This past Saturday my husband, son and I went to a wedding. It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony, which we arrived late to, of course. The bride was walking toward the isle just as we were walking up the long woodchip path. My son was, well, being a toddler, so my husband had to take him away from the ceremony so he wouldn't disrupt the service. It was HOT, nearing 90° just before 5 pm. Since we were late I had to stand back. I couldn't exacly walk up the isle and take a seat, especially when there were very few and far between. Being in my second trimester alone, I've been having issues standing for long periods of time. The heat just increased my misery. Luckily one of the photographers noticed and found a chair, which she brought over to me. I couldn't thank her enough. If she hadn't done that, I would not have been standing by the end of the ceremony.
After the ceremony we walked back up the long woodchip path toward the building the reception was going to be held at. There, they had the dinner area closed off. At least we were out of the heat. There was a cocktail/lounge area where everyone gathered for drinks and hor derves. The seating was VERY limited yet again. I ended up sitting on the floor in my dress and heels with my purse and diaper bag leaning up against the wall, because I couldn't bear to stand the whole time. My son, still quite a ball of energy would not stop running around and yelling. He was just being a toddler, so we can't fault him for that. My husband brought him outside because he was being disruptive. The wait for the dining room to open seemed to take forever.
Finally the dining room opened, so I called my husband and son back in. We were seated with a young couple and their 4 year old son. There was no one else at the table. The boys hit it off very well. As soon as the music started teh boys ran out in the dance floor with another toddler and ran around dancing. The other boys took several breaks, but not my child. He ran around the entire room over and over. He ran in the middle of everyone dancing, although they didn't mind at all. He ran and danced until about 10 pm. The bride and groom danced with him, the bridesmaides danced with him, everyone enjoyed just watching him. My husband and I received so many comments about how full of energy, how adorable and how happy he is. One comment was really cute. One older gentleman came up to me and asked me if I have to plug him in at night. I told him that there's no need, since he's solar powered. So many people just couldn't believe that he did not stop once. Between my husband and I, we took turns chasing after him, so we could catch our breath throughout the night. It was so hard to get him to sit down and eat dinner. He was having so much fun interacting and playing with everyone. We knew he had a lot of energy, but we didn't even realize that he would last as long as he did. We had an hour drive home and he still wasn't asleep by the time we arrived.
I have no idea where he gets his energy, but I wish I had a fraction of it, especially now since I'm pregnant. If I could bottle it up and sell it, we'd be rich.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Difference Between a "Father" and a "Dad"-A Tribute to My Husband
With not a whole lot of daddy experience, I'm not an expert on fathers. My own father passed away when I was 11. Before you start feeling bad, he wasn't exactly a nominee for father of the year when he was alive. I grew up in an awful, abusive, disfunctional home. Not the ideal environment for any children. When I remember my father, I remember getting beaten with an old, thick razor strap. I'm not going to lie...it hurt! I did what any abused child does in school...I lied about my injuries. I made things up, like I fell down the stairs. That was the one I used most often. I basically pretended to be a klutz. No teacher ever questioned it. I guess back then it wasn't a big thing.
When I was 16 my mom met this man, who is now my stepdad. He's more of a father than mine ever was. He's a good man. I know he didn't know how to be a dad or what to do with a daughter. He has never had any children of his own, so it was a whole new experience for him. He did his best and that's all I could ever ask for. When I got married, he walked me down the isle. I felt he deserved that honor after all he has done for me and my family.
My view on "father" and "dad" is a bit unorthodox I guess, but that's how I've always seen it. The term "father" is a formal word that demands respect, yet seems intimidating. I always thought that "father" lacks the love, support,and bonding that the informal "dad" reflects. A "dad" is all about love, respect, fun, bonding, and closeness a parent has with his child.
When I met my husband, I knew he'd make a wonderful dad. He really didn't think so. I see my husband with our son and it becomes clear to me...that's how a dad should be. My husband is the "fun" parent. He acts like a big kid himself when they're together. One thing is definitely for sure, our little guy loves his daddy more than anything. It doesn't matter what they do, they're both pretty happy just being together. My husband works a lot of hours at his job, so he's not here much during the day, but when he is, it's special, quality time. They both cherish the few hours during they day the get to spend together.
When we first got married my husband swore he didn't want kids, but now you'd never know it. Every day our son brings a smile to his face and vice versa. My husband is a great role model for our son and a great guide through life. It's obvious that our son looks up to him. For some reason, unknown to me, our son also tends to listen to his daddy a heck of a lot better than he listens to mommy.
I know that the daddies who are actually willing to change diapers are few and far between. My husband will do it all. Granted, sometimes I have to remind him, but that's just because I'm around our son more. I realize how lucky we really are have my husband around. He's a great man, a great provider and a great supporter. He is strong, confident, funny and intelligent. He is loving, caring and good-hearted. He is everything a great dad should be and more.
Now I know what a dad should be.
When I was 16 my mom met this man, who is now my stepdad. He's more of a father than mine ever was. He's a good man. I know he didn't know how to be a dad or what to do with a daughter. He has never had any children of his own, so it was a whole new experience for him. He did his best and that's all I could ever ask for. When I got married, he walked me down the isle. I felt he deserved that honor after all he has done for me and my family.
My view on "father" and "dad" is a bit unorthodox I guess, but that's how I've always seen it. The term "father" is a formal word that demands respect, yet seems intimidating. I always thought that "father" lacks the love, support,and bonding that the informal "dad" reflects. A "dad" is all about love, respect, fun, bonding, and closeness a parent has with his child.
When I met my husband, I knew he'd make a wonderful dad. He really didn't think so. I see my husband with our son and it becomes clear to me...that's how a dad should be. My husband is the "fun" parent. He acts like a big kid himself when they're together. One thing is definitely for sure, our little guy loves his daddy more than anything. It doesn't matter what they do, they're both pretty happy just being together. My husband works a lot of hours at his job, so he's not here much during the day, but when he is, it's special, quality time. They both cherish the few hours during they day the get to spend together.
When we first got married my husband swore he didn't want kids, but now you'd never know it. Every day our son brings a smile to his face and vice versa. My husband is a great role model for our son and a great guide through life. It's obvious that our son looks up to him. For some reason, unknown to me, our son also tends to listen to his daddy a heck of a lot better than he listens to mommy.
I know that the daddies who are actually willing to change diapers are few and far between. My husband will do it all. Granted, sometimes I have to remind him, but that's just because I'm around our son more. I realize how lucky we really are have my husband around. He's a great man, a great provider and a great supporter. He is strong, confident, funny and intelligent. He is loving, caring and good-hearted. He is everything a great dad should be and more.
Now I know what a dad should be.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Security Objects
One thing my child has in common with many other children...security objects. My son's object of choice is his blanky. I don't see why he chose this particular blanky. It's not even soft. There must be something he loves about it. Now I wish I would have gotten two of them, so I had a back-up. My husband doesn't like the idea of him having this security object, but I don't see a problem with it, so to compromise, we have a rule with his blanky. It must stay in his room at all times. Eventhough he's not even two yet, he knows and follows the rule with no problem. As soon as he goes to his room he pulls his blanky out of his crib, but when he leaves the room, he puts it right back, then closes the door on his way out. What a great kid.
According to Wikipedia, research on this subject was performed at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee by Richard H. Passman and his associates. Their research showed that security blankets do, in fact give security to children. They also showed that a security blanket can help children adapt to new situations, aid in their learning, and adjust to physicians' and clinical psychologists' evaluations. In the United States alone, approximately 60% of children have attachment to some sort of security object.
EMS and Police carrry security objects, such as stuffed animals in their vehicles to help children adapt and to comfort them when in traumatic situations.
Having a security object is a perfectly normal attachment and has it's benefits. Sometimes it's hard to get people to see that, like my husband. At least he is attached to a blanky and not something far more bazaar. My thought is, if it helps him to transition through life and it helps to make him feel better, then there is nothing wrong with it, unless he's still carrying it by the age of 10. Then I may have a problem with it.
According to Wikipedia, research on this subject was performed at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee by Richard H. Passman and his associates. Their research showed that security blankets do, in fact give security to children. They also showed that a security blanket can help children adapt to new situations, aid in their learning, and adjust to physicians' and clinical psychologists' evaluations. In the United States alone, approximately 60% of children have attachment to some sort of security object.
EMS and Police carrry security objects, such as stuffed animals in their vehicles to help children adapt and to comfort them when in traumatic situations.
Having a security object is a perfectly normal attachment and has it's benefits. Sometimes it's hard to get people to see that, like my husband. At least he is attached to a blanky and not something far more bazaar. My thought is, if it helps him to transition through life and it helps to make him feel better, then there is nothing wrong with it, unless he's still carrying it by the age of 10. Then I may have a problem with it.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
When the baby sleeps through the night...
The parents can finally relax and get some sleep themselves. I definitely don't miss the months of sleepless nights after we had our son. I was desperate for sleep. This is something we face again in the near future. I'm trying to prepare myself mentally for it. The positive side is that we can use what we've learned the first time around. Routines and schedules are a mom's best friend.
When my son was born his sleep schedule was completely backward. He was wide awake until 6 am and slept for most of the day. That was really hard on us. I was so sleep deprived that mood swings were inevitable. I was NOT a pleasant person to be around. I just couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. We eventually got to the point where we just couldn't take it any longer. That was a great day. Why? Because we finally did something about it. Granted, it did take a few days to slowly alter his schedule, but it worked. We kept him awake later and later each day until he was going to sleep at a more desireable time. It seemed like within days he was sleeping at night and awake during the day. It worked! He still woke up during the night, but babies do that. There's nothing you can do to change that. Ultimately, our goal was met and we were able to sleep. That light at the end of the tunnel...it was so bright!
Now, my little monster loves to be in his crib. He's one in a million! At bedtime, all I have to do is ask him if he wants to go night-night. He says "Go" and excitedly heads up the stairs. Once we get to his room, he pulls his "blankie" out of his crib and lays down on the floor so I can change his diaper and put his pjs on. After he's all ready for bed, we sit in the rocking chair in his room and read for a while. He lets me know when it's time to go in his crib, which usually is only after about 10 minutes. He doesn't go to bed until his night-night book is read though. His night-night book is our ritual, it's a book I read to him every night right before I turn the light off and lay him down in his crib. Sometimes he goes right to sleep and sometimes he doesn't. There are times where he just wants to be in his crib to play. I have NEVER seen or heard of a toddler who loves his crib so much. It may be because that's where his "blankie" stays. That's another subject I'll get to in the near future...Security objects.
It is so wonderful having a child sleep as well as ours does. It's great for our marriage and for our sanity. I finally have some "me" time, which is what every mom needs. My husband are able to spend quality time together, which is what we needed. I am also a lot more pleasant to be around...not for long though. My hormones are really kickin', but I try to fight against it.
I have a feeling the second child won't be this easy to put to bed. We may have our work cut out for us.
When my son was born his sleep schedule was completely backward. He was wide awake until 6 am and slept for most of the day. That was really hard on us. I was so sleep deprived that mood swings were inevitable. I was NOT a pleasant person to be around. I just couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. We eventually got to the point where we just couldn't take it any longer. That was a great day. Why? Because we finally did something about it. Granted, it did take a few days to slowly alter his schedule, but it worked. We kept him awake later and later each day until he was going to sleep at a more desireable time. It seemed like within days he was sleeping at night and awake during the day. It worked! He still woke up during the night, but babies do that. There's nothing you can do to change that. Ultimately, our goal was met and we were able to sleep. That light at the end of the tunnel...it was so bright!
Now, my little monster loves to be in his crib. He's one in a million! At bedtime, all I have to do is ask him if he wants to go night-night. He says "Go" and excitedly heads up the stairs. Once we get to his room, he pulls his "blankie" out of his crib and lays down on the floor so I can change his diaper and put his pjs on. After he's all ready for bed, we sit in the rocking chair in his room and read for a while. He lets me know when it's time to go in his crib, which usually is only after about 10 minutes. He doesn't go to bed until his night-night book is read though. His night-night book is our ritual, it's a book I read to him every night right before I turn the light off and lay him down in his crib. Sometimes he goes right to sleep and sometimes he doesn't. There are times where he just wants to be in his crib to play. I have NEVER seen or heard of a toddler who loves his crib so much. It may be because that's where his "blankie" stays. That's another subject I'll get to in the near future...Security objects.
It is so wonderful having a child sleep as well as ours does. It's great for our marriage and for our sanity. I finally have some "me" time, which is what every mom needs. My husband are able to spend quality time together, which is what we needed. I am also a lot more pleasant to be around...not for long though. My hormones are really kickin', but I try to fight against it.
I have a feeling the second child won't be this easy to put to bed. We may have our work cut out for us.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Free Nursing Covers from Udder Covers
Go to Udder Covers and use the promo code "family2010" to save $32 on your order, which is the price of a nursing cover. You will be responsible for $9.95 shipping and handling, but this is definitely a great bargain.
Hell Hath No Fury...Like a Mom Protecting Her Babies
On a recent family trip out to see family in South Dakota, we stopped for the night at a hotel, Knights Inn in Albert Lea, MN. We had no idea what was in store for us. It was late when we pulled into the parking lot. My husband had gone into the lobby to get our room. A red flag should have gone up when I saw this girl (young, and dressed like she stepped out of some bunny ranch in Nevada with everything but her nipples showing) with a much older man. The first thought in my mind was that she was a hooker, street walker, prostitute, whatever you want to call her. That was none of my business so I just ignored the image. My son and I waited for what seemed like forever before my husband finally came back out. We were all tired and hungry, so we gathered our stuff and went up to our room.
We got settled into our room and my husband left to get a pizza from a pizzaria across the street. I got our son ready for bed. I set up his play yard and put him in his pajamas. Meanwhile he was watching one of his animated movies on our portable dvd player while sitting on the bed. So far the entire time we've been there he had not been on the floor yet. He finally got down off the bed and started wandering the room, while I searched for something to watch on tv and started e-mailing friends and family to let them know our status. He wasn't even on the floor for two minutes and he had found a little blue pill. I didn't realize he found this pill until it was already in his mouth. I got the pill out of his mouth as soon as I could, then called my husband. He got back with the pizza and spoke to the front desk about the incident. He had asked the person at the desk to have the manager call us as soon as he gets in. We have yet to receive that call. Not good customer service on your part Knights Inn.
We asked a pharmacist friend of ours to help us try to identify the pill, but she can't seem to figure out what it is. She said it must not be legal. So, within no time at a hotel our son manages to put an illegal substance in his mouth that he found on the floor, due to neglegent cleaning procedures! I've sent e-mails and my husband has posted negative reviews about the experience...still, 3 weeks later, no call. I am beyond furious! My child could have died because they didn't clean the rooms well enough and we don't even get so much as a call to appologize. Needless to say, I will never stay at that hotel again. I won't let it go either until we/my son gets the least he deserves...an apology for nearly indirectly killing him! Most importantly, I won't let it go until their procedures change, before someone else's child gets severly sick or even dies. I can't even imagine what would have happened if I didn't catch it as soon as I did.
We got settled into our room and my husband left to get a pizza from a pizzaria across the street. I got our son ready for bed. I set up his play yard and put him in his pajamas. Meanwhile he was watching one of his animated movies on our portable dvd player while sitting on the bed. So far the entire time we've been there he had not been on the floor yet. He finally got down off the bed and started wandering the room, while I searched for something to watch on tv and started e-mailing friends and family to let them know our status. He wasn't even on the floor for two minutes and he had found a little blue pill. I didn't realize he found this pill until it was already in his mouth. I got the pill out of his mouth as soon as I could, then called my husband. He got back with the pizza and spoke to the front desk about the incident. He had asked the person at the desk to have the manager call us as soon as he gets in. We have yet to receive that call. Not good customer service on your part Knights Inn.
We asked a pharmacist friend of ours to help us try to identify the pill, but she can't seem to figure out what it is. She said it must not be legal. So, within no time at a hotel our son manages to put an illegal substance in his mouth that he found on the floor, due to neglegent cleaning procedures! I've sent e-mails and my husband has posted negative reviews about the experience...still, 3 weeks later, no call. I am beyond furious! My child could have died because they didn't clean the rooms well enough and we don't even get so much as a call to appologize. Needless to say, I will never stay at that hotel again. I won't let it go either until we/my son gets the least he deserves...an apology for nearly indirectly killing him! Most importantly, I won't let it go until their procedures change, before someone else's child gets severly sick or even dies. I can't even imagine what would have happened if I didn't catch it as soon as I did.
Introduction-My Life as a Mommy in a Nutshell
Hi there! My name is Danielle and like a lot of women out there, I'm a wife and a mom. I'm proud to say that I have one very happy, very energetic almost 22 month old and one on the way. My family is the center of my world.
My son (pictured above), who challenges me at every turn, is starting his terrible twos. However, he is a wonderful kid. He's so sweet and loving. I can't remember life without him. Lately he's been throwing tantrums just about every time he hears the dreaded word "No". We are "controlling" them to the best of our abilities. His pediatrician tells us to simply ignore his tantrums. Easier said than done when you're standing in line at the store and he breaks out into one of his fits. All because I won't let him have something. He acts like I'm torturing him. It's amazing how in a split second every eye has turned to you. Really, it's embarrasing! But, despite all of his tantrums, he is the most amazing kid in the world. I know, I'm his mom, so I'm biased. I wouldn't trade anything for any second I've had with him (yep, I'm including the fits...crazy huh?).
Not only do I have the challenge of daily life with a toddler, but I am also preggers. That's right, I'm dealing with all of the first trimester joys (I guess joys was a bad word choice, because it's not even remotely fun). That means that the morning sickness, acid reflux, tiredness, pains, cravings, etc. are in full swing. Whoever said a pregnant woman "glows" is out of their mind! I can't see how you can glow when your face and body suddenly breaks out, or while you're vomitting over the toilet at all hours of the day (morning sickness is yet another phrase I don't quite understand), or when you're so tired you need toothpicks to prop your eyes open. I won't lie, this pregnancy was an uh-oh, but we're excited to see and experience this new baby and everything he/she has to offer the world. Right now, the worries are health, of course. Will he/she be born with all of his/her limbs? Will he/she be okay mentally? Will he/she be okay physically? The typical worries of parents-to-be.
My husband (who I guess you could consider my third child) is wonderful! He tries really hard to be a great dad, husband, and supporter. I know with the many hats he has to wear, he's stressed out. Since I lost my job when I was 8 1/2 months pregnant with our first child, I haven't been able to find another job that pays enough. The economy is rough for everyone, so we just have to make the best of it and try to do whatever we can for our family. My husband carries the financial burden of the whole family. He works so hard to pay the bills and provide for our family. He's a great husband. I hope that someday I can do the same for him. He deserves a little relaxation.
That's my family in a nutshell! We have our challenges, but we find a way to get through it, because we love each other.
My son (pictured above), who challenges me at every turn, is starting his terrible twos. However, he is a wonderful kid. He's so sweet and loving. I can't remember life without him. Lately he's been throwing tantrums just about every time he hears the dreaded word "No". We are "controlling" them to the best of our abilities. His pediatrician tells us to simply ignore his tantrums. Easier said than done when you're standing in line at the store and he breaks out into one of his fits. All because I won't let him have something. He acts like I'm torturing him. It's amazing how in a split second every eye has turned to you. Really, it's embarrasing! But, despite all of his tantrums, he is the most amazing kid in the world. I know, I'm his mom, so I'm biased. I wouldn't trade anything for any second I've had with him (yep, I'm including the fits...crazy huh?).
Not only do I have the challenge of daily life with a toddler, but I am also preggers. That's right, I'm dealing with all of the first trimester joys (I guess joys was a bad word choice, because it's not even remotely fun). That means that the morning sickness, acid reflux, tiredness, pains, cravings, etc. are in full swing. Whoever said a pregnant woman "glows" is out of their mind! I can't see how you can glow when your face and body suddenly breaks out, or while you're vomitting over the toilet at all hours of the day (morning sickness is yet another phrase I don't quite understand), or when you're so tired you need toothpicks to prop your eyes open. I won't lie, this pregnancy was an uh-oh, but we're excited to see and experience this new baby and everything he/she has to offer the world. Right now, the worries are health, of course. Will he/she be born with all of his/her limbs? Will he/she be okay mentally? Will he/she be okay physically? The typical worries of parents-to-be.
My husband (who I guess you could consider my third child) is wonderful! He tries really hard to be a great dad, husband, and supporter. I know with the many hats he has to wear, he's stressed out. Since I lost my job when I was 8 1/2 months pregnant with our first child, I haven't been able to find another job that pays enough. The economy is rough for everyone, so we just have to make the best of it and try to do whatever we can for our family. My husband carries the financial burden of the whole family. He works so hard to pay the bills and provide for our family. He's a great husband. I hope that someday I can do the same for him. He deserves a little relaxation.
That's my family in a nutshell! We have our challenges, but we find a way to get through it, because we love each other.
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