Lately I've been talking a lot about fostering a love of science for our kids with my husband. Richie shows a genuine interest and it's still exciting to him. THIS IS WHERE THE JOBS ARE!
I know, I know, my kid is only four years old, I get it. But, if he loves something at 4 years old, and it continues to stimulate him, why should I not encourage it? I want him to be able to move out of my house (before he turns 30), have a life of his own, and a fulfilling career (in a field where he can actually get a job). For now, he loves astronomy, chemistry, and anything to do with the environment. So, these past few days we've been conducting "experiments" at home. The more fun he (or my daughters) can have with science, the better. We have these awesome Science books that he loves reading. I'm not quite sure what the age level is supposed to be, probably at least elementary school, but we can use them anyway! We have one book on astronomy, one on chemistry, and one on planet Earth.
The experiment we tried today we found here. Basically we learned that oil and water don't mix, and why. Then, the fun part. When we add dish-washing detergent it does mix (well, sort of)! My easy for kids explanation was as follows:
1)Hypothesis: Do you think the water and oil will mix or stay separate?
2)Perform experiment: What happened? Why do you think that happened?
3)Parent explanation: The reason they didn't mix together is because water molecules are very strong and they like to play with themselves instead of the oil molecules. The oil molecules are very strong, too, and they like to play with the oil molecules better than the water molecules. BUT- when we put the detergent in there, the oil molecules think it's so cool and they're like, "I want to play with those awesome detergent molecules!" And the water molecules are like, "Hey! We want to play with those cool detergent molecules, too!" Then I ask, "And then what happened?"
4)Clean up and review: Review what happened and why, ask kids to give their own explanations and clarify when necessary.
31 January 2012
30 January 2012
Dressing up our old looking furniture
Guest post written by Megan Myers
One thing that I've been thinking about doing for a while now is reupholstering this older looking armchair that we have. It just has the most outdated fabric, but I couldn't afford to have someone reupholster it for me, so I decided to just work up the nerve to try and do it myself.
When I was looking online to try and find some ideas about how to redo the chair in a good way, I ran across the website http://homeproimprovement.com. I also could use some new windows as well, so I decided to go through that website to get some replacement windows.
Now, I know that my chair isn't the best example of reupholstered furniture, but I think that I did a pretty good job with it! I'm pretty proud of myself and I might just have to try and reupholster our dining room chairs too. It's so much easier than just going out and buying some new furniture. Plus, I can just find the fabric that I want to change up the furniture!
28 January 2012
Growing a Garden
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| Green bean and tomatoes seedlings. |
I've tried this with Lily several times before and she just was not mature enough to grow a plant. We'd plant the seeds and add some water and within an hour there would be muddy dirt all over the place because she decided it'd be more fun to demolish what she'd created. This time we made it all the way to the seedling phase! The green beans have their first set of true leaves and the tomatoes should get to that point in the next few days.
Usually, I start to grow a vegetable and everything goes fine for a while. Then I forget to water it, or it gets invaded by massive caterpillar creatures (when I say massive I mean like 1-2 inches long) who devour the entire plant except the stem, leaving me with a beautiful stick garden. This time, I swear I'm going to be more diligent with these plants and not let them die or get devoured. I'm hoping we'll get enough veges in a few months that the kids can help me pick and cook them (and hopefully eat them).
Anyone have some gardening tips or suggestions?
P.S. Don't forget to vote for Richie and Sophia's pictures here and here. Tell your friends!
26 January 2012
Busy Busy Busy
I've totally been neglecting blogging. Sorry! You'd think I'd be less busy since I'm only taking one class this semester, but my workload at home has increased and I've got something extra on the side that I'll tell you all about if it pans out.
Richie's feeling much better today and is finally back in good spirits. We signed him up for his first team sport! T-ball should be fun, and an easy transition since he's been doing Lil' Sluggers where they teach the motor skills and rules of the game.
We found out too late that our friend is coaching her son's team and we missed the cut off by a day and the team was full. Luckily with some connections and payment of a late fee, we got Richie on his friend's team. This will be the best possible transition for my boy who hates change. He's got a friend who's in his class on his team, and a coach that he's already familiar with. I can't wait to cheer him on at his games! He asked me what happens if he loses. Oh, that made me a little sad that's he's worried about it. I told him he gets ice cream if he wins or loses, so that smoothed it over.
Lily's and Sophia's birthdays are fast approaching! We've handed out some invitations to Lily's friends and if you're family and I haven't emailed you yet, expect an email soon. We're planning a simple birthday with some arts and crafts in the backyard. Hopefully Lily will have some friends show up (it's so hard when they're little, you really don't know until the day of if anyone will come, especially if you're not providing a bounce house of some sort).
BY THE WAY: If you have time or can make time, vote for Richie and Sophia's pictures here and here. You can (and should) vote once a day on each until January 30, 2012. The photo with the most votes wins some money and a chance to win a $25,000 scholarship. Some college money would be super fantastic, so if you can help me out with a few simple clicks I'd be stoked. Feel free to badger your friends and have them vote, too!
I'll get back on here with a better post about our growing vegetables soon. I promise to manage my time better in the upcoming weeks.
Richie's feeling much better today and is finally back in good spirits. We signed him up for his first team sport! T-ball should be fun, and an easy transition since he's been doing Lil' Sluggers where they teach the motor skills and rules of the game.
We found out too late that our friend is coaching her son's team and we missed the cut off by a day and the team was full. Luckily with some connections and payment of a late fee, we got Richie on his friend's team. This will be the best possible transition for my boy who hates change. He's got a friend who's in his class on his team, and a coach that he's already familiar with. I can't wait to cheer him on at his games! He asked me what happens if he loses. Oh, that made me a little sad that's he's worried about it. I told him he gets ice cream if he wins or loses, so that smoothed it over.
Lily's and Sophia's birthdays are fast approaching! We've handed out some invitations to Lily's friends and if you're family and I haven't emailed you yet, expect an email soon. We're planning a simple birthday with some arts and crafts in the backyard. Hopefully Lily will have some friends show up (it's so hard when they're little, you really don't know until the day of if anyone will come, especially if you're not providing a bounce house of some sort).
BY THE WAY: If you have time or can make time, vote for Richie and Sophia's pictures here and here. You can (and should) vote once a day on each until January 30, 2012. The photo with the most votes wins some money and a chance to win a $25,000 scholarship. Some college money would be super fantastic, so if you can help me out with a few simple clicks I'd be stoked. Feel free to badger your friends and have them vote, too!
I'll get back on here with a better post about our growing vegetables soon. I promise to manage my time better in the upcoming weeks.
22 January 2012
Sick Again
My poor Richie; he's sick again.
Last night Uncle Danny picked him up to go spend the night, and well- it didn't go so well. Richie ended up vomiting several times over the course of the night and coming home very early in the morning (at which time apparently all vomit was gone from his body- lucky me!). He had a fever of about 101 and a cough and runny nose and absolutely no appetite. He fell asleep around 3:00PM today and is still sleeping. He stirred every once in a while, but a simple, "It's okay, honey, you can go back to sleep," sent him back into dreamland.
Hopefully he'll be feeling better tomorrow, but I'll probably keep him home from school just in case, and call the pediatrician to make sure it's not something that requires an office visit. He recently received the nasal flu vaccine, so I'm interested to know whether or not he could have contracted the flu.
Here's hoping Lily and Sophia don't fall ill as well. Seriously, three sick kids all at the same time is just not the picnic you'd think it should be.
Last night Uncle Danny picked him up to go spend the night, and well- it didn't go so well. Richie ended up vomiting several times over the course of the night and coming home very early in the morning (at which time apparently all vomit was gone from his body- lucky me!). He had a fever of about 101 and a cough and runny nose and absolutely no appetite. He fell asleep around 3:00PM today and is still sleeping. He stirred every once in a while, but a simple, "It's okay, honey, you can go back to sleep," sent him back into dreamland.
Hopefully he'll be feeling better tomorrow, but I'll probably keep him home from school just in case, and call the pediatrician to make sure it's not something that requires an office visit. He recently received the nasal flu vaccine, so I'm interested to know whether or not he could have contracted the flu.
Here's hoping Lily and Sophia don't fall ill as well. Seriously, three sick kids all at the same time is just not the picnic you'd think it should be.
19 January 2012
Poop Collector
You know you love someone when you are scooping their feces from a dirty diaper, putting it into vials, and mixing it around while fighting your gag reflex.
This is, of course, my job. I must collect stool samples and deliver it back to the pediatrician so we can check to see that the salmonella is out of the kids systems. Fantastic! Pooper-scooper is a job I refuse to do for the cats, and this is why. When a child needs a bottom wiped 90% of the time I am the one wiping it. When stool samples need to be collected, I am the official collector.
THINGS I JUST DON'T LIKE DOING, BUT DO ANYWAY BECAUSE I LOVE MY KIDS:
1) Poop. Wiping it off bottoms, cleaning it off the floor, scooping it out of diapers. It's just not fun, okay?
2) Boogers. Wiping them, suctioning them, and being handed them. "Here, Mom, a boogie!" It seems to excite the kids; Mom, not so much.
3) Vomit. Holding the vomit bucket, cleaning it off of bodies, catching it in my hands or in my shirt, scrubbing it out of the carpet, and the list goes on. Cleaning up your own vomit is not fun, cleaning up someone else's is even less.
4) Breaking the news. I HATE telling my kids that someone else canceled on them. I have to make the other person still seem like the good guy, which usually turns me into the bad guy. My kids get super disappointed and sullen and crabby, and nothing else in the world can make them happy except for me to let them do whatever it was they were supposed to do. Being the bad guy sucks.
5) Injections. I have a major needle phobia, but I pretend I don't so my kids won't develop one, too. For some reason, even though my husband is much more equipped to deal with vaccinations and blood work, I am ALWAYS the one going to the doctor on the visits that require my kids get shots. I've had to put my own, "OMG I'm going to pass out," feelings aside and suck it up like a big girl so my kids don't think shots are something to freak out about. I still hate it, bury my head in my kids shoulders and pretend like I'm only comforting them, when really I'm partially hiding from my own anxiety.
This is, of course, my job. I must collect stool samples and deliver it back to the pediatrician so we can check to see that the salmonella is out of the kids systems. Fantastic! Pooper-scooper is a job I refuse to do for the cats, and this is why. When a child needs a bottom wiped 90% of the time I am the one wiping it. When stool samples need to be collected, I am the official collector.
THINGS I JUST DON'T LIKE DOING, BUT DO ANYWAY BECAUSE I LOVE MY KIDS:
1) Poop. Wiping it off bottoms, cleaning it off the floor, scooping it out of diapers. It's just not fun, okay?
2) Boogers. Wiping them, suctioning them, and being handed them. "Here, Mom, a boogie!" It seems to excite the kids; Mom, not so much.
3) Vomit. Holding the vomit bucket, cleaning it off of bodies, catching it in my hands or in my shirt, scrubbing it out of the carpet, and the list goes on. Cleaning up your own vomit is not fun, cleaning up someone else's is even less.
4) Breaking the news. I HATE telling my kids that someone else canceled on them. I have to make the other person still seem like the good guy, which usually turns me into the bad guy. My kids get super disappointed and sullen and crabby, and nothing else in the world can make them happy except for me to let them do whatever it was they were supposed to do. Being the bad guy sucks.
5) Injections. I have a major needle phobia, but I pretend I don't so my kids won't develop one, too. For some reason, even though my husband is much more equipped to deal with vaccinations and blood work, I am ALWAYS the one going to the doctor on the visits that require my kids get shots. I've had to put my own, "OMG I'm going to pass out," feelings aside and suck it up like a big girl so my kids don't think shots are something to freak out about. I still hate it, bury my head in my kids shoulders and pretend like I'm only comforting them, when really I'm partially hiding from my own anxiety.
16 January 2012
Reach for the Stars!
One of my most fond memories from childhood was when my Dad would let me hang out in the backyard with him and look at the stars and planets through the telescope. I don't really know how great of a telescope it was, but it was magical as a young child. I remember the excitement of seeing Saturn's rings and gazing up at burning balls in the sky. One year, my Dad even let me stay up way past bed time to watch a Lunar eclipse.
Thanks to Uncle Joe and Aunt Lauren, we've been the proud owners of our very own telescope for a little over a year now. We've enjoyed it countless times (both with the kids and alone) and I love that my kids get to enjoy an experience that I cherished as a child. Tonight (and last night) we were able to view both Venus and Jupiter (along with all four of it's moons). The weather has been perfect and the conditions just right.
It's just so awesome to be able to see the joy in Richie and Lily when the peer through the eyepiece and get a glimpse of the heavens. I'm no astronomer and I couldn't find a constellation if it was staring me in the face, but I just love the stars and planets and being able to see them just a bit closer. I love that my children are gaining a love and appreciation for things far beyond our reach and understanding.
I have to show them the stars if I want them to reach for them!
15 January 2012
Slim Down and Get Good Grades
Check out MSNBC for the full story: There is an idea circulating around France that giving grade incentives for ideal BMIs would be a good thing.
The guy suggesting this is some diet guru to the stars. I'm not quite sure how I feel about this. Yes, obesity is a huge problem with our youth today, but will this solve the problem and create healthy lifestyles, or give kids an incentive to become bulimic and anorexic?
"The plan calls for high school students to be allowed to take a so-called "ideal weight" option in their final year exams, the "baccalaureat", under which they would earn extra points if they kept a body mass index (BMI) of between 18 and 25."
Okay, so the suggestion at least requires the kids to stay in a healthy range for BMI, but it doesn't give any specifics of how they should get there. Are they going to also provide nutrition and exercise courses? I can tell you that lots of kids, girls especially, "diet" in very unhealthy ways and I think simply telling them to lose weight and they'll get higher marks may produce very unhealthy lifestyles for young people. I just don't think it's enough to simply say, "Lose weight", give an incentive, and leave it at that. Young people need a plan of action. If they're already overweight to begin with it's probably because they were not taught proper eating and exercise habits (or have an underlying health issue) and without instruction how can anyone expect them to do otherwise?
I do understand that we need to be more aggressive in battling obesity in our societies, especially among children who are now more frequently developing diseases that were once only found in adults.
What do you think, is giving higher marks to kids who slim down a good way to promote healthy lifestyles?
The guy suggesting this is some diet guru to the stars. I'm not quite sure how I feel about this. Yes, obesity is a huge problem with our youth today, but will this solve the problem and create healthy lifestyles, or give kids an incentive to become bulimic and anorexic?
"The plan calls for high school students to be allowed to take a so-called "ideal weight" option in their final year exams, the "baccalaureat", under which they would earn extra points if they kept a body mass index (BMI) of between 18 and 25."
Okay, so the suggestion at least requires the kids to stay in a healthy range for BMI, but it doesn't give any specifics of how they should get there. Are they going to also provide nutrition and exercise courses? I can tell you that lots of kids, girls especially, "diet" in very unhealthy ways and I think simply telling them to lose weight and they'll get higher marks may produce very unhealthy lifestyles for young people. I just don't think it's enough to simply say, "Lose weight", give an incentive, and leave it at that. Young people need a plan of action. If they're already overweight to begin with it's probably because they were not taught proper eating and exercise habits (or have an underlying health issue) and without instruction how can anyone expect them to do otherwise?
I do understand that we need to be more aggressive in battling obesity in our societies, especially among children who are now more frequently developing diseases that were once only found in adults.
What do you think, is giving higher marks to kids who slim down a good way to promote healthy lifestyles?
Why I Love my Brother-in-law
I finally get plans together in my head of how the day is going to go down. I've got a bridal shower to attend to and am carpooling with my Mother-in-law. We decided we'd take Sophia, and Richard would take the big kids to a birthday party around the same time. Mom was going to bring Richie back home and pick me up and we'd leave.
Flash forward five minutes. I talk to my husband and he informs me that Uncle Joe wants to watch Sophia so I am going to go pick up Mom and drop her off and then Grandad will drop Richie off later. Totally confused! I definitely had to call and clarify what the plans would be and we worked it out that the four of us would drive over after Sophia's nap and Richard would take the big kids home to go to the party.
Let me just give a big shout out to Uncle Joe! It's so nice of you to ask to watch Sophia and on such short notice.
Uncle Joe lives a bit of a distance (just across the coast of FL), which makes it so we only get to see him a few times a year. He and his wonderful fiance are in town for the bridal shower, and since he's got nothing to do, he asked to watch his niece (and goddaughter). FANTASTIC. It truly did warm my heart when my husband told me he wanted to watch Sophia while we were out.
Flash forward five minutes. I talk to my husband and he informs me that Uncle Joe wants to watch Sophia so I am going to go pick up Mom and drop her off and then Grandad will drop Richie off later. Totally confused! I definitely had to call and clarify what the plans would be and we worked it out that the four of us would drive over after Sophia's nap and Richard would take the big kids home to go to the party.
Let me just give a big shout out to Uncle Joe! It's so nice of you to ask to watch Sophia and on such short notice.
Uncle Joe lives a bit of a distance (just across the coast of FL), which makes it so we only get to see him a few times a year. He and his wonderful fiance are in town for the bridal shower, and since he's got nothing to do, he asked to watch his niece (and goddaughter). FANTASTIC. It truly did warm my heart when my husband told me he wanted to watch Sophia while we were out.
14 January 2012
Secrets are NOT O.K.
Maybe it's not such a good idea to tell our kids not to be tattle-tales. I mean, at least when they are little. I don't think they grasp the difference between telling that their sister or brother didn't eat their vegetables and when someone hurts them. You tell a kid not to tattle, and he's not going to tell you anything anymore.
About four days ago my son came home from school with a sore cheek. Just one. It hurt when you touched it even slightly. When we asked what happened this is what we got,
"Nothing."
"So, it just started hurting all by itself?"
"Yes, all by itself."
This is the day immediately following his "I'm too slow" day. Now, I know that there's no way on earth that a check just starts hurting all by itself (unless you've got a cold sore, and he doesn't).
"Did you bite it while eating food?"
"No."
"Did anyone hurt you?"
"No. It just hurts all by itself."
I'd dismiss it, if the cheek didn't hurt for DAYS. I tried and tried and tried talking to Richie to figure out where the injury came from. My kid would make a great accomplice to crime because man is he hard to flip! Eventually, yesterday in the car on the way to Grandma's and Grandad's house I got him to tell me exactly what happened. He provided the first and last name of the kid who poked him and told him he would be in trouble and go in time-out.
The problem now is, the kid probably doesn't even remember he poked Richie, and by the time he gets back to school where I can talk to the teacher, a week will have passed. Young kids need consequences immediately following an action, otherwise they will have no clue what they are being punished for. What was more important than getting this kid in trouble, was letting my son know he could tell me anything and that he would never ever get in trouble for someone else hurting him- even if they tell him he will.
6 Rules for talking to your kids about possible confrontations:
1) This is not the time to make sure your kid is sitting up straight, looking you in the eyes, or speaking clearly. Avoid anything and everything that would make your child feel like they are doing something wrong- unless you don't care if they tell you what happened.
2) Assure them that NO ONE is going to be in trouble (this is a time I think it's O.K. to lie to your kids). Sure, someone might actually get in trouble. If it's an adult that hurt your child, they will definitely suffer consequences. If it's another child, they might get into some trouble, too. But, often kids don't want to be the one causing anyone else to "go in time-out" and will keep incidents to themselves to protect the perpetrator.
3) Assure them that NO ONE has the right to hurt them physically or emotionally. There's nothing that they could ever do that warrants someone putting their hands on them to cause pain. Why? Because they are special and they deserve to be treated respectfully.
4) For little ones, explain that kids sometimes just don't know how to behave correctly, and if an adult like a teacher or parent doesn't explain to them the right way to behave they won't learn.
5) When your kid does open up, praise them for their honesty. Thank them for telling you, and reassure them that no one is in trouble, especially not them. Remind them that hurting other people is wrong and it's O.K. to tell Mommy or Daddy anything without fear of being punished.
6) Trust your gut. If you think someone else caused your child pain, you're probably right. It may be as simple as another kid said something mean or hurt them on the playground. Just like it is for adults, it's helpful for kids to talk about their feelings when something bad happens to them. What may seem minor to you may mean an awful lot to your child.
With bullying becoming an increasingly big problem, communication between parents and children is key. I worry what will happen at school if my kids are the target of bullying. Will they come to me? Will they tell anyone about it? A child needs to feel safe to tell you anything and to know that there is no shame in being hurt by someone else. That the only one at fault when they get hurt is the person who hurt them. Putting this to practice for minor issues could save us from a complicated road in the future.
About four days ago my son came home from school with a sore cheek. Just one. It hurt when you touched it even slightly. When we asked what happened this is what we got,
"Nothing."
"So, it just started hurting all by itself?"
"Yes, all by itself."
This is the day immediately following his "I'm too slow" day. Now, I know that there's no way on earth that a check just starts hurting all by itself (unless you've got a cold sore, and he doesn't).
"Did you bite it while eating food?"
"No."
"Did anyone hurt you?"
"No. It just hurts all by itself."
I'd dismiss it, if the cheek didn't hurt for DAYS. I tried and tried and tried talking to Richie to figure out where the injury came from. My kid would make a great accomplice to crime because man is he hard to flip! Eventually, yesterday in the car on the way to Grandma's and Grandad's house I got him to tell me exactly what happened. He provided the first and last name of the kid who poked him and told him he would be in trouble and go in time-out.
The problem now is, the kid probably doesn't even remember he poked Richie, and by the time he gets back to school where I can talk to the teacher, a week will have passed. Young kids need consequences immediately following an action, otherwise they will have no clue what they are being punished for. What was more important than getting this kid in trouble, was letting my son know he could tell me anything and that he would never ever get in trouble for someone else hurting him- even if they tell him he will.
6 Rules for talking to your kids about possible confrontations:
1) This is not the time to make sure your kid is sitting up straight, looking you in the eyes, or speaking clearly. Avoid anything and everything that would make your child feel like they are doing something wrong- unless you don't care if they tell you what happened.
2) Assure them that NO ONE is going to be in trouble (this is a time I think it's O.K. to lie to your kids). Sure, someone might actually get in trouble. If it's an adult that hurt your child, they will definitely suffer consequences. If it's another child, they might get into some trouble, too. But, often kids don't want to be the one causing anyone else to "go in time-out" and will keep incidents to themselves to protect the perpetrator.
3) Assure them that NO ONE has the right to hurt them physically or emotionally. There's nothing that they could ever do that warrants someone putting their hands on them to cause pain. Why? Because they are special and they deserve to be treated respectfully.
4) For little ones, explain that kids sometimes just don't know how to behave correctly, and if an adult like a teacher or parent doesn't explain to them the right way to behave they won't learn.
5) When your kid does open up, praise them for their honesty. Thank them for telling you, and reassure them that no one is in trouble, especially not them. Remind them that hurting other people is wrong and it's O.K. to tell Mommy or Daddy anything without fear of being punished.
6) Trust your gut. If you think someone else caused your child pain, you're probably right. It may be as simple as another kid said something mean or hurt them on the playground. Just like it is for adults, it's helpful for kids to talk about their feelings when something bad happens to them. What may seem minor to you may mean an awful lot to your child.
With bullying becoming an increasingly big problem, communication between parents and children is key. I worry what will happen at school if my kids are the target of bullying. Will they come to me? Will they tell anyone about it? A child needs to feel safe to tell you anything and to know that there is no shame in being hurt by someone else. That the only one at fault when they get hurt is the person who hurt them. Putting this to practice for minor issues could save us from a complicated road in the future.
13 January 2012
Some Kids Just Don't Have Rules
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| Richie and Lily playing at the park. Shoes on! |
If I were to tell my kids what I really think, it would be, "Because Johnny's Mommy doesn't care if he gets hurt or hurts someone else, as long as Johnny is happy and not bothering her so she can check Farmville on her smart phone."
What I really tell my kids is this, "It's up to Johnny's Mommy and Daddy what Johnny is allowed to do. I am not Johnny's Mommy, I'm you're Mommy, and our rules say we are not allowed to do that." Or, "I don't care if Johnny is doing that too, I said 'No.'" Luckily, so far, I've raised my kids to be respectful enough that they know when I mean business and it doesn't matter what anyone else is doing because Mom is boss and you don't mess with the boss.
What I really tell my kids is this, "It's up to Johnny's Mommy and Daddy what Johnny is allowed to do. I am not Johnny's Mommy, I'm you're Mommy, and our rules say we are not allowed to do that." Or, "I don't care if Johnny is doing that too, I said 'No.'" Luckily, so far, I've raised my kids to be respectful enough that they know when I mean business and it doesn't matter what anyone else is doing because Mom is boss and you don't mess with the boss.
Recent Incidents:
1) My daughter loves not wearing her shoes or clothes for that matter. It's been a real struggle getting to the point that she knows not to take these things off in public. Of course she still tests her boundaries. At the park she took her shoes off. I informed her they needed to go back on or we would go back home where she's allowed to be barefoot. Win for Mom. Then another little girl shows up at the park and against "park rules" (how I stated it for Lily) took her shoes off. Within minutes I find Lily's shoes next to this girl's shoes and the two of them hiding barefoot beneath a park structure. "But, Mom, she doesn't have her shoes on either!"
Response: "It doesn't matter if she has her shoes on. I told you that you have to wear them or we're going home." Shoes magically remain on feet for the rest of park time. The other parents don't care about shoes and hurt feet, but I do. You'd be surprised how common it can be to find sharp bottle tops, broken glass, and other random things that can hurt your feet at a public park.
2) Richie finished soccer class and was playing with another young boy outside before we went home. There are these small pillars outside of the community center- say about 3 feet tall. Richie is not allowed to climb on them, for fear of say falling off into the parking lot and getting run over by a car. Or falling head first into concrete and causing brain injury. You know, basic common sense, these things were not placed for children to climb on- that's what parks and trees are for. Of course as soon as Richie sees the other kid climbing all over it, he decides he will, too. When I tell Richie to stop climbing, he of course responds with, "But he's climbing on it!"
Response: "I don't care if anyone else is climbing on it, I told you we're not allowed to." Why Moms stand right there and act like it's no big deal if their son disrespects public property and endangers himself in the process is beyond me.
3) Some kid likes to steal other people's soccer balls in a past soccer session. Like a lot. Like all the time. Mom sits and says, "Johnny don't do that." He continues, and Mom ignores it. Over and over. Of course, when the kid steals MY kids ball, my kid gets upset. "But Mommy, he keeps snatching and you're not supposed to snatch!"
Response: "Then you just go take it right back. You take it back with your feet." This is one of the rare times I encourage my child to be aggressive. Hey kid, you want to be a jerk after my son repeatedly asks you to stop doing it, to give his ball back, and has shed tears. I was slightly happy when said kid started crying because Richie "snatched his ball" (which is what he cried to his Mommy). You know, the ball you JUST snatched from Richie.
12 January 2012
Too Slow
Why would a four year old be so disappointed in himself and say he's "too slow" because he doesn't get a chance to play after he finishes his work at school? He told me all he got to do was "clean up" because he's "too slow" and bowed his head down, sulking on my lap.
I asked him if anyone told him he's too slow, and he said no. But, for some reason I'm thinking that is not the truth. Why would he feel so deeply that he's "too slow" unless someone else told him so? Maybe I'm overreacting, but I need to have a talk with his teacher. Yes, Richie takes his time doing things. He likes to get it just right. Some kids need more time than others, and that is perfectly fine and normal.
I swear, if some teacher or kid is telling my son he is "too slow" some heads are going to roll.
So I asked what he was doing when he felt like he was too slow. He said they were practicing shapes. So I did the only thing I could and suggested we practice our shapes at home, so next time he can do it a little faster. He insisted that he would still be too slow. I insisted that practice is what makes us able to do things faster, and in our 10 minute experience of shape tracing and drawing, he was not slow at all. Again, making me feel like someone else put this in his head.
I'll be having a chat at the preschool today.
I asked him if anyone told him he's too slow, and he said no. But, for some reason I'm thinking that is not the truth. Why would he feel so deeply that he's "too slow" unless someone else told him so? Maybe I'm overreacting, but I need to have a talk with his teacher. Yes, Richie takes his time doing things. He likes to get it just right. Some kids need more time than others, and that is perfectly fine and normal.
I swear, if some teacher or kid is telling my son he is "too slow" some heads are going to roll.
So I asked what he was doing when he felt like he was too slow. He said they were practicing shapes. So I did the only thing I could and suggested we practice our shapes at home, so next time he can do it a little faster. He insisted that he would still be too slow. I insisted that practice is what makes us able to do things faster, and in our 10 minute experience of shape tracing and drawing, he was not slow at all. Again, making me feel like someone else put this in his head.
I'll be having a chat at the preschool today.
11 January 2012
How to Play
My son really enjoys playing tag with his family and friends (not in baseball, but that's another story). The other day at school I sat and watched helplessly as Richie struggled to get another boy to play with him. He'd run up, tag him and say, "Tag, you're it!" The other child would just give him this blank stare as if to say, "What are you doing? I'm not interested." It really broke my heart. I want playing with friends to come easily for Richie, but I can't just magically make it happen.
He's really great playing one-on-one and in small groups, but in the midst of 20 kids running in every direction, he sometimes seems like he's lost and doesn't know how to join in.
This morning, Daddy gave Richie some tips on how to get a game of tag going with his friends.
1. You have to ask first. Don't just start playing the game or the other kids might be confused.
2. Address your friends by their names. You have to get their attention before you start talking to them, so they know to listen to what you're saying.
3. If they say they don't want to play, don't get discouraged. Ask them if there is a different game they would like to play instead.
4. If they still don't want to play, just ask someone else.
I'm hoping these tips will help my little guy out. I know he likes playing with the other boys, especially since he's way outnumbered by girls at home. Yesterday he changed his shirt three times. Every time we left the house he had to change his shirt. So, of course, nosy Mommy asked him why. "Because I need to look cool for the other kids." He needed to wear his preschool shirt to the park so other kids would know he was old enough to be in school. I wish he didn't feel like he needed to impress anyone but himself, but it can't hurt to dress to impress!
He's really great playing one-on-one and in small groups, but in the midst of 20 kids running in every direction, he sometimes seems like he's lost and doesn't know how to join in.
This morning, Daddy gave Richie some tips on how to get a game of tag going with his friends.
1. You have to ask first. Don't just start playing the game or the other kids might be confused.
2. Address your friends by their names. You have to get their attention before you start talking to them, so they know to listen to what you're saying.
3. If they say they don't want to play, don't get discouraged. Ask them if there is a different game they would like to play instead.
4. If they still don't want to play, just ask someone else.
I'm hoping these tips will help my little guy out. I know he likes playing with the other boys, especially since he's way outnumbered by girls at home. Yesterday he changed his shirt three times. Every time we left the house he had to change his shirt. So, of course, nosy Mommy asked him why. "Because I need to look cool for the other kids." He needed to wear his preschool shirt to the park so other kids would know he was old enough to be in school. I wish he didn't feel like he needed to impress anyone but himself, but it can't hurt to dress to impress!
08 January 2012
Cooking With Kids
I don't know why I pushed my kids out of the kitchen for so long. It's most likely got to be some sort of control issue mixed with anxiety that something will go wrong and we'll end up at the hospital.
Richie and Lily had a wonderful time playing the part of my sous chefs. I realized that I could do this. I could put down whatever was holding me back and incorporate my big kids into my kitchen.
One of my biggest fears has always been that one of my children will burn themselves with the oven or burners on the stove. Probably because I myself burnt my arm on a stove burner as a young child and still have the scar to prove it. My grandmother put butter on it, which for a long time was thought to ease burn pain (not good for burns, forget your wives tales, look it up).
When making dinner, Lily was happy to simply stand on a stool next to me and mix imaginary spaghetti in the colander. I assigned Richie the task of carefully stirring the tomato sauce. I know- here come the 'OMG You let a 4-year-old near a hot burner!' comments. Over and over again I've explained to Richie that the stove can be very hot, even when the burners aren't red. That we never EVER touch a burner with anything other than a pot. I was still a little nervous, but I also was confident that Richie is mature enough to handle the responsibility and safety precautions. I explained to him that the pot also gets hot, and we only ever touch it on the handle. I explained if we needed to touch a pot for some reason, we use a pot holder. "But I can just use my shirt! That will keep my hand from getting too hot." I love the fact that he comes to logical conclusions on his own, but explained that it would not protect his skin and only specially made pot holders would. I told him to stir very slowly and kept the burner on low so the danger of sauce splatter was eliminated.
Richie was a little leery when I suggested he be anywhere near a hot stove burner (proving all my years of, "The stove is very hot, don't ever touch it," have paid off). I told him simply, "You can do it, Richie, I wouldn't ask you if I didn't know you could do it." Sold. Lily put the colander in the sink for me. They backed up to safely defined boundaries when it was time to empty boiling water into the sink. I instructed the kids to get Daddy and have him clear the table. Then Richie and Lily nicely set the table for me (with help from Daddy when the porcelain dishes were involved). We put all the food on the table so the kids could choose what they wanted. Peas, noodles, and plain tomato sauce for Lily. Just the pasta and the sauce for Richie. Sophia is a doll and will eat whatever I give her, so she had peas, rice noodles, and a tiny bit of tomato sauce.
I have to say, cooking with the kids actually made dinner time a heck of a lot less stressful. It didn't feel like as much of a chore, but more like a new fun activity with the kids. I have to admit I was afraid it would be more stressful trying to make sure nobody got hurt. I'm happily surprised that it wasn't.
SIX RULES FOR COOKING WITH KIDS:
1) Prepare in advance, just a little. Take 5-10 minutes before you make dinner and think of what jobs you'll assign and to whom. Try to spread the jobs evenly according to ability. If you give your kids jobs that are beyond their ability they'll feel frustrated and it won't be any fun for either of you.
2) Before cooking or preparing, go over safety rules. (For example: Explain that burners and pots get very hot and we should never touch them with our bare hands or without permission.) Knowing they have to do or not do something for their own safety is a good enough self-motivator for most kids.
3) Show the children their workstations (areas) and what tools they are allowed to use. Explain and demonstrate the proper way to use the equipment you give them. You can't expect a child to do it the right way if you don't show them how.
4) Give clear instructions and expectations. If your kids have clear expectations of their behavior and their tasks, frustration and disputes will decrease. I swear, it works.
5) Allow children to complete the task themselves, with minimal scrutiny. Don't worry if it's done perfectly, or exactly how you would. Unless safety is an issue, butt out.
6) Supply plenty of positive reinforcement and give plenty of praise. This is a great opportunity to build self-esteem and self-worth. Tell your kids what a fabulous job they are doing and how wonderful it is to have their help. When you're eating dinner, go ahead and thank them again.
Richie and Lily had a wonderful time playing the part of my sous chefs. I realized that I could do this. I could put down whatever was holding me back and incorporate my big kids into my kitchen.
One of my biggest fears has always been that one of my children will burn themselves with the oven or burners on the stove. Probably because I myself burnt my arm on a stove burner as a young child and still have the scar to prove it. My grandmother put butter on it, which for a long time was thought to ease burn pain (not good for burns, forget your wives tales, look it up).
When making dinner, Lily was happy to simply stand on a stool next to me and mix imaginary spaghetti in the colander. I assigned Richie the task of carefully stirring the tomato sauce. I know- here come the 'OMG You let a 4-year-old near a hot burner!' comments. Over and over again I've explained to Richie that the stove can be very hot, even when the burners aren't red. That we never EVER touch a burner with anything other than a pot. I was still a little nervous, but I also was confident that Richie is mature enough to handle the responsibility and safety precautions. I explained to him that the pot also gets hot, and we only ever touch it on the handle. I explained if we needed to touch a pot for some reason, we use a pot holder. "But I can just use my shirt! That will keep my hand from getting too hot." I love the fact that he comes to logical conclusions on his own, but explained that it would not protect his skin and only specially made pot holders would. I told him to stir very slowly and kept the burner on low so the danger of sauce splatter was eliminated.
Richie was a little leery when I suggested he be anywhere near a hot stove burner (proving all my years of, "The stove is very hot, don't ever touch it," have paid off). I told him simply, "You can do it, Richie, I wouldn't ask you if I didn't know you could do it." Sold. Lily put the colander in the sink for me. They backed up to safely defined boundaries when it was time to empty boiling water into the sink. I instructed the kids to get Daddy and have him clear the table. Then Richie and Lily nicely set the table for me (with help from Daddy when the porcelain dishes were involved). We put all the food on the table so the kids could choose what they wanted. Peas, noodles, and plain tomato sauce for Lily. Just the pasta and the sauce for Richie. Sophia is a doll and will eat whatever I give her, so she had peas, rice noodles, and a tiny bit of tomato sauce.
I have to say, cooking with the kids actually made dinner time a heck of a lot less stressful. It didn't feel like as much of a chore, but more like a new fun activity with the kids. I have to admit I was afraid it would be more stressful trying to make sure nobody got hurt. I'm happily surprised that it wasn't.
SIX RULES FOR COOKING WITH KIDS:
1) Prepare in advance, just a little. Take 5-10 minutes before you make dinner and think of what jobs you'll assign and to whom. Try to spread the jobs evenly according to ability. If you give your kids jobs that are beyond their ability they'll feel frustrated and it won't be any fun for either of you.
2) Before cooking or preparing, go over safety rules. (For example: Explain that burners and pots get very hot and we should never touch them with our bare hands or without permission.) Knowing they have to do or not do something for their own safety is a good enough self-motivator for most kids.
3) Show the children their workstations (areas) and what tools they are allowed to use. Explain and demonstrate the proper way to use the equipment you give them. You can't expect a child to do it the right way if you don't show them how.
4) Give clear instructions and expectations. If your kids have clear expectations of their behavior and their tasks, frustration and disputes will decrease. I swear, it works.
5) Allow children to complete the task themselves, with minimal scrutiny. Don't worry if it's done perfectly, or exactly how you would. Unless safety is an issue, butt out.
6) Supply plenty of positive reinforcement and give plenty of praise. This is a great opportunity to build self-esteem and self-worth. Tell your kids what a fabulous job they are doing and how wonderful it is to have their help. When you're eating dinner, go ahead and thank them again.
06 January 2012
So, You're Done, Right?
Maybe it's just me, but I find in completely intrusive when people ask me if I'm done having children. Okay, so it's not the asking that bothers me, but more so the way they ask. "You're not having any more, right?" This is a statement aimed to get a specific response, which would be, "No." When in fact, I am only 24 years old, and I've got plenty of childbearing years ahead of me if I wished.
I know that people see me with my three children and my child-like face and think, "Oh, please, Jesus, let this young girl stop having babies." I totally get it. Can you keep it to yourself? I do pretty well with my three children. They are well-mannered, kind, considerate, and intelligent. If I choose to have another one, who is anyone but my husband to have a say in it (not that I'm planning anytime soon, family members!)?
I'm sure these comments are all (or mostly) coming from a place of good intentions. What's more bothersome is usually these comments are coming from people who a) don't know me at all b) are merely acquaintances or c) knew me at one point in my life but haven't spoken to me at all since I've had children.
Types "a," "b," and "c" love to ask other intrusive questions like whether I plan to get "fixed" (those are literally words I've heard in reference to tubal ligation), too.
TOP 6 MOST INTRUSIVE QUESTIONS:
1) No more kids, right?
2) Did you get your tubes tied?
3) What kind of birth control do you use?
4) Did you plan your kids?
5) Did you even try to breastfeed?
6) So how do you take a shower?
Am I the only one? I mean, really, whenever I'm pregnant and in public complete strangers think it's okay to come up and rub my belly like I'm some exhibit at the circus. All of the answers to these questions seem a bit personal. I'm okay sharing this stuff with my family and close friends. But, it irks me when people I barely know ask such intimate questions.
Anyone else get any weird questions about their pregnancies?
I know that people see me with my three children and my child-like face and think, "Oh, please, Jesus, let this young girl stop having babies." I totally get it. Can you keep it to yourself? I do pretty well with my three children. They are well-mannered, kind, considerate, and intelligent. If I choose to have another one, who is anyone but my husband to have a say in it (not that I'm planning anytime soon, family members!)?
I'm sure these comments are all (or mostly) coming from a place of good intentions. What's more bothersome is usually these comments are coming from people who a) don't know me at all b) are merely acquaintances or c) knew me at one point in my life but haven't spoken to me at all since I've had children.
Types "a," "b," and "c" love to ask other intrusive questions like whether I plan to get "fixed" (those are literally words I've heard in reference to tubal ligation), too.
TOP 6 MOST INTRUSIVE QUESTIONS:
1) No more kids, right?
2) Did you get your tubes tied?
3) What kind of birth control do you use?
4) Did you plan your kids?
5) Did you even try to breastfeed?
6) So how do you take a shower?
Am I the only one? I mean, really, whenever I'm pregnant and in public complete strangers think it's okay to come up and rub my belly like I'm some exhibit at the circus. All of the answers to these questions seem a bit personal. I'm okay sharing this stuff with my family and close friends. But, it irks me when people I barely know ask such intimate questions.
Anyone else get any weird questions about their pregnancies?
05 January 2012
Almost a Year!
Sophia is 11 months old today! This is just crazy. She can walk, or rather "toddle." Top count is eight steps unassisted before she collapses, but she gets right back up. I don't think there's much that can discourage this little girl, other than the minor bumps and bruises that are inevitable when little ones start walking.
She's got the words "Mama" and "Dada" down pat. She waves all the time now. The cutest baby giggles in the world come out of this angel. I've never seen more confidence from anyone I've ever met before! If Sophia wants to do something, she's going to do it or die trying.
She's almost totally off baby food (we still use it in a "hurry Sophia's hungry and there's nothing ready" kind of manner), and we'll be weaning off the bottle this month, since the AAP suggests discontinuing bottle use completely by one year of age. Wish us good luck with that!
Her first birthday is only a month away. This year we'll be doing a dual-birthday party with Lily, since their birthdays are only one week apart.
03 January 2012
A Little Encouragement
Today was Richie's first day back at preschool after winter break ended. I've got to say he handled the transition really well.
The girls and I all bundled up to take Richie to school. It's freezing outside today (okay, by my south Floridian standards)! We arrived about 15 minutes early, which means Richie would have to go next door to his classroom and wait with all his other classmates for his teacher to arrive. This was really difficult for Richie to start doing, but before break he was a-okay with it.
We put his backpack in his cubby and I told him it was time to go to Ms. Kristen's classroom. "No, but I want to stay here and wait." "Just stay here with me, Mommy. Right here." He was starting to get anxious and a little upset. I was a little worried, but confident we could get through this stressful situation.
I calmly said to Richie, "I know you're scared. You can do this. I know you can," and then we walked over to the classroom. I walked him to circle time. He gave me a hug. We waved good-bye. Not a tear was shed and it was just monumental. It was such a wonderful feeling seeing my once fearful little boy overcome an obstacle that had once been daunting. It was one of my proudest moments to date, in regards to Richie dealing with change.
A little encouragement goes a long way.
The girls and I all bundled up to take Richie to school. It's freezing outside today (okay, by my south Floridian standards)! We arrived about 15 minutes early, which means Richie would have to go next door to his classroom and wait with all his other classmates for his teacher to arrive. This was really difficult for Richie to start doing, but before break he was a-okay with it.
We put his backpack in his cubby and I told him it was time to go to Ms. Kristen's classroom. "No, but I want to stay here and wait." "Just stay here with me, Mommy. Right here." He was starting to get anxious and a little upset. I was a little worried, but confident we could get through this stressful situation.
I calmly said to Richie, "I know you're scared. You can do this. I know you can," and then we walked over to the classroom. I walked him to circle time. He gave me a hug. We waved good-bye. Not a tear was shed and it was just monumental. It was such a wonderful feeling seeing my once fearful little boy overcome an obstacle that had once been daunting. It was one of my proudest moments to date, in regards to Richie dealing with change.
A little encouragement goes a long way.
02 January 2012
Child Free Weekend
I love my children. They are wonderful, smart, eccentric, intelligent, beautiful beings. They make everyday life magical. I also really enjoy a night with no children- where I get to pretend to be just another adult and have only adult conversations and have no diapers to change or bottoms to wipe.
All three kids went to my Mom's house for the extended New Year's weekend. Although I missed the kids (and I'm sure they missed me, even though Richie had absolutely no words to speak to me on the phone), I really enjoyed being able to stay out late at night with friends and Richard. Usually, if one of us wants to go see some friends, the other has to stay home. This weekend we went out every night and made the most of our alone time.
We had a blast visiting with a friend in town who recently moved a few hours away. We celebrated the New Year with friends five minutes from our house and didn't worry about leaving early enough to relieve the baby sitter (AKA my sister). I slept until 5:00PM Saturday. THAT'S RIGHT. That will probably not happen again for another four years. I ate Denny's and was able to have adult conversation and eat all of my own food and not cut up anyone else's meal. I saw a movie. I stayed up late. I did most of the things I just can't do when the kids are home. I mean, sure I could stay up late when they're home, but I'm still going to have to wake up at 6:00AM so I don't stay up super late.
I'm really excited to go get the kids this morning. I've got some fun stuff planned for us. Richie's winter break is ending and so is mine. It will be nice to have the entire day just for our family to hang out before real life starts back up. Most offices are closed so Richard will have no work. We're planning a picnic dinner in the backyard.
Now if I can just bring myself to mow the lawn...
All three kids went to my Mom's house for the extended New Year's weekend. Although I missed the kids (and I'm sure they missed me, even though Richie had absolutely no words to speak to me on the phone), I really enjoyed being able to stay out late at night with friends and Richard. Usually, if one of us wants to go see some friends, the other has to stay home. This weekend we went out every night and made the most of our alone time.
We had a blast visiting with a friend in town who recently moved a few hours away. We celebrated the New Year with friends five minutes from our house and didn't worry about leaving early enough to relieve the baby sitter (AKA my sister). I slept until 5:00PM Saturday. THAT'S RIGHT. That will probably not happen again for another four years. I ate Denny's and was able to have adult conversation and eat all of my own food and not cut up anyone else's meal. I saw a movie. I stayed up late. I did most of the things I just can't do when the kids are home. I mean, sure I could stay up late when they're home, but I'm still going to have to wake up at 6:00AM so I don't stay up super late.
I'm really excited to go get the kids this morning. I've got some fun stuff planned for us. Richie's winter break is ending and so is mine. It will be nice to have the entire day just for our family to hang out before real life starts back up. Most offices are closed so Richard will have no work. We're planning a picnic dinner in the backyard.
Now if I can just bring myself to mow the lawn...
01 January 2012
New Year, New Day
Happy New Year, everyone! We've had an amazing year filled with laughter, tears, accomplishments, and struggles. My Daughters are one month closer to turning one-year and three-years old. My son is half-way through Pre-K. This year is the beginning of a whole new chapter in our lives.
Richie will be starting Kindergarten in the Fall. WHAT? How time passes so quickly is beyond me. Today is the start of the new year, but it's also a new day. New challenges and joys await us, and we're excited.
What I can expect this year:
Richie will be starting Kindergarten in the Fall. WHAT? How time passes so quickly is beyond me. Today is the start of the new year, but it's also a new day. New challenges and joys await us, and we're excited.
What I can expect this year:
- Sophia's first birthday celebration
- Lily sharing her birthday party for the first time
- We'll celebrate Easter at our house
- I will turn 25 years old
- Richie will have his first ever graduation
- Lily will start dance classes
- Richie will turn 5 years old (HOLY MOLEY!)
- Richie will start playing soccer competitively
- Richie will start Kindergarten
- Richard will turn 28 years old
- Sophia will start walking, running, and talking (she can take 4 steps all by herself without support so far!)
- Richard and I will celebrate our third wedding anniversary!
What I can't predict this year:
- How my children will get along with each other. I'd like to think everything will be in perfect harmony, but let's face it- everyone has different personalities and they are bound to clash here and there. I just hope I will deal with these clashes effectively, provide all my children with enough individual Mom and Dad time, and spend as much quality time with our family as possible.
- How Richie will react to all the changes he'll face. He's not exactly the most adaptable to change once it arrives. He can get very upset and discouraged, and hopefully this year will go smoothly.
- How often I'll see my Mom. It's a big expense traveling to visit, not like it was when she lived a mere 15 minutes away.
- How clean my house will be or how often I'll mow the lawn. I'd like to say, "Very clean!" and "Once a week!" But, let's face it, I get tied up in other things and these two fall at the bottom of my priority chart. I'm working on organizing my time better- and hopefully this year I'll keep up with things a little more diligently.
- How much I'll get out of the house and do adult things. I need to see my friends and do things that interest me as a person, not only as a Mom. I've already scheduled a night out next Friday to go line dancing.
- How often I'll be allowed to participate in adult communications. At family gatherings, I am rarely involved in the conversation of the adults. Even if I'm sitting right next to everyone. Someone's got to talk to the kids, too! I end up catching words here an there, but it's nearly impossible for me to listen to two conversations at once. Hopefully this year, other family members can pitch in and do a little bit of the children conversation and let me participate in some of the adult stuff.
- How often the kids will see Aunts and Uncles. I'd like it to be very often, but the truth is they've really got to come to us (most of the time, not all the time, guys!). It's a hassle packing kids in the car and traveling so much just for doctors visits, extracurricular activities and trips to the store. Come to our house, guys! You know where we live.
- How much I'll prepare things in advance (I'm trying to get better at this, and last year I made some improvements, but I could definitely do better.
- How many times I'll eat breakfast. This is something I want to become more regular. During the hustle and bustle of morning routines, I often forget about myself. This is something that I know needs to change.
So, I didn't post any resolutions, because I usually don't follow through with them. Instead, here and there, I put little tid-bits of unexpected events and what I think I can do about them. I'll be working on improving myself as a woman, wife, mother, and friend. I am a work in progress and I can't tell you when the final draft will be ready. I'm sure there are things I've forgotten, but this is a start for the start of the new year.
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