Set your goals high but not your expectations. ~Dove

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Other Parents

Every morning I drop off my 22 month old son at his school.  The school watches kids between the ages of 6 weeks to 5 years old.  So there is a wide range of children scooting, walking, and running around excited to start their day of play.  Of course there is learning going on, but really, it's mostly play. 

Every afternoon I pick up my 22 month old son from his school.  If it's a nice day out, I can find him in the playground, usually covered in dirt.  Somehow the dirt is caked onto his skin.  How does this happen?  However if the weather isn't the best, the kids are inside one of the classrooms playing or exploring.

Each of these mornings and afternoons I usually see the same parents picking up and dropping off.  I assume that they all have jobs to get to, since they're dressed rather nicely.  Some look like they're dressed for the gym, well, maybe that's where they work.  In either case, I leave my son at his school and as I pull out of the parking lot, I reflect on these other parents and the roles they play outside their homes.  Are they business owners, executives, bankers, coaches, or retail associates?  At the point of which we say goodbye to our kiddos, is the point where we place a new hat on our heads and gear up for the day ahead. 

As I pass each parent I either nod or say Hi.  We'll hold doors open for each other or give soothing smiles when our little one isn't ready to say goodbye. 

The commonality of our roles is the same, we're Moms, Dads, or another caregiver to these children.  We put our trust into these schools and daycares to ensure our children get the best care.  We trust these teachers and set our fears aside and buckle up for the workday ahead. 

Even though I don't have a chance to socialize with these other parents, I do think of them often.  I wonder if they had the kind of morning we had and if their kid made it a point to wear his rubber boots instead of his sneakers.  At the end of the day, I hope they're able to put their crazy work day aside once they see their kids and greet them with warm, fresh hugs and kisses.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and I'm not sure why. 

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Hello Autumn!

It's Autumn!  Or some of us like to call it Fall.  It's the season of apple and pumpkin picking, scarecrows, mums, pies, hay rides, foliage, maple syrup, apple cider donuts, honey sticks, hot or cold apple cider, and maybe the occasional warm Indian summer sort of day.  As much as I love summer, the fall also holds a particular place in my heart. 

I enjoy seeing the leaves change from green to red, orange, and yellow.  Did you know trees will change a different color from one year to the next?  We have a few mums paired with small pumpkins next to our front steps.  It's refreshing to see the change in seasons.  August can be so humid and thick with pollen, sometimes it's hard to breath in the fresh air.  So when fall comes around, it's all I want to do and sit outside and take a deep breath.

We don't have too many plans this fall, except on the top of my list is apple picking.  It's unfortunate a lot of orchards had to shut down their PYO (pick your own) fields due to the frost we had in the spring.  A lot of the apple blossoms didn't make it through that frost spell.  It's unfortunate and I hope we'll be able to get some picking in soon.

There will be a couple of warm days coming up, just in time for the weekend.  It'll be nice to spend some time outside over the weekend and enjoy the foliage, but with 80's one day and 60's the next, it's no wonder we often have colds before the first snow fall.  The colors will be peaking soon and it would be nice to have everyone feeling their best so we can enjoy the season.

I couldn't imagine being anywhere else in the world right now, but here in NH.  There is nothing better than spending fall in New England with a warm mug of apple cider.

Monday, September 20, 2010

A Role Model

Merriam-Webster defines Role Model as: a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others.

Wikipedia says: The term role model generally means any "person who serves as an example, whose behaviour is emulated by others"

Since I have had my son, I've had more time to ponder what type of parent I'd be for him.  Sure, I'll love unconditionally, encourage, and teach him as much as possible.  But there are many things I won't be able to provide, and it's those things that I often think about the role models that are in his life.  What type of person will my son grow fond of and look up to.  Other than his Mom and Dad, there will be many people that will come in and out of his life, but I know there will be a select few that will take hold of his heart, and blend into his soul.

My 22 month old son is still learning to speak, but he has no problems speaking with body language.  I have also learned he is a very cautious person, sometimes shy, but not shy enough where he enjoys joining the crowd of kids to play with toys.  I am convinced that as he grows, so will his desire to reach forward at lifes treasures.

When my son was 5 months old, we had him baptized.  We selected godparents too.  These people are family members that are important to us, as parents, so we hope that they'll be just as important to him. 

I'm committed to nurturing the connection of positive people in our lives.  It's hard, sometimes, to keep connections growing, but sometimes the work is easy.  Sometimes it's easy to lean on others no matter how blustery life can be. 

Saturday, September 18, 2010

22 months later

22 months ago my life changed dramatically, for the better.  We've had our ups and downs, but when we have our downs, we're never there very long.  You have brought a new balance to my life.  You have introduce a side of me that I never knew existed, I think only you could have taught me who I am. 

I have learned so much from you in the past 22 months.  22 months!  I am still in shock at how blessed I am to have you in my life.  I sometimes hold my breath and think, this must be a dream.  How could something so unique, so passionate, so real... be all mine, to share with the world.


I cannot wait to introduce you to our world.  To show you life's challenges and triumphs.  You are 22 months old today and I have cherished every moment we've had, and will soak up our future.  You are my son and I love you to the pit of my gut. 

Friday, September 17, 2010

200th Post

I just realized this is my 200th post.  Crazy!  I started this blog at the beginning of the year with intentions of sticking to this blog, my so-called-journal.  I wanted to write about being a mother and talk about what mattered most to me. 

I'm sort of a private person, I don't particularly jump into a conversation about myself.  At least not with someone I don't know very well, or at all.

I've 'met' a lot of different people through their blogs.  There is a lot of inspiring folks out there.  I feel like blogging is still new to me and I have a lot to learn.  But the one thing I have learned about myself since starting this blog is that it's okay, and anything goes.  The intention of this blog is for me and not anyone else. 

Sometimes my focus changes, as do my routines.  Life fluctuates and I suppose there is a natural tendency for change to happen daily.  If you allow that change to happen.

200 posts doesn't seem like a lot, but when I look over the past 9 months, it's almost a lifetime ago when I started this blog.  It's been a fun journey and I am looking forward to what tomorrow brings.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Football season

Does someone in your house watch football?  Are you that person who is glued to the game?  I'm particularly not a huge fan of the sport, but I don't have negative thoughts about it either.  It's just not my cup of tea, if you know what I mean.  My husband enjoys the sport and he's excited to teach our son the love too.  So far, he's learned what about the football shirt.  He wore it with his father all day last Sunday.


I should have gotten a picture of the both of them together.  I didn't think about it at the time.  In fact, I think these were taken just after a snack while my husband was downstairs in his man-cave watching the game.  Of course.

So I took these instead.

 I call this his 'lip face'


He's saying "Cool Dude" here.  Duuuude is what I captured.

So even though I'm not a huge fan of the sport, I suppose my love may grow for football just as my son does too. 

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Green Clover and Aloe by Jenness Farm

I'm really enjoying these goat milk soaps.  Since I just finished the Blackberries & Cream, I decided my next bar is the Green Clover and Aloe.

Today was my first day with this bar and WOW.  It's like the clover oils were extracted and poured into this soap.  It feels so nourishing and healthy, just like smelling a soccer field or football field after it's been mowed.  I guess that sounds like fresh cut grass, but it's really not like that, but the clover flower smell.  OOOOH
Thank you Jenness Farm! :)

Blackberries & Cream by Jenness Farm

I recently finished this bar of soap from Jenness Farm.  This soap smelled delicious!  Blackberries & cream would leave me feeling hungry every morning.

Creamy lather, berry flavor.  Each lather came this rich smooth texture of bubbles and froth.  What more could I ask for?  I was not disappointed.

On a scale of 1 to 5 bubbles, I give Blackberries & Cream a 5!  blub blub blub!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Swim lessons

I've enrolled you in your first activity.  I'm really excited for you and hope you enjoy the swim lessons you'll be taking.  Of course I'll be in the water with you.  You are still too small to take the lessons by yourself.  You love water and you love splashing, especially when you're splashing me.

Our neighbor is going too and I know you two will have fun.  I think seeing the other kids play in the water will help ease any fears you may have with the lessons.  There is always some hesitation when starting something new.  You trust me, but you are still a very cautious person when I introduce you to something new.  I have confidence you will thrive with this new experience.

Three more weeks and we'll begin this new adventure.  I know there will be many like this, sports, clubs, teams, or however your interests guide you.  I will be there to give you that extra nudge and encourage you to do your best. 

I personally feel what you will learn from these swim lessons will help guide you for the rest of your life.  I'm not a great swimmer nor do I have any technical skills to teach you.  I'm sure there will be a time when you will be able to out swim me, and I look forward to that day.  For now, I will be your floatation device and let you cling to my shoulders while we bob in the water.  We'll blow bubbles and kick our feet, and I'm sure you'll laugh with excitment.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Hats

You call them Ats.


You're so silly with your hats.  You like to wear fun hats, sun hats, and ball caps.  When we leave the house to go out and play, or if we just heading to the store, you look for your hat.  It's become your staple to the thing you need before leaving the house.

The helmet you ask to wear is something you'd like to wear inside the house.  You've only had the helmet a short time, but you would enjoy wearing that helmet everywhere.  If I'd let you, but you talk about helmets and who is wearing them, all the time.

Hats are fun to play dress up, or just to keep the sun out of your eyes.  

But who wouldn't enjoy hats... especially when you can dress up like this:

Friday, September 3, 2010

Feeling naked

I forgot my cell phone today.  It's still on the charger at home.  I don't forget it often, so when I do, I feel naked.

There are a few essential things I require when I walk out my front door everyday. 

1) my kid
2) my keys
3) my phone

Any of these things missing makes me feel lost.  Or naked.  I need to know where they are at all times.  Sometimes my 21 month old son likes to play with my keys, lock the car doors, and hide the keys in the house.  Okay, he may not hide them, but drop them next to the toy he saw after he was done playing with the keys.

My phone is another item of mine that my son likes to use.  He pushes the buttons and squeals when he sees his picture on the screen.  Sometimes he calls the last person I had called.  The last time he did that, it was my boss.  OOPS!  Luckily when I asked my boss about it, he wasn't in the office at that time. 

I really don't like feeling tethered to my phone, but it has become an essential part of my human existence.  I don't use it alot, but I need it.  If I don't have it, I fear that will be the moment my car breaks down on an unused side road.  (Why would I be driving down a road like that in the first place??)  It's still my fear.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Kids & Vinyl Tableclothes

I'm not a fan of vinyl tablecloths, but I use them.  I use them because they help create decoration in my kitchen, and a conversation piece for my 21 month old son.  If we're in between seasons or holidays, I use a plain green and yellow bamboo vinyl tablecloth.  However, this week I've changed the theme: Birthday

It's not my sons birthday, since he's only 21 months old.  It will be my husbands birthday soon and I felt like being in the party mood early.  So last week I set the table up with the birthday themed vinyl tablecloth.  This tablecloth has balloons, slices of cake, cupcakes with candles, and presents.  My son enjoys looking at the pictures and will even tell me the candles need to be blown out.  He tries to do it himself.  It's quite funny to watch him blow the fake candles out.

Dirtday Ardy!

That's what he says as he's pointing to the table.  He cannot wait for the real deal with his Daddy.  I practice singing the Birthday song and sometimes he enjoys it, other times he tries to get down from his booster chair and run away.  I think he thinks I'm singing the song to him as I sing happy birthday to you, which really I'm referring to his Daddy.  I tell him that it will be his birthday soon.  He seems excited at the thought, but when the day actually is here, I'm sure he'll be interesting.

My son also likes to pull at our tablecloth or lift it up to see what is hidden underneath.  So there are rules to having a tablecloth, which I didn't intend on having, but it has become essential.  I then realized it may be good to have these rules for when we are out at a restaurant (HA-when and if we go), or to a friend or families house, it's important to understand we do not need to disassemble the kitchen table.  I guess it goes along with my other belief on child-proofing.  Or maybe this is just how things have been working with my son.  When #2 comes around, my theories may change.  What do you think?

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails
Remove~Restore~Rebalance~Replenish