lately...

I have been reading this great book.  And this parenting classic.

I ran my first 5k in years and have picked up jogging with the little guy.  He loves it!  We use this stroller (a hand-me-down, so lucky!) and fitted myself for shoes at a wonderful store down the street.  Planning on running this Sunday at the Zoo!!  Any ideas for IT band support?? 

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I am still on the Lumenocity high with the Symphony.  Work is really starting to feel more settled... in a good way.  I know it's taken 7 years, but I am really finding my happiness in recording. 

However, I am still a doula by late night!  My profile will be here soon and you can check out my services here. 

I am hoping to DIY this shelving unit soon, staining the shelves to match the refinished table (an insane  DIY I chose to do this summer.  Whew!  However... it looks a bit like driftwood, but I love it.  It's OUR's)

I love this canvas printing service and know exactly where I'd like to put a special picture of our little guy.  This DIY kitchen is right up our alley.  Hope to paint some cabinets soon! 

Trying to stay in our budget more these days with this app.  Seems to be working - Rick and I just received free admission to New York's AES convention.  He's never  been to the big city so I am hoping we can make this a reality - tips for hotels and such???

'Once again, a toddler is teaching me to slow down and enjoy life' - Dr. Sears from The Discipline Book .  

This book has been amazing.  I wish I would have read it before Soren was born.  Although we opted for attached parenting anyway (co-sleeping and all!), this book has great insight into the way our young (to 10) year old children think.  I don't know that I ever gave Soren the credit he truly deserved.  He's willful, lively and energetic.  I admire his tenacity during play and learning.  He won't be interrupted (but re-directed *wink) and he will always be questing for something new and inspiring.

I love and cherish his spirit.

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Cincinnati Weekend

It is SO nice to grab a couple more weekends in Cincinnati before the season starts up again.  This weekend was packed  and perfect.

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After a Saturday morning play date, we swapped with Pappa at Coffee Emporium - then I headed off to a fantastic  Underground Tour with a friend ending at the Taste of Belgium.  Our evening was filled with excellent Indian food from Dusmesh and large train tracks, dump trucks and cranes.

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Sunday we woke up at dawn (literally) and I ran the Erlanger Friendship 5k - which was an incredible feat.  My first run after having Soren, completely unprepared - was able to run the entire race and even finished 3rd in my division.  We came home, I caught a quick nap, we all showered up and headed to Eli's BBQ - SO.... GOOD!  We went around 4, so the wait wasn't as long as usual.  There was Rhinegeist on tap and Dojo Gelato in tow.  Soren and I dropped Pappa off at work, and headed out to the park to round out our evening. 

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Perfect. 

34/52

'A portrait a week of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013'        

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Soren loved this little car while we were in St. Louis, and with those Flintstone feet - it's perfect!  

Faber, Mazlish and the Sears

So far, great books.  I have utilized the Sears for many things.  Breastfeeding, infant care, attachment parenting, vaccines - even Soren's birth.  This is the first book I have actually purchased by the Sear duo.  It's wonderful.  Non-judgemental and in line with our personal beliefs.

Did you know 'grabbing is a common aggressive behavior in toddlers and young preschoolers'?  You did, right?  So did I.  But I never took the time to relate that as 'model behavior'.  Not when other children grab - when I do.  I think, in the moment - I kept him from putting that penny in his mouth, I kept a mess of water and broken glass from making it to the floor or keeping Soren from breaking my eye glasses. 

I may have prevented those things, but I didn't respect my 'little grabber'. 

'Grabbing a prized object from a child for whatever reason is not socially appropriate.' page 37.  Model behavior. 

My new favorite authors, Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish have written  How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk .  It's not just a book of advice based on clinical experiences and references.  It's full of role playing exercises, homework and interactive worksheets. 

And I thought the Sears understood me?!  This book heartily portrays the type of parent I want to be for Soren.  Even the type of partner I'd like to be for Rick.  This is about choosing our words well, respectfully and honoring another's need to express and be heard.

'It is when our words are infused with our real feelings of empathy that they speak directly to a child's heart'.   

Tantrum Tough

Soren's tantrums are getting tough.  Tougher to understand, tougher to control and tougher to handle.   

I have done SO much research and read SO many articles but am still left without options.  The most success I have had was during a one on one play between the two of us and I mimicked his behavior.   

He responded with all the right corrections - even ones I didn't think he heard or responded to.  Super impressive.  But I worry.  Like most parents.  I'll level - he's a thrower... of toys.  He's accidentally gotten myself and Rick and once - another kid (I felt SO awful.  He apologized... but still, so terrible!).  I worry - always when we are in public.  And I know that doesn't help. 

We aren't corporal punishers and trust me - we have tried just about everything.  Time outs, counting, breathing, songs, distraction, display, etc....  He's a tough kid - and strong.  Even stronger willed.  

I guess, in some ways - I should admire his strong will.  There is this funny Louis CK bit that resonated a bit too well.  If you can stand the profanity, it's worth the listen.  Like 'be near a toilet, 'cause I almost peed my pants' kind of funny!

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 so much 'tude!