I have decided to share our lunchtime {or breakfast time, or dinner time, or awake time} ritual with you!
And then we can all stop wondering why my babysitters don’t come back! ;D
Appreciating the Dad & The Husband
I know Father’s Day has come and gone, but sometimes, a story needs to be shared about a dad’s sacrifice in parenting, too!
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Monday night at 12 am, my youngest daughter awoke with a a 102.8 fever. I moved her to the couch so that I could watch her and because the living room is the coolest room in the house.
After an hour or so of sleep, she woke whining and wiggeling and I knew that the vomiting would start soon.
I scooped her up in my arms, face down, just as it started. She vomited from the living room all the way to the bathtub. So, the living room rug, the hallway, the bathroom floor, and the side of the tub all had the evidence on them.
I yelled at my husband that the baby was sick and he woke immediately and took action.
While I got her into the tub, washed her off, told her she would be alright, and watched for round 2, he grabbed the Lysol, towels, cleaner and a gas mask. No kidding… you need one sometimes!
20 minutes later when I came out of the bathroom with her, he had everything clean and smelling 99% better, and had made up fresh blankets on the couch for her to lay on.
And then he sent me to shower.
Mind you, it was the middle on the night, on a work night, and he was leaving at 6am to go to a meeting a few towns away.
When I got out of the shower, he was curled up with Megan on the couch.
After he helped me move her and me to our bed, he went back out and slept on the couch so that he would not crowd her when she slept.
Now, I know that this may not seem like a lot to some women. But to me, who knows that there are husbands out there would never even budge from bed, for him to spend several hours in the middle of the night helping me with a sick baby, it meant the world. I interpreted it not as his duty as a dad and husband, but as a complete show of respect for me and my position of caretaker in our family.
I think, sometimes, in the midst of bills, kids, and daily activities, woman as mothers and wives tend to get lost in the “what does everyone else need” expectations of motherhood and marriage. And some of us believe that we have to do it all and that if we don’t, or can’t, we are somewhat of a failure.
But, in reality, our kids generally want us when they are sad or hurting. And to be able to just love on them and care for them as a mother wants to, and not to have to worry about cleaning up the extra messes, or washing the bedding, or even just to be able to get cleaned up ourselves, is greatly appreciated.
So thank you, the husband and the dad, I really appreciate you.
HOUSTON: $10 Kids Haircuts Sat & Sun June 18 & 19 at Snip-Its Rice Village!
I am packing up the kids and heading to SNIP-ITS in Rice Village this weekend!
They are having their GRAND OPENING Saturday June 18 from 9am – 5pm and Sunday June 19 from 11am – 5pm!
CLICK BELOW TO GET A $10 HAIRCUT COUPON
Exclusively from www.ADayinMotherhood.com
I’ll be there early Saturday so if you see me, come say HI!
Not only is this an awesome salon with Children’s Haircuts, Spa Services, Entertainment, Retail, Parties and MORE, but this Saturday, June 18 ONLY,
As part of grand opening, Snip-its Rice Village will donate 15 percent of its proceeds from the weekend to the Houston Walk Now for Autism Speaks. The Snip-its Corporation partnered with the national Autism Speaks organization to create a haircutting guide for stylists and parents of children with autism. All of Snip-its’ stylists are trained to work with children with autism and other special needs. In addition to donating 15 percent of its grand opening profits, Snip-its Rice Village will allow parents of children with special needs to make haircut appointments on an on-going basis. (Appointments generally are not accepted unless you purchase an annual VIP package.)
Come on, that is just great!
Snip-its (www.snipits.com), one of the country’s fastest-growing chains of children’s hair salons, is opening in Houston’s Rice Village next weekend on Rice Boulevard beside TCBY Yogurt. Owned by local couple (and parents), Wesley and Alane Middleton, Snip-its will be the area’s first kids-only salon to offer haircuts, spa services and birthday parties. In addition, the salon will offer entertainment, prizes, natural hair care products, accessories and toys, and more. The grand opening will take place on Saturday, June 18, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, June 19, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Children will enjoy live music from Andrew “AndyRoo” Karnavas on Saturday; face painting; balloon animals; “Snips,” the Snip-its mascot; snacks; and more.
Your baby needs their 1st Haircut?
Snip-its Rice Village also offers a “baby’s first haircut” package, which includes a special keepsake for that first lock of hair, a first haircut certificate, and a commemorative photo and holder.
AND, they do Parties!
In addition to hair care, the Rice Village location will offer spa services, such as mini-manicures, mini- pedicures and mini-facials using non-toxic, kid-friendly cosmetics and nail polish; birthday parties; and events. For birthday parties, children will be able to select from one of five fun-filled-themes, including:
- Glamour Party – The birthday child and special guests glam it up
in feathers, sequins and sparkles, then strut their stuff down our “catwalk” with their new party hair style, make-up and nails.
- Spa Party – Pampered is the key word here. The birthday child and guests wear pink VIP robes for an afternoon of cucumber facials, mini manicures and/or mini pedicures.
- Hollywood Party – This is for the little star who belongs on the red carpet. After the birthday child and his/her entourage get their movie-star makeover with a party hair style, make-up, nails and wardrobe, they take a walk down the red carpet while surrounded by paparazzi.
- Rock Star Party – Kids dreaming of becoming the next Hannah Montana or Justin Bieber will love this party theme, which includes getting the “rock-star treatment” of a funky hairstyle, make-up, nails and accessories. The little Rock Star then jams to karaoke tunes with his/her biggest fans.
- Slumber Jam Party – It’s a pretend sleepover! The birthday girl and friends get to wear their pajamas for this party, held after-hours at the salon, while they do each other’s makeup and nails. Of course, dancing and singing are part of the “sleepover” fun.
All parties include invitations, birthday cake, favors, and a special gift for the birthday child.
**I will be receiving a gift pack of items from Snip Its as compensation for this post. I will also be taking advantage of the coupon offered.**
Can*A*Kid
A few nights ago my girls and I were playing and Katie asked me where a toy of hers was. My standard answer is “Canada”. I don’t know why. I guess I think I am funny.
She asked where Canada was and I said “Up North”.
She said “Up North Where?”
I said “Toward the Pole.”
That satisfied her, oddly, until she asked, “What is Canada’s dad’s name?”
“Canadad.”
“What is Canada’s Mom’s name?”
“Canama’am.”
“What is Canada’s kids name?”
“Canakid!”
DING DING DING!
My idea alarm sounded and I laughed hysterically as it developed in my head!
We moms need a new little invention I am calling “Can*A*Kid!”
Come on, think about it!
A flexible canister container with a nice little sitting area and little TV so that we can put them in, zip up, and get some peace and quiet!
This is not a torture chamber… it would have air holes… but it would also be sound proof. A nice little get a way for us and a little play area for them.
Now I realize that some may read this and think that I have lost my mind… how little you know me.. it was gone years ago. But I am thinking this could make me bajillions upon bajillions of complaints, lawsuits, and slaps upside the head.
Think how wonderful this little contraption would be, however. Made of puffy plastic, kinda like a pool float, complete with the little button indentions and criss cross pattern. That way, if they try to climb out and take my last beautiful Nutrisystem ice cream sandwich, they just fall over and roll around without hurting themselves… or my furniture.
Really. I think I am onto something.
Katie and Sarah get into their minutly fight, I pick one up, slip her through the pop top opening treating her to her own space with her favorite Barbie and no one able to get in and take it from her. I pick up the second one, slip her in, close the top and she is happy and stress free with her 872 Dora dolls with no competition for the 87 swim suit Dora’s!
And unlike being sent to their rooms, they can not trash it, bang on the door, and I can not hear them.
Simple bliss.
And Megan, well, she has the whole house without getting bumped or pushed or toys taken from her, so she’d be good!
Meanwhile I get to relax and clean a room that has a chance of staying clean, have a snack that has a shot of making it into my mouth instead of theirs, and get to sit on a couch that is no longer a trampoline.
Yes. I think this is it. The next brilliant idea meant to make my life easier.
Can*A*Kid by Lori.
I think I’ll get to work on the plans.
From my padded room.
Nick’s BIG Box of Play Dates 2 Review
There are so many great Nickelodeon Movies to choose from this summer! So how do you know which ones to buy for your little one for that afternoon movie time?
Lucky of us Moms, we do not have to choose just one now!
The release of Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates 2
Included in the box set is Nickelodeon Favorites: We Love Our Friends, Nickelodeon Favorites: Sisters and Brothers, and Nickelodeon Favorites: Summer Vacation!
In the first movie, We Love Our Friends, children can watch as Dora and Boots meet for a picnic to celebrate Best Friend’s Day, the characters of Yo Gabba Gabba learn to love everything around them, and Ni Hao, Kai-lan teaches her friends why it is important to forgive! Plus three more stories staring Diego, Blue’s Clues, and The Wonder Pets!
Sisters and Brothers has Ming-Ming learning that taking care of a child is harder than she thought, shows the Bobo brothers that their baby sisters can get lost in the woods in no time, and follows Hoho floating through the air on a lantern while Kai-lan and friends try to save him! Two other episodes featuring Dora and The Wonder Pets! round out this DVD.
And my kids favorite so far, Summer Vacation, follows all of the characters of Nickelodeon’s favorites as they enjoy their favorite summer activities! I did a separate review for this title!
As a mom, I struggle to find things for my kids to do over the summer. And though none of us want them sitting in front of the Television all day, we do need attention grabbing DVD’s that keep our kids occupied during TV time when we have to get other things done!
These box sets are a perfect addition to any kids collection!
Find Out More About Nickelodeon’s New Realeases on their Facebook Page
The DVD set will be released on June 21, 2011 for a suggested retail price of $36.99 at your favorite retailers!
Or you can pre – order Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates 2 from my affiliate link on Amazon.com for just $21.99!
**I received the products discussed for review purposes. ADayinMotherhood.com is the writer and distributor of this review. 100% of the opinions and writings are ADayinMotherhood.com’s and can not be duplicated without prior permission. Images and links were used with permission from the marketing company.
You are supporting ADayinMotherhood.com if you order products through my affilitate link for Amazon.com.**
The Joys of Summertime?!
I am so glad it is summer! I no longer have a schedule to adhere to, preschool to be late getting the kids to, lunches to pack, or other people to answer to.
Ahhhh…. so relaxing….
Except that the joys of summertime means I have no clear schedule to adhere to, no preschool to entertain my kids, no idea what I will make for lunch everyday, and no other people to help me connect to the outside world.
And now I have bored kids. Bored because Mommy has no imagination, no vision of how to make those happy summertime commercials develop in our back yard, and no idea what I am going to do with them for the next 10 weeks!
Just this week we have been to the pool twice, played on the waterslide twice, done arts and crafts, and had an entire day of mommy’s favorite game,”If you do not help me clean up this mess if a house, I will make you go live in the barn.”
It is only Thursday morning.
Granted, we have a glorious 45 minute class of gymnastics today, but other than that, I suppose we will be participating in their favorite summertime activities.
Fighting, yelling, screaming, whining, sassing, trashing, damaging, and just plain ole good fun misbehaving.
Who wants to come over?
I do have painting planned, coloring planned, a trip to the Zoo planned, vacation bible school planned, and playdates… lots of play dates. But that does not fill the 15 hours a day that I have kids up and demanding attention and activity.
Sure, there is the hour of TV they are allowed, the playmates that I bore from my womb to play with, and their father to entertain them in the evenings. They have a million puzzles – that come with a bajillion pieces – a massive amount of toys between the three of them, and an acre of land to play on. They have bikes and trikes and scooters and even a 4 wheeler.
And two dogs.
And imaginations.
And yet they are already complaining that they have nothing to do half way through the first week of summer.
What do I do?
I can not throw them outside and tell them to be home before the streetlight comes on because a) we have no streetlights and b) they are just a tad young for that and c) safe neighborhood or not, there are crazies out there and I do want these kids back.
But I also can not entertain them all day long and still get the laundry done, the dishes washed, the house tidy, food cooked, the dogs fed, the diapers changes, a shower, or anything else that comes up on the mommy to do list.
So what do you do with a 4, 3 and 1 year old for 10 weeks of day after day after day of the same thing? And how do I make sure that this summer is a special summer since it is the last before real school starts next year? And how do I do it without completely losing my mind?
Or at least without losing the precious little, dangling by a thread, piece that I have left?
A Walk Down Pregnancy Lane
So honored that this post was featured on SkinnyScoop.com!
Tonight was my oldest daughter’s Kindergarten introduction meeting. I knew this day was coming and I handled it like a pro. No tears, no sorrow… that will come later. Be prepared, I will blog about it!
And who had time to think anyway with a 1 year old screaming at the top of her lungs while the Principal was talking and a 3 year old who wet her pants right in the middle of the meeting?
On the way home, it hit me though, I was JUST pregnant with Katie! Just yesterday!
And in a few months she’ll be entering Kindergarten?
WOW!
I started thinking about her pregnancy and got lost in thought as I drove my three daughters home.
I remember finding out 3 days before my wedding that I was, indeed, pregnant. It was a mixed emotion kind of thing. I was thrilled to be pregnant, but the timing was not exactly what I wanted. Had a hurricane not wiped out our wedding 2 months earlier causing us to move the wedding to a later date, the timing would have been perfect.
Instead, I had a 10 day Mexican honeymoon in a room booked right next to the bar that would, essentially, go to waste. And it did. Especially after I started spotting in Mexico. As I decided if it was worse to miscarry in the hotel room or a Mexican hospital, I felt the first real connection to the pregnancy.
I did not want to lose it.
By the Grace of God, Katie hung in there and a little heartbeat sounded over the ultrasound machine just a week later! Very early to get one, the Doctor said, but, indeed, it was there!
As I traveled back and forth to Doctor’s appointments, struggled with the question of when to tell my boss I was pregnant, and ate my way to a 60 pound weight gain, I relished in pregnancy. I made plans, wrote my “I never” list and brushed off advice from others because, I, having never been pregnant before, arrogantly thought I knew it all!
Hmph…
I watched every baby show I could get my eyes on, complained to the chagrin of my husband about everything he did, and made continual jokes that the “glow” I had was not pregnancy, but post vomiting sweat.
I was a gem.
But I cried when they told me she was a girl, decorated her nursery to the last detail months before she as born, and planned my birth to the very last “lay her on my chest” moment.
I was pregnant. And secretly prayed every night to the One who gave her to me that I would be good enough for her!
The birth was easy – at first. I opted for an epidural, later wishing I had not so early in labor (4 cm in minimal pain), did not walk like I wanted and just laid there sleeping while I waited for the ‘crowning moment’. But at 18 hours and 9 centimeters, the epidural wore off. The pain was not terrible but it was consistent. They would not let me out of bed so I rocked on my knees, pushing tubes out of the way, tried deep breathing techniques I had seen on TV, and told myself that I could do a natural birth.
But the anesthesiologist thought he knew better and kept pumping the failed line with drugs, to no avail. After an hour of that, there was an order for a new epidural. But the drugs made me loopy and I was tired of moving and shifting and trying to hold still while they tried to ‘make me more comfortable’. I fought it and screamed in pain as they poked my back over and over again.
I wish I had been stronger and told them to stop!
An hour later, with still no epidural in, Katie’s heart rate dropped and an emergency c section was imminent. Here came the spinal. I cried through the painful tears and called myself a failure. Turns out that Katie never would have come out anyway. Her shoulder was lodged under my pelvic bone.
The first cry was amazing.
I looked at my swollen faced, majorly cone headed, daughter and she looked back at me.
I was a Mom.
I sat in my room, holding my daughter and relishing in God’s greatest miracle and I knew that no matter what, I was always going to be good enough for her.
Two more pregnancies and c sections later, our family walks this Earth with us now. They are loud, rambunctious, messy, cranky, beautiful, amazing, wonderful, and priceless.
They are the reason my “I never” list is crumpled in a ball in my mind and that planning things to the last detail has become more flexible.
I look at my c section scar sometimes, wishing it not there, wishing I could have had them all the way nature intended. And then I look at my children and I know that that scar, thrice opened, is a simple reminder of what it took to get them here.
The love in my heart is the constant reminder of why I wanted them here. And why it still makes me tear up to take a walk down pregnancy lane.
Lovable Labels BlogHer’ 11 Getaway Contest: So You Wanna Be A Mom?
Dear applicant to the position of M O M:
Thank you for your interest in this position. The fact that you want it already shows your incredible lack of care for your current lifestyle, hip width, smooth skin, and blissful, sleeping nights.
It also shows that your heart is so big, it might explode without little loves to fill it.
That being said, I want to be candid about this position and the {lack of} monetary pay that comes with it.
There has been a lot of talk in the news this past week about how much a mom would be worth if she were paid for her job. Don’t worry, it is just a guess, because you never will, actually, be paid for this job!
The harsh reality is that, whether you work outside of the home or not, Momhood is hard, frustrating, tiring, and sometimes side splitting funny! And it is not for everyone. To be brutally honest.
But, despite the “breakdown” of tasks in the media, it is also full of moments and decisions that can not be categorized and given a monetary value.
For instance, where do you place the inevitable poop explosion, spit up projection, and leaky diaper? You know, the one that leaks on your white pants that you pressed and put on at the very last minute so as not to get a speck on them before you head off to the wedding? The only pair in your closet that fits you without causing comment about your muffin top?
And the part of the job that calls for interference because one daughter is hitting and yelling at the other for taking the orange cat instead of the yellow cat. You know, the ones that look just alike, that could be confused as the same toy were you not keenly aware that one thinks one is orange and one thinks the other is yellow? The ones you purposely got exactly alike so these fights could be avoided? The ones that make you fear your children color blind?
Does that go under referee? Teacher? Insane asylum alum?
A large part of your job will be that of housekeeping. Do not be swayed by the pretty little number that they say moms should get for that. It is apples to sedatives.
Last time I had a housekeeper, she came to a quiet house at 8am {because I was at McDonald’s with said kids so she would not be bothered}, cleaned for 2 hours, left at 10am with cash in her pocket and a sense of accomplishment.
I, personally, clean from the moment I get up to the moment I go to bed, often past midnight. I never get any task completed to the extent I would like, never have a quiet house to clean, and have never been paid nor gotten to leave after I was done. There is almost never a feeling of accomplishment because when something does get done, something else gets undone!
As for the “chefs” pay, I wonder, do actual chefs get the constant, “I don’t like this! I don’t want it! I want hot dogs, and macaroni and cheese, and corn! NOW!”? at every single meal? And when was the last time you were at a restaurant, did not like your food, and threw the whole plate of food on the floor? Only to have someone immediately rush over, calmly clean it up, and serve you a fresh plate?
Yes, we can certainly calculate what someone would make if they took this job. On a part time, gets to leave work and relax after a long day, temporary basis. And we can certainly monetize what certain tasks might be worth.
But can I put an actual price on motherhood for you? What about the unseen, the uncategorized, the priceless?
How much is a mother’s kiss on a boo boo worth? A hug after a long day of school? A smile when she is scared and needs that extra security? Or the heart shaped pancakes and the grilled cheese sandwiches that are cut the perfect way?
Can there be a price put on the late night snuggles after a nightmare, bursting pride that radiates when the training wheels come off, and the fact that Mom always remembers that pink is her favorite color and purple is her sisters?
I didn’t think so.
But, if you should still want this job, you are hired. Because this mommy needs a manicure, pedicure, nap, massage, and long, lingering break. And possibly stronger earplugs.
But when I am done, I want them back. All of them. The good, the bad, the frustrating, and the precious.
Because I am their Mom… and it takes more than a job application to qualify for this job!
It takes love.
How To Craft a Jewelry Box With Your Kids! #gluenglitter
For a while now, I have been wanting to make something with my kids that can hold all of my old costume jewelry for them to play with. Sarah has a really nice jewelry box that was given to her by a dear friend of mine, but I really don’t want her playing with it for obvious reasons!
I looked online and decided that Target was my place to shop! I love the store and they have the boxes ready to go. I just needed decorations! Perfect for little girls.
I made my list. I needed the boxes, some stickers, some Elmer’s glue for
some gem stones to make them sparkly, and glitter pens. I knew it would be messy, but I also knew that it would be fun!
I took the girls… it’s OK, we were shopping for them, they were happy, and headed to the store!
We got to Target and started loading up our cart! The boxes, stickers, lots of Elmer’s Glue and Glue Sticks, rhinestones, and other decorations filled my cart! As time went on, the more excited I was getting!
We got home, I spread out a paper table cloth on my island in the kitchen, told myself that this was going to be messy but worth it and let them loose!
SO MUCH FUN!!
And the gluing, sticking, painting, glittering, markering, and chatting kept them happily occupied for over an hour!
When they were finished, we had 3 of the most un’jewelry’ like boxes I have ever seen.
And also the most beautiful!
They are drying now… nothing like using and entire
container of glue and glitter markers on three boxes!… but the girls have done nothing but talk about them since they finished!
I love this craft! And I love even more that I get to talk about and show it to you! From the shopping tothe finished products, just click below!
Do you have a great craft you want to share for us to do over the summer? COMMENT about it (include a link if you want) and tell me what you love about it!
**I wrote this post as a compensated shopportunity for Collective Bias. All opinions are 100% mine. Your experience with products discussed or projects within are independent of these writings.**
Meet My Girls! Their 1st VLOG!
Click the link below and meet my little ladies! ;)
Questions Asked Right Before ‘Hide and Seek’ With Daddy!
Iron Deficiency in {My} Children
I have had anemia off and on most of my life so it was no surprise to me last year when my Pediatrician told me that my middle daughter, Sarah, was also anemic. I figure either my eating habits or a hereditary factor would play into it.
When we found out, she went on medication. Easy medication because she was too young to really know what was going on and it only lasted a short time.
But when she tested positive for anemia this time, it was much more severe! And to add to the stress of dealing with it with one daughter, my youngest daughter also was anemic. A total surprise to me.
Their numbers were so low – over 50% lower than they should have been – that the back up Pediatrician got a call from the lab requesting that he contact us immediately.
So, on a Saturday, we got a call asking if our children were tired, pale, lacking energy, or had any change at all in activity levels. And did we know where the nearest pediatric emergency room was in case one of them passed out.
*shiver*
I was scared.
Luckily, my Pediatrician, who had already consulted with a Hematologist, had a prescription called in for both girls by the time this call came in. But while we waited for the Pharmacy to track down that much medication, we worried.
Because we knew that Sarah had not grown in 9 months. And we knew that we now had to worry about a life long battle. And we knew that, somehow, we had to get 8ml of Ferrous Sulfate a day into Sarah and 6ml into Megan. I was stressed out and tired just thinking about it.
And I blamed myself. If I had fed them better, been more careful with their milk intake, or let them have juice when they were young so I could slip meds into a juice box, this would not be happening – or at least be easier. If I had done my job RIGHT!
But the Pediatrician assured me that I was fine and some kids were just anemic, no matter what precautions you took. They did do a test to see if it was something they inherited from me but the results were shaky, at best.
We picked up the medicine and the daily fight began. Megan was OK. She could at least be tricked.
But Sarah… my too smart for her own good, can tell when the taste of her yogurt, mac and cheese, spaghetti sauce, and any other food has been altered, strong willed little girl, was determined not to take any of the medication.
She was awful. She had to be held down, twice a day, by two people, with a napkin ready for what she spit out. Terrible. Torture. Guilt.
But we did it. We had to give her a chance to beat this once and for all.
For two weeks, we diligently forced her meds on her and prayed that, though she spit out most of it, she as getting enough to help with the anemia.
And then her teeth started to turn grey, a nasty side affect to the iron. Like rotten teeth that people have right before they fall out. I was upset. Very upset.
My babies perfect little white teeth looked horrid.
And then Megan’s started to turn and it was about all I could do not to call the Pediatrician screaming at the top of my lungs!
So we started to brush their teeth with washcloths. It actually was a lot easier than a brush! And we noticed the stains lighten slowly. They are still grey, but not so… gross looking!
Finally making it to the 2 week mark, I took my girls to the Lab for their second intravenous blood draw in as many weeks. The girls did great! A few tears but overall, impossibly impressive!
And then the wait.
Did Sarah get enough to help raise her numbers and keep her from more ‘serious’ treatment? Treatment that I was terrified to even ask about! Did Megan get enough to prevent further blood draws and tears in her big brown eyes?
Were the days of torturing poor Sarah over?
Would their teeth be white again?
The call came in tonight and I braced for the results. I even asked the Nurse to wait a moment while I took a deep breath.
She said, “Per the Doctor, tell the Mom that the numbers have vastly improved and that there is no need for any more intravenous blood draws! But… she wants them on the meds for two more months and then a finger prick to make sure the numbers are still good!”
Two. More. Months.
More fighting. More struggles. More grey teeth.
But, I suppose in the end, it is not that bad. If we get this done and take care of their teeth, then we *hopefully* will be done with this! And in six months, it will be a distant memory!
In the end, iron deficiency in children is nothing to take lightly. It can rob them of so much if not treated. And I can not let my fear of the struggle do that to them!
I am their Mother, after all!
Used To
I like to assess my life every once in a while. Do a spring cleaning of a bad habit, a lazy chore, or a self damaging thought process. Things have been tough this year so I am behind on my self improvements.
The other day I was talking to a friend and I found myself saying, “I used to be…” quite often. I used to have time for me. I used to have a clean house. I used to have money. I used to be pretty. And on and on!
I was annoying myself by the end of the conversation so I am sure my friend will need several weeks to recover.
I started thinking… why am I so concerned with what I ‘used to’ do, have, look like, etc.?
Why is longingly comparing to the past OK with me? What could possibly be so bad about my life now that makes me want to relish in what I ‘used to’ have?
I am pretty. I know I am pretty. Am I the best looking and self groomed I have ever been in my life? No. But am I still an attractive person with attributes to offer? Like a kind heart, a willing ear, and a ready laugh?
I hope so!
Sure, I ‘use to’ hit the salon once a week. Manicures and pedicures galore. My hair was cut and colored every 6 weeks and you would never see a hair on my upper lip.
But I had nothing else to do! No one else to care for. Nothing else to fill my time. I could afford to be selfish because no one needed me then.
But I had no one to notice.
Now, if I fix my hair and make up, I have four immediate comments on how pretty I am and how wonderful I look.
I would never want to lose that. It means a lot more to me than a weekly grooming session all by myself.
I ‘used to’ have time for myself.
Yes, I did.
A lot of time.
To wonder if I would ever find someone. Dream of possibly having a family one day. And crying because I was so lonely.
I told friends I would never find someone to settle down with. I used to whine and cry and annoy them with my typical, “No one will ever love me!” speech. How they continued to hang out with me sometimes, I don’t know!
Now I have a lot of people who love me and need me and want me all the time. I almost never have time to myself and I almost never go anywhere without one of them with me.
But, despite my complaining and constant wish that I could just get away, I love it. I don’t cry myself to sleep at night because something wonderful happened that day and I had no one to tell. And every day is filled with love and affection… unending most days!
So, I wonder. Why the longing comparisons to the past? If I was so incredibly happy ‘back then’, why did I change it?
If salon visits and first dates and no children was my ultimate joy, why did I so willingly throw it all away?
There must be something pretty amazing here for me to have chosen this path.
Maybe it is time for a mind cleaning. And adjustment in my wordings to more accurately explain the situation.
Instead of I “used to”, how about I “am glad”?
I am glad I got to have time to live my life before settling down. I am glad that I got to know what it was like to work for and have a career before I immersed myself in diapers and bottles.
I am glad I had sad and lonely nights so that when things get tough with my husband I can remember that the alternative is not something I want to go back to.
I am glad I do not have more time for myself. Because that means that I am valuable enough to those in my life that I need to be there for them.
And one day, down the road, I will be glad that I had this time to be with them and love them and have them all the time. This time is so short, and I will miss it.
So though I may glorify what used to be, I am glad I am not there anymore. Because where I am now is where I really want to be.
A Rock to the Head: My Concussion Fears
This evening my daughters and I were out with the neighbors enjoying a breezy, comfortable Texas breeze. While we adults were talking in the driveway, my kids were stacking and counting rocks in one of the driveways.
I reminded them that rocks stay on the ground and kept part of one eye on them to make sure an accident did not happen.
And then it did anyway.
As the girls were putting the rocks back into the neighbors yard, Katie hurled one and it slammed into the back of Sarah’s head.
I let a curse word slip, raced to my 3 year old who had her mouth open but no noise coming out, and grabbed her into my arms before the first, horrible, scream escaped.
My very first thought after making sure there was no blood was the possibility that she could have a concussion. I always worry about concussions with my kids. A year or so ago, I saw a report on the news that said that most children have an average of 4 concussions in their childhood. And most adults do not even recognize them. I don’t know if that is really true, but it certainly turned on my ‘momdar’ to concussions.
Since that report, even the slightest bump has me checking their eyes for dilation, watching for lethargy, or any other change to them that might be a sign that their brain was banged around their skull enough to possibly change its chemistry.
We are adamant that our kids are always buckled into their car seats no matter how short the trip. If not, slamming on my brakes can cause a concussion – or worse – in my child.
We make our children wear helmets when they ride bikes, scooters, and even the small Barbie 4- wheeler that we have.
And we always had gates at the top and bottom of our stairs to prevent a fall.
Because if it is that common in children, I want mine to avoid being in with the statistic if I can.
We have all seen the news stories and watched the Football games where even people who are ‘protected’ head to toe can fall victim to concussions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) each year, traumatic brain injuries contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability. Data shows that, on average, approximately 1.7 million people die, are hospitalized, or are seen in an emergency department for a traumatic brain injury annually. Almost half a million emergency department visits for TBI that occur each year are among children aged 0 to 14 years.
It is pertinent that all parents, coaches, school nurses, and anyone else who is around childhood sports, play areas, and providing child care, knows the CDC’S 4 – step Head’s Up Action Plan to protect children should a concussion occur.
1. Keep your teen out of play. If your child or teen has a concussion, her/his brain needs time to heal. Don’t let your child or teen return to play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says he or she is symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play. A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first—usually within a short period of time (hours, days, or weeks)—can slow recovery or increase the likelihood of having long-term problems. In rare cases, repeat concussions can result in edema (brain swelling), permanent brain damage, and even death.
2. Seek medical attention right away. A health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussion will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child or teen to return to sports.
3. Teach your child or teen that it’s not smart to play with a concussion. Rest is key after a concussion. Sometimes athletes wrongly believe that it shows strength and courage to play injured. Discourage others from pressuring injured athletes to play. Don’t let your child or teen convince you that s/he’s “just fine.”
4. Tell all of your child or teen’s coaches and the school nurse about ANY concussion. Coaches, school nurses, and other school staff should know if your child or teen has ever had a concussion. Your child or teen may need to limit activities while s/he is recovering from a concussion. Things such as studying, driving, working on a computer, playing video games, or exercising may cause concussion symptoms to reappear or get worse. Talk to your health care professional, as well as your child or teen’s coaches, school nurse, and teachers. If needed, they can help adjust your child or teen’s school activities during her/his recovery.
In addition to this, the Heads Up campaign includes tailored educational materials and messages developed for specific audiences, such as:
- Health Care Professionals:
- Sports Coaches and Administrators:
- School Professionals:
To learn more about the Heads Up initiatives and to order your own materials, visit http://www.cdc.gov/concussion.
I invite parents, coaches, and athletes to share their stories or ask CDC questions at www.facebook.com/cdcheadsup.
Sarah is fine after the rock hit her head tonight. But I let her stay up and on the couch with me just in case there was a delayed reaction anyway. And as soon as she was tucked safely into her bed, I ran to my computer to share this information with you. A post I probably would not have written were it not for tonights events.
Funny how it works out that way sometimes!
And if even one person recognizes a concussion and steps up to protect a young child or teen from hurting themselves further, that is just a bonus for me!
**I wrote this blog post while participating in a SocialMoms blogging program for which I may receive a thank you kit.” For more information on how you can participate, click here!**
“You Have Joyful Children”
I got up this morning to face the normal stresses of everyday life. Things have been rough the last few weeks and every day has an anticipatory feeling of ”what’s next?”
Needless to say, I do not feel like the best mother through it all. I feel like I have a short fuse, a mean streak, and that I am so busy correcting my children that I am forgetting to hug them.
This morning is a school morning. I got up, woke up Katie and dealt with her typical “I don’t want to go to school!” whining… while she is dressing to go, mind you… and then woke up Sarah.
She did not want to go to school today either so it took some prodding and dangling playtime in front of her to get her moving. By the time I got Megan up and dressed, I was already tired of it all.
But I packed their lunch, told them 785 times that it was time to go, and forced them all into the car with the hopes that the protests and whines would stop when we were on our way.
They did.
And then were replaced with the “Why’s?
Lord Help Me.
We got to the school, took the customary 10 minutes to unload with all of their stuff and headed in. I was thisclose to having just one child for the day so my hurry to get them in was probably evident.
Two kisses and hugs later – and a prayer that they would be returned safely – and Megan and I were headed out.
On the way out I saw their music teacher. I told her that both girls had put on a “show” for us last night. They sang all of their songs and danced and we just had a wonderful evening watching them!
She smiled and said, “They are such great kids! So happy and full of love. You have joyful children!”
MY kids? Really?
Joyful children.
WOW.
I wonder where they get that?
Surely not from their home life? It seems that all we do lately is tell them what they can not do, put them in time out for being mean to their sisters, and have bedtime fights. The yelling seems constant to me, the punishments endless. And I worry, daily, if I am killing their childhood spirits.
Apparently not, I suppose. Since they seem to be so amazing to have in class.
As I mentally thanked God for his grace under my fire with my kids and fought back tears of pride, I thought, “I am really lucky!”
Because not only do I have healthy, beautiful children… I have joyful children.
And I do know what a precious gift that is!
Classic Memories
I love meal time in my family. Always have. I think I just crave the time together with family, friends, and my children.
One of my favorite meals to make for my family is Coke Can Chicken. It is a spin off of Beer Can Chicken. One night, I decided that I wanted a sweeter flavor to my meal, something a little different to taste, so instead of the standard can of beer, I took a Coke Classic and hoped it would be as good as I thought.
The recipe I used is a mismatch of my own use of proper recipes. That is generally how I cook anyway. Take several ideas from each one and create something new and fun!
Here is – sort of – what I did. No standard measurements… sorry!
I took a whole chicken and removed the neck and innards. I drizzled some Olive Oil over the chicken and rubbed it in, making sure I got the cavity as well. I salted and peppered the bird and then added some grill seasoning to the mix. Sounds weird, I know.
I then placed the chicken on my stand that held half a can of Coke Classic.
I put Mr. Bird on my pit just off the direct heat of a medium flame and walked away.
About 45 minutes to an hour later, I checked him. His outside was crispy and the juices ran clear! I took the chicken in, let him rest about 15 minutes and then removed him from the Coke can.
OH. MY. GAWSH!
The chicken was so tender and so flavorful that I could have eaten the whole thing! The Coke seemed to sweeten the meat just slightly and cast a nice balance to the spiciness of the grill seasoning. It was wonderful!
My husband gobbled it up with no hesitation. There was no need for additional seasonings, a gravy, or any other embellishment. The chicken was amazing!
But the reason I remember that meal so clearly is more for the startling event that happened during it!
Katie was about 3, Sarah was 2, and Megan was a newborn. They loved their fruits and vegetables but never took a liking to meats. Even baby food with meat never interested either of them.
So my husband and I are happily slurping and shoveling and smiling our way through dinner when Katie says, “ME!”.
“Do you want some chicken, baby?”
“Yea!”
I cut up some of mine and put it on her plate. When Sarah saw this, she started pointing.
“Don’t waste it Lori, they won’t eat it!”
My husband was right. They never liked meat… no matter the kind.
But I watched as Katie slowly picked up the chicken, looked at it inquisitively, and placed it in her mouth. And the she did it again! And again until every last bit was gone and she asked for more!
Sarah, trusting her sister, devoured hers as well!
To this day, one of the only meats the girls eat is Coke Can Chicken! And that is OK with me.
Because every time I make it, it brings up a classic memory!
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Coca-Cola® blogging program. If I am one of the first 100 blogs received by SocialsMoms, I will receive a $25 gift card. For more information on the program, click here.
How I Answer My Kids Questions
It is here. That dreaded time in childhood when no matter what I do, I can not get my kids to stop talking. My husband did not believe that I field questions from the moment I get up to the moment I go to bed… and even in the middle of the night. Until this weekend.
We had a long drive for a birthday party on Saturday and a long drive for a blood drive on Sunday and he got the message loud and clear. And over and over and over and over again.
Mommy, can I…
Mommy, I want…
Mommy, why…
MaMa! MaMa!
And on it went. Mile after mile, without stopping, often with many repeats. And even though we had 2 parents fielding the questions, we were still exhausted from the constant, non stop, noise of it all.
Seriously, non stop.
My husband even turned the music up at one point and then we burst out laughing because Katie was still talking.
And talking, and talking… and talking.
So on the way home – after watching them bless the girls who were sitting with them during the blood drive with their continual conversation talents – I decided to come up with some rules in the hopes of taming the uncontrollable.
Good Luck to me, I know.
Rule 1: Each child is limited to 1000 questions – or comments related to a question – each day. Now, I realize the littlest one can not really talk, so she gets 1000 MAMA’s! After their alloted 1000, I am allowed to put on noise blocking headphones and dive head first into chocolate.
Rule 2: The questions asked must have a purpose. No more, “Mommy, can I pick my nose?” ”But why not?” “But why?” “But why?” “But I don’t know why?” None of those questions have a point. And really, the entry question was gross so I have a right to count it as 2 questions.
Rule 3: When I answer your question – I am done with it. I am not changing my mind, changing my answer, altering the result in any way. Asking again just causes me to get agitated and then you will most certainly not like my new answer! Please move on to a new question… if only to add variety to my day.
Rule 4: Asking me a question, not liking my answer and immediately turning and asking your father the same question – while I am sitting right there – will result in the same answer. Different words – usually starting with, “I JUST told you no!” may be had, but the end result is the same. Except that now I am mad. And wondering how in the world your brain computed that that would work!
Rule 5: If you see my eyes start to bulge, steam escaping from my ears, and a crack start to form along my hairline, I advise you to run.
My head is about to blow.
And you do not want to be around for that.
Unless you want to help clean it up.
Which I doubt.
I have seen your rooms!
So that is it. Pretty simple, easy to follow, logical rules.
Write them on your walls, draw them in your books, smear them in banana yogurt on my kitchen table. But learn them.
While I put my head in my arms and realize that I forgot to put in the rule about no questions about the rules.
Rookie mistake.
