Less TV is More

8/31/11: We are now in full swing of our new life with Ivy. She is a full participant and we are all so happy she’s here. She’s crawling fast and pulling herself up on everything- trying to walk at 9.5 months. She’s still a happy girl and has managed to smile through getting her first 3 teeth.

Miles and I are adjusting to sharing our time together with a new person. I used the TV as a crutch through the latter half of my pregnancy and through her first months, but now there are some big and exciting changes happening. This is my last year with Miles at home and I really want it to be fantastic. Our first major change is to reduce that TV crutch. It’s a good time to do it. Ivy’s older and can participate more and play more and Keith isn’t traveling out of town quite so much, at least for now.

I am starting a Home Ec. and Art class in the morning at home. He is full of creative energy and is ready to be directed and encouraged. Today we made Raisin Bran muffins. He did all the measuring, pouring and mixing. He helped chop the raisins, and put the batter in the cups. He basically did it all, just with a little help from me with reading, etc. The muffins were great and we brought them to his teachers with a little jar of the strawberry preserves that we made earlier this week. I think he was really proud.

While the muffins were in the oven, he asked to play a game on the iPad. I said let’s play legos or draw- he went to his room and found an old am/fm radio and put on some piano music (turned out to be gospel) and came into the kitchen, took my hand and asked me to dance. We used to dance all the time when he was a baby/toddler. Before TV. I want that back! I’m getting it back!

There have been some things that I’ve been whining about for a while now and it’s time I took some control, made things a little harder but more beautiful and went for it. I’m so glad I am- I’m seeing more of my little boy and less TV zombie. I had no idea it would make such a huge difference. I really didn’t! But now I’m hooked on no TV.

Remembering to Breathe

11/1/10: I haven’t been getting very good quality sleep- and not much of it- so I may be a little more short tempered than normal. Today Miles wasn’t listening to me (probably from his own lack of sleep due to Halloween festivities) and I raised my voice and acted frustrated with him. He responded by saying, “Why are you so mad today? You need to take a deep breath like this…” he breathes deep. “Like the “Angry Octopus.””

I stopped and looked at him and said you’re right, and took a deep breath. He seemed so proud of himself. I told him I was sorry for being short tempered but that I wasn’t sleeping well (being 38 weeks pregnant and all). I also told him he could help me by listening the first time I asked him to do something. So we made a deal.

I was so proud of him for reminding me to breathe. I can't believe that came from a 3 year old. I’m so glad the “Angry Octopus” story has helped him recognize and deal with anger in such a positive way too. Although, I like to think I have something to do with his thoughtful attitude. It was seriously a day changer for me.

Spring Planting and Weaning

3/22/10: We are getting ready for Spring!

We have completed our paper pots, planted seeds and watered every day. Now we are finally seeing some results! Most of the seeds have sprouted so it’s time to get their permanent home ready. I bought some worm castings and some organic planting mix to till into the planter box. I also admired my friend’s amazing results after she put in a soaker hose last year, so this year I am copying her. I just planted the soaker hose today. The seeds aren’t quite ready to go in the ground yet, but soon. The artichoke in this picture is from one of the four artichoke plants in my front yard.



This year we have basil, red leaf lettuce, green leaf lettuce (I know it’s late for lettuce in SD, but I had to try), big and little tomatoes, garden beans, carrots, pumpkins and decorative birdhouse gourds. I think that’s it. Hopefully we’ll at least get some tomatoes! We did pumpkins 2 years ago and it was awesome. I really regretted not doing it last year.



I didn’t post the following post because I didn’t feel like it. But I will now. I think it’s important to do what’s right for your child and your family, without regard to what other people think. It’s not their child, right? Miles nursed for a few minutes this morning although I’m pretty sure I don’t have any milk anymore. He nurses about once every couple weeks for a few minutes. Sometimes I tell him no and sometimes I let him. When people ask, I say I just weaned him. Which to me, is true, considering every time he nurses I’m pretty sure it’s the last time. Ah well, he won't be my baby for much longer and I’m sucking every last minute out of it. Excuse the pun. Here’s the post…


2/24/10:
So- I let him nurse this morning. Not that I plan on going back to an every day thing, and I did restrict him- once he started to play he was done. I do get tremendous pressure to wean from family, etc...But I also feel so torn, cause it's 3 weeks later and he STILL asks for it every day. I feel so bad that I didn't let him wean himself. So now- on occasion, if I want to, I'm going to let him nurse. I guess it's a step back, but I feel like it's the right thing to do. And I'm hoping maybe he just never asks for it again. I must say- we've had the most pleasant morning ever this morning. He helped me make breakfast, keeps telling me how much he loves me, helped me with dishes, got dressed without a fight, let me brush his hair and cut his bangs, and brush his teeth for a long time. It's been awesome. Now he's letting me write you all this crap! I just feel like it was a right decision. Maybe things just aren't as black and white as I thought with weaning. I guess it's a longer process. Which really makes sense considering he's nursed his whole life. It's a huge transition.

The other thing I'm dong is being more restrictive of sweets and TV time. Which is necessary and good, and has positive results.