Well, sorry to those who wanted to see pictures of the big girl's room...I made some drastic changes yesterday after (yet again) she didn't nap. Sparse would be a good word. Empty. A big purple, pink, and white void...except for a bed.
I decided there were too many distractions with all the furniture and stuff she decided were potential toys. The only things remaining are what she had in her crib, a blanket and her favorite stuffed animals. Oh, and today we're trying a baby gate at her door. The confined space of her crib has just been enlarged to her room.
Eventually we'll moved the other things back in...hopefully before December (tongue-in-cheek).
Please Lord, let this work. Please soften her heart and help her to obey. Thank you for your grace and for giving me the strength to do what you've called me to today--to seek to train my daughter in self-control and obedience. I am in desperate need of You...and I know You are the Faithful One.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
My Little Songbird
Natalia loves to sing. Whether it's her version of the ABC's (which is pretty accurate, for the most part), "Dinkle Dinkle Little Tar", or "Fee Bind Mice"--she often serenades us or treats us to a recital of "Go Dog Go" (her favorite book).
Today my heart was encouraged by the little ditty she was singing over and over. It's a children's song I learned as a girl in Sunday School.
"My God is so big,
So strong and so mighty,
There's nothing my God cannot do."
(For you!)
Such words of faith...
Today my heart was encouraged by the little ditty she was singing over and over. It's a children's song I learned as a girl in Sunday School.
"My God is so big,
So strong and so mighty,
There's nothing my God cannot do."
(For you!)
Such words of faith...
Book Recommendation
I just finished reading "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See.I've never read a book like this...and I admit that prior to reading it, I knew essentially nothing about Chinese culture. I learned so much as I watched Lily and Snow Flower go through the rites of girlhood, becoming "old sames", and how that most sacred relationship among women was developed and tried as they matured and changed. I gained a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the social levels in Chinese culture and how difficult it was to improve that standing. So much depended upon the form and smallness of a girl's "golden lilies" (bound feet), family heritage and livelihood.
I found this book a wonderful, though sad, portrait of two girls seeking to better their position in society; sustained and grown by their sacred sisterhood as they reached womanhood.
I'd highly recommend this well-written novel--so good I read it in two days.
Friday, June 13, 2008
1 Out Of 10
Thanks for all of the comments on my last post regarding Natalia's transition to her big girl bed. It was nice to know that alot of what we have been trying has worked (eventually) for all of you. That gives us hope.
I think this has been such a challenge for us because we have been blessed with a really good sleeper up until this point. Perhaps Natalia's sleep needs are lessening, but I doubt that's the main reason she's only SLEPT in her room once since the change. I suspect that the removal of those crib rails has granted her freedom she's found very desirable...and her busy little self is finding it hard to practice self-control.
I have to keep reminding myself of the redemptive quality in her strong determination--for she will need that in life! We don't desire to break her of this, just channel it into obedience. This will truly serve her well in the end. Lord, help us be faithful...
We have had some success. She has been obedient and quietly looked at books or played with her stuffed animals for up to 1 1/2 hours without too much intervention a few days. But that still makes for a very tired child (and mama) since there was no shut-eye involved, so we're still not where we need to be. However, I am so thankful Pete has been around a bit during lunchtime this past week so we could tagteam.
I appreciated Briana's relayed advice from Laurie to camp out in the hallway during those "intense" days of reinforcement. Get comfortable. How true! After a day or two of heading downstairs and hearing her coming out of her room a minute later, I realized I needed to lay down my agenda for the next hour (or so) so that my heart was focused on loving, self-controlled discipline...not housework or a nap.
We usually shut her door at nighttime, so I admit that I didn't even think about using a baby gate. Not sure if downstairs noise would play a big part or not. She tends to get distracted VERY EASILY. And laying down with her has been problematic for the most part. We never brought her into bed with us even as a baby, and she is so used to sleeping by herself that if anyone else is in the room, that means it's playtime to her. Thus the poking of the face, stroking hair, and asking, "Mama, are you seeping?!" amidst much wiggling.
This has made for some interesting vacation experiences as you can imagine! We're considering putting her in her own little tent next to ours at the end of June when my Dad's extended family goes camping. Hopefully we'll be better adjusted to the big bed concept by then and can do a trial run in the tent here at home beforehand.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On another note, we're now considering finding out the baby's gender. Not completely decided that I want to know, but Pete is pretty certain. It does appeal to my practical side. I'd certainly be hitting the garage sales this summer if I knew it was a boy.
We'll keep you all updated.
I think this has been such a challenge for us because we have been blessed with a really good sleeper up until this point. Perhaps Natalia's sleep needs are lessening, but I doubt that's the main reason she's only SLEPT in her room once since the change. I suspect that the removal of those crib rails has granted her freedom she's found very desirable...and her busy little self is finding it hard to practice self-control.
I have to keep reminding myself of the redemptive quality in her strong determination--for she will need that in life! We don't desire to break her of this, just channel it into obedience. This will truly serve her well in the end. Lord, help us be faithful...
We have had some success. She has been obedient and quietly looked at books or played with her stuffed animals for up to 1 1/2 hours without too much intervention a few days. But that still makes for a very tired child (and mama) since there was no shut-eye involved, so we're still not where we need to be. However, I am so thankful Pete has been around a bit during lunchtime this past week so we could tagteam.
I appreciated Briana's relayed advice from Laurie to camp out in the hallway during those "intense" days of reinforcement. Get comfortable. How true! After a day or two of heading downstairs and hearing her coming out of her room a minute later, I realized I needed to lay down my agenda for the next hour (or so) so that my heart was focused on loving, self-controlled discipline...not housework or a nap.
We usually shut her door at nighttime, so I admit that I didn't even think about using a baby gate. Not sure if downstairs noise would play a big part or not. She tends to get distracted VERY EASILY. And laying down with her has been problematic for the most part. We never brought her into bed with us even as a baby, and she is so used to sleeping by herself that if anyone else is in the room, that means it's playtime to her. Thus the poking of the face, stroking hair, and asking, "Mama, are you seeping?!" amidst much wiggling.
This has made for some interesting vacation experiences as you can imagine! We're considering putting her in her own little tent next to ours at the end of June when my Dad's extended family goes camping. Hopefully we'll be better adjusted to the big bed concept by then and can do a trial run in the tent here at home beforehand.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On another note, we're now considering finding out the baby's gender. Not completely decided that I want to know, but Pete is pretty certain. It does appeal to my practical side. I'd certainly be hitting the garage sales this summer if I knew it was a boy.
We'll keep you all updated.
Fresh Fruit Pie
This is a tried and true easy recipe that I grew up on. In fact, in my family, we often justified out hearty consumption of these pies as "FRUIT", not dessert. :-) We usually use fresh strawberries or peaches.
Combine:
3 Tbsp. INSTANT clear gel
1/2 c. granulated white sugar
Add:
1/2 c. water
Mix quickly.
Gently fold in 2-3 c. chopped fresh fruit.
Spread into pre-baked pie crust.
Can be topped with Cool Whip.
***I can find the Instant Clear Gel pretty readily in this area. Look where repackaged bulk food or canning supplies are sold. Let me know if you'd like me to get some for you. It's usually no more than $2 for a 1/2 lb. bag.
Combine:
3 Tbsp. INSTANT clear gel
1/2 c. granulated white sugar
Add:
1/2 c. water
Mix quickly.
Gently fold in 2-3 c. chopped fresh fruit.
Spread into pre-baked pie crust.
Can be topped with Cool Whip.
***I can find the Instant Clear Gel pretty readily in this area. Look where repackaged bulk food or canning supplies are sold. Let me know if you'd like me to get some for you. It's usually no more than $2 for a 1/2 lb. bag.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Oh The Insanity...
My absense from the blogging world has been largely due to our "brilliant" idea to set up someone's Big Girl bed last Wednesday. Let me tell you, it's been an adventure and test of endurance for all of us. One of us has been persevering in her determination to never take a nap again...the rest of us are calling on the Lord for the strength and wisdom to set reasonable boundaries and bring discipline consistently and with loving self-control. I admit my heart has been crying out, "How long, oh Lord?" :-)
Nighttime has been going much better than naptime...we just have a very tired and cranky little one by late afternoon and this mama is missing her powernaps. We're surviving though.
There have been some funny moments in all of this. The first morning after sleeping in the Big Girl bed I walked in to find her tissue box in the bed with her, and what looked like a rabbit's nest of tissues packed all around her pillow area. Again, I have a picture, but it'll have to wait.
Other ways she's occupied herself during "naptime": emptying her drawers, organizing her books into piles, and trying to dress her babydoll in whatever's in the hamper.
At this point we want to train her to stay in her room for at least 1- 1 1/2 hours; whether she stays in bed or not isn't as much the issue for us. (Her normal nap usually lasts from 2-3 hours, so we feel this is reasonable.) Just so she takes some time to "rest" by herself. We're hoping that eventually she'll give in and actually take that much-needed nap.
Any big bed transition stories out there you want to share? Tips, suggestions? Encouragement for a woman who at moments feels she belongs in a padded room? ;-P
Nighttime has been going much better than naptime...we just have a very tired and cranky little one by late afternoon and this mama is missing her powernaps. We're surviving though.
There have been some funny moments in all of this. The first morning after sleeping in the Big Girl bed I walked in to find her tissue box in the bed with her, and what looked like a rabbit's nest of tissues packed all around her pillow area. Again, I have a picture, but it'll have to wait.
Other ways she's occupied herself during "naptime": emptying her drawers, organizing her books into piles, and trying to dress her babydoll in whatever's in the hamper.
At this point we want to train her to stay in her room for at least 1- 1 1/2 hours; whether she stays in bed or not isn't as much the issue for us. (Her normal nap usually lasts from 2-3 hours, so we feel this is reasonable.) Just so she takes some time to "rest" by herself. We're hoping that eventually she'll give in and actually take that much-needed nap.
Any big bed transition stories out there you want to share? Tips, suggestions? Encouragement for a woman who at moments feels she belongs in a padded room? ;-P
Monday, June 2, 2008
Random News
I've been gradually transitioning back into "normal" mode, and my appetite is expanding as is my baby bump. They say popping out early with the second one is quite common. I find myself craving things--most are similar to what I craved when pregnant the last time...barbequed chicken, potatoes, fresh fruit, ice cream.
Most recently I found myself fixated on Mexican food...the kind you get in a family run place--you know, the authentic, non-spicy stuff. I miss one particular restaurant of this caliber that we had in MD--La Tolteca...ummm, my mouth is watering at the thought of their freshly-made chips and peppery cream dip and salsa. That and a virgin margarita...
OK, I gotta' remember that there's more to life than food. Next subject.
My doctor's appointment last Wednesday went well. Pete and I got to hear the baby's heartbeat again. He's starting to think he wants to know the baby's gender. I'm still in the "want to be surprised" camp...though if he is certain about finding out, I don't know if I'll make it 6 more months with him knowing and I don't. Especially when I could find out in an instant of weakness! :-)
For practical reasons, it'd be nice knowing if I should start looking for deals on boy clothes now. If it's a girl we're basically set--with her big sister's birthday mere days/hours away, I think we'll be able to find something that fits! But, we went with all neutral stuff for the first 3 months anyway the last time so will it really matter?
Natalia's response to what she wants has been "a sister", no matter how many times Pete asks the question. LOL
We're still keeping our boy name from before. Adam Lukas (or Daniel ...) Again, something Polish and English for the first name, regardless of gender.
If it's a girl we're tossing around Katherine, Olivia, or Anna. Middle names are still completely up in the air. The only one I've even remotely come up with is Elise.
Any suggestions?
Lastly, I've been wanting to post some pictures, but alas, my computer is still under transition. Most importantly my hubby is finishing school this week. Can anyone say YAHOO!?
Now I know this can be a touchy subject for all of you non-teachers out there--but trust me, 12 months of work happens in 9 months (for most teachers!) and when June rolls around we are singing praises in this household! There will be at least 2 masters classes he'll complete this summer, and hopefully find some part-time work as well. In the meantime I've got a honey-do list...as you can imagine. I'm sure Pete is experiencing SOME fear and trembling at the thought of all that is on it, but I am hoping my increase in energy and appetite this past week is a good indication I will be a bit more useful in the near weeks and will actually be able to help!
Second trimester here I come!
Most recently I found myself fixated on Mexican food...the kind you get in a family run place--you know, the authentic, non-spicy stuff. I miss one particular restaurant of this caliber that we had in MD--La Tolteca...ummm, my mouth is watering at the thought of their freshly-made chips and peppery cream dip and salsa. That and a virgin margarita...
OK, I gotta' remember that there's more to life than food. Next subject.
My doctor's appointment last Wednesday went well. Pete and I got to hear the baby's heartbeat again. He's starting to think he wants to know the baby's gender. I'm still in the "want to be surprised" camp...though if he is certain about finding out, I don't know if I'll make it 6 more months with him knowing and I don't. Especially when I could find out in an instant of weakness! :-)
For practical reasons, it'd be nice knowing if I should start looking for deals on boy clothes now. If it's a girl we're basically set--with her big sister's birthday mere days/hours away, I think we'll be able to find something that fits! But, we went with all neutral stuff for the first 3 months anyway the last time so will it really matter?
Natalia's response to what she wants has been "a sister", no matter how many times Pete asks the question. LOL
We're still keeping our boy name from before. Adam Lukas (or Daniel ...) Again, something Polish and English for the first name, regardless of gender.
If it's a girl we're tossing around Katherine, Olivia, or Anna. Middle names are still completely up in the air. The only one I've even remotely come up with is Elise.
Any suggestions?
Lastly, I've been wanting to post some pictures, but alas, my computer is still under transition. Most importantly my hubby is finishing school this week. Can anyone say YAHOO!?
Now I know this can be a touchy subject for all of you non-teachers out there--but trust me, 12 months of work happens in 9 months (for most teachers!) and when June rolls around we are singing praises in this household! There will be at least 2 masters classes he'll complete this summer, and hopefully find some part-time work as well. In the meantime I've got a honey-do list...as you can imagine. I'm sure Pete is experiencing SOME fear and trembling at the thought of all that is on it, but I am hoping my increase in energy and appetite this past week is a good indication I will be a bit more useful in the near weeks and will actually be able to help!
Second trimester here I come!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)