I consider myself an attached parent. My husband would say the same, though fathers don't seem to get the same kind of flack for their parenting choices. So, I'll focus on motherhood here. Sometimes I wonder if the best image for motherhood would be a lovely pastoral scene with little flowers here and there. Mother and child walk along peacefully and BAM! -- a flower explodes because Mama Dear unknowingly took a wrong step. Suddenly, Mama's confidence is undermined. To a lesser-- though sometimes greater-- extent, criticisms and inquiries regarding one's parenting choices are much like my flower. Comments are made with "the best of intentions" and wrapped (though not always) in a smile. We are all guilty of sharing unwanted or unsolicited advice. Most of it is probably harmless, and most of it is probably well-meaning. Yet, the reality is, there is a ton of unsolicited advice, waiting to jump from the tips of tongues so as to permeate playgrounds (and classrooms and offices and . . . ).
There are a myriad of (conflicting) opinions. These opinions are especially difficult to tune out when sleep-deprivation is an issue (and if you are a parent of a small child(ren), it's going to be an issue sometimes). Sometimes the voices come from outside the mainstream: Do you practice attachment parenting? You're not wearing your baby often enough! You're not nursing long enough! Do you try your best limit your child's exposure to pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics in food? Why on earth is your kid taking a bite of a "conventional" grape? Co-sleeping? You're not remaining true to the notions of sleep-sharing unless your child implements her own plan for solitary sleep!
If you don't fit the mainstream, there are even more people who are only too glad to tell you what you're doing is wrong. Why is your child still rear-facing in the car seat? You're still nursing? You are delaying vaccines? You're not vaccinating at all? Your kiddo has never had a Happy Meal? Your (insert age here) month-old is not sleeping "through the night?"
Either way, feeling some kind of outside pressure in parenting is an occupational hazard, even when you know you have intentionally come to a decision that is best for your family (and I do think that the whole family should be taken into account, not just the child). I embrace the concepts of Attachment Parenting because I believe that they make the most sense. I do not, however, believe that it is necessary to turn concepts into some kind of holy law that must be obeyed or else my very Motherhood will be repealed. I'll quote Dr. Sears here, "if you resent it, change it!" Attachment Parenting is not martyr parenting. It is responsive, it is thoughtful, and above all, it is respectful. What better way is there to raise respectful, thoughtful children than to model these behaviors for them and treat all people -- friends and strangers alike-- with respect and dignity.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Time to get a few things off of my chest
Confessions. Regrets. Worries. I'm tired of lugging them around with me. (Of course, I will not detail anything that could wreak personal havoc on my family or friends, so the real heavies are remaining in the pressure-cooker that is my mind.)
1. I often feel guilty that I am not currently using my degree in a professional capacity. Both of my parents worked (and still work) very hard and as a young child, I watched my mother go to school full-time after my parents divorced. As a result of my own young experiences, I sometimes feel that I am in a vulnerable economic position because I am not earning a salary.
2. I really regret not purchasing a hard copy CD of our wedding website. I worked hard to create the website and it turned out beautifully. Unfortunately, I could barely afford the $60 to register the site to begin with and I could not pay any additional money for the CD. In hindsight, I should have asked my then-fiance as I'm sure he would have been happy to help with that, but I felt that he was already contributing a lot.
3. I had so many emotional responsibilities, unspoken and otherwise, as a kid and as a teenager that I could not wait for the freedom of college. By the time I graduated from college, I had finally found the ability to be my authentic self. This is probably the reason that I hadn't had a true best friend until college. We now live on opposite coasts but I am still so thankful for her friendship.
And, on a lighter note:
4. I totally wanted to jump in them foam pit when I took my toddler to gymnastics drop-in class. It looked like so much fun!
5. When I have an audience of one (Evelyn), I sing and make up silly lyrics and dance moves almost all day long. We both enjoy it, usually. (Sometimes, she looks at me like I am nuts)
6. Why, oh why did I misplace that energy star rebate form for our new washer and dryer???
7. To the tree man who knocked on my door last night, I have no intention of hiring your crew to do our tree work. I just wanted to get you off of my porch.
1. I often feel guilty that I am not currently using my degree in a professional capacity. Both of my parents worked (and still work) very hard and as a young child, I watched my mother go to school full-time after my parents divorced. As a result of my own young experiences, I sometimes feel that I am in a vulnerable economic position because I am not earning a salary.
2. I really regret not purchasing a hard copy CD of our wedding website. I worked hard to create the website and it turned out beautifully. Unfortunately, I could barely afford the $60 to register the site to begin with and I could not pay any additional money for the CD. In hindsight, I should have asked my then-fiance as I'm sure he would have been happy to help with that, but I felt that he was already contributing a lot.
3. I had so many emotional responsibilities, unspoken and otherwise, as a kid and as a teenager that I could not wait for the freedom of college. By the time I graduated from college, I had finally found the ability to be my authentic self. This is probably the reason that I hadn't had a true best friend until college. We now live on opposite coasts but I am still so thankful for her friendship.
And, on a lighter note:
4. I totally wanted to jump in them foam pit when I took my toddler to gymnastics drop-in class. It looked like so much fun!
5. When I have an audience of one (Evelyn), I sing and make up silly lyrics and dance moves almost all day long. We both enjoy it, usually. (Sometimes, she looks at me like I am nuts)
6. Why, oh why did I misplace that energy star rebate form for our new washer and dryer???
7. To the tree man who knocked on my door last night, I have no intention of hiring your crew to do our tree work. I just wanted to get you off of my porch.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Dear Evelyn:
Please stop growing up so fast. This morning you put your socks and shoes on all by yourself and then announced that it was time to go outside. On walks, you no longer like to sit in the stroller or in the sling; you prefer to walk on the sidewalk by yourself. You sit up in the big girl chair and drink from glasses, not sippy cups. There is no rush, little one.
Love,
Mama
Love,
Mama
Thursday, January 28, 2010
These Are a Few of Her Favorite Things
Are you humming the tune to Julie Andrews' "My Favorite Things?" I am! Here are just a few of the things Evelyn is enjoying lately:
"The Wheels on the Bus"
I must get video of Evelyn singing this song. She does a great job going through the wipers ("swish swish swish"), baby, mama, horn, doors, wheels, daddy, and big sister on the bus (we made that one up) but the part that just kills me is when she sings "All through a toooowwwwn!" We talked to my Mom via video chat this afternoon and Evelyn proudly sang this song for Grandma, along with "Lollipop" by the Chordettes. Classic!
"Old MacDonald"
Same deal, it is adorable to hear her sing along or to hear "Eva do it" (what she says when she wants Mama to be quiet and give her a turn).
Stamps
Hats &
Tucking into bed (here is a two-in-one shot)
Bean Sensory Box
"The Wheels on the Bus"
I must get video of Evelyn singing this song. She does a great job going through the wipers ("swish swish swish"), baby, mama, horn, doors, wheels, daddy, and big sister on the bus (we made that one up) but the part that just kills me is when she sings "All through a toooowwwwn!" We talked to my Mom via video chat this afternoon and Evelyn proudly sang this song for Grandma, along with "Lollipop" by the Chordettes. Classic!
"Old MacDonald"
Same deal, it is adorable to hear her sing along or to hear "Eva do it" (what she says when she wants Mama to be quiet and give her a turn).
Stamps
Hats &
Tucking into bed (here is a two-in-one shot)
Bean Sensory Box
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Names, names, names
We put a lot of thought into choosing a name for Evelyn. There are plenty of lovely names out there in the world and we sifted through until we found the right fit. In our search for the right name, I realized that it was much easier to rule out groups of names than to say definitively what it was I actually liked. I prefer names that are either clearly feminine or masculine rather than androgynous ones. I wanted to stay away from names of my own generation-- it is way too soon for the names to have become a classic and they are too old to sound fresh. I don't care for names that are riding high on the waves of current trends. I didn't want a name with a negative meaning behind it. (It will only require minimal digging to unearth the popular name that means "bitter")
What do I like? Names that are pleasing to the ear. This may sound odd, but hear me out. Some names come tripping off of the tongue while others are just naturally easier to pronounce. A case in point: Gertrude (no offense to my late Great Grandmother). I like traditional spellings-- no need for a superfluous "e" or "y," especially when it will only give your child the lifelong "gift" of spelling out his or her name every time someone needs identification information (read: regularly!). In the end, I like the name Evelyn and I like the name we chose for her middle name (a family name). We made a decision that worked for us and we are happy with it. Now that we are choosing a sibling name for Evelyn, though, it seems that our work is a bit harder. We need a name that fits our criteria (a classic name, fairly traditional but not trendy or overly-popular, non-androgynous-- for lack of better term) and that relates well to the name Evelyn. Because honestly, I just don't understand why parents sometimes give one child an Italian name, another child, a name they've invented, and another a traditional English name. I like a sense of cohesion.
There is a nifty website that suggests sibling names, but I'm not sold on the sister suggestions for Evelyn. If we have a son, I think we'll have an easier time because we do have a short list of favorites (kept under lock and key! We're not sharing any names until Baby is born. . . there are too many strong opinions flying around and I really don't need to know that you once dated someone with the name we love and, wow, was that person a dud). The real reason it is so hard to think of a girl's name, I think, is that we already encountered plenty of names we liked but inevitably crossed them off the list and went with the name Evelyn. And if this baby is a girl, she deserves more than a scrap-pile name. One of the best pieces of naming-advice I've received is to shout a name out the back door, as though you're calling your child in for dinner. I also think it helps to write it down, whisper it, and imagine meeting a successful entrepreneur with that name; does the name work?
What do I like? Names that are pleasing to the ear. This may sound odd, but hear me out. Some names come tripping off of the tongue while others are just naturally easier to pronounce. A case in point: Gertrude (no offense to my late Great Grandmother). I like traditional spellings-- no need for a superfluous "e" or "y," especially when it will only give your child the lifelong "gift" of spelling out his or her name every time someone needs identification information (read: regularly!). In the end, I like the name Evelyn and I like the name we chose for her middle name (a family name). We made a decision that worked for us and we are happy with it. Now that we are choosing a sibling name for Evelyn, though, it seems that our work is a bit harder. We need a name that fits our criteria (a classic name, fairly traditional but not trendy or overly-popular, non-androgynous-- for lack of better term) and that relates well to the name Evelyn. Because honestly, I just don't understand why parents sometimes give one child an Italian name, another child, a name they've invented, and another a traditional English name. I like a sense of cohesion.
There is a nifty website that suggests sibling names, but I'm not sold on the sister suggestions for Evelyn. If we have a son, I think we'll have an easier time because we do have a short list of favorites (kept under lock and key! We're not sharing any names until Baby is born. . . there are too many strong opinions flying around and I really don't need to know that you once dated someone with the name we love and, wow, was that person a dud). The real reason it is so hard to think of a girl's name, I think, is that we already encountered plenty of names we liked but inevitably crossed them off the list and went with the name Evelyn. And if this baby is a girl, she deserves more than a scrap-pile name. One of the best pieces of naming-advice I've received is to shout a name out the back door, as though you're calling your child in for dinner. I also think it helps to write it down, whisper it, and imagine meeting a successful entrepreneur with that name; does the name work?
Friday, January 22, 2010
Mild Winter, how I love thee!
It is 48 degrees and mostly sunny. Green daffodil leaves are starting to spring up in garden beds and some of our vines and plants budding. In Evelyn's book though, it is still perfectly acceptable to wear snow boots and a ski jacket outside. In her defense, she did grab a sun hat.
The mild weather has drawn us outdoors almost every day this week and one of the major results of our time in our yard and out in our neighborhood has been the firming up of landscape architecture plans for our outdoor space. I should add as a disclaimer that I have no real training in landscape architecture but I do have a bit of the theoretical and historical background under my belt (thanks to an elective I took during school).
I like to imagine that I can come up with some practical use for this information. Enter: the wooded area in our backyard.
I'd like to clean up the pile of paving stones left behind by the previous owners, dig out the poison ivy that has engulfed the base of the stone bird bath and replant much of the area with native ferns and some small boulders or large rocks to sort of anchor the space. We also need to find a way to remove a downed tree trunk that visually bisects our yard. Our property extends a good twenty feet beyond it and we'd like to take advantage of the area! Next on the list is the "rock river" which the previous owners found aesthetically appealing.
My plan is to remove any rocks we would like to use in other parts of the yard or in our gardens; we'll add clean fill and grass seed to the "river" this Spring.It does not serve a drainage purpose and it takes up prime grass real estate. We have a little one who loves to run around and play in the backyard, so we'd like to open it up as much as possible. All of this sounds quite simple, but I can't do much heavy lifting while pregnant. Perhaps I'll put Evie on a weight-lifting regimen to get her in shape for the yard work? Oh well, we'll work it out. I am looking forward to a slightly more structured "after" shot of the wooded area. Stay tuned.
The mild weather has drawn us outdoors almost every day this week and one of the major results of our time in our yard and out in our neighborhood has been the firming up of landscape architecture plans for our outdoor space. I should add as a disclaimer that I have no real training in landscape architecture but I do have a bit of the theoretical and historical background under my belt (thanks to an elective I took during school).
I like to imagine that I can come up with some practical use for this information. Enter: the wooded area in our backyard.
I'd like to clean up the pile of paving stones left behind by the previous owners, dig out the poison ivy that has engulfed the base of the stone bird bath and replant much of the area with native ferns and some small boulders or large rocks to sort of anchor the space. We also need to find a way to remove a downed tree trunk that visually bisects our yard. Our property extends a good twenty feet beyond it and we'd like to take advantage of the area! Next on the list is the "rock river" which the previous owners found aesthetically appealing.
My plan is to remove any rocks we would like to use in other parts of the yard or in our gardens; we'll add clean fill and grass seed to the "river" this Spring.It does not serve a drainage purpose and it takes up prime grass real estate. We have a little one who loves to run around and play in the backyard, so we'd like to open it up as much as possible. All of this sounds quite simple, but I can't do much heavy lifting while pregnant. Perhaps I'll put Evie on a weight-lifting regimen to get her in shape for the yard work? Oh well, we'll work it out. I am looking forward to a slightly more structured "after" shot of the wooded area. Stay tuned.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Overheard at Mama's house . . .
"Purse your lips, honey. Make a kissy-face"
"OK, now put your tongue back in your mouth"
(Evie asked Daddy for help when putting on chapstick)
"OK, now put your tongue back in your mouth"
(Evie asked Daddy for help when putting on chapstick)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
I wish I'd whipped out the camera!
Today, Evelyn and I spent two hours at a Toddler Group class. It meets just once a week. And, though she can continue to grow at her own pace, I was proud to catch a few glimpses of a more independent Evelyn:
* standing in a smock at the art eisel, paintbrush in hand
* chatting with two other kids at the water table, hands motioning excitedly as she made her point
* dancing and keeping the beat with her tambourine during circle time (OK, I see this often at our music class, but it is still great that she is comfortable participating in a new group setting)
We joined a local Toddler Group because I thought Evelyn would enjoy more time with children her age and I knew it would provide us with more opportunities to work on art projects and play with larger items that we don't have at home such as a water table, a sand table, and a rotating supply of musical instruments. The group also includes 45-minute parent sessions every two weeks with topical lectures related to parenting toddlers (behavioral and developmental stages and strategies).
Since this was our first day, I haven't yet participated in the parent session. My only hesitation in joining a structured group with parent sessions was the concern that Evie might be anxious away from me, however, as I watched the routine unfold today, I felt much better. Parents were very attentive to all of the tots, stepping in to assist with art projects or hand washing whenever needed and if a little one was just unhappy without Mom or Dad, she or he was welcome to venture into the parent education room without a problem.
We have a couple of slightly wet paintings and a snowman art project to show for our day today, but I wish I had snapped a few photos! I'll have to tuck my camera in my pocket next week.
* standing in a smock at the art eisel, paintbrush in hand
* chatting with two other kids at the water table, hands motioning excitedly as she made her point
* dancing and keeping the beat with her tambourine during circle time (OK, I see this often at our music class, but it is still great that she is comfortable participating in a new group setting)
We joined a local Toddler Group because I thought Evelyn would enjoy more time with children her age and I knew it would provide us with more opportunities to work on art projects and play with larger items that we don't have at home such as a water table, a sand table, and a rotating supply of musical instruments. The group also includes 45-minute parent sessions every two weeks with topical lectures related to parenting toddlers (behavioral and developmental stages and strategies).
Since this was our first day, I haven't yet participated in the parent session. My only hesitation in joining a structured group with parent sessions was the concern that Evie might be anxious away from me, however, as I watched the routine unfold today, I felt much better. Parents were very attentive to all of the tots, stepping in to assist with art projects or hand washing whenever needed and if a little one was just unhappy without Mom or Dad, she or he was welcome to venture into the parent education room without a problem.
We have a couple of slightly wet paintings and a snowman art project to show for our day today, but I wish I had snapped a few photos! I'll have to tuck my camera in my pocket next week.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Bath Toys: Who needs 'em?
Once upon a time, I took relaxing baths to unwind at the end of the day. I always felt calm and ready for bed afterward. When Evie was born, I knew that I wanted to take advantage of the calming nature of water. I did not want it to become a "quick in-and-out just to get clean" time and I also wanted to steer clear of water aerobics. Bath time in our house, then, is part of a relaxing pre-sleep routine. It seemed natural to me to avoid squeaky, squirting bath toys. Truth be told, we never purchased bath toys. Maybe one washcloth finger puppet-- which was never too popular with Evelyn in the tub.
This isn't to say that bath time is boring; Evelyn pours water from one cup to another and enjoys the experience of blowing bubbles in the water or just splashing around. The only items in our tub are a bubble wand, which is a lot of fun because it floats and it can function as a stirring stick, and two cups for pouring. So, there you have it. My child does not have a net full of bath toys and she still loves the bath and leaves the tub in a pretty great mood. Bonus for me, I don't have to figure out how to disinfect and properly clean the aforementioned squirting toys, which all too often become a haven for mold. Hooray!
This isn't to say that bath time is boring; Evelyn pours water from one cup to another and enjoys the experience of blowing bubbles in the water or just splashing around. The only items in our tub are a bubble wand, which is a lot of fun because it floats and it can function as a stirring stick, and two cups for pouring. So, there you have it. My child does not have a net full of bath toys and she still loves the bath and leaves the tub in a pretty great mood. Bonus for me, I don't have to figure out how to disinfect and properly clean the aforementioned squirting toys, which all too often become a haven for mold. Hooray!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
18.5 weeks
I fully recognize that our second child will most likely have plenty of hand-me-downs. Even if we have a boy, Evie's jeans and many of her clothes will work fine, as will all of our toys and slings. Nevertheless, although I am the oldest child in my family, I can understand younger siblings will want to have their own special items-- untouched and untainted, as it were.
I picked up this adorable outfit from one of my favorite baby clothing lines for baby-on-board. Since we do not know if we are having a boy or a girl, I steered away from the pink and blue dichotomy (though, for the record, I think boys and girls alike can wear all colors).
Here is a close-up shot of the fabric. It's farm-themed and I thought it was simply precious.
I know that "things" happen earlier with subsequent pregnancies-- feeling movement from the baby, showing physical signs of pregnancy, and so on-- but I did not expect to feel the "nesting" urge this early! When I was expecting Evelyn, it was almost a point of pride for me that I didn't purchase a thing until the third trimester. I think I was just alone in the process and I didn't have anyone with whom to really discuss pregnancy or baby-related topics. This time around I feel like I am in a much happier, much calmer place. It is quite nice.
I picked up this adorable outfit from one of my favorite baby clothing lines for baby-on-board. Since we do not know if we are having a boy or a girl, I steered away from the pink and blue dichotomy (though, for the record, I think boys and girls alike can wear all colors).
Here is a close-up shot of the fabric. It's farm-themed and I thought it was simply precious.
I know that "things" happen earlier with subsequent pregnancies-- feeling movement from the baby, showing physical signs of pregnancy, and so on-- but I did not expect to feel the "nesting" urge this early! When I was expecting Evelyn, it was almost a point of pride for me that I didn't purchase a thing until the third trimester. I think I was just alone in the process and I didn't have anyone with whom to really discuss pregnancy or baby-related topics. This time around I feel like I am in a much happier, much calmer place. It is quite nice.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
What is your favorite scent in nature?
Lilacs in bloom.
Runner up: the woods-- I know it is vague, but the general mixture of soil, bark, leaves, and moist air that greets you as you enter a wooded path is very relaxing.
Runner up: the woods-- I know it is vague, but the general mixture of soil, bark, leaves, and moist air that greets you as you enter a wooded path is very relaxing.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
(Slightly) Fashion-forward
I have never been an impeccable dresser, if only because I did not grow up with an inexhaustible source of funds and, now, see no reason to burn through savings and investments in the name of vanity. Nevertheless, I have always enjoyed clothing and accessories. I think that they tell a bit of a story and I am a believer in first-impressions, which often rely at least somewhat on appearance. I also think that clothing, in ways both tactile and visual, has the potential to inspire particular feelings of confidence, comfort, membership, and even well-being. Most of the positive emotions and pleasures of clothing stem from how well or poorly the items fit the wearer. If you like a loose pant, for instance, you're bound to feel happier in a roomy pair of jeans than you would in tight leggings and a skirt. I happen to feel best in clothing that fits well against my body and I try to accentuate the areas I'm happy with and downplay those I'd rather not highlight. This certainly isn't rocket science, and I'm sure that many people do the same.
But, what happens during the second half of pregnancy (or the whole nine to ten months, if you happen to experience weight gain earlier)? I don't feel like myself in loose clothing; it actually reminds me of being sick and wearing pajamas during the day. I have never owned sweatpants and I have not worn a baggy t-shirt in daily life since my pals and I went through the "let's wear athletic clothing all the time" phase in sixth grade. My current clothing still fits, but the tops are increasingly ill-fitting on my growing abdomen. I end up looking like a person who ate a large lunch rather than one who is heading into her eighteenth week of pregnancy.
The best solution is to wear actual maternity shirts that were designed specifically for pregnant bodies; that is, they are a bit longer in the torso and often have more stretch in the fabric. Good maternity stores are not easy to come by and it can be difficult to justify spending hundreds of dollars on clothing you'll wear for just a few months. I compromised and purchased a few nice pieces when I was expecting Evelyn because I knew that we planned to have at least one more child after her birth and I could wear the clothes again. I also have sisters and friends who I'll be happy to share clothes with if they should need them. This time around, however, I find the search for a few stylish maternity items to be much harder. My favorite maternity shop went out of business and the others leave much to be desired unless you hunt through every single rack-- not easy to do with a toddler running through the store! Sure, I could wear a big long-sleeved t-shirt and call it a day, but I would not feel "put together." Life with a tot can be unpredictable to say the least and I am not my own first priority, but I can allow myself a few tiny "luxuries" here and there and dressing (somewhat) well is one of them!
But, what happens during the second half of pregnancy (or the whole nine to ten months, if you happen to experience weight gain earlier)? I don't feel like myself in loose clothing; it actually reminds me of being sick and wearing pajamas during the day. I have never owned sweatpants and I have not worn a baggy t-shirt in daily life since my pals and I went through the "let's wear athletic clothing all the time" phase in sixth grade. My current clothing still fits, but the tops are increasingly ill-fitting on my growing abdomen. I end up looking like a person who ate a large lunch rather than one who is heading into her eighteenth week of pregnancy.
The best solution is to wear actual maternity shirts that were designed specifically for pregnant bodies; that is, they are a bit longer in the torso and often have more stretch in the fabric. Good maternity stores are not easy to come by and it can be difficult to justify spending hundreds of dollars on clothing you'll wear for just a few months. I compromised and purchased a few nice pieces when I was expecting Evelyn because I knew that we planned to have at least one more child after her birth and I could wear the clothes again. I also have sisters and friends who I'll be happy to share clothes with if they should need them. This time around, however, I find the search for a few stylish maternity items to be much harder. My favorite maternity shop went out of business and the others leave much to be desired unless you hunt through every single rack-- not easy to do with a toddler running through the store! Sure, I could wear a big long-sleeved t-shirt and call it a day, but I would not feel "put together." Life with a tot can be unpredictable to say the least and I am not my own first priority, but I can allow myself a few tiny "luxuries" here and there and dressing (somewhat) well is one of them!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
A Snipit: Big Girl!
Woo! Evie asked to sit on the potty (the regular toilet) tonight so that she could *go number one and then she did a little. She is only 18 months and we plan to follow her lead on learning to use the potty; I'm sure we're nowhere near full-time potty learning, but I like that she took the initiative!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Just put one foot in front of the other
It's been a while since I've written about our house. This lapse in coverage, so to speak, is largely due to the fact that I have been scheming and planning project after project and we just never had a chance to get to any of them (here is where I mumble something about pregnancy, a busy toddler, and other commitments). Ironically, Chris and I have also had quite a few conversations about how much fun it would be to undertake a joint project. I know, I just used the word "fun" in reference to a husband and wife home-improvement project, but we're still relative newly weds so let's allow this one to slide. Fast-forward through Christmas and New Year's Day and there we were in Home Depot, loading our cart with new light fixtures and paint for the entrance and hallway.
I have been envisioning a cosmetic overhaul for the hallway and front two bedrooms since we moved in. We already painted and redecorated our master bedroom, and our kitchen (which is a big open room that includes our family room). The bathrooms are waiting patiently for my Dad's help since neither Chris nor I have tinkered with humongous cabinets, bathroom sinks, vanity lighting and the likes. The grand plan involves removing the old carpeting and extending hardwood floors into that segment of the house (unless I can find some great allergen-free, chemical-free carpet to put down in its place). We also plan to replace the bedroom and closet doors and repaint the trim and possibly add crown molding.
My head begins to spin just thinking about accomplishing these tasks while Evie teeters on a ladder somewhere or trips over rolled-up carpets. Nonetheless, in our big-picture thinker meets one-action-item-at-a-time thinker manner, we miraculously agreed that 2010 would be a year for doing, even if it is just one step at a time. Also, those home depot gift cards from our parents certainly didn't hurt! We can't make our first house into our hands-down dream house in just one shot, but we can continue to work toward that goal.
On an unrelated note, I can feel the tiny movements of baby-on-board and I can't believe I'd already forgotten how absolutely amazing it is.
I have been envisioning a cosmetic overhaul for the hallway and front two bedrooms since we moved in. We already painted and redecorated our master bedroom, and our kitchen (which is a big open room that includes our family room). The bathrooms are waiting patiently for my Dad's help since neither Chris nor I have tinkered with humongous cabinets, bathroom sinks, vanity lighting and the likes. The grand plan involves removing the old carpeting and extending hardwood floors into that segment of the house (unless I can find some great allergen-free, chemical-free carpet to put down in its place). We also plan to replace the bedroom and closet doors and repaint the trim and possibly add crown molding.
My head begins to spin just thinking about accomplishing these tasks while Evie teeters on a ladder somewhere or trips over rolled-up carpets. Nonetheless, in our big-picture thinker meets one-action-item-at-a-time thinker manner, we miraculously agreed that 2010 would be a year for doing, even if it is just one step at a time. Also, those home depot gift cards from our parents certainly didn't hurt! We can't make our first house into our hands-down dream house in just one shot, but we can continue to work toward that goal.
On an unrelated note, I can feel the tiny movements of baby-on-board and I can't believe I'd already forgotten how absolutely amazing it is.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Sick Bay
I have a number of little ditties waiting to be dolled up and posted but Evie and I are down for the count right now. My poor tot has a lingering 102 degree fever and a lot of congestion so no one is getting much (any) sleep. The only comfort I've been able to really provide her is nursing -- except for some distractions here and there (music, drawing, trains-- but only for ten minutes or so at a time). I don't even want to think about how miserable she would be if she wasn't nursing. She doesn't have any appetite or interest in water or even juice (a rare treat in our house), so I don't know how I'd keep her hydrated. Moral of the story: yay for nursing toddlers! boo for horrible viruses!
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