Would you like to help me write a post on marriage? If so, click over to this form and fill it out for me. It'll be super quick, like 2 minutes or less, promise!
Oh, and if you've had experience in a long distance relationship and didn't previously share your advice on this form, it's your last chance to get your two-cents in there. I know, I know, lazy blogger outsourcing the work, but I think it's beneficial that I share more than just my personal thoughts/experiences.
Loved this post about the power of two little words, "You can", in parenting. I'm currently looking for some good (gentle) behavior management techniques for my toddler who has recently discovered tantrums, "no", and just plain ignoring mama. This seemed to fit the bill and I think I may have noticed an improvement already, if not in the way Lucia acts, at least in the way I act toward her.
Also liked this article about a Bronx priest who makes honey and beer...and clothes for Cameron Diaz. I have to say, when I read articles like this, I realize that I can probably do more with my life. Wednesday, I put the dishes away, loaded the dishwasher, did one load of laundry, and took a shower with Lucia (two birds with one loofah) and I thought I was super productive. And I only have one child!
What is it about twins? I think everyone is fascinated and many girls dream of someday having twins. Remember how big Mary Kate & Ashley were? While we're talking about multiples, did anyone have the Quints dolls when they were little? At age 5, I was convinced by those darling dolls that I wanted quintuplets. Now there is a new line of children's books/clothes called Twindollicious that appeals to our culture's love and fascination with twins. The clothes are so, so precious (and no, you don't have to get them in pairs). I'm eying this dress for Lucia for a wedding we're going to in October.
Today was a reminder of why I don't want to move. I spent several hours with my sister-in-law. She only lives 30 minutes away now and it's so nice to be able to spend the day with her all the time. And come September, I could be cuddling my sweet niece all the time. Then I took my grandpa to run some errands while my grandma stayed at home and played with Lucia. I feel guilty I won't be here to help my parents care for my grandparents and for taking away the great-grandchild that brings them so much joy. I am working on a post about all the things I'm looking forward to in North Carolina, though, so I can focus on the positive.
Speaking of my grandparents, I just want to say that I am so grateful for everyone in service industries that treat elderly people with respect. I know they sometimes take longer to get things done or need extra explanations. Your kindness and patience are not unnoticed! Nothing is worse than someone treating an elderly person like a child or with outright disrespect and unfortunately that happens all to often. I think as a society we're doing a poor job teaching the younger generations the value that our elderly continue to contribute to society. How do you teach you children to treat elderly people with respect? How did your parents teach you those lessons?
Check out Lucia's newest word:
Which is only said in the context of playing with this bear. Never when we pray with her. But I guess this is a start, no?
For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!
Lucia is so cute! Rebecca has those pjs - I love them. I learned giving two options helped empower Rebecca. "It's time to go upstairs. Do you want to walk up the stairs, or do you want Mommy to carry you?" That way she still felt like she got to make the decision, but the desired result was achieved. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI had the Quints dolls! I had a puzzle with them on it too. Actually, now that I'm thinking about it, I shared the Quints dolls. I went to some train show with my family and my best friend came. There was only one set there so we agreed to pay for it together and she would take 3 (because she was taking both boys and a girl) and I would take 2 and then we'd switch off, like custody. So silly. I ended up with them in the end and they might still be somewhere at my parents...
ReplyDeleteOh, that video is so cute! We are about to move in with my parents while we are in between houses (one sold but we haven't bought a new one yet) and I was thinking of you and your family. I am actually really excited to be moving in with them. I think it will be a wonderful experience for our children to have that time with my parents. Have you written a blog on how to share space successfully with parents or in-laws when you have a family of your own?
ReplyDeleteShe is THE CUTEST! With modern media, I'm sure you can find a way to send some of that cuteness back to the family when you move. I'm sure it can't be easy, but how great that you are making a conscious effort to focus on the positive!
ReplyDeleteThe video is SOOO cute! I can't believe how much she's changed and grown since the last time I saw her!
ReplyDeleteI know, even I notice she's growing so fast and I'm with her every day!
ReplyDeleteWe'll definitely skype a lot with my parents, but skype isn't the same as hugs and kisses, you know? We'll do our best, though.
ReplyDeleteI haven't written a post like that, but I don't know that I really have that much to say. My parents are just really great about respecting space and giving us privacy that the success of us living together really is all on them and not really something we've done to cultivate that. That will be great for your kids, my biggest regret in moving is taking Lulu away from her grandparents.
ReplyDeleteI always wanted a twin and I've always wanted to have twins...I always thought it looked like fun...
ReplyDeleteI'll be interested in your Marriage post. I'm going to have little cards at my sisters bridal shower for people to fill out and write in marriage advice and then make a little book out of the cards.
Twins do seem fun, but also so much work!
ReplyDeleteI think when little girls start dreaming of twins, they are at an age where they don't even realize one baby is HARD WORK (or any work at all, just fun, cuddly cuteness!)
ReplyDeleteHow funny! That would be something to break out for your kids if your parents still have them.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying that too, but we usually just get "No! No! No!" in response to EVERYTHING!
ReplyDeleteyeah that's what my mom always said lol
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