1.30.2006

Habits I Need to Break

Wiping food on the back of my pants. You can find everything from oatmeal to last night's dinner on the seat of my pants.

Cursing. It's one of my worst habits. I love to swear. It makes me feel powerful.

Buying clothes that don't fit. Why is everything made to be so clingy?

Checking my e-mail every 2 seconds. That goes for Myspace, too!

Eating when I'm bored.

Watching soap operas during my daughter's nap. It's a guilty pleasure!

Definition: Mommy Moment

It occurred to me that I named this blog, "Another Mommy Moment," without explaining what that really means.

A mommy moment is what happens when you work 365 days a year without a vacation.

A mommy moment is being able to remember your daughter's lunch, her favorite doll, her Dora backpack, extra diapers, her blankie and a sippy cup to daycare, but forgetting where in God's name you put your keys.

A mommy moment is being on the verge on tears in the parking lot at the grocery store because your toddler refuses to get in her carseat.

A mommy moment is hiding your daughter's favorite bedtime story because you just can't muster the strength to read it for the 1,000th time.

A mommy moment is getting dressed only to realize that none of your clothes fit right and the ones that do are from your maternity stash.

What would you describe as a mommy moment?

Eating Play-Doh

Why is it that my daughter will eat Play-Doh and not a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?

1.29.2006

Bizarre Elmo Story

From MSNBC

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - A character in some copies of an Elmo potty training book has an unusual message that you may not want your toddler to hear.

The Baby David character in "Potty Time With Elmo" says, "Uh oh, who wants to die?" when a read-along button is pushed, NBC News reported.
He's supposed to say, "Uh oh, who has to go?"

The publisher said the sound was recorded correctly, but some consumers hear a different phrase due to compression of the digital audio file.

The publisher, Publications International, doesn't know how many defective books are out there. Customers can return the books to the store where they were purchased, or they can call (800) 595-8484 for a free replacement.

The book is becoming a collector's item, and is being sold on eBay.

Don't Ask Questions

One of the best things my mother taught me about parenting – besides expect the unexpected – was to tell not ask. Conversations with my daughter usually begin with “Sweetie, do you want?” And her response is almost always a resounding no! I could ask her if she wants chocolate ice cream for breakfast and it would still be no. Instead, my mom suggested I try using simple statements like, “It’s time for lunch,” rather than, “What do you want for lunch today?” Or, “Bath time,” instead of “Do you want to take a bath now?”

I didn’t realize how much I actually ask of my daughter until I tried to stop. Maybe that’s why she has such an opinion about things these days...because I let her. Now I try to dictate the activities we are going to do and then let her have a choice as to how we do it. For instance, when it’s time for a nap, I simply say “Nap time,” and then let her choose what story she wants to read. This way she still feels like she has some of the power.

Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t work all the time. She’s 2 – it's her job to go against everything I say. At least that’s what I tell myself. Still, it’s a good rule of thumb. Does it work for you?

1.28.2006

Mommy Rant

I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what to write. I want to write about what an ass my husband is, but this is supposed to be a blog about parenting. Still, he's a big part of that so I'm just going to vent.

Becoming a mom has been such an adjustment for me, more so than I could have ever imagined. I thought he would be there for me every step of the way and it hasn't been like that. Instead I feel like we're always at odds. Turns out we have completely different parenting styles. Basically, I do EVERYTHING and he doesn't want to be bothered. I'm sure that's the reality for a lot of women though. Why is it so hard for men to do the little things? Get off your butt and change a diaper, play with her, give her a bath, read her a story, anything other than turn on the TV and pop in a video. Don't wait for me to ask you to get her dressed, just do it. Get your hands dirty, play with finger paint or color for pete's sake. Don't act baffled when she wants mommy, mommy, mommy instead of daddy.

I have to admit that he doesn't have it easy. He works all day long and our daughter is difficult. She's not very easygoing so it can make family outings a pain in the butt more than a pleasure. Still, I don't think he tries hard enough. I'm doing everything I can to keep my head up and I feel like I have no support. I don't have very many girlfriends....oh heck, I don't have any. None that I could call on at a moment's notice and grab a margarita with. My husband, on the other hand, has a bunch of buddies he hangs out with. Is it wrong of me to complain about how much time he spends with them? He goes to the movies, he goes out to lunch, he has people over, he's out right now!

And what about the fact that we're raising a little girl...a little girl that I hope becomes a strong, confident young woman some day. I can't stand the way he talks to her. Or me for that matter. She's not a "bad girl" or a "brat" and I'm not a "bitch!"

Is this the way it's going to be? What about when we have another one? My life has been turned upside down and his hasn't changed one damn bit. I've sacrificed my mind, body and soul and he's still playing video games until 2 a.m.

Is there anyone else out there feeling this?