Nurture, not eye-roll (or at least less eye rolling)

“Mummy!” Vincent shouted at me the other day, with real fear in his voice, “There’s a monkey in my nose!”

And what, you may ask, does this mean? It means he has a booger.

……..

Exactly.

About a year or so ago this phrase evolved, probably from me saying something ridiculous like “You’ve got bats in the cave”. I frequently say things that border on the ridiculous to both my children. Who doesn’t? Isn’t that part of parenting? Making up explanations for wee folk who don’t really understand what you are saying? Most of the time, the more creative you are the better. Once we told Vince ‘Don’t crawl around under the table because that’s where the snakes are’ and we’ve pretty much never needed to worry about him doing that in a restaurant ever again. (Yes, yes, we are awful, I know. Whatever.) So how on earth did a playful “You’ve got a monkey in your nose” evolve into something that is a cause for major concern, in my son’s eyes anyways?

Tough love and Rocket ships

Under construction…

Today is going to be a great day. I just know it I woke up knowing it. Vince woke up super chipper. Eleanor woke up with gooey smiles. Clearly the day is already earmarked to be amazing. Hopefully I haven’t just screwed myself with my overabundance of optimism.

4 weeks into being a stay-at-home-mom and things are slowly starting to improve. Last week was a week of tough love. But that tough love seems to have created a little boy who is determined to listen to me. Hallelujah! I’ll let you in on my secret.

Happy New Year, or else!

2012 has arrived like a bright and shiny new penny and I swear the air is filled with enticing promises and plans already.

This year though I am resolving to remain resolved about my resolutions. My resolutions that I am going to, for the most part, keep to myself. I will admit that 2 big goals are to write more and to be more creative. How both of these things will work out with baby number 2 making her appearance in 9 short weeks shall be very interesting to see.

In a silly, horoscopically-focused kind of way, I feel like this year has more potential than, say, last year. Not that last year was a bad boy or anything, but this year is the Year of the Dragon. My year. Also my mothers. And by a quirky twist of fate, my unborn daughters. Does this not sound auspicious? It’s like a sign from a Guy Gavriel Kay novel or something… (currently rereading his books and adore him all the more)

I am really excited about focusing more on creativity this year. I feel like I have grand plans and schemes, but lately things have fallen to the wayside. So kick-starting this is something I am anticipating. What I think will really help pull my focus is that we finally made the leap and got rid of cable. Now we did get Apple TV and HuluPlus, but despite these options, I’ve noticed a huge decrease in telly gazing on all parties involved.

Vincent has been very interesting to observe. At first he didn’t even notice. And then a few times he asked for particular shows that he used to watch on cable. I told him we didn’t have them any more and directed his attention towards his toys. Since then, the few times he’s actually asked for a show, it’s very non-specific and I am so happy that Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is neither on NetFlix nor Hulu.

So one week in and we don’t miss it one iota. And my closets are all cleaned. And I baked cookies and made strawberry shortcake. And Edward and I watched a WHOLE movie together. And I’ve been in bed at 8:30 or 9 every night (that part might just be because I am pregnant and tired though…).

It’s interesting to see how a small change has such a huge impact on a household.

I’ve got several ‘rub my hands together gleefully and chuckle’ type plans for projects on the backburners of my mind. Some are for me. Some are for Vince. None are for Edward, but he will be required to high-five us both and admire the results in a believable manner.

A Happy New year to all of you. May the year of the Dragon be one filled with wonderful adventures in life for you all…

xoxo a.m.