Today was exhausting.

I went to an attachment parenting meeting this morning. Though most of the people going to the meeting read my blog and know what’s going on with me, I was in the meeting as a professional, a leader, and a facilitator. The presentation was on AP Beyond Baby. If you’re in Austin, you’ve gotta check out Bethany Prescott. She’s a brilliant teacher and advocate for family-centered parenting. When we went around the circle asking about how to deal with parenting issues, what I wanted to ask is: “How do you talk to your child when he’s watching you cry, when he’s incredibly emotionally sensitive and can pick up everything happening in the house? How do you explain that your marriage is ending and that the dream you had for your family just died?” But I couldn’t ask because I couldn’t have spoken without sobbing and I didn’t want to sob there.

Instead, I went to an Al-Anon meeting and listened until the last five minutes. The subject of the meeting was about group affiliations and learning how to operate in concert with other people. Mostly, people were sharing their “experience, strength and hope.” I did not. I cried. I told them how mad I am and how betrayed, how sad and disappointed. I stuttered how important it is to me to remain friends with Mike and how conflicted I feel to be so angry at someone I love so deeply. I questioned how I could possibly work in concert with other people when the person I was supposed to operate most closely with is leaving our marriage. Then I met with my sponsor. More Here...

Has anyone used this program? I am considering getting it for the girls and the hooked on math one too. I was wondering how the program works. I do not want to spend that much money if it does not work.

And of course you have to take into consideration that if I do not do it with them the program will not work.

Has any ever used "Hooked on Phonics"? What was your experience like?

By the time a second, third, or even fourth (or more) child comes along a mom pretty much knows what products are a necessity, and what products can be done without. However, as a first time mom often the questions are endless, and one glance at the overflowing shelves at Babies 'R' Us is enough to leave one's mind buzzing.

First time mom's often fill up their registries with items they "need," simply due to the fact that a friend, of a friend, of a friend (who doesn't even have a child mind you), told them they absolutely had to have such and such an item. So... I've put together a little list below of items that are so often seen on said baby registries, and I thought that all of you Momaroo moms could weigh in on whether or not these items are indeed lifesavers, or simply frivolous pieces that take up much needed space! Or perhaps some of these items have amazing, yet simpler, counterparts that would work just as well! Let's hear your reviews moms. What do you think about:

More Items...

I have spring fever.

I blame Old Navy and their wonderful $2.50 flip flops. How else can I buy two pairs of shoes for myself in one day and feel absolutely zero guilt? The Dude and I went shopping yesterday, beginning our spring/summer wardrobe and whatnot. I love having a little kid, because I get to buy new clothes for him every season change. I'm a pretty big fan of shopping, so this is just one of the many perks of having a small child in the house.

More Here...

10 March 2010

Hey Kiddo,

It's unbelievable that you are nine years old today.  My goodness, where has the time gone?  I can't begin to tell you how much I miss you today.  This is the first birthday that you have ever spent away from me, but I'm sure that your Daddy is making it a good one for you.  It's good for the two of you to share special days like this.  After I put your little sister down for bed tonight, I got out some of your old baby photos and sifted through them, spreading them out on the floor around me, carefully picking each one up and admiring them.  I smiled, I laughed, I cried... but they were happy tears.  You might think that I'm crazy, but you'll understand one day. More Here...