I haven't ventured out to the food co-op yet. I suck.
But, I decided to only shop at TJ's and Whole Foods and skip the grocery store all together--for good. I feel way better about our food choices already.
I also made the decision to not buy any beauty products with parabens in the ingredient list. Its the small things, right? One decision at a time.
I managed to also eliminate another monthly debt from our expense list--the Gym. I didn't go that often, Elliott hated the daycare center, and it was $45 a month. Plus, whatever I did at the gym I could certainly do at home. And, if I wanted to attend a class I could just pony up the $10 and go.
I also changed our netflix subscription from 3 to 1 at a time. Not a huge cost savings, but every bit counts when your working towards being a full time mom.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Milestone-Walking
Elliott's daycare provider said early on that she thought he was the type of kid who observes and watches, all the while storing little bits and pieces in his mind for later use. Then, when he feels confident that he has all of the information he needs, he breaks out with a new talent.
This last week it was walking. A week ago, Saturday (9.20) he let go and walked across the room. Since then it has been non-stop fun (and energy).
He doesn't walk all the time, since crawling is still much faster, but he is walking 25% of time assisted by Mom or Dad's hand and 20% of the time of his own.
I love watching him become more and more independent. He is a very expressive and communicative child. He is very certain about his decisions, and has the ability to sign his needs rather clearly. He is becoming a little boy while we watch (and age simultaneously).
This last week it was walking. A week ago, Saturday (9.20) he let go and walked across the room. Since then it has been non-stop fun (and energy).
He doesn't walk all the time, since crawling is still much faster, but he is walking 25% of time assisted by Mom or Dad's hand and 20% of the time of his own.
I love watching him become more and more independent. He is a very expressive and communicative child. He is very certain about his decisions, and has the ability to sign his needs rather clearly. He is becoming a little boy while we watch (and age simultaneously).
Monday, September 22, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
parenting has its struggles
There has been so much on my mind lately that I cant keep up with the mind race.
The state of the economy is my primary worry. But, so many other things are swirling around in my brain.
I am trying to keep up with all of the blogs I read. And I am especially moved by 2pinklines recent posts. Please visit and send her a heartfelt cyber hug. Sometimes life dishes out bounty and love in divided and complicated ways.
I have been trying to get pregnant for several months. I keep trying to convince myself that when it happens--that I will realize that the time was perfect. And until then...the time just wasn't right. But, every month that passes where I am not pregnant is small, temporary blow to my psyche. My personalty is such that--once I get something in my mind, there is not a way for me to let it go. I get fixated on the results, blinded often. Waiting for something like a positive pregnancy test month after month is not something that digests well with me. It doesn't fit into my "I want it now" mindset. It does force me to be patient, to trust the universe, and to keep looking towards the future. Darn you- logical mind.
I spoke with a girlfriend yesterday who has a new baby and was reminded of how steep the learning curve was in the early months and continues to be. My girlfriend was worried that her baby wasn't sleeping as much as she should (all her other friends infants sleep longer or through the night), she was worried about her milk supply (was she producing enough, is her baby eating enough), about all of the decisions and responsibilities you inherit with parenthood. All of the normal new parent worries couched with a lack of sleep and impaired decision making abilities as a result. The part that made me the most sad was that as Mom's we should be supporting other Mom's, we should be helping them, we should be closer and more accepting. I am saddened by how often new moms are uncertain of themselves (myself as the primary example). It feels like we lack a fundamental piece in the parenting equation--confidence. I don't know if this is something that is inherent in people who grow up around babies and younger siblings or if you just need to grow into your roll as a parent. What I hang onto is advise that a good friend of mine gave me that went something like this--The great part about parenting is that if you are informed and your decisions are made with love—there are no wrong ones for you or your family. If only we could all digest and live this in the early months.
The state of the economy is my primary worry. But, so many other things are swirling around in my brain.
I am trying to keep up with all of the blogs I read. And I am especially moved by 2pinklines recent posts. Please visit and send her a heartfelt cyber hug. Sometimes life dishes out bounty and love in divided and complicated ways.
I have been trying to get pregnant for several months. I keep trying to convince myself that when it happens--that I will realize that the time was perfect. And until then...the time just wasn't right. But, every month that passes where I am not pregnant is small, temporary blow to my psyche. My personalty is such that--once I get something in my mind, there is not a way for me to let it go. I get fixated on the results, blinded often. Waiting for something like a positive pregnancy test month after month is not something that digests well with me. It doesn't fit into my "I want it now" mindset. It does force me to be patient, to trust the universe, and to keep looking towards the future. Darn you- logical mind.
I spoke with a girlfriend yesterday who has a new baby and was reminded of how steep the learning curve was in the early months and continues to be. My girlfriend was worried that her baby wasn't sleeping as much as she should (all her other friends infants sleep longer or through the night), she was worried about her milk supply (was she producing enough, is her baby eating enough), about all of the decisions and responsibilities you inherit with parenthood. All of the normal new parent worries couched with a lack of sleep and impaired decision making abilities as a result. The part that made me the most sad was that as Mom's we should be supporting other Mom's, we should be helping them, we should be closer and more accepting. I am saddened by how often new moms are uncertain of themselves (myself as the primary example). It feels like we lack a fundamental piece in the parenting equation--confidence. I don't know if this is something that is inherent in people who grow up around babies and younger siblings or if you just need to grow into your roll as a parent. What I hang onto is advise that a good friend of mine gave me that went something like this--The great part about parenting is that if you are informed and your decisions are made with love—there are no wrong ones for you or your family. If only we could all digest and live this in the early months.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Outta shape
Can you say outta shape? I once ran a marathon--yup, 26.2 miles. This past weekend we went for a 2 mile walk/hike at Cabrillo Monument and I am still sore 2 days later. Pathetic. The take home message for me is that I need to be a healthy weight AND Fit. One can not function without the other.
Dogs
Have you noticed that dogs and their owners often share the same dominant personality traits? Think of a dog you know. What is the dog most glaring personality characteristic-aggressive, mellow, passive, energetic, insecure, pushy, lazy? Do the owners possess this same characteristic? My observation is yes.
Hmm...Interesting coincidence or do our dogs pick up on our personalities?
Hmm...Interesting coincidence or do our dogs pick up on our personalities?
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