester except the last! (where I only carried 14. Woot!)
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Summer Camp Day 14
Day 14– How do you typically dress to run errands? Do you think bloggers dress better or worse than “regular people”?
If they are really run around errands to my usual non fancy haunts, I often just dress in capris or linen pants and a t-shirt. I don't wear shorts too much anymore. I don't find myself that attractive in them unless they are the longer kind. I'm grateful for all those years that I actually looked good (though I didn't appreciate it to the fullest I should have) in those shorter shorts. Now I don't have to feel like I'm missing out.
If I'm going somewhere slightly nicer, a lunch or an appointment, I may throw on a sundress or jeans or khakis and once of my few nicer tops. I can't seem to get the last 10-15 pounds (I'll settle for 10... please) off, and on top of that, the hips and girls are a bit more extroverted than they used to be so I am definitely suffering for clothing.
I think answering the blogger question is very difficult because we are all SO very different. Some of us dress professionally for work and are dressed nicely be default when we run errands. Some of us work from home and may not want or have the time to throw on something more than our lounge pants and a t-shirt. And some of us do grimy work and just pray no one is standing too close to us in the check out line of the grocery store. (Why do they INSIST on doing that? What? No, not me! I'm not grimy! What was I saying?) What's more, depending on how you have to look for work or home or whatever, you may thrive on dressing up or ache to dress down when you have more of a choice.
Join the rest of us in Calliope's Summer Camp in the Blogosphere!
If they are really run around errands to my usual non fancy haunts, I often just dress in capris or linen pants and a t-shirt. I don't wear shorts too much anymore. I don't find myself that attractive in them unless they are the longer kind. I'm grateful for all those years that I actually looked good (though I didn't appreciate it to the fullest I should have) in those shorter shorts. Now I don't have to feel like I'm missing out.
If I'm going somewhere slightly nicer, a lunch or an appointment, I may throw on a sundress or jeans or khakis and once of my few nicer tops. I can't seem to get the last 10-15 pounds (I'll settle for 10... please) off, and on top of that, the hips and girls are a bit more extroverted than they used to be so I am definitely suffering for clothing.
I think answering the blogger question is very difficult because we are all SO very different. Some of us dress professionally for work and are dressed nicely be default when we run errands. Some of us work from home and may not want or have the time to throw on something more than our lounge pants and a t-shirt. And some of us do grimy work and just pray no one is standing too close to us in the check out line of the grocery store. (Why do they INSIST on doing that? What? No, not me! I'm not grimy! What was I saying?) What's more, depending on how you have to look for work or home or whatever, you may thrive on dressing up or ache to dress down when you have more of a choice.
Join the rest of us in Calliope's Summer Camp in the Blogosphere!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Placeholder - Training in Action! (Finally!)
Hold onto your hats. This space is reserved for the next post in which we FINALLY get going on implementing an actual training plan! It's so much fun, I promise you! If you want to get caught up on the info click the following:
Positive Reinforcement and how it works Part 1
Positive Reinforcement and how it works Part 2
Positive Reinforcement Part 3 - Setting yourself up for Success
Positive Reinforcement and how it works Part 1
Positive Reinforcement and how it works Part 2
Positive Reinforcement Part 3 - Setting yourself up for Success
Summer Camp Day 11 - All in the Family
Day 11– How are you different from your parents? How are you the same? Do your parents and/or family know that you write on-line?
(Note: I was going to do the recipe day, but then just never got around to the work it would require. I'd be sorry except that instead of doing that, I spent a lot of time running around with the baby and getting kisses, so I'm not sorry. :)
I look most like my Mom except that I have my Dad's eye shape and complexion (damn it.) My Mom and I are both short, petite brunettes. We have the same smile, sharp bone structure and laugh. I even heard my Grandma's guffaw come out of my mouth the other night. I have hijacked a lot of my Mom's mannerisms and figures of speech as well. In behavior though, I often think of myself as a tempered version of my mother. I lived with her most of the time growing up and was more influenced by her worldview. If you knew her, you'd know she is full force. When she's angry, she's angry. When she's upset, you worry for her level of desolation. When she is indignant, the unfortunate offender will hear about it gall darn it! I picked up some of that, but have it tempered with my Dad's tendency to analyze a bit more first and to seek the path of non-violence in all things. The things that I picked up from my Mom in spades though are a sense of obligation to others, a despair at unfairness and inequality, an obnoxious need to question myself in all things and a desire to make the world right. I share with both of them an intense love of all life. They just express it and experience it in vastly different ways from one another. I'm very fortunate to have had such disparate lessons from both sides of my equally loving families.
My closest family knows I have an anonymous blog. One of them reads it (Hi H!). I wish she'd write a blog everyone else could read besides family because I know everyone would enjoy it. I suspect some others may have found it, but if they have, they haven't mentioned it. I'd like to keep it that way. I don't think my Mom's side would even try to (and some wouldn't even know how to) look for it. There are a few close friends from my non-online life who know of this blog specifically but two I think who really read it. (Hi K! Hi R!)
(Note: I was going to do the recipe day, but then just never got around to the work it would require. I'd be sorry except that instead of doing that, I spent a lot of time running around with the baby and getting kisses, so I'm not sorry. :)
I look most like my Mom except that I have my Dad's eye shape and complexion (damn it.) My Mom and I are both short, petite brunettes. We have the same smile, sharp bone structure and laugh. I even heard my Grandma's guffaw come out of my mouth the other night. I have hijacked a lot of my Mom's mannerisms and figures of speech as well. In behavior though, I often think of myself as a tempered version of my mother. I lived with her most of the time growing up and was more influenced by her worldview. If you knew her, you'd know she is full force. When she's angry, she's angry. When she's upset, you worry for her level of desolation. When she is indignant, the unfortunate offender will hear about it gall darn it! I picked up some of that, but have it tempered with my Dad's tendency to analyze a bit more first and to seek the path of non-violence in all things. The things that I picked up from my Mom in spades though are a sense of obligation to others, a despair at unfairness and inequality, an obnoxious need to question myself in all things and a desire to make the world right. I share with both of them an intense love of all life. They just express it and experience it in vastly different ways from one another. I'm very fortunate to have had such disparate lessons from both sides of my equally loving families.
My closest family knows I have an anonymous blog. One of them reads it (Hi H!). I wish she'd write a blog everyone else could read besides family because I know everyone would enjoy it. I suspect some others may have found it, but if they have, they haven't mentioned it. I'd like to keep it that way. I don't think my Mom's side would even try to (and some wouldn't even know how to) look for it. There are a few close friends from my non-online life who know of this blog specifically but two I think who really read it. (Hi K! Hi R!)
Sunday, July 10, 2011
A Life Reconsidered (ongoing)
I want to work more on my writing. I want to hone skills grown shabby and learn skills I never mastered. I don't regret the path I took. Conservation, science and wildlife biology are a passion just like writing, and I've lived the adventures on which it has taken me. But what I've let slide does sadden me some.
It won't be a quick thing or an easy one. My family takes precedence right now, and I must perform well at my full time job. I must figure out where I can learn what I need to. I have a pretty decent grasp of the fundamentals, but oh the beyond...
And I must conquer my fear of putting myself out there, of letting others know me, of hearing criticism. When did that happen? There was a time when I was fierce in my ambition and need to learn and improve. I wanted to take the world by storm... BE somebody, make a difference. While I believe I gave accomplished much and have made a difference, somehow the ambition has wavered. The focus has blurred, and the fear and timidity have grown. It would be fine if the ambition had gone away completely, but it hasn't. It's still floating around in there but lacking direction and resolve.
I love my current job, but it's no longer a prominent passion. I never believed I would say that. The time for moving on is coming for so many reasons. I've been feeling for a long time that I wasn't growing as I feel I need to in my work and all the changes I've made in the past few years hasn't really changed that. And since the birth of E, my position in my work life almost feels... Juvenile, despite my love it. My position as mother has trumped all else and given me a kick in the pants for other parts of my life.
Now this is obviously a very self involved ramble meant to help me work through my own thoughts (like most of this blog), but I would sincerely welcome any and all points, considerations and ideas thrown my way.
Xo
Me
Friday, July 8, 2011
Godspeed Atlantis
15 shuttle launches viewed from the home base.
1 launch viewed from the coast.
4 returning booms that caused us to go wide eyed (at the least) every. Darn. Time.
Countless hours spent watching manned space flight on TV.
One last flight watched and cheered as we hope that we will someday again attain these heights.
So many hopes and best wishes for Brevard County, Fl as they work through this time of economic turmoil.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Letters to Babybutt (to read when you are older)
My Dearest baby,
It seems you have inherited much of Mommy's sensitivity, empathy and affectionate nature. There are so many positives to those traits, and we are delighted that you love hugging us, being with us and seem to so fully care how other living things feel. As you pet an animal you always say, "Nicey, nicey!" and do it so gently. It's amazing for an 18 month old.
But with the up side comes the down, and I want you to understand how to manage it. Things will affect you more often and more strongly than the way in which other people will feel them. I'm both glad and sorry for that. It will sometimes be harder to turn off your brain and get to sleep. It will sometimes be harder to turn off your brain and remember the good. Scary movies can be your enemy as can the nightly news. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people. The others don't matter. Oh yes, I know they matter in a human sense, but they don't matter enough to give them any part of your precious self. And you are definitely so precious. Believe that. Own it. You are an amazing human being who can feel empathy for others but yet not expend all your own energy doing so.
It's going to be difficult so many times. But when it is difficult, please go to your happy place. If you need to grieve, do it and don't be hard on yourself. Once you grieve, remember the circle of people who will always always be standing behind you. I will be with you forever E. And even though I am your Mommy, know that I speak the truth regardless. Your sweetness and sensitivity are a gorgeous asset. They are very powerful conduits for change and creativity. You can use them well and know that you deserve all the best.
Even though you may not think it as you grow up, I've been there and know how you feel. I remind myself daily now that the times you have difficulty sleeping, or separating from Mommy are so similar to how I was as a child (and still am in many ways). I was so attached to my Mommy, your grandma, as a 3 year old that she had to have me tuck my hand in her back pocket while she mowed the lawn. I didn't want to be away from her, and she wanted me to be safe from the mower. Even if it took her an hour, I stuck with her the entire time. I feel that we are like that E. We are buddies. We have lots of love. The difference between your childhood and mine is that you have both a Mommy and a Daddy cheering you on equally as a strong, loving unit. And Daddy can teach you even more ways to respect and protect yourself while remaining a caring human being. He's better at that part, I'm better at the nurturing. We share our strengths. We are a family, and we will stay that way.
Love always,
M
It seems you have inherited much of Mommy's sensitivity, empathy and affectionate nature. There are so many positives to those traits, and we are delighted that you love hugging us, being with us and seem to so fully care how other living things feel. As you pet an animal you always say, "Nicey, nicey!" and do it so gently. It's amazing for an 18 month old.
But with the up side comes the down, and I want you to understand how to manage it. Things will affect you more often and more strongly than the way in which other people will feel them. I'm both glad and sorry for that. It will sometimes be harder to turn off your brain and get to sleep. It will sometimes be harder to turn off your brain and remember the good. Scary movies can be your enemy as can the nightly news. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people. The others don't matter. Oh yes, I know they matter in a human sense, but they don't matter enough to give them any part of your precious self. And you are definitely so precious. Believe that. Own it. You are an amazing human being who can feel empathy for others but yet not expend all your own energy doing so.
It's going to be difficult so many times. But when it is difficult, please go to your happy place. If you need to grieve, do it and don't be hard on yourself. Once you grieve, remember the circle of people who will always always be standing behind you. I will be with you forever E. And even though I am your Mommy, know that I speak the truth regardless. Your sweetness and sensitivity are a gorgeous asset. They are very powerful conduits for change and creativity. You can use them well and know that you deserve all the best.
Even though you may not think it as you grow up, I've been there and know how you feel. I remind myself daily now that the times you have difficulty sleeping, or separating from Mommy are so similar to how I was as a child (and still am in many ways). I was so attached to my Mommy, your grandma, as a 3 year old that she had to have me tuck my hand in her back pocket while she mowed the lawn. I didn't want to be away from her, and she wanted me to be safe from the mower. Even if it took her an hour, I stuck with her the entire time. I feel that we are like that E. We are buddies. We have lots of love. The difference between your childhood and mine is that you have both a Mommy and a Daddy cheering you on equally as a strong, loving unit. And Daddy can teach you even more ways to respect and protect yourself while remaining a caring human being. He's better at that part, I'm better at the nurturing. We share our strengths. We are a family, and we will stay that way.
Love always,
M
Summer Camp Day 7 - Foods!
Day 7– What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Do you read food blogs or would you ever consider writing one?
For breakfast there's nothing I enjoy more than some sausage gravy and home fries. Since meat and potatoes were two of a very small selection of foods I could enjoy while pregnant, this was a favorite. (Who am I kidding? It's always a favorite!) Technically, I don't eat and don't even like sausage. But for some reason, put it in some white gravy, and I go nuts.
For lunch hmm... I think I'd have to say that lunch is highly variable for me, and I like it that way. I work outside a lot, so my favorite thing is very dependent on the kind of weather in which I find myself. In hot weather, I love something fruit based or delicious chicken salad with a good Italian dressing. In cold weather, I prefer something like potato soup. (sensing a pattern with the potatoes?)
For dinner a favorite go to meal is a veggie or chicken soy based Asian dish. I don't much care which one. They're all delicious, though two of my regular favorites include Szechuan chicken and Mu Shu vegetable. I also love a good veggie pad thai or Filipino sinigang. My favorite meal of my family's is ham pot pie (except I don't eat the ham.) And no, this isn't a meat pie. In case you didn't know, that's a different thing altogether. This is pot pie... ingredients... dough... in a pot... on the stove. Pot pie. Homemade thick noodles and potatoes (shocker!) in a flavorful broth. Mmmmmmm.
I occasionally read food blogs. I adore food and love learning new recipes and looking at the beautiful photos of beautiful deliciousness. The only one I read regularly is Pioneer Woman's cooking section. Every single recipe I have tried of hers has been heavenly. And no, I would never food blog. I do not have the patience in the slightest. Nor do I have the time.
Join Calliope's Summer Camp in the Blogosphere to play along!
For breakfast there's nothing I enjoy more than some sausage gravy and home fries. Since meat and potatoes were two of a very small selection of foods I could enjoy while pregnant, this was a favorite. (Who am I kidding? It's always a favorite!) Technically, I don't eat and don't even like sausage. But for some reason, put it in some white gravy, and I go nuts.
For lunch hmm... I think I'd have to say that lunch is highly variable for me, and I like it that way. I work outside a lot, so my favorite thing is very dependent on the kind of weather in which I find myself. In hot weather, I love something fruit based or delicious chicken salad with a good Italian dressing. In cold weather, I prefer something like potato soup. (sensing a pattern with the potatoes?)
For dinner a favorite go to meal is a veggie or chicken soy based Asian dish. I don't much care which one. They're all delicious, though two of my regular favorites include Szechuan chicken and Mu Shu vegetable. I also love a good veggie pad thai or Filipino sinigang. My favorite meal of my family's is ham pot pie (except I don't eat the ham.) And no, this isn't a meat pie. In case you didn't know, that's a different thing altogether. This is pot pie... ingredients... dough... in a pot... on the stove. Pot pie. Homemade thick noodles and potatoes (shocker!) in a flavorful broth. Mmmmmmm.
I occasionally read food blogs. I adore food and love learning new recipes and looking at the beautiful photos of beautiful deliciousness. The only one I read regularly is Pioneer Woman's cooking section. Every single recipe I have tried of hers has been heavenly. And no, I would never food blog. I do not have the patience in the slightest. Nor do I have the time.
Join Calliope's Summer Camp in the Blogosphere to play along!
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