I am in a battle; a knock down, drag out battle. The casualties are many. The opposition cannot be underestimated. Yes, I have been engaged in hand to hand combat with my almost two year old, Gavin. He has mastered the art of getting out of his crib. As a result, he visits us in the middle of the night. One night, he came into our room 8 times! Oh yeah, and the crying; I can't tell you how pleasant that is. We have tasted victory when Gavin stayed in his bed all night. However, we have also experienced defeat when we woke up and found him nestled in between us. He's a sneaky lil stinker.
I've looked for solutions online. The worst advice I read was that a family put a huge mattress in the baby's room and slept on that so that the baby would stay in his bed. Hmmmmm....I'm going to pass on that precious gem of advice. The best suggestion I've read was to stay consistent and patient. Every time he comes in our room, we quickly bring him back to his bed. Yet after three weeks of not getting a full night's sleep, my patience is wearing thin.
Somebody, anybody, everybody help! I am reaching out for good suggestions to win this war.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
The Perfect Baby Name
A couple weeks ago, Ryan thought it would be fun to go to Borders and look at baby name books for ideas. Before I go on, I want to clarify that I am not pregnant. It was just for giggles. The names we found were more horrible than promising. Below is a list of the top ten worst baby names:
1. Dianca- Here is an example of taking a perfectly normal name like Diana and with one letter, screwing the whole thing up.
2. Kanessa- Vanessa, yes; Kanessa, no!
3. Erastus- This name is difficult to both say and hear.
4. Phosphorus- At what point did we start looking to the Periodic Table for baby names?
5. Clanidia- "Um hi, my name is Clanidia and this is my best friend, Gonnorhita."
6. Alfe- My my, how quickly we have forgotten about that 80's alien comedy.
7. Burr- That is not a name; it is a verbal response to coldness!
8. Foxania- Test your potential baby name by inserting it into the following sentences and see which is a better fit. 1. "Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States." 2. "And now on the main stage, Showgirls Strip Club is proud to present ."
9. Tender- Imagine your whole life introducing yourself as, "Hello, I'm Tender!"
10. Ishtar- Enough said.
If your name is on the list, my apologies. I did not mean to offend you. However, I would look into changing it if I were you.
1. Dianca- Here is an example of taking a perfectly normal name like Diana and with one letter, screwing the whole thing up.
2. Kanessa- Vanessa, yes; Kanessa, no!
3. Erastus- This name is difficult to both say and hear.
4. Phosphorus- At what point did we start looking to the Periodic Table for baby names?
5. Clanidia- "Um hi, my name is Clanidia and this is my best friend, Gonnorhita."
6. Alfe- My my, how quickly we have forgotten about that 80's alien comedy.
7. Burr- That is not a name; it is a verbal response to coldness!
8. Foxania- Test your potential baby name by inserting it into the following sentences and see which is a better fit. 1. "Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States
9. Tender- Imagine your whole life introducing yourself as, "Hello, I'm Tender!"
10. Ishtar- Enough said.
If your name is on the list, my apologies. I did not mean to offend you. However, I would look into changing it if I were you.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Skinny Jeans
There comes a point, in every child's life, when mom stops making the decisions on what they wear. This journey has begun for me. For weeks, Bryce begged for a pair of skinny jeans. Skinny jeans? That's so emo! I had vetoed the idea until I overheard him saying to his cousin that he's the only kid in school without them. I remember being that girl who was about a step (and then some) behind everyone in fashion. While the everyone in my grade was wearing Air Jordans and pegging their pants, I wore knockoff Keds with my Lee Jeans (oh yeah, don't forget the neon laces...nice). What Bryce said bothered me enough that I realized that I did not want him to walk through those same insecurities.
I took him shopping and we found the perfect pair. They were his reward for making straight A's (again). While some boys wear new suits for Easter Sunday, my boy wore his skinny jeans with a tie and high tops. Bryce looked so handsome. It was like gazing upon the long lost Asian member of the Jonas Brothers.
This is just the beginning of letting go and allowing the kids to make their own decisions. Today it's skinny jeans, tomorrow it will be which college to attend or which girl to marry. Whether I like it or not, my boys are growing up. We raise our kids to think for themselves so that they can step into who they are supposed to be. It is great in theory, but bittersweet in action.
I took him shopping and we found the perfect pair. They were his reward for making straight A's (again). While some boys wear new suits for Easter Sunday, my boy wore his skinny jeans with a tie and high tops. Bryce looked so handsome. It was like gazing upon the long lost Asian member of the Jonas Brothers.
This is just the beginning of letting go and allowing the kids to make their own decisions. Today it's skinny jeans, tomorrow it will be which college to attend or which girl to marry. Whether I like it or not, my boys are growing up. We raise our kids to think for themselves so that they can step into who they are supposed to be. It is great in theory, but bittersweet in action.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Loud Fish Bag
The fashion of a SAHM is...complicated. Even though most of us give an honest effort to look presentable to the world, sometimes we fall short. Below is an example of what I like to call, “When bad fashion happens to a good SAHM”.
I present to you, “The Loud Fish Bag”. Perfect for holding Capri Suns, toys to occupy kids at a restaurant, and a large bottle of hand sanitizer, this bag is hot for Summer 2010. The drawstring allows for easy access to your prized belongings. This bag is also versatile and can go from day to night. A SAHM could wear this stunning accessory to the PTA meetings at school then hit the town for a night out with the girls. Nothing says cocktail party chic like a “Loud Fish Bag”. My only question is, "Does it come with a coordinating whale wallet?"
I present to you, “The Loud Fish Bag”. Perfect for holding Capri Suns, toys to occupy kids at a restaurant, and a large bottle of hand sanitizer, this bag is hot for Summer 2010. The drawstring allows for easy access to your prized belongings. This bag is also versatile and can go from day to night. A SAHM could wear this stunning accessory to the PTA meetings at school then hit the town for a night out with the girls. Nothing says cocktail party chic like a “Loud Fish Bag”. My only question is, "Does it come with a coordinating whale wallet?"
Monday, May 17, 2010
I'm Not A Real Doctor, I Just Play One On TV
Greetings, I am Dr. Mom, the boo-boo kisser. Instead of diagnosing problems with science, I use good old common sense. My apothecary consists of hugs and kisses, not medicine. If that is not enough to satisfy the patient, I prescribe a round of tickles and 30 cc’s of milk.
Like a doctor, the work of a mom is never finished. Once a patient is treated, another one comes forward in need of help. New ailments roll in everyday, and as Dr. Mom, I have to find a way to treat it.
The relationship between a doctor and patient is similar to a parent and child. Both need each other. A mom needs someone to nurture, instruct, and love. A child yearns to be cared for, disciplined, and poured into. This cycle of give and take provides life and security to both parties.
The doctor and patient relationship also draws the same parallels in our relationship with the Lord. Sometimes, our doctor gives us advice that we don’t want to hear or disciplines us when we make health choices that could be detrimental. As a patient, we can either ignore or take heed of his/her advice. In Proverbs 4: 20-22, God (the Great Physician) says to us, “My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body". I can only provide a temporary relief if my child is hurting. However, true health and vitality is found in Him alone.
God speaks to us and offers advice for our own good. Isn’t it time that we started listening?
Like a doctor, the work of a mom is never finished. Once a patient is treated, another one comes forward in need of help. New ailments roll in everyday, and as Dr. Mom, I have to find a way to treat it.
The relationship between a doctor and patient is similar to a parent and child. Both need each other. A mom needs someone to nurture, instruct, and love. A child yearns to be cared for, disciplined, and poured into. This cycle of give and take provides life and security to both parties.
The doctor and patient relationship also draws the same parallels in our relationship with the Lord. Sometimes, our doctor gives us advice that we don’t want to hear or disciplines us when we make health choices that could be detrimental. As a patient, we can either ignore or take heed of his/her advice. In Proverbs 4: 20-22, God (the Great Physician) says to us, “My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body". I can only provide a temporary relief if my child is hurting. However, true health and vitality is found in Him alone.
God speaks to us and offers advice for our own good. Isn’t it time that we started listening?
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Basking in the Afterglow of Mother's Day
The other day, I jokingly mentioned that Mother’s Day should actually be Mother’s Weekend because one day is not long enough to celebrate everything that moms do. Little did I know, I was going to get what I wished for.
Friday night, I joined my mom and her friends for Mother/Daughter Dessert night at our church. The highlight of the night was when my mom and I wore matching necklaces. That will become a new tradition. It was a perfect kick start to my stellar weekend.
My brother surprised the ladies in our family, on Saturday, to one hour massages. The therapist utilized a lot of Thai techniques and by the end, I felt like Gumby. My mom described it as a, “gentle wrestling match”. There was one point when she was actually judo chopping the back of my head! It was different and wonderful.
On Sunday, I woke up to Bryce serving me blueberry pancakes in bed! Ryan had no idea that he was doing this; he just made his own plan to surprise me. Then Bryce took me outside for one of the most creative expressions of love that I have ever received. Ryan and Bryce wrote on our walkway and driveway wonderful little notes to me in sidewalk chalk. I was so overwhelmed with love. Later, we drove to Walnut Creek for an early dinner at my favorite restaurant, Tomatina (their garlic rolls and blood orange Italian sodas are the work of the Lord). On our way home, we made a pit stop for ice cream at Fenton’s in Vacaville. The evening ended with all four of us in our bed watching home videos on my Iphone. We laughed, we hugged, and I felt cherished and loved..
It’s good to be a mom.
Friday night, I joined my mom and her friends for Mother/Daughter Dessert night at our church. The highlight of the night was when my mom and I wore matching necklaces. That will become a new tradition. It was a perfect kick start to my stellar weekend.
My brother surprised the ladies in our family, on Saturday, to one hour massages. The therapist utilized a lot of Thai techniques and by the end, I felt like Gumby. My mom described it as a, “gentle wrestling match”. There was one point when she was actually judo chopping the back of my head! It was different and wonderful.
On Sunday, I woke up to Bryce serving me blueberry pancakes in bed! Ryan had no idea that he was doing this; he just made his own plan to surprise me. Then Bryce took me outside for one of the most creative expressions of love that I have ever received. Ryan and Bryce wrote on our walkway and driveway wonderful little notes to me in sidewalk chalk. I was so overwhelmed with love. Later, we drove to Walnut Creek for an early dinner at my favorite restaurant, Tomatina (their garlic rolls and blood orange Italian sodas are the work of the Lord). On our way home, we made a pit stop for ice cream at Fenton’s in Vacaville. The evening ended with all four of us in our bed watching home videos on my Iphone. We laughed, we hugged, and I felt cherished and loved..
It’s good to be a mom.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Mom's Handbag
In honor of Mother’s Day, I have written a poem...this is me being deep.
"Mom’s Handbag"
by me
You wonder why my purse is not small,
Do I really need all the stuff that I haul?
If you take a look inside you’ll see,
All of the things I need to be me.
A 20 foot hose to put out fires,
Elbow grease to change flat tires,
A mixing bowl to prepare yummy meals,
A watchful eye to find good deals,
A wooden spoon to spank little buns,
And loving arms to comfort my sons,
A listening ear for all of life’s issues,
A Ziploc bag to hold dirty tissues,
Stories for kiddos who can’t fall sleep,
A Shutterfly book for memories to keep,
A comb and product to fix everyone’s hair,
And patience when lecturing little blank stares,
Constant reminders for kids to say, “please”,
Bactine and Band aids to treat scraped up knees,
A Bible to spend time with the Master,
A cell phone for pizza when dinner’s a disaster,
A night light to ward off a fear of the dark,
And bleach for grass stains and permanent pen marks,
A whistle to break up sibling fights,
And concealer to cover up sleepless nights,
Big and small, I have it all, right here in my handbag.
Happy Mama's Day!!!
"Mom’s Handbag"
by me
You wonder why my purse is not small,
Do I really need all the stuff that I haul?
If you take a look inside you’ll see,
All of the things I need to be me.
A 20 foot hose to put out fires,
Elbow grease to change flat tires,
A mixing bowl to prepare yummy meals,
A watchful eye to find good deals,
A wooden spoon to spank little buns,
And loving arms to comfort my sons,
A listening ear for all of life’s issues,
A Ziploc bag to hold dirty tissues,
Stories for kiddos who can’t fall sleep,
A Shutterfly book for memories to keep,
A comb and product to fix everyone’s hair,
And patience when lecturing little blank stares,
Constant reminders for kids to say, “please”,
Bactine and Band aids to treat scraped up knees,
A Bible to spend time with the Master,
A cell phone for pizza when dinner’s a disaster,
A night light to ward off a fear of the dark,
And bleach for grass stains and permanent pen marks,
A whistle to break up sibling fights,
And concealer to cover up sleepless nights,
Big and small, I have it all, right here in my handbag.
Happy Mama's Day!!!
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