Summer Reading

This is what I'm spending about 75% of my time doing at the moment.  The other 25% is split pretty equally between trips to the refrigerator and the bathroom.  I'm calling this my version of nesting since, much to my disappointment, I have felt no urge to mop floors, dust blinds, or do anything else remotely productive.

In my quest for parenting knowledge, I came across an article that someone posted on Facebook (I've tried finding it again but can't) comparing American children to other cultures. My understanding of this article was that our kids are spoiled, disrespectful, self-absorbed, impulsive, and aren't capable of reacting appropriately to hearing "no," while children in many other coutries are well-behaved, responsible, and respectful.  I don't necessarily agree with such broad generalizations and, as a teacher, I have known many kids that do not fit this American characterization...but I have to admit, I've also seen many who fit the description to a T (and I have a parlyzing fear that my child will turn into one of them).  The article also made a reference to French parenting which resulted in googling which resulted in spending $25.95 on this book.

After a little more research I found out I'm about six months behind (story of my life) and this book was "highly anticipated" earlier this year.  So unless you're living under a rock like me, you've probably already heard of it.

I have to say the book fascinated me.  I read it in less than 24 hours and am hoping I have time to go back and read it again.  Not to say that I agree with everything in it by any means, but the French definitely have a few practices that are worth considering.  A few that caught my eye were:

• Most French babies sleep through the night around 2 or 3 months old.  Say what?!
• Children are taught how to wait for things.  For example, their parents' attention or dinner at a restaurant.
• It is important for children to learn to play by themselves.  The parents should not have to constantly provide entertainment.
• Kids eat what parents cook.  No one will prepare you an extra meal of chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. 

But, what I found most intriguing were the differences between children's behavior in our culture and theirs.  The American mom who wrote it lives in Paris and talks about her daughter being the only child she has ever seen throwing a tantrum and how French kids in restaurants would quietly entertain themselves while hers was shredding napkins, throwing food, and running around tables.  Obviously, I know that every child and parent is different.  Certainly there are well-behaved American kids and badly-behaved French kids. 

But reading this did raise a question for me about the overall attitude of the two different cultures when it comes to parenting.  According to the book, the French seem to have a more laid-back yet firm approach that encourages children to be independent at a very young (most Americans would probably say too young) age but leaves no question as to what the child's boundaries are and who is in charge...and, shockingly, everything doesn't revolve around the child.  Yet, it seems to me, many Americans are all about giving our children our undivided attention at all times and providing them with whatever they want when they want it...and then feeling guilty when we find that's impossible.  Again, I'm speaking of my observations of the overall attitude...I know not everyone thinks this way.  But my question is this: Are you viewed as a "selfish parent" if you don't subscribe to this type of American parenting?  Or, do people raise their children this way because it is fulfilling some need to have another person be completely dependent on them?  And isn't that, in a way, selfish also? 

I am not saying one way is right and one is wrong...just very interesting contrasts.  I think this probably confused me more than anything, but like I said, I couldn't put it down.  I would love to know anyone else's opinion on this or thoughts on parenting in general.  I'm sure for the first few months J and I will just be wingin' it!

Now, I'm off to read about breastfeeding...but don't worry...I'm not planning to post about it.

Catching Up

Well, it's been about five months since I last updated the ol' blog so instead of explaining and making excuses I will just let everyone (or the 2 people that read this) know what's been going on. 

Obviously, a lot has happened, but far and away the most important being that we are anxiously waiting for our baby BOY to arrive!  Weston should be here in about 2 weeks...but if he decided to come early it would not hurt my feelings. ;-)  J and I are so excited and can't wait to begin the life-long adventure of parenthood together. 

We've been very busy getting his room ready and I have to say I love it!  I get asked a lot about what theme we are using and I always laugh because I do not do well with themes.  Trying to match everything stresses me out.  So J calls this theme "random with color" and I think that sums it up pretty well. :-)

We still have to hang some things on the walls and I have an idea in my head about a DIY mobile that could turn out to be a disaster, but here are a few pictures of what we have right now. 

We decided we wanted this twin bed in the room in case we need an extra bed for company, but I'm thinking it may come in handy on late nights too. :-)  All the pillows were made by my mom.

This shelf was supposed to lie on it's side for a bench, but we didn't have enough room.  Oh well, I still love it.  The shelf and baskets are from Ikea.

This crib is a Jenny Lind (I think that's how you spell it) and it's the same one J used when he was a baby.  My mom made all the bedding.

Embroidered quilt made by my sweet grandma.  It makes me smile. :-)

Pillow made by the best mom in the world...mine.

This is an old desk that my parents had.  They added shelves, painted it, and replaced the knobs to turn it into a changing table.

This is the one thing I did myself.  It's made from an old board from my grandparents' house and will be hung on the wall...not lying in the floor.

Door hanger made by my talented friend Amanda.

Chalkboard made by another talented friend Allison.

And I had to include this picture of Dixie just because she's adorable and I love her.  She also thinks this is her room. :-/  Our spoiled furbaby may be in for a rude awakening when little brother arrives.

 More to come when everything is completed.  I'll leave with a picture of my ever-growing bump.

This is Weston at 38 weeks with only 2 more to go!  Holy cuss word!  We will be parents soon!

My Valentine

J does not really care for it when I mention him on the interweb, but sometimes I can't help it.  I think the world should know how awesome he is. :) 

So, here are a few reasons why my valentine rocks my world:

• He is a man of God and has integrity. 
• He is honest, loving, thoughtful, hard-working, and kind. 
• He listens and loves his family with all he has. 
• He can make me laugh more than any human on earth.
• We have fun together.  There is honestly no one I'd rather hang out with.
• I never question that he loves me.  I am the most important person in his life and I know there absolutely nothing he wouldn't do for me.  And guess what?  I feel the same way.

So thanks to J for being the best hubby ever and for putting up with a little craziness from time to time.  I know he will be the most wonderful dad to our little peanut...and that might prove to be the best thing of all about him.

I also owe him a thank you/apology for getting out of bed last night to go to the store for skittles after I yelled at was upset with him for eating mine.  I'm blaming it on the hormones. :)

Our weekend...

We love weekends.  Sometimes, I feel like it's the only time we're relaxed enough to truly spend time together.  Aside from the yucky stuff like cleaning and laundry, here are some things that went on around here.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I was so excited when J got this early Valentine present for me.  I read it in less than 24 hours because I am obsessive like that and also because it was oh so good!  Can't wait for the movie!

Red Velvet Cupcakes

I made my early Valentine present for J.  Yummy!  (See how I make sure his presents are kind of like presents for me too?  Shh...don't tell)

Avocados

This is probably my weirdest pregnancy craving since I've never really been fond of avocados before, but I seriously cannot get enough of them.  We bought some at Sam's and I think I've eaten three in two days.  Squirt on some lemon juice and salt and pepper and this is one happy girl.  I also like them on this kind of sandwich that I totally stole from the blog Delightfully Tacky, but I think she stole it from Pinterest so I feel ok about it.

Avocado Bacon Sandwich = delicious!

There was also lots of snuggling with this little big fur baby.  I think there may have been a rule in place at one point about no dogs on the bed, but I can't help it.  Who could say no to that face?

And of course, I can't forget this ever-growing bump of mine (ignore horrible picture).  We spent lots of time talking about plans and what life will be like when this little peanut makes his/her appearance.  Oh the times they are a-changin'!

Have a good week!

Kids say the darndest things...

I had the hardest time spelling darndest in that post title.

Anywho, the preggo cat is out of the bag with my students now.  Yesterday, while reading a book at the carpet I noticed a group of girls whispering.  They know I don't like telling secrets because it hurts others feelings, so I asked them to share with the class what they were talking about. Mistake number one.

R: Well, T says that you are (holds hands out in front of stomach to illustrate).
Me: (blank stare and mind churning for a wise teacher-like response)
R: So are you? You know pregnant? (The word has the impact of an atomic bomb and by this time I'm holding everyone's attention WAY  better than Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.)
Me: Um, well, uh, uh, uh, yeeeeees.  Yes I am. (Sometimes I'm so good with words I scare myself. Mistake number two is me not anticipating this moment and coming up with some sort of well articulated response.)
Entire class:  WHAT?!  When?  Are you having a girl or boy?  Why didn't you tell us?  Is that why you went to the doctor last week? When will your belly get big? (And so on, for the next 15 minutes...thank goodness it was time to go home by then)

But, I actually told that story to tell this one.  One little girl was absent yesterday and so the others couldn't wait to tell her the news this morning.  She gets a thoughtful look on her face for a few seconds and then asks the one question I knew would come sooner or later and have dreaded for four months. 

G: Mrs. S how did you get pregnant?
Me: (Full 30 second pause as I'm frantically thinking of the best way to handle this.  I really want to say "ask your mom" then I realize that 20 pairs of eyes are turned my way, waiting, not so patiently, for an answer)  Weeeeeeeell, I just really wanted a baby so I prayed really hard for one.
Entire class:  I didn't know you could pray for a baby!  I'm gonna pray for one too!  I need to tell my mom that! etc.

Whew!  Thank God they were satisfied. 

And that, my friends, is how you dodge a bullet.

Just call me Neo. :)

News

We're gonna be parents! Say, WHAT?!

J and I are so excited!  We are expecting our first baby in July!  It's kind of equal parts awesome and scary.  We don't know boy or girl yet, but are hoping to find out soon!  Right now we're just trying to enjoy the pregnancy and our last few months together before life is changed forever...AND I just scared myself again.