It's been far too long since our last snow.
Nathan will be 2 in May and this is the first time he's seen it. Although he is sick, we took him out in it for a while. He even managed not to complain when we piled on clothes on top of his PJs, two pairs of socks, his coat, mittens and shoes.
Here is a video of his first time playing in the elusive white stuff.
Showing posts with label Parenting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parenting. Show all posts
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Friday, January 04, 2008
Finding humor (and sanity) at the pediatrician's office
Nathan has had a raging cold this week. He's gone from having mucus running down his face to it running down the back of his throat. He's had a raspy cough that would make Jacob Marley jealous. He's been feverish and hasn't wanted to sleep. And the child who once would eat Mommy's potato salad and green beans has suddenly started shaking his head and saying "uh-huh" when offered food.
So off to the doctor we headed yesterday afternoon. I was not looking forward to this trip - it took more than an hour to get through to get a work-in appointment, so I knew it would be crowded. It was.
Surprisingly, we were out of the waiting room and in the exam room rather quickly. Nathan is quite inquisitive and behaved really well for the doctor - mostly because she sat on the exam table with him and he found this odd.
It turns out that his refusal to eat may have little to do with his cold and more to do with his age. As the doctor put it, toddlers have a tendency to become "water people," choosing beverages over food because downing six ounces of milk takes less time than chewing up and swallowing chicken nuggets (another favorite he's turning down.)
After stressing out all week about his lack of appetite and worrying about juggling getting to my job and taking care of him, at the words "water people" I suddenly started imagining Nathan very fish-like. And the expression on his face while she described this was priceless - he just looked at her like "Wow, she gets me."
So to all you mothers of 19 month old children, it's OK if they don't eat. They'll survive - in fact, Nathan had maintained his weight and had actually sprouted up an inch or so in height.
So off to the doctor we headed yesterday afternoon. I was not looking forward to this trip - it took more than an hour to get through to get a work-in appointment, so I knew it would be crowded. It was.
Surprisingly, we were out of the waiting room and in the exam room rather quickly. Nathan is quite inquisitive and behaved really well for the doctor - mostly because she sat on the exam table with him and he found this odd.
It turns out that his refusal to eat may have little to do with his cold and more to do with his age. As the doctor put it, toddlers have a tendency to become "water people," choosing beverages over food because downing six ounces of milk takes less time than chewing up and swallowing chicken nuggets (another favorite he's turning down.)
After stressing out all week about his lack of appetite and worrying about juggling getting to my job and taking care of him, at the words "water people" I suddenly started imagining Nathan very fish-like. And the expression on his face while she described this was priceless - he just looked at her like "Wow, she gets me."
So to all you mothers of 19 month old children, it's OK if they don't eat. They'll survive - in fact, Nathan had maintained his weight and had actually sprouted up an inch or so in height.
Monday, December 24, 2007
New toys!!!
Nathan's second Christmas has started off with ... well, a tantrum if I'm honest.
Dear husband's parents bought him a Rock, Roll 'n Ride Trike. It's really cool - you can ride on it like a tricycle, be pushed around on it like a stroller or it flips around and becomes a rocking toy.
All was well with the world until the in-laws tried to show Nathan how to rock on it. It resulted in one of the biggest meltdowns my toddler has had to date.
We tried to show him how to rock again this afternoon and again results weren't positive. He does like riding on it and pushing it.
Hopefully tonight with my side of the family will be a merry Christmas to all and for all a good night!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
To a soon to be young mother: Whatevs
I feel the need to speak out about the latest Spears family debacle.
On Wednesday news broke of younger sister of Britney Spears, Jamie Lynn Spears, pregnancy. Jamie Lynn was quoted as saying she was "shocked" to discover she was pregnant.
Is it just me, or does that smack of being a little haughty or incredibly stupid?
For starters, anyone who is having sex -- ANYONE -- whether they are using oral contraceptives, condoms, etc., should NOT be surprised to discover they are (surprise!) pregnant. We've all had sex ed - the only completely safe method to sex is not having it at all!!
Moms across the US are speaking out against Nickelodeon network, which airs Jamie Lynn's show "Zoey 101." I've watched it, and actually found it enjoyable.
Usually I'm of the stance that whatever goes on in your personal life should stay that way and have no bearing on your professional life.
But when your professional life involves being an influence and pop icon to young, impressionable teens, I cross the line into agreeing with other mothers across the US.
If Nickelodeon doesn't stop airing "Zoey," it's as though the network is giving the OK for teen pregnancy. This is concerning to me.
And to young Ms. Spears: I was once a girl your age and I know what it's like to be that age. Be honest, you're not really that shocked, are you?
On Wednesday news broke of younger sister of Britney Spears, Jamie Lynn Spears, pregnancy. Jamie Lynn was quoted as saying she was "shocked" to discover she was pregnant.
Is it just me, or does that smack of being a little haughty or incredibly stupid?
For starters, anyone who is having sex -- ANYONE -- whether they are using oral contraceptives, condoms, etc., should NOT be surprised to discover they are (surprise!) pregnant. We've all had sex ed - the only completely safe method to sex is not having it at all!!
Moms across the US are speaking out against Nickelodeon network, which airs Jamie Lynn's show "Zoey 101." I've watched it, and actually found it enjoyable.
Usually I'm of the stance that whatever goes on in your personal life should stay that way and have no bearing on your professional life.
But when your professional life involves being an influence and pop icon to young, impressionable teens, I cross the line into agreeing with other mothers across the US.
If Nickelodeon doesn't stop airing "Zoey," it's as though the network is giving the OK for teen pregnancy. This is concerning to me.
And to young Ms. Spears: I was once a girl your age and I know what it's like to be that age. Be honest, you're not really that shocked, are you?
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
A Foogo forgotten
In Wednesday's Food section was a brief about a new type of Sippy cup, a Foogo by Thermos Brand.
I recently tested out the Foogo, and here's what I thought: It works great until you leave milk in it for three days.
I tried the Foogo one Saturday when we planned an outing to Gaffney. Granted, Gaffney really isn't that far from home, but I wanted Nathan's milk to stay cold for several hours. And depending on what I'm finding at the outlet malls, my shopping adventures can last that long.
I filled up Foogo and off we went.
The milk left in the cup stayed cold. I was actually rather impressed with the cup. However, when we got home later that day, I couldn't get the lid off. Muttering a bad word, I placed it in the sink with every intention of having my husband strong-arm it off later.
Several days later I remembered the cup ... after the smell of sour milk wafted up from the sink while I was loading the dishwasher.
By that point, I wasn't liking Foogo very much. The lid finally off, it now needed to be broken down to be washed. And there are lots of little parts to the lid. (Normally I just use a Playtex cup, which only has a plastic valve to remove for washing.)
I sent Foogo through the dishwasher and thought "That's that."
WRONG.
Even after three dishwashings the cup smelled terrible. It's stainless steel, so I thought it wouldn't keep stinking. I finally resorted to filling it with water and some bleach and letting it sit another three days. It still sorta smells. Stephen's put it up in the cabinet, but I haven't used it again yet.
So ... here's my opinion of Foogo: If you remember to dump the contents out after use, it'll probably be a great cup for you. However, I'll stick to my Playtex cups which are easier to use and are also touted as insulated. Thus far, I haven't had a problem with them. (Plus, they are cheaper. Foogo retails for around $15, whereas two Playtex cups are $9.99.)
Moms, let me know which cups you prefer.
I recently tested out the Foogo, and here's what I thought: It works great until you leave milk in it for three days.
I tried the Foogo one Saturday when we planned an outing to Gaffney. Granted, Gaffney really isn't that far from home, but I wanted Nathan's milk to stay cold for several hours. And depending on what I'm finding at the outlet malls, my shopping adventures can last that long.
I filled up Foogo and off we went.
The milk left in the cup stayed cold. I was actually rather impressed with the cup. However, when we got home later that day, I couldn't get the lid off. Muttering a bad word, I placed it in the sink with every intention of having my husband strong-arm it off later.
Several days later I remembered the cup ... after the smell of sour milk wafted up from the sink while I was loading the dishwasher.
By that point, I wasn't liking Foogo very much. The lid finally off, it now needed to be broken down to be washed. And there are lots of little parts to the lid. (Normally I just use a Playtex cup, which only has a plastic valve to remove for washing.)
I sent Foogo through the dishwasher and thought "That's that."
WRONG.
Even after three dishwashings the cup smelled terrible. It's stainless steel, so I thought it wouldn't keep stinking. I finally resorted to filling it with water and some bleach and letting it sit another three days. It still sorta smells. Stephen's put it up in the cabinet, but I haven't used it again yet.
So ... here's my opinion of Foogo: If you remember to dump the contents out after use, it'll probably be a great cup for you. However, I'll stick to my Playtex cups which are easier to use and are also touted as insulated. Thus far, I haven't had a problem with them. (Plus, they are cheaper. Foogo retails for around $15, whereas two Playtex cups are $9.99.)
Moms, let me know which cups you prefer.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
It may be natural, but I'm not a natural
In Sunday's life section we published a story from the Associated Press about breastfeeding, which included the Centers for Disease Controls goals for 2010 -- getting 60 percent of women to breast-feed exclusively for the first three months and 25 percent through six months.
The story also talked about how many women turn to formula, citing that most do so because of it's ease of use.
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. Studies show time and again how breastfed babies are sicker less often and are less likely to develop allergies.
But what if you can't breastfeed?
When Nathan was born last May I fully intended to nurse. And I tried. But after an entirely sleepless night followed by Nathan losing weight two days later, I began using the free can of Similac I was given at the hospital.
And for a month, I pumped breast milk. And barely got a thing.
Maybe I didn't pump enough, but I never had the symptoms of breasts full of milk. No engorgement, no leaking. So I fed my child formula.
I beat myself up about it for a while, until one day I was talking to my grandmother. Once she told me she couldn't breastfeed and my mother and her three siblings (who are all healthy as horses) were formula fed, the guilt fell away.
The story from the Associated Press reminded me again that the most important thing we do as mothers (and fathers) is do what is best for our children. And for me that choice was to ensure my child was getting something nutritious to eat.
I don't think feeding your child formula is the worst thing you can (and there are some out there who truly believe it is.) I could be doing much worse - like giving him sodas and tons of sugar. Or worse still, not feeding him at all.
Did anyone else face this dilemma as a new mom? I'd love to hear from you. Feel free to leave your comments, or if you like, e-mail me at allisonflynn@shelbystar.com.
The story also talked about how many women turn to formula, citing that most do so because of it's ease of use.
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. Studies show time and again how breastfed babies are sicker less often and are less likely to develop allergies.
But what if you can't breastfeed?
When Nathan was born last May I fully intended to nurse. And I tried. But after an entirely sleepless night followed by Nathan losing weight two days later, I began using the free can of Similac I was given at the hospital.
And for a month, I pumped breast milk. And barely got a thing.
Maybe I didn't pump enough, but I never had the symptoms of breasts full of milk. No engorgement, no leaking. So I fed my child formula.
I beat myself up about it for a while, until one day I was talking to my grandmother. Once she told me she couldn't breastfeed and my mother and her three siblings (who are all healthy as horses) were formula fed, the guilt fell away.
The story from the Associated Press reminded me again that the most important thing we do as mothers (and fathers) is do what is best for our children. And for me that choice was to ensure my child was getting something nutritious to eat.
I don't think feeding your child formula is the worst thing you can (and there are some out there who truly believe it is.) I could be doing much worse - like giving him sodas and tons of sugar. Or worse still, not feeding him at all.
Did anyone else face this dilemma as a new mom? I'd love to hear from you. Feel free to leave your comments, or if you like, e-mail me at allisonflynn@shelbystar.com.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Yippee - it's WeeRuns time again!
I got a reminder card in the mail Saturday for WeeRuns.
If you haven't heard of it, WeeRuns is a children's consignment sale held twice each year in Rutherford County. (It's also held in other parts of the state and even in other states.) You can find gently used toys, books, shoes, clothes - even car seats and pool floats.
Last spring I volunteered for the first time. Volunteering is not only fun but earns you the opportunity to shop before anyone else. The clothes Nathan's been wearing this summer came from WeeRuns, and since he's outgrowing them rapidly, I'm glad it's coming up again.
Here's a link to the WeeRuns site, which has the hours and dates for the fall sale: http://www.weeruns.com.
If you haven't heard of it, WeeRuns is a children's consignment sale held twice each year in Rutherford County. (It's also held in other parts of the state and even in other states.) You can find gently used toys, books, shoes, clothes - even car seats and pool floats.
Last spring I volunteered for the first time. Volunteering is not only fun but earns you the opportunity to shop before anyone else. The clothes Nathan's been wearing this summer came from WeeRuns, and since he's outgrowing them rapidly, I'm glad it's coming up again.
Here's a link to the WeeRuns site, which has the hours and dates for the fall sale: http://www.weeruns.com.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Here comes serendipity
My son, Nathan, who's almost 15 months old, has recently been adding more words to his vocabulary. His first word was Dada, followed by Mama (my favorite!). Recently he's added ball, walk and just yesterday Laura (my sister's name and his favorite aunt.)
New research is suggesting that baby's really do begin learning language well before they ever say those first words.
According to a story published Thursday by the Associated Press, once babies have mastered easy words like mama or ball, they move on to harder words (like serendipity), resulting in a "word spurt" around 18 months.
The article also points out that rather than buying technologically advanced teaching toys for your toddler, just read and talk to them.
I'll admit, it seems easier sometimes to sit Nathan in front of a toy, especially when I'm trying to cook or clean. But reading to him every night before bed is our time to snuggle. It's replaced his bedtime bottle, and I'm glad. It's a ritual we can share together from now until he at least hits puberty, I reckon.
Need some ideas on teaching your toddler language? Visit the National Institute for Literacy at http://www.nifl.gov/partnershipforreading/publications/html/parent_guides/birth_to_pre.html
New research is suggesting that baby's really do begin learning language well before they ever say those first words.
According to a story published Thursday by the Associated Press, once babies have mastered easy words like mama or ball, they move on to harder words (like serendipity), resulting in a "word spurt" around 18 months.
The article also points out that rather than buying technologically advanced teaching toys for your toddler, just read and talk to them.
I'll admit, it seems easier sometimes to sit Nathan in front of a toy, especially when I'm trying to cook or clean. But reading to him every night before bed is our time to snuggle. It's replaced his bedtime bottle, and I'm glad. It's a ritual we can share together from now until he at least hits puberty, I reckon.
Need some ideas on teaching your toddler language? Visit the National Institute for Literacy at http://www.nifl.gov/partnershipforreading/publications/html/parent_guides/birth_to_pre.html
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Wonderful Wonder Boxes
I was at Cleveland County Memorial Library recently working on a story about the new Harry Potter book (more on that in another post.)
While I was there librarian Delores Ashworth mentioned to me the Wonder Boxes. Curious, I asked what they are.
Not only was I informed, but I left with one that very day.
Wonder boxes are essentially a box filled with books, puppets, puzzles, DVDs or videos and CDs on any topic you can imagine. There's wonder boxes on various holidays, being an older sibling and even nursery rhymes. (Nursery rhymes was the wonder box I brought home for Nathan, my son.)
Designed for all ages of children, most wonder boxes can be checked out for around three weeks. Holiday wonder boxes are usually in high demand close to the holiday in which they pertain, so check out times may be shorter then.
Nathan enjoyed the items in the wonder box. He's almost 15 months old now, and is very interested in taking things apart and putting them back together. There was a wooden puzzle with the Three Billy Goats Gruff (a nursery rhyme I'd all but forgotten.) He loved it.
Keep in mind with the wonder box too - you have to keep up with everything in them. (A challenge for anyone with a curious toddler like Nathan. He's been known to hide things in his toy fire truck, the refrigerator, the cabinets and even in a jar of change.)
For more information, contact the library at (704) 487-9069.
While I was there librarian Delores Ashworth mentioned to me the Wonder Boxes. Curious, I asked what they are.
Not only was I informed, but I left with one that very day.
Wonder boxes are essentially a box filled with books, puppets, puzzles, DVDs or videos and CDs on any topic you can imagine. There's wonder boxes on various holidays, being an older sibling and even nursery rhymes. (Nursery rhymes was the wonder box I brought home for Nathan, my son.)
Designed for all ages of children, most wonder boxes can be checked out for around three weeks. Holiday wonder boxes are usually in high demand close to the holiday in which they pertain, so check out times may be shorter then.
Nathan enjoyed the items in the wonder box. He's almost 15 months old now, and is very interested in taking things apart and putting them back together. There was a wooden puzzle with the Three Billy Goats Gruff (a nursery rhyme I'd all but forgotten.) He loved it.
Keep in mind with the wonder box too - you have to keep up with everything in them. (A challenge for anyone with a curious toddler like Nathan. He's been known to hide things in his toy fire truck, the refrigerator, the cabinets and even in a jar of change.)
For more information, contact the library at (704) 487-9069.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Tax free weekend plans
I love the sales tax holiday. I'm really looking forward to shopping this weekend.
I already know that clothes will be tax free, but did you know diapers are also? Apparently they're considered an article of clothing.
I mentioned this over lunch yesterday and Cassie asked me if I had a closet free for storage ... actually, my sister's should have a little room since she's headed off for college.
Think of it - all the money I could save with no tax and coupons.
I wonder if Pampers are on sale anywhere this weekend?
I already know that clothes will be tax free, but did you know diapers are also? Apparently they're considered an article of clothing.
I mentioned this over lunch yesterday and Cassie asked me if I had a closet free for storage ... actually, my sister's should have a little room since she's headed off for college.
Think of it - all the money I could save with no tax and coupons.
I wonder if Pampers are on sale anywhere this weekend?
Friday, February 09, 2007
Leaps and bounds
This week seems to have been an especially busy one for my little guy.
On Tuesday night, Nathan said his first word - "dada." Boy is his daddy proud.
Yesterday afternoon he woke up from his nap and when I went to get him out of his crib, he was trying to pull up on the front rails. Then this morning he was sitting up in there. Guess it's time to lower the mattress.
It's amazing to watch him grow. I just know in another month or so he'll be walking. And it's scaring me.
On Tuesday night, Nathan said his first word - "dada." Boy is his daddy proud.
Yesterday afternoon he woke up from his nap and when I went to get him out of his crib, he was trying to pull up on the front rails. Then this morning he was sitting up in there. Guess it's time to lower the mattress.
It's amazing to watch him grow. I just know in another month or so he'll be walking. And it's scaring me.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Snow Day!
I've decided even Mommies need Snow Days.
Yesterday's weather (albeit not so bad) was enough to close Nathan's daycare for the day, leaving Mommy with a day at home.
It was so much fun.
We played in the floor, read books, drank juice and ate peach puffs.
But the best part of the day? Nap time.
From 2 to 3:30 yesterday Nathan and I napped in "the big bed." (Mommy and Daddy's bed.) We snuggled and snored, wiggled and snoozed. It was wonderful, peaceful and just plain nice.
I'll be glad when we get some real snow next time - enough that Daddy can stay home and play with us, too.
Yesterday's weather (albeit not so bad) was enough to close Nathan's daycare for the day, leaving Mommy with a day at home.
It was so much fun.
We played in the floor, read books, drank juice and ate peach puffs.
But the best part of the day? Nap time.
From 2 to 3:30 yesterday Nathan and I napped in "the big bed." (Mommy and Daddy's bed.) We snuggled and snored, wiggled and snoozed. It was wonderful, peaceful and just plain nice.
I'll be glad when we get some real snow next time - enough that Daddy can stay home and play with us, too.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Making baby food
Here's a preview of my two-part article about making baby food that will be published in The Star beginning Jan. 31. Click here to watch video of my cooking lesson with N.C. Cooperative Extension Registered Dietician Nancy Jones.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Baby food, baby food, baby food
Have you seen how much baby food an 8 month old can go through? Trust me, those little jars, when you're buying them, seem like they'll feed the baby for a while, but the truth is, they go fast.
So that's why I'm enlisting Cooperative Extension Dietitican Nancy Jones to help me learn to make baby food. Are you interested? I'd love to have others try it and compare the cost-effectiveness and taste of it to the ease and convenience of picking up Gerber.
Let me know. You can e-mail me at allisonflynn@shelbystar.com.
So that's why I'm enlisting Cooperative Extension Dietitican Nancy Jones to help me learn to make baby food. Are you interested? I'd love to have others try it and compare the cost-effectiveness and taste of it to the ease and convenience of picking up Gerber.
Let me know. You can e-mail me at allisonflynn@shelbystar.com.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
All I Want for Christmas...
Nathan is cutting teeth.
It's so strange to look in his mouth and see two little white protrusions starting to make their way upward. It's also a new sensation when he decides to bite down on one of us (which is very often.)
He's taken it in stride, though. I think he's enjoying being able to eat more food now, too!
It's so strange to look in his mouth and see two little white protrusions starting to make their way upward. It's also a new sensation when he decides to bite down on one of us (which is very often.)
He's taken it in stride, though. I think he's enjoying being able to eat more food now, too!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
How'd he get so smart so fast??
Nathan's almost 5 months old. It amazes me continually how much he's grown and how incredibly smart he already is.
Over the weekend Nathan's mobile came on spontaneously during the night. Actually, it was a result of him rolling over and kicking it. I think the first night it was a pure coincidence. Now, almost a week later, I think the kid knows what he's doing.
You see, we use the mobile as a means to get him back to sleep at night. He's doing pretty good about sleeping, but occasionally wakes up. He's got this really nifty Fisher-Price mobile that has a light on top that displays star and moon shapes on the ceiling. It also plays lullabies and classical music tunes.
At 10 til 5 this morning I woke up not hearing Nathan, but hearing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." A few seconds after that registered, I heard him making noise and sucking his fingers.
Bless his little heart ... the mobile does work to get him back to sleep. Unfortunately, so does sucking. Now if he could just figure out how to get the pacifier back into his mouth .... but I'm sure that's coming any day now, too.
Over the weekend Nathan's mobile came on spontaneously during the night. Actually, it was a result of him rolling over and kicking it. I think the first night it was a pure coincidence. Now, almost a week later, I think the kid knows what he's doing.
You see, we use the mobile as a means to get him back to sleep at night. He's doing pretty good about sleeping, but occasionally wakes up. He's got this really nifty Fisher-Price mobile that has a light on top that displays star and moon shapes on the ceiling. It also plays lullabies and classical music tunes.
At 10 til 5 this morning I woke up not hearing Nathan, but hearing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." A few seconds after that registered, I heard him making noise and sucking his fingers.
Bless his little heart ... the mobile does work to get him back to sleep. Unfortunately, so does sucking. Now if he could just figure out how to get the pacifier back into his mouth .... but I'm sure that's coming any day now, too.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Choosy moms choose ....
I'm so pleased with Nathan's daycare.
Back in March, almost two months before Nathan was born, Stephen and I went daycare shopping. We spent the entire day visiting daycares within a 15 minute radius of both our home and Stephen's office searching for child care.
I won't mention any names, but some of the facilities really concerned me.
There was one where the director couldn't find an application in her oh-so-cluttered office. Stephen pointed out if the application was that hard to find, what about our kid?
Another we visited had less-than-thrilled-looking employees who didn't really seem to enjoy their jobs.
Then there's the daycare we chose.
We were met at the door with smiles and guided throughout the entire facility with all our questions being answered. All the workers smiled and genuinely seemed happy to see us and our burgeoning bundle of joy in my tummy.
I was even more impressed in July when I called to see if Nathan could start sooner (since he was born earlier) and the director never hesitated to say yes.
All this came flooding back to me this morning when I dropped Nathan off.
His teacher greets him with smiles and hugs every morning. As I walked down the hall to leave, I was greeted by other teachers who smiled and asked how Nathan was. (They ALL know him by name!)
Even though it's still hard to leave him for 8+ hours each day, at least I know he's being loved and treated at daycare like we treat him at home. And that's really important to me.
In a future blog, I'll post a list of questions, sent to me by a friend, to consider when choosing a daycare.
Back in March, almost two months before Nathan was born, Stephen and I went daycare shopping. We spent the entire day visiting daycares within a 15 minute radius of both our home and Stephen's office searching for child care.
I won't mention any names, but some of the facilities really concerned me.
There was one where the director couldn't find an application in her oh-so-cluttered office. Stephen pointed out if the application was that hard to find, what about our kid?
Another we visited had less-than-thrilled-looking employees who didn't really seem to enjoy their jobs.
Then there's the daycare we chose.
We were met at the door with smiles and guided throughout the entire facility with all our questions being answered. All the workers smiled and genuinely seemed happy to see us and our burgeoning bundle of joy in my tummy.
I was even more impressed in July when I called to see if Nathan could start sooner (since he was born earlier) and the director never hesitated to say yes.
All this came flooding back to me this morning when I dropped Nathan off.
His teacher greets him with smiles and hugs every morning. As I walked down the hall to leave, I was greeted by other teachers who smiled and asked how Nathan was. (They ALL know him by name!)
Even though it's still hard to leave him for 8+ hours each day, at least I know he's being loved and treated at daycare like we treat him at home. And that's really important to me.
In a future blog, I'll post a list of questions, sent to me by a friend, to consider when choosing a daycare.
Friday, September 29, 2006
The price of motherhood
I went baby toy and clothes shopping last night.
If you've never been to WeeRuns before, which is nearby in Rutherford County, I highly recommend it. WeeRuns is a children's consignment sale where you can find gently used baby and kids' items for really low prices.
Last night was the pre-sale event for the fall sale. Because I wanted to get Nathan an ExerSaucer, I decided to go.
The ExerSaucer, which retails for between $60 and $100 at Walmart and Target (trust me, I've done copious research on it), is a really nifty toy for babies ages 4 months to walking age. Nathan's been playing in one at daycare and seems to like it, so I wanted one for home. But I really didn't want to pay full price.
I found one at WeeRuns for $20. SOLD!
I also shopped for an infant bath tub. I didn't register for one, thinking I'd never use it. If you've washed a slippery, kicking four-month-old in the tub or sink before, you're probably laughing at me right now. If you haven't, just try it -- I'll laugh at you!
Long story short: For the price of the cheapest brand-new ExerSaucer, Nathan now has:
An ExerSaucer
Five long sleeved outfits
15 bibs
Four burp cloths
And an infant tub.
WeeRuns opens up Saturday, Sept. 30, at 8 a.m. and runs through Saturday, Oct. 7. For more information, visit the Web site at www.weeruns.biz.
If you've never been to WeeRuns before, which is nearby in Rutherford County, I highly recommend it. WeeRuns is a children's consignment sale where you can find gently used baby and kids' items for really low prices.
Last night was the pre-sale event for the fall sale. Because I wanted to get Nathan an ExerSaucer, I decided to go.
The ExerSaucer, which retails for between $60 and $100 at Walmart and Target (trust me, I've done copious research on it), is a really nifty toy for babies ages 4 months to walking age. Nathan's been playing in one at daycare and seems to like it, so I wanted one for home. But I really didn't want to pay full price.
I found one at WeeRuns for $20. SOLD!
I also shopped for an infant bath tub. I didn't register for one, thinking I'd never use it. If you've washed a slippery, kicking four-month-old in the tub or sink before, you're probably laughing at me right now. If you haven't, just try it -- I'll laugh at you!
Long story short: For the price of the cheapest brand-new ExerSaucer, Nathan now has:
An ExerSaucer
Five long sleeved outfits
15 bibs
Four burp cloths
And an infant tub.
WeeRuns opens up Saturday, Sept. 30, at 8 a.m. and runs through Saturday, Oct. 7. For more information, visit the Web site at www.weeruns.biz.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Being a Mommy changes everything
Yesterday during lunch a coworker said to me, "Wow, being a parent really does change your life." It made me think about the ways my life have changed in the four months since my son was born.
I no longer sleep late. I think the last time I slept late was sometime last year. (Pregnancy has a way of making you get up and down all night long.)
I don't stay up late, either. Bedtime now is usually 9 p.m.
"Poopy" and "bottle" are words used numerous times daily in my house.
Those seem like some negative aspects of parenting. But then there's ....
Smiles at 6 a.m.
Grasping a toy and cooing like you really know what you're saying.
Sleepy sighs and warm breath on my cheeks.
I love being a mommy.
I no longer sleep late. I think the last time I slept late was sometime last year. (Pregnancy has a way of making you get up and down all night long.)
I don't stay up late, either. Bedtime now is usually 9 p.m.
"Poopy" and "bottle" are words used numerous times daily in my house.
Those seem like some negative aspects of parenting. But then there's ....
Smiles at 6 a.m.
Grasping a toy and cooing like you really know what you're saying.
Sleepy sighs and warm breath on my cheeks.
I love being a mommy.
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