I'm not a big "cryer". I usually manage to be pretty stoic, in fact . . . a trait that often belies the junk lying just under the surface. But right now I am insanely sleep deprived, and have a lingering case of The Postpartum Crazy that is, to be blunt, kinda kicking my ass. These two factors have converged today and had me on the brink of tears several times.I managed not to cry when I picked the kids up from preschool, and Jafta tried to help push Karis's snap-and-go stroller, upended it, and . . .
orphan movie, orphan stigma
One of the most discouraging things I have heard people say about adopting a child is that "you never know what you are going to get." I supposed there is some truth to that statement, but I feel that it is usually said with some air of genetic superiority . . . that somehow a person's own familiar chromosomal makeup would be preferable to the "crap shoot" of adopting. It's interesting to me that this notion is held in a society that seems to blame bad parenting on every childhood deviation from . . .
corporate napping
My kids just completed their second week at their new preschool. So far, both Mark and I have been really impressed with the program, and Jafta and India seem to be having fun, too. I think Jafta is slowly realizing he doesn't need to follow India around on the playground to protect her from things like pretend guns (which he is doing in the photo). And India has managed to wait to poop her pants until after she gets home. Um, yeah. The potty training. Not going so well. Every day when I pick . . .
this american life
{our independence day: a story in pictures}We had a great 4th of July yesterday. Mark started the day off with one of his favorite activities: putting something together. We bought a trampoline and Mark and his dad mulled over the instructions to make sure they got it right. Five hours later, here is the assembled trampoline. Except, somehow, the net is not aligned with the frame, so the entrance is askew and the whole thing must be taken apart. Two hours, five beers, and several curse words . . .
the conundrum with an ornate feather
I have grossly underestimated my four-year-old.We are having some issues with sleep in our house. People are often asking me how Karis is sleeping. And for a newborn, she is sleeping okay. It's the other two that decided to up the ante since Karis was born. I am pretty sure that the three of them have a daily meeting where they discuss the shifts they will cover to ensure an even spread of waking us up throughout the night. Generally, India starts screaming bloody murder around 1am. Then around . . .
thug life
Karis has some serious baby dandruff (cradle cap). I've been reading up on how to care for it and the consensus is to rub baby oil all over the baby's head. It sounded simple enough, but now Karis's head is a big greasy mess that is leaving an oilspot on everything she touches. I was trying to figure out a way to cover her head, and I remembered we still had some do-rags left from Jafta's foray with dreadlocks. Worked like a charm.(And for all you white folk from Orange County, click here to . . .
crossing dressing, dirty t-shirts, and the animal kingdom
Karis is a generally easy and mellow baby. She is pleasant and predictable. She smiles and coos and is happy when her needs are met. There is one exception, though.Karis doesn't like Mark.I don't know how they got off on the wrong foot, but she is NOT a fan. Which is kind of a bummer for me. (I supposed it's a bigger bummer for him. But I also prefer to think about how things are affecting me. Me me me.) Whenever I pass her to him, she immediately starts screaming. Lately, she has taken to . . .
circle of cuz
I wasn't close with cousins growing up. My mom was an only child. My dad's sister had children but they lived far away and we only saw them occasionally. So it has been a new experience to be an aunt and know a close relationship with my neices and nephews. I have to say that seeing the love that my kids have for each other, and seeing their love for their cousins, is enough to make this cynical mom's heart burst with joy. This weekend we got some great time in with the cousins on Mark's side. . . .
a soothing lullaby
Is Karis crying because she is tired, or because of how bad their singing is? . . .
operation grocery acquisition #2: total disaster
I am trying so hard not to be Chaotic Mom. You know her: she's the mom who is sweating at the restaurant as her unruly children run circles around the table, or the mom with screaming and kicking kids on the plane. She's the mom on Supernanny. The mom you don't want to stand next to in line. The one whose kids make a scene at the grocery store.And today, she is me.Oh, I had the best of intentions. After my last grocery shopping fiasco, where someone threatened to call the cops on me, I decided I . . .
- Newer Posts
- 1
- …
- 453
- 454
- 455
- 456
- 457
- …
- 496
- Older Posts
