Tag: mummy

Categories
3 years and beyond

Chocolate Shop Not So Sweet

We all went to the  Blue Mountains Chocolate shop (this place has a giant Easter egg, not sure how they made it so big, it is huge) to see a demonstration and to have of course chocolate and for the girls to play in their playground. Upon arrival it was nice and they had many chocolates to choose from, some of the things there were just very interesting. You can purchase a Chinese lucky cat chocolate, mice/rat chocolate and of course kangaroos, koalas and so on.

Before the presentation we decided to get something to eat and drink, the girls had baby chinos and a chocolate kangaroo, daddy had a cake and ice chocolate and mummy had a small hot chocolate. The kids were whinging and nearly in tears over the baby chino (who knew this would have such a reaction) and did not want to have other items either.

It was like going to this chocolate café was the worst thing we could do as parents and how dare we! (Well that will teach us to treat the kids) Will they speak of this to future therapists, “My parents took me to a chocolate shop, and I did not like the drinks and had a terrible time?” In actual fact, the girls ate the poor chocolate kangaroo in record time, Julia was wearing a lot of the kangaroo on her hands face and Lillian just chomped on until there was nothing left of the cute adorable yummy looking chocolate marsupial.

After this we headed over to where the presentation was happening, the presentation consisted of a lady emptying moulds of chocolate creations and looking to see if they were fit to be sold in the shop. All chocolate creations that were removed from these moulds were put back into the hold melting chocolate to start again, even the shiny ones that looked good were put back to start life again.

Many dolphins ended up joining the melted chocolate and this made us all laugh. The dolphins were in a sea of chocolate. This was a hilarious thought for the girls, and they giggled for a long while after it was not that funny. I am not sure what we expected for the demonstration about creating or making chocolate for the shop, however removing and putting the creations into be melted again was not it. Maybe a talk of what they are doing, and a bit of background might have been nicer.

I do understand that some of the pieces that they created might not have met with their quality checks, and that is perfectly acceptable, however when you are running a business smack bang in tourist central you give your customers a little more than what we got today.

The girls forgot about the drinks and were high on the sugar rush from the kangaroos, and off we went to play in their outside area. It was a lovely sunny day and we made the most of it. Have you gone somewhere new and was disappointed by what happened compared to what was advertised.  All in all, it was a nice day out and we all went somewhere different. Send in your stories about places or things you have done that did not live up to the expectation.

Categories
Music Reviews

Big Rock Candy Mountain

Big Rock Candy Mountain
Big Rock Candy Mountain

Mummy to Twins was lucky to be sent a copy of the latest CD from Catherine Britt and Jay Laga’aia, “Big Rock Candy Mountain” to review.

So what type of songs is on the new CD I hear you ask? Well, the songs are the greatest American folk songs. Some tracks are ones that you don’t hear often, like “Home on the range”, “Don’t fence me in”, and “Little Liza Jane”.

The music is pleasant, upbeat and just a joy to listen to. Catherine Britt in “This land is your land” is reminiscent of Dolly Parton; well I think she sounds similar. I quite like folk songs especially when they are done well, and the vocals and music is just so tight.

Jay and Catherine work well on a cd together, there is not one song that they share vocals however they do their own songs. The listener does not notice as each song blends seamlessly into the other. It all just works so well.

My girls were very active today so thought a dance to some music might help them get some energy out. It was a good idea, as they danced like mad little things to “Skip to My Lou”, and “Campdown Races” and have sung and invented lyrics to “Yankee Doodle”. With the banjo playing in Campdown Races the girls did some interpretive dance and just jumped around laughing.

If you wish to have a CD that you can listen to as well as the kids this is it. It is great to have something that is not just for kids, could be for both. I also like the fact that it introduces kids to these songs.

Below is the breakdown of the tracks on the CD and who sings them:

1. Don’t Fence Me In – Catherine Britt
2. On Top Of Old Smokey – Jay Laga’aia
3. Skip to My Lou – Catherine Britt
4. Camptown Races – Jay Laga’aia
5. This Is Your Land – Cathering Britt
6. Deep In The Heart of Texas – Jay Laga’aia
7. Big Rock Candy Mountain – Catherine Britt
8. Home On The Range – Jay Laga’aia
9. Little Liza Jane – Catherine Britt
10. Oh! Susanna – Jay Laga’aia
11. Red River Valley – Catherine Britt
12. Yankee Doodle – Jay Laga’aia
13. You Are My Sunshine – Catherine Britt
14. Clementine – Jay Laga’aia
15. Casey Jones – Catherine Britt
16. Down In The Valley – Jay Laga’aia
17. Cotton Eye Joe – Catherine Britt
18. I’ve Been Working On The Railroad – Jay Laga’aia
19. John Henry – Catherine Britt
20. Polly Wolly doodle – Jay Laga’aia
21. She’ll Be Coming ‘Round The Mountain – Catherine Britt
22. Buffalo Gals – Jay Laga’aia
23. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot – Catherine Britt

So as Molly Meldrum always says, “Do yourself a favour” and check out the CD, get it, play it and enjoy. You can pick up a copy of Big Rock Candy Mountain at the ABC Online Shop; they deliver it so no need to leave the house.

What is your favourite song on this CD? Do your kids love dancing to your songs? Send in your comments.

Categories
News

Period Tax a Joke!

Why are pads and tampons considered a non-essential item? Ask any woman or girl who has to purchase these items and they would not be able to live without them.   Try and think how your life as a woman would be affected without having pads or tampons, I don’t want to even think about this terrible idea.

Clem Bastow wrote in her article, “Why we should be angry about periods” that the government considers these sanitary products non-essential and they require us to pay the GST. I for one think this is just ludicrous and stupid. Women don’t choose to have their periods it just happens; it is not like you can stop it at will.

You have to wonder if this wisdom or decision was created by a man. If women were involved, why wouldn’t they have said, what a silly decision it was and is. Purchasing tampons and pads is expensive and apparently could be cheaper.

Below is a quote from Ms Bastow’s article that sums up the position of the tax on sanitary products:

“The Howard government introduced the GST on July 1st, 2000, and included in the items that would carry the new tax were pads and tampons – “non-essential” products, according to the stellar minds at Howard HQ. Flash forward to 2012, and pads and tampons are still being taxed as a non-essential item. (There is no GST on frangers, in case you were wondering.) I harangued both the Howard and Rudd governments about this nonsense tax and received witless replies from both; I haven’t bothered contacting the Gillard government because I assume the response will be the same. But when a supermarket chain uses removing the “period tax” as an advertising angle – and even that was four years ago – that was also shrugged off by the government; you know something’s still rotten in the state of tampons. Anyone for a bleed-in at Parliament House?”

Should we as women complain in numbers to parliament or local members to have this changed? I think so. Why is it that an essential item is considered non-essential? Is it to make more money off us? Do men or others see purchasing these products as a choice, you get it or you don’t? Well I hate to break it to the decision makers, having periods every month is not a choice it is nature and sanitary products are essential and should not be taxed. Send in your comments.

Categories
News

Judging Family Size

Before I got pregnant, I thought I would have one child, then after about 2 years or so, have the second. This was not to be, as I had twins for my first children, so good for me as no second pregnancy for the second child. In the news there has been talk of a lady with ten children and pregnant with quintuplets.  I think having ten children would be challenging as there are times that just two drive me up the wall, so cannot imagine what ten would be like, and adding another five to the mix would make things very busy indeed (busy is probably an understatement).

Some of my friends have more children than myself and they range from 1 kid, 3 kids and 5 kids. Not everyone is content to just have two children or one, some love the idea of a larger family. We are content with our little family. However that said, do you think people judge you for your families size? I do know that I have asked people who have one child if they might do it again, and sometimes the answer is yes and sometimes no.

The reason for the no answer mostly is that they are content with having one and did not realise what one child would demand. With one child you can focus all money and energy into that child, also another reason is the mother does not want to do it again and would really like to get back to her job, life and assemblance of being the person she was before she became a mother. If you do it again, you have at least another 5 years of things you need to put on hold, well that is if you are not having help.

The yes answers are nice, and sometimes it is yes but we need to wait until we have more money or the first child starts school, or something along those lines. All fine, but it is really the families decision and not mine or others. It is up to you what you decide and do, it is your family after all.

Other reports about the Melbourne lady who is having quintuplets is she is in her 29th week and about to have the babies any day now. I hope that all goes well, all the babies live and hang in there. I do understand what it is like to have babies in intensive care and it is not fun. We were lucky that we had our twins at 34 weeks and 2 days, our girls were well considering and were only in care for about 2 weeks. So good going all around. Sending positive vibes for her.

With a larger family I am sure that she will have adequate help but it will be hard, but if she has managed all those children, I am sure she can do it. I hope that the media respects her privacy and allows her to get on with things without intruding, not like what happened in the US with the Octomom.

What are your thoughts? Do you have a large family or a small family? Do people constantly ask you why or when will you have another child? Is it annoying? What are your answers to such questions? Send in your comments.

 

Categories
University Study

Missed the Meeting

No Secret Meetings So Study Is Needed. Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
No Secret Meetings So Study Is Needed.
Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Tonight I had my online lecture as per usual; this week is only week 3, so early days of semester 2. You would think that it is just getting to know terms, what you are supposed to be doing and figuring out what to read and so on. Well that is part of it; however it is like everyone has met up months before to transfer knowledge and skill to these lucky few that have made it to the meeting.

I for one was not at this mysterious rondevu, and I wish I was invited. The lecture notes online speed past at break neck speed and comments at the same pace, it is a different language that is being discussed. I have to pay attention to fine detail and even then, I am unsure of what is being said.  Legal slang is a hard one to master, and I am sure it will come to me, but I hope it will happen before the end of the semester.

Have you found meetings, educational lectures, or even some conversations are like you missed the memo or the previous conversation completely, the issue with mine is that I have been online for all 3 lectures and still feel like this? Maybe some subjects have this clever way to make you feel stupid? Or just not speaking the same language?

More reading and research is in order if I want to feel like the party goer that can have legal conversation with ease. Students tonight were quoting cases, now that scares me! Quoting cases this early, are they closet lawyers? I always fancied myself as a lawyer, but not sure that I would get very far.  I suppose it is early days, as it is still week 3 anything can happen. It can can’t it? I will understand everything that I read and master this course to gain a HD (High Distinction).  I hear you laugh, but I will give it a good go!

Do you feel out of your depth sometimes, well I do. Especially when it seems everyone has secretly had meetings without me. Why do these students know more than me!  Tell us your stories of this happening to you; when have you suspected that others have met secretly and left you out? Was it university, work or friends? Send in your comments.

Categories
3 years and beyond

Daddy the Dinosaur Slayer

Not as scary as it is an Origami Dinosaur. Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
Not as scary as it is an Origami Dinosaur. Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

The girls have been telling me that daddy kills dinosaurs, not sure when he finds time or where the dinosaurs are, but they are convinced he goes off and slays them.  It is good to know that daddy is keeping us safe from the evil, threatening dinosaurs.

On top of ridding the world of more dinosaurs the girls have told us that there are naughty bears that need to be gotten rid of also. Who knew? I didn’t and glad to think that again daddy is making the world a safer place.

I was concerned that if daddy was killing bears as well, that he might hurt or harm their beloved teddy bears. This concern was met with, “No mummy our teddy bears are nice and the others are naughty and need to be killed”.

It makes me wonder, do the girls tell others about daddy’s extracurricular activities?

Does the other person nod politely and get told about how daddy fights the bears or the evil dinosaur?

Is this what the teachers get faced with? I hope they keep a straight face, as sometimes it is hard when faced with such funny creative stories.

Do you have some tall stories that you find just hysterical? What are the best ones? Send in your stories.

Why not continue this discussion on our twitter or facebook pages.

Categories
3 years and beyond

Elusive Alone Time

Alone Time, Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Alone Time, Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Why is it when you want to be left alone no one does? Yes it is very annoying, and frustrating. I have a lot to do, namely reading for university and would like to do some stuff for the blog and who knows, maybe something else.

We decided to go out to lunch and then a drive, it was a day of constant, “Mummy, can you do this, Mummy, can you do that” Oh……a nice nap or quiet time under a tree would have done me today.

When I do finally get time alone, my head, shoulders, and neck hurt and as you might have guessed that then leads to a headache. This also means that I am exhausted and just in no mood to do anything, very annoying and frustrating actually.

Do find that you have periods like this, that nothing gets done and you are feeling very frustrated within yourself? I am feeling like that at the moment, I know things will sort themselves out and all will be fine. Currently I am just hanging for kids to go to bed, that time cannot come soon enough.

Today has been good and bad, I have had sooky kids which at times was nice and bad, the nice part was the cuddling the bad part was not being able to put a child down to go and do something like get a glass of water or maybe have a lie down.

I have organised a bath for the kids and they have more ice boats so hopefully after this they will be very sleepy and ready for a nice big sleep.  Off get the ice boats, pj’s sorted, and towels, hubby is watching kids in the bath. Finally some time with just me!! YES a small win for today!

Have you had a good day today? Were you able to have some alone time?  I am now sitting with a glass of red wine while I type this and feeling a little better about the day, as it is now night time and kids will soon be snoring and in bed (well I can only hope).

Do you have tips or tricks to make you get more alone time? Have you a timetable with your partner/husband to make sure that each one gets alone time? Send in your comments.

Why not continue the discussion on our twitter and facebook pages?

Categories
Film Reviews

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Yesterday a DVD of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast turned up in the mail, plus a lovely book for the girls, as I have one need to get another as there will be arguments – I will buy the second book, I was amazed and did not think a book would come as well. (I was tickled pink to have it all arrive, Thanks  to Disney, Mango and Mums Lounge). Mummy to Twins is a contributor to Mums Lounge and was lucky to be asked to do a film review.

The girls and I made a huge makeshift bed in the living room and curled up to watch the film, Here is the link of the review of Beauty and the Beast on Mums Lounge. Do like this film? Is it your favourite? Send in your comments.

The staff at Mums Lounge are busy toiling away to bring us a new site, it will be live soon, so stay tuned!

 


Categories
News

Cheap Shot at Olympic Shooter

Shooting Finals
Shooting Finals

Today I read about Nur Suryani Mohamed Taibi, a Malyasian shooter that is representing her country at the London 2012 Games.
The controversy is that she is 8 months pregnant, and I think we should all just stop having a go and support Nur Suryani Mohamed Taibi on her goal to become an Olympian.

Shooting air rifles is not harmful, it just puffs a bit of air, and there is no recoil for air rifles compared to the standard rifles. As there is no major or immediate danger, the unborn child is in no harm, so what is the fuss about. One person I spoke to says of people who shoot air rifles, “Are they really doing anything?” , this is due to the quietness of the rifle – so not only is there no injury after using this type of rifle, it is also much easier on the ears.

To participate in this sport, you need to be calm, have low blood pressure and focused. These behaviours are of great benefit to the unborn child, and yet another thing that will not harm him/her. I hope that she does win now to quiet those that criticisd her.  I am cheering for you! Go for gold! (I know you are not in the Australian team, but I think what you have done is great)

Why can’t we give this athlete a break and just let her enjoy her time at the Olympics and focus on her sport, not focus on the criticism of her being pregnant.  Send in your comments.

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Categories
3 years and beyond

Cloak of Invisibility

Cloak of Invisibility - Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Cloak of Invisibility – Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When the girls are in their room for compulsory rest time, they have been trying to get up to mischief without us knowing. At first we had no idea; however it was brought to my attention weeks ago with a weird thing moving under a red blanket.  The reason I noticed it was something caught my eye; I was in the dining room doing some sewing and noticed the movement under the blanket. After a while, Julia’s head popped out to then say, “Ta Da Mummy it is me!”

The husband at the time was in the computer room and he was of course mesmerised by his computer so did not notice the toddler creeping under a blanket in the hallway, the door was open to this room and the girls must have thought the “Cloak of Invisibility” just like in Eric the Viking, was working its magic, however his was not much for keeping him invisible and like the girls we can see them.

For weeks after the first incident, they have been using their blanket for coverage to go anywhere in the house unnoticed, and it has worked. Maybe we are just busy at what we were doing or just tired. Sometimes I take a nap while hubby spends time at the computer or doing other things. It was only a week ago that he got up from the computer to go and get another drink when he found both girls with blankets on their heads in the hallway. He actually bumped into them! They foolishly told daddy that they were off to get more snacks. After that we were wondering how many trips they had made to the kitchen unnoticed?

Although they are naughty little girls for doing this and not staying in their room, you have to admire the thought process and the creative thinking to figure out this plan of attack. Again, Julia was trying her “Cloak of Invisibility” and I caught her out. As this was a tactic that has worked in the past, knowledge must have been shared with Lillian and they are both doing it.

Do your kids invent weird and interesting ways not be seen? What is the strangest thing they have done? And did you notice or not until it was too late? Send in your stories.

Categories
3 years and beyond

Productive Day

Today has been a very productive day. While the twins are at school, I have gone to get a check up, organised paperwork that needed a JP to sign it, gone for a walk, and had lunch. Just need to go out to the chriropractor and then off to pick kids up.

For my walk I went around the oval 6 times and did a little jogging in there as well, although it was mostly walking. I read that if you do jogging as well as walking you burn more fat. So we will see. If you would like to know, I walked for 37mins and 43secs and burnt 290 Cal. It felt good to be out in the sun, breathing the fresh air and to be walking by myself. It is nice to not have kids at your side and to worry about, very relaxing indeed.

My day does not end after kids are picked up, we are off to the child care board meeting. Well I am, the girls are getting looked after by some of the staff. The twins love going there as they can catch up with friends that they don’t see as often and also to see much loved staff members. It is good that we are going as they have been asking to visit.

Now off to have a cuppa tea and sit down in front of the television for a little do nothing time. Send us an email of what you have been up to this lovely sunny day? Hope that it is sunny where you are.

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Categories
Sewing

One pair done another to go

Pink Pants
Pink Pants

Hi All, I have finished one pair of the pink pants for the girls, but had to cut the sides. My sewing machine cannot handle little cuffs and I could not get it on to sew it, so thought that would be a good solution. Now need to edge the sides of the cuffs where I had to cut, and do the second pair of pants. The jobs left for the other pair of pants is to put the elastic in, and hem them.

Do you have any sewing or craft projects you are working on? Do you want to share your triumph in pictures or just let us know. Mummy to Twins is keen to hear about what you have been up to, send in your stories.

Visit our Facebook page to upload images of your projects and continue the discussion – http://www.facebook.com/Mummy2twinsblog

 

Categories
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.

Categories
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

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.