This is the last installment of #10yearsaparent for 2014. I'll be back with more wisdom and insight from my vast knowledge of parenting January 9, 2015. The other day I was getting ready to leave my yoga studio, and I experienced a flare up of parenting amnesia. I overheard a conversation between two women about infant sleep. The mother of the infant was distraught about everything–her unsleeping child, her husband's reaction to the situation, her own exhaustion. Like every first time … [Read more...] about parenting amnesia – it’s real people #10yearsaparent
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holiday favorites part 2
This past weekend we decorated gingerbread houses which is one of our family's favorite holiday traditions. We also piled on the couch and watched Christmas Vacation one of our favorite holiday movies. And then we started a new tradition. We took the boys out shopping. I decided that we spend way too much time asking them what they want and what's on their list and not close to enough time asking them about what they want to give. We provided them with a modest budget to buy gifts for each … [Read more...] about holiday favorites part 2
in the land of legos #10yearsaparent
When I walk into my basement, which looks like an inner circle of Lego purgatory with half finished abandoned creations, overturned bins, loose pieces covering every inch of floor, I have the intense urge to brand the word sucker right across my forehead. We have too many Legos.* For five years, more than half their short lives, my kids have been asking for and receiving Legos for every birthday, Christmas and grandparent visit. For five years, I have been buying storage bins, finding … [Read more...] about in the land of legos #10yearsaparent
milestones
Today I accomplished a few things that I never dreamed possible: 1. It's December 9th, and I am done with my Christmas shopping. I wanted to do things differently this year, because I'm usually running around at the last minute, waiting for things to go on sale, searching for the perfect idea, wrapping into the early hours of Christmas morning. Not this year. I'm trying an entirely different approach called, tis the season to enjoy the season not run around and buy things that we don't need. … [Read more...] about milestones
holiday favorites
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the holiday press? I've got just the thing for you. Take a break from all of the hoopla and enjoy these festive morsels I've prepared (Okay, these posts might be re-gifts from last year but I'm busy too you know. These miles of Christmas lights aren't going to untangle themselves.). Something to make you laugh: My Break Up Letter to Santa Something to make you think: Three Things At The Center of Our Holiday We're never 100% ready for Christmas, but we … [Read more...] about holiday favorites
don’t talk about other people’s kids #10yearsaparent
It's going to happen to you as a parent. First, you will hear someone talking about your kid. And you'll have to stifle the urge to go all mama/papa bear on them. He's so tall. There's no way he's actually seven. Then, you will find yourself in a situation where you will feel compelled to talk about someone else's child. Oh yeah, that Timmy, he's a handful. He can't keep his hands off my Tommy. Or even worse, the ole' judgement masked as false concern. I'm so worried about … [Read more...] about don’t talk about other people’s kids #10yearsaparent
the secret recipe
I have a piece called The Secret Recipe on Mamalode today. The theme at Mamalode this month is It's Complicated, and I decided to write about baby showers. Well, not exactly. The piece is about wanting to share the real secret of motherhood with new moms but knowing that they have to figure it out on their own. If you've ever wanted to cause a scene at a baby shower, this one is for you. … [Read more...] about the secret recipe
to card or not to card
I have to make a decision in the next few days. A decision that seems huge. Are we doing holiday cards this year? I don't have a picture. I don't have a clever idea or design concept. I don't have a deep desire to address and label. Trying to get a decent picture of all or part of us over the next few days sends waves of anxiety and dread through my entire body and eclipses any glimpse of holiday joy that might be stirring. Why didn't we take a picture at Thanksgiving? Why is there … [Read more...] about to card or not to card