The House Ain’t Clean
So it is not housework keeping me from blogging …
My cute and cuddly, almost one year old (I am trying to convince myself that is really true) is most definitely cutting molars and has a runny nose and cough. He a HUGE snuggle bug when he is not feeling well, so that keeps me from typing a little (I usually pre-read all blog posts in Reader, then comment when I can).
All that car business did not help. The adjuster came yesterday … they are fixing it! w00t. May the cursed car run (just to spite me really) for another few years. Somehow I knew that was not the last we would see of our car “Crush” (so nicknamed after the first accident *sigh*) That puts us back on the saving for the house down payment/fees track! WooHoo!
This little guy has kept me a little busy. I knit him up, with some cotton I had on hand. One of my cousins just had an adorable baby boy that will be receiving this little guy, despite the protests from both my kids (really should knit my own kids a bear eh?) It was a fun project to knit up, but I want to try another pattern that is done in the round more … this was a lot of seaming … A LOT … Does it look like one ear is bigger than the other? I think I lost count and added one extra row … It is character … yeah like on purpose. pfft.
I also finished a new book bag for Becca (just need to seam it .. see an anti-seam pattern here?) She actually wore her other one out! I knit this one so that it would fit 5 picture books comfortably and therefore Becca would be able to carry it herself …. I am a sneaky one 
Becca is most excited to use it (once I finish it!)
I have been reading a lot. My super great pal from Harper Collins has sent me some fabulous books as of late, keeping me up past my bedtime, therefore less time for blogging, and a little groggy.
When I received “Just Tell Me What to Say” by Betsy Brown Braun, I immediately flipped to the chapter on death. CRAP I totally screwed up. So then I start reading about siblings … ha yup messed that up too (please note the author does not have a condescending tone or anything, I am merely being dramatic for effect). I have never come across a parenting book that I agree with every principle from cover to cover, however I really enjoyed the layout and many of her suggestions. For example, the author is very clear, not to get involved in sibling squabbles. I had noticed I was always “Becca … Becca … Becca what’s going on?” A lot of the time it was not “Becca”, rather Ethan being a turd, however naming the older sibling places that accusation on them, if you mean it or not. I have stopped intervening (although when one may lose a limb,I do step in) and the children are actually getting along better. Betsy Brown Braun has some awesome examples on how to say stuff to the kids. Sometimes it is all in the presentation. Great resource for any parent grasping at what to say (aren’t we all?)
In the same package, I received “Party Basics for New Nesters” by Maria McBride. I cannot actually profess to be a new nester by definition, however I have newly nested here, so I cracked open the book. I was greeted with amazing photos of fabulous and slyly do-able party entertaining themes and ideas! Her approach to decorating and entertaining on even my budget was delightful. Did I mention the photos are amazing? I am so tapping into my creative side and this book has been an inspiration (when not distracted by car woes). McBride’s introduction was perfect for a beginner, like myself, describing what every pantry should have and why. By dividing up the year into themes, it gives the reader a sense of anticipation, longing to attempt the “Canned Daisies” during “Spring Fling”. There are simple yet yummy sounding recipes, decorating and style guides throughout. Definitely a book that encourages the reader to jump beyond and try new things.
I have one more title from HarperCollins that I am eagerly reading at the moment. In fact I am devouring the book, enjoying it throughly. I look forward to sharing my thoughts on it in the very near future.
One more thing before you can share you thoughts with me, with a lovely comment that will stroke my ever hungry ego hint hint, if you are not reading and participating over at the Opinionated Parent, you really should. I just won the cutest T from RevoBaby (come back tomorrow for Wordless Wednesday), through the Opinionated Parent … not that I want competition in the contests, just they are seriously awesome contests!
You are absolutely correct that there is no “one size fits all” whether parenting or grieving or what is perceived as comforting.
While it is “better” to encourage the children to settle their turf-wars on their own and even inspire them to find win-win solutions, it will serve your sanity if they learn to do it with less volume. Also, your reactions to Becca and Ethan and their sibling wars is natural and you are wise to see that one is not always the instigator or always the victim. Sometimes it is extending the “helpless” stage of infancy but no parent truly wants to create a helpless child and later adult. In the same manner no child should learn that sly “baiting” keeps them out of trouble either. It is natural to assume that older and having better communication skills equals greater culpability and younger and smaller equals helpless and more likely innocent.
I found it helpful to serve as a resource for their problem-solving rather than taking the role of judge and dispensing solutions to every quibble. With four there was usually plenty of fault as well as credit to go around. I also found it beneficial to remind the older ones that baiting cute but socially unacceptable behavior in the younger ones would come back to haunt them as adults. Think about this sibling blowing nose bubbles at your wedding reception when they’re nineteen. Images make lasting impressions when you are trying to make a point with children.
Most importantly give yourself a break. You are learning and you have lots of time to make small adjustments along the way. Just monitor what you do, and how often, and then see if you need to make a conscious effort to shift an attitude or reaction.
Sounds like you are gathering lots of helpful information in the parenting book. The funny thing is that all kids are so different and the best person that knows them is their parent. I bet you do much better than you give yourself credit.
I have that book to review too. I need to get that written!
Love the bear. Very cute.
That bear is absolutely adorable. And yes, even with one bigger ear! You gotta make more!
I also have to buy that “Just Tell Me What To Say” — thanks for the heads up.
Ethan is turning 1 …wow!
Cute bear! I hate seaming too and try and knit as much as possible in the round when I am making toys.
I loved that first book. Didn’t get the second one because I didn’t think it applied to me but it sounds cool! Are you reading Mama Rock’s Rules? It’s awesome!! If you don’t have it, I can send it to you when I finish. Let me know.
Interesting books!
Life with two very young children is CRAZY busy! You’re doing a great job.
that is the cutest bear i have seen in a while. I know I cherish one my great-grandmother knit me when I was young. This will be an heirloom.
Uh-oh, what did it say about death? All I know is that James has decided that we will always be in each other’s hearts, which means that “way, way out beyond the stars is Heaven and “someone” takes care of us and we will go to live there, even though we weren’t born in Egypt.”
Hey, he’s 5.
Good news about the car :-). Can’t wait for the first house excitement/anguish.
No fair! The UK site doesn’t do the First Look thing!
That little bear is so cute! I am thinking that I should take up knititng. That way I can knit while I watch television, and not feel like I am wasting my time! Haha!
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that bear!!!!!!! You totally have a business there! I CAN’T wait to see the book bag (hint, hint)
I am jealous with all the cool books you get to read!
Cool about the car …….. and cool about the housework too. Just means you have better things to do!
I love your knitting ability, great job on the bear!
feh, my house ain’t clean either…
So what?
I’m in the throes of reading all of my Sophie Kinsella novels…Then I plan on tackling “You’re a Good Mom”…I need some reassurance too…
i LOVE that little bear! He’s so cute!
I hope your precious little guy gets better soon.
The bear seriously rocks!! He will be well loved, no doubt about it.
That book sounds amazing. I will have to pick it up. I love reading books that I can learn stuff like health or parenting or natural remedy kind of books. I also love the bear. And my guy is cutting molars and stuffy etc too. It must be hard to be a little one and a momma too.
Ya know, that makes sense. The part about not interfering with squabbles. I get so tired of it that of late, I have started to ignore it, and it seems maybe they weren’t really fighting at all, cause after a while, they start laughing and giggling. Very good advise. However, when my boys were younger (20 months apart) they didn’t squabble. They were out for each other’s BLOOD!
Just Tell Me What To Say sounds like something my brother needs! LOL But my SIL might be offended so maybe not.
Those definitely sound like books I need to be reading; especially the Tell Me What to Say one. I always find myself in my siblings’ squabbles, and I am sure I have broke every ‘what NOT to say’ rule there is.
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