Play Time

Our local Barnes & Noble has a train set in the kids section to play with. It has become a place we enjoy to go. Mom & Dad can drink some coffee and hope to have Connor entertained for 90 seconds before he runs off. Now, if there are other kids playing, Connor will stay. He doesn't play too well with others though. He must play with the train the other kid is playing with (even though there are a gazillion others) and he also has to stand right next to the other kids. When you think about it, it really is funny. Once Connor looses interest, he starts to run. Everywhere. And that is the end of peaceful coffee time.

This got me thinking...what is so wrong with Barnes & Noble putting up a fence around the train table? It really is a win-win situation. The parents get extra parent time and the store doesn't get trashed by the running youngsters. Come on Barnes & Noble. You know you want to help a mama out.


**You know you love the high quality cell phone picture!

Teamwork

One of the most annoying things to me is to hear a man say that stay at home moms have it "easy". It makes me want to punch the guy in the face. I know, violence is NOT the answer. The thing is though, it always seems to be dads saying this and the dads that say this always seem to be the laziest and least involved with their children.

On the flip side, it irks me to hear moms complain about how easy their husbands have to go off to work. It is as if they forgot they chose this life. If you are that miserable, throw your kid(s) in daycare and get a job. Problem solved. Now, I am not saying motherhood is a walk in the park, but it is the life I have chosen. And, I consider it an honor that I get to hang out with Connor all day. Ian actually has to wake up in the morning, go to work and function. I roll out of bed, feed Connor breakfast while drinking coffee and stay in my pajamas until 11...that sounds like the life to me! And Ian would love to be a stay at home dad. Problem is, we would have to live out of a cardboard box if I was the sole provider for the family. Sorry Ian. Plus, Ian didn't seem too keen on trying to breastfeed!

All I am trying to say is we are a team. We aren't working separately. We are working together to keep this family going. I love how involved Ian is in our family. And I love that he can provide for us and enjoys providing for us. I love watching Connor get excited when Ian gets home and am not jealous at all about that.

Its all about supporting one another, not tearing one another apart.
Its about making each other's lives easier, not harder.
Its about love, not hatred, jealousy or rage.
Its about family.

I love my little family.

Wordless Wednesday

Weekend Update

By Connor

On Friday, I finally mastered the straw. Mommy was really excited about this. To make it even better, I was even drinking water through a straw...which I normally refuse to drink.

On Saturday, I got to hang out with Mom and Dad. They love spending time with me because I am so dang cute.  Then Saturday night, Mommy and Daddy went out and Uncle Jeremy watched me. He did great, though he was a little unhappy about having to change my diaper. Twice. And both times I had a nice surprise in there for him!

On Sunday, we headed to Ikea to pick up a dresser for me. I was tired and slept the whole way there...holding my pal Woody, of course. Mom and Dad stayed up after I went to bed, putting the dresser together.

I was also able to convince Mom that I really needed a lawn mower. It reminded her of her childhood...but she said her's (well, her brothers) blew bubbles. I love it. Though I haven't been outside with it, I am great at mowing the carpet!

And what weekend would be complete without a trip to Starbucks?!? I am pretty sure we went way more than once. I love "drinking" Starbucks. And if I can get my hands on a lid, all the better!

 

 So that's it. Hope your weekend was a good as mine!

Walking

Apparently Modesto isn't a place people walk around much. I have taken Connor on many a walks around the neighborhood. I rarely ever see anyone outside their houses, let alone see anyone walking around.

Last night we went on a couple mile family walk. Ian and I were both annoyed by the sidewalk having planters and trees on opposite sides forcing you to zig zag your way along the sidewalk. Then, half the trees have caused the sidewalks to buckle. It made me feel bad (or maybe even mad) for the people in wheelchairs. How would they even get around by themselves?

Then, when we were crossing an intersection (the little "white man" told us to "walk") someone turning right stopped for us (they had a red light anyway). Someone about 3 cars back started honking incessantly as if the person was stopped for no reason...again, at a freaking red light!

I seriously think people in America, or at least suburbia, need to learn to get out of their houses and walk a little. And, they need to be a little more respectful of pedestrians when driving. I hate having to fear for my son's life every time we cross a street.

Oh, and on our 3 mile walk, we saw 1 other couple out walking. Seriously, 1 couple. And people wonder why America is having a weight issue.


** On a side note, I remember when I was one of those speeding crazies driving through the city like a maniac. It is amazing how having a child will change your perspective!

My Little Concert Pianist

Connor has played with a piano before, but never really been into it. The other day he walked up to a piano and started pressing the keys. I didn't even know he could reach the keys without help! So, I set him on the bench and let him play. It was so freaking cute. He instinctively used both hands. And was actually pressing the keys rather than banging on them. So cute!

I'm not a proud mom or anything.

The Toilet Situation

Today when I was using a public restroom, a thought came to me

I could care less about toilet seat covers.

I don't use them. Gross? I really don't think so. Its not like a toilet seat cover really protects you. It is so thin and anything wet soaks right through anyway. Now, I am not gross. If a toilet seat looks gross, I just hover over it.

I know I discussed this subject a couple years back, but I really don't think toilet seat covers protect you. I think they are a waste of money and a drain on our sewage system. Sure, I used to use them like the rest of Americans. In fact, I even knew the trick of turning them around so they wouldn't fall in the toilet. Then I moved and resided in a country for 3.5 years where toilet seat covers didn't exist. I can't remember if this bothered me or not in the beginning. But it certainly doesn't bother me now. And when we were in France, we came across squatty potties, Cambodia style. If you want to be sanitary, that's the way to go!

I am proud to say, I have not used one single toilet seat cover since being back in the states. And I have sat on the toilet seats. Take that germ-a-phobes!