Showing posts with label Parenting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parenting. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Our announcement!
A couple of weeks ago we were sent for another ultrasound, and this time they were able to tell the gender! It was great because our entire family was there- hubby, myself (of course!), and all 3 kids. Rylan was telling the technician that he wants to call it a baby boy and the tech told him that might not be the best thing to call it. So here is a shot of our BABY GIRL!
Now begins the real trouble, naming this baby! We had our boy name all picked out and were so sure that we would be using it, girls names give us trouble though!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Catch them in the Act!
I've heard this a dozen times, but it never really hit home with me before, I've never really taken it to heart. The other day something on television (Dr. Phil perhaps?) caught my attention.
We have to catch our children in the act.
Not in the act of misbehaving, something even more important, we have to catch them behaving! Catch them sharing, listening, or trying hard. Too often we let these chances to praise go by without taking advantage, or even noticing, them. Yet we snap at the chance to scold or punish.
If we had only praised the good behavior that they showed moments ago, we might not find our selves scolding them now. If our children feel that we only notice their negative behaviors, they will start to feel as though it's pointless for them to act appropriately because Mommy and Daddy don't notice anyway! But children love praise, and if we praise a behavior we like in our children, we are more likely to see that behavior again and again.
And this doesn't look the same for all children. My oldest daughter is generally calm and collected, so I have to try hard to find things to praise with her, because I've come to expect those behaviors from her. My son on the other hand is a wild child, he's bouncing off the walls most of the time, so simple things like sitting still at the dinner table provide opportunities of praise for him.
All in all, I've found that children respond to positive praise better than negative punishment (and believe me, I've tried it all!). Now that isn't to say that discipline is never in order, but I've found that we don't need it as often since implementing this new tactic.
We have to catch our children in the act.
Not in the act of misbehaving, something even more important, we have to catch them behaving! Catch them sharing, listening, or trying hard. Too often we let these chances to praise go by without taking advantage, or even noticing, them. Yet we snap at the chance to scold or punish.
If we had only praised the good behavior that they showed moments ago, we might not find our selves scolding them now. If our children feel that we only notice their negative behaviors, they will start to feel as though it's pointless for them to act appropriately because Mommy and Daddy don't notice anyway! But children love praise, and if we praise a behavior we like in our children, we are more likely to see that behavior again and again.
And this doesn't look the same for all children. My oldest daughter is generally calm and collected, so I have to try hard to find things to praise with her, because I've come to expect those behaviors from her. My son on the other hand is a wild child, he's bouncing off the walls most of the time, so simple things like sitting still at the dinner table provide opportunities of praise for him.
All in all, I've found that children respond to positive praise better than negative punishment (and believe me, I've tried it all!). Now that isn't to say that discipline is never in order, but I've found that we don't need it as often since implementing this new tactic.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
My favourite kind of laundry!
Diaper Laundry! Every time I look out the window and see fluff on the clothesline, I can't help but smile! By far my favourite chore!
Routine
Another thing that helps me keep everything "managed" and in order it a routine. If I didn't have some sort of a routine to rely on, I wouldn't be able to survive. So far, our daily routine looks something like this:
Between 7 and 8- Wake up and have breakfast.
Between 8 and 9:30- Playtime for the kids, they're full of energy this early in the morning and it gives Mommy time to have a cup of coffee, unload the dishwasher, get things ready for school, etc.
9:30 to 10- Get dressed, brush teeth and hair, and make beds,
10- Snack time, then we start school. We do the most pressing subjects first- Phonics, Numbers/Math, and Bible. If they're still focused we will move on, otherwise we take a short break.
11:30 We're usually finishing up about this time and the kids run off to play while Mommy makes lunch.
Noon- Lunch time, chores.
1-2:30- Sophia (9 months) and Rylan (3) usually go for a nap about this time, and Alyssa has quiet time to look at books, colour/draw, or whatever quiet activity she chooses- sometimes she ends up falling asleep on the couch. I use this time to do any deep cleaning that needs to be done that day (and to check in online of course!).
2:30- Rylan usually wakes up about this time and they have a snack. Then it's playtime, if it's nice they normally play in the backyard. Mommy uses this time to start supper, unless it's a crock pot night.
4:30- Daddy i home from work (day shift) and we have supper. Then I clean up while the kids finish their chores.
6- The kids are usually asking for school by this point, so Daddy will do some practice work with them.
6:30-7:30- Family time- sometimes it's a game, crafts, a movie- just depends on the night. Movies are usually for nights when Daddy doesn't have to work the next day.
7:30- Bedtime routine starts. Showers (every second night), brush teeth, then snack.
8- Into bed for storytime and prayers.
8:15- Shower for me.
8:45- If I have any projects/orders on the go, I work on them now. Otherwise, this is my time alone with hubby.
10:30-11- Bedtime for us.
Of course, this is just a general outline of a typical day, and since hubby works shift work, some things are moved around when he is working nights.
In my opinion, a schedule needs to be strict enough that you don't just cast it aside because you feel like it, but it also needs enough flexibility that if something comes up to throw it off, you're not stressing out about it.
Between 7 and 8- Wake up and have breakfast.
Between 8 and 9:30- Playtime for the kids, they're full of energy this early in the morning and it gives Mommy time to have a cup of coffee, unload the dishwasher, get things ready for school, etc.
9:30 to 10- Get dressed, brush teeth and hair, and make beds,
10- Snack time, then we start school. We do the most pressing subjects first- Phonics, Numbers/Math, and Bible. If they're still focused we will move on, otherwise we take a short break.
11:30 We're usually finishing up about this time and the kids run off to play while Mommy makes lunch.
Noon- Lunch time, chores.
1-2:30- Sophia (9 months) and Rylan (3) usually go for a nap about this time, and Alyssa has quiet time to look at books, colour/draw, or whatever quiet activity she chooses- sometimes she ends up falling asleep on the couch. I use this time to do any deep cleaning that needs to be done that day (and to check in online of course!).
2:30- Rylan usually wakes up about this time and they have a snack. Then it's playtime, if it's nice they normally play in the backyard. Mommy uses this time to start supper, unless it's a crock pot night.
4:30- Daddy i home from work (day shift) and we have supper. Then I clean up while the kids finish their chores.
6- The kids are usually asking for school by this point, so Daddy will do some practice work with them.
6:30-7:30- Family time- sometimes it's a game, crafts, a movie- just depends on the night. Movies are usually for nights when Daddy doesn't have to work the next day.
7:30- Bedtime routine starts. Showers (every second night), brush teeth, then snack.
8- Into bed for storytime and prayers.
8:15- Shower for me.
8:45- If I have any projects/orders on the go, I work on them now. Otherwise, this is my time alone with hubby.
10:30-11- Bedtime for us.
Of course, this is just a general outline of a typical day, and since hubby works shift work, some things are moved around when he is working nights.
In my opinion, a schedule needs to be strict enough that you don't just cast it aside because you feel like it, but it also needs enough flexibility that if something comes up to throw it off, you're not stressing out about it.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Priorities
I've had a few people ask questions lately about how I manage everything- being pregnant, homeschooling, a 9 month old, cleaning, cooking, crafting, etc. The answer, for me, is all in having your priorities in check. I've heard people, myself included, often say that they need more hours in the day, but in reality that is something that we cannot change. However, what we can change, is how we use those few hours we're given.
When I started consciously prioritizing my life, it became obvious to me how many truly unimportant things I do in my day to day life, and how many important things I had been letting slide. Now, it's important to remember that not everyone's priorities will be the same as yours, nor will yours be the same as mine. My priorities as a Christian come first, so daily prayer and studying my Bible are very important priorities to me.
Next comes my responsibility and priority as a mother, I need to care for and spend time with each of my children daily. Even though many of us spend day in and day out with our children, it does not necessarily mean that we're making them a priority. I try to spend some undivided time with each of them everyday, be it five minutes while the other is napping, or playing, or using the bathroom for that matter! Just time to talk with each of them individually. I also spend a lot of "group time" with them, we play some sort of game almost everyday, inside or out, and we really love our "nature walks". Taking time to read and pray with them is also very important to me, and is a daily priority as well.
Then my responsibility to my hubby. I need to be there to support him, to love him, and to spend time with him. We have "penciled in" a few minutes to have coffee together each day, with no interruptions (unless there's a kid emergency). We also try to have a date night every week, sometimes it's hard because he works shift work, but it's something that it very important to us.
Another big one is my responsibility as my children's teacher. We have decided to homeschool, and there is a lot involved in that commitment. I don't only sit down and do "book work" with them, I have to plan, and plan, and plan. I have to organize lesson plans, crafts, activities, games, and field trips. I also have to try and make all of this fun for my littles, not only an easy task!
Next, my responsibility to my household. Not only does this include the obvious- cleaning and cooking- for me, it also includes frugality. This is what makes it possible for me to be a stay at home mom. Clipping coupons, watching sales, DIY-ing, and making do have become a fun challenge for me, not just a mundane chore. To me, if I save my family $1000/month, then that is the same as me earning $1000/month, but without my ever having to leave the house!
My final priority is to myself. I learned when my oldest was just a baby that I'm a much more patient, calm, and loving Mom if I'm taken care of myself. I need my quiet time, to unwind at the end of the day, and to prepare at the beginning of it.
I've learned that in order to let these things come first, I'm going to have to let other things slide. Mostly little things, for example, I used to vacuum every second day, but with my "cut backs" it's now only twice a week. *gasp!* I know, filthy! I also had to cut back my online time, I'm still here, just not as often as I once was. But honestly, I've barely noticed these "sacrifices", because they aren't priorities. And the rewards I've noticed since "reorganizing" have vastly outweighed any drawbacks.
When I started consciously prioritizing my life, it became obvious to me how many truly unimportant things I do in my day to day life, and how many important things I had been letting slide. Now, it's important to remember that not everyone's priorities will be the same as yours, nor will yours be the same as mine. My priorities as a Christian come first, so daily prayer and studying my Bible are very important priorities to me.
Next comes my responsibility and priority as a mother, I need to care for and spend time with each of my children daily. Even though many of us spend day in and day out with our children, it does not necessarily mean that we're making them a priority. I try to spend some undivided time with each of them everyday, be it five minutes while the other is napping, or playing, or using the bathroom for that matter! Just time to talk with each of them individually. I also spend a lot of "group time" with them, we play some sort of game almost everyday, inside or out, and we really love our "nature walks". Taking time to read and pray with them is also very important to me, and is a daily priority as well.
Then my responsibility to my hubby. I need to be there to support him, to love him, and to spend time with him. We have "penciled in" a few minutes to have coffee together each day, with no interruptions (unless there's a kid emergency). We also try to have a date night every week, sometimes it's hard because he works shift work, but it's something that it very important to us.
Another big one is my responsibility as my children's teacher. We have decided to homeschool, and there is a lot involved in that commitment. I don't only sit down and do "book work" with them, I have to plan, and plan, and plan. I have to organize lesson plans, crafts, activities, games, and field trips. I also have to try and make all of this fun for my littles, not only an easy task!
Next, my responsibility to my household. Not only does this include the obvious- cleaning and cooking- for me, it also includes frugality. This is what makes it possible for me to be a stay at home mom. Clipping coupons, watching sales, DIY-ing, and making do have become a fun challenge for me, not just a mundane chore. To me, if I save my family $1000/month, then that is the same as me earning $1000/month, but without my ever having to leave the house!
My final priority is to myself. I learned when my oldest was just a baby that I'm a much more patient, calm, and loving Mom if I'm taken care of myself. I need my quiet time, to unwind at the end of the day, and to prepare at the beginning of it.
I've learned that in order to let these things come first, I'm going to have to let other things slide. Mostly little things, for example, I used to vacuum every second day, but with my "cut backs" it's now only twice a week. *gasp!* I know, filthy! I also had to cut back my online time, I'm still here, just not as often as I once was. But honestly, I've barely noticed these "sacrifices", because they aren't priorities. And the rewards I've noticed since "reorganizing" have vastly outweighed any drawbacks.
Halfway there!
Just wanted to post a quick note because I'm so excited! 20 weeks today!! Halfway to baby!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Dance Your Heart Out!
Saturday was Alyssa's end of the year dance recital- it was absolutely amazing! All of the girls did great and I'm especially proud of my own little ballerina. Not only did she look adorable, but she danced so well!
Being a momma who danced recreational for 3 years and competitively for 5 years, this is something that is close to my heart. It really makes me melt to see my daughter loving the same activity that I loved for so many years (and still do!).
A couple of shots I snapped before her first performance.
The girls on stage for their ballet performance, again, taken by my friend at A.C. Photography. Alyssa is to the far left.
And their jazz performance (again, A.C. Photography). Alyssa is second to the right of the teacher.
And their tap performance, we were told "sailor themed" costumes. She is the 3rd to the right of the teacher, in her mama-made costume!
Celebrating with her best friend after the recital.
Being a momma who danced recreational for 3 years and competitively for 5 years, this is something that is close to my heart. It really makes me melt to see my daughter loving the same activity that I loved for so many years (and still do!).
A couple of shots I snapped before her first performance.
 |
| The girls entertaining themselves backstage while waiting for their turn to perform. (Disclaimer- the photo below was taken by my photographer friend, the ones above were taken by myself). |
The girls on stage for their ballet performance, again, taken by my friend at A.C. Photography. Alyssa is to the far left.
And their jazz performance (again, A.C. Photography). Alyssa is second to the right of the teacher.
And their tap performance, we were told "sailor themed" costumes. She is the 3rd to the right of the teacher, in her mama-made costume!
Celebrating with her best friend after the recital.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Ultrasound Report
Well, there really isn't much to report at all! Our little critter would not cooperate! The tech spent well over an hour trying to get all the shots and measurements that she needed, and even after all that, baby still wouldn't let us in on the secret!
Easter Morning
After about 25 trips to pee (Rylan is potty training, and preggo Mommy had to pee a lot too!) they started their egg hunt at my mother in laws. I had a goal to try not to give them too much chocolate this year, so I was so happy to find play-doh eggs, they were a huge hit! Although, they still received their fair share of chocolate.
We also gave them each an outfit and a sand bucket full of goodies. Out of everything in their buckets, they liked their new bandanas best, apparently they looked just like the ones on Jake and the Neverland Pirates!
Because of the snowstorm we couldn't make it to Church, so we read and talked about the Easter story at home. Luckily, the snow cleared in time for Easter dinner at my grandmother's.
After about 25 trips to pee (Rylan is potty training, and preggo Mommy had to pee a lot too!) they started their egg hunt. I had a goal to try not to give them too much chocolate this year, so I was so happy to find play-doh eggs, they were a huge hit! Although, they still received their fair share of chocolate.
We also gave them each an outfit and a sand bucket full of goodies. Out of everything in their buckets, they liked their new bandanas best, apparently they looked just like the ones on Jake and the Neverland Pirates!
Because of the snowstorm we couldn't make it to Church, so we read and talked about the Easter story at home. Luckily, the snow cleared in time for Easter dinner at my grandmother's.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
'Twas the Night Before Easter
The night before Easter was a busy one for us. We had our family dinner with Troy's mother and grandparents tonight, usually his aunts and uncle would be there too but they were out of town this year. The food and company were great, and even better was the chocolate trifle for dessert!
Then we dyed our eggs! The kids had a great time, although Rylan ended up dying himself as well. We turned the experience into a mini science lesson by discussing how the dye works, and a colour lesson by having Rylan identify the dyes that we were using.
They loved having their eggs for breakfast Easter morning!
Then we dyed our eggs! The kids had a great time, although Rylan ended up dying himself as well. We turned the experience into a mini science lesson by discussing how the dye works, and a colour lesson by having Rylan identify the dyes that we were using.
They loved having their eggs for breakfast Easter morning!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Opinions
I've seen those onesies that say "My Mom Doesn't Want Your Advice" and I always got a chuckle out of them, but I think I need one that says "My Mom Doesn't Want Your Opinion" or better yet, "Mind Your Own Business". Since we're not really "mainstream" we are constantly being given opinions on our parenting decisions.
We co-sleep and are constantly told "You know, that causes SIDS right? Why would you do that?"
I babywear and I hear "You're going to ruin their independence".
We don't vaccinate and people act like we're trying to harm our children.
I'm a stay-at-home Mom and people either think I'm lazy (ha!) or tell me that they could never be around their children that much (really?!).
When people discover that we cloth diaper, we get a lot of "That can't be sanitary!" and "How can you touch that?!"
We're having another baby and we're constantly asked "Don't you think it's too soon?!" Well obviously not! And, "When are you going to stop?!" Well, when we're good and ready to stop! And my favourite thus far, "You're stealing Sophia's babyhood!"
We decided to homeschool and had even more opinions thrown at me. "You're sheltering them!" At their age, tell me, is that really so terrible? "They won't know what the real world if they've never experienced playground 'teasing'!" Seriously? So, I should let them be beat around so they have practice? "You don't have a teaching degree!" And? I have a high school education and 2 years of university, I think I can handle it just fine! Besides, I'm their mother and no one is better suited to teach my children than I am. I taught them to walk and talk, but I can't teach them to read and write? Hm. Thanks for letting me know.
And my all-time favourite- "They'll be antisocial!" Really? Who decided that "socialization" happens when 30 people all born within 12 months of each other are placed in a room for 7 hours/day? And really, there isn't much time for socialization at school anyway, aside from recess. My children are able/will be able to interact with people of all ages, not just their own. They will learn socialization through real life experiences, and extra curricular activities that they actually enjoy!
Fact is, none of this is anyone's concern, aside from ours. And frankly, they can all think what they like. We are doing what we choose to do because it's what we believe is the best fit for our family, OUR children. That is a parent's number one job on this Earth, to care for and nurture our children to the absolute best of our abilities in the hopes that they will grow and mature into happy, responsible adults. And in my opinion, there is no more rewarding job on Earth.
We co-sleep and are constantly told "You know, that causes SIDS right? Why would you do that?"
I babywear and I hear "You're going to ruin their independence".
We don't vaccinate and people act like we're trying to harm our children.
I'm a stay-at-home Mom and people either think I'm lazy (ha!) or tell me that they could never be around their children that much (really?!).
When people discover that we cloth diaper, we get a lot of "That can't be sanitary!" and "How can you touch that?!"
We're having another baby and we're constantly asked "Don't you think it's too soon?!" Well obviously not! And, "When are you going to stop?!" Well, when we're good and ready to stop! And my favourite thus far, "You're stealing Sophia's babyhood!"
We decided to homeschool and had even more opinions thrown at me. "You're sheltering them!" At their age, tell me, is that really so terrible? "They won't know what the real world if they've never experienced playground 'teasing'!" Seriously? So, I should let them be beat around so they have practice? "You don't have a teaching degree!" And? I have a high school education and 2 years of university, I think I can handle it just fine! Besides, I'm their mother and no one is better suited to teach my children than I am. I taught them to walk and talk, but I can't teach them to read and write? Hm. Thanks for letting me know.
And my all-time favourite- "They'll be antisocial!" Really? Who decided that "socialization" happens when 30 people all born within 12 months of each other are placed in a room for 7 hours/day? And really, there isn't much time for socialization at school anyway, aside from recess. My children are able/will be able to interact with people of all ages, not just their own. They will learn socialization through real life experiences, and extra curricular activities that they actually enjoy!
Fact is, none of this is anyone's concern, aside from ours. And frankly, they can all think what they like. We are doing what we choose to do because it's what we believe is the best fit for our family, OUR children. That is a parent's number one job on this Earth, to care for and nurture our children to the absolute best of our abilities in the hopes that they will grow and mature into happy, responsible adults. And in my opinion, there is no more rewarding job on Earth.
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