Lenara seems to be well again. She's been sleeping through the evenings for the past couple of days! Oh how I love it! Thanks Lord! For real! ;)
I haven't changed anything. So it's proof this part of life is totally out of my/our control. No more trying of changing routines etc. to improve the evening situation. Acceptance and hoping for other phases seems more adequate...
(I'll have to read this over again soon, I guess.)
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Advent calendar
I'm glad it's finished! Lots of work - until 1 am last night. But I still like my idea and the result. Tomorrow the first package will be opened. Let's see if Lenara likes it too! I'm so excited! She isn't yet, as she didn't seem to realize what all the fuzz was about, when the advent calendar appeared in our living room today. ;))
Friday, November 26, 2010
Schnee!!!
The pics are actually in the opposite order. We got lots of snow last night. What a surprise when looking out the window this morning! When we got outside to go to the car early this morning, Lenara seemed really irritated. She was afraid to step on the snow. Like she didn't know what it was. Although she enjoyed snow last year. But last year is almost all her life. How could she remember. So this afternoon (past 5 so it was dark already) we took a nice little walk down the road. After slowly approaching the snow (hey, what's that?), she wouldn't walk on the cleared part of the sidewalk at all! She loved ploughing through the deep snow. So fun! For her to explore (every time she touched she snow she realized "cold") and for me to watch!
Mehr Schnee bitte!
More snow please!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
L-O-V-E
Every night I take Lenara to bed, I tell her one special moment I enjoyed with her during the day and tell her that I love her (like hell... but it's an unappropiate word, so I only add this in my mind) and give her a hug + kiss. Two days ago she started hugging me back so strongly that I have a hard time breathing. And she said "love, Mommy" - the best 2 word sentence I've ever heard! *sigh*
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
RE: Over an hour!!!
My comment was too long again:
Same here. Sometimes I feel like I'm doing something wrong, bc it feels like too great of a committment to hang in there every evening. On the other hand, I suppose it's only bc lots of people share the opinion that kids are supposed to sleep alone (which I do not agree in general). By now most evenings go pretty smooth and I enjoy taking a break and being close with my baby as well. And I know she also falls asleep with other people taking her to bed, so I don't worry about her getting too focused on me as a person.
But I always have the sentence in the back of my mind that babies shouldn't connect sleeping time with cuddling time as they learn to misunderstand their own needs. That kind of makes sense to me. I definitely support co-sleeping, but I wonder if other co-sleepers find a good way of separating falling asleep and cuddling. And yet, as I write this it seems ridiculous to me. If I had a choice, I would prefer falling asleep in someone's arms as well. And then again I think, why should we force us to separate these too things every night, when 95% of the cases we both prefer it this way.
Falling asleep actually is not the main problem anymore. I don't mind (most of the times) taking this break for 15-60 minutes. She lays down and tries to fall asleep - no being angry for being sent to bed or jumping on the bed anymore. So no more fights, which makes it easier. But I wish she wouldn't wake up again and again until she falls into the real deep sleep. There are few nights, she just sleeps and that's it. I can almost see a pattern (probably the sleeping phases, I didn't get into it yet): she wakes up 1 hour later, then every 20-30 minutes later (up to 4 times). And she gets worried/angry, bc I'm not next to her anymore. She tells me to lie down (literally: "lay down" pointing to my pillow). The more angry she got the longer it takes her to fall back asleep. So usually I hurry to go in there soon as I hear some weeping. Sometimes putting the pacifier back in does the job and I can go out right away. Lucky! But like I say, when she got angry about my leaving, it might take another 15 minutes. Sometimes it doesn't seem to "work" at all, so I take her back to the living room to prepare for going to bed (lights off, computer off, set alarm...) and then go to bed early myself - frustrating as I usually look forward to my 2 hours Mommy time -- no, Kerstin time I should rather say! Or very very few nights, she falls asleep on my lap and I can still do something (so my frustration level doesn't overflow).
And yet I wonder, why she hasn't learnt that I'm going out after she fell asleep and that I'm always coming, if she wakes up. No need to get angry. We've been doing this for almost all her life. Or maybe she has learnt that she has to be angry, so I come back? But this would involve that she realized not being angry doesn't make me come back - which has never been the case, I always came back within seconds maybe a minute. Or is it rather proof for the deep need of a child to be protected and not feel alone while sleeping? In other cultures co-sleeping is the normal thing until kids are 5 years old (in several cultures, so it seems like a certain natural change then). Maybe that's the natural age for children to learn and feel safe to sleep on their own.
So it seems like the peaceful falling asleep together has the price of her getting angry at me/me spending too much time waiting in bed, instead of enjoying my evenings. Any idea for a better solution? I don't have an outside view anymore... and there have been 3 weeks (a month ago before she got sick again) that she didn't wake up. I was hoping this would be a new era... but it obviously was a PHASE... (which I loved loved loved! And miss miss miss!)
Same here. Sometimes I feel like I'm doing something wrong, bc it feels like too great of a committment to hang in there every evening. On the other hand, I suppose it's only bc lots of people share the opinion that kids are supposed to sleep alone (which I do not agree in general). By now most evenings go pretty smooth and I enjoy taking a break and being close with my baby as well. And I know she also falls asleep with other people taking her to bed, so I don't worry about her getting too focused on me as a person.
But I always have the sentence in the back of my mind that babies shouldn't connect sleeping time with cuddling time as they learn to misunderstand their own needs. That kind of makes sense to me. I definitely support co-sleeping, but I wonder if other co-sleepers find a good way of separating falling asleep and cuddling. And yet, as I write this it seems ridiculous to me. If I had a choice, I would prefer falling asleep in someone's arms as well. And then again I think, why should we force us to separate these too things every night, when 95% of the cases we both prefer it this way.
Falling asleep actually is not the main problem anymore. I don't mind (most of the times) taking this break for 15-60 minutes. She lays down and tries to fall asleep - no being angry for being sent to bed or jumping on the bed anymore. So no more fights, which makes it easier. But I wish she wouldn't wake up again and again until she falls into the real deep sleep. There are few nights, she just sleeps and that's it. I can almost see a pattern (probably the sleeping phases, I didn't get into it yet): she wakes up 1 hour later, then every 20-30 minutes later (up to 4 times). And she gets worried/angry, bc I'm not next to her anymore. She tells me to lie down (literally: "lay down" pointing to my pillow). The more angry she got the longer it takes her to fall back asleep. So usually I hurry to go in there soon as I hear some weeping. Sometimes putting the pacifier back in does the job and I can go out right away. Lucky! But like I say, when she got angry about my leaving, it might take another 15 minutes. Sometimes it doesn't seem to "work" at all, so I take her back to the living room to prepare for going to bed (lights off, computer off, set alarm...) and then go to bed early myself - frustrating as I usually look forward to my 2 hours Mommy time -- no, Kerstin time I should rather say! Or very very few nights, she falls asleep on my lap and I can still do something (so my frustration level doesn't overflow).
And yet I wonder, why she hasn't learnt that I'm going out after she fell asleep and that I'm always coming, if she wakes up. No need to get angry. We've been doing this for almost all her life. Or maybe she has learnt that she has to be angry, so I come back? But this would involve that she realized not being angry doesn't make me come back - which has never been the case, I always came back within seconds maybe a minute. Or is it rather proof for the deep need of a child to be protected and not feel alone while sleeping? In other cultures co-sleeping is the normal thing until kids are 5 years old (in several cultures, so it seems like a certain natural change then). Maybe that's the natural age for children to learn and feel safe to sleep on their own.
So it seems like the peaceful falling asleep together has the price of her getting angry at me/me spending too much time waiting in bed, instead of enjoying my evenings. Any idea for a better solution? I don't have an outside view anymore... and there have been 3 weeks (a month ago before she got sick again) that she didn't wake up. I was hoping this would be a new era... but it obviously was a PHASE... (which I loved loved loved! And miss miss miss!)
Thanksgiving is tomorrow.
Here in America, it's Thanksgiving time. It started with a dinner with some pilgrims and Indians and now it is a combination of a traditional feast with Turkey and stuffing and giving gratitude. That, and lots of over eating.
We are going to my cousins' house, who aren't really my cousins at all. They are my cousins ex-husband's cousins (follow that?). I knew them before my cousin was even married though. I went to their house about every month for years and I love them both. We would have endless nights talking like it was a slumber party, every time. I haven't seen them since we got married so I am super excited to spend time with them. I feel like they are family though. They have two kids (age 3 &5).
Today we are getting our car fixed so we are safe on the drive, so we walked to the library. It was a brisk walk, but I loved walking. It's something that we should do more often. Note to self: prepare for the imminent cold weather.
We set out our clothes for the trip and some are in the washer getting clean. We will pack in the morning and head out when it's Olivia's nap time. Just like all the other crazies who plan to travel the day before Thanksgiving. We will be gone for a few days. I am going to bring some felt cookies to sew that I started when we were in Kyrgyzstan.
We are going to my cousins' house, who aren't really my cousins at all. They are my cousins ex-husband's cousins (follow that?). I knew them before my cousin was even married though. I went to their house about every month for years and I love them both. We would have endless nights talking like it was a slumber party, every time. I haven't seen them since we got married so I am super excited to spend time with them. I feel like they are family though. They have two kids (age 3 &5).
Today we are getting our car fixed so we are safe on the drive, so we walked to the library. It was a brisk walk, but I loved walking. It's something that we should do more often. Note to self: prepare for the imminent cold weather.
We set out our clothes for the trip and some are in the washer getting clean. We will pack in the morning and head out when it's Olivia's nap time. Just like all the other crazies who plan to travel the day before Thanksgiving. We will be gone for a few days. I am going to bring some felt cookies to sew that I started when we were in Kyrgyzstan.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Getting into Holiday Mood
Looking out the window of our new cardboard-house...
Looking out the big window... (it was her idea!)
Reading books together... (he's near-sighted!)
Going on a ride...
Lenara got him last year for Christmas and ever since "Nikolaus" (aka Laus) has been around and very popular these days. He has to join every activity. Little does she know that Christmas is around the corner for real... ;))
Looking out the big window... (it was her idea!)
Reading books together... (he's near-sighted!)
Going on a ride...
Lenara got him last year for Christmas and ever since "Nikolaus" (aka Laus) has been around and very popular these days. He has to join every activity. Little does she know that Christmas is around the corner for real... ;))
Doll Supplies
are here! I'm so nervous! Now, what do I do?! Ahhh... it's like creating a new creature and I so don't want to mess it up.
New Year's
Hey, U.S. counterpart, what are your plans for New Year's?! I want to party with you like we did last year - except this time I'd be up for a more energetic party than last year. ;) Have you gotten the raclette set yet? Oh how much fun that would be. You're not somewhere around by any chance, are you?
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Interlocking Blocks
Read about those last night and thought they are pretty cool as you can built organic shapes, not like legos, and they are made from wood. The Mom recommending them said all her 4 kids (girls and boys) love to play with them during all different ages. She valued those as the best toy they owned. I also liked all the other things this store "nova natural" offers. Thought I'd share...
Over an hour!!!
Just spent over an hour waiting for Lenara to fall asleep ... argh!!! How I hate this! But she was a good girl, really trying to fall asleep - but she just couldn't. So I couldn't even blame my frustration on her. Which was even more frustrating. ;) I guess our 3-hour-nap this afternoon wasn't such a great idea... although it felt soooo good at the time...
Saturday, November 20, 2010
German Routine (aka our routine)
Hmmm, we have a routine. But sometimes I wonder, do we really? On some days I wish we had more of a routine as I miss spending time with Lenara. Doesn't that sound funny, as I practically spent 24/7 with her? Let me explain...
On days we are home, our routine looks pretty much like this:
7:30 - no alarm clock (yeah!), Lenara just wakes up and then wakes me up (this varies, sometimes, she just gets up and wanders around the apt while I keep waking up and falling back to sleep and while doing this, I'm trying to keep an eye/ear on her; or she just starts slapping me "Mommy, Lala awake"; or she just starts talking and talking and talking, or she gets up and turns on the bright lights - she reaches to the switches now, great!).
8:00 - finally getting myself out of bed. I'm not a morning person, Lenara is. But unlike you guys, I'm assuming those must be her Dad's genes. Bathroom time: dressing ourselves, changing diapers (her's, not mine!) - very important as it is horrible, if the morning poo goes into the soaking-wet-night-diaper, I've learnt from past mistakes!! But I still have to remind myself every morning. Then breakfast. Lenara helps setting the table (she gets stuff out of the fridge, gets her plate) and usually eats a banana at the table, while I finish making breakfast (making coffee just takes way too long!). We have bread with cheese and ham (ok, ok, she has that, I eat jelly only! Got me.), fruit and a glas of milk (I let her use real little glasses for the main meals, which makes her really proud, and I'm surprised she's doing so well in using them - IKEA btw).
9:00 - I clear the table and have some kitchen clean up time, while Lenara knows it's her time to play on her own. She usually organizes her toys, dolls, looks at books - or in other words, starts setting the apt in complete chaos.
9:30 - brushing teeth together.
And the next time frame, I have no idea what we do, but time passes really quickly. We play together with her toys or I suggest some activity (like crayons). Or we sing and I take out my guitar every once in while (only to get frustrated that I can't remember anything). Most days Lenara has some wishes what to do (like recently playing with our sling swing). I also try to get one house shore done in the morning (like putting laundry in the washing machine, or vacuum cleaning).
Then at some point, I realize, I should think about what to make for lunch. OMG, it's so late already!? My fridge is empty, ah! We need to go to the grocery store. Good thing the grocery store is right next to our house. ;) This doesn't happen every day, but on many days as I'm still really bad at planning our lunches ahead of time.
11:30 - start cooking, although it's practically nap time already (Lenara getting annoying). I let her push her highchair (triptrap) to the kitchen counter on which she can stand and also work on the counter. I try to give her something to do. Even if it's something that doesn't really need to be done (like washing raisins for the 3rd time, or clean some plastic cups) and we both love to snack on whatever we cook (I'm positive that's the reason why she doesn't eat a lot). She loves to snack on frozen vegetables! ;) While in the beginning I was nervous with her around the kitchen equipment, I got pretty good at automatically putting the knives where she (hopefully) can't reach. And I taught her to keep her fingers out of the cutting area and of course that the oven and stove are big no-nos and hot. It works very well and we both enjoy making lunch. In the past I made her play on her own while I made lunch. But I felt bad for neglecting her and the second time playing on her own usually didn't work that well. So I'm happy with our new solution - plus, I think it's perfect that she watches me and learns about food and cooking from the very beginning (the truth is, I hate cooking, and I can't wait for her to make lunch for me!) - nice side effect.
12:30 - bottle of milk and nap time. I lay down with her. Usually I try to get up after half an hour, so I can "use" my free time. But usually naptime is shorter, if I leave our bed. So if I feel like she needs to get some sleep, I just sleep, too, for 1.5-2 hrs. That's my treat!
15:00 - we are up again. Now we either get ready for a walk, or playground, or a playdate. I prefer to just go for a walk without any purpose (in the fields, woods and explore). But many times, I go into town where I need to get something. I also try to avoid getting into the car (as this eats up time and money), which isn't really avoidable leaving in such a rural area. My goal is to use the bike and our trailer more often (mostly to safe gas money).
17:00 - snack time, apples, pretzels, bananas, something like that. We love to snack outside.
18:00 - returning home. Some more playing with toys and me getting stuff done, I didn't get done throughout the day.
19:00 - we pick up all the toys together. I like to have the apt picked up when I return to the living room after getting Lenara to bed, so my free time starts right then. Then she eats dinner. I offer cereal with raisins - to keep it simple. I vary with cereal though. Then another bottle of milk on the couch with only candle light (or dimmend light). Brushing teeth together. Pajamas on. Going to bed. Reading a story. Lights off. Singing our lullaby. Me waiting for her to fall asleep, so I can get up again. Usually by 20:30 (8:30).
Free time! Yeah. Sometimes interrupted several times by Lenara waking up and demanding me to lay next to her again (and again) and sneaking out again (and again). That's quite annoying. But we have more nights with her not waking up before I go to bed than others by now. It's changing right now. And it makes such a huge (!) difference, if I have those 2 hours really to myself in the evening.
22:30 (10:30) - Mommy's bed time. I'm pretty strict with myself. Oh yes. (My natural need for sleep is 10 hrs!!)
Ok, that's it. But we're only home on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays we have to get up at 6:30 to get to the Day Nanny by 8. Those mornings are one rush and I'm trying to arrange it more peaceful and pleasant. Usually we oversleep at least one of those 2 days. I pick her up by 11:30. Then make lunch. On Thursday afternoons we join a group of single parent families. Which means getting into the car quickly after our nap. We come back by 7. On Fridays we attend Mini-Club (playgroup), which means getting up at 7 and getting into the car to be there by 9. Getting back home by 12. At the moment I sometimes think it's too much going on. And especially too many groups for L to adjust (Nanny, single parent meeting, Mini-Club). Plus the Daddy weekends when she's practically gone for 3 days in a row and needs to adjust to the other family (except nights) and grandparents afternoons, where Lenara is totally busy playing with them, even if I'm around too. That's why I feel like I don't get to spend enough relaxed quality time with her (without me having to think about other stuff to get done)... weird to say as a stay-at-home-mom, I know. But also exactly the reason for me staying at home for another while.
On days we are home, our routine looks pretty much like this:
7:30 - no alarm clock (yeah!), Lenara just wakes up and then wakes me up (this varies, sometimes, she just gets up and wanders around the apt while I keep waking up and falling back to sleep and while doing this, I'm trying to keep an eye/ear on her; or she just starts slapping me "Mommy, Lala awake"; or she just starts talking and talking and talking, or she gets up and turns on the bright lights - she reaches to the switches now, great!).
8:00 - finally getting myself out of bed. I'm not a morning person, Lenara is. But unlike you guys, I'm assuming those must be her Dad's genes. Bathroom time: dressing ourselves, changing diapers (her's, not mine!) - very important as it is horrible, if the morning poo goes into the soaking-wet-night-diaper, I've learnt from past mistakes!! But I still have to remind myself every morning. Then breakfast. Lenara helps setting the table (she gets stuff out of the fridge, gets her plate) and usually eats a banana at the table, while I finish making breakfast (making coffee just takes way too long!). We have bread with cheese and ham (ok, ok, she has that, I eat jelly only! Got me.), fruit and a glas of milk (I let her use real little glasses for the main meals, which makes her really proud, and I'm surprised she's doing so well in using them - IKEA btw).
9:00 - I clear the table and have some kitchen clean up time, while Lenara knows it's her time to play on her own. She usually organizes her toys, dolls, looks at books - or in other words, starts setting the apt in complete chaos.
9:30 - brushing teeth together.
And the next time frame, I have no idea what we do, but time passes really quickly. We play together with her toys or I suggest some activity (like crayons). Or we sing and I take out my guitar every once in while (only to get frustrated that I can't remember anything). Most days Lenara has some wishes what to do (like recently playing with our sling swing). I also try to get one house shore done in the morning (like putting laundry in the washing machine, or vacuum cleaning).
Then at some point, I realize, I should think about what to make for lunch. OMG, it's so late already!? My fridge is empty, ah! We need to go to the grocery store. Good thing the grocery store is right next to our house. ;) This doesn't happen every day, but on many days as I'm still really bad at planning our lunches ahead of time.
11:30 - start cooking, although it's practically nap time already (Lenara getting annoying). I let her push her highchair (triptrap) to the kitchen counter on which she can stand and also work on the counter. I try to give her something to do. Even if it's something that doesn't really need to be done (like washing raisins for the 3rd time, or clean some plastic cups) and we both love to snack on whatever we cook (I'm positive that's the reason why she doesn't eat a lot). She loves to snack on frozen vegetables! ;) While in the beginning I was nervous with her around the kitchen equipment, I got pretty good at automatically putting the knives where she (hopefully) can't reach. And I taught her to keep her fingers out of the cutting area and of course that the oven and stove are big no-nos and hot. It works very well and we both enjoy making lunch. In the past I made her play on her own while I made lunch. But I felt bad for neglecting her and the second time playing on her own usually didn't work that well. So I'm happy with our new solution - plus, I think it's perfect that she watches me and learns about food and cooking from the very beginning (the truth is, I hate cooking, and I can't wait for her to make lunch for me!) - nice side effect.
12:30 - bottle of milk and nap time. I lay down with her. Usually I try to get up after half an hour, so I can "use" my free time. But usually naptime is shorter, if I leave our bed. So if I feel like she needs to get some sleep, I just sleep, too, for 1.5-2 hrs. That's my treat!
15:00 - we are up again. Now we either get ready for a walk, or playground, or a playdate. I prefer to just go for a walk without any purpose (in the fields, woods and explore). But many times, I go into town where I need to get something. I also try to avoid getting into the car (as this eats up time and money), which isn't really avoidable leaving in such a rural area. My goal is to use the bike and our trailer more often (mostly to safe gas money).
17:00 - snack time, apples, pretzels, bananas, something like that. We love to snack outside.
18:00 - returning home. Some more playing with toys and me getting stuff done, I didn't get done throughout the day.
19:00 - we pick up all the toys together. I like to have the apt picked up when I return to the living room after getting Lenara to bed, so my free time starts right then. Then she eats dinner. I offer cereal with raisins - to keep it simple. I vary with cereal though. Then another bottle of milk on the couch with only candle light (or dimmend light). Brushing teeth together. Pajamas on. Going to bed. Reading a story. Lights off. Singing our lullaby. Me waiting for her to fall asleep, so I can get up again. Usually by 20:30 (8:30).
Free time! Yeah. Sometimes interrupted several times by Lenara waking up and demanding me to lay next to her again (and again) and sneaking out again (and again). That's quite annoying. But we have more nights with her not waking up before I go to bed than others by now. It's changing right now. And it makes such a huge (!) difference, if I have those 2 hours really to myself in the evening.
22:30 (10:30) - Mommy's bed time. I'm pretty strict with myself. Oh yes. (My natural need for sleep is 10 hrs!!)
Ok, that's it. But we're only home on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays we have to get up at 6:30 to get to the Day Nanny by 8. Those mornings are one rush and I'm trying to arrange it more peaceful and pleasant. Usually we oversleep at least one of those 2 days. I pick her up by 11:30. Then make lunch. On Thursday afternoons we join a group of single parent families. Which means getting into the car quickly after our nap. We come back by 7. On Fridays we attend Mini-Club (playgroup), which means getting up at 7 and getting into the car to be there by 9. Getting back home by 12. At the moment I sometimes think it's too much going on. And especially too many groups for L to adjust (Nanny, single parent meeting, Mini-Club). Plus the Daddy weekends when she's practically gone for 3 days in a row and needs to adjust to the other family (except nights) and grandparents afternoons, where Lenara is totally busy playing with them, even if I'm around too. That's why I feel like I don't get to spend enough relaxed quality time with her (without me having to think about other stuff to get done)... weird to say as a stay-at-home-mom, I know. But also exactly the reason for me staying at home for another while.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Hooray...
Today has been better already.
We have cut down the nursing to morning, afternoon (nap), and bedtime.
Olivia ate breakfast of banana and oat cereal.
Lunch of chicken, fries.
For dinner, a meatball, banana, avocado, and veggie snacks.
I offered soy milk (allergic to milk) and water in between.
I loved your post/comment and I value it and am so glad you shared your experience.
I'm probably going to reread it this week.
Also I struggle about taking away something she wants.
Can you tell me about your routine with Lenara?
We have cut down the nursing to morning, afternoon (nap), and bedtime.
Olivia ate breakfast of banana and oat cereal.
Lunch of chicken, fries.
For dinner, a meatball, banana, avocado, and veggie snacks.
I offered soy milk (allergic to milk) and water in between.
I loved your post/comment and I value it and am so glad you shared your experience.
I'm probably going to reread it this week.
Also I struggle about taking away something she wants.
Can you tell me about your routine with Lenara?
RE: Frustrating
This I typed in the comments' box, but it was too long, so here we go:
----------------------
I don't know if you remember the times, when I was so frustrated with Lenara not eating solids and sticking to Mommy's milk. I read ONE book which practically solved all my problems: My child won't eat! by Carlos Gonzales. You HAVE to get it, Jen! I swear! It will help you. Just read the Amazon comments and you'll know you're not alone. I loved this book and it literally changed my life (or rather my perspective!).
And the family counselor I talked to during that stage (more bc of other family problems) told me, if nursing is becoming a problem for one of the two (Mom and/or kid) something HAS to change - bc the tension inside will rise slowly and be bad for your relationship - worse than even not breastfeeding at all. So I started taking my awkward feeling about nursing very serious from then on. I couldn't stand the sucking feeling at my nipples anymore - very suddenly, which surprised me... and shocked me at the same time, bc I knew breastfeeding until the "babys" are 2 is a good thing and I WANTED to commit to it. That's why I was so torn. It turned out (after some talking with the counselor) that I had always denied and depreciated when toddler came running to their Moms and pulling up their shirts - helping themselves. I thought it was disgusting (before I had my child). I think I only saw this in movies or documentaries on TV though. But still. Unconciously it had become a basic value that I couldn't easily overcome by just KNOWING, it's a good thing for the child to nurse as long as possible. As soon as I took my feelings serious, it almost naturally happend that we only breastfed in the mornings and evenings and eventually stopped altogether. Without me having to force Lenara not to drink anymore or to take something from her, that she needed (which was my biggest fear!). It happened naturally and very peaceful. So it must have been a good point in time for both of us. We replaced the breastfeeding before sleeping with a bottle of cow's milk - our intimate time remained (and sharing our bed also was important to me in that matter bc I def wanted to keep the intimacy).
Mommy's milk is so rich, I could imagine, that's one reason why Olivia doesn't eat a lot. Lenara started eating (for real) only after I stopped breastfeeding altogether. Or have you tried only 3 meals a day? Lenara sometimes still doesn't eat a lot. And after some time I had figured out, that if I drop the in-between-meals (like crackers and apples between breakfast and lunch) she would eat better for the big meals. I rather offer "dessert" - some yoghurt, apples, raisins or something like that, if I have a feeling she might be hungry still. And also she won't eat a lot, when she's tired. Which is my current problem, as we have switched our routine from nap (11:30 to 2:30) then lunch to -> lunch (12:00) then nap (1 to 3), bc it's getting dark at 5 and we would never be able to see the sunlight for our afternoon walk, if we have lunch after nap time. By the time we get ready to go out, it's 4 at least. So now she's usually tired for lunch and doesn't eat... but I will try it another while. People say it takes 4 weeks to break a routine. Anyway, what was I saying about food?
Our day nanny (who has 4 own kids) one time said, that - as routines are so important for kids - for some it's also helpful to have the same kind of food for the specific meal, i.e. bread in the morning, one dish with side and dessert for lunch, cereal for dinner. So they know what time of the day it is (as orientation) and they learn how much they should eat in order not to get hungry before the next meal. Maybe (for sure!) Olivia knows by now that Mommy will offer 1 million things throughout the day and she doesn't see a reason to eat NOW. There are plenty of chances LATER. And my opinion (based on the book) is that children always eat as much as they really need - no need to worry.
Philipp's Mom keeps telling me, he never (never!) ate vegetables - no matter what she tried - and believe me, she has tried a lot. ;)) You'll know it! But he was a very healthy kid. Never sick or anything. So his body must have gotten whatever it needed from the rest of the food he ate. That's what helps me not to worry too much about Lenara not eating (what I think is) enough vegetables. I keep offering, which is important to me and I keep giving her chances to wittness that I eat those things - and like them too! ;) I can't force her to eat it. So that's all I can do.
And I admire you for sticking to healthy food. I'm trying too. But I keep finding myself making exceptions way too often lately (especially since grandmas and fathers always make exceptions as well. I find myself sometimes under pressure... so my daughter won't end up wanting to move out before her 2nd birthday, bc everyone else is treating her with "better" food... and toys... and gifts... but that will be another post). Anyway, all I wanted to say is, I know what you're talking about. And I put out everything I tried myself or heard... take it or leave it. ;))
Good luck! I hope it won't be so frustrating for you anymore very soon!
----------------------
I don't know if you remember the times, when I was so frustrated with Lenara not eating solids and sticking to Mommy's milk. I read ONE book which practically solved all my problems: My child won't eat! by Carlos Gonzales. You HAVE to get it, Jen! I swear! It will help you. Just read the Amazon comments and you'll know you're not alone. I loved this book and it literally changed my life (or rather my perspective!).
And the family counselor I talked to during that stage (more bc of other family problems) told me, if nursing is becoming a problem for one of the two (Mom and/or kid) something HAS to change - bc the tension inside will rise slowly and be bad for your relationship - worse than even not breastfeeding at all. So I started taking my awkward feeling about nursing very serious from then on. I couldn't stand the sucking feeling at my nipples anymore - very suddenly, which surprised me... and shocked me at the same time, bc I knew breastfeeding until the "babys" are 2 is a good thing and I WANTED to commit to it. That's why I was so torn. It turned out (after some talking with the counselor) that I had always denied and depreciated when toddler came running to their Moms and pulling up their shirts - helping themselves. I thought it was disgusting (before I had my child). I think I only saw this in movies or documentaries on TV though. But still. Unconciously it had become a basic value that I couldn't easily overcome by just KNOWING, it's a good thing for the child to nurse as long as possible. As soon as I took my feelings serious, it almost naturally happend that we only breastfed in the mornings and evenings and eventually stopped altogether. Without me having to force Lenara not to drink anymore or to take something from her, that she needed (which was my biggest fear!). It happened naturally and very peaceful. So it must have been a good point in time for both of us. We replaced the breastfeeding before sleeping with a bottle of cow's milk - our intimate time remained (and sharing our bed also was important to me in that matter bc I def wanted to keep the intimacy).
Mommy's milk is so rich, I could imagine, that's one reason why Olivia doesn't eat a lot. Lenara started eating (for real) only after I stopped breastfeeding altogether. Or have you tried only 3 meals a day? Lenara sometimes still doesn't eat a lot. And after some time I had figured out, that if I drop the in-between-meals (like crackers and apples between breakfast and lunch) she would eat better for the big meals. I rather offer "dessert" - some yoghurt, apples, raisins or something like that, if I have a feeling she might be hungry still. And also she won't eat a lot, when she's tired. Which is my current problem, as we have switched our routine from nap (11:30 to 2:30) then lunch to -> lunch (12:00) then nap (1 to 3), bc it's getting dark at 5 and we would never be able to see the sunlight for our afternoon walk, if we have lunch after nap time. By the time we get ready to go out, it's 4 at least. So now she's usually tired for lunch and doesn't eat... but I will try it another while. People say it takes 4 weeks to break a routine. Anyway, what was I saying about food?
Our day nanny (who has 4 own kids) one time said, that - as routines are so important for kids - for some it's also helpful to have the same kind of food for the specific meal, i.e. bread in the morning, one dish with side and dessert for lunch, cereal for dinner. So they know what time of the day it is (as orientation) and they learn how much they should eat in order not to get hungry before the next meal. Maybe (for sure!) Olivia knows by now that Mommy will offer 1 million things throughout the day and she doesn't see a reason to eat NOW. There are plenty of chances LATER. And my opinion (based on the book) is that children always eat as much as they really need - no need to worry.
Philipp's Mom keeps telling me, he never (never!) ate vegetables - no matter what she tried - and believe me, she has tried a lot. ;)) You'll know it! But he was a very healthy kid. Never sick or anything. So his body must have gotten whatever it needed from the rest of the food he ate. That's what helps me not to worry too much about Lenara not eating (what I think is) enough vegetables. I keep offering, which is important to me and I keep giving her chances to wittness that I eat those things - and like them too! ;) I can't force her to eat it. So that's all I can do.
And I admire you for sticking to healthy food. I'm trying too. But I keep finding myself making exceptions way too often lately (especially since grandmas and fathers always make exceptions as well. I find myself sometimes under pressure... so my daughter won't end up wanting to move out before her 2nd birthday, bc everyone else is treating her with "better" food... and toys... and gifts... but that will be another post). Anyway, all I wanted to say is, I know what you're talking about. And I put out everything I tried myself or heard... take it or leave it. ;))
Good luck! I hope it won't be so frustrating for you anymore very soon!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Frustrating
It is hard to pick just one topic to write about because, well, I've never done this mothering thing before. Babysitting? Yes, no problem. Being a mom--totally different.
Well, maybe I'll talk about sleeping and the waking through the night (still!) or maybe eating, or perhaps family dynamics, or would it be more interesting to talk about diapering and how Olivia loathes it?
I've heard people say lately to repeat to yourself, "It's just a phase", over and over because that's the only sure thing about childhood. Depending on the minute, I can't figure out if it is supposed to be said with an endearing tone or an annoyed one.
How could I want the giggles and the cuddles to pass? But, how could I not want the screaming to?
Well, for this post, I will stick with eating since I am most pedantic about that topic at the moment. I've made a list and have tried to not worry so much but alas, I worry.
It goes a bit like this:
Phase 1.
We wake up around 7.
Well, Olivia wakes us up around 7.
Papa and I look at the clock, both of us attempt to be happy to be awake.
We're happy to see Olive, who is sooo infectiously happy in the morning (I have no idea how the two of us created a morning person).
Olivia breastfeeds like a starving maniac right when she wakes up which consists of her standing up but attached to me at her mouth, while I am lying down on my back, most mornings. Breastfeeding has gone beyond intimate and tender and is now a "Hook the car up to the gas tank" kind of intimacy. I produce the milk, she drinks it (while disinterested, pointing to her surroundings, yet still attached at my nipple). We get dressed for the day, brush teeth, and go downstairs. Mom is noticing that she has a "Mom uniform" and wants to replace it with a more trendy, fashionable look by Christmas. Current: jeans and a long sweater. Boring. Olivia dons tights under her outfit (we love to layer) and usually a nice warm knit since it's cold now.
Yes, this post is about eating and how frustrating it is to me, but why not break up the story with a little detail, eh?)
Phase 2. 7:45
We have gone past my crazy idea of thinking that she will still be hungry after this maniacal episode, so we skip a attempt a high-chair eating and head straight to the park, on a walk, or play inside...while I secretly am hoping that she is working up an appetite.
Phase 3. 8:45
Officially hungry, but not hungry enough to eat.
This phase of our "Trying to get Olivia to eat routine" makes me think of the saying "You can bring a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."
This is where my mind goes blank. I try to give options, but after constant rejection, the floor, as well as my confidence that my child will eat, is diminishing in presence quickly. I believe in eating healthy food together, and talking. I'm not giving up on those two things. My daughter does communicate, and that, I admire. She has opinions that she is working on expressing, and I am listening.
If she doesn't offer what I put out though, she doesn't eat. At some point, it just gets crazy to offer tons of options to a child this young. I offer fruit and a grain cereal (not the sugary kind). Then we have some sort of protein option, like eggs or yogurt.
She feeds herself without a problem when she is hungry and interested so I have tried to stop "sneaking in bites" when she isn't paying attention. I know that those bites were more for my satisfaction than hers.
I clean up the floor, after documenting on the list posted on the fridge, the bites (usually about 5) that she has taken. I'm happy with that. We aren't breakfast eaters either. We call it quits for the morning. Mom packs a snack in the bag and we head to the
a)library b)playdate c)park d)walk e)stay home/no snack-packing needed
Phase 4. 10:45
Hungry. Maybe.
At this point in the day, Olivia will be content to eat whatever mom makes, mostly.
Most of it goes to Boone, our ever so obedient dog when food enters the picture.
But, like I think I said before, he does a stellar job cleaning the floor, so I put up with the canine, lovingly.
Olivia is great with routine. This, inevitably, will be the meal that consists of avocado, crackers, banana, raisins, and a small bit of carrot and/or apple. And, some Cheerios. And, some soymilk. I try to combine as many nutritious things into a bite as possible.
Yesterday the concoction was rice and whole wheat pasta with spinach, turkey, sweet potatoes, and soy cheese with marinara sauce. Messy, but yummy.
Happy Mama. CPS (Child Protective Services) stops knocking at my (sub-conscious) door asking if I am starving my child yet another day.
Happy Baby. Off running again.
Phase 5. 1:00
Breastfeeds in another awkward position, and goes to sleep in said awkward position.
Phase 6. 3:30
Olivia wakes up from her nap and is happy and energetic. This is where my mind thinks that Olivia will only be up for another 3.5 hours and therefore needs to get enough food in her little stomach so she will sleep through the night, just once, maybe.
We play and sometimes head out to seek some fun.
Phase 7. 5:30.
Dinner.
We have the grown up meal. We mush it up for Olivia, if needs be, or cut it up. We sit as a family while Olivia flings food all over the place, with little to no interest in ingesting the cuisine. Clean up crew is called in and the site premises is a catastrophe.
Phase 8. 6:15
Bath.
Phase 9. 7:00
Eating again.
One last try. Cheerios, maybe a little bit of avocado, and some nut butter. Perhaps a little bit of soymilk.
Nurses to sleep by 8.
Humor aside, it is very frustrating. By the end of these meals I am annoyed at the whole event am not fun again for a while. It just gets to me. The thing is, I love my food. I love eating. I look forward to it. I'm surprised I'm not obese. Really, I eat more than any of my past male counterparts and present. And then here is my daughter eating the quantity a small rodent would, but with particular preferences.
I'm starting to worry about it less and less though. She is healthy and active, and gaining weight. She wets enough diapers and has adequate messy diapers too. But, it is a struggle. I guess everyone has their different struggles. But, I really want to not treat it as a problem because kids are great at picking up those feelings.
Sometimes, we have really great days full of eating. I notice that on those days it is when she is distracted with the activity of other kids (while on a play-date) where she just eats and eats. So, I think that we are getting better at the whole eating thing.
For example, today, Olivia ate a whole piece of home-baked bread (I didn't make it). Before that I fed her some chicken and banana, so we had a great lunch today, in my book.
Like they say, it's all just a phase. Before I know it, she'll be eating everything, probably. Fingers crossed. Ugh.
The thing is, that sometimes, we cave. We offer her junk food when we are around it. French fries. Chocolate. Maybe once a week in small quantities. But, I am not going to be one of the Americans that offers sugar cereal and claim that's all she'll eat. Oatmeal. Rice cereal. Cheerios, bread, a bagel? Sure. She loves sweets and salty foods but I'm not going down that slippery path just so she will eat. I think that would be just as dangerous as distracting. I mean, who eats cakes or french fries because they are actually hungry? Nobody!
Well, maybe I'll talk about sleeping and the waking through the night (still!) or maybe eating, or perhaps family dynamics, or would it be more interesting to talk about diapering and how Olivia loathes it?
I've heard people say lately to repeat to yourself, "It's just a phase", over and over because that's the only sure thing about childhood. Depending on the minute, I can't figure out if it is supposed to be said with an endearing tone or an annoyed one.
How could I want the giggles and the cuddles to pass? But, how could I not want the screaming to?
Well, for this post, I will stick with eating since I am most pedantic about that topic at the moment. I've made a list and have tried to not worry so much but alas, I worry.
It goes a bit like this:
Phase 1.
We wake up around 7.
Well, Olivia wakes us up around 7.
Papa and I look at the clock, both of us attempt to be happy to be awake.
We're happy to see Olive, who is sooo infectiously happy in the morning (I have no idea how the two of us created a morning person).
Olivia breastfeeds like a starving maniac right when she wakes up which consists of her standing up but attached to me at her mouth, while I am lying down on my back, most mornings. Breastfeeding has gone beyond intimate and tender and is now a "Hook the car up to the gas tank" kind of intimacy. I produce the milk, she drinks it (while disinterested, pointing to her surroundings, yet still attached at my nipple). We get dressed for the day, brush teeth, and go downstairs. Mom is noticing that she has a "Mom uniform" and wants to replace it with a more trendy, fashionable look by Christmas. Current: jeans and a long sweater. Boring. Olivia dons tights under her outfit (we love to layer) and usually a nice warm knit since it's cold now.
Yes, this post is about eating and how frustrating it is to me, but why not break up the story with a little detail, eh?)
Phase 2. 7:45
We have gone past my crazy idea of thinking that she will still be hungry after this maniacal episode, so we skip a attempt a high-chair eating and head straight to the park, on a walk, or play inside...while I secretly am hoping that she is working up an appetite.
Phase 3. 8:45
Officially hungry, but not hungry enough to eat.
This phase of our "Trying to get Olivia to eat routine" makes me think of the saying "You can bring a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."
This is where my mind goes blank. I try to give options, but after constant rejection, the floor, as well as my confidence that my child will eat, is diminishing in presence quickly. I believe in eating healthy food together, and talking. I'm not giving up on those two things. My daughter does communicate, and that, I admire. She has opinions that she is working on expressing, and I am listening.
If she doesn't offer what I put out though, she doesn't eat. At some point, it just gets crazy to offer tons of options to a child this young. I offer fruit and a grain cereal (not the sugary kind). Then we have some sort of protein option, like eggs or yogurt.
She feeds herself without a problem when she is hungry and interested so I have tried to stop "sneaking in bites" when she isn't paying attention. I know that those bites were more for my satisfaction than hers.
I clean up the floor, after documenting on the list posted on the fridge, the bites (usually about 5) that she has taken. I'm happy with that. We aren't breakfast eaters either. We call it quits for the morning. Mom packs a snack in the bag and we head to the
a)library b)playdate c)park d)walk e)stay home/no snack-packing needed
Phase 4. 10:45
Hungry. Maybe.
At this point in the day, Olivia will be content to eat whatever mom makes, mostly.
Most of it goes to Boone, our ever so obedient dog when food enters the picture.
But, like I think I said before, he does a stellar job cleaning the floor, so I put up with the canine, lovingly.
Olivia is great with routine. This, inevitably, will be the meal that consists of avocado, crackers, banana, raisins, and a small bit of carrot and/or apple. And, some Cheerios. And, some soymilk. I try to combine as many nutritious things into a bite as possible.
Yesterday the concoction was rice and whole wheat pasta with spinach, turkey, sweet potatoes, and soy cheese with marinara sauce. Messy, but yummy.
Happy Mama. CPS (Child Protective Services) stops knocking at my (sub-conscious) door asking if I am starving my child yet another day.
Happy Baby. Off running again.
Phase 5. 1:00
Breastfeeds in another awkward position, and goes to sleep in said awkward position.
Phase 6. 3:30
Olivia wakes up from her nap and is happy and energetic. This is where my mind thinks that Olivia will only be up for another 3.5 hours and therefore needs to get enough food in her little stomach so she will sleep through the night, just once, maybe.
We play and sometimes head out to seek some fun.
Phase 7. 5:30.
Dinner.
We have the grown up meal. We mush it up for Olivia, if needs be, or cut it up. We sit as a family while Olivia flings food all over the place, with little to no interest in ingesting the cuisine. Clean up crew is called in and the site premises is a catastrophe.
Phase 8. 6:15
Bath.
Phase 9. 7:00
Eating again.
One last try. Cheerios, maybe a little bit of avocado, and some nut butter. Perhaps a little bit of soymilk.
Nurses to sleep by 8.
Humor aside, it is very frustrating. By the end of these meals I am annoyed at the whole event am not fun again for a while. It just gets to me. The thing is, I love my food. I love eating. I look forward to it. I'm surprised I'm not obese. Really, I eat more than any of my past male counterparts and present. And then here is my daughter eating the quantity a small rodent would, but with particular preferences.
I'm starting to worry about it less and less though. She is healthy and active, and gaining weight. She wets enough diapers and has adequate messy diapers too. But, it is a struggle. I guess everyone has their different struggles. But, I really want to not treat it as a problem because kids are great at picking up those feelings.
Sometimes, we have really great days full of eating. I notice that on those days it is when she is distracted with the activity of other kids (while on a play-date) where she just eats and eats. So, I think that we are getting better at the whole eating thing.
For example, today, Olivia ate a whole piece of home-baked bread (I didn't make it). Before that I fed her some chicken and banana, so we had a great lunch today, in my book.
Like they say, it's all just a phase. Before I know it, she'll be eating everything, probably. Fingers crossed. Ugh.
The thing is, that sometimes, we cave. We offer her junk food when we are around it. French fries. Chocolate. Maybe once a week in small quantities. But, I am not going to be one of the Americans that offers sugar cereal and claim that's all she'll eat. Oatmeal. Rice cereal. Cheerios, bread, a bagel? Sure. She loves sweets and salty foods but I'm not going down that slippery path just so she will eat. I think that would be just as dangerous as distracting. I mean, who eats cakes or french fries because they are actually hungry? Nobody!
Never bored!
Olivia got some new pants from one of Papa's shirts he was getting rid of.
Olivia started going to Russian preschool once a week, where I teach the kids English. I get paid $20 and promptly go to my favorite health food store right after and spend it all.
Olivia wants all of our pens, all the time. I think I am going to start taking a pad of paper to the park because I'm envisioning a mess on our walls.
Bubbles. All the time. She screams when she hears the water run because she knows bubbles happen in the sink. Did I say scream? I meant shriek. Ear-piercing.
We have a play group at our house on Thursdays. We play with Theodore during the week also. They love the park. Olivia likes to get out and explore. As you can see, she has taken a very proactive approach to everything she is involved in.
Finishing the alphabet wall. It is going to be more interactive and a conversation piece between me and Olivia, not just decor, I hope. Still some letters missing, but it's coming along.
Well, that's a little of what we've been up to.
Olivia started going to Russian preschool once a week, where I teach the kids English. I get paid $20 and promptly go to my favorite health food store right after and spend it all.
Olivia wants all of our pens, all the time. I think I am going to start taking a pad of paper to the park because I'm envisioning a mess on our walls.
Bubbles. All the time. She screams when she hears the water run because she knows bubbles happen in the sink. Did I say scream? I meant shriek. Ear-piercing.
We have a play group at our house on Thursdays. We play with Theodore during the week also. They love the park. Olivia likes to get out and explore. As you can see, she has taken a very proactive approach to everything she is involved in.
Finishing the alphabet wall. It is going to be more interactive and a conversation piece between me and Olivia, not just decor, I hope. Still some letters missing, but it's coming along.
Well, that's a little of what we've been up to.
Location:Catonsville, MD
Monday, November 15, 2010
First official Lantern Walk
What can I say. Just special. Really special. The day nanny put such an effort in making this a memorable event for the little ones - 4 of her daykids with their parents. Philipp and his mother were with us too. It was the first "official event" we showed up together as parents. Philipp had never seen the nanny or the place before. He was quite amazed to see everything. Before we went for the walk she put on a little hand puppet play in the playroom - all in the dark only lit up with candles. You could see the kids were irritated by being in that well-known room at night time and with all of the parents. They were quite excited - although they had no clue what this was all about of course. The daynanny had made one lantern for each of the kids. So special. Then she asked us to be completely quiet for the walk and only join in the singing. I had quite some trouble shutting up in the beginning. But once we left the house, I think I got better at it. I even think I was the only one who had actually practiced the songs. So there. It looked like 4 little dwarfs making their way through a little dark path. I was so proud to see my little girl being one of them and doing such a good job in holding the lantern (with a real candle!) herself. When we got back they offered tea and cookies in the house (and I got to chat again! yeah!). I didn't want to ruin the moment, so I didn't really dare to take pictures. And I know, you won't believe me, but Lenara did have fun - she just hated the flashlight in all the pictures we took together (and I hate that we have so few pictures together, one of the disadvantages of being a single Mom).
And last but not least: Some historical input (from Wikipedia) on St. Martin's day and the traditions around the world.
And last but not least: Some historical input (from Wikipedia) on St. Martin's day and the traditions around the world.
Kids imitating
I think it's amazing to see how children imitate others and learn so much from just watching. I'm amazed every day, bc Lenara does something surprising and new. Today she was so cute with this doll we borrowed from daycare (a Waldorf doll that I wanted to have a closer look at in preparation for the one I will make). She kept putting an imaginary pacifier in the dolls mouth, which I have never seen her do before. She held the baby in her arms and rocked it. She sat the doll next to herself in a chair and read a book to her - pointing out all the details we usually point out together. Obviously the doll wasn't paying attention well enough, bc Lenara took the dolls head several times and bent it down facing towards the book. Later on, she came up to me asking for help, as the doll was supposed to go in the back carrier. So I took a scarf and wrapped the doll on her own back. Then they went on a walk together all through the apartment. I just loved watching this amazing scene with one eye from the kitchen...
Fruit & Co.
This is how far I've gotten so far. Those little things take (surprise, surprise!) longer than I thought. Especially crochetting a ball is a challenge. The first half turns out good, but the second one always has holes in it, no matter what I try. Of course, I placed them in the picture, so you can't see the bad half... :(
But so far I'm pretty proud of the result. ;))
(I bought the apples though... I should add...)
But so far I'm pretty proud of the result. ;))
(I bought the apples though... I should add...)
Friday, November 12, 2010
Children's kitchen supplies
For Lenara's advent calendar I'm planning to make fruit, vegetable, cheese, sausages and bread (maybe something more lets see how that goes) from felt. So every day until christmas day she gets something and for christmas I'm hoping to have her little stove ready that I started a while ago (in spring!). So while I'm doing onine research for ideas and patterns, I thought, I might as well post it:
On this site Nadelkissten a lot of links to free patterns can be found - including roll-up stove, cardboard-stove, eatables and a chef's hat. It's a German sit, but the links are international.
A nice chef's hat (tutorial)
I love this site with lots of different children's kitchen ideas (crochette, felt) and other creative projects.
I just realized, it's too time consuming to post pictures now. I might do later...
On this site Nadelkissten a lot of links to free patterns can be found - including roll-up stove, cardboard-stove, eatables and a chef's hat. It's a German sit, but the links are international.
A nice chef's hat (tutorial)
I love this site with lots of different children's kitchen ideas (crochette, felt) and other creative projects.
I just realized, it's too time consuming to post pictures now. I might do later...
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Lost 120 €
I'm frustrated. Lost 120 € today. Put it in my pocket and when I wanted to take it out, it wasn't there. Tomorrow I got to go back to all places I've been and look for the money. It was the money I earned from ebay - and practically spent already for Christmas and birthday gifts. So it would really suck, if it's gone. It's so much money for me right now... argh!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Most perfect Bib
My U.S.-Mom presented us with the most perfect bib I have ever used on Lenara. We took it right back to Germany with us after our stay there. You can wipe it off easily (and you know how excited that makes me?!) and the crums fall right into this little bag in the front - which reduces cleaning the floor under the table by at least 50% (and you know how excited that makes me?!). And (this is the clue!) this bag opens up for easy cleaning. Our bib has been in use for all meals ever since.
So I decided to make another one, so I can put one in the laundry (and you know how excited that makes me?!) and use the extra one instead. It didn't come out that great actually (I made a pattern myself, which isn't quite the original shape), but it still works. And I love the little birdie who "eats" the crums from the bag... kinda. ;) Plus I know, this is an interim bib as my U.S.-Mom has more bibs in the mail. Can't wait.
I'm going to bed now. 4 posts in one evening. You're right. I don't have a life. I just don't. Although I have to add, last night I went to a candle party. Much like a tupperware party. What a blast. We stayed out til 8:30 pm! And therefore slept in til 9 am this morning. Woohoo...
So I decided to make another one, so I can put one in the laundry (and you know how excited that makes me?!) and use the extra one instead. It didn't come out that great actually (I made a pattern myself, which isn't quite the original shape), but it still works. And I love the little birdie who "eats" the crums from the bag... kinda. ;) Plus I know, this is an interim bib as my U.S.-Mom has more bibs in the mail. Can't wait.
I'm going to bed now. 4 posts in one evening. You're right. I don't have a life. I just don't. Although I have to add, last night I went to a candle party. Much like a tupperware party. What a blast. We stayed out til 8:30 pm! And therefore slept in til 9 am this morning. Woohoo...
How to be a good Housewife
Another good reference as we speak of it: The Good Wife's Guide (5/13/55 Houskeeping Monthly). My favorite is #8. You're welcome, Dave! Now kiss my feet for the rest of your life...
Domestic Goddess?!
Just came across this book title and thought it's kinda funny... especially after my last post and noticing "Sewing" to be the biggest label in our cloud. Jennifer, we focus on the wrong things!
Working World
A couple of days ago I got overwhelmed with all my laundry - again. I hate doing laundry (about as much as wiping to give you an idea). If I take one easy week, the following one the laundry hits back. Literally. I feel like it's taking over my home and threatening me. Piles everywhere. Sorted. Unsorted. Coincidentally dropped. Clean. Dirty. Lenara's. Mine. Outgrown. Ebay.
And while I was close to getting a panic attack - one thought struck me as clear as ever: Isn't this, however, the most perfect place to work at in the world? And all my emotions turned into sheer gratefulness and happiness... I didn't get the smile off my face for quite some time.
And while I was close to getting a panic attack - one thought struck me as clear as ever: Isn't this, however, the most perfect place to work at in the world? And all my emotions turned into sheer gratefulness and happiness... I didn't get the smile off my face for quite some time.
Friday, November 5, 2010
More doll inspiration
I looked up more Waldorf dolls on DaWanda.com for inspiration. I don't think it was a good idea... I keep falling more and more in love with them, but it's also intimidating. I think getting the hair and the facial expression right will be a tough part (although Waldorf dolls are known for having close to no expression, but I've looked through sooo many pics just now and each and every doll has a different expression, even though the face is made so simple). Hmmm, plus I'm figuring the equipment and materials won't exactly be cheap... hmmm. Maybe I should look for a class to make them, so I don't waste too much money and time on my first crappy looking doll that I have to hand over to Lenara for Christmas.... ;)
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