When you come across a book where the cover itself makes you laugh for ten minutes, you have got to buy it. And that’s what I did the other day while in a book store. I’m not sure if it was the book itself being so funny or just the fact that it really caught me off guard … I can definitely appreciate a humorous take on the whole dieting craze.
The North Beach Diet
“NEW! All-Carb Diet * All-Fat Diet * We Want to Plump You Up!”
Add Belly and Hip Fat Instantly with Batter-Fried Twinkies & More …
Over 60 High Calorie Recipes Made with lots of Butter, Refined Sugar, White Flour and Chocolate – Virtual Exercise: NordicSnack, Pie-lates, “Relaxin’ To the Oldies”
The “before and after” pictures are great. The thin “before” pictures show the model with a sad, depressed look on their face (don’t they always do this with “before” pics?). The plump “after” pictures show the model very happy and pleased, while eating potato chips, etc.
“Krispy Kreme Donuts, Caramel Popcorn, Sara Lee Pound Cake with Ben & Jerry’s Triple Chocolate Cookie Crunch … it was darn tough for us to make up our minds which of these favorites to consume while watching late night TV. The North Beach Diet showed us how we could get them all by simple planning.” -- A testimonal.
The book is filled with adds: “Win a 7-day all-you-can-eat cruise” … “Chubby Cheribs: A summer camp for thin kids. (Hope for the thin child.)” … “Queer Eye for the Thin Guy.” Etc.
And, yes, there really is a recipe in the book for “Batter-Fried Twinkies.”
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Tourists In Our Own Town
At the Stanford Mansion. All the museums in Sacramento were free last weekend to celebrate California's statehood. It was actually quite fun to be a tourist in our own town for a change!
Amy in Old Town Sacramento, a place that takes you back in time to the days of the Wild West.
Pic-nic lunch with the Chadwicks outside the Railroad Museum.
Papa and Meredith at the Railroad Museum. (Meredith said to tell you: “Who says it’s only boys who like trains?”)
Meredith Pics
"Didn't my mom tell you that I really love my tongue?"
"I'm all tuckered out after that very long, and very bouncy, walk."
Friday, September 09, 2005
The Terror of Children
[Thought-provoking article from Peggy Noonan this week – if you have time the entire piece is worth reading. But usually all of Noonan is worth reading.]
“The [Katrina] stories that pierce my heart involve the terror of children. And the one that hit me the most was the story of the 6-year-old boy found wandering over a bridge with six younger children. Most of the kids were too young even to know their names. The 6-year-old was carrying a 15-month-old infant. They were taken in and cared for by strangers, by nurses; and ultimately all their parents were found. But we forget the terror of children. Adults, even the dimmest of them, can calculate and think up strategies, even if they're bad ones. They can feel and know it's a feeling. But with young children it's all impressions, they can't think it through. They have a natural, primal will to survive, but beyond that they're helpless, it's all wet and cold and the way momma's face looked when the radio said everyone's leaving.
“One of the things I have been thinking about is how children take their cues from the adults around them. If the adults are enraged and screaming, children become scared and learn that the way to respond to frustration and pressure is with screaming and rage. If no one's in charge, children can tell. If no one is leading, children can tell. If no one is caring for them they infer they aren't worthy of care.
“It is hard to be a parent at any time, but to be a parent in a life-or-death crisis is brutal. It is hard to give children what they need when you're overwhelmed yourself. It's hard, when you're afraid, to talk to children gently and listen to them, really hear them, so you can figure out what they're really telling you when they ask a surprising or seemingly illogical question. It takes patience not to work out your frustration or terror or pessimism on them, but to show instead forbearance, or frankly fake it if you have to. And to show optimism and faith—‘We'll be OK, don't you worry’-- because optimism and faith can become a habit, they are communicable, and the habit of optimism and faith allows children to trust life, to enter it steadily and have confidence in it.
“It is exhausting being a parent under trying circumstances. It is probably the hardest thing in the world. But on such things nations rise and fall, endure or falter.
“And no one says thank you, or rather no one has videotape of your heroism and replays it in a loop. But for parents in the Superdome and Astrodome, for parents living with children in somebody's spare room, for parents in a motel room crammed with three generations of a family, from the old and frightened to the young and colicky--for those who lost everything and yet are still functioning as parents--well, please consider this a small salute from far away. A small attempt to recognize, and honor. You're saving a country, too.”
“The [Katrina] stories that pierce my heart involve the terror of children. And the one that hit me the most was the story of the 6-year-old boy found wandering over a bridge with six younger children. Most of the kids were too young even to know their names. The 6-year-old was carrying a 15-month-old infant. They were taken in and cared for by strangers, by nurses; and ultimately all their parents were found. But we forget the terror of children. Adults, even the dimmest of them, can calculate and think up strategies, even if they're bad ones. They can feel and know it's a feeling. But with young children it's all impressions, they can't think it through. They have a natural, primal will to survive, but beyond that they're helpless, it's all wet and cold and the way momma's face looked when the radio said everyone's leaving.
“One of the things I have been thinking about is how children take their cues from the adults around them. If the adults are enraged and screaming, children become scared and learn that the way to respond to frustration and pressure is with screaming and rage. If no one's in charge, children can tell. If no one is leading, children can tell. If no one is caring for them they infer they aren't worthy of care.
“It is hard to be a parent at any time, but to be a parent in a life-or-death crisis is brutal. It is hard to give children what they need when you're overwhelmed yourself. It's hard, when you're afraid, to talk to children gently and listen to them, really hear them, so you can figure out what they're really telling you when they ask a surprising or seemingly illogical question. It takes patience not to work out your frustration or terror or pessimism on them, but to show instead forbearance, or frankly fake it if you have to. And to show optimism and faith—‘We'll be OK, don't you worry’-- because optimism and faith can become a habit, they are communicable, and the habit of optimism and faith allows children to trust life, to enter it steadily and have confidence in it.
“It is exhausting being a parent under trying circumstances. It is probably the hardest thing in the world. But on such things nations rise and fall, endure or falter.
“And no one says thank you, or rather no one has videotape of your heroism and replays it in a loop. But for parents in the Superdome and Astrodome, for parents living with children in somebody's spare room, for parents in a motel room crammed with three generations of a family, from the old and frightened to the young and colicky--for those who lost everything and yet are still functioning as parents--well, please consider this a small salute from far away. A small attempt to recognize, and honor. You're saving a country, too.”
It’s Chili Weather! Huh?
So … I’m on several recipe e-mail lists to get various seasonal recipe ideas and menu planning suggestions. I find that it makes both cooking and menu planning a lot more fun to try at least one or two new things every week. Today I got an e-mail that read, “It’s Chili Weather!”
Obviously the person who wrote this e-mail doesn’t live in Sacramento. It’s still “Ice Cream Weather” in Sacramento. (But when isn’t it ice cream weather, eh?)
Fall is my favorite season. I’ve been looking longingly at my sweaters for nearly a month now. Maybe it’s the fact that I love wearing sweaters or maybe it’s just that I’m ready to start wearing different clothes in my wardrobe. Not sure.
Since it looks like we’ll still be wearing shorts and flip-flops for a while here in Sacramento, I’ll just have to be content with making lots of pumpkin and apple recipes to put me in the autumn mood.
Oh, and apparently I need to make some chili too.
Obviously the person who wrote this e-mail doesn’t live in Sacramento. It’s still “Ice Cream Weather” in Sacramento. (But when isn’t it ice cream weather, eh?)
Fall is my favorite season. I’ve been looking longingly at my sweaters for nearly a month now. Maybe it’s the fact that I love wearing sweaters or maybe it’s just that I’m ready to start wearing different clothes in my wardrobe. Not sure.
Since it looks like we’ll still be wearing shorts and flip-flops for a while here in Sacramento, I’ll just have to be content with making lots of pumpkin and apple recipes to put me in the autumn mood.
Oh, and apparently I need to make some chili too.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Decisions, Decisions
The other day Kevin and I were talking about how, even in just three years of marriage, it’s become a lot easier to make decisions together. In fact, I can’t even remember the last time we disagreed with each other on something that’s really significant. We recalled a few rough-edged moments in our early marriage where we had a tough time moving forward on decisions. Like most females, I wanted to talk through issues (i.e., “think outloud” together) to find resolution, regardless of the fact that I didn’t yet know of any solution. Like most males, Kevin wanted to first think through the problem, figure out potential solutions, then discuss it when he had plausible answers to bring to the table. I remember talking on the phone with my dad during this time (not that I ever recommend taking marital issues independently to your parent) and he told me, “It’s amazing how much easier it’s gotten for your mom and I to make decisions over the years. It’s because we’ve grown together and have come to think much more alike.” At the time, that sounded like a rather nice state of being – to think just like your spouse and make decisions as “one.” Although you become “one” when you marry, that doesn’t mean you always act as one, unfortunately.
Anyway, it’s nice to see that we’ve made a little progress in our marital relationship, even though it’s still in its embryonic stages. Something that was once a near-daily issue is now something we take for granted. Isn’t it funny how life is like that sometimes? The cares of yesterday aren’t even on our minds today?
Anyway, it’s nice to see that we’ve made a little progress in our marital relationship, even though it’s still in its embryonic stages. Something that was once a near-daily issue is now something we take for granted. Isn’t it funny how life is like that sometimes? The cares of yesterday aren’t even on our minds today?
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Government to the Rescue
I was listening to O’Reilly last night while making dinner and he was talking about how the City of New Orleans acted irresponsibly by issuing an evacuation order and not providing transportation for the upwards of 100,000 persons in the city without an automobile. I realize it’s a tragedy what has happened in New Orleans. But where do we draw the line in expecting the government to take care of its citizens? What is the proper role of the government here? Is it to consistently rescue people from their own choices?
I know a lot of people out there probably already think that I’m a callous, cold-hearted bastard and this will only add fuel to the fire – but I really don’t think that the city of New Orleans should be faulted here.
I know a lot of people out there probably already think that I’m a callous, cold-hearted bastard and this will only add fuel to the fire – but I really don’t think that the city of New Orleans should be faulted here.
Meredith Update
Well, the doctor said today that she is in the 75th percentile for weight and the 90th for height. Shocker! (I don’t think we needed the doctor to tell us she’ll be tall.)
The most amazing thing about having a baby is experiencing a new kind of nurturing love. I knew this would happen but wasn’t quite prepared for all its side effects. Every time she smiles at me with her bright blue eyes, my heart completely melts.
The latest news is that she’s totally enthralled with her tongue. She’s constantly playing with it and it’s quite hysterical. She also has discovered her hands and she loves to “stand” by stiffening her legs when we hold her. She’s a lot of work for mommy (and daddy too, when he’s home) but she’s pure joy.
The most amazing thing about having a baby is experiencing a new kind of nurturing love. I knew this would happen but wasn’t quite prepared for all its side effects. Every time she smiles at me with her bright blue eyes, my heart completely melts.
The latest news is that she’s totally enthralled with her tongue. She’s constantly playing with it and it’s quite hysterical. She also has discovered her hands and she loves to “stand” by stiffening her legs when we hold her. She’s a lot of work for mommy (and daddy too, when he’s home) but she’s pure joy.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
What will you do with your obstacles?
There are two kinds of people in this life – those who choose to live with their obstacles (either because they are lazy or fearful) and those who choose to work hard to overcome their obstacles because they want a better life. Obviously we all have limitations; but there are very few limitations in life that cannot be overcome by hard work and determination. I know this from personal experience and also from the experiences of others.
What I don’t understand are people who lose their vision for what they want in life because life becomes hard. These people resign themselves to an undesirable fate because they are unwilling to think outside the box, face challenges, and do things that may not be very “comfortable” for a few years or, heck, maybe a lot of years.
Life is difficult. In order to get the best of life, you will have to sacrifice. It’s something called “deferred gratification.” You do something that may be a lot harder in the short-term because you know it will be worth it in the end. You forgo the cheesecake in order to have that waistline you want. You work hard to pass the tests in order to get a degree and have a better job. You go without a boyfriend for a while in order to wait for the right guy to marry. You treat your husband properly, regardless of how you feel toward him at the moment, in order to have a good marriage. You make lifestyle choices and sacrifices in order to have children, a gift from the Lord. The list could go on and on …
It’s often very difficult to get what you ultimately want from life. But the longer I live the more I understand that the things in life that are the most precious and the most rewarding are the things that you have to sacrifice the most for.
Why would you be satisfied with your mediocre life, just because it’s your comfort zone, when you could taste something better if only you would allow yourself to be uncomfortable for a time? Why are you content to live in the valley when you could know the mystery of the hills (if only you would sell your goods, strap on your hiking boots, and perspire a little)?
Don’t allow problems to define your life. Take your problems, overcome them, and someday you will look back with fulfillment and reward, knowing that you are a better person because you overcame your problems.
Life is too short to spend it without realizing your dreams.
[These are some thoughts I have after a particular conversation I had this past weekend. I’m amazed at how many people “settle” in the game of life. ALL of us will have obstacles and difficulties in this life. It’s what we do with those obstacles that define our character and how we will live. My philosophy is that, in order to live well and have no regrets, we must overcome obstacles vs. letting the obstacles shape our path and our lives.]
What I don’t understand are people who lose their vision for what they want in life because life becomes hard. These people resign themselves to an undesirable fate because they are unwilling to think outside the box, face challenges, and do things that may not be very “comfortable” for a few years or, heck, maybe a lot of years.
Life is difficult. In order to get the best of life, you will have to sacrifice. It’s something called “deferred gratification.” You do something that may be a lot harder in the short-term because you know it will be worth it in the end. You forgo the cheesecake in order to have that waistline you want. You work hard to pass the tests in order to get a degree and have a better job. You go without a boyfriend for a while in order to wait for the right guy to marry. You treat your husband properly, regardless of how you feel toward him at the moment, in order to have a good marriage. You make lifestyle choices and sacrifices in order to have children, a gift from the Lord. The list could go on and on …
It’s often very difficult to get what you ultimately want from life. But the longer I live the more I understand that the things in life that are the most precious and the most rewarding are the things that you have to sacrifice the most for.
Why would you be satisfied with your mediocre life, just because it’s your comfort zone, when you could taste something better if only you would allow yourself to be uncomfortable for a time? Why are you content to live in the valley when you could know the mystery of the hills (if only you would sell your goods, strap on your hiking boots, and perspire a little)?
Don’t allow problems to define your life. Take your problems, overcome them, and someday you will look back with fulfillment and reward, knowing that you are a better person because you overcame your problems.
Life is too short to spend it without realizing your dreams.
[These are some thoughts I have after a particular conversation I had this past weekend. I’m amazed at how many people “settle” in the game of life. ALL of us will have obstacles and difficulties in this life. It’s what we do with those obstacles that define our character and how we will live. My philosophy is that, in order to live well and have no regrets, we must overcome obstacles vs. letting the obstacles shape our path and our lives.]
Plane rides ... and other incidental things.
I now have a lot more sympathy and understanding for parents who take their infants on plane rides. This past weekend was Meredith’s first time on an airplane. It was only an hour-long flight down to L.A. to see family and I’m grateful she was able to “cut her [nonexistent] teeth” on a short plane ride vs. a cross-country flight. Kevin and I both were apprehensive because we (along with probably everyone else reading this blog) have experienced those flights with babies screaming uncontrollably for what seems like the entire journey. And, although no one is quite as consternated as the parents when a baby cries, there are always other passengers who seem quite put-off by it. I think any parent who possesses ordinary decency (and we, hopefully, fall into that category) worries about their baby disturbing others on a flight.
Having now experienced my first plane ride with a baby in my care, all future plane rides will never quite be the same. It’s hard to explain but there’s a certain mental preoccupation and an inability to completely relax when you have a baby on an airplane. You’re in this constricted environment, being solely responsible for a very unpredictable human being, with circumstances you can’t control (such as changing air pressure, etc.). Anyway, Meredith did very well and only cried for a few seconds on the return trip, but it was, nonetheless, a slightly nerve-wracking experience. Maybe the next flight won’t be so bad because I’ll have gained confidence from this last one. Here’s hoping!
_____________________
On to another subject … Every time I fly into L.A., which has been quite a few times in my life, I never cease to be amazed by how massive and sprawling it is. There’s cement and construction as far as the eye can see, only interrupted for the mountains and, of course, the ocean. I always find myself gazing at it in wonderment. You’d think that it’d be old-news by now but I still find it fascinating.
We had a good time introducing Meredith to family and friends. We were given a shower for her and it was great to see many faces from various segments of my past. (And I don’t think we’re going to have to buy any clothes for her until sometime next spring!)
We also enjoyed a trip to the seashore and watching David boogie-board for an hour or so. He provided much entertainment for us. Every time he caught a wave, and rode it all the way into the beach, we spectators would applaud. And then he would jump up and down waving his arms in victory. What a funny guy. The water was rather cold yesterday and he was the only one willing to fully submerge himself. I love my brother. He has a great attitude toward life (he loves it to the fullest extent of anyone I’ve ever met) and he also gives great hugs and back massages. Such fantastic accomplishments for a ten-year-old boy.
We also saw Christy’s new apartment. She’s just moved to North Hollywood to be closer to both school and work. My little sister is all grown up! Since when did that happen?
Having now experienced my first plane ride with a baby in my care, all future plane rides will never quite be the same. It’s hard to explain but there’s a certain mental preoccupation and an inability to completely relax when you have a baby on an airplane. You’re in this constricted environment, being solely responsible for a very unpredictable human being, with circumstances you can’t control (such as changing air pressure, etc.). Anyway, Meredith did very well and only cried for a few seconds on the return trip, but it was, nonetheless, a slightly nerve-wracking experience. Maybe the next flight won’t be so bad because I’ll have gained confidence from this last one. Here’s hoping!
_____________________
On to another subject … Every time I fly into L.A., which has been quite a few times in my life, I never cease to be amazed by how massive and sprawling it is. There’s cement and construction as far as the eye can see, only interrupted for the mountains and, of course, the ocean. I always find myself gazing at it in wonderment. You’d think that it’d be old-news by now but I still find it fascinating.
We had a good time introducing Meredith to family and friends. We were given a shower for her and it was great to see many faces from various segments of my past. (And I don’t think we’re going to have to buy any clothes for her until sometime next spring!)
We also enjoyed a trip to the seashore and watching David boogie-board for an hour or so. He provided much entertainment for us. Every time he caught a wave, and rode it all the way into the beach, we spectators would applaud. And then he would jump up and down waving his arms in victory. What a funny guy. The water was rather cold yesterday and he was the only one willing to fully submerge himself. I love my brother. He has a great attitude toward life (he loves it to the fullest extent of anyone I’ve ever met) and he also gives great hugs and back massages. Such fantastic accomplishments for a ten-year-old boy.
We also saw Christy’s new apartment. She’s just moved to North Hollywood to be closer to both school and work. My little sister is all grown up! Since when did that happen?
Friday, September 02, 2005
Incredible Quote
Here's an amazing quote by Harry Connick, Jr., a native of New Orleans, regarding the current chaos in his city:
"In my heart of hearts, I think one of the reasons New Orleans is New Orleans is because of the spirit of the people ... Things are very desperate here. If I grew up in conditions like that with no hope, I might have to go out and steal me a plasma TV. Maybe in some strange way this will be a motivation for the city to be more equal in some way."
Can looting ever be justified? How can anyone believe that, if you're poor, stealing a plasma TV is acceptable? What about the poor people of New Orleans who have character and integrity and wouldn't do something like that, regardless of the opportunity? Do we, honestly, have a poverty problem? Or is it a character problem?
"In my heart of hearts, I think one of the reasons New Orleans is New Orleans is because of the spirit of the people ... Things are very desperate here. If I grew up in conditions like that with no hope, I might have to go out and steal me a plasma TV. Maybe in some strange way this will be a motivation for the city to be more equal in some way."
Can looting ever be justified? How can anyone believe that, if you're poor, stealing a plasma TV is acceptable? What about the poor people of New Orleans who have character and integrity and wouldn't do something like that, regardless of the opportunity? Do we, honestly, have a poverty problem? Or is it a character problem?
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
World Traveler Sister
One more thing today and then I've gotta get busy doing productive things. :)
This morning we talked with Megan in China! Kevin, apparently, had insomnia at 4 o'clock a.m. and got online to find out how much a pre-paid international phone card would cost. He found some deal where we could call China for less than one cent per minute, or five bucks for nine hours (way to go, Kev!), and then decided to call his sister. It was great to talk to her and we are glad to hear that things are going well. You can keep up with her adventures on her ChinaMeg blog.
This morning we talked with Megan in China! Kevin, apparently, had insomnia at 4 o'clock a.m. and got online to find out how much a pre-paid international phone card would cost. He found some deal where we could call China for less than one cent per minute, or five bucks for nine hours (way to go, Kev!), and then decided to call his sister. It was great to talk to her and we are glad to hear that things are going well. You can keep up with her adventures on her ChinaMeg blog.
New Church Experience
On Sunday we went to a baptism for a good friend and her daughter to support our friend in her public profession of faith. It was a beautiful time and we’re glad we had the opportunity to be there. When she was asked if she trusted in Christ alone for her salvation, she enthusiastically replied “absolutely.”
And then we sat through the rest of the church service …
This particular church is a large, well-known Christian church that is active in the community. The sermon was about growing a church.
First of all, let me say, that I don’t think it’s wrong to want your church to grow and be a vibrant, strong body of believers. But I do think it’s interesting that some churches make growing in numbers such a major focus. After all, don’t the scriptures teach that it’s Christ Himself who builds the church? (Matt. 16:18) While we can be loving and welcoming of new people, and we certainly should share our faith with others and invite them to church, it’s not our primary responsibility to grow our church. That belongs to God.
Anyway … the most amazing thing about the sermon was that the pastor only referenced ONE verse out of the bible, somewhere in the middle of his talk. And then, to top it off, the verse was quoted incorrectly! (Kevin happened to have the verse memorized and later pointed this out to me. I guess that’s why it’s important to memorize scripture – in case your pastor gets it wrong??)
This experience made us extremely grateful that we go to a solid, bible-teaching church where, every week, we feel we are immersed in the Word. There is no “perfect church” here on earth – I don’t believe we’ll experience that until heaven – but at least we have a church that values God’s Word and actually USES it in their worship service!
And then we sat through the rest of the church service …
This particular church is a large, well-known Christian church that is active in the community. The sermon was about growing a church.
First of all, let me say, that I don’t think it’s wrong to want your church to grow and be a vibrant, strong body of believers. But I do think it’s interesting that some churches make growing in numbers such a major focus. After all, don’t the scriptures teach that it’s Christ Himself who builds the church? (Matt. 16:18) While we can be loving and welcoming of new people, and we certainly should share our faith with others and invite them to church, it’s not our primary responsibility to grow our church. That belongs to God.
Anyway … the most amazing thing about the sermon was that the pastor only referenced ONE verse out of the bible, somewhere in the middle of his talk. And then, to top it off, the verse was quoted incorrectly! (Kevin happened to have the verse memorized and later pointed this out to me. I guess that’s why it’s important to memorize scripture – in case your pastor gets it wrong??)
This experience made us extremely grateful that we go to a solid, bible-teaching church where, every week, we feel we are immersed in the Word. There is no “perfect church” here on earth – I don’t believe we’ll experience that until heaven – but at least we have a church that values God’s Word and actually USES it in their worship service!
Friday, August 26, 2005
Struggles of the Day
The past few days I’ve discovered I have a very low tolerance for children who do not finish their food. It would be one thing if I gave Melissa a big plate of squash and she didn’t eat it all. It’s another thing if she pours herself a bowl of cereal (sugar cereal that she picked out at the grocery store, I might add) and then eats only half of it. And this is the third day in a row that’s happened. In fact, I don’t think she’s finished anything I’ve given to her the entire time she’s been here.
I’m trying to be understanding of the fact that Melissa is in a different environment and she’s also missing my mom. But I’m having a hard time with it. She’s also been sick and is just now recovering. So I know she deserves a little more grace ‘cuz of that, too.
Today, when I saw that Melissa had poured herself a heaping bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and an equally healthy serving of milk to go with it, I told her that she was expected to eat all of it. She nodded her head in agreement. A half hour later, I noticed that she’d abandoned her cereal bowl and it was still halfway full. At the time, she was sitting on the couch watching Little House on the Prairie. I took her the bowl of cereal and told her that she would have to finish it. At the end of the program, I walked back in the room and noticed that it was still sitting on her lap, untouched. I reminded her, again, that she was going to have to eat it … all of it. She looked up at me with her beautiful brown eyes and said, “But I don’t like soggy cereal.”
“And whose fault is it that it’s soggy?” I replied. “C’mon, take a bite. Eat it now.”
About 45 minutes later, the status quo remained. By now the milk was entirely warm and the cereal had practically disintegrated into the milk.
I could have taken the hard line with her, again, but I decided to give her a little slack … at least for this one (last) time. “Melissa, if you promise me that, for the rest of the time you’re here, you will eat every bite and every sip of what I give you, then I’ll let you toss your cereal. Or what used to be cereal.” Her eyes lit up at this compromise.
[Maybe I’m just a wuss. Maybe I should’ve made her eat it. I don’t know. It’s hard to know what to do sometimes. Anyway, we’ll see how it goes … and if she lives up to her end of the bargain.]
Now she’s taking a bath. That was an ordeal too. She didn’t want to wash her hair because “it’s too hard to wash hair.” I offered to wash it for her but she didn’t want me to do it.
“You mean you’re going to go an entire two weeks without washing your hair?” I asked.
“Yes,” she replied.
I told her that was unacceptable and that she would have to do it anyway, regardless of how hard it is.
Sigh …
As much fun as we’re having together, I hope that these few moments of conflict each day don’t make Melissa hate me forever. That must be how parents feel when they are forced to discipline their children – they know it’s for the ultimate good, but it’s hard.
I told Kevin yesterday that I’m not ready to be the parent of an eight year old. Now I know why God allows us to start out with a baby … and take it one phase at a time!
I’m trying to be understanding of the fact that Melissa is in a different environment and she’s also missing my mom. But I’m having a hard time with it. She’s also been sick and is just now recovering. So I know she deserves a little more grace ‘cuz of that, too.
Today, when I saw that Melissa had poured herself a heaping bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and an equally healthy serving of milk to go with it, I told her that she was expected to eat all of it. She nodded her head in agreement. A half hour later, I noticed that she’d abandoned her cereal bowl and it was still halfway full. At the time, she was sitting on the couch watching Little House on the Prairie. I took her the bowl of cereal and told her that she would have to finish it. At the end of the program, I walked back in the room and noticed that it was still sitting on her lap, untouched. I reminded her, again, that she was going to have to eat it … all of it. She looked up at me with her beautiful brown eyes and said, “But I don’t like soggy cereal.”
“And whose fault is it that it’s soggy?” I replied. “C’mon, take a bite. Eat it now.”
About 45 minutes later, the status quo remained. By now the milk was entirely warm and the cereal had practically disintegrated into the milk.
I could have taken the hard line with her, again, but I decided to give her a little slack … at least for this one (last) time. “Melissa, if you promise me that, for the rest of the time you’re here, you will eat every bite and every sip of what I give you, then I’ll let you toss your cereal. Or what used to be cereal.” Her eyes lit up at this compromise.
[Maybe I’m just a wuss. Maybe I should’ve made her eat it. I don’t know. It’s hard to know what to do sometimes. Anyway, we’ll see how it goes … and if she lives up to her end of the bargain.]
Now she’s taking a bath. That was an ordeal too. She didn’t want to wash her hair because “it’s too hard to wash hair.” I offered to wash it for her but she didn’t want me to do it.
“You mean you’re going to go an entire two weeks without washing your hair?” I asked.
“Yes,” she replied.
I told her that was unacceptable and that she would have to do it anyway, regardless of how hard it is.
Sigh …
As much fun as we’re having together, I hope that these few moments of conflict each day don’t make Melissa hate me forever. That must be how parents feel when they are forced to discipline their children – they know it’s for the ultimate good, but it’s hard.
I told Kevin yesterday that I’m not ready to be the parent of an eight year old. Now I know why God allows us to start out with a baby … and take it one phase at a time!
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Still Afloat
Okay, I’m still surviving this being surrogate mom for two weeks to my siblings. My sister got sick yesterday to her stomach and has been feeling very ill the past two days. Being sick has made her miss my mom a lot more than I think she normally would. I don’t know if I feel worse for her or my brother. I promised David I’d take him swimming but, with Melissa sick, I can’t leave her and take him out to do anything fun. Since we can’t go anywhere, I’ve been wracking my brain to find fun things to do at home. Today we made cookies, for instance. I was short on butter and told David to use butter-flavored Crisco instead. He gave me this look that said “I don’t know about that.” He then went on to tell me that, if it was like margarine, it was very bad for you because it has chemicals in it. (Since when are ten year old boys into health food? Geesh!)
“But doesn’t grandma use margarine?” I asked (hoping this would allay his fears since, if grandma does it, it must surely be okay).
“Yes, but that’s probably why she has arth-ur-itis,” he replied.
“But doesn’t grandma use margarine?” I asked (hoping this would allay his fears since, if grandma does it, it must surely be okay).
“Yes, but that’s probably why she has arth-ur-itis,” he replied.
Blissful Sleep!
You know how new parents often can’t talk about anything else other than the fact that “baby slept [insert number] hours last night”? I remember as a teenager being bored out of my mind while a new parent droned on and on about their baby’s sleep habits. Anyway … I think I’ve been pretty good at refraining from blogging on (or talking about) this subject. But today I will blog on it. For two reasons. First, I’m very happy to report that Meredith has slept through the night three nights in a row now. Last night she slept 7 ½ hours. When she woke me up this morning, I couldn’t believe my eyes – the clock read 6:03 a.m. That’s actually a decent time to get up. I feel human again!
Secondly, I bring this up because it segues nicely into the topic of BabyWise. It’s not that I want to drag this out, however. (This will most likely be my last post on this topic.) I know Meredith would not be sleeping through the night (something good for her and for our family) if I had not been using BW principles.
Tulip Girl commented on the post below that she feels women can have milk supply issues because of using BabyWise. I don’t claim to be an expert on why women have milk supply issues but I’m not sure I buy the theory that there’s a proven link. I’m sure there are a range of reasons why you can have milk supply issues. In fact, there was an anonymous commenter (on my post below) who said she used BW for all six of her children and only had milk supply issues with the second. Curious, isn’t it?
And then there are my numerous friends, and acquaintances, who have successfully used BW, nursed their children until they were at least a year old, and haven’t had any milk supply issues. Those success stories are compelling, to me.
I realize many women hate BW and blame it for all their problems. I can only wonder if a) they would have had the same problems with that particular baby regardless of whether they demand fed or used BW or b) it’s possible that they didn’t use enough commonsense to deviate from BW when necessary and that’s why they had problems (in other words, it was the fact that they didn’t realize when they should have made an “exception” in baby’s routine). Speaking of exceptions, I’ve made plenty. In fact, yesterday, I fed Meredith slightly less than three hours all day long because I could tell she was hungry. It’s not like I say, “Oh, it’s 2:47 and you’re not supposed to eat for 13 minutes … too bad, you’ll have to wait.” That’s ridiculous. :-)
Lastly, I would like to share with you a little story that I found online yesterday. Honest, cross my heart, I did not go digging for it. I just happened to see it on a website about child development. It’s a journal of a woman who, apparently, is demand feeding her baby. After reading this account, I feel sorry for this very well-meaning woman. I also feel reassured that I’m doing the right thing for both my child and my family. This is not how I want to live my life … I’d rather spend time cuddling with my baby than having to nurse her to sleep constantly, all day and all night long.
Mommy Meltdown (note: please excuse the language, I wish to keep this a G-rated blog, or at least PG). ;-)
“I think Violet must be going through some kind of growth spurt. Either that or she's trying to kill me, because she's been super-duper grumpy and whiny the past few days. I had a method of putting her to sleep that was failsafe just days ago, but now she's not having it. I lay her down on the bed, lie down beside her, and stick my nipple in her mouth. She sucks until her eyes roll back in her head and she drifts off. Then I swing into action, withdrawing with exquisite slowness, sliding my nipple from her tiny lips, easing her head off my breast, and rolling off the bed with the silent precision of a ninja.
“‘It's like baby Jenga!’ Phil marveled yesterday.
“‘I prefer to think of it as playing Operation,’ I told him.
“I was never any good at that game, and I'm no good at getting away silently, either. The second I sit up and head off to the kitchen to make myself lunch, or attempt to turn on the computer, Secret Agent Violet senses my moves with her super-charged baby Spidey sense and turns on the wails. Dammit. And I know it's going to be at least 15 more minutes of dedicated sucking, with my body curled awkwardly around her on the pillows and my back screaming for relief. Her little face is so tender. My back is so gnarled.
“After a few days of this, I was understandably a little on edge today — which is why I had the meltdown. Violet had been keening for a half-hour for no good reason I could figure out, I was trying awkwardly to unfold the new stroller and lock it so we could leave the damned house, the phone was ringing, and I was operating on about four hours of sleep (we'd had a big night of nursing). …”
All I’m saying is … there must be a better way. I’m very thankful that, as a new parent, I’ve discovered the secrets of BW. It’s brought peace to our home.
And (did I mention this earlier?) ... rest.
Secondly, I bring this up because it segues nicely into the topic of BabyWise. It’s not that I want to drag this out, however. (This will most likely be my last post on this topic.) I know Meredith would not be sleeping through the night (something good for her and for our family) if I had not been using BW principles.
Tulip Girl commented on the post below that she feels women can have milk supply issues because of using BabyWise. I don’t claim to be an expert on why women have milk supply issues but I’m not sure I buy the theory that there’s a proven link. I’m sure there are a range of reasons why you can have milk supply issues. In fact, there was an anonymous commenter (on my post below) who said she used BW for all six of her children and only had milk supply issues with the second. Curious, isn’t it?
And then there are my numerous friends, and acquaintances, who have successfully used BW, nursed their children until they were at least a year old, and haven’t had any milk supply issues. Those success stories are compelling, to me.
I realize many women hate BW and blame it for all their problems. I can only wonder if a) they would have had the same problems with that particular baby regardless of whether they demand fed or used BW or b) it’s possible that they didn’t use enough commonsense to deviate from BW when necessary and that’s why they had problems (in other words, it was the fact that they didn’t realize when they should have made an “exception” in baby’s routine). Speaking of exceptions, I’ve made plenty. In fact, yesterday, I fed Meredith slightly less than three hours all day long because I could tell she was hungry. It’s not like I say, “Oh, it’s 2:47 and you’re not supposed to eat for 13 minutes … too bad, you’ll have to wait.” That’s ridiculous. :-)
Lastly, I would like to share with you a little story that I found online yesterday. Honest, cross my heart, I did not go digging for it. I just happened to see it on a website about child development. It’s a journal of a woman who, apparently, is demand feeding her baby. After reading this account, I feel sorry for this very well-meaning woman. I also feel reassured that I’m doing the right thing for both my child and my family. This is not how I want to live my life … I’d rather spend time cuddling with my baby than having to nurse her to sleep constantly, all day and all night long.
Mommy Meltdown (note: please excuse the language, I wish to keep this a G-rated blog, or at least PG). ;-)
“I think Violet must be going through some kind of growth spurt. Either that or she's trying to kill me, because she's been super-duper grumpy and whiny the past few days. I had a method of putting her to sleep that was failsafe just days ago, but now she's not having it. I lay her down on the bed, lie down beside her, and stick my nipple in her mouth. She sucks until her eyes roll back in her head and she drifts off. Then I swing into action, withdrawing with exquisite slowness, sliding my nipple from her tiny lips, easing her head off my breast, and rolling off the bed with the silent precision of a ninja.
“‘It's like baby Jenga!’ Phil marveled yesterday.
“‘I prefer to think of it as playing Operation,’ I told him.
“I was never any good at that game, and I'm no good at getting away silently, either. The second I sit up and head off to the kitchen to make myself lunch, or attempt to turn on the computer, Secret Agent Violet senses my moves with her super-charged baby Spidey sense and turns on the wails. Dammit. And I know it's going to be at least 15 more minutes of dedicated sucking, with my body curled awkwardly around her on the pillows and my back screaming for relief. Her little face is so tender. My back is so gnarled.
“After a few days of this, I was understandably a little on edge today — which is why I had the meltdown. Violet had been keening for a half-hour for no good reason I could figure out, I was trying awkwardly to unfold the new stroller and lock it so we could leave the damned house, the phone was ringing, and I was operating on about four hours of sleep (we'd had a big night of nursing). …”
All I’m saying is … there must be a better way. I’m very thankful that, as a new parent, I’ve discovered the secrets of BW. It’s brought peace to our home.
And (did I mention this earlier?) ... rest.
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