You know what? I think I'll just let the title sink in first.....
You see, it was a beautiful day yesterday and we needed to get outside. Perhaps the better phrase is MY SON needed to get outside. I could have gone either way and my 10 month old daughter just wanted to chew on stuff. It just made sense that we leave the house. After we were resolved to leave and enjoy the sunshine the next few things happened:
1) try on the potty
2) leave the house and pee in pants
3) return home, change and sit on potty for a few minutes
4) finally get to park
5) HAPPILY poop in pants
6) return home to clean up
7) get in tub, scream and kick poop laced water around thus making it splash EVERYWHERE
8) finally calm down and watch tv, while mommy cleans
I could make it a long story, but really the above is what happened.... enjoy that image :)
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Mat Leave
Just in the past three or four days I've been bombarded with mat leave/pregnancy/working vs SAH mothers and can't help but bring my opinions up without offending people. I don't know why!? (I do know why, these subjects are on the same lines as religion and politics... in friendly conversation you either completely agree or don't talk about it.)
First of all, I am not against mothers who go back to work after their mat leave. I believe it's choice that makes feminism great. And that is what working mothers have done, just like every other mother on earth. She has made a lifestyle/parenting choice. I encourage that.
Second of all, I may come off as one who doesn't want women to go back to work because I was put off by the fact that my obgyn had a baby and was back at work just 4or5 weeks later. I find this wrong. It's a choice, yes. She has the money to have the baby taken care of while she's at work, yes. So, I should be in support for this choice but I'm not. Not in the United States of America. Hell no.
If I could give you my explanation in what some would call "conspiracy" context.
Let us remember that in the great and most wonderful country USA, where the infant mortality rate is the highest of all the developed countries, women get 6 weeks off for mat leave by federal mandate. The company you work for is responsible for paying your "disability" check, or 60% of your pay for those 6 weeks.
Doesn't sound like it would be a bad offer, does it? 6 weeks off and money to boot! ... Ya, I'm not buying it. It just feels like some lobbyist, who's job it is to keep big business rich, has used the argument that women should be considered equal in the workplace and the only other thing they can find equal (price wise) to pregnancy is a serious surgery. So, you pushing a baby out of your va jaja and trying to feed it with your tatas is the equal to, let's say, back surgery.
Let's look at what happens when you have back surgery vs a baby.
both: pain
both: recovery time
birth: breast feeding; surgery: someone feeding you
birth: emotional ups and downs; surgery: being pissed off because you can't play basketball right now
birth: advil; surgery: about three different pain killers I couldn't name, even though I've worked in a medical bookstore
birth: lack of sleep; surgery: those drugs take care of that
birth: need community support; surgery: get the sympathy of a few people, where other's are pissed at you for getting 6 weeks off for a stupid slipped disc (I mean really, I hear joey has had a slipped disc for about 3 years and he isn't complaining!)
As one can see, although both have lots of pain and frustration happening, there is no way I think a doctor would put these two things in the same category.
Women need the support of the community after they have had a baby. I have had one when there was me and my husband and a few friends. Those few friends are all I had and am very thankful for them. What I see when a DOCTOR of all people show up to work just a few weeks after giving birth is ample reason NOT to give women more support after birth.
As a Lobbyist would say "There are even OBGYNs who return to work just 3 or 4 weeks after birth. How can we believe that women really need the extra time when we see such examples?"
So, I say thank you for giving corporations ample reason not to take PARENTING as seriously as surgery. Thanks for that.....
oh and don't even get me started on the father's leave! SHEESH!
First of all, I am not against mothers who go back to work after their mat leave. I believe it's choice that makes feminism great. And that is what working mothers have done, just like every other mother on earth. She has made a lifestyle/parenting choice. I encourage that.
Second of all, I may come off as one who doesn't want women to go back to work because I was put off by the fact that my obgyn had a baby and was back at work just 4or5 weeks later. I find this wrong. It's a choice, yes. She has the money to have the baby taken care of while she's at work, yes. So, I should be in support for this choice but I'm not. Not in the United States of America. Hell no.
If I could give you my explanation in what some would call "conspiracy" context.
Let us remember that in the great and most wonderful country USA, where the infant mortality rate is the highest of all the developed countries, women get 6 weeks off for mat leave by federal mandate. The company you work for is responsible for paying your "disability" check, or 60% of your pay for those 6 weeks.
Doesn't sound like it would be a bad offer, does it? 6 weeks off and money to boot! ... Ya, I'm not buying it. It just feels like some lobbyist, who's job it is to keep big business rich, has used the argument that women should be considered equal in the workplace and the only other thing they can find equal (price wise) to pregnancy is a serious surgery. So, you pushing a baby out of your va jaja and trying to feed it with your tatas is the equal to, let's say, back surgery.
Let's look at what happens when you have back surgery vs a baby.
both: pain
both: recovery time
birth: breast feeding; surgery: someone feeding you
birth: emotional ups and downs; surgery: being pissed off because you can't play basketball right now
birth: advil; surgery: about three different pain killers I couldn't name, even though I've worked in a medical bookstore
birth: lack of sleep; surgery: those drugs take care of that
birth: need community support; surgery: get the sympathy of a few people, where other's are pissed at you for getting 6 weeks off for a stupid slipped disc (I mean really, I hear joey has had a slipped disc for about 3 years and he isn't complaining!)
As one can see, although both have lots of pain and frustration happening, there is no way I think a doctor would put these two things in the same category.
Women need the support of the community after they have had a baby. I have had one when there was me and my husband and a few friends. Those few friends are all I had and am very thankful for them. What I see when a DOCTOR of all people show up to work just a few weeks after giving birth is ample reason NOT to give women more support after birth.
As a Lobbyist would say "There are even OBGYNs who return to work just 3 or 4 weeks after birth. How can we believe that women really need the extra time when we see such examples?"
So, I say thank you for giving corporations ample reason not to take PARENTING as seriously as surgery. Thanks for that.....
oh and don't even get me started on the father's leave! SHEESH!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Brazil Shootings
I am of the generation who were in High School when the Columbine shootings happened. I remember the day it happened. We at school were all huddled in front of televisions watching the events unfold on the news. I believe most of the day we were in our home rooms and didn't do much else. Lots of us were called home by our parents and many more refused because they wanted to be with their friends. I could understand that.
What I still, to this day, do not understand is the hate some feel. Enough hate or anger to hurt others. How could anyone believe themselves worthy of the task of taking lives, when those lives were so young? Honestly, it isn't fair. I can't find a reason for it. There is no answer other than anger and hate took hold when it shouldn't have.
I am a Buddhist. I believe that when your heart stops beating you suddenly understand life and why we live it. I can only hope that these souls do not feel the fear of the unknown and realize how much they are loved by the world. Every child is loved, we should let them know more often.
Incense for the lost and their loved ones suffering. 13 shot and more wounded.
News article
What I still, to this day, do not understand is the hate some feel. Enough hate or anger to hurt others. How could anyone believe themselves worthy of the task of taking lives, when those lives were so young? Honestly, it isn't fair. I can't find a reason for it. There is no answer other than anger and hate took hold when it shouldn't have.
I am a Buddhist. I believe that when your heart stops beating you suddenly understand life and why we live it. I can only hope that these souls do not feel the fear of the unknown and realize how much they are loved by the world. Every child is loved, we should let them know more often.
Incense for the lost and their loved ones suffering. 13 shot and more wounded.
News article
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Stomach Flu
All right, enough already! You mean spirited illnesses! Leave me alone!
Once again I caught something bad. Not only bad, but rather gross. When your kids have the stomach flu you think: Poor thing, they should get in bed and rest. When you have the stomach flu you think: Dear god someone kill me.
So you can guess what my house looked like after my husband arrived home. I texted him, very politely, wondering if he could get home before 8pm, ie the kids bedtime. I NEVER ask him to take work off when I'm sick, not that he doesn't ask if he should, so you can guess it was bad. I can just see his reaction at his desk. "8? Why would she need me to get home before 8? I might be able to take off an hour early but that's if all goes well over here. Why would she want me home at the kids bedtimes?... oooooooo.... ya, I should call my boss."
Off he dashed to get home and arrived to two rather over tired children. My son had taken off all his clothes and my daughter was chewing on news paper she had found in the recycling. I was on the living room floor. I had crawled from the bathroom because my son wanted chocolate milk and my daughter needed a bottle. After accomplishing both tasks I found a pillow and dropped it like it was hot.
Of course this was after two hours throwing up in the bathroom as my children happily opened all the drawers and pulled every last organized thing out. Not only did they remove them but my children, amazingly as a team, place each thing on me. Yes, ON me. I don't know what the fascination was but apparently it was fun. There were bandages and bandaids, tampons and pads, toothbrushes and thermometers all placed lightly on my legs, arms or head.
Thankfully nothing fell in the toilet and I'm still alive.... so that's good.
But this incident reminded me of a previous post I wrote. "Siblings" I believe it was. My hope that one day my son and daughter will play together happily while trying to get me killed or crippled. I think they're on their way.
My son was pretty sweet about the whole thing. He kept tapping my shoulder with his little hand reassuringly saying "It's ok, Mommy. It's ok." My daughter on the other hand has this awful habit of pulling my hair and thought it was just the greatest gift in the world to have Mommy's head so close to the ground. I guess you win some and you lose some.
Once again I caught something bad. Not only bad, but rather gross. When your kids have the stomach flu you think: Poor thing, they should get in bed and rest. When you have the stomach flu you think: Dear god someone kill me.
So you can guess what my house looked like after my husband arrived home. I texted him, very politely, wondering if he could get home before 8pm, ie the kids bedtime. I NEVER ask him to take work off when I'm sick, not that he doesn't ask if he should, so you can guess it was bad. I can just see his reaction at his desk. "8? Why would she need me to get home before 8? I might be able to take off an hour early but that's if all goes well over here. Why would she want me home at the kids bedtimes?... oooooooo.... ya, I should call my boss."
Off he dashed to get home and arrived to two rather over tired children. My son had taken off all his clothes and my daughter was chewing on news paper she had found in the recycling. I was on the living room floor. I had crawled from the bathroom because my son wanted chocolate milk and my daughter needed a bottle. After accomplishing both tasks I found a pillow and dropped it like it was hot.
Of course this was after two hours throwing up in the bathroom as my children happily opened all the drawers and pulled every last organized thing out. Not only did they remove them but my children, amazingly as a team, place each thing on me. Yes, ON me. I don't know what the fascination was but apparently it was fun. There were bandages and bandaids, tampons and pads, toothbrushes and thermometers all placed lightly on my legs, arms or head.
Thankfully nothing fell in the toilet and I'm still alive.... so that's good.
But this incident reminded me of a previous post I wrote. "Siblings" I believe it was. My hope that one day my son and daughter will play together happily while trying to get me killed or crippled. I think they're on their way.
My son was pretty sweet about the whole thing. He kept tapping my shoulder with his little hand reassuringly saying "It's ok, Mommy. It's ok." My daughter on the other hand has this awful habit of pulling my hair and thought it was just the greatest gift in the world to have Mommy's head so close to the ground. I guess you win some and you lose some.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Perpetual Motion Toys
...and where to get them! I'm not totally sure if I should be getting something like this for my son, but I'll tell you, I think it will help him.
I watch as he stares into spinning toys in toy stores or at the children's museum but I don't have anything that at home. It may be enabling to get him something he'll get lost in. Perhaps every professional on the planet would tell me I'm crazy and to get him away from the stimuli instead of force it upon him? I guess I could retort with knowing that it's an obsession and thus the need for it (you wouldn't take away his hat he needs to sleep, would you?). The need to relax and the lack of stimuli that do it for my son in the house just makes bedtime and mornings awful.
... and why is it he keeps getting up at 5am and seem wide awake? I know I'm not! Something I hope will help him stay in his bedroom and relax is this perpetual motion desktop thingy....
It took me weeks to find it. It took me seconds to decide I want it NOW! I am posting a site that I believe has the best kind of fidget stuff EVER! The best part is the videos for almost EVERY fidget toy so you can see how it works and if it's what may help relax you or your child.
I have been to specialty stores all over Chicagoland and this website is the only thing I've found useful. If you've been looking for what I have, than you'll be super excited you found it!! Enjoy!
Office Playground, Astroid Perpetual Motion
I watch as he stares into spinning toys in toy stores or at the children's museum but I don't have anything that at home. It may be enabling to get him something he'll get lost in. Perhaps every professional on the planet would tell me I'm crazy and to get him away from the stimuli instead of force it upon him? I guess I could retort with knowing that it's an obsession and thus the need for it (you wouldn't take away his hat he needs to sleep, would you?). The need to relax and the lack of stimuli that do it for my son in the house just makes bedtime and mornings awful.
... and why is it he keeps getting up at 5am and seem wide awake? I know I'm not! Something I hope will help him stay in his bedroom and relax is this perpetual motion desktop thingy....
It took me weeks to find it. It took me seconds to decide I want it NOW! I am posting a site that I believe has the best kind of fidget stuff EVER! The best part is the videos for almost EVERY fidget toy so you can see how it works and if it's what may help relax you or your child.
I have been to specialty stores all over Chicagoland and this website is the only thing I've found useful. If you've been looking for what I have, than you'll be super excited you found it!! Enjoy!
Office Playground, Astroid Perpetual Motion
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Head First
So, I may have jumped the gun when I said I wanted to donate ribbons for everyone to wear at the Children's Museum. The ribbon itself costs $5 for 10ft! So even if half of the people there wanted a ribbon that would be at least 40ft... hmmm, should really have thought that through.
But I bought 20ft of ribbon and have it safely high on a shelf. It's amazing how everything important or sharp is so high. I make the joke that when you come to my house to remember a tall person lives here. So always check top to bottom cupboards if you're looking for something. Makes me laugh. Some of my guests have just looked at me confused and my sister even said "Why do you keep saying that?"....
Guess it isn't as funny as I thought, heh. So, part of me wants to rewind what I promised and just show up with a lovely sign that says "Autism Awareness", but I assume that won't happen. If they decide they want the ribbons I don't really know what the F I'm gonna do.
I could sell my first born? Of course he's the reason I am pushing the awareness in the first place... wait! I've got a great idea:
"Autism Awareness Raffle! Prize: One Three Year Old. A chance to feel what it's like to have an autistic child!"
... ok, maybe not....
But I bought 20ft of ribbon and have it safely high on a shelf. It's amazing how everything important or sharp is so high. I make the joke that when you come to my house to remember a tall person lives here. So always check top to bottom cupboards if you're looking for something. Makes me laugh. Some of my guests have just looked at me confused and my sister even said "Why do you keep saying that?"....
Guess it isn't as funny as I thought, heh. So, part of me wants to rewind what I promised and just show up with a lovely sign that says "Autism Awareness", but I assume that won't happen. If they decide they want the ribbons I don't really know what the F I'm gonna do.
I could sell my first born? Of course he's the reason I am pushing the awareness in the first place... wait! I've got a great idea:
"Autism Awareness Raffle! Prize: One Three Year Old. A chance to feel what it's like to have an autistic child!"
... ok, maybe not....
Friday, April 1, 2011
April Fools
I realized something today. April is Autism Awareness Month and April 2nd is Autism Awareness Day. It suddenly made sense when I thought about it this way:
You give birth to a seemingly healthy and disability free child...
Then-
April Fools! YOUR CHILD IS AUTISTIC!
April 2nd: After you have recovered from the shock the next day you start to learn more about Autism... and will for the rest of the month (or in this analogy, your child's life) :)
I think I'll make an autism bag with the puzzle pieces fabric of the ribbon. Found some online. A little treat for me. Don't usually make stuff for myself as I look at it and say "I really should have given this to someone." I'm totally sure why I do that... perhaps next year I'll make a bunch of totes and hand them out to friends and family. That would make me feel like I'm spreading the word.
Ribbon,
Awesome Bag!
You give birth to a seemingly healthy and disability free child...
Then-
April Fools! YOUR CHILD IS AUTISTIC!
April 2nd: After you have recovered from the shock the next day you start to learn more about Autism... and will for the rest of the month (or in this analogy, your child's life) :)
I think I'll make an autism bag with the puzzle pieces fabric of the ribbon. Found some online. A little treat for me. Don't usually make stuff for myself as I look at it and say "I really should have given this to someone." I'm totally sure why I do that... perhaps next year I'll make a bunch of totes and hand them out to friends and family. That would make me feel like I'm spreading the word.
Ribbon,
Awesome Bag!
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