His strength
It is unbelievable what children can handle. I am so thankful for this smile.
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Monday, November 28, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Date night!!!
I did it! I went out and found an amazing babysitter that I completely trust and I know she'll do well with our active little guy. So this is the very first night we're leaving our son with a person other than a close friend or family member! I am excited and nervous all at the same time.
We've been talking about our sitter for a few days now and Johnny is super excited for her to come over tonight! He's even got his bath done and spiffy Batman jammies on already!
So call me anal or paranoid, but I was a sitter once and I would have LOVED a little more info about the child's day, his or her routine, and things he/she is and isn't allowed to do. So I typed up my own friendly little list of things about Johnny. I'm sure many parents out there have done the same... what do you put on your info sheet?
We've been talking about our sitter for a few days now and Johnny is super excited for her to come over tonight! He's even got his bath done and spiffy Batman jammies on already!
So call me anal or paranoid, but I was a sitter once and I would have LOVED a little more info about the child's day, his or her routine, and things he/she is and isn't allowed to do. So I typed up my own friendly little list of things about Johnny. I'm sure many parents out there have done the same... what do you put on your info sheet?
Friday, October 28, 2011
Maybe that wasn't such a good idea...
Today we said goodbye to our adorable temporary foster placement. The bubbly, happy 2 year old was in our home for almost two weeks. Luckily, a home was found that could continue her care AND also care for her 1 year old sister. I was lucky enough to meet the new foster mom and I am certain these little girls are in great hands.
The last two weeks have been a strong eye-opening experience. Johnny has been in our home for just over 10 months. It is extremely obvious to my husband and I that our little guy is NOT ready for a foster placement at this time. I did not know this prior to the placement. In fact, the first 2-3 days were amazing!! As the days went on, however, a new and different Johnny showed himself. We're talking hitting, kicking, screaming, pushing, defiance, and all kinds of behaviors that neither my husband nor I had seen before. I was seriously worried.
Our son was suffering from major stress. He was unhappy, he was regressing, he was very mad inside, and the two of them could not be in the same room together without an adult at close watch (and ready to help the kiddos work through a problem). I was nervous for her, and worried about him. This was so unexpected, yet I'm glad I am now aware of the issue.
I am confident that with time, and more LOVE and attachment work, we can help Johnny to be a great big brother and to be comfortable with more children in the house, but I definitely learned a lesson here.
When I play with and observe these young children who have been through so much in their early years, I am amazed at their strength, their love for all people around them, and their huge, innocent smiles. I am honored to hold one of those children close every night.
The last two weeks have been a strong eye-opening experience. Johnny has been in our home for just over 10 months. It is extremely obvious to my husband and I that our little guy is NOT ready for a foster placement at this time. I did not know this prior to the placement. In fact, the first 2-3 days were amazing!! As the days went on, however, a new and different Johnny showed himself. We're talking hitting, kicking, screaming, pushing, defiance, and all kinds of behaviors that neither my husband nor I had seen before. I was seriously worried.
Our son was suffering from major stress. He was unhappy, he was regressing, he was very mad inside, and the two of them could not be in the same room together without an adult at close watch (and ready to help the kiddos work through a problem). I was nervous for her, and worried about him. This was so unexpected, yet I'm glad I am now aware of the issue.
I am confident that with time, and more LOVE and attachment work, we can help Johnny to be a great big brother and to be comfortable with more children in the house, but I definitely learned a lesson here.
When I play with and observe these young children who have been through so much in their early years, I am amazed at their strength, their love for all people around them, and their huge, innocent smiles. I am honored to hold one of those children close every night.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Party Time!
It's so true what they say about Birthdays and Holidays being so much more fun with children involved. Not to say they were not fun in our family pre-child, but there is a new excitement, there are many memories of our own childhoods that come up, and just to see that smile on Johnny's face is priceless.
Yesterday, Terry and I had the honor of throwing Johnny's 3rd Birthday Party!!! I know he did have a party at 2, but he was not in our home and so here, the Big Bash was thrown with the excitement of a first Birthday :). Tons of his best buddies were there.
The day was crazy and busy, but that means it was FUN! The children had fun in the yard and in Johnny's room, they responded excitedly to my planned craft, they loved the cupcakes, and the buzz of present time was so funny. I loved the excitement I saw in the children GIVING the gifts.
Anywhoo, it was a perfect day, full of friends and food, cake and candles. What matters most is that Johnny had fun and is now 3!!!! (officially on the 31st).
Here are some pics I snapped quickly:
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| favors :) |
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| Rock On! |
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| What child doesn't LOVE Mac-n-Cheese? I served an organic version with lots of fixins :) |
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| The Rock Star with his shakers... the craft of the day :) |
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Dump On!
I am an organized person. I like to put "like with like." My silverware must be separated and organized. My plates are organized by both size and pattern. My clothing is organized, my garage is even organized (most of the time). I like to know where things are at all times.
This is all fine and dandy... until a toddler comes into your life. I spent days working on his room before he arrived. It was perfect :) Even for the first few months he was here, I organized his toys and clothes weekly and sometimes daily. Now that I am 9 months in to toddler parenthood, I say... a mess in there is good! Those toys need to be played with!!! Johnny's race cars in the back of a basket aren't going to be seen and so then not played with!! blocks perfectly organized up at the top of his closet will not be asked for! We definitely talk about "clean up time" and how straightening up is important, but that room asks for some action!
Johnny dumped a basket of toys this morning and sat for a while playing with dozens of small toys he hasn't seen for several days. I love listening to him change his voice to get in character, and most of all, I know it is stimulating his mind and his imagination.
Play on J!
This is all fine and dandy... until a toddler comes into your life. I spent days working on his room before he arrived. It was perfect :) Even for the first few months he was here, I organized his toys and clothes weekly and sometimes daily. Now that I am 9 months in to toddler parenthood, I say... a mess in there is good! Those toys need to be played with!!! Johnny's race cars in the back of a basket aren't going to be seen and so then not played with!! blocks perfectly organized up at the top of his closet will not be asked for! We definitely talk about "clean up time" and how straightening up is important, but that room asks for some action!
Johnny dumped a basket of toys this morning and sat for a while playing with dozens of small toys he hasn't seen for several days. I love listening to him change his voice to get in character, and most of all, I know it is stimulating his mind and his imagination.
Play on J!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Bedtime is Not My Friend Right Now.
As I sit here exhausted, frustrated and badly in need of a shower, I am overcome by guilt at being impatient with my little guy at bedtime tonight. I am in need of some advice... I welcome any and all... please!
So Johnny and I played quietly on the floor of his dimly-lit room tonight from 8:00 to about 8:30 pm. As our normal routine goes, he and I read a couple stories and said goodnight, gave kisses, I turned on his crib soother (like a little aquarium with soft music) and turned out the light. I then proceeded to sit next to his bed for another 45 minutes, yes 45 minutes! while he fell asleep- or so I thought.
I quietly got up and tiptoed out of the room and just as I reached my bedroom at the end of the hallway, I hear his tiny footsteps running toward his door, opening it, and peeking out. At 9:30 I am more than a little frustrated and it's not always easy to hide it. I walked him back to bed and turned the light out, staying with him for another few minutes. This happened once more and the final time he just sat in his bed crying. I walked back to his room, told him I'd sit next to him for 5 more minutes and then it was Mommy's bedtime.
Off he finally went to sleep. I snuck out and here I am, begging for ideas.
So Johnny and I played quietly on the floor of his dimly-lit room tonight from 8:00 to about 8:30 pm. As our normal routine goes, he and I read a couple stories and said goodnight, gave kisses, I turned on his crib soother (like a little aquarium with soft music) and turned out the light. I then proceeded to sit next to his bed for another 45 minutes, yes 45 minutes! while he fell asleep- or so I thought.
I quietly got up and tiptoed out of the room and just as I reached my bedroom at the end of the hallway, I hear his tiny footsteps running toward his door, opening it, and peeking out. At 9:30 I am more than a little frustrated and it's not always easy to hide it. I walked him back to bed and turned the light out, staying with him for another few minutes. This happened once more and the final time he just sat in his bed crying. I walked back to his room, told him I'd sit next to him for 5 more minutes and then it was Mommy's bedtime.
Off he finally went to sleep. I snuck out and here I am, begging for ideas.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Quote of the Day
There are children playing in the street who could solve some of my top problems in physics, because they have modes of sensory perception that I lost long ago.
J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER, quoted in Pearls of Wisdom
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| Hiking to "Zebra Park" as Johnny calls it |
Johnny and I are off to our local Playgroup today and then continuing on an adventure to a river spot in Willow Creek. I love my one-on-one time with J, I can really watch as he takes in all of the sights, sounds, bugs, and people.
Have a nice Thursday, everyone!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
colorful treats!
Johnny and I had a slow and relaxing morning in our PJs, but then packed up and headed out to the local Farmer's Market in Arcata. The Plaza is the perfect place for Johnny to run around and meet other kids. My eyes watered today when my little guy introduced himself to another boy about his own age, then gave him a long, meaningful hug with a smile on his face. Children are amazing.
Here are some shots from our trip:
Here are some shots from our trip:
I could eat these like apples!
a beautiful basket of edible flowers
Hope everyone's weekend is going well!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Mums in Bloom
I have never had a green thumb. I still do not claim to be anything but a "beginner" at gardening. Whether it's flowers, trees, shrubs, veggies, or fruits, I pretty much plant with hopes that the weather and awesome soil (depending on where I am living, of course) will help me out. Being in Humboldt County, I have a huge advantage. My zucchini looks amazing, my peas are fruitful, my onions are working hard, and my tomatoes are even showing some signs that they too, will persevere!! My son, Johnny, has been able to do, watch, and learn as we planted seeds and over the weeks, sprouts, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and veggies have all arrived!
The most exciting plant in my yard now, however, is my pot of Mums. I purchased this plant about a year ago as it was full of yellow flowers. Slowly, as the winter came and all the way through spring, the plant stayed green, and with occasional watering and a little talking-to by yours truly, the Garden Mum began to re-energize just a few weeks ago. It now has many small buds with future potential and a few open pompon style flowers blooming right back at me. Can't help but smile! There is nothing better than sharing my excitement for nature with my two-year-old son!
The most exciting plant in my yard now, however, is my pot of Mums. I purchased this plant about a year ago as it was full of yellow flowers. Slowly, as the winter came and all the way through spring, the plant stayed green, and with occasional watering and a little talking-to by yours truly, the Garden Mum began to re-energize just a few weeks ago. It now has many small buds with future potential and a few open pompon style flowers blooming right back at me. Can't help but smile! There is nothing better than sharing my excitement for nature with my two-year-old son!
Hello World!
It's funny how our life experiences shape who we are. I feel very proud to be a devoted wife, and not until quite recently... a fost/adopt mom. I "grew" up in an amazing family (when do we stop growing up, really?). My parents modeled the traits and tricks needed to create a lasting relationship and a loving family. My brothers and I share a bond stronger than anything. In short, I feel very lucky.
One of the most amazing traits I inherited from my mother is her love and devotion to children. Not only to my brothers and I, but to the thousands of children she has had in her elementary school classrooms. Through staying after school and going in on weekends, working closely with parents who speak not one word of english, and even teaching other teachers how to be great teachers, she has taught me not to give up, that every child has worth, and that life isn't easy, but with hard work with children, you can literally SEE results. She may also be cringing at the length of that last sentence LOL!
Check out this link... 5 years old, but the same words I speak today!
Welcome to my blog. I hope to share with you my experiences as a foster mother working hard to adopt a beautiful gift named Johnny, a Coastie wife, traveling the country with my best bud, and the fun and exciting adventures we get into as a family. Also included, will be reviews, rants, and raves on many topics in Child Development, and super fun activities to do with kiddos. I welcome comments and subscriptions and I hope to spread the love that my mom instilled in me :)
Thank a TEACHER!!!
One of the most amazing traits I inherited from my mother is her love and devotion to children. Not only to my brothers and I, but to the thousands of children she has had in her elementary school classrooms. Through staying after school and going in on weekends, working closely with parents who speak not one word of english, and even teaching other teachers how to be great teachers, she has taught me not to give up, that every child has worth, and that life isn't easy, but with hard work with children, you can literally SEE results. She may also be cringing at the length of that last sentence LOL!
Check out this link... 5 years old, but the same words I speak today!
Getting lost on the Lost Coast :)
Welcome to my blog. I hope to share with you my experiences as a foster mother working hard to adopt a beautiful gift named Johnny, a Coastie wife, traveling the country with my best bud, and the fun and exciting adventures we get into as a family. Also included, will be reviews, rants, and raves on many topics in Child Development, and super fun activities to do with kiddos. I welcome comments and subscriptions and I hope to spread the love that my mom instilled in me :)
Thank a TEACHER!!!
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