Sunday, September 27, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Mom tips
While talking to numerous friends I have who are either becoming parents, are parents, or children are on the list of things "to do," I realized that I have massive amounts of vital Mom information. I'm not sure if I am going to make it a weekly thing on here to write about my newest discovery, or write about various tips, but I definitely think I should be writing something to help my fellow mothers. I would love it if people would help chip in with thier ideas too since, after all, that's what mom's are good at, sharing tips and ideas.
So, for today, I think I'm going to give my two cents about grocery shopping with a kid. I have no idea how to shop with two, since I haven't gotten their yet, but, this will at least give you some ideas.
First off, before even heading out the door, you need to pack snacks. If your child is still a baby, bring a bottle. If they're old enough to handle finger foods, pack a ziplock, or a tupperware, with their favorite things. Tori loves Kix, Whole Grain Cherrios, and Whole Grain Goldfish (I'm sure you can see my scheme already. If she doesn't know the other type exists, she won't be able to argue with me about getting the white bread, or the more unhealthy choice), so that is my go-to mix whether it's a mid-day snack at home, or when we're out and about.
Also, make sure to keep some toys in your purse and rotate them out often so it's not always the same toy. If they see a "new" toy, it will keep them entertained longer than one they see all the time.
Now, you're ready to head to the store! When you get there, give them a job. Tori likes to hold my list, and an item we pick up that makes some sort of noise, like the plastic bag holding the apples. Yes, it's OKAY if they touch it. Just watch them! I mean, for peats sake, they are sitting right in front of you. If they bring it close to their face, you know that your kid isn't ready, and give them something else, like the bag of rice, or something equally "exciting." Things that they can feel the texture of is of course better, since it helps them with their learning.
One last tip. I like to play games with Tori while we're shopping. Yes, I'm sure people think I need to be institutionalized sometimes, but, it's keeping my kid entertained, so, who cares?? Peek-a-boo in the beginning, and then once they get that concept, hide behind the fruit stand, or just around the corner of an isle. Or, when you pick up something large, like diapers or toilet paper, use that to try to "hide" behind. They'll think it's hilarious. Also, I like to push the cart a little bit ahead of me (make sure you don't have the cart that veers to the right or left as soon as you let go when you do this) and then in my best acting job, I try to catch up. Use all your skills, large arm movements, breathing heavy, etc. They're pretty easy to fool. Anyway, every time I do this, Victoria thinks it's HILARIOUS.
So, anyway, hopefully your shopping trips are better! Also, when they get old enough to reach things, park in the middle of the isle. Yeah, you'll be "that person" but, whatever. You're saving the employees hours of work. Also, be firm when they whine about not getting what they want. If you look like you're in charge of your child, you won't look like a bad parent. And truth is, anyone who has ever babysat, or had children themselves understand what you're going through. If worse comes to worse, leave the store. You can go back later on once you have someone to watch your kid, or when they calm down.
Good luck!
So, for today, I think I'm going to give my two cents about grocery shopping with a kid. I have no idea how to shop with two, since I haven't gotten their yet, but, this will at least give you some ideas.
First off, before even heading out the door, you need to pack snacks. If your child is still a baby, bring a bottle. If they're old enough to handle finger foods, pack a ziplock, or a tupperware, with their favorite things. Tori loves Kix, Whole Grain Cherrios, and Whole Grain Goldfish (I'm sure you can see my scheme already. If she doesn't know the other type exists, she won't be able to argue with me about getting the white bread, or the more unhealthy choice), so that is my go-to mix whether it's a mid-day snack at home, or when we're out and about.
Also, make sure to keep some toys in your purse and rotate them out often so it's not always the same toy. If they see a "new" toy, it will keep them entertained longer than one they see all the time.
Now, you're ready to head to the store! When you get there, give them a job. Tori likes to hold my list, and an item we pick up that makes some sort of noise, like the plastic bag holding the apples. Yes, it's OKAY if they touch it. Just watch them! I mean, for peats sake, they are sitting right in front of you. If they bring it close to their face, you know that your kid isn't ready, and give them something else, like the bag of rice, or something equally "exciting." Things that they can feel the texture of is of course better, since it helps them with their learning.
One last tip. I like to play games with Tori while we're shopping. Yes, I'm sure people think I need to be institutionalized sometimes, but, it's keeping my kid entertained, so, who cares?? Peek-a-boo in the beginning, and then once they get that concept, hide behind the fruit stand, or just around the corner of an isle. Or, when you pick up something large, like diapers or toilet paper, use that to try to "hide" behind. They'll think it's hilarious. Also, I like to push the cart a little bit ahead of me (make sure you don't have the cart that veers to the right or left as soon as you let go when you do this) and then in my best acting job, I try to catch up. Use all your skills, large arm movements, breathing heavy, etc. They're pretty easy to fool. Anyway, every time I do this, Victoria thinks it's HILARIOUS.
So, anyway, hopefully your shopping trips are better! Also, when they get old enough to reach things, park in the middle of the isle. Yeah, you'll be "that person" but, whatever. You're saving the employees hours of work. Also, be firm when they whine about not getting what they want. If you look like you're in charge of your child, you won't look like a bad parent. And truth is, anyone who has ever babysat, or had children themselves understand what you're going through. If worse comes to worse, leave the store. You can go back later on once you have someone to watch your kid, or when they calm down.
Good luck!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Tonsillitus?
So, my throat is killing me, but only on the right side of my face. And my lymph node and surrounding area is super sore, like I was punched, and it's now completely bruised. It hurts to swallow, or to even open my mouth wide. Guess no giant burgers/sandwiches for me. :(
I looked in my throat, and nothing seems swollen. It's hurting right where my upper gum meets my cheek. I have no idea what this is, but it sucks. I'm debating on going to the ER since I don't want to wait until Monday. And even then, I don't know if anyone on base will be able to do anything about it. The doctors there just want to refer me off base, but I have to go in to get referred. It's the biggest pain in my butt, since dragging a 1 1/2 year old around is never fun. Especially if I can't time things around her naps, like last minute appointments.
Anyway, so, I'm trying to ignore this severe pain my my mouth, but, it's hard since I need to swallow every minute. Or I go to yawn and can't.
Maybe I'll try to find a ear, nose and throat doctor. I'm sure they'll know what they're doing. But once again, I think I need a referral. UGH!!!!
I looked in my throat, and nothing seems swollen. It's hurting right where my upper gum meets my cheek. I have no idea what this is, but it sucks. I'm debating on going to the ER since I don't want to wait until Monday. And even then, I don't know if anyone on base will be able to do anything about it. The doctors there just want to refer me off base, but I have to go in to get referred. It's the biggest pain in my butt, since dragging a 1 1/2 year old around is never fun. Especially if I can't time things around her naps, like last minute appointments.
Anyway, so, I'm trying to ignore this severe pain my my mouth, but, it's hard since I need to swallow every minute. Or I go to yawn and can't.
Maybe I'll try to find a ear, nose and throat doctor. I'm sure they'll know what they're doing. But once again, I think I need a referral. UGH!!!!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Reminiscing
I had to pick a topic for my English class that changed my life forever and made me who I am today. I chose to revisit the death of my dad. As easy as it is to write, the words flow freely from my brain, and fit together nicely, the hard part is rereading.
This is only a brief sketch, helping me compose my thoughts and ideas for my future essay, but, after some thought, wanted to post it here as well. It's hard to critic my writing when you don't know the paramaters, but, here are some things to think about while reading:
What am I wanting to say, but don't?
What line appears most important to the meaning of this sketch?
What was the most surprising thing I said or showed?
What part seems the most important? And what needs to be told that isn't?
Thanks everyone. I appreciate your support and help. After all, writing is meant to be read.
Someone once told me death is like a rock thrown into a stream. In the beginning, its edges are rough, and the stream cannot easily move around it. After time, the stream smooths the edges, and learns to move around it. Enough time has passed, where I have smoothed the edges, but it still feels like yesterday. I can watch myself sitting in the waiting room with my brother, grandparents, and my dad's girlfriend trying to remain busy. It has been much too long since I last said good-bye to my father, calming his nerves, telling him we would see him later, and we long him, yet I remain hopeful. After all, it was just an exploratory surgery.
This is only a brief sketch, helping me compose my thoughts and ideas for my future essay, but, after some thought, wanted to post it here as well. It's hard to critic my writing when you don't know the paramaters, but, here are some things to think about while reading:
What am I wanting to say, but don't?
What line appears most important to the meaning of this sketch?
What was the most surprising thing I said or showed?
What part seems the most important? And what needs to be told that isn't?
Thanks everyone. I appreciate your support and help. After all, writing is meant to be read.
Someone once told me death is like a rock thrown into a stream. In the beginning, its edges are rough, and the stream cannot easily move around it. After time, the stream smooths the edges, and learns to move around it. Enough time has passed, where I have smoothed the edges, but it still feels like yesterday. I can watch myself sitting in the waiting room with my brother, grandparents, and my dad's girlfriend trying to remain busy. It has been much too long since I last said good-bye to my father, calming his nerves, telling him we would see him later, and we long him, yet I remain hopeful. After all, it was just an exploratory surgery.
A nurse comes around the corner “We are stitching your father back up, and he will be out shortly.” A relief, or so I thought. Not long after, a doctor comes around the corner and wants to speak to everyone but my brother and I. I begin to freak out, but try not to show it too much. I know something is wrong, but don't want my brother to worry. What seems like hours later and miles paced, my grandfather comes around the corner crying. I know from that moment on, my life will never be the same. I am forced to grow up, and be the shoulder for everyone to cry on. I had to be the glue to hold the family together because no one else was willing to step up. I walk into a small room, and a doctor tries to explain to me what happened. They tell me my father had a starburst of tumors surrounding every organ he has. They attempted to remove the large ones from around his heart, but, couldn’t stop the hemorrhaging. “Can we see him?” I ask. The doctor looks at me, and doesn’t know quite how to react. “Yes, you may.” As he leads us back to the rooms.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
20 Kid-Friendly Veggies: Week One: Make Familiar Veggies More Fun
AWESOME ideas for feeding your kids veggies!
20 Kid-Friendly Veggies: Week One: Make Familiar Veggies More Fun
Shared via AddThis
20 Kid-Friendly Veggies: Week One: Make Familiar Veggies More Fun
Shared via AddThis
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Dentist
So, yesterday and today were Tori and my dentists appointments. I realized as soon as I walked into my dentist office yesterday, I didn't like it. First off, it's a house. Well, it once was a house, now it's a dentist's office. The dentist seemed really nice, until he was scraping the calcium deposits off my teeth from the past 2 years. Luckily, they were really only behind my two front bottom teeth. Apparently there is a small gap there that I forgot about. Anyway, so now I can't stop tonguing that spot. It feels odd.
Anyway between what seemed like pieces of the teeth flying out of my mouth, and trying to keep my head still while he's pulling on it with a sharp metal object, I realized that I probably have more issues. So, I ask. I guess it's better to have them deal with the issues now than another 2 years down the road when I need dentures because all my teeth have been taken out.
Luckily, it just looks like my two original fillings (from the age of 12) need to be replaced, which is nice since having giant silver blobs in my mouth really isn't attractive. Although, come to think of it, I can't remember the last time someone was looking that far into my mouth, or opening my mouth that far for anyone to look into in the first place... And then, out of no where, "Oh, looks like you may have a small cavity due to a deep crevice in your tooth. No biggie, we'll get it when we fix the old fillings." This is the part where I FREAK OUT!!!
So, I'm not afraid of the dentist. Let me just put that out there. My previous dentist was nice, plus, since the age of 12, I haven't had anything besides x-rays and cleanings. And I'm not afraid of needles. Heck, I WATCH them stab me. But, needles in my mouth? No thank you! And then, the sound of them grinding away my teeth as they attempt to replace it with a tooth substitute? Count me out. I DO NOT want a piece of that. Thanks though.
So, now, D-Day, for me, is November 1st. I will only be responding to texts, and if anyone would like to come and help me watch Tori while I look and talk like a chipmunk, it would be greatly appreciated. Although, you will be checked at the door for cameras.
On a brighter note, Tori had her dentist appointment this morning. It was basically me just trying to show her that the dentist is fun (it's called Kidz Dental Works) since there are all sorts of murals of Dr. Seuss on the walls, a giant salt water fish tank (Nemo and sea anemone included), and a play room with a play kitchen. She was having fun until she had to lay down on my knees while a (very nice stranger) poked around her mouth with a dental mirror. She didn't enjoy that. And while we were walking back into the front room, a woman asked the hygienist if the subdued kid woke up and started crying. Yeah, apparently it was bad. Her response was awesome though "No, they don't just wake up." Perhaps I should get my fillings there? I wouldn't mind being put down so I'm unconscious for their drilling. Or at least give me some laughing gas BEFORE you stab me with your giant needle!! Jeez.
Anyway, Tori got a little zebra koosh ball thing, and has probably forgotten the whole thing. She'll remember on March 15th when we go back though. There will be a little voice in the back of her head warning her to not follow the nice lady in bright pink scrubs. I'm sure of it.
Anyway between what seemed like pieces of the teeth flying out of my mouth, and trying to keep my head still while he's pulling on it with a sharp metal object, I realized that I probably have more issues. So, I ask. I guess it's better to have them deal with the issues now than another 2 years down the road when I need dentures because all my teeth have been taken out.
Luckily, it just looks like my two original fillings (from the age of 12) need to be replaced, which is nice since having giant silver blobs in my mouth really isn't attractive. Although, come to think of it, I can't remember the last time someone was looking that far into my mouth, or opening my mouth that far for anyone to look into in the first place... And then, out of no where, "Oh, looks like you may have a small cavity due to a deep crevice in your tooth. No biggie, we'll get it when we fix the old fillings." This is the part where I FREAK OUT!!!
So, I'm not afraid of the dentist. Let me just put that out there. My previous dentist was nice, plus, since the age of 12, I haven't had anything besides x-rays and cleanings. And I'm not afraid of needles. Heck, I WATCH them stab me. But, needles in my mouth? No thank you! And then, the sound of them grinding away my teeth as they attempt to replace it with a tooth substitute? Count me out. I DO NOT want a piece of that. Thanks though.
So, now, D-Day, for me, is November 1st. I will only be responding to texts, and if anyone would like to come and help me watch Tori while I look and talk like a chipmunk, it would be greatly appreciated. Although, you will be checked at the door for cameras.
On a brighter note, Tori had her dentist appointment this morning. It was basically me just trying to show her that the dentist is fun (it's called Kidz Dental Works) since there are all sorts of murals of Dr. Seuss on the walls, a giant salt water fish tank (Nemo and sea anemone included), and a play room with a play kitchen. She was having fun until she had to lay down on my knees while a (very nice stranger) poked around her mouth with a dental mirror. She didn't enjoy that. And while we were walking back into the front room, a woman asked the hygienist if the subdued kid woke up and started crying. Yeah, apparently it was bad. Her response was awesome though "No, they don't just wake up." Perhaps I should get my fillings there? I wouldn't mind being put down so I'm unconscious for their drilling. Or at least give me some laughing gas BEFORE you stab me with your giant needle!! Jeez.
Anyway, Tori got a little zebra koosh ball thing, and has probably forgotten the whole thing. She'll remember on March 15th when we go back though. There will be a little voice in the back of her head warning her to not follow the nice lady in bright pink scrubs. I'm sure of it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
