Craziness! Pure Craziness!

What a week!  It's been one of those "sit and read a parenting book, go for a run, take deep breaths, worry worry worry, everyone's totally off-schedule" kind of weeks, you know the ones!

Luckily, I have a stack of motivating and positive books, an amazing husband, and an although sick and exhausted, still hilarious and animated child.

Books piled next to me RIGHT NOW:

  

Although I haven't been able to frequent the gym like I had planned, I have been found rollin' down the road with my Johnnny in the stroller.  The weather has been amazing and I always feel great when I stay active.  Here are some pics from the week so far:

Yes! That IS a "J!" and YES Johnny wrote it!!! 

A reminder for me to slow down and enjoy life's little pleasures.  While on a run, I paused and let Johnny out to romp and climb around... perfect photo op.

I just love the old homes and barns scattered around Humboldt.

Although crazy and a little off-schedule, looking at these pictures and thinking about all of the great moments we've had... the week wasn't all that bad.  I hope everyone else is enjoying their family, community, and environment as well  :)

ME time :)

I would say, when it comes to children, I am a pretty patient person.  For the most part, I keep my cool.  However, even the greatest of parents need a break from time to time.  Small trips, date nights, a lone shopping trip... it all gives us mothers and fathers a time to clear our minds, focus on a task, and re-energize.

In our situation, we decided it was best to take the first few months of having Johnny and not enlist a sitter, not drop him off with a friend, and really, not leave his side until he knew where his home was, who Mommy and Daddy were, and that yes, we will be here when he wakes up. We will make sure he is fed, and that he is cared for.  Luckily, my husband is great with kids, luckily he fell just as much in love with Johnny as I did, and luckily he knows when I need a break.  To this day we have not called for a sitter unless it's a close friend or family member that Johnny knows well.  It has been imperative that Terry and I read each other's signals and that we communicate clearly. So we can act when the other is ready for some alone time.

Taking a breather on the beach cleanses the soul

In my alone time, I like to take time to sit here at the computer and catch up with friends, check on all my pages (including this one... thank's for reading!!)  and of course shop  :).  I also love to get out of the house on my own (it's so weird to drive with no one in that car seat back there!!).  Thrift shops, the gym, grocery stores, and local attractions are all places that give me refuge when I am in need of some "Brandi time."

Anyway, the point is, don't feel bad if you need a break.  The best parents know when to step out and take a deep breath.  In the long run, it's extremely beneficial for the kiddos if we just take this time and can return to them brand new and re-energized.  In my case, ready to "fly" through the house, build a tall, tall tower with the blocks, draw a picture of the family, create art out of snack food, and sit and calmly cuddle for a fun movie with popcorn.

Taking breaks makes "the little things" more fun  :)
(Watermelon cut-outs)

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:

favors  :)

Rock On!

What child doesn't LOVE Mac-n-Cheese?  I served an organic version with lots of  fixins  :)

The Rock Star with his shakers... the craft of the day :)

   

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!

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.







  

"I tried to teach my child with books;

he gave me only puzzled looks.

I tried to teach my child with words;

they passed by often unheard.

Despairingly, I turned aside;

How shall I teach this child?

I cried.

Into my hand he put the key

Come, he said, play with me."

-Unknown

I know many of you have probably heard this poem before, but I keep these words near and dear to my heart so I wanted to share.  I have had this wrinkled up piece of paper with this exact poem since I can remember.  It was with me all through college with my work with children, in my files as I taught preschool at many locations, and still continues to be a very important part of my teaching and now parenting style.  If anyone knows the author, please share  :)

Building "houses" out of rocks at the river.

Moments of Connection

Let's face it.  Parenthood is never as easy as you picture in your mind.  Many people picture trips to the park, laughter and hugs, that sweet, sleeping child.  It isn't all roses!!! Luckily before becoming a parent, I had lots of time and training and was told "what to expect" when bringing a foster child into my home.   Still, I am constantly caught off guard, as are most new parents.  Granted, my situation and experiences may be a bit different than those of a purely "biological" family, but I am certain there are many parallels.

Before Johnny came to us, I was certain I had what it takes to have a constantly pleasant household.  It's so great that I had that level of confidence in myself, but frankly, it's not possible.  There  are days when I say "Wow, I must be a horrible parent." There have been tears, time outs, and tantrums (from both parents and child LOL).  It's interesting how parenting really expands your mind and forces you to think harder and be stronger than ever... especially when you jump in to parenting with a 2 year old  ;).  

And then there are those moments that erase all of the stress.  All of the worries, the frustration, and the arguments just disappear when my child and I have a "moment of connection."  One of those times where I cannot take my tearful eyes off of my child.  I  feel so incredibly lucky and thankful for this gift. I documented our latest connection in the photos below.  Johnny and I went on a recent hike in the Arcata Community Forest and played at Redwood Park.  He and I had a blast and bonded more over a mutual love for the outdoors.

It is my goal to create more of these strong connections with my family.

"Go this way?"

Banana Slugs are fascinating!

These fallen pieces of tree are pieces of the "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom tree" (Johnny's favorite story!)

We arrived at the park... gorgeous day!!!

      

      

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!

 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!!!