Hats
I can't resist a cute hat. Max will probably have words with me about this one day, but until that happens I'm going to enjoy playing dress up with him!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Brilliant Idea!
How many of us have ever received or given a locket as a gift only to wonder how we will ever find a photo tiny enough to fit? My mother-in-law found a great solution! Just save those index sheets that come with your photo orders and - viola!- photos that fit tiny lockets! Thanks Sue!
Organizing Your Child's Artwork
Check out this great idea from my photographer friend for organizing your kid's artwork!
Rashmi Pappu Photography - The Blog: [organizing artwork]
Check out this great idea from my photographer friend for organizing your kid's artwork!
Rashmi Pappu Photography - The Blog: [organizing artwork]
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Advice for New Moms
My sister Katie sent these ideas to a friend who was having a couple rough nights with her 7 month old. The baby's sleep patterns were changing and the friend and her husband were starting to be at odds about how best to handle them. I think these ideas work for many issues of parenting.
Katie really has a heart for new moms and always gives great advice for those of us who may be feeling a little down or like we are definately out of the running for Mother of The Year. I thought some of you might be encouraged by these tips. Enjoy!
1. Shut out all the voices. You've read plenty, sought out plenty. It's time to shut the books and the turn off the Web and just test things out based on what you think you're instincts are telling you. The only way to develop those instincts is by trial and error--if you think something is "it," try it out! If it doesn't work quite right, tweak it until it does.
2. Know that you know what is best out of all the options and you will choose what's best for your baby...and be/stay confident about it.
3. Fake confidence--behave and act as if you have confidence for as long as it takes--until you develop it. Works every time, I swear--no kidding. (The confidence you have is not in a certain technique or tool, but in your own ability to mother: your instincts. Have confidence that they are your hard-and-fast reliable guides and begin to develop them (see #1)
4. Empower your husband (by encouraging him and praising him when he's successful) to seek out his own ways of fathering the baby, which will hopefully and happily be different than yours, even if he "steals" some of your secrets/tricks!
My sister Katie sent these ideas to a friend who was having a couple rough nights with her 7 month old. The baby's sleep patterns were changing and the friend and her husband were starting to be at odds about how best to handle them. I think these ideas work for many issues of parenting.
Katie really has a heart for new moms and always gives great advice for those of us who may be feeling a little down or like we are definately out of the running for Mother of The Year. I thought some of you might be encouraged by these tips. Enjoy!
1. Shut out all the voices. You've read plenty, sought out plenty. It's time to shut the books and the turn off the Web and just test things out based on what you think you're instincts are telling you. The only way to develop those instincts is by trial and error--if you think something is "it," try it out! If it doesn't work quite right, tweak it until it does.
2. Know that you know what is best out of all the options and you will choose what's best for your baby...and be/stay confident about it.
3. Fake confidence--behave and act as if you have confidence for as long as it takes--until you develop it. Works every time, I swear--no kidding. (The confidence you have is not in a certain technique or tool, but in your own ability to mother: your instincts. Have confidence that they are your hard-and-fast reliable guides and begin to develop them (see #1)
4. Empower your husband (by encouraging him and praising him when he's successful) to seek out his own ways of fathering the baby, which will hopefully and happily be different than yours, even if he "steals" some of your secrets/tricks!
Friday, January 25, 2008
TAA- Tylenol Addicts Anonymous
Is there such a thing? If not, I need to start one! I think Max is addicted to Tylenol! : ) He has been taking it for his teething pain and the 2 times I've gotten it out today he was whining non-stop until he saw the bottle, then he broke into a smile. Let's hope it's just the grape flavoring he likes!
Is there such a thing? If not, I need to start one! I think Max is addicted to Tylenol! : ) He has been taking it for his teething pain and the 2 times I've gotten it out today he was whining non-stop until he saw the bottle, then he broke into a smile. Let's hope it's just the grape flavoring he likes!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Operating Instructions
If you've never read Anne Lamott, you should! She is one eccentric liberal, which is a direct contrast to my straight-and-narrow conservative self, but I just love how she writes! I think she would fall into the group of people I think of as "imperfect" (see posting from last week) . I am currently reading her book, Operating Instructions, A Journal of My Son's First Year. She just really knows how to turn a phrase. Her language might be a tad offensive, but she just seems to be such a real person. Here is a little excerpt from my reading this morning (curse words are bleeped!) :
"4 a.m.
I nursed the baby a while ago and we had gone back to sleep on the futon on the living room floor, which is still our headquarters, I heard him begin to whimper, and I thought, "Go back to sleep, you little ^&*(." He kept whimpering, like a golden retriever whose feelings you've hurt, but he wasn't really crying, so I didn't wake up all the way. I kept shushing him and thinking, "You whiny little bugger." Finally, at least ten minutes later, with total hostility and resentment, I roused myself enough to reach over and rub his back, which sometimes helps a little - and he wasn't there! I turned on the light, and he wasn't anywhere on the bed! I actually thought he'd been kidnapped; of left. It turns out he had somehow scooted off the bed and landed on the floor between the head of the futon and the wall and had just lain there whimpering. I don't think I can capture in words how I felt at the moment."
I just laughed outloud at this when I read it because I know those types of thoughts have run through my head when exhaustion hits. I love that she has the courage to publish these thoughts. From the rest of her journal it's very obvious that she is head-over-heels in love with her son, but I think all new moms can identify with these feelings.
If you're not into the parenting thing, her book Traveling Mercies is also a fun read.
If you've never read Anne Lamott, you should! She is one eccentric liberal, which is a direct contrast to my straight-and-narrow conservative self, but I just love how she writes! I think she would fall into the group of people I think of as "imperfect" (see posting from last week) . I am currently reading her book, Operating Instructions, A Journal of My Son's First Year. She just really knows how to turn a phrase. Her language might be a tad offensive, but she just seems to be such a real person. Here is a little excerpt from my reading this morning (curse words are bleeped!) :
"4 a.m.
I nursed the baby a while ago and we had gone back to sleep on the futon on the living room floor, which is still our headquarters, I heard him begin to whimper, and I thought, "Go back to sleep, you little ^&*(." He kept whimpering, like a golden retriever whose feelings you've hurt, but he wasn't really crying, so I didn't wake up all the way. I kept shushing him and thinking, "You whiny little bugger." Finally, at least ten minutes later, with total hostility and resentment, I roused myself enough to reach over and rub his back, which sometimes helps a little - and he wasn't there! I turned on the light, and he wasn't anywhere on the bed! I actually thought he'd been kidnapped; of left. It turns out he had somehow scooted off the bed and landed on the floor between the head of the futon and the wall and had just lain there whimpering. I don't think I can capture in words how I felt at the moment."
I just laughed outloud at this when I read it because I know those types of thoughts have run through my head when exhaustion hits. I love that she has the courage to publish these thoughts. From the rest of her journal it's very obvious that she is head-over-heels in love with her son, but I think all new moms can identify with these feelings.
If you're not into the parenting thing, her book Traveling Mercies is also a fun read.
Smiling Time
After putting Max down for his morning nap, I rushed to take a shower and happily thought of what I would do for my free hour - read, watch TV, clean - ha!?? Upon getting out of the shower, I heard him STILL making a racket! Normally he falls right to sleep. I went in his room and he had managed to get himself unswaddled, the little Houdini. Anyway, as soon as he saw me he gave me the biggest smile and got all excited and actually seemed to say, "Yes! My parole officer has arrived! I will now be released from my crib prison. Praise God!" Being the mean mommy I am, I replied, "No. It's not smiling time. It's nap time."
I tried to be serious, but I had to laugh when I thought about telling my child it's "not smiling time." This could very well be the first thing on his list when he goes to therapy one day!
After putting Max down for his morning nap, I rushed to take a shower and happily thought of what I would do for my free hour - read, watch TV, clean - ha!?? Upon getting out of the shower, I heard him STILL making a racket! Normally he falls right to sleep. I went in his room and he had managed to get himself unswaddled, the little Houdini. Anyway, as soon as he saw me he gave me the biggest smile and got all excited and actually seemed to say, "Yes! My parole officer has arrived! I will now be released from my crib prison. Praise God!" Being the mean mommy I am, I replied, "No. It's not smiling time. It's nap time."
I tried to be serious, but I had to laugh when I thought about telling my child it's "not smiling time." This could very well be the first thing on his list when he goes to therapy one day!
Ahhhh, Sleep!
Max actually slept for 4 hours straight when I first put him down last night and then only woke up one other time til morning! Sleep, glorious sleep!! He is teething somethin' fierce and has been waking up about 3-4 times before midnight and then another 2-4 times before morning so it has been reminiscent of the first couple weeks home for a while now. I have been desperate for a decent night's sleep. I don't harbor any high hopes that this is our new pattern since these teeth have yet to appear, BUT it is wonderful to feel a little more rested for the first time in weeks.
Max actually slept for 4 hours straight when I first put him down last night and then only woke up one other time til morning! Sleep, glorious sleep!! He is teething somethin' fierce and has been waking up about 3-4 times before midnight and then another 2-4 times before morning so it has been reminiscent of the first couple weeks home for a while now. I have been desperate for a decent night's sleep. I don't harbor any high hopes that this is our new pattern since these teeth have yet to appear, BUT it is wonderful to feel a little more rested for the first time in weeks.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Breastfeeding Tip
Since I have a few friends out there who are currently breastfeeding, I thought I'd share a tip that my sister passed along to me the other day. If you are trying to pump and not having great success (I was pumping several times a day for 20 minutes at a time only to get .5 to 1 ounce a day total for a couple weeks!!), try feeding your baby on one side while pumping on the other side. I was amazed at how much more milk I got by doing this! It was quite precarious and I could've used a 3rd hand, but it worked so well it was worth the trouble. Thanks Katie!
While I'm on the subject of breastfeeding, check out my friend Loree's new blog on the right. Loree is a new mom (Tahli, 7 months) and has had a bit of a roller coaster ride with breastfeeding. She's stuck it out, but it hasn't been easy.
Happy Sunday!
Since I have a few friends out there who are currently breastfeeding, I thought I'd share a tip that my sister passed along to me the other day. If you are trying to pump and not having great success (I was pumping several times a day for 20 minutes at a time only to get .5 to 1 ounce a day total for a couple weeks!!), try feeding your baby on one side while pumping on the other side. I was amazed at how much more milk I got by doing this! It was quite precarious and I could've used a 3rd hand, but it worked so well it was worth the trouble. Thanks Katie!
While I'm on the subject of breastfeeding, check out my friend Loree's new blog on the right. Loree is a new mom (Tahli, 7 months) and has had a bit of a roller coaster ride with breastfeeding. She's stuck it out, but it hasn't been easy.
Happy Sunday!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
A Snowy DayMabel came over to make some Valentine's cards today. It started snowing and she enjoyed eating the snow and taking a walk. I had forgotten how when you're little you don't seem to notice the cold on a snowy day. I remember being able to stay out all day and still be ready to go out for more! We had a great time!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
BaptismMax was baptized yesterday! We were so blessed to have a large group of family and extended family (our life-long friends who we consider family!) attend the service with us. They all got to come up to the front of the church with us to stand and say that they would help Max grow in faith. It was really special!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Imperfect People
I am currently reading Amy Grant's book, Mosaic, and I realized something about myself. I am really inspired by and drawn to imperfect people. Imperfect people are those that have gone through life and gotten a little beat up along the way and aren't afraid of showing their scars. They don't use them to garner pity or to excuse themselves for poor behavior, they have learned something and have become changed because of it. They are also people who are comfortable saying, "I don't have it all together." or "I screw up all the time!" Not only that, they have developed a compassion for others that only comes from truly being able to know what it feels like to have a broken heart.
People like this just seem to have a depth to them that can't be gained but by life experience.
When friends and I would talk about our hopes and dreams in our early twenties, I used to say that when I got old my wish was to be one of those wise old women younger women seek out because they trust that you will have some advice that will help them with their problems. Little did I know that to gain wisdom, one has to experience life.
I thought I had life figured out and that, in essence, I had the "perfect" life. And then life threw some imperfection my way. A few short years later, my mom got cancer and a year later she died. After the pain of that experience, pain that literally felt like my heart was breaking in a million pieces, not once, but over and over again for several years, I had gained a lot of wisdom. And that's when I thought, "If I'd known this is what it would take to gain wisdom, I would've just wished for flat abs!" However, the lessons I learned from that ordeal will continue to help me understand other people a little better for the rest of my life.
So now I'm wondering about you: What experience in life has made you "imperfect"?? Perfection is so boring. What lessons have you learned from life that have made you wiser or have caused you to change in some way? I'd love the hear!!
I am currently reading Amy Grant's book, Mosaic, and I realized something about myself. I am really inspired by and drawn to imperfect people. Imperfect people are those that have gone through life and gotten a little beat up along the way and aren't afraid of showing their scars. They don't use them to garner pity or to excuse themselves for poor behavior, they have learned something and have become changed because of it. They are also people who are comfortable saying, "I don't have it all together." or "I screw up all the time!" Not only that, they have developed a compassion for others that only comes from truly being able to know what it feels like to have a broken heart.
People like this just seem to have a depth to them that can't be gained but by life experience.
When friends and I would talk about our hopes and dreams in our early twenties, I used to say that when I got old my wish was to be one of those wise old women younger women seek out because they trust that you will have some advice that will help them with their problems. Little did I know that to gain wisdom, one has to experience life.
I thought I had life figured out and that, in essence, I had the "perfect" life. And then life threw some imperfection my way. A few short years later, my mom got cancer and a year later she died. After the pain of that experience, pain that literally felt like my heart was breaking in a million pieces, not once, but over and over again for several years, I had gained a lot of wisdom. And that's when I thought, "If I'd known this is what it would take to gain wisdom, I would've just wished for flat abs!" However, the lessons I learned from that ordeal will continue to help me understand other people a little better for the rest of my life.
So now I'm wondering about you: What experience in life has made you "imperfect"?? Perfection is so boring. What lessons have you learned from life that have made you wiser or have caused you to change in some way? I'd love the hear!!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Priorities
Among the many lessons my 4.5 months of motherhood has taught me, prioritizing is close to the top of the list. For example, right now Max is taking a nap. It could be for 20 minutes or for 2 hours (oh wait, he's crying now, so this nap is of the 20 minute variety! Let me turn down the nursery monitor so as not to be distracted by inconvenient crying and finish this post! : )).........
Okay, as I was saying: I have grand plans for what I want and need to get done in the time I may or may not have and invariably, I end up doing something like checking e-mail or blogging. So now he's crying and I haven't done the other 20 things I had planned.
So I mentally make a list of the most important things to accomplish and where does this get me?? I now know what important things I DIDN'T get done during nap time! Oh well, perfection will have to wait for another day. : )
Enjoy the sunshine!
Among the many lessons my 4.5 months of motherhood has taught me, prioritizing is close to the top of the list. For example, right now Max is taking a nap. It could be for 20 minutes or for 2 hours (oh wait, he's crying now, so this nap is of the 20 minute variety! Let me turn down the nursery monitor so as not to be distracted by inconvenient crying and finish this post! : )).........
Okay, as I was saying: I have grand plans for what I want and need to get done in the time I may or may not have and invariably, I end up doing something like checking e-mail or blogging. So now he's crying and I haven't done the other 20 things I had planned.
So I mentally make a list of the most important things to accomplish and where does this get me?? I now know what important things I DIDN'T get done during nap time! Oh well, perfection will have to wait for another day. : )
Enjoy the sunshine!
Friday, January 04, 2008
Welcome! I LOVE reading other people's blogs so I am jumping on the bandwagon and creating my own. Reading other people's blogs makes me feel I am connecting with the outside world while being a stay-at-home mom. I love the insight I get into other people's worlds and getting the opportunity to join them in a portion of their journey through life via their postings.
This blog won't be a one-subject-only affair - I'll post on whatever pops into my little mind on a given day. Many people have wondered if I do, indeed, feel the need to share everything that comes to mind and now that question can be answered with a resounding "Yes!"
Thanks for visiting and come back soon - Sarah
This blog won't be a one-subject-only affair - I'll post on whatever pops into my little mind on a given day. Many people have wondered if I do, indeed, feel the need to share everything that comes to mind and now that question can be answered with a resounding "Yes!"
Thanks for visiting and come back soon - Sarah
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