Tag: mother

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3 years and beyond

Little Party Organisers

All of the girls birthday cakes
All of the girls birthday cakes

The girls are four in September, and for a while now they have been inviting everyone to their party.   As it is still July there is time to invite who we need to invite, but the girls are insisting we do it now!  Obviously very excited girls, let’s just hope that the party lives up to their expectations.  As a parent, I am just going to do a nice party of family and friends, party games, party food, and kids playing is enough for a fourth birthday celebration.

I have had some orders for the cake, it must be pink and there was a fairy princess to be on the cake at some point. Not sure, but we will see what we can organise. I am thinking that it might be a nice idea to do the number four, and decorate with pink icing, and flowers, maybe a princess? Who knows?  Depends on how hard it all is to do, then maybe have some cupcakes for the kids as they will be easier to handle.

As the girls are now older, they want to become more involved in their party, which is good, and at times I think a bad thing. The good part is that they are putting their personality into their party and having some input into their day, the bad part is that what mummy and daddy wanted to do might be not right in their eyes. My opinion is that we do a bit of what the girls want within reason and we do what we can and afford to do. It is a party and I don’t want to break the bank to do it that would just be silly. Even if we could, we couldn’t as we don’t have a lot of money so a simple party is the way to go and the only way we can go.

I know I said it would be a simple party, but simple parties can be stylish, fun and just the thing for the kids. Now I just need to design the invite, get the guest list (Have to check with the girls who they want to come) organise some party games, and pray for good weather – the party is going to be in a park so good weather is essential.

Do your kids help with organising their birthday party? Do they get super excited and invite everyone they meet? Mine do.  I don’t want to complicate things as we have done very nice cakes for their three other birthdays (check out the images of the cakes from other birthdays) , so would like to have something nice looking but simple.  What have you planned for your child’s birthday? Anything fancy or keeping it simple? Send in your comments.

Why not continue this discussion on our facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/Mummy2twinsblog

Just wanted to thank the girls grandma for helping with their birthday cakes, they do look wonderful, and the girls just loved them.  Hope this years creation will be just loved.

Categories
3 years and beyond

Daredevils

Don’t know about you, most people assume that due to having girls that they nice, quiet and easy to control. I would have to say this is very wrong, most times this is true; my girls have always been energetic, and full of beans. Both girls are into everything, and are just so lively.

My girls seem to be very athletic, competitive, and want to do things that other boys do as well as girls. They love cars, trains, and building blocks, and also they are now obsessed with pink, dolls, playing with their toy prams and pretty things.  As a parent I have tried to expose my girls to everything not just the standard stereotypical things for girls (I know this is a stereotypical gift, I have purchased a dolls house for their fourth birthday, they really wanted one. But at the same time they are also getting a train set – Don’t tell them as it is a surprise).  I think if the child is interested or shows a skill in something this should be explored, and if you have the money sign up for a course for the child.

Currently Lillian has wanted to climb the living room walls; I did put a stop to this, but her feet and hands were the same as the rock climbers. It got me thinking, would she like to do some rock climbing? – Not actual rock climbing but in an indoor centre. We have one local and would love to see if she and her sister might be interested.

Both girls jump and are very into wrestling each other and especially daddy when he is home, not sure if this is a bonding exercise or just a bit of fun, maybe both.  At playgroup the other day, they climbed up on a table and proceeded to jump off it. They were high when jumping, the coordinator and I moved the pillows so that they had a nice soft landing. When we go to the pool, the girls jump into the pool and as they are small everyone looks on in amazement, most comments after this is that they are risk takers and brave little girls. The girls come out with giggles and laughter and just have a ball.

Some interesting links about this issue:

My girls have been talking from an early age, and also to walking, however a lot of other kids do the same. I believe it is up to the individual child at what age they do something and what skills or interests that child might have. As stated, my girls are very active, so I try and give them activities that will help with this need to be active, going to the park, playing with their bikes, running, swimming and so on. I am would like to try the indoor climbing centre, not sure if they will like it, but keen to give both girls the experience.

I am not sure why this is so amazing to see girls behave this way, and parents of boys that I have spoken with show that my girls are doing the same things their boys are doing. As a parent to girls, and never having boys, I don’t see where the difference lies (maybe with the pretty things, obsession about pink and dolls). Do you have girls? Are they daredevils? Do they get comments from other parents about their fun, energetic behaviour?  Do you have a boy and is the boy doing the same as the girl, or vice versa? Send in your comments.

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News

Working Through Maternity Leave

I read with interest that Yahoo has hired Marissa Mayer who is expecting her first child soon. I congratulate Yahoo for seeing that pregnancy is not an issue.  However there has been much talk of Ms Mayer’s comment that she is only going to have a couple of week’s maternity leave and that she will work all throughout the leave as well.

Many women take less leave after a baby and this is not news. I for one did not, but I am not in the league of Marissa Mayer in earnings or at the CEO level (I wish I was, maybe one day) Why not continue in your field? Have the good job with a great salary. Men don’t get criticised about working hard when they have a new baby, although they are not the person that has the child or will breastfeed.

I for one don’t have a problem that Ms Mayer is going to work throughout her maternity leave, it is a personal choice. Many women don’t have an option but to work when their kids are babies, the family needs to pay the bills somehow.   Someone that has been successful in work has the ability to hire help, nannies, and carers.

Jill Cordes from Fearless Feisty Mama is questioning if women can truly have it all? I do understand and feel that sometimes we cannot, that we can have the career and then the family and then go back to the career.  It never seems to all happen at the same time, however if I had more money and help maybe I could have both?

Currently I am enjoying looking after my girls, and I would not do it differently, but there are moments where I long for work and wonder what I would be doing and what my position/role would be if I continued in the corporate world.  Would I be a manager? Would my earnings be greater? Who knows, it is a guessing game now as I’m a stay at home mummy to my twins.  As you would have read from previous posts, for me to work would do us a financial disservice, so it is better for me to be home with the kids. Also my work is in the city and we are two hours away, just not a good fit right now. So as stated, home educator/carer is better for now, hoping the work will come later.

While writing this my nearly four year old twins want me to play with them, cuddle them and be with them. It is a hard balance, trying to get some things done for you, and spending time with your little ones. I do enjoy playing with the girls, although it does not get a lot done with the house. This is where a cleaner/nanny would come in handy. I could spend time with the kids while hired staff helps me keep the house. Oh how that would be nice… Universe I am putting it out there, when we get rich I want a housekeeper to help with the house.

Jill Cordes does make a good point that you have ideas on how it will be with the baby and reality never equals your ideas of how it was supposed to be. My girls were good and slept well after 3 months, however during their first three months; I was up every 2-3 hours feeding them. They did sleep well in the first three months, but it was just a blur with no sleep and hard. After the first three months they slept about 12-14 hours a night… thank god for that. What would happen if the baby/babies did not sleep had reflux or some other issue?

A quote from Jill Cordes article: “I worry though, that Mayer could also send a message to the rest of the world that women can push through their maternity leave if they want; that all it takes is “a few weeks.” She could ultimately be hurting the case for the majority of us who actually want to enjoy our babies–and take care of them–before returning to the workforce.”   I hope that others don’t see this as the norm in maternity leave and that some people just would rather to work and have less leave, it should be seen on a case by case basis.  Let’s hope that women don’t get pressured to have shorter leave.

I am sure that when Ms Mayer’s first baby comes she will adapt to the new person in her life and make changes accordingly, as the CEO she will have the ability to make changes to her schedule within reason.

With the idea getting work after kids are at school, not sure how this will work – I hope to be able to do something part time or from home. Maybe setting up a business from home might be the way to go? Well you never know.

I see the point of sticking with your great job, why move if it works for you, and they are flexible with family. If I was Marissa Mayer I would not listen to others about her choice, it is up to her and other women in the same situation. Why feel even guiltier about your choice. It is not for me to judge. Do you believe that other women will get pressured to work and have less maternity leave due to this example? Did you take less maternity leave? Did you work through your maternity leave? What are your thoughts? Send in your comments.

Why not continue this discussion on our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MummyToTwinsPlusOne

Categories
3 years and beyond

Kids Don’t Crave Vegies

Fruit and vegetables. Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Fruit and vegetables. Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

My kids don’t enough food, let alone veggies, and I thought this was not good, until I read this article from Holistic Kid – 4 Food Groups All Kids Should Eat. In the article it says that children are born with “weak digestive “Qi” (energy) so it makes sense that in their formative years, kids need foods that are easier to digest than brussels sprouts.”  This might be true, as my girls don’t eat a lot of veggies and if they do, maybe a bite here or there.

I have been trying to hide, vegies and fruits into foods and sometimes it is a winner and sometimes not. Do you try and hide food so that your child gets more nutrition? I add vitamins to the girl’s milk and they actually ask for the medicine in the milk, they must like the taste. I must have the only kids that actually want the vitamins added to their milk.

The reason for the vitamins in the milk is that my girls have always been under weight, and have never eaten a lot. I would like to make sure that they are getting adequate vitamins for growth (and who knows when a growth spurt will strike) and also to keep the girls well from colds and flu.

So what does the article recommend kids eat? Good question, they are broken down into four areas, and they are:

  1. Saturated Fats – Whole dairy, eggs, nuts, avocados, healthy oils, olive oil and so on
  2. Bone Broth (this surprised me, but makes sense – Mums homemade chicken soup “The minerals, gelatin, and glycosaminoglycans in bone broth promote proper development of bone and dental structure, as well as healthy hair, nails and joints. Bone broth can also help with digestive problems, food allergies, and immune health.”
  3. Cultured Foods – Yoghurt, “Cultured foods contain naturally occurring probiotics that provide kids with a wide variety of health benefits by populating the digestive tract with healthy bacteria.”
  4. Seasonal, Local Produce – Although the article says that we as parents should not lose sleep over kids not eating more fruit and veggies it states that kids should at least have some every day. The recommendation is to take your kids to the markets and purchase local produce. Local produce is meant to taste better as it has a more flavour.

Do you think your kids are not getting enough vegetables? My girls seem to have fruit it is just the veggie issue; however with the view of the Holistic Kid article it appears that if they are having a bit that is fine too. Send in your comments.

Categories
3 years and beyond

Pig Tails

Term 3 for pre-school started yesterday. Yippee is heard from me!  Other than the me time, there is another thing to celebrate. The girls let me put their hair up yesterday and again today. This might be the start of something – Neat and tidy hair.  Do you have problems putting your little girls hair up? Does she fight you? Send in your tips to make this an easier process.

Julia and Lillian - First day of term 3, July 2012
Julia and Lillian – First day of term 3, July 2012 Lillian in red pants, Julia in blue pants.
Categories
3 years and beyond

Bad Behaviour

Upset Child
Upset Child

One of my girls seems to scratch her sister when she wants a toy, does not get her way or is just angry. This is not just confined to one of them; it does happen with both girls, although it is one child that does it more often.

I have been putting the offending child into time out, as this behaviour is not acceptable and I want it to stop.  Although bad, the behaviour got me thinking of why it is happening in the first place.

Is she angry, sad, or just not able to express herself to her sister or to me? I do ask her what the issue is and mostly I get tears and sad looks. She knows she has done wrong, however it still happens again and again.

I tell her that she can tell me anything, and that I will listen to what she has to say. I do get stories of wonderful things and sometimes I get the fact that sister has taken a toy, or pushed her and other such things. Then mummy has to dish out punishments all round.  Pity the twins don’t have separate rooms; this would make time out or punishments so much easier. You go to your room, and you go to yours! Perils of living in a small house I guess.

Are you in the same boat regarding this bad behaviour? I know it is the stage of the pre-schooler, but it is just a terrible situation as one child seems to get hurt more often than the other. I don’t want one to be traumatised due to me not acting quickly and making sure to put a stop to this naughtiness.  I do act quickly and make sure that the naughty person is in time out while the one that got hurt is cuddled and feeling the love.

Some great links that might help if you are in the same situation:

I am sure that I am doing what is right; I just wish it was making a difference now; maybe it just takes more time? Are you dealing with this at your home? Do you find that when you turn your back that World War 3 erupts?

Do you to tell the kids to be in different areas of the room so that they don’t hurt each other? Most of the time the girls are just lovely, I think this stage is just getting me down a bit.  It does get worse when the kids are tired and have had a long day. I suppose when I am tired I am not nice either.  Send in your comments, tips/tricks and stories.

Categories
News

No Pram = Angry customers

You and the family are off to breakfast on the weekend. You have the pram with you, due to the fact that you have young kids. You are about to sit down to then be told, prams are not allowed in the cafe or restaurant on weekends.

This happened to a Port Melbourne man, George Hitchens. His story was documented in the following article, “Dad furious as cafe says ‘no prams allowed'”.  According to the article, there was plenty of room to accommodate the pram. Mr Hitchens asked if prams were being discriminated against but was told no, Mr Hitchens also asked the cafe owner if the same rule would be made for people in wheelchairs and the answer was no. The cafe in question has a regular customer that is in a wheelchair and they accommodate this person easily.

The response was that prams are getting too big and the weekends the cafe is very busy. I do understand the remark that prams are getting bigger and bigger. I have seen ones that are very similar to a 4wd’s/SUV’s. However I feel that if you, as a customer see that there is room in the cafe to accommodate you and the family, why not be seated?

I agree with George Hitchens that if this is the treament that they got, why would you frequent the cafe and would probalby tell others not to, but that is just me.  I am not speaking from the perspective of the business and I can imagine it is difficult to find room for prams and patrons. However if there is room, why not?  Just my input.

Have you had this happen to you? If so what did you do about it? Did you manage to work on a resolution, and go back to the cafe/restaurant in question? Send in your comments.

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News

Serious Gear Lust

I have had serious lust over the iPad’s and would just love to own one. I know it is a terrible thing to admit, but it is true. Having a tablet would definitely be a help in life, while out with the kids I could be doing work, and at home I could take the tablet to bed (how strange to say take a tablet to bed, you know I mean a laptop device, not a bex or a tablet) to read articles for university, and of course if I have any further spare time, I will use it to surf the web or just read for my own interest.

Finding out that there is a mini iPad about to be launched is great news, and that it might be cheaper than the other iPad’s on the market. This mini iPad will be launching in October some time so I’m keen to find out more, although the article about the mini iPad claim that the launch will be more likely for September. We will have to wait and see.

It is not just the iPad’s that have managed to wake my gear lust; it is also Microsoft’s Surface, again coming in October. From what I understand there is no cost listed currently for these devices and I would love to have one also. You might just say that I am keen to have a portable device that I can take with me, out and about or to just retire and read books or articles with. The desktop computer just does not cut it anymore. One amazing thing about Microsoft Surface is that the cover for the tablet becomes the keyboard, no need to purchase the keyboard separately.

Do you lust after products that you cannot have? Is it just me that wants a tablet? I also find the term tablet a bit strange…I feel like I am asking for a pill/medicine. I know it is not, but that is what it sounds like. A bit like when I first heard of the Nitendo Wii, it took me a moment to understand that people were talking about a product and not wanting to go to the toilet. I know silly, but how many others have had the same issue? I am up with technology and very savvy with it, and sometimes the names for products just throw you.

Send in your comments, or stories about what things you lust over. My list is getting longer and longer, however I will stick with either an iPad or the Microsoft Surface for the moment.  It will be interesting to see how Google, Apple and Microsoft go with very similar products and what prices they will sell at.  Having a price point that is more competitive might mean the organisation that wins the business will corner the market.

Categories
Pre-School

Term 3 Eve

I cannot believe it is term 3 already, well it will be tomorrow.  As you would have guessed the kids are in their bedroom, making a mess and playing. At 8pm they were still not sleeping. I would have thought that they would have been asleep by then. I really tried to exhaust the twins today, and I thought I succeeded, but I obviously failed.  Finally now at 9.04pm, they are passed out and looking so cute and adorable in their beds. Yes in their own beds (this does not always happen).

Today we went to the shops, to the park and then went to see Ice Age 4.  The kids were very well behaved in the movies. Julia sat in her seat for most of the film and Lillian also. Near the end, Lillian got out of her chair and decided to sit on Nana’s lap. Julia also decided she wanted cuddles and I had Julia on my lap.

I hope the girls wake up at the right time for school tomorrow as I want to make sure that we are on time. Mummy is keen to have the day to get some things done around the house. I need to sort out the girls clothes – give away clothes that are not fitting correctly, chuck out ones that are worn and not worth giving away and resort the draws. It is a big job and one that cannot be done with kids around. Also want to sort and put away all the washing and tidy some of the house. Not sure if I will have time for it all but want to make a start.

I am very pleased girls are going back to pre-school, not only is it a sanity saver, the girls get so much out of school. The twins need to be stimuatled by so many things, and school is great for them. It allows them to do so many new tasks, learn and mix with other kids. At the end of school days the girls are normally very tired, but you won’t hear them say that. Mostly it is “No I am not tired!”

Are you another happy mummy that school is back tomorrow? Lunches are packed and will organise their clothes and school bag before I go to bed. Want to be extra sure that we are organised for tomorrow. I know this view of being super excited about school going back is not for all, some are upset to see the kids go back to school.

I do understand that a bit. I am slowly realising that this year has gone very fast and next year is the girls last year of pre-school and then they will be at big school (Kindy). It is flying by, and my cute little babies are no longer, they are little girls now, who are going to be off to big school before I know it. However the big school will allow mummy to get more done and maybe get a part time job. Who knows. Send in your comments.

Categories
3 years and beyond

The stress of motherhood

Lately everything is a drama, kids, house and you name it, and it is an issue. I must admit it has been school holidays and I have had sick kids, first Lillian was ill and then it was Julia’s turn. I am just grateful that they have been ill in the holidays. This way I can maximise my time while they are at school and they also don’t miss school (both girls really love going).

Lately the fact of no breaks or any time out has added to my stress, frustration and annoyance. Have no fear; I have had wonderful times with my little princesses. We have cuddled, hugged, danced, watched films, gone on walks, to the park, gone visiting, and just had some fun times, but it has been a trying two weeks.

Is it just me that feels this way? Or am I feeling like a bad mother who just needs a holiday alone, well I can only dream. That said, I don’t think I would like to holiday alone, but some alone time would be lovely.

Do you feel like sometimes all the stresses of the world are upon you? Do you just want to run for the hills? I would never do it, but I have had some great daydreams. What do you do to de-stress? I have had great plans to have a relaxing spa bath with some Epson salts, this has never occurred as kids are up and down to the bathroom and I don’t want to share my bath. Selfish I know but having kids and toys in the bath is not relaxing, it is fun but I want to have some me time. Then the later it gets the colder it gets, so no bath as yet.

I have been trying to have some relaxation time and have attempted to get up early for exercise and me time. Although the getting up early was thwarted due to sick kids, and mummy being exhausted dealing with this.

So will try again for exercise and me time tomorrow morning, and will go to the pool for aqua aerobics. I am making use of daddy being home. Do you have times where things are very stressful or just frustrating beyond belief? How do cope or relax? Send in your comments.

Categories
3 years and beyond

I want the pink one!!!!

Lillian with her new bling
Lillian with her new bling

Lillian was fine with green and purple and Julia was fine with red and pink. Now the girls have to both have the pink toy/jewellery or whatever it is.   This morning I gave the girls a nice present from their grandma and they have fought over who got the pink necklace and bracelet. Oh the joys!

Julia was lucky that she picked it first, but then as you can imagine Lillian who did not get the pink one had one hell of a tantrum. I told her she should be happy that grandma gave her a gift and if she really did not want it, I will give to another girl that will love it more.  As you can imagine this was met with a big screamed NO! So she is now happy wearing it. Phew…. Crisis averted for the time being, until she decides she wants the pink one again.

Not understanding why they both suddenly want pink everything. When does this kick in? A couple of days ago, I was speaking to another mother, who has a girl that is of similar age and is going through the same thing. So it is not just my girls. In my post about going to the play school concert, I mused about the obsession little girls have with pink. In this post it mentions that pink was originally a colour for boys, not girls. Why has this changed? And who told the toddlers about this? Why is the pink switch suddenly on for girls? Who switches it on? Would it be the pink fairy? And if there is a pink fairy, I want to have a word with him/her, please don’t make my girls so obsessed with pink!

Julia and her new bling
Julia and her new bling

As you will see the necklaces and bracelets look very pretty no matter what the colour. I am trying to tell the girls that they need to be happy and grateful for gifts no matter what the colour is. Not sure if they are able to control their feelings if they un-wrap a gift that might not be pink in front of friends or family, I hope so, but they are still little.

It is the girls birthday soon, well in September is soon, only a couple of months away. Maybe I need to alert friends and family to make sure to buy pink? However I do want the girls to experience other colours not just pink. For a mother who was a tom boy and loved and still loves blue, this is a new experience.  Don’t get me wrong, pink and frills are very pretty, but I don’t want them to fall into the trap that everything must be pink and frilly or they won’t wear it or be interested.

Do you have this issue if you have girls? What have you done about it? Do you just buy the child pink and be done with it? Or have you decided to tell them this is what you get and be happy with it.  Send in your comments.

Categories
News

Drinking when pregnant?

Glass of Red Wine
Glass of Red Wine

When I was pregnant, I did not drink alcohol. I knew that some people said a drink here or there will not matter. I was one of those women who had waited to have kids and wanted to ensure all went well. I know things could have still gone wrong in many ways, however decided that I would give up alcohol as it is something that I could control.

According to DrinkWise Australia, there is no known level that is safe to the child. The site states that the more you drink (binge drinking especially) can be harmful to the baby. This was the same story I got at the doctors and was advised to not drink, so I didn’t.  However I can understand women who might have the odd glass of wine, or say a shandy or watered down alcohol beverage. These women might not be binge drinkers but it is their right to order a drink as long as it is in moderation, like with everyone else.   I personally would not drink, but that is my view.

In the news today, there was an article titled, “I can’t serve you. You’re pregnant”, in the Sydney Morning Herald – The story is about a woman who is pregnant and asks for an alcohol drink and was refused, due to her being pregnant. This occurred in California, so not sure if the rules are different there, and from the article I don’t think so. Makes me wonder if this has occurred in Australia? –  If it has let us know.

Refusing service due to being pregnant is an interesting one; will this become the way in the future? I just think it is discrimination, what about you? What about soft cheeses? Will I not be able to have a salad with my favourite cheese just in case it is dangerous?  Could the same be said for spicy chili dishes? If the spicy chili meals were banned, I would have been in deep trouble. I had many meals with dumplings with hot and spicy sauce. YUM would not mind some dumplings now.

It is interesting that you do get such conflicting advice. Some doctors say a drink here or there is fine and others say NO, don’t drink anything alcoholic!

Having it out with a hungry and angry pregnant woman might not be the way to go. But all joking aside, this is a serious issue, why can a complete stranger dictate what you eat/drink.  What are your thoughts? Did you abstain from alcohol when pregnant or did you have a glass of wine every now and then? Send in your comments.

Categories
News

Wonder clock not that wondrous

Why is it that we need applications to tell us when we will stop being able to have children. As a woman who had children later, I find this rather upsetting to say the least. There is ample media attention on women mainly in their mid to late 30’s, and this attention is stressing us all out.

I know it is best to have kids early rather than later, some people keep thinking that there is time, however you cannot wait forever to do the kid thing. It does have limits. We understood that, and it was not up to us, it just took longer in our case.

Working in my early 20’s and in my 30’s was essential, I had a degree and wanted to climb the corporate ladder, but also wanted to have a husband, kids and a good family life. This we have been lucky to have and we were blessed with twins. So we were just over the moon, however once pregnant I was conscious of the media and any stories that were ageist, telling me that there will be problems if I do get pregnant, and if I was, well then I had to be careful.

I decided to turn of the television/radio when these stories were on the air, I refused to be part of others conversations on these topics and I listened to a relaxation CD, now a digital file/MP4. I found tuning out the best medicine. I knew things could happen, but I wanted to just be positive and see what would happen and listening to others stressed me, I did not want to be part of this stress.

Having this iPhone application “Wonder Clock”, is just stressing all women out there and as you will see from Kasey Edwards story on the Sydney Morning Herald the app gives wrong results. I can understand the need and want to find out how long you have left, however if I knew that I would be stressing and running around like a mad woman.
What if you had an iPhone app for how long you have before you die, would you buy that? I wouldn’t, due to the fact that I would not want to know, and don’t want to be spending my last moments freaking out and worrying.

Why is all the focus on women? Women do carry the babies and are generally the ones that have a time limit, however research has shown that men need to look after themselves and indeed have time limits also.

Below are some links that show that men have a time limit on their fertility as well:

·         A man’s age and fertility
·         Fertility clock ticks for men, too
·         Men’s fertility decreases after 35

It could be stated that a percentage of women would like to settle down and have kids, but the man in their life is not ready, unreliable and just a child.  So the woman moves on to never meet the right guy. Then they are faced with the fact that they are getting older, and would like a child.  Maybe we need an iPhone app to sort out if the guy we are dating is a family man and the type for having kids with? Now that would have been something I would have purchased. (And this is my idea, so I am claiming dibs on it if it is created, and millions are made)

I don’t see why we should purchase an application that tells you will be barren in how many years. I for one would not purchase it; I want to feel energised, and youthful. Why buy an application to be told you are old. Let me know if you have used products like this? Did they work? And if they did, do you feel okay with the results? Send in your comments.

Categories
3 years and beyond

Just A Mum?

This has been emailed around, and added to social networking sites. Not sure where it generated from, but thought it was apt on explaining how motherhood is a very important role, but not given enough thanks and praise. See what you think. The lady in the story invents a snazzy title for herself. What title do you think would sum up all the work that you do? Send in your suggestions and remember to vote for us for Best Australian Blog.

A woman, renewing her driver’s license at the County Clerk’s office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. “What I mean is,” explained the recorder, “do you have a job or are you just a …?” “Of course I have a job,” snapped the woman. “I’m a Mom.”

“We don’t list ‘Mum’ as an occupation, ‘housewife’ covers it, said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, “Official Interrogator” or “Town Registrar.”

“What is your occupation?” she probed.. What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out… “I’m a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.”

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in mid-air and looked up as though she had not heard right.
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.  Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

“Might I ask,” said the clerk with new interest, “just what you do in your field?”  Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, “I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn’t) in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I’m working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters).

Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the human ties, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.”

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk’s voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door. As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants – ages 13, 7, and 3.

Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than “just another Mum.” Motherhood!

What a glorious career! Especially when there’s a title on the door. Does this make grandmothers
“Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations” And great grandmothers “Executive Senior Research Associates?” I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts “Associate Research Assistants.”

Categories
3 years and beyond

Moody Mornings

This morning kids were yelling and screaming. I entered their room to find both girls fighting over space in Julia’s bed. Last night they were both sleeping together, cuddling and sharing the same pillow. This is nice, however it creates issues. Lillian ended up taking over and leaving Julia no room. I put Julia in Lillian’s bed and a good night sleep was had, until the early morning screams this morning. Julia was most likely trying to claim back ownership of her bed, and Lillian did not want to budge. Why can’t they just sleep in their own beds!

So after we exited the bedroom and dealt with this argument I thought it might all be over, well at least for this morning. I was wrong!  Fights over toys, chairs and other things. Gosh and it is not even 9am yet. I am grateful that they are off to school today. Maybe they can burn energy there and when home they can just relax. I can live in hope. I hear you all laughing at this, yes I know it is not going to happen. 🙂

Both girls have had adequate sleep, although they are acting like they are tired. Maybe it is just a lot of activity at school and big days wear them out. Does this happen to you? I am finding we are getting more moody days and issues. Is it due to each child becoming more of an individual? Is it due to sharing things and parents all the time, this could be a part of it.

I really think both girls are trying to compete with each other, and not sharing is creating more problems. However this is all normal for their age and it is a stage that all kids and parents go through. This stage is exhausting and sometimes I wish I could just skip this stage altogether.

One site that comments on these types of behaviour is Totally Childcare, they have an article called, “Difficult Children – Moody, Disobedient, Naughty“, I think some of their points are good, see what you think.  Some articles that I have seen on the Internet suggest that there might be other issues, this might be so but not in our case.  I believe that it is down to kids not getting their way and reacting. What are your thoughts. Do you have some days that the tantrums start early?  How does this affect you as a mother? What are the magical ways that you deal with these moody and naughty issues. Send in your comments. Remember to vote for us for Best Australian Blog.

 

Categories
3 years and beyond

Wisdom from a chipmunk’s film

In the Alvin and chipmunks film from 2007, there is a line that sums up, how I think most mothers feel, well maybe not all the time but every now and then.

Dave said, “I have no job, no career, and my house is always a mess”.

Messy House. Oh how I wish this would be magically cleaned up!
Messy House. Oh how I wish this would be magically cleaned up!

This sums up my world and life currently, and I felt his sense of annoyance at a situation which mostly is out of your control.  By saying out of control, I mean that your life before kids was a little more organised, and you could get much more done in the time available. Now with kids, you have to be flexible, get not a lot done, factoring in other people all the time is a tiring job and no one thanks you for this role.

If motherhood was a job, I would be on target; I would have met my KPI’s. My monthly check with my manager would see that I might get a pay rise, but motherhood is nothing like the real world of work.  There are no benefits for hitting any target, no applause, no well-done you!!

No one seems to notice if you change the sheets on the bed, or clean a room, I feel that is just annoying as you go out of your way to tidy up and sort things out and the little things are never mentioned. Why cannot the husband/partner, say, “Gosh, the room looks good.” And, “Thanks, I love fresh sheets”. Maybe a hug and a kiss, or flowers from the garden, I think I am feeling under appreciated.

Just a thought; why can’t the kid’s milestones be linked with an incentive for the primary care giver, mother/father.   If the kid hits the milestone you get a gift, for example a gift card so you can go shopping, and buy something for you.  Maybe it can be an hour or so of babysitting? I know this is far-fetched and will never happen due to costs, but wouldn’t this be a nice idea?

So whenever I hear that line in the chipmunk’s film, I understand entirely how Dave feels.  Do you feel like Dave? Have you found words of wisdom in a kid’s film? If so let us know what film and the line to watch out for? Send in your comments.

Categories
3 years and beyond Birth

Placenta for energy anyone?

In the news recently was a report stating that actress January Jones has eaten her own placenta, well actually via capsules not actually eaten.  Jones was saying how she did not know if it would work but was willing to give it a try. I have heard of this, most animals do this although not a lot of humans do.

The actress says that she has had so much energy and the reason behind the energy is eating well, vitamins and placenta capsulation. I personally think it all makes sense. The placenta was the life force for the baby or babies in my case.  I just don’t know if I can do the eating part, maybe if someone did the placenta capsulation I might have been oaky with it, and I did not see it or the preparation and just got the capsules.  I know I am a wuss.

After the birth as you all know you have to wait for the placenta to deliver, once mine arrived my husband was very curious about it. He told me it was massive and I really would not want to look at it, as it was weird looking. According to James it looked like a Doctor Who prop. After this I had to look, he was right, it looked like it had tentacles everywhere.

I honestly was never that type of mother or person who was going to eat her own placenta and for that matter take it to someone to make it into capsules. Maybe I should of, it does hold all the nutrients that the baby needed and your body could use after the whole experience of childbirth.  Maybe if I had done that, I would have had more energy in the first year or so. However, dealing with two babies at once would drain anyone I would have thought.

I think if it works for you, why not.  On the placenta benefits info site they list all the health benefits, maybe we need to get over the yucky idea of it and give it a go.  If there was a service at the hospital to turn the placenta into capsules and you just paid a small fee for this privilege, then I think more women might give it a go.  Personally it is the yuck factor and the issue that the placenta appears like a big disgusting blob (I do know that it is wonderful and miraculous, but not that good looking), having no contact with the yucky thing, would make sure that I would be more interested to try.

Did you eat your placenta or have it in capsules? Did it help with energy levels, and other things?  Did you decide to not eat it and bury it under a tree in honour of the birth? My friends mum did that after her baby brother was born. What are your thoughts about the hospital providing the service for the capsules? Send in your comments.