Sorry, but if my kids make me listen to it I'm posting it for all of you too : )
Today was one of those weird days where Eric is home, I've got an appointment and our schedule is just off. I came home after my appointment and Eric headed to Work Source for an interviewing techniques class. My friend and her son came over and hung out for a little bit and we talked parenting. We talked about the difference of parenting one child vs. two and how different it is. I think we were both feeling a little frustrated with the challenges of sibling rivalry. I have such great intentions with parenting books and I read A LOT of them when Madison was a baby and I would spend countless hours during the day and night nursing her. I miss those middle of the night nursings while reading peacefully in her bedroom by the light of the lamp. I felt so empowered reading those books and learning how to be a parent. In hindsight I probably learned much more by practice and error and plain instinct but reading those books gave me some peace of mind and validation. Since those early years with Madison I have bought books, checked books out and added countless books to my virtual to read list but I just can't seem to find the time. More than finding the time I frankly don't want to spend my leisure time focused on parenting, once the kids are in bed I want to be off parenting duty.
The truth is that when I do start reading one of those books I do remember what I "should" be doing. I get into ruts and just seem to lose focus on how I should be parenting the girls. I feel like the past couple of years I have been in a lot of ruts. Stress of unemployment and finances are mostly to blame but I need to re-focus on parenting. It's so easy to slip into lazy parenting and reverting to the parenting you were brought up with. Positive parenting takes effort and I've been failing my girls. I have moments of clarity but they are far too crowded with my own personal distractions.
I am starting another round of parenting classes at BTC in a couple of weeks, I feel like I am a much better parent when I am in those classes. I can have focused parenting discussion time and just have built in play time with Kennedy. She also LOVES playing with the other kids, it's a positive experience all around. I will have a library of parenting books at my disposal with an extremely knowledgeable instructor who can offer suggestions and help in any area. I'm really looking forward to starting class again.
I'm two chapters in to the book below. It's a really great book, it's refreshing my memory on how to talk to my kids. I'm out of practice. I'm going to be putting these five tools up all over my house to remind myself how to respond when situations arise.
1. Describe the problem.
2. Give information.
3. Say it with a word.
4. Describe what you feel.
5. Write a note.
These probably make no sense out of context but described in the book they makes great sense. Now, my challenge is to actually do it. Wish me luck.
Tonsillectomy Update:
I'm still waiting for the day I can shout out my praises for that surgery. I still haven't lost my cough and there is still phlegm in the back of my throat. I either have the worlds longest lasting cold symptoms or it's all related to the surgery. I find myself talking funny sometimes and doing weird things with my throat. I know the day will come with I will be content that I went through all of that, just not quite yet.
Kennedy's Tummy Update:
I have a horrible feeling her tummy issues are allergy related. I'm still hoping that is NOT the case, I do not want to deal with food allergy issues and I've been so thankful that we haven't had to up until now. Having said that, if it is an allergy I have a feeling it's milk. If that is the case I think that allergy will be the easiest to avoid (assuming she can still have cheese, yogurt, etc.). I'm not necessarily talking about an allergy here but more of a lactose intolerance that we can hopefully control and she won't be banned from dairy for life. I'm getting ahead of myself, we'll have to wait and see how the next several days play out and then start talking about seeing an allergist. I called the doctor's office a couple of days ago and the nurse wanted me to wait a little while longer. She said if it was constipation (what the doctor wanted to rule out before we proceeded) it could take 2-3 weeks after she become unconstipated (deconstipated??, I don't think either one of those are a word but you know what I mean) before the stomach pain goes away. She (the nurse) sure acted like she knew what she was talking about so I agreed (although she isn't the one watching my four year old double over in pain and dread going to preschool every day...something she ALWAYS wants to do). When the stomach pains started she naturally stopped asking for milk like she had before. She has always been a milk lover, she drinks A LOT of milk. We haven't given her any milk for two days and she is already telling us and everyone else she can't have milk. At least I know if she does have an allergy she'll be able to tell people she can't have whatever it may be. I'm still hoping this resolves on it's own and we don't have to deal with allergies but I'm also gearing up for the possibility.
Girl Scout Cookies:
It's cookie time. If anyone out there would like to buy some Girl Scout cookies from Madison let me know. Pre-sales started today. They are $4.00 a box. If you are trying to be good but want to buy I'm inquiring to see if there is a designated organization for donated boxes of cookies. If you are interested in that or ordering any cookies let me know. We have no family here so I may need to utilize the cookie donation option for family that wants to help. That can't expect us to hang on to the boxes until we see them without eating them can they? Mmmm!
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