Patience is a virtue. My God, it is.
I read something the other day about ways to avoid temper tantrums before they begin (in your child, not yourself).
One of the suggestions was to not hurry your toddler. They’re busy exploring their world and how things work. Along comes Mommy, who needs to get the child dressed, the lunch packed, the car to the Montessori School, and her own self to the train for work.
It’s easy to become frustrated when we’re in a hurry. I guess the solution is trying to always plan extra time for everything in life. Ha, ha. Not so easy.
Yesterday, Genny was chatting on about princesses and lollipops and her friends at school, while I managed to get her to step into a pair of blue pants that she never wants to wear. Yes, I was aware that she was so wrapped up in talking that she hadn’t noticed what I was dressing her in, but I hoped that once the pants were on her that she wouldn’t mind. Not so.
We walked into the hallway when all of a sudden she looked down and freaked out.
“I don’t want to wear these pants!”
To save time and avoid the whining fit, I marched her right back into her room and said, “Then pick out the pants you DO want to wear.”
At least at this point she realized I meant business and she went right to her dresser and pulled out her stretchy aqua pants that are too small on her. Yes, I should remove the pants that are too small for her and box them up and label the box, etc.
Then we had the whole discussion about what snack she could eat in the car on the way to school, about what she could not bring to school with her, and about which foot each boot goes on. And I tried not to rush her as I shuffled her out the backdoor while carrying a pink princess lunch box, my black purse that weighs 20 pounds and my brown work bag slung on my shoulders while I simultaneously hissed at the cat and stamped my feet to prevent him from running outside where he could be hit by a car.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Yoga of Bath Time
Yoga in action tonight. I’m usually very resistant to giving Genny a bath. It’s such a big production, makes the night drag on longer, and generally leads to my frustration.
Tonight, I asked Genny if she wanted me to bathe with her, which of course, she did.
And I don’t know how or why, except to say that all the yoga of staying in the present moment must really be paying off. I kept returning myself to the moment of bath time, of fun, of splashing, and playing. I did not worry or even think about all the student papers I need to read or the letters I need to write.
I just played. And splashed. And it’s amazing what a fun time I had. And Genny didn’t get cranky or have any tantrums either. I know she sensed the difference in me. She told me that I was her cat. I meowed.
After her bath, sitting on her potty, she noticed her veins on her inner wrists for the first time.
“Mommy, did someone draw on me?”
“No, Honey. Those are your veins that carry blood through your body,” I said. “Look, I have them, too.”
“Someone wrote on you, too?”
“No, this is the blood that runs through our bodies. Keeps us healthy. Brings oxygen to all our body.”
“And we have blood in our ninas, too?”
“Yes, but that’s a little bit different.”
“And in our tushies? And in all our body?” Genny rubbed her hand across her round belly.
“Yes,” I said.
Then, when we were snuggled into her bed, she turned to me and said, “Mommy, I really like you.”
“I really like you, too.”
“You’re my kitty-kat, Mommy. And I miss Lula.”
“I miss her, too,” I said.
Genny rolled over onto her side, slipped her two fingers into her mouth, and rubbed her nose.
Tonight, I asked Genny if she wanted me to bathe with her, which of course, she did.
And I don’t know how or why, except to say that all the yoga of staying in the present moment must really be paying off. I kept returning myself to the moment of bath time, of fun, of splashing, and playing. I did not worry or even think about all the student papers I need to read or the letters I need to write.
I just played. And splashed. And it’s amazing what a fun time I had. And Genny didn’t get cranky or have any tantrums either. I know she sensed the difference in me. She told me that I was her cat. I meowed.
After her bath, sitting on her potty, she noticed her veins on her inner wrists for the first time.
“Mommy, did someone draw on me?”
“No, Honey. Those are your veins that carry blood through your body,” I said. “Look, I have them, too.”
“Someone wrote on you, too?”
“No, this is the blood that runs through our bodies. Keeps us healthy. Brings oxygen to all our body.”
“And we have blood in our ninas, too?”
“Yes, but that’s a little bit different.”
“And in our tushies? And in all our body?” Genny rubbed her hand across her round belly.
“Yes,” I said.
Then, when we were snuggled into her bed, she turned to me and said, “Mommy, I really like you.”
“I really like you, too.”
“You’re my kitty-kat, Mommy. And I miss Lula.”
“I miss her, too,” I said.
Genny rolled over onto her side, slipped her two fingers into her mouth, and rubbed her nose.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Genny's first "sick" day
Genny is 3 1/2. Today may be her first official "sick" day.
Don't get me wrong. She has honestly had a bad cold for three or four days. I even had to take her to the Medical Walk-In Center yesterday because her ear was hurting. The doctor said Genny has a cold and the goop is running down her throat and filling up behind her ears. She's taking Mucinex and feeling much better.
But this morning, I made the mistake of asking, "Do you feel well enough to go to school?" I probably should have said, "You seem well enough to go to school!"
She dropped her head down, batted her eyes, sniffed a little, and said, "My nose is crunchy. And I'm a bit coughy. I better not go to school today."
She got me. I'm the one who asked. And she gave me my answer.
So, Genny is home today. I have about a zillion things to try to get done today. I need to finish a syllabus for my Intro to Literature class, which begins on Friday. I need to send queries to agents. Wash clothes. Do dishes. Write. Practice yoga. And, of course, there's more.
Right now, Genny's saying, "Moooooomy..."
I need to go look for a little pencil.
Don't get me wrong. She has honestly had a bad cold for three or four days. I even had to take her to the Medical Walk-In Center yesterday because her ear was hurting. The doctor said Genny has a cold and the goop is running down her throat and filling up behind her ears. She's taking Mucinex and feeling much better.
But this morning, I made the mistake of asking, "Do you feel well enough to go to school?" I probably should have said, "You seem well enough to go to school!"
She dropped her head down, batted her eyes, sniffed a little, and said, "My nose is crunchy. And I'm a bit coughy. I better not go to school today."
She got me. I'm the one who asked. And she gave me my answer.
So, Genny is home today. I have about a zillion things to try to get done today. I need to finish a syllabus for my Intro to Literature class, which begins on Friday. I need to send queries to agents. Wash clothes. Do dishes. Write. Practice yoga. And, of course, there's more.
Right now, Genny's saying, "Moooooomy..."
I need to go look for a little pencil.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Hello again
It's been quite a long time since I've blogged. If you remember why I stopped, it was because I began my MFA program. Well, I graduated in June, so I do not have that as an excuse anymore.
Quite a lot has happened since 2005.
In April of 2006, my mother passed away from breast cancer.
Nick, Genny, and I moved to Connecticut this past October.
My life is slowly resettling itself.
I still teach yoga to private clients and a gentle yoga class at fresh yoga (freshyoga.com) in New Haven. I've been exploring how to define my approach to yoga practice...as an opportunity to begin again, another chance to remember who we truly are, another possibility to find joy in being fully alive. My teaching focuses on a gentle, slow flow, and encourages students to discover their own selves and how best to nurture and express themselves.
Since receiving my MFA in Creative Writing from Hunter College, CUNY, I have been teaching Creative Writing, Composition and Literature at Hunter, too. And, of course, I've been writing.
My focus has been on completing my memoir, “Stripping Down,” which has been excerpted and published in Salon, Conversely and Moxie. I have been editing like a mad woman for quite some time and am now doing an agent search. The project has taken on much larger themes.
And I've started work on some new writing projects. I'm also busy exploring the connections between yoga and creativity, using yoga as an entryway into creative expression.
And how am I doing all of this and still being a mom? Good question!
I'm just doing it. Because I feel like I must. My happiness is that important.
Genny is doing very well. She's three (and a half, she would have you know) and just as wonderful as ever. And just as much a handful as ever.
Well, that's a quick summary of where life is right now. I promise to update this blog more frequently now. It shouldn't be hard to beat my latest record.
Quite a lot has happened since 2005.
In April of 2006, my mother passed away from breast cancer.
Nick, Genny, and I moved to Connecticut this past October.
My life is slowly resettling itself.
I still teach yoga to private clients and a gentle yoga class at fresh yoga (freshyoga.com) in New Haven. I've been exploring how to define my approach to yoga practice...as an opportunity to begin again, another chance to remember who we truly are, another possibility to find joy in being fully alive. My teaching focuses on a gentle, slow flow, and encourages students to discover their own selves and how best to nurture and express themselves.
Since receiving my MFA in Creative Writing from Hunter College, CUNY, I have been teaching Creative Writing, Composition and Literature at Hunter, too. And, of course, I've been writing.
My focus has been on completing my memoir, “Stripping Down,” which has been excerpted and published in Salon, Conversely and Moxie. I have been editing like a mad woman for quite some time and am now doing an agent search. The project has taken on much larger themes.
And I've started work on some new writing projects. I'm also busy exploring the connections between yoga and creativity, using yoga as an entryway into creative expression.
And how am I doing all of this and still being a mom? Good question!
I'm just doing it. Because I feel like I must. My happiness is that important.
Genny is doing very well. She's three (and a half, she would have you know) and just as wonderful as ever. And just as much a handful as ever.
Well, that's a quick summary of where life is right now. I promise to update this blog more frequently now. It shouldn't be hard to beat my latest record.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Walking
So it happened today. We went to the Queens Zoo and while we were there, Genny realized that she truly could walk on her own. Armed with that knowledge, she was off down the pathways pointing at furry animals here and there. Every so often she would plop down accidentally, I’d help her stand back up and then she’d let go of my hand and be off on her own.
Our little girl is growing up. Pretty amazing.
I’ve been working like a maniac on schoolwork. I really do enjoy being so busy with different things. It helps me to enjoy the time I do have with Genevieve that much more.
Our little girl is growing up. Pretty amazing.
I’ve been working like a maniac on schoolwork. I really do enjoy being so busy with different things. It helps me to enjoy the time I do have with Genevieve that much more.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Chilling
Genevieve is growing out of many of her 12-month clothes now, but oddly enough, she still fits into a few of her 6-9 month clothes. I guess that’s for the baby who wants to feel slender—clothes sized just like for mom!
It is no longer possible for Genny to go to the playground without a pair of long pants on. Her knees get filthy. Her ankles get black. Her hands have sticky dropped ice cream and tar pellets on them. It’s a scene.
I finished all of my homework for school tomorrow. Yeah. What a relief. I think I’ll actually take the next half-hour or so to totally chill. Maybe I’ll watch an episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm”. That would be most relaxing.
It is no longer possible for Genny to go to the playground without a pair of long pants on. Her knees get filthy. Her ankles get black. Her hands have sticky dropped ice cream and tar pellets on them. It’s a scene.
I finished all of my homework for school tomorrow. Yeah. What a relief. I think I’ll actually take the next half-hour or so to totally chill. Maybe I’ll watch an episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm”. That would be most relaxing.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Love Fest
I can’t believe how long it’s been since I’ve blogged. I miss you, oh sweet, dear blog. I’m sorry I have not been faithful, but my other writings have demanded more from me. Blame it on them. Blame it on them, not me, oh dear, sweet blog.
I did make it through my second week of school. And I am proud of that. I am sinking into a rhythm, a schedule, a way of finding enough time to please all my selves and hopefully, all my loved ones as well.
Genny has reacted a bit roughly to the expanded babysitting hours by deciding she wants to nurse again. I understand. She’s clinging to Mommy. Now I need to figure out how to wean her off again.
She’s still almost walking. I’m sure one of these days out of the blue I’m going to be like, “Ack! She’s running everywhere! I can’t keep up with her.”
She’s taken a sudden disliking to the bath because she got water in her face last time and was traumatized. I think I’ll get her one of those little water visors. What a loved child.
And I do love school. And I do love writing. And I do love blogging. And I do love my husband. And I do love my baby.
It’s a love fest.
I did make it through my second week of school. And I am proud of that. I am sinking into a rhythm, a schedule, a way of finding enough time to please all my selves and hopefully, all my loved ones as well.
Genny has reacted a bit roughly to the expanded babysitting hours by deciding she wants to nurse again. I understand. She’s clinging to Mommy. Now I need to figure out how to wean her off again.
She’s still almost walking. I’m sure one of these days out of the blue I’m going to be like, “Ack! She’s running everywhere! I can’t keep up with her.”
She’s taken a sudden disliking to the bath because she got water in her face last time and was traumatized. I think I’ll get her one of those little water visors. What a loved child.
And I do love school. And I do love writing. And I do love blogging. And I do love my husband. And I do love my baby.
It’s a love fest.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Holiday
Nick, the baby and I didn’t do much this weekend at all. We were supposed to spend the holiday at my mom’s cottage, but my mom is still in the hospital and on top of that I was feeling sick.
We did make it to Connecticut today though, for a visit with mom and then to our friends’ place by the beach in Milford.
My mom seems better today. The infection they thought she had turned out to be a problem with fluid around her lungs, which she has had from chemo before. The doctors performed a procedure, which entails sticking a large needle into her chest to draw the fluid out. When that happens, the lung expands and it’s possible to get a nick on your lung, which of course happened to my mom. Her breathing was very labored yesterday. I was surprised at how well she looked. Hopefully, she’ll be out of there within a day or two.
Genny is being lovely and wacky from moment to moment. She tries to say everything we say now. Today her clearest words were: blue shirt, pineapple, and I love my mommy sooo much. Okay, maybe not that last one.
I have successfully completed three papers that I am handing in tomorrow. It was a challenge I must say. Writing for school muscles get cranky and stiff after not being used for a few years. Not to mention the old baby brain problem.
We did make it to Connecticut today though, for a visit with mom and then to our friends’ place by the beach in Milford.
My mom seems better today. The infection they thought she had turned out to be a problem with fluid around her lungs, which she has had from chemo before. The doctors performed a procedure, which entails sticking a large needle into her chest to draw the fluid out. When that happens, the lung expands and it’s possible to get a nick on your lung, which of course happened to my mom. Her breathing was very labored yesterday. I was surprised at how well she looked. Hopefully, she’ll be out of there within a day or two.
Genny is being lovely and wacky from moment to moment. She tries to say everything we say now. Today her clearest words were: blue shirt, pineapple, and I love my mommy sooo much. Okay, maybe not that last one.
I have successfully completed three papers that I am handing in tomorrow. It was a challenge I must say. Writing for school muscles get cranky and stiff after not being used for a few years. Not to mention the old baby brain problem.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
It's Me
I realize that I won’t be able to blog every night anymore. I honestly don’t know how I am going to manage the workload at school along with my yoga clients and taking care of baby. I know people do these things and manage them well, but I know my own body and it’s tolerance level.
The major problem is just going to be finding enough writing time.
Let’s just leave it at that for now.
I was feeling under the weather all day today. And Genny was fussy to top it all off. She is about to walk off on her own. And she said her first sentence fragment the other day, “More cheese”. She really is quite the talker. She calls everything on her face an eye though.
That’s it for now. Sorry so short. Once I get into the flow of school I’m sure everything will settle down.
The major problem is just going to be finding enough writing time.
Let’s just leave it at that for now.
I was feeling under the weather all day today. And Genny was fussy to top it all off. She is about to walk off on her own. And she said her first sentence fragment the other day, “More cheese”. She really is quite the talker. She calls everything on her face an eye though.
That’s it for now. Sorry so short. Once I get into the flow of school I’m sure everything will settle down.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Let the scheduling begin
Well, it happened. The school semester began. I feel jubilant, exhausted and buzzing. The load of work from these classes is truly loading. There will be much writing of papers and writing and writing and gnashing of teeth. My literature class, Gendered Writing in the Renaissance, feels a bit scary and overwhelming. My memoir workshop and craft class are awesome. I’m overflowing with ideas and insights after our first night together.
My mom is still in the hospital. When I spoke to her earlier she was feeling lousy and her fever was going up again, but Nick spoke with her later and she seemed to be doing better.
Nick picked Genny up from the babysitter, which was totally unexpected for Genny (although I did mention it to her earlier). She was upset that I did not pick her up at our usually appointed time of 4:00. She was waiting at the door and I did not appear. When Nick got there she was not happy—Nick suggested that she might have been worried about me and my nonappearance.
I looked in at her when I got home. She’s splashed out on the pale yellow sheet. Her long body fast asleep.
I need to work out my working schedule for homework and writing. It is going ot be important to structure my time well. I foresee some frustrating moments when I will feel the need to be writing, but the baby will have other ideas.
My mom is still in the hospital. When I spoke to her earlier she was feeling lousy and her fever was going up again, but Nick spoke with her later and she seemed to be doing better.
Nick picked Genny up from the babysitter, which was totally unexpected for Genny (although I did mention it to her earlier). She was upset that I did not pick her up at our usually appointed time of 4:00. She was waiting at the door and I did not appear. When Nick got there she was not happy—Nick suggested that she might have been worried about me and my nonappearance.
I looked in at her when I got home. She’s splashed out on the pale yellow sheet. Her long body fast asleep.
I need to work out my working schedule for homework and writing. It is going ot be important to structure my time well. I foresee some frustrating moments when I will feel the need to be writing, but the baby will have other ideas.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Bills and other crap
Monday night always makes my stomach a little weasy—it’s bill night.
Nick just said, “Crap!” as he looked at our spending and earning curve on the computer. It’s so frustrating because we are still spending so much more a month than we earn. And we are so frugal and conscientious. We track every last penny that we spend. Sometimes I feel like slapping my previous self for relying on my credit cards all those years, but when you live in the city, you tend to need some help if you aren’t a stockbroker or something else magnificent like that.
I need to shake it off now and finish preparing for my first day of classes tomorrow. We will all be introducing our projects in our first memoir workshop. It’s time to fully enter back into my stripping days. My life as a nude lady.
My stepfather just called to let us know my mom was admitted to the hospital. She has a 102.3 temperature—she has an infection. The doctors took cultures and now they wait to see where and what kind of infection it is. It’s most likely in her port a cath. Hopefully, she will only be in the hospital for a few nights and it will be cleared up.
I hope this doesn’t turn out to be another long hospital stay. I hate thinking of her lying there on the seventh floor in the cancer patient hall.
And on a final note, Genny took a few unaided steps in the library today although I do not think she was aware of her accomplishment.
Nick just said, “Crap!” as he looked at our spending and earning curve on the computer. It’s so frustrating because we are still spending so much more a month than we earn. And we are so frugal and conscientious. We track every last penny that we spend. Sometimes I feel like slapping my previous self for relying on my credit cards all those years, but when you live in the city, you tend to need some help if you aren’t a stockbroker or something else magnificent like that.
I need to shake it off now and finish preparing for my first day of classes tomorrow. We will all be introducing our projects in our first memoir workshop. It’s time to fully enter back into my stripping days. My life as a nude lady.
My stepfather just called to let us know my mom was admitted to the hospital. She has a 102.3 temperature—she has an infection. The doctors took cultures and now they wait to see where and what kind of infection it is. It’s most likely in her port a cath. Hopefully, she will only be in the hospital for a few nights and it will be cleared up.
I hope this doesn’t turn out to be another long hospital stay. I hate thinking of her lying there on the seventh floor in the cancer patient hall.
And on a final note, Genny took a few unaided steps in the library today although I do not think she was aware of her accomplishment.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Kerpoop!
Did you miss me last night, Mr. Blog? Nick, the baby and I were out in New Jersey with Grandpa Terzi celebrating his birthday. We dined out at a Japanese restaurant. Genny had her first bite of ice cream, but she seemed more interested in the fresh cantaloupe.
We had a first tonight. Genny was in the bath, splashing along. All of a sudden she stood up and we heard a wet, squishy unfolding sound and then a sploosh, kerplunk, plop. Genny pooped in the tub. Three turtles floating around, bobbing up and down.
I’m really sorry for the graphic nature of the last paragraph. For those of you reading this who don’t have children you’re probably thinking, “Man, that Sheila sure spends a lot of time thinking about and writing about poop.” If you have a baby, then you understand how important a thing poop is to one’s day.
At least we have passed the dreaded half-a-dozen poops a day phase of Gen’s life. One or two, or three at the most, poops a day is nothing. I remember when Gen was first born; I had never changed a diaper in my life. I felt so completely out of my element (or my smellement), but now, I can change a poop-filled diaper on a squirming, rolling, crying and generally unhappy toddler. Pretty impressive, I know.
Poop—it does a body good.
We had a first tonight. Genny was in the bath, splashing along. All of a sudden she stood up and we heard a wet, squishy unfolding sound and then a sploosh, kerplunk, plop. Genny pooped in the tub. Three turtles floating around, bobbing up and down.
I’m really sorry for the graphic nature of the last paragraph. For those of you reading this who don’t have children you’re probably thinking, “Man, that Sheila sure spends a lot of time thinking about and writing about poop.” If you have a baby, then you understand how important a thing poop is to one’s day.
At least we have passed the dreaded half-a-dozen poops a day phase of Gen’s life. One or two, or three at the most, poops a day is nothing. I remember when Gen was first born; I had never changed a diaper in my life. I felt so completely out of my element (or my smellement), but now, I can change a poop-filled diaper on a squirming, rolling, crying and generally unhappy toddler. Pretty impressive, I know.
Poop—it does a body good.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Oh, Blog
I start class on Tuesday. I am going to be so busy writing with my three classes, but do not worry. Do not fret. I will not neglect you, oh blog of mine.
This blog has really become one of the most committed writing assignments of my life so far. I feel a great need to report on the day’s happenings every evening. I have finally loosened up on myself about having to write something brilliant every time, hence my latest downward spiral into ending every entry with, I’m tired.
Today is Friday and that is very good. Nick will be with baby and me for the weekend making my life much easier. Although I have noticed this past week that I am beginning to enjoy my time with Genny more. I do love hearing her babble on all day. And as people point out day after day, she is such a happy baby. And, yes, cute, of course.
Her latest thing is walking around on her knees, which is adorable, but very rough on the pants. She actually had dirty knees when we came home tonight even though she had on pants all day. How does dirt get through pants?
She is so laughy and sweet and intense all at once. I do love her so.
This blog has really become one of the most committed writing assignments of my life so far. I feel a great need to report on the day’s happenings every evening. I have finally loosened up on myself about having to write something brilliant every time, hence my latest downward spiral into ending every entry with, I’m tired.
Today is Friday and that is very good. Nick will be with baby and me for the weekend making my life much easier. Although I have noticed this past week that I am beginning to enjoy my time with Genny more. I do love hearing her babble on all day. And as people point out day after day, she is such a happy baby. And, yes, cute, of course.
Her latest thing is walking around on her knees, which is adorable, but very rough on the pants. She actually had dirty knees when we came home tonight even though she had on pants all day. How does dirt get through pants?
She is so laughy and sweet and intense all at once. I do love her so.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Bath
Genevieve was talking nonstop all day. She’s got a running commentary going on. Perhaps she’s going to be a talk show host one day—The Genevieve Terzi Show.
I also learned an important lesson today—do not mention the word bath to Genevieve while she is still eating dinner. This is how the scene unfolded: Baby happily eating her macaroni and cheese. Mommy says, “Genny’s going to take a bath tonight.” Baby’s face turns up and brightens. Baby says, “Ba! Ba! Ba!”
I brought her to her bedroom to undress her and then she took off at full crunning speed right into the bathroom and hoisted herself up against the tub. She turned and looked at me over her shoulder as she tried lifting her left leg over the tub’s edge.
Tonight was only the second time that I dumped water over head to rinse the shampoo out. I used to have her in a reclining baby tub that made it very easy to pour water over only the back of her head, but those days are over. She has to get used to getting water in her face. Don’t ask me why—she just must. Anyway, she did not so badly tonight.
And I hate to bore you with the same old tired song and dance, but it is true. And so I must call it quits for the night.
I also learned an important lesson today—do not mention the word bath to Genevieve while she is still eating dinner. This is how the scene unfolded: Baby happily eating her macaroni and cheese. Mommy says, “Genny’s going to take a bath tonight.” Baby’s face turns up and brightens. Baby says, “Ba! Ba! Ba!”
I brought her to her bedroom to undress her and then she took off at full crunning speed right into the bathroom and hoisted herself up against the tub. She turned and looked at me over her shoulder as she tried lifting her left leg over the tub’s edge.
Tonight was only the second time that I dumped water over head to rinse the shampoo out. I used to have her in a reclining baby tub that made it very easy to pour water over only the back of her head, but those days are over. She has to get used to getting water in her face. Don’t ask me why—she just must. Anyway, she did not so badly tonight.
And I hate to bore you with the same old tired song and dance, but it is true. And so I must call it quits for the night.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Life
Genevieve nods her head up and down. She says or tries to say just about anything you say to her. She walks holding on to only one hand. She is turning into quite a toddler.
I feel my head bobbing up and down from sleep deprivation. I say anything you say to me in some sort of dyslexic, twisted attempt at communication. I walk holding on to only one cup of latte. I am turning into quite a mommy.
I sit here in my rolly chair, my feet tucked up underneath me and my chin resting against my knees. I have hiccups and I feel hungry, but it seems too late to eat. I have much work I should be doing. I have only choppy sentences coming to mind.
I feel the need to be entertained. I feel the need to roll around in a king-sized bed naked. I feel the need to sleep for a week. I feel the need to not think about Cookie Monster or any ABC songs.
My arm itches. And now the back of my ear itches. And now my right calf.
This is what is happening now in my life.
I feel my head bobbing up and down from sleep deprivation. I say anything you say to me in some sort of dyslexic, twisted attempt at communication. I walk holding on to only one cup of latte. I am turning into quite a mommy.
I sit here in my rolly chair, my feet tucked up underneath me and my chin resting against my knees. I have hiccups and I feel hungry, but it seems too late to eat. I have much work I should be doing. I have only choppy sentences coming to mind.
I feel the need to be entertained. I feel the need to roll around in a king-sized bed naked. I feel the need to sleep for a week. I feel the need to not think about Cookie Monster or any ABC songs.
My arm itches. And now the back of my ear itches. And now my right calf.
This is what is happening now in my life.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Boys
The big news today was three poops. And I’m not talking three tiny turds, no, I’m talking three full diapers loaded down and up with poo, poo and poo.
The only way to get Genny to lie somewhat still during changing time is to give her a special toy only used for these instances. Somehow the toy that was selected is not even a toy, but some baby gift topper from my baby shower. It’s a small blue plastic baby carriage with plastic baby inside. All pieces are choking hazards. I do need to find a new diaper-changing toy.
Genny tried to climb a red chain link ladder at the playground, which is surely for bigger kids. She actually did very well, with my help, of course. She also was crawling back and forth over the wooden suspension bridge, which she has always been nervous about before.
There was a little boy, Adam, aged two-and-a-half, who kept following Genny everywhere she went. Genny would crawl a bit and then give a quick glance over her shoulder and yup, there he would be. At one point another boy was following her and a few little girls just stopped and stared at Genny—I guess to see what kind of magical powers she held.
Only fifteen-months old and she’s already got the boys chasing her.
The only way to get Genny to lie somewhat still during changing time is to give her a special toy only used for these instances. Somehow the toy that was selected is not even a toy, but some baby gift topper from my baby shower. It’s a small blue plastic baby carriage with plastic baby inside. All pieces are choking hazards. I do need to find a new diaper-changing toy.
Genny tried to climb a red chain link ladder at the playground, which is surely for bigger kids. She actually did very well, with my help, of course. She also was crawling back and forth over the wooden suspension bridge, which she has always been nervous about before.
There was a little boy, Adam, aged two-and-a-half, who kept following Genny everywhere she went. Genny would crawl a bit and then give a quick glance over her shoulder and yup, there he would be. At one point another boy was following her and a few little girls just stopped and stared at Genny—I guess to see what kind of magical powers she held.
Only fifteen-months old and she’s already got the boys chasing her.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Home Again
It was an uneventful trip in terms of E.R. visits. In fact, except for Nick having a one-day bout of stomach upset, we were all extremely healthy our entire trip.
We stayed at my mom and step dad’s cottage on Lake Williams in Lebanon, CT. Our drive up was excruciatingly hot, like 99 degrees, but after a day of heat, the weather cooled enough that we were cuddled under blankets at night.
Genevieve, Nick and I lazed about the cottage most of the time, which has a beautiful view of the lake and a cove, which was named after my mom, Mary’s Cove. We went out in the rowboat and the paddleboat—cutting through the lily pads and splashing through the little waves.
In the evenings after Genny went to bed, Nick and I got to work. All together, we wrote about six children’s books. Nick is great at coming up with rhymes. We had a lot of fun writing.
I was even lucky enough to find a Starbucks in Colchester, only a few towns away. We visited a few libraries and even found a huge pile of kids’ books in a dumpster behind the library (no, we weren’t specifically dumpster diving, just illegally dumping our trash).
I definitely came back relaxed. I only had a few days of feeling depressed, but not monumentally. I wish I had more time to sit by the water and veg out. I’m not fully discharged of stress yet.
But school starts next week and I’m still busy trying to get myself prepared. I am going to be very busy. Stop thinking of the future, Sheila, try to stay in the moment for at least a moment.
Oh, yes, Genny’s new words are boat, bowl and up. All very clear and lovely. And her walking is coming along very well. And she happily humped the cat this morning as Lula tried to lick her in the face. Yup, we’re home alright.
We stayed at my mom and step dad’s cottage on Lake Williams in Lebanon, CT. Our drive up was excruciatingly hot, like 99 degrees, but after a day of heat, the weather cooled enough that we were cuddled under blankets at night.
Genevieve, Nick and I lazed about the cottage most of the time, which has a beautiful view of the lake and a cove, which was named after my mom, Mary’s Cove. We went out in the rowboat and the paddleboat—cutting through the lily pads and splashing through the little waves.
In the evenings after Genny went to bed, Nick and I got to work. All together, we wrote about six children’s books. Nick is great at coming up with rhymes. We had a lot of fun writing.
I was even lucky enough to find a Starbucks in Colchester, only a few towns away. We visited a few libraries and even found a huge pile of kids’ books in a dumpster behind the library (no, we weren’t specifically dumpster diving, just illegally dumping our trash).
I definitely came back relaxed. I only had a few days of feeling depressed, but not monumentally. I wish I had more time to sit by the water and veg out. I’m not fully discharged of stress yet.
But school starts next week and I’m still busy trying to get myself prepared. I am going to be very busy. Stop thinking of the future, Sheila, try to stay in the moment for at least a moment.
Oh, yes, Genny’s new words are boat, bowl and up. All very clear and lovely. And her walking is coming along very well. And she happily humped the cat this morning as Lula tried to lick her in the face. Yup, we’re home alright.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
We're Back
We are back from vacation. I’m relaxed and exhausted at the same time. I will blog more tomorrow, but I am wiped out right now.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Adieu
The time has finally arrived. Vacation is here. I will officially be unblogging until my return on Sunday, August 21st. I hope to return somewhat relaxed and less stressed, ready to begin the school year with much gusto.
A fond adieu until I return.
A fond adieu until I return.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Flat
I think Genny must have had leftover doctor bad vibes today because she was a little crank-meister. She may in fact have been feeling a bit yucho from the shots and she appears to be getting her two eyeteeth in. She was fine for my friend who babysat while I went to work, but once I got home, she wouldn’t nap and was screaming and crying nonstop for many moons, or so it felt.
I seem to have pulled a muscle or twisted something in my upper back/right shoulder type of area. I can barely turn my head to the right. It happened last month, too, but then healed quickly. I don’t even recall tweaking it at all.
That’s it. I don’t know. I just feel kind of flat emotionally tonight. Neither here nor there. I need to stretch out again and see if I can work out some of this pain. It’s amazing how pain can stop our entire ability to function at times and then at other times, we can snow plow through physical, emotional and spiritual pain. Maybe mine is a whole combo situation right now—stress from different areas nudging the others over the edge.
I seem to have pulled a muscle or twisted something in my upper back/right shoulder type of area. I can barely turn my head to the right. It happened last month, too, but then healed quickly. I don’t even recall tweaking it at all.
That’s it. I don’t know. I just feel kind of flat emotionally tonight. Neither here nor there. I need to stretch out again and see if I can work out some of this pain. It’s amazing how pain can stop our entire ability to function at times and then at other times, we can snow plow through physical, emotional and spiritual pain. Maybe mine is a whole combo situation right now—stress from different areas nudging the others over the edge.
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