Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Stronger
It was a busy week as usual, but Thursday was a little out of the norm. While Emma was at school, I headed to meet with her therapists for her annual review. It was a great surprise that her teacher would also join the meeting - this would be the first chance I had to find out in detail how Emma is doing at school.
I didn't really pay the evaluation much thought ahead of time (when will I ever learn!), assuming that we would review the goals set when she started with the team a year ago, and reset new goals for the upcoming year. The therapy at this age is focused on making sure Emma is able to fully participate in a school environment.
As we started to discuss Emma's progress in physical therapy I felt myself getting emotional. I started to share with the team the difference I noticed between Emma and other kids at the playground. While they are running, climbing and hanging with strength and ease of a bunch of monkeys, Emma is nervous, slower and less able.
Don't get me wrong, it only concerns me because it impacts her ability to "hang with the crowd" and I think she feels different - the only situation she seems uncertain of herself.
The thought of my baby feeling that way is somewhat of a hot button for me (and presumably any mother) and I started to cry! Of course I felt ridiculous and laughed at myself through the tears, but I realize that I rarely allow myself to dwell on it, so it was built up.
We moved on, and discussed speech therapy. No one expected Emma to improve as quickly as she has with speech, and it's tough to even remember the difficulties of a year ago. However I NEVER expected her therapist to say that she no longer needs speech therapy!!
It's still sinking in, because we thought that it was a given she would always get speech therapy. But the truth is she is speaking as clearly as she will, at this age at least. Her teacher confirmed that they have no trouble understanding her at school, and even have kids who are much less advanced with speech. And her vocabulary, well, you know!
In fact the only things she still does not have accurate is 'b', 'p', and 'm' - all requiring your lips to come together. Emma's top lip does not move, and is fixed above her top teeth. Maybe when she is older she will be able to manipulate the bottom lip, but that's too tricky to teach now. (I'm not giving up hope on a plastic surgery solution.)
It is not a glaring issue because Emma approximates using the letters 'd', 't' and 'n' - the latter being a bigger issue because "Emma" sounds like "Anna" sometimes.
The occupational therapist says that Emma is functioning at a Kindergarten level (2 years ahead) and her concerns are covered in PT - upper body strength.
After the official meeting was over I got to talk to her teacher and find out how things are going on a social level. She said Emma plays largely by herself, but is increasingly interacting with the other kids. I was surprised because she loves to have friends, but I think she's a bit shy as they don't see each other that often. Otherwise she's doing great.
So our focus from here on out, other than normal 4 year old goals, is strength and posture. This is great for Scott and Pops to do lots of ball games and running around with the kids!
Once again we see a miracle as the girl whose only word was "Eh" for more than a year, is at an age appropriate level, or beyond for speech!!
Whatever next!
I didn't really pay the evaluation much thought ahead of time (when will I ever learn!), assuming that we would review the goals set when she started with the team a year ago, and reset new goals for the upcoming year. The therapy at this age is focused on making sure Emma is able to fully participate in a school environment.
As we started to discuss Emma's progress in physical therapy I felt myself getting emotional. I started to share with the team the difference I noticed between Emma and other kids at the playground. While they are running, climbing and hanging with strength and ease of a bunch of monkeys, Emma is nervous, slower and less able.
Don't get me wrong, it only concerns me because it impacts her ability to "hang with the crowd" and I think she feels different - the only situation she seems uncertain of herself.
The thought of my baby feeling that way is somewhat of a hot button for me (and presumably any mother) and I started to cry! Of course I felt ridiculous and laughed at myself through the tears, but I realize that I rarely allow myself to dwell on it, so it was built up.
We moved on, and discussed speech therapy. No one expected Emma to improve as quickly as she has with speech, and it's tough to even remember the difficulties of a year ago. However I NEVER expected her therapist to say that she no longer needs speech therapy!!
It's still sinking in, because we thought that it was a given she would always get speech therapy. But the truth is she is speaking as clearly as she will, at this age at least. Her teacher confirmed that they have no trouble understanding her at school, and even have kids who are much less advanced with speech. And her vocabulary, well, you know!
In fact the only things she still does not have accurate is 'b', 'p', and 'm' - all requiring your lips to come together. Emma's top lip does not move, and is fixed above her top teeth. Maybe when she is older she will be able to manipulate the bottom lip, but that's too tricky to teach now. (I'm not giving up hope on a plastic surgery solution.)
It is not a glaring issue because Emma approximates using the letters 'd', 't' and 'n' - the latter being a bigger issue because "Emma" sounds like "Anna" sometimes.
The occupational therapist says that Emma is functioning at a Kindergarten level (2 years ahead) and her concerns are covered in PT - upper body strength.
After the official meeting was over I got to talk to her teacher and find out how things are going on a social level. She said Emma plays largely by herself, but is increasingly interacting with the other kids. I was surprised because she loves to have friends, but I think she's a bit shy as they don't see each other that often. Otherwise she's doing great.
So our focus from here on out, other than normal 4 year old goals, is strength and posture. This is great for Scott and Pops to do lots of ball games and running around with the kids!
Once again we see a miracle as the girl whose only word was "Eh" for more than a year, is at an age appropriate level, or beyond for speech!!
Whatever next!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Peaceful Slumber
When we gave Emma her new bed we put her old one in Toby's room. It seemed like a good idea, and he always liked climbing in to it in Emma's room.
It soon became clear that is was more of a climbing frame than a place to rest his head, to Toby, and after one or two (albeit brief) attempts to have him sleep in the bed I gave up and moved it down to the basement.
Many parents I know were shocked when I said I was ready to move him out of the crib, even when he has never made an attempt to climb out. He also is happy to go to sleep in there for nap and bedtime.
So why move him? I'm not sure when it started (seems like forever now!) but around 1am every night Toby wakes up and calls out, loudly, "MUM", repeatedly. It starts out like that, but if I ignore it, he gets louder and cries too.
For reasons I will examine in a moment, I get out of my warm, cozy bed and go to his room. There I pick him up and carry him back to my bed with me. It has transitioned from him sleeping clinging onto me, to where he instantly rolls over and snuggles into the space between Scott and I. It's clearly no longer about being with me!
I can hear your thoughts so loudly! Let's see if you're correct in why I allow this to persist...
So he doesn't wake Emma. A factor, but she is easy to get back to sleep at that time - she fights it at bedtime only!
Because I feel guilty about being away from him during the day. And I probably always will! However, it might be more accurate to say I miss him and am clinging to the limited time I have left where my baby still wants to be close (he's quite a cuddler) and is small enough to fit in there!
Of course there is also the factor of my own sleep! I know it will only take a few nights of sleep re-training to deal with it (I hope!), but each night seems like the worst night to start!
And why is it that everything seems so much louder/harder/longer at night?
Putting Toby in a bed seems like a good idea - he can get up and come in by himself! No need for me to get up. You're probably right though, it won't be that simple!
Our bed, it seems, is really a wonderful place. Emma still tries to negotiate her way in there at bedtime, despite her new comfy bed. As a concession, I tell her she can come in, in the morning, which she often does, and goes right back to sleep.
On work days I will leave them both sleeping in my bed while I get ready for work, waking them only when it's time for them to get dressed. They sleep very soundly and then watch TV while I dress them...
It soon became clear that is was more of a climbing frame than a place to rest his head, to Toby, and after one or two (albeit brief) attempts to have him sleep in the bed I gave up and moved it down to the basement.
Many parents I know were shocked when I said I was ready to move him out of the crib, even when he has never made an attempt to climb out. He also is happy to go to sleep in there for nap and bedtime.
So why move him? I'm not sure when it started (seems like forever now!) but around 1am every night Toby wakes up and calls out, loudly, "MUM", repeatedly. It starts out like that, but if I ignore it, he gets louder and cries too.
For reasons I will examine in a moment, I get out of my warm, cozy bed and go to his room. There I pick him up and carry him back to my bed with me. It has transitioned from him sleeping clinging onto me, to where he instantly rolls over and snuggles into the space between Scott and I. It's clearly no longer about being with me!
I can hear your thoughts so loudly! Let's see if you're correct in why I allow this to persist...
So he doesn't wake Emma. A factor, but she is easy to get back to sleep at that time - she fights it at bedtime only!
Because I feel guilty about being away from him during the day. And I probably always will! However, it might be more accurate to say I miss him and am clinging to the limited time I have left where my baby still wants to be close (he's quite a cuddler) and is small enough to fit in there!
Of course there is also the factor of my own sleep! I know it will only take a few nights of sleep re-training to deal with it (I hope!), but each night seems like the worst night to start!
And why is it that everything seems so much louder/harder/longer at night?
Putting Toby in a bed seems like a good idea - he can get up and come in by himself! No need for me to get up. You're probably right though, it won't be that simple!
Our bed, it seems, is really a wonderful place. Emma still tries to negotiate her way in there at bedtime, despite her new comfy bed. As a concession, I tell her she can come in, in the morning, which she often does, and goes right back to sleep.
On work days I will leave them both sleeping in my bed while I get ready for work, waking them only when it's time for them to get dressed. They sleep very soundly and then watch TV while I dress them...
Ah, the tightrope walking of parenthood! One day I'll look back and laugh about the things the kids put us through - when they have their own kids and a taste of their own medicine! That's the circle of life!!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Still Life
Where have you been?! Oh, wait - that's me!! Just when I think things can't get any busier, they do and are.
That said, it's not all work and meetings - when I'm home with the kids I try to give them my undivided attention, and when they go to bed, everything is waiting politely for me to deal with it. If Scott had not gone to the supermarket with the kids yesterday, they would have had to eat waffles for dinner, because we had nothing else!
I can't remember what I have or haven't told you, so I'm just going to run through the pictures on my phone (Going back to October 2!)!!
October 2nd, we had an evening prayer service at church. We brought the kids (we feel bad leaving them when we don't have to, not to mention Nanna and Pops needing weekends off!).
That said, it's not all work and meetings - when I'm home with the kids I try to give them my undivided attention, and when they go to bed, everything is waiting politely for me to deal with it. If Scott had not gone to the supermarket with the kids yesterday, they would have had to eat waffles for dinner, because we had nothing else!
I can't remember what I have or haven't told you, so I'm just going to run through the pictures on my phone (Going back to October 2!)!!
October 2nd, we had an evening prayer service at church. We brought the kids (we feel bad leaving them when we don't have to, not to mention Nanna and Pops needing weekends off!).
As you can see they were quite lively, and stayed that way!
On Toby's birthday we decided to splash out (with a coupon, of course) for dinner at Famous Dave's!
On Toby's birthday we decided to splash out (with a coupon, of course) for dinner at Famous Dave's!
It amazes me every time we go somewhere like a restaurant with the kids, just how well-behaved they are. Of course, there's an app for that!
Emma was adamant about using a straw because Toby was, and they only had those giant cups. In the end, we found that if she blew bubbles in her water, when she then inhaled she actually got some water up! I'm sure she'll find a way to use a straw in time, but for now it's tough to explain how to her.
Emma had a check-up at the dentist, which went great but she was really nervous about. I promised a great surprise if she was a good girl. She was, and I gave her one of the dresses I was saving for her birthday. (I got a few at a thrift store, this one just $3!!) Unfortunately it's really well made - the waist cuts into her round belly, so it "hurts" her. She disguised it well when I asked her to smile big for a picture!
Finally the weather is suitable [for me] to take a walk! So we headed out one afternoon after school. Emma demanded to go in a stroller...
while Toby peeled off, pushing his fire truck...
Then we mixed it up a bit! (This was up-hill!)
In an effort to dissuade Emma from sleeping in our bed, I hit IKEA for the big girl bed fit for a princess! We put it together that evening (as Emma slept soundly in our bed!), canopy and new memory-foam pillow...
and Emma got to see it in the morning (hence the bed-head!).
Since then Emma asked me to take the canopy down! Other than that she sleeps great and often doesn't want to get up. She still cries about sleeping in our bed, so we are working on that. The plus side is, we can lay down with her in her bed until she falls asleep.On the days I take Emma to school, Toby comes with us. He so desperately wants to stay, and if there's an open chair, he's in it!
This week, my friend was waiting for us when we got back from dropping off Emma. Toby did not want to nap, sensing there was fun to be had. He soon passed out, literally at my feet!
Toby enjoys going to collect Emma too, playing in the car while we wait...
And this was the kids last night...
There is something so precious when your kids play together and have fun. Love it!
Ban it
the grounds of unadulterated temptation!
Luckily, abstaining for just a half hour has meant all the really
fancy looking ones have gone, leaving the boring ones! That jelly
donut is one of my favorites though...
Just need to hold out a bit longer!!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Rescue Me
We went to the playground for a little bit yesterday. Emma has such a vivid imagination and loves to role play, so Scott obliged her princess story with a dramatic rescue from her "tower"...
(The first time he did this, a group of 10 year old boys were watching and started to applaud! They tried later but weren't so successful! I told Scott it was on him if they fell and got hurt.)
(The first time he did this, a group of 10 year old boys were watching and started to applaud! They tried later but weren't so successful! I told Scott it was on him if they fell and got hurt.)
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Season of Thanksgiving
Did I mention Scott started a new job last Monday? No!!
Well, we've known for a while that the project he was working on was set to be complete in October and after the summer that seemed all too close. Scott's boss has another project running, but that should wind up only a few weeks later.
Facing the uncertainty of regular work, Scott has been taking outside projects wherever possible. It's been challenging, with me also working and having limited time with the kids, but you gotta make hay while the sun shines - and God has been shining on us lately!
So it was a surprise when a guy Scott has worked with (and really likes) called up in September and said he is working for a new company and the boss wants Scott to join the crew - totally out of the blue! Apparently he'd been giving Scott a rave review, and the boss wanted him join the team. (A great case of having true integrity, because you never know who is watching!)
Scott prayed about it, and eventually started with the new company on Monday.
We are so incredibly thankful that we have a reprieve, however long, for facing a lay-off. His new boss is always available, pro-active and pretty laid back, so it's less stressful too. Oh, and Scott even has been working down the street from my office, so we get to see each other occasionally during the day!
So, imagine our utter and absolute shock and joy when we also found out Scott got a promotion with the new job!!
It looks like Scott has a great future with this new company, and the boss is trying to expand the company. My job is also going great, and I'm really enjoying it. The kids are having a lot of fun spending time with their grandparents while I am at work (and spoiled by me when I'm not!).
As I approach the fourth anniversary of leaving my job (aka Emma's 4th birthday!) I am struck once again by how good God is. A year ago I could never have imagined this scenario, especially not with the economic climate the way it is, but I do know that God is faithful, whether he provides just enough to get by, or an over-abundance of blessings - He will always provide.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Well, we've known for a while that the project he was working on was set to be complete in October and after the summer that seemed all too close. Scott's boss has another project running, but that should wind up only a few weeks later.
Facing the uncertainty of regular work, Scott has been taking outside projects wherever possible. It's been challenging, with me also working and having limited time with the kids, but you gotta make hay while the sun shines - and God has been shining on us lately!
So it was a surprise when a guy Scott has worked with (and really likes) called up in September and said he is working for a new company and the boss wants Scott to join the crew - totally out of the blue! Apparently he'd been giving Scott a rave review, and the boss wanted him join the team. (A great case of having true integrity, because you never know who is watching!)
Scott prayed about it, and eventually started with the new company on Monday.
We are so incredibly thankful that we have a reprieve, however long, for facing a lay-off. His new boss is always available, pro-active and pretty laid back, so it's less stressful too. Oh, and Scott even has been working down the street from my office, so we get to see each other occasionally during the day!
So, imagine our utter and absolute shock and joy when we also found out Scott got a promotion with the new job!!
It looks like Scott has a great future with this new company, and the boss is trying to expand the company. My job is also going great, and I'm really enjoying it. The kids are having a lot of fun spending time with their grandparents while I am at work (and spoiled by me when I'm not!).
As I approach the fourth anniversary of leaving my job (aka Emma's 4th birthday!) I am struck once again by how good God is. A year ago I could never have imagined this scenario, especially not with the economic climate the way it is, but I do know that God is faithful, whether he provides just enough to get by, or an over-abundance of blessings - He will always provide.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29: 11-13
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Birthday Boy
Here are the pictures from Saturday, Toby's "birthday"...
The kids started out the day as usual, playing [or often fighting] in Emma's room!
After everyone was dressed, the kids came downstairs... (I thought I was filming here, but alas no!)
Where Toby found the old living room...
Was replaced with Hot Wheels Party Zone!!
Our living room is pretty big without furniture in it and the floors are easy to clean after a kids party!
We had a few ramps set up around the room...
As well as party hats...
The furniture found a home in the dining room for the day, or as I referred to it, the adult zone! (I loved the coziness in there and wanted to keep the sofas in there!)
After much deliberation we took Emma over to Nanna's for a couple of hours, for the early part of the party. She is so self-assured and social, we knew she would be center of attention if she stayed!
In exchange, we brought cousin Josiah back with us as the first party guest...
These two are definitely trouble!
Nate also came over, and Emma (after putting on her Belle costume for the party) played happily with the boys on her return!
I went with a Cars cake, because it was the best!
And just added Hot Wheels candles for the theme!
Toby waited ever so patiently for me to bring the cake out
and tried so hard to blow out the candles! (When we sang him "Happy Birthday" first thing that morning his immediate response was to blow, I guess he knew the drill already!)
Looking forward to eating the cake!
Pops kept a close eye on the kids, a huge help!
Nate gave Toby a Little People racing ramp. Toby prefers to use it as the world's smallest slide!
Amazingly both kids took a nap, while the house was put back together. After nap they got to play outside because the weather was so good.
Then inside for dinner...
Such a good waiter!!!
I had asked Scott to get a picture of me holding Toby that day, for the comparison shot, but other than dealing with crying or some other request, he didn't stop still long enough for that. Until the end of the day, when he voluntarily asked to sit with me...
I can't believe how fast the past two years have gone!
He just gets cuter and cuter!!
The kids started out the day as usual, playing [or often fighting] in Emma's room!
After everyone was dressed, the kids came downstairs... (I thought I was filming here, but alas no!)
Where Toby found the old living room...
Was replaced with Hot Wheels Party Zone!!
Our living room is pretty big without furniture in it and the floors are easy to clean after a kids party!
We had a few ramps set up around the room...
As well as party hats...
The furniture found a home in the dining room for the day, or as I referred to it, the adult zone! (I loved the coziness in there and wanted to keep the sofas in there!)
After much deliberation we took Emma over to Nanna's for a couple of hours, for the early part of the party. She is so self-assured and social, we knew she would be center of attention if she stayed!
In exchange, we brought cousin Josiah back with us as the first party guest...
These two are definitely trouble!
Nate also came over, and Emma (after putting on her Belle costume for the party) played happily with the boys on her return!
I went with a Cars cake, because it was the best!
And just added Hot Wheels candles for the theme!
Toby waited ever so patiently for me to bring the cake out
and tried so hard to blow out the candles! (When we sang him "Happy Birthday" first thing that morning his immediate response was to blow, I guess he knew the drill already!)
Looking forward to eating the cake!
Pops kept a close eye on the kids, a huge help!
Nate gave Toby a Little People racing ramp. Toby prefers to use it as the world's smallest slide!
Amazingly both kids took a nap, while the house was put back together. After nap they got to play outside because the weather was so good.
Then inside for dinner...
Such a good waiter!!!
I had asked Scott to get a picture of me holding Toby that day, for the comparison shot, but other than dealing with crying or some other request, he didn't stop still long enough for that. Until the end of the day, when he voluntarily asked to sit with me...
I can't believe how fast the past two years have gone!
He just gets cuter and cuter!!Monday, October 10, 2011
Terrible Toby Twos
We had a great weekend. Toby really enjoyed his birthday on Saturday and it was such a joy compared to last year when he didn't feel good and cried the whole time! We got some pictures, but not many because two year old Toby does not stop for long and after he does grin and say "cheese" he usually dives for the camera! (I'll post them this week)
Toby slept the whole night in his crib last night, the first time in a while. Of course this meant he woke up earlier, when he heard Scott leave. So the kids laid in my bed and watched Disney Jr. while I got ready for work.
Since I am feeling better I got up earlier too, so we had time to play and snuggle before we had to leave. Everything was going so well!
We got to Nanna and Pops house around 8am, but trouble started before we got in the door! Julie was leaving for work, but I blocked the driveway, so I put the kids down on the path and told them to go inside while I moved the car.
Apparently Toby thought this was my attempt to leave him without a goodbye and started screaming and running after me. Nanna grabbed him and tried to comfort him while I moved as quickly as possible.
When I got back to him, he clung to me, eyes and nose streaming. We went inside and he would not let go. He's been a little clingy a few times lately, until Pops has the kids marching around or the like.
As we sat in the chair, Toby all sad, cousin Josiah came over and tried to talk to him. Toby yelled "NO" and pushed him in the face. I don't care how sad he was, I sat him in time-out where he refused to say sorry and kept trying to crawl on my lap for about 10 minutes.
Inconsolable, and grumpy, they finally coaxed him away. I didn't hit the road immediately, but left shortly after without much of a scene.
My whole 25 minute drive to work I was pre-occupied with the feelings of guilt that my baby feels abandoned and will grow up thinking I don't love him, or worse - that it's his fault.
As soon as I got to my desk I called home and sure enough, Toby had eaten two whole bananas and a waffle by the time I parked my car! All was well and the kids were having a blast (as usual).
Then I opened my email. I have subscribed to Babycenter.com updates, which give weekly developmental updates for your kids age, but today it said "My preschooler this week..." instead of "My baby this week..." My baby's all grown-up!
Anyway, the main text said this:
Two-year-olds give the biggest hugs, flash the biggest smiles, and yes, throw the loudest, most spectacular tantrums. Because they live in the moment, their feelings are especially transparent. It's tempting to want to keep things happy for your child at all times. But it's also important for her to experience emotions like sadness, frustration, and anger without always being "rescued" by Mom or Dad, so she can learn to cope better with small setbacks.
Huge relief! It's so easy to beat myself up that working three days a week is going to "damage" my kids, but it's just not true. Maybe I just am such a great mom, he doesn't want to be away from me - don't even think about disagreeing with me on that, not today!
And in a few years when they start school won't know where I am and at least one of us will be home when they are finished!
Did I mention that Toby is in the 75th percentile for height (he's taller than 75% of kids his age) and the 50th for weight (he weighs more than 50% of kids his age). And the 100th percentile for cuteness!!
Toby slept the whole night in his crib last night, the first time in a while. Of course this meant he woke up earlier, when he heard Scott leave. So the kids laid in my bed and watched Disney Jr. while I got ready for work.
Since I am feeling better I got up earlier too, so we had time to play and snuggle before we had to leave. Everything was going so well!
We got to Nanna and Pops house around 8am, but trouble started before we got in the door! Julie was leaving for work, but I blocked the driveway, so I put the kids down on the path and told them to go inside while I moved the car.
Apparently Toby thought this was my attempt to leave him without a goodbye and started screaming and running after me. Nanna grabbed him and tried to comfort him while I moved as quickly as possible.
When I got back to him, he clung to me, eyes and nose streaming. We went inside and he would not let go. He's been a little clingy a few times lately, until Pops has the kids marching around or the like.
As we sat in the chair, Toby all sad, cousin Josiah came over and tried to talk to him. Toby yelled "NO" and pushed him in the face. I don't care how sad he was, I sat him in time-out where he refused to say sorry and kept trying to crawl on my lap for about 10 minutes.
Inconsolable, and grumpy, they finally coaxed him away. I didn't hit the road immediately, but left shortly after without much of a scene.
My whole 25 minute drive to work I was pre-occupied with the feelings of guilt that my baby feels abandoned and will grow up thinking I don't love him, or worse - that it's his fault.
As soon as I got to my desk I called home and sure enough, Toby had eaten two whole bananas and a waffle by the time I parked my car! All was well and the kids were having a blast (as usual).
Then I opened my email. I have subscribed to Babycenter.com updates, which give weekly developmental updates for your kids age, but today it said "My preschooler this week..." instead of "My baby this week..." My baby's all grown-up!
Anyway, the main text said this:
Two-year-olds give the biggest hugs, flash the biggest smiles, and yes, throw the loudest, most spectacular tantrums. Because they live in the moment, their feelings are especially transparent. It's tempting to want to keep things happy for your child at all times. But it's also important for her to experience emotions like sadness, frustration, and anger without always being "rescued" by Mom or Dad, so she can learn to cope better with small setbacks.
Huge relief! It's so easy to beat myself up that working three days a week is going to "damage" my kids, but it's just not true. Maybe I just am such a great mom, he doesn't want to be away from me - don't even think about disagreeing with me on that, not today!
And in a few years when they start school won't know where I am and at least one of us will be home when they are finished!
Did I mention that Toby is in the 75th percentile for height (he's taller than 75% of kids his age) and the 50th for weight (he weighs more than 50% of kids his age). And the 100th percentile for cuteness!!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Ignorance is bliss
While I was at work today, three salespeople came in to the office to try and sell me on using their office supply company. (Note: I used to be a sales person, and was pretty good, so I do like to mess with bad sales people. Also they should not have been in the building soliciting business!)
They really tried to push me on to switching from the place we order from now (it's my job to order all supplies etc). The three of them surrounded my desk in reception and several of my colleagues were quite concerned about what was going on! I later let them know I can handle myself pretty well!
I was willing to order a few things I knew we needed and our other place did not have in stock. Went through the whole process and put up with the annoyingly pushy and aggressive sales pitch because it would save us some money.
Not so strange you might think, but it was what happened as they were leaving that impacted me. Had this happened earlier in the encounter it would have gone a lot differently.
The one woman who had decided to stand behind me at my desk to "help" me look at their website (hate being patronized!) saw these pictures I have of the kids on my wall, not visible to guests in reception.
These are my favorite pictures of the kids and I think capture their adorability well.
However, the lady who at first said "Are those your kids? They are so cute!" (Smart thing to say) followed it with "Did you tell them to make those funny faces?"
Now, she clearly referred to both kids, so I can not be sure what she was implying, if anything. I don't think either of them look very "funny"! However, had she not already been walking out the door, my response would have been different from "no." and they would not have had any shot at new business!!
Regardless of who the children are, what a dumb thing to say, especially if you are trying to sell something!
Happy birthday Toby!
him grow and this wonderful character develop.
Of course he doesn't know it's his birthday! We have a little party
for him and a few of his little friends on Saturday, so that will be
his special day.
The house will be decorated and he will be the star for a day. That's
if he gets better. Both kids and I have a stubborn cold, so I'll have
to send a note to the invitees in case they'd rather not come.
Either way we will make sure Toby has the best day possible!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Move over please
The kids and I are all fighting a cold (after getting a flu shot
Friday - coincidence?) which means Emma needs to sleep elevated or she
chokes. Toby is coughing and wheezy, and needs his cuddles.
Second night in a row the bed is full before I get in! If Emma had a
big bed I could go and sleep in her room.
As it is, the weather has taken a dive into fall temperatures and is
pretty cold. Scott won't let me turn the heat on (yes, I really
would!) so the kids are serving as pretty effective bed warmers!!
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