Category: Babies
Posted by Jennifer Mrozowski on Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 1:03 PMHistory being made
On the day of Sen. Barack Obama's historic speech accepting the nomination for President of the United States, Madeleine wouldn't go to sleep. I just didn't get it. I wanted to watch the speech, as I intended to do with all the big convention speeches for the Dems and Republicans, and it wasn't exactly convenient that I was about to be holding a super squealy six-month-old (who has just found the volume control on her voice box) for an hour while trying to hear the words of the first African-American accepting his party's nomination for America's top spot.
Then I thought, why not let her be a part of this important moment in history? So I got out the camera and started snapping, and we took it all in together. In retrospect, I'm so glad she stayed up so I was able to document it. Years from now when we are sitting around the dining room table talking about world affairs, I'll tell her about Sen. Obama's historic run for the presidency the year she was born. And I'll tell her it was the same year that the first woman, Sen. Hillary Clinton, almost got that nomination. And I'll add that it was the first time the Republicans nominated a woman, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, for their vice-presidential spot. Wow!
This is certainly an election year to behold, one that shows so much promise for the future. Having such a momentous speech interrupted by a few dozen baby squeals made it all the more meaningful.
Category: Sex
Posted by Dianna Gutierrez on Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 9:46 AMPalin pregnancy offers up another opportunity to talk sex
As you all know by now, Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin announced this week that her 17-year old daughter was pregnant. Of course, I cringed at the thought of yet another high-profile teen pregnancy. But rather than take the low road and criticize, I am using this as another opportunity to continue an open dialogue on sex.
According to Stayteen.org, the Unites States has more teen pregnancies than any other country in the world as 750,000 teen girls get pregnant each year. And half of teens never think about how a pregnancy would affect their lives.
Whether you promote abstinence or contraception in your household, it all starts with having an open and honest dialogue with your kids. Yes, it can be embarrassing and awkward, but if you don't start the conversation they are going to seek out facts from other sources that may not be accurate.
Here are some questions to help get you started:
- Have you heard about Sarah Palin's daughter?
- What do you think about a 17-year old mother?
- How do you think a baby will change her life?
- Do you ever think about how a baby may change your life?
- Do you know what to do to prevent pregnancy?
It's always best to ask open-ended questions so you are not getting just a yes or no response. You want to make sure you are inviting a good discussion. If for some reason you are shocked at what your teen says, take a deep breath and think about the words that come out of your mouth. An angry response may result in the end of the discussion for the time being or forever. Keep in mind that if they are asking you about sex, it does not necessarily mean they are having sex.
Category: Babies
Posted by Melanie Weber on Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 4:18 PMOne year down with many more to come
We made it through the first year with our precious Sadie. It's truly amazing how much babies grow in such a short period of time. It seems like just yesterday that we brought her home from the hospital, but when reflecting back on the year, I can't imagine life before her.
Watching her play, tease and enjoy each and every moment of life as she explores and develops has been a miraculous feeling of satisfaction. Each and every day with her is a new adventure. We've been extremely fortunate to be able to work from home this year and be able to be with her as she reaches each new milestone. I couldn't imagine it any other way.
How do parents juggle their time between work, household chores and their children without missing out?
Category: School
Posted by Dianna Gutierrez on Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 9:07 AMSeventh grade starts a new chapter for niece
My niece started her first day of the seventh grade yesterday. This past week she had been feeling excited and nervous about the start of school. She was excited to reunite with friends she was not able to see over the summer break; and, she was nervous at the thought of being in the seventh grade.
I was a little worried because I did not follow through on my plan to start her school sleep schedule earlier and was sure she would not want to get out of bed. But she popped out of bed without complaint, ate breakfast and was ready to go well before her scheduled departure time. Before I knew it, she was out the door and on her way to school. No complaints, no looking back.
I was eager to hear how her first day was going to turn out. Happily, it seemed to be a success as she arrived home very bouncy and very happy. She liked all of her teachers and seemed to be pleased with her new schedule. And, so, a new chapter begins for her.
Are you glad school is back in session? Are you ready for your kids to be back on a normal schedule? Or, does the start of school mean you have even more to do?
Category: Summer and kids
Posted by Grace Stanczak on Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 10:37 AMAfter hectic pace of summer, I'm looking forward to some rest
A few days ago, a dear high school friend e-mailed and asked how my summer has been. My reply?: In all the years of mothering past, I'd hear other moms exclaim how much more tired summer's activities left them than they were accustomed to being the rest of the year. I could relate to the busyness of their summers, but not the fatigue. Until this year.
Never had I experienced a summer of feeling perpetually pooped, until now. With the exception of one day three weeks ago, I've felt beat up and sleep-deprived - tired sums it up - for two months straight.
From early July when we started preparing pieces for a local art show, to a mild concussion - my umpteenth, and that's a whole other story - a few weeks ago and today when we're still getting over the cold that piggybacked a summer flu, plus summer enrichment classes, choir rehearsals and VBS in between - the happenings of summer left me tossing out all of the structure, save daily showers, that kept me somewhat rested, fortified and on top of things. Out went daily and weekly household and yard chores, regular workouts, walks and jogs, regular play groups for my preschooler and so on. Add to this a few stressful circumstances out of my control, hovering frequently overhead. Reminding my friend that I normally blogged several times every week, I confessed to only having spit out a half dozen blogs all summer. I'm just going to have to pace myself differently next year.
There was no family summer vacation this year. We spent most of that money on a late winter vacation during our college girl's spring break. We almost made it over to Windsor for a night this past weekend, but college stuff pre-empted that plan, too. Maybe we'll get there in the fall. That will be here in no time at all, and once both the college girl and preschooler are back in school and the schedule and structure return to what they once were, I'll find my way back to being rested. Relatively.
Category: School
Posted by Beth Reeber Valone on Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 9:37 AMFirst day of school hard on mom
Today's the first day back to school for my kids (and most others). Normally an exciting day all around with lots to look forward to along with a few jitters on the kids' part.
But this year, I have been really anxious. My oldest started high school today (my baby!) with a 6:13 a.m. bus pickup. So, understandably he's been a little prickly any time the subject of school came up. New building, new faces, new routine. My youngest is back at middle school but a little worried because most of his good friends are not in his classes. Usually, I don't worry much about him because he is so laid back, but he's shown more insecurity this time around. Hmmm.
So it was me who had "back to school" bad dreams the other night. I dreamt it was me who was new to the school building, I couldn't find my schedule, I was late to class, forgot my lunch, etc.
Plus, I've been on vacation and out of the office for nearly two weeks, so I had my own "back to school"-like jitters today, too.
I can't wait for the end of the day to find out how everyone's day went.
How was your first day back to school :) ?
Category: Development
Posted by Jennifer Mrozowski on Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 5:05 PMSmiles are so much fun
I get monthly e-mails on baby developmental stages from babycenter.com. The most recent on my 6-month-old's development said "the lengths you'll go to make your baby laugh can be surprising. This month, for instance, you might find yourself quacking like a duck and barking like a dog. Why? Many 6-month-olds love turn-taking games, especially those that involve sounds and language. Try letting your baby go first, and then mimic the sounds she makes."
That one was right on. I spend hours trying to come up with different ways to make Madeleine giggle, especially because the giggles come in such surprising ways. The dog is a popular trigger, so is a silly dance move in front of her. Recently, she went into a fit of giggles when my mom reached to get a tree branch off the garage. (So my mom promptly shook the tree branch at her about 30 more times to hear giggles over and over.) Who knew a tree branch could be so funny? But I'll say one thing: I sure do smile every time I see a tree branch these days and when I hear those little giggles in my head.
Category: Food
Posted by Grace Stanczak on Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 5:23 PMOutwitting chocolate cravings
Anyone out there addicted to chocolate? Somebody out there just answered, "Duh!".
It wasn't until I turned 41 that I succumbed to the pull of the brown goddess. Essentially since my last child's birth. With the second child I gained a foot size, with the third, among other things, an addiction. And since Zoe was born, hardly a day has passed that I haven't wanted some. Or plenty.
It seems there can be such a thing as too much of a good thing. So in the last several years, I've looked for ways to beat this chocolate fixation. By the way, I'd love to know what methods you've used for quelling the chocolate beast.
For outwitting my chocolate addiction, so far two things have worked pretty well. If you're looking to beat chocolate entrapment, you might want to try these. The first is all about mind over matter.
I put some chocolate, usually my favorite Snickers bar, right out where I can see it, in the room that most triggers whim eating and where I spend a lot of time traversing and working. The kitchen.
I set the chocolate bar right on top of an antique food scale that sits off to the side of the sink. It's out of the way but above counter height so it still gets plenty of eye contact, and me, plenty of reminders of what's coming to me, that is, after a successful week of resisting temptation.
As long as I know that I'm going to have that chocolate bar on Saturday, I'm usually fine delaying gratification Sunday through Friday. It's when the goods are hidden in kitchen cabinets or tucked away in refrigerator drawers that I obsess over when I'll have my next fix. Something like hoarder mentality kicks in during fight-or-flight. The fight-or-flight response comes into play when it appears there's a crisis, such as no chocolate on the premesis. Then I want to dig and root until I find it - all of it - and eat it. Not that I do. Well, not always. But that's the urge.
Approach No. 2 is all about gratification by way of alternate route. Yep, a substitute.
See, I tried making my own chocolate confections by melting baking chocolate over nuts. But for me, chewy without gooey didn't work. And finding the perfect sweet-salt balance was difficult. Carob didn't work for me either. What finally did work came by surprise.
On a whim, I grabbed some Meijer butterscotch-flavored baking chips that I had on hand and a few of the Trader Joe's sesame honey cashews that I like to munch. And what a pleasant surprise that was.
The cashews, coated with honey and sesame seeds, are also dusted with a wee bit of cocoa and by themselves have enough of a hint of caramel and chocolate to their taste to satisfy. They're not sticky, by the way, you feel and see none of the honey. All that's visible and tangible are beige cashews and ivory sesames. The two create a sweet-salt balance that's just right. The crunch factor and chewiness are fine. And with this combo I don't even miss the goo of caramel or nougat.
So finally, a balance. A way to have chocolate satisfaction and break the habit too. Baby, that's unbelievably good.
Category: Letting go
Posted by Mary Jane Happy on Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 4:30 PMStart the school year with a new box of crayons
Unlike most people who suffer seasonal depression, mine hits in August rather than February. The first sound of those buzzing bugs sets me plunging into kid withdrawal and the back-to-school ads get me crying at the click of the remote.
Call me crazy, but I liked having my kids at home. And because mine don't come home from school over the summer these days, I'm depressing vicariously through other moms, some of whom can't wait for school to start. Personally, I don't get it.
I don't feel sorry for you having to fight with your son over what style jeans makes his middle school fashion statement. And please stop complaining that your daughter is already talking about what color homecoming dress she wants. Enjoy the moment. I haven't been able to go to the mall since July because I feel half-naked without a child to buy back-to-school whatevers for. Listen up! These are the moments of your parenting life. Jeans and dresses, that's the easy stuff. All too soon your kids will be off making all their own decisions whether you like their choices or not!
While we're on the subject, don't forget to put a little love in their lunch box. When my kids were brown-bagging lunches I felt guilty if I didn't include a note to let them know that, even though making lunches was probably one of my least favorite chores, I loved and missed them in spite of having to make their salami sandwich.
I'm especially perplexed by the moms who have delivered their kids to college and are already making plans for the new "spare" room. How do they do that? When Emily and Mike left home I sealed off their rooms for weeks, entering only to wrap myself up in one of their sweatshirts or a blanket that still smelled of them. My kids are like an addiction and I just can't quit them. I'm brokeback mommy.
I think going back to school is a special occasion - not a relief. When Em and Mike left for college, I gave each of them a special back-to-school box that was to be opened after I had tearfully dragged myself away. Each of their boxes contained items unique and special to our relationship. Among other special and personal items, for Mike a complete set of J.D. Salinger books, a Batman cape and action figure, favorite movies. For Em, a copy of our favorite poetry book, "Looking for a Soft Place to Land" by Cyn Salach, her favorite candy, a teddy bear. And for both, a box of crayons and a box of condoms. Shocking isn't it? I mean the condoms, not the crayons. It was for me and I was the one who bought them. Believe me, it was not an easy decision to include them in their boxes but in the end, I just wanted my kids to be safe and I had to rely on their 18 years of upbringing for the rest. Each item, especially the crayons and the condoms, had a note sharing my opinion for their use.
Sending our kids off to school, no matter what age or stage of their life should be like a special occasion. It's a new beginning - whether it's preschool or grad school. Soon enough it's over and you're crying during Walmart commercials. So guide them to jeans you can both live with, look for the dress in the perfect homecoming color and invest in the biggest box of crayons you can find. Life should be full of bright colors at every age!
Category: Family matters
Posted by Dianna Gutierrez on Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 2:42 PMA parenting step-by-step guide would be great
Have you ever had one of those mornings where you would just rather turn around and go back to bed? I had one recently. It started off great. Everyone was happy and smiling. And then, BOOM! A normal conversation turned into crying and hysteria. Ah, the sounds of puberty and raging hormones.
Fortunately, these outbursts are far and few between. But, when they happen, I always feel like I should have seen it coming so that I could prepare, hide or leave for work early. Instead, I let my guard down, forgetting that it could strike at any time.
As much as I try, there's no reasoning with her during these emotional explosions. What's worse is that eventually I have to leave the house to go to work - leaving the issue unresolved like a carton of eggs that have been dropped on the floor. While I try and dust it off, her angry feelings and words linger with me throughout the day.
Remarkably though, when I pick her up at the end of the day it's as if our drama-filled morning never happened. The smiling, happy, tween girl is back and I've spent the day with a cloud over my head. I've read a number of parenting books, but it's in these moments that I wish there was a handbook to tell me exactly what to do. A step-by-step guide that referenced a problem and then gave a solution on what do do next would be perfect. But, as my mom tells me each time I call her, parenting is not easy and just when you think you have all the answers, everything changes.
How do you handle these types of situations? How do you shake off that feeling so that it does not linger throughout the day? What are some of your favorite parenting books?
