I will need to do some laundry.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Time?
I recently overheard someone wondering how I have time to do a blog. Well, let me explain. First of all, I don't sleep. No, kidding, I do sleep. Some. Late at night. Later than I should.
But, also, I happen to have a tiny baby who really likes to be held, and it's easier to sit in front of the computer while holding or nursing than it is to clean up the house (and more fun too....)
Soooo..... 1) Don't expect this blog to continue its rapid pace once school begins again, and 2) Lately my house has looked like this:
And my children have been sleeping in tiny spaces, so as to keep their rooms clean:
Seriously, though, I DID get the laundry done, lest you think my house is constantly like that. It's taking a lot for me to post that picture!
Stay tuned for some pictures of Aisling's fourth (!) birthday party as well as the fourth of July festivities. In the meantime, here are some great sister pictures. (Al and Connor went away for the weekend on a boys' only hike, so we had some girl time!)
And one of the tiny princess herself:
And, check out a cool video of the kids dancing:
And, since I've gotten the whole video thing figured out, a video of Connor's piano recital:
But, also, I happen to have a tiny baby who really likes to be held, and it's easier to sit in front of the computer while holding or nursing than it is to clean up the house (and more fun too....)
Soooo..... 1) Don't expect this blog to continue its rapid pace once school begins again, and 2) Lately my house has looked like this:
And my children have been sleeping in tiny spaces, so as to keep their rooms clean:
Seriously, though, I DID get the laundry done, lest you think my house is constantly like that. It's taking a lot for me to post that picture!Stay tuned for some pictures of Aisling's fourth (!) birthday party as well as the fourth of July festivities. In the meantime, here are some great sister pictures. (Al and Connor went away for the weekend on a boys' only hike, so we had some girl time!)
And one of the tiny princess herself:
And, check out a cool video of the kids dancing:
And, since I've gotten the whole video thing figured out, a video of Connor's piano recital:
Monday, July 21, 2008
A lighter post...
So, yeah. That, ladies and gentlemen, is playdoh. On the ceiling. Of my home. How did it get there? I guess you'd have to ask Connor. How do I know it was him? I don't really, but, come on, isn't it safe to assume? Now, the question is, how do you get playdoh off the ceiling?
Oh My.
Watch these videos. Don't worry, they're short. I'll wait.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78tK2TxYtBw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXb7q81B67k
Now, most of you probably know that we practice extended breastfeeding in our home, which means we breastfeed beyond one year. According to this loony I should be sent to prison!
A few facts: The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months, then continued breastfeeding until one year, or longer as long as is mutually desired. (read more about that here: http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics%3B100/6/1035)
Also, you will hear that the average age for weaning humans worldwide is 4. (Read more about that here: http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html)
Beyond showing those facts to contradict what she is saying, I find issue with these statements: "We are not animals". I'm sorry, but anyone who has completed third grade understands that we are, in fact, part of the animal kingdom. I wonder what she does think we are, if we are not animals. She also says "Breastfeeding is not natural". Again, what? Seriously, I have the choice to feed my child with the natural perfect food created by God and manufactured for my specific child, or I can feed my child a powder, created in a factory, and mixed with water. Hmmm..... I wonder which I'll choose. Now, I understand there are people who choose not to breastfeed, and to each their own. However, to say that breastfeeding is not natural is obviously so incorrect. She also states that breastfeeding is akin to sexual abuse. Well, I am pretty sure that the only person in my household who views my breasts as anything sexual is Al. (And, apparently this crazy loon).
I am not ashamed to say to you that Connor breastfed until he was 3 1/2. Some of my most favorite memories are nursing him and his newborn sister at the same time. He used to rub her head and they would hold hands. I am convinced it's one of the reasons they are so close. Now, Aisling still occasionally nurses at age four. It's much longer than I expected, but, you know what? If she needs to nurse every now and then to understand that I still love her very much even though, in her mind, I've replaced her with a newer model, who am I to deny her that.
I am so grateful to have been able to breastfeed successfully. I realize many people can't. I just am so shocked that this woman would state that breastfeeding is wrong, and formula feeding is better. Really, does she live in a cave?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78tK2TxYtBw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXb7q81B67k
Now, most of you probably know that we practice extended breastfeeding in our home, which means we breastfeed beyond one year. According to this loony I should be sent to prison!
A few facts: The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months, then continued breastfeeding until one year, or longer as long as is mutually desired. (read more about that here: http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics%3B100/6/1035)
Also, you will hear that the average age for weaning humans worldwide is 4. (Read more about that here: http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detwean.html)
Beyond showing those facts to contradict what she is saying, I find issue with these statements: "We are not animals". I'm sorry, but anyone who has completed third grade understands that we are, in fact, part of the animal kingdom. I wonder what she does think we are, if we are not animals. She also says "Breastfeeding is not natural". Again, what? Seriously, I have the choice to feed my child with the natural perfect food created by God and manufactured for my specific child, or I can feed my child a powder, created in a factory, and mixed with water. Hmmm..... I wonder which I'll choose. Now, I understand there are people who choose not to breastfeed, and to each their own. However, to say that breastfeeding is not natural is obviously so incorrect. She also states that breastfeeding is akin to sexual abuse. Well, I am pretty sure that the only person in my household who views my breasts as anything sexual is Al. (And, apparently this crazy loon).
I am not ashamed to say to you that Connor breastfed until he was 3 1/2. Some of my most favorite memories are nursing him and his newborn sister at the same time. He used to rub her head and they would hold hands. I am convinced it's one of the reasons they are so close. Now, Aisling still occasionally nurses at age four. It's much longer than I expected, but, you know what? If she needs to nurse every now and then to understand that I still love her very much even though, in her mind, I've replaced her with a newer model, who am I to deny her that.
I am so grateful to have been able to breastfeed successfully. I realize many people can't. I just am so shocked that this woman would state that breastfeeding is wrong, and formula feeding is better. Really, does she live in a cave?
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Musings
So I recently read this article in Newsweek.
Basically the premise is that having children does not make you happier, and indeed, makes you more miserable. Personally, I take issue with their research. Truth be told, the low points of having children are far lower than any other times I think I have ever experienced in my life. When Connor fell into the fire pit last year, I physically felt his pain. I willed myself to switch places with him so he didn't have to hurt. I don't think I've ever felt anything like that level of fear and dread.
Simply giving my kids a punishment also hurts. To see my kids cry and yell and tell me I'm mean, well, that hurts. The stress I put upon myself to be perfect is also insurmountable. I take such little things so seriously. "Did we read for 20 minutes today? Did they brush their teeth? Do their clothes match? Did I handle that argument correctly? Did I encourage their self esteems?" Somedays I feel the pressure will smother me.
Then there's the spousal arguments. If we had no children I don't know what we would argue about! We both handle things slightly differently. The level of communication it takes to raise children is draining and shocking. There are times I just can't manage it and, well, we argue.
That being said, the highs of having children are like nothing I ever could have imagined. In May, when Siobhan was being born, I was able to watch through a mirror (thank heavens for non-emergency births!) What a miraculous event! It still brings tears to my eyes. When Al brought her over to me, she was still crying. When I spoke to her, she stopped. Amazing!
When Connor played piano at his recital this year, it brought tears to my eyes, and a pride to my heart that I didn't know I had. To see how proud he was of himself! When he helps Aisling on the swings, or is so gentle with Siobhan, that brings out feelings in me I didn't know existed. When Aisling cracks a joke, or talks with her crazy facial expressions, I want to hug her until my arms hurt. Simply nursing the baby, what an amazing experience.
I could literally go on for days. My point is that I'll agree, parenting has brought me some low points in my life that I wouldn't have expected. Low points I didn't really know existed. It's brought to my life a level of stress and anguish I would never have dreamed possible.
On the other hand, it's brought me a level of joy that is so amazing words cannot even describe it. I am not a qualified enough writer to be able to describe the experience of being a mother without making it sound cheap. I just have no way to put into words the feelings of love and joy. Perhaps that's part of the problem with the article. I can describe for you all the stress and anguish I feel at times about being a mother, but I cannot describe the joy and love I feel at the same time. Perhaps that makes it sound like there are more periods of anguish than there are joy.
I've been thinking a lot about this article, and wondering what I would be doing with my life if I wasn't a mother. Truth be told, I have no idea. I cannot think of anything that would be equally fulfilling. I really can't. I simply cannot picture my life without children.
I was making a joke with a friend the other day. I went to the doctor with three children in tow, on in the wheelchair, one in the carrier, and the other, well, being herself. As we left the receptionist turned to the other and said "I don't know how she does it". I joked with my friend and said "I don't know why I do it". But that's simply not true. I do know why I do it. Because having children has brought me a level of joy and unconditional love that I didn't know existed. I never knew that a person could love another person so much. I never knew that simply going in and watching my children sleep would bring tears of joy to my eyes.
So, to the writers of Newsweek, I concur; there are times when being a mother has introduced levels of unhappiness with which I was unfamiliar before having children. However, children have introduced to me times of great joy, pride, love, and caring that I never knew existed within me. I think your article left out these facts.
Basically the premise is that having children does not make you happier, and indeed, makes you more miserable. Personally, I take issue with their research. Truth be told, the low points of having children are far lower than any other times I think I have ever experienced in my life. When Connor fell into the fire pit last year, I physically felt his pain. I willed myself to switch places with him so he didn't have to hurt. I don't think I've ever felt anything like that level of fear and dread.
Simply giving my kids a punishment also hurts. To see my kids cry and yell and tell me I'm mean, well, that hurts. The stress I put upon myself to be perfect is also insurmountable. I take such little things so seriously. "Did we read for 20 minutes today? Did they brush their teeth? Do their clothes match? Did I handle that argument correctly? Did I encourage their self esteems?" Somedays I feel the pressure will smother me.
Then there's the spousal arguments. If we had no children I don't know what we would argue about! We both handle things slightly differently. The level of communication it takes to raise children is draining and shocking. There are times I just can't manage it and, well, we argue.
That being said, the highs of having children are like nothing I ever could have imagined. In May, when Siobhan was being born, I was able to watch through a mirror (thank heavens for non-emergency births!) What a miraculous event! It still brings tears to my eyes. When Al brought her over to me, she was still crying. When I spoke to her, she stopped. Amazing!
When Connor played piano at his recital this year, it brought tears to my eyes, and a pride to my heart that I didn't know I had. To see how proud he was of himself! When he helps Aisling on the swings, or is so gentle with Siobhan, that brings out feelings in me I didn't know existed. When Aisling cracks a joke, or talks with her crazy facial expressions, I want to hug her until my arms hurt. Simply nursing the baby, what an amazing experience.
I could literally go on for days. My point is that I'll agree, parenting has brought me some low points in my life that I wouldn't have expected. Low points I didn't really know existed. It's brought to my life a level of stress and anguish I would never have dreamed possible.
On the other hand, it's brought me a level of joy that is so amazing words cannot even describe it. I am not a qualified enough writer to be able to describe the experience of being a mother without making it sound cheap. I just have no way to put into words the feelings of love and joy. Perhaps that's part of the problem with the article. I can describe for you all the stress and anguish I feel at times about being a mother, but I cannot describe the joy and love I feel at the same time. Perhaps that makes it sound like there are more periods of anguish than there are joy.
I've been thinking a lot about this article, and wondering what I would be doing with my life if I wasn't a mother. Truth be told, I have no idea. I cannot think of anything that would be equally fulfilling. I really can't. I simply cannot picture my life without children.
I was making a joke with a friend the other day. I went to the doctor with three children in tow, on in the wheelchair, one in the carrier, and the other, well, being herself. As we left the receptionist turned to the other and said "I don't know how she does it". I joked with my friend and said "I don't know why I do it". But that's simply not true. I do know why I do it. Because having children has brought me a level of joy and unconditional love that I didn't know existed. I never knew that a person could love another person so much. I never knew that simply going in and watching my children sleep would bring tears of joy to my eyes.
So, to the writers of Newsweek, I concur; there are times when being a mother has introduced levels of unhappiness with which I was unfamiliar before having children. However, children have introduced to me times of great joy, pride, love, and caring that I never knew existed within me. I think your article left out these facts.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
How does this happen?
So I just took Aisling to the store to buy all the things she needs for her upcoming 4th birthday party. She's decided to have a tea party. She wants all of her friends to come in their fancy clothes. Then we will eat finger sandwiches and drink chocolate milk "tea". She is going to wear her Easter bonnet. We have crafts such as decorating tiaras, and playing dress up. We bought pink boas, plastic necklaces, and princess wands.
My question is this, how can something so girly come from me, who is so not girly? I mean, I don't ever remember playing princess; I don't think I ever had a tea party. I hated dresses, as far as I can recall. I used to pass the time playing touch football in the backyard with the boys from the neighborhood. I once got into heaps of trouble for having a spit contest with a neighborhood boy. (I'm pretty sure I won). Aisling loves to carry around pocketbooks; I'd really rather not! Aisling also has confiscated my high heels. Honestly, I think the only time I've ever worn heels is when I was in a wedding. Not my wedding, oh no; I wore sneakers to that.
Anyway, it's actually pretty exciting having such a girly girl for a daughter. It opens up new things that I really don't ever remember doing, and I am really enjoying it.
Maybe when she's older I'll teach her how to throw a good spitball.
My question is this, how can something so girly come from me, who is so not girly? I mean, I don't ever remember playing princess; I don't think I ever had a tea party. I hated dresses, as far as I can recall. I used to pass the time playing touch football in the backyard with the boys from the neighborhood. I once got into heaps of trouble for having a spit contest with a neighborhood boy. (I'm pretty sure I won). Aisling loves to carry around pocketbooks; I'd really rather not! Aisling also has confiscated my high heels. Honestly, I think the only time I've ever worn heels is when I was in a wedding. Not my wedding, oh no; I wore sneakers to that.
Anyway, it's actually pretty exciting having such a girly girl for a daughter. It opens up new things that I really don't ever remember doing, and I am really enjoying it.
Maybe when she's older I'll teach her how to throw a good spitball.
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