HAHAHA, good one Mama!
Apr 24, 2015
Joke's on You!
Apr 23, 2015
Baby Proofing
We didn't rush to baby proof our house. It's already pretty kid friendly- no expensive crystal or sharp knives lying around. We knew it wouldn't be necessary until she was mobile, and hadn't decided exactly what we'd need to do. Then time just sort of snuck away from us, and as she began to roll and crawl we've found ourselves pulling her away from cords and books and shelves over and over again. We finally decided that for her safety and our sanity it needed to be done now, so we baby proofed the living room last weekend.
We gated her in. I was on the fence about this one, (ha no pun intended). It was the most expensive and ugliest step, but I finally decided it would be worth it to be able to keep her out of the dining room when need be. That's where many of our books are that she is attempting to eat, and that's where my ironing board is usually set up- I am super paranoid about my iron falling on her, even when it's not hot. We bought a cheap-o gate for one doorway, but had to get a nicer one (more than twice as expensive) for the other doorway because of its width.
Chris tied up all the cords tight behind the TV stand, and then put a piece of plywood in front of them for good measure.
We plugged all the outlets. This is an obvious and easy one, but she demonstrated over and over again just how specifically important it was for her by trying her hardest to jam her pointer finger into those outlets.
We tethered the bookshelf [that she totally climbs on] to the wall, as well as the lamp in the corner.
We took the pallets out from under the couch. She kept trying to climb up on the couch and bumping her face on them when she fell. Once she gets better at climbing we'll put these back in. In the meantime we're finally going to stain and varnish them.
I just took out the fireplace screen and tools. We won't need them in the summer anyway, and I didn't want them to fall on her. In a few months she may figure out how to climb up here and then I don't know what we'll do, I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
So, what did we miss? Did we hit anything you forgot about in your home? I'm sure we'll have some issues to face with the TV stand as she gets a little bigger. I've heard of people using double sided tape to stick their flat-screen TVs down and prevent their kids from knocking them over. Of course we could also mount it to the wall. How to keep her away from the computer and the Xbox I'm a little less certain. We may have to get creative!
We gated her in. I was on the fence about this one, (ha no pun intended). It was the most expensive and ugliest step, but I finally decided it would be worth it to be able to keep her out of the dining room when need be. That's where many of our books are that she is attempting to eat, and that's where my ironing board is usually set up- I am super paranoid about my iron falling on her, even when it's not hot. We bought a cheap-o gate for one doorway, but had to get a nicer one (more than twice as expensive) for the other doorway because of its width.
Chris tied up all the cords tight behind the TV stand, and then put a piece of plywood in front of them for good measure.
We plugged all the outlets. This is an obvious and easy one, but she demonstrated over and over again just how specifically important it was for her by trying her hardest to jam her pointer finger into those outlets.
 |
| Bonus prize in this picture: A sneak peak of my bedhead in the dirty mirror above the outlet. |
We tethered the bookshelf [that she totally climbs on] to the wall, as well as the lamp in the corner.
We took the pallets out from under the couch. She kept trying to climb up on the couch and bumping her face on them when she fell. Once she gets better at climbing we'll put these back in. In the meantime we're finally going to stain and varnish them.
I just took out the fireplace screen and tools. We won't need them in the summer anyway, and I didn't want them to fall on her. In a few months she may figure out how to climb up here and then I don't know what we'll do, I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
So, what did we miss? Did we hit anything you forgot about in your home? I'm sure we'll have some issues to face with the TV stand as she gets a little bigger. I've heard of people using double sided tape to stick their flat-screen TVs down and prevent their kids from knocking them over. Of course we could also mount it to the wall. How to keep her away from the computer and the Xbox I'm a little less certain. We may have to get creative!
Apr 22, 2015
Science for Kids
I loved the school science fair when I was a kid. I also participated in Science Olympiad and Odyssey of the Mind. I met my husband at science camp in high school, and his version of "me time" is still reading science blogs or listening to science podcasts (The Skeptics Guide to the Universe anybody?) So it's no wonder that we had hoped our kids would love the science fair themselves, and every year doing their projects would be a massive fun educational family undertaking.
Well our girls hate it. They're ambivalent about science in general. They tend to be interested any time we have discussions on new theories or discoveries at home, or lead them through just-for-fun experiments, but often complain about science class at school. (Sometimes because it's boring and sometimes because it talks about the human reproductive system and OMG how embarrassing!!)
We've tried for years to make it fun and exciting. BUT we are also adamant they do it right- no baking soda volcanoes here, folks! Only one variable allowed! Can this experiment be replicated? How large is your data set? We've done our best to keep it reasonable and developmentally appropriate for each of them, but we think it's really important that our {all} children learn a few basic fundamental facts about the scientific method- so they can recognize bad information as they get older.
I think we've made a few mistakes along the way though. First of all, we never start soon enough. If we want it to be fun AND done correctly, it can't be rushed. So we always start talking about it weeks ahead of time, but no one ever actually does anything until the weekend before the projects are due. Second of all, they need more help coming up with ideas for what to do their projects on. It's difficult for me to come up with a simple, testable and controllable experiment, and I understand the scientific method. For someone who doesn't, it's nearly impossible. It certainly doesn't help that many of the "science for kids" websites out there are packed with demonstrations rather than experiments. Demonstrations are great ways to get kids excited about science, teach them a lesson, and pass the time during endless summer vacation days. They are NOT experiments, do not teach the scientific method, and are not what the science fair is all about.
Anyway, our bickering over projects in the past has cemented our daughters' hatred for the whole thing, and every year when it comes up there are a lot of heavy sighs and groaning in anticipation. This year, however, we totally nailed it. It helped that our oldest finally seemed to understand the assignment, accomplished most of the prep work at school, and needed very little help at all. We provided a lot more direct guidance to the younger two, who still seemed very confused. Our son doesn't have to do one at all until he's in the 4th grade, but he wanted to and we (obviously) think that's great, so we do it with him every year, too.
We don't want to be the parents who do the projects for the kids, but if the goal is for them to learn something, then too much "Well what do you think?" doesn't work either, and ultimately just leads to tears. It took us 4 years to figure out the balance between the two, but this weekend we arrived! In case you are looking for an experiment to do with your kids, for a science fair or just for fun, this is what our kids did:
For the 13 year old, How much salt has to be added to water to make an egg float?
For the 12 year old, How much weight can 3 eggs bear before they crack?
For the 8 year old, Which of my toy cars is faster- the blue RC car or the red wind-up car?
Are any of these projects perfect? Of course not. There will be no papers published in any scientific journals on these experiments any time soon (or ever). But my kids had fun! They learned about the scientific method! They won't get failing grades at school! No body cried! Winner!
Well our girls hate it. They're ambivalent about science in general. They tend to be interested any time we have discussions on new theories or discoveries at home, or lead them through just-for-fun experiments, but often complain about science class at school. (Sometimes because it's boring and sometimes because it talks about the human reproductive system and OMG how embarrassing!!)
We've tried for years to make it fun and exciting. BUT we are also adamant they do it right- no baking soda volcanoes here, folks! Only one variable allowed! Can this experiment be replicated? How large is your data set? We've done our best to keep it reasonable and developmentally appropriate for each of them, but we think it's really important that our {all} children learn a few basic fundamental facts about the scientific method- so they can recognize bad information as they get older.
I think we've made a few mistakes along the way though. First of all, we never start soon enough. If we want it to be fun AND done correctly, it can't be rushed. So we always start talking about it weeks ahead of time, but no one ever actually does anything until the weekend before the projects are due. Second of all, they need more help coming up with ideas for what to do their projects on. It's difficult for me to come up with a simple, testable and controllable experiment, and I understand the scientific method. For someone who doesn't, it's nearly impossible. It certainly doesn't help that many of the "science for kids" websites out there are packed with demonstrations rather than experiments. Demonstrations are great ways to get kids excited about science, teach them a lesson, and pass the time during endless summer vacation days. They are NOT experiments, do not teach the scientific method, and are not what the science fair is all about.
Anyway, our bickering over projects in the past has cemented our daughters' hatred for the whole thing, and every year when it comes up there are a lot of heavy sighs and groaning in anticipation. This year, however, we totally nailed it. It helped that our oldest finally seemed to understand the assignment, accomplished most of the prep work at school, and needed very little help at all. We provided a lot more direct guidance to the younger two, who still seemed very confused. Our son doesn't have to do one at all until he's in the 4th grade, but he wanted to and we (obviously) think that's great, so we do it with him every year, too.
We don't want to be the parents who do the projects for the kids, but if the goal is for them to learn something, then too much "Well what do you think?" doesn't work either, and ultimately just leads to tears. It took us 4 years to figure out the balance between the two, but this weekend we arrived! In case you are looking for an experiment to do with your kids, for a science fair or just for fun, this is what our kids did:
For the 13 year old, How much salt has to be added to water to make an egg float?
For the 12 year old, How much weight can 3 eggs bear before they crack?
For the 8 year old, Which of my toy cars is faster- the blue RC car or the red wind-up car?
Are any of these projects perfect? Of course not. There will be no papers published in any scientific journals on these experiments any time soon (or ever). But my kids had fun! They learned about the scientific method! They won't get failing grades at school! No body cried! Winner!
Apr 21, 2015
8 Months Old
The weather seems to have taken its final turn toward summer. The mercury has risen and it's unlikely to drop again until the fall. It's strangely liberating, the first time you can comfortably walk around the house with bare feet in the morning. I feel like I've been cold constantly for months without even realizing it, and now I'm beginning to thaw. Saturday morning we sat around the breakfast table with bare knees bouncing, naked toes dangling and swaying as we ate waffles and chatted about our plans for the day. The baby was already down for her first nap. Just as I finished my last bite, we heard her let out a squawk over the baby monitor.
I walked upstairs to collect her. When I came in the room she wasn't in her typical happy post-nap mood- instead she fussed and rubbed her eyes. I scooped her out of the crib and she burrowed into my chest. I sat on my bed to nurse. She melted in my lap and nursed quietly for several minutes, her eyes closed and body calm, until she was completely asleep. I readjusted my shirt and sank back into the pillows, gazing at the sleeping baby in my arms.
Her head rested in the crook of my right arm, and she lay across my belly with her long legs extending all the way down my left side. I remembered when she was a newborn, she was so tiny I had to tuck her little body down by my side with her head poking out front so she could breastfeed and breathe at the same time. She ate a lot and filled out quick, so soon she was this adorable little ball of dough- so squishy with rolls that went on for days. Then she learned to roll and scoot, and now she's crawling and climbing, so her body is changing again.
I don't often get to snuggle her while she sleeps in the light of day anymore. When she was first born that's all we did, but now she's active and observant and smart, and she needs a nice quiet, dark room to take a nap in. For some reason that morning was different though, and all she needed was her momma's warm chest to snuggle up to. I sat on the bed, light streaming through the open door, and I noticed how strong she looks now. She still has little thigh rolls, thank goodness. She still has creases on her wrists and ankles, and dimples where her elbows and knuckles are supposed to be. Her face is perfect and round with cubby little cheeks framing her pursed baby lips.
She's getting long though. Looking at her little legs and arms I could see how able she is becoming. Within a couple months I imagine she'll be walking, if not independently at least along the furniture. I saw that morning the first hints of the kid that my baby is going to be.
I stroked the soft downy hair grown thick over her head and felt the weight of her sleeping on my chest. I did my best to memorize every detail of her precious face, her chubby fingers, her amazingly adorable little toes. I will miss this, I know. Every new step is SO exciting and it is SO MUCH FUN watching her learn and grow, but I am unbelievably grateful to have my tiny babe for just a little longer.
I walked upstairs to collect her. When I came in the room she wasn't in her typical happy post-nap mood- instead she fussed and rubbed her eyes. I scooped her out of the crib and she burrowed into my chest. I sat on my bed to nurse. She melted in my lap and nursed quietly for several minutes, her eyes closed and body calm, until she was completely asleep. I readjusted my shirt and sank back into the pillows, gazing at the sleeping baby in my arms.
Her head rested in the crook of my right arm, and she lay across my belly with her long legs extending all the way down my left side. I remembered when she was a newborn, she was so tiny I had to tuck her little body down by my side with her head poking out front so she could breastfeed and breathe at the same time. She ate a lot and filled out quick, so soon she was this adorable little ball of dough- so squishy with rolls that went on for days. Then she learned to roll and scoot, and now she's crawling and climbing, so her body is changing again.
I don't often get to snuggle her while she sleeps in the light of day anymore. When she was first born that's all we did, but now she's active and observant and smart, and she needs a nice quiet, dark room to take a nap in. For some reason that morning was different though, and all she needed was her momma's warm chest to snuggle up to. I sat on the bed, light streaming through the open door, and I noticed how strong she looks now. She still has little thigh rolls, thank goodness. She still has creases on her wrists and ankles, and dimples where her elbows and knuckles are supposed to be. Her face is perfect and round with cubby little cheeks framing her pursed baby lips.
She's getting long though. Looking at her little legs and arms I could see how able she is becoming. Within a couple months I imagine she'll be walking, if not independently at least along the furniture. I saw that morning the first hints of the kid that my baby is going to be.
I stroked the soft downy hair grown thick over her head and felt the weight of her sleeping on my chest. I did my best to memorize every detail of her precious face, her chubby fingers, her amazingly adorable little toes. I will miss this, I know. Every new step is SO exciting and it is SO MUCH FUN watching her learn and grow, but I am unbelievably grateful to have my tiny babe for just a little longer.
Apr 20, 2015
Weekending
On Monday mornings, the fewer words the better.
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| Played with clay at a friend's house Sunday evening- I'm hooked. |
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| Baby Groot hiding in my dying Trader Joe's basil. |
Apr 17, 2015
To Do's
This weekend went from two big empty white squares on the calendar on the fridge to a monster of a to-do list in one afternoon.
I've got to finish up our menu plan and make a grocery list, and then we have to do a month's worth of grocery shopping this weekend. We spend a few hours once a month going to 2 or 3 different grocery stores and stock up on everything we can eat or freeze in the next 30 days, and then once a week after that we do a quick trip for perishables, (mostly fruit and vegetables). We also restock personal hygiene items and household supplies once a month (think toothpaste, hand soap, toilet paper).
The wee one has made it clear baby proofing can NOT wait any longer. She's climbing on everything, trying to eat our books, and is completely fascinated by electrical outlets- so we need to take care of that this weekend.
Our oldest is going to a sleepover tonight and has to get picked up at noon tomorrow. Our son has baseball pictures tomorrow afternoon, and our middle daughter is having a friend over to spend the night tomorrow night because they're working on their science fair project together. And finally, all 3 kids need to finish their science fair projects, which they obviously haven't started yet, despite the fact that they're due Wednesday morning.
We also have some serious yard work and spring cleaning that needs to be attended to, but I mean... sigh.
I think it's safe to say we'll be busy. Earlier this week I was thinking I might invite some friends over tonight to hang out and play ping pong, but now I'm thinking we might need to knock out some of the grocery shopping. That sounds like a lot less fun...
Apr 16, 2015
Ah My Unique Little Humans
The tricky thing about kids is they are complete human beings. They each have unique wants and needs, coping mechanisms, learning strategies, senses of humor. Being a parent isn't a job, it's a relationship- and you only get to control half. There are no clearly defined parameters and the end goal is undecided. The big picture is still fuzzy. You know you want them to be happy, but life's more complicated than that right? Nobody is happy all the time, so it's more like they need to learn to navigate through the good and the bad, and how that's going to look for them is unclear because they're not even old enough to know what they want yet.
There are plenty of people out there who want to tell you what to do, but you learn pretty quickly that if you try to play by someone else's rules everybody in your house loses. You've got to figure out what works for you and your family, and it changes because PEOPLE change. The kid, sure- but you too. It's time's fault really, but there's no use in playing the blame game now.
Then the next kid comes along and they're completely different and you're like what the fuck?! I THOUGHT I knew what to do here, but that's not working for you! God forbid you have different genders, too, because then you get this comment, "Oh it's because he's a boy." Because he's a boy my ass! I've got a nephew the same age as my son and their personalities are like night and day. They get in trouble about the same amount, but always for completely different reasons. Not to mention the fact that my girls are just as different from each other as they are from my son. It's not that boys and girls are different- it's that HUMANS are different.
So this is a good thing though, yes? A blessing and a curse, as they say. I mean, I could just drop the kids off at the fire station and get a really expensive doll collection. It would be a lot easier, but infinitely less rewarding. No, I'm in it for the long haul. This is definitely the life for me.
I must be crazy.
There are plenty of people out there who want to tell you what to do, but you learn pretty quickly that if you try to play by someone else's rules everybody in your house loses. You've got to figure out what works for you and your family, and it changes because PEOPLE change. The kid, sure- but you too. It's time's fault really, but there's no use in playing the blame game now.
Then the next kid comes along and they're completely different and you're like what the fuck?! I THOUGHT I knew what to do here, but that's not working for you! God forbid you have different genders, too, because then you get this comment, "Oh it's because he's a boy." Because he's a boy my ass! I've got a nephew the same age as my son and their personalities are like night and day. They get in trouble about the same amount, but always for completely different reasons. Not to mention the fact that my girls are just as different from each other as they are from my son. It's not that boys and girls are different- it's that HUMANS are different.
So this is a good thing though, yes? A blessing and a curse, as they say. I mean, I could just drop the kids off at the fire station and get a really expensive doll collection. It would be a lot easier, but infinitely less rewarding. No, I'm in it for the long haul. This is definitely the life for me.
I must be crazy.
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