I am going to write up the Pumpkin's year in review, but I didn't start on that early enough, so it's not ready yet. I'm also going to do her annual assessment again this year, but that will come after her year in review. I'm sure I'll post them next week.
But what struck me today was the email I got from babycenter.com this morning. For the last year, the email subject was "Your Toddler" and then the age. This morning when I opened my email, there was the email but the subject started "Your Pre-Schooler."
Oh my! I know yesterday I said I couldn't really call her a toddler anymore because she doesn't really toddle. And yes, we are looking into pre-schools for her to start this fall (another post on that later). But there it was, in black and white. Your Pre-Schooler. And yes, she is. Wow!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Cara Figlia - Happy 2nd Birthday
Cara mia ragazzina,
It's been a while since I wrote you a letter, my sweet little girl. But today, on your second birthday, I simply had to write you and tell you what a joy you are. Your father and I can hardley believe you are already 2 years old! We can barely remember what life was like prior to your birth 2 years ago, although I vaguely remember getting more sleep. You have changed our world, and we couldn't be happier.
I call you my little girl now, and rarely refer to you as baby. You simply aren't a baby anymore. You are a tall, strong, very verbal, very active little girl. I hesitate to even call you a toddler, because that implies that you toddle. You run, you climb, you jump, you waddle like a penguin, you hop like a frog... but toddle? Not in a long time.
In fact, you are constantly amazing us with the things you can do, and the things you no longer do. I simply can't believe that 2 years ago you were just a like "a lump of broccoli" as your daddy likes to say. That you couldn't do anything but nurse, cry, poop and be held. A year ago, when you were 1, you could do a lot of things like walk and talk, but not like what you can do now. Now, you put together long sentences with complex thoughts and emotions. You often stun your daddy and me with your creativity and abilities. Although we knew mentally and had seen other children grow, we are constantly hit by amazement at how fast you are growing up.
Allora, mia ragazzina dolce, buono secondo compleanno per te! Ti amiamo con i tutti nostri cuori! Speriamo il tuo anno prossimo siamo ancora migliori!
(So, my sweet little girl, happy second birthday to you! We love you with all our hearts! We hope your next year is even better!)
Ti amiamo sempre,
Mommy and Daddy
It's been a while since I wrote you a letter, my sweet little girl. But today, on your second birthday, I simply had to write you and tell you what a joy you are. Your father and I can hardley believe you are already 2 years old! We can barely remember what life was like prior to your birth 2 years ago, although I vaguely remember getting more sleep. You have changed our world, and we couldn't be happier.
I call you my little girl now, and rarely refer to you as baby. You simply aren't a baby anymore. You are a tall, strong, very verbal, very active little girl. I hesitate to even call you a toddler, because that implies that you toddle. You run, you climb, you jump, you waddle like a penguin, you hop like a frog... but toddle? Not in a long time.
In fact, you are constantly amazing us with the things you can do, and the things you no longer do. I simply can't believe that 2 years ago you were just a like "a lump of broccoli" as your daddy likes to say. That you couldn't do anything but nurse, cry, poop and be held. A year ago, when you were 1, you could do a lot of things like walk and talk, but not like what you can do now. Now, you put together long sentences with complex thoughts and emotions. You often stun your daddy and me with your creativity and abilities. Although we knew mentally and had seen other children grow, we are constantly hit by amazement at how fast you are growing up.
Allora, mia ragazzina dolce, buono secondo compleanno per te! Ti amiamo con i tutti nostri cuori! Speriamo il tuo anno prossimo siamo ancora migliori!
(So, my sweet little girl, happy second birthday to you! We love you with all our hearts! We hope your next year is even better!)
Ti amiamo sempre,
Mommy and Daddy
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Flashback to My Birth Story
Two years ago today, my water broke while I was in the movie theater, starting my labor with the Pumpkin. And you thought things like that happened only on TV!
For those of you who haven't read it, or those who might like to re-read it, I will now take you on a flashback to the Pumpkin's birth story that I wrote up last year...
~ dododo ~ dododo ~ dododo ~
Remembering Labor and Delivery
For those of you who haven't read it, or those who might like to re-read it, I will now take you on a flashback to the Pumpkin's birth story that I wrote up last year...
~ dododo ~ dododo ~ dododo ~
Remembering Labor and Delivery
Monday, March 9, 2009
Question of the Week - Music To Stick Around For*
I heard two songs I love on the radio the other day, and it got me thinking about songs which if on the radio, I wouldn't turn the station. Of course I started wondering what those songs were for other people. But as I started my own list in my head, I realized it was WAY to long. I mean, I'd have to say anything by Led Zeppelin, the Doors, the Beatles, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Jimmy Buffet and so many others, especially 80s music.
Then it occurred to me that the true distinction I was wondering about, and this week's Question of the week, is:
What are the five songs that you will stay in the car to listen to, even after you have reached your destination?
All those bands and singers I mentioned earlier (and more) and that I love so much? I have their CDs, so I can listen to their music any time. But there are fewer songs that I will linger until the end. Most of them I even have on CDs (and iPod), but I love them so much for one reason or another that I will stick around for even when I'm in a hurry. So here is my five:
1. Magic Carpet Ride, by Steppenwolf
2. Stuck in the Middle, by Stealers Wheel
3. Southern Cross, by Crosby, Stills & Nash
4. Crazy for You, by Madonna
5. Sleep to Dream, by Fiona Apple
What about you? Do you have five or so songs that you can think of which you love so much you will put off whatever you are doing to listen until the end?
*Yes, I ended that in a preposition. Mostly to drive Londo crazy. Hehe.
Then it occurred to me that the true distinction I was wondering about, and this week's Question of the week, is:
What are the five songs that you will stay in the car to listen to, even after you have reached your destination?
All those bands and singers I mentioned earlier (and more) and that I love so much? I have their CDs, so I can listen to their music any time. But there are fewer songs that I will linger until the end. Most of them I even have on CDs (and iPod), but I love them so much for one reason or another that I will stick around for even when I'm in a hurry. So here is my five:
1. Magic Carpet Ride, by Steppenwolf
2. Stuck in the Middle, by Stealers Wheel
3. Southern Cross, by Crosby, Stills & Nash
4. Crazy for You, by Madonna
5. Sleep to Dream, by Fiona Apple
What about you? Do you have five or so songs that you can think of which you love so much you will put off whatever you are doing to listen until the end?
*Yes, I ended that in a preposition. Mostly to drive Londo crazy. Hehe.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Inappropriate Things to Do/Say to Pregnant Women
I've made it no secret that I don't really enjoy being pregnant. After trying so long to get pregnant the first time, I thought it would be this wonderful and wonderous thing. It is indeed wonderous, but for me it's not so wonderful. I just don't seem to have easy pregnancies nor get the joy out of the whole thing that I thought I would.
One of the things I don't enjoy is how people seem to forget common manners around pregnant women. It can feel like you are public property and nothing is sacred anymore. In reality, pregnant women tend to be on emotional roller coasters thanks to crazy hormones, and anything can set a pregnant woman off into a crying jag or angry rage. So people should actually be MORE careful in what they do and say around pregnant women.
So as a PSA, I'm going to share a few things that are inappropriate to do or say to a pregnant woman!
Don't Touch the Belly
I understand that there is some magnetic-like force that pulls people's hands to a pregnant belly. I have felt the pull myself, so I know it's there. BUT, it is NOT okay to simply reach out and touch a mama-to-be's baby bump. Is it okay to touch a woman's stomach normally? Heck no! So why do people think it's okay to do so to a pregnant woman? It's still her stomach.
Yes, yes. I know. There is life growing in there, and it's fascinating. We all want to feel that belly and know there is a baby in there. And some women honestly don't mind. But others, don't want to be touched at all. And still others, like me, are okay if you are family or a close friend.
No matter which kind of woman the belly is attached to, you should always ask first. Always. Especially if you are a stranger or coworker of the woman. DO NOT just reach out and touch a stranger's belly. That is inappropriate. I even prefer if my family and friends ask first. I will always tell them yes, but to suddenly have someone (besides my husband) with their hand on my stomach is surprising and uncomfortable. Do not be like the random waitress I had in Florida a few weeks ago who just reached out her hands and put them on my belly (luckily, I had my hands already on my belly and didn't move them, so she just put her hands on my hands on my belly, which was still uncomfortable for me).
Don't Comment on Weight
What woman likes to hear about how big they've gotten? Okay, I'll admit that I find it funny that I get all big and pregnant, so this one doesn't really bothering me. I especially like to hear that I'm "showing," but you should be careful with how you phrase things even with me. Let me share a little story that happened the other day...
I have a coworker who's first language isn't English. He knows I'm pregnant, and we've talked about it before. But I'm really showing now and wearing shirts that make it obvious. He looked at me the other day and said, "You look... [he searched for a word}... heavy." I said, "Oh [coworker's name], you didn't mean to say heavy. You meant to say that I look really pregnant or am really showing. Not heavy."
Luckily, I'm understanding and knew he didn't mean it offensively. But when people say to a pregnant woman things like, "Are you sure it's not twins?" How do you think that makes a woman feel? Not good, that's how.
Don't Comment on the Breasts
Yes, they get bigger. You know why? Because their main function is to provide milk for the coming baby. Are they sexier bigger? Probably. Should you comment on them? Only if you are on close enough terms and know the person well enough to know that they won't mind talking/joking about them.
I've got big breast normally (and they get even bigger in pregnancy) and am pretty comfortable with them in general (can't you tell?). But you know where I don't talk about them ever? Work. Yet last time I was pregnant, a female coworker looked at my breast and said, "Wow. Do you get to keep those?" Um, what? I wouldn't mind my sister or close friends joking about them, but that's inappropriate at work under normal circumstances, and ALSO when a person is pregnant! I said something like, "Well, I've normally got plenty, but who knows?"
Don't Ask If It Was Planned/a Surprise
I spent about 3 years trying to get pregnant with the Pumpkin. It was more than planned--it was stratigized and documented and prayed for and assisted by specialists. And that is not anyone else's business unless I want to share it. This time, the pregnancy happened with only one fertility cycle (thankfully!), but we had no idea how long it would take us this time, so we started right away. Does everyone need to know that? No.
And why do people care if it's planned or a surprise? My sister thinks it's because they really want to know if you are happy about it, but they can't ask that. I say even if it's a surprise and they are upset and even terrified, people around them should be happy and assume they are happy. Let's set the right mood, people. I truly believe that children are a blessing, whether or not they are planned.
This is another one that doesn't truly bother me, because I can brush it off. But I know other people who offended by this. And I can understand why. So it's just nice manners to not ask this line of questions.
Hmmmm. I know I had more, but that's all I can think of for now. If anyone else has any they want to put out there, feel free to let us know! And remember your manners around pregnant women!
One of the things I don't enjoy is how people seem to forget common manners around pregnant women. It can feel like you are public property and nothing is sacred anymore. In reality, pregnant women tend to be on emotional roller coasters thanks to crazy hormones, and anything can set a pregnant woman off into a crying jag or angry rage. So people should actually be MORE careful in what they do and say around pregnant women.
So as a PSA, I'm going to share a few things that are inappropriate to do or say to a pregnant woman!
Don't Touch the Belly
I understand that there is some magnetic-like force that pulls people's hands to a pregnant belly. I have felt the pull myself, so I know it's there. BUT, it is NOT okay to simply reach out and touch a mama-to-be's baby bump. Is it okay to touch a woman's stomach normally? Heck no! So why do people think it's okay to do so to a pregnant woman? It's still her stomach.
Yes, yes. I know. There is life growing in there, and it's fascinating. We all want to feel that belly and know there is a baby in there. And some women honestly don't mind. But others, don't want to be touched at all. And still others, like me, are okay if you are family or a close friend.
No matter which kind of woman the belly is attached to, you should always ask first. Always. Especially if you are a stranger or coworker of the woman. DO NOT just reach out and touch a stranger's belly. That is inappropriate. I even prefer if my family and friends ask first. I will always tell them yes, but to suddenly have someone (besides my husband) with their hand on my stomach is surprising and uncomfortable. Do not be like the random waitress I had in Florida a few weeks ago who just reached out her hands and put them on my belly (luckily, I had my hands already on my belly and didn't move them, so she just put her hands on my hands on my belly, which was still uncomfortable for me).
Don't Comment on Weight
What woman likes to hear about how big they've gotten? Okay, I'll admit that I find it funny that I get all big and pregnant, so this one doesn't really bothering me. I especially like to hear that I'm "showing," but you should be careful with how you phrase things even with me. Let me share a little story that happened the other day...
I have a coworker who's first language isn't English. He knows I'm pregnant, and we've talked about it before. But I'm really showing now and wearing shirts that make it obvious. He looked at me the other day and said, "You look... [he searched for a word}... heavy." I said, "Oh [coworker's name], you didn't mean to say heavy. You meant to say that I look really pregnant or am really showing. Not heavy."
Luckily, I'm understanding and knew he didn't mean it offensively. But when people say to a pregnant woman things like, "Are you sure it's not twins?" How do you think that makes a woman feel? Not good, that's how.
Don't Comment on the Breasts
Yes, they get bigger. You know why? Because their main function is to provide milk for the coming baby. Are they sexier bigger? Probably. Should you comment on them? Only if you are on close enough terms and know the person well enough to know that they won't mind talking/joking about them.
I've got big breast normally (and they get even bigger in pregnancy) and am pretty comfortable with them in general (can't you tell?). But you know where I don't talk about them ever? Work. Yet last time I was pregnant, a female coworker looked at my breast and said, "Wow. Do you get to keep those?" Um, what? I wouldn't mind my sister or close friends joking about them, but that's inappropriate at work under normal circumstances, and ALSO when a person is pregnant! I said something like, "Well, I've normally got plenty, but who knows?"
Don't Ask If It Was Planned/a Surprise
I spent about 3 years trying to get pregnant with the Pumpkin. It was more than planned--it was stratigized and documented and prayed for and assisted by specialists. And that is not anyone else's business unless I want to share it. This time, the pregnancy happened with only one fertility cycle (thankfully!), but we had no idea how long it would take us this time, so we started right away. Does everyone need to know that? No.
And why do people care if it's planned or a surprise? My sister thinks it's because they really want to know if you are happy about it, but they can't ask that. I say even if it's a surprise and they are upset and even terrified, people around them should be happy and assume they are happy. Let's set the right mood, people. I truly believe that children are a blessing, whether or not they are planned.
This is another one that doesn't truly bother me, because I can brush it off. But I know other people who offended by this. And I can understand why. So it's just nice manners to not ask this line of questions.
Hmmmm. I know I had more, but that's all I can think of for now. If anyone else has any they want to put out there, feel free to let us know! And remember your manners around pregnant women!
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