tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2632432457425603502024-03-13T07:26:12.524-05:00Baby Dolls, Bouncy Balls, and Bunny FuFuAnecdotes and observations about life with Macie Kate.Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-52664303724721502592012-03-16T13:01:00.005-05:002012-03-16T13:06:02.187-05:00Double Trouble<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">People often comment on the resemblance between Macie and her second cousin Logan. The likeness has occasionally led people to comment that they could be siblings. At just two months apart, Logan and Macie are also developmentally similar. Despite all the common ground between Logan and Macie, they haven’t really shown much interest in one another until recently. Typically they engaged in parallel play, sometimes resorting to minor scuffles over coveted toys. For the past month or so Logan, who is two months older, seemed slightly more interested in Macie, but his interest was not reciprocated. When Logan gave Macie a hug a few weeks ago she pulled away with panic and fear in her eyes. After a few uncomfortable moments in Logan’s well meaning (and absolutely adorable) hug, Macie’s lip jutted into a pout warning us that she was moments away from tears. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This past weekend we got the babies together for another play date and were surprised to find that Macie and Logan not only noticed one another, but actually seemed interested in interacting. After observing an excited and energetic Logan play for a few moments, Macie slowly scooted away from me and started following his lead. It was apparent that Logan was having fun running around on the couch and Macie wanted to join. From that point on their relationship seemed to blossom. Macie or Logan would yell then turn to the other with a huge grin, inviting them to take a turn. Before we knew it they were having a squealing/yelling competition. Although they would get caught up in an individual activity from time to time, Logan and Macie always seemed to go back to each other. At these times they would meet face to face, and we watched with amusement as their verbal and nonverbal exchange took place. All of a sudden one of them would start running and the other followed, engaged in an exciting game of chase. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">After this initial bonding took place, Logan started calling Macie’s name to play (so cute). And although she pulled away when he gave her a hug this time, she was certainly not close to tears. Eventually the two started working together to cause mischief, feeding off the energy of the other. At one point Macie tried to get through the doggie gate and into the kitchen, an area that was off limits. Logan walked over, helped her lift the latch, and they both ran excitedly into the kitchen. Logan ran as deep into the room as he could, but Macie held back fairly close to the gate, checking to see my reaction. After realizing that he left a “man” behind, Logan ran back to Macie and pulled her shoulder, encouraging and guiding her towards the off limits territory. Seeing our amused reactions, Macie and Logan started running from one end of the kitchen to the other, daring us with teasing and excited eyes to get them. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This teamwork seemed to seal Macie and Logan’s new friendship. They are truly double trouble. Macie really came out of her shell this past weekend and turned into a wild child in the presence of Logan. For his part, Logan seemed excited to have a partner in crime- someone to help him make mischief. It is highly entertaining to observe this boisterous, unruly side of Macie as she excitedly plays with Logan, her new comrade in arms, and I look forward to watching their relationship continue to develop. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-15548382435325963242012-02-12T20:28:00.001-06:002012-02-12T20:30:48.816-06:00Mommy Mimicry<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Like it or not, every woman has inherited behaviors from her mother. These learned actions or characteristics are either intentionally taught or unconsciously passed to children through every day modeling. Most women leave childhood with characteristics, values, behaviors, and beliefs learned from their mother- even the things that annoyed them when they were young. Sometimes we are aware of these things, as they have been deliberately ingrained in us by oft taught lessons. However, many of our personal quirks, habits, gestures, and behaviors are those picked up unintentionally by observing our mothers.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I learned many things from my mother- both through her teaching and modeling. Through the intentional lessons I learned, annoyingly, how to be a “lady”. This meant that I learned to be respectful to the people around me, especially my superiors, manners, grooming habits, and that you must wear panty hose in the winter months…I had a hard time with this one growing up and often presently ignore. My mother taught me how to clean the house, how to fold laundry, how to balance a checkbook, and how to mix a good drink </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">. Both verbally and through modeling, my mother taught me to value hard work, to be strong yet kind, to be a “glass half full” kind of gal, the value of education, and the importance of family. These behaviors, beliefs, and values were all intentionally taught with the goal of making me a “good” person. My conservative, sometimes strict, upbringing helped shape me into the strong-willed, optimistic, successful person I am today. Thank you mom, for these valuable lessons!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">On a less sappy note, I also inadvertently picked up a few of my mom’s quirks, much to my chagrin. Apparently, I have replicated her laugh- very loud, very distinct. Another habit I picked up from my mother is her raised eyebrow. It seems that involuntarily, our eyes squint or widen (depending on the situation) and rise in anger, annoyance, or skepticism. Perhaps the most embarrassing behavior I involuntarily mimic is the habit of repeating myself, something she unintentionally learned from her father. This is a very annoying tendency of the people on my mother’s side of the family, one that worsens as we age. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">As Macie’s mother, I plan to teach and model many of the same values, behaviors, and beliefs that I learned from my mother. I want Macie to learn to be respectful, strong, and hard working. I want to teach her how to maintain a positive outlook, to be a person who always looks on the bright side. I hope to teach Macie how to be a kind, generous, thoughtful, empathic human being who values family and friendships. I will teach Macie how to clean, cook, manage her money, make plans and set goals. Macie will learn the importance of appearance and personal fitness, as it determines how people view you, but also that intelligence and kindness are much more important than physical appearance. Obviously, there are more lessons that Macie will learn while she is in my care- hopefully more positive than negative. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Although my “laundry list” of things I plan to teach Macie is very long and thought out, I had not considered all the behaviors and habits that Macie will inadvertently learn through observation. It has recently come to my attention that Macie has already started mimicking my actions. The two most entertaining are those that I initially had no idea she learned from me. The first is Macie’s slight Southern drawl, which I blogged about a few months ago. Since Macie started talking, I have been baffled by this lilt and confused about where she may have picked it up. In class a few weeks ago one of my peers pointed out that I have a slight Southern accent in the way I pronounce a few words, especially those with the letters “o” and “u”- apparently I draw out these vowels. In that moment I realized that Macie must have learned this speech pattern from me, which is why she pronounces “dog” slowly so that it sounds like “doawg”. Light bulb! The second noteworthy behavior Macie has picked up from me is the “what” gesture. Also noted in a previous blog, Macie often goes on long, soapbox, rants and uses her hands to further her point. For months she has been doing the “what” gesture (arms in the “v” shape out the side, with wrists bent backward and palms facing upward) to converse. This has been endlessly amusing for me to observe, but I had no idea where she picked up this gesture. At work the other day I had apparently done the “what” gesture and a co-worker noted that I frequently employ this action in conversation. Another light bulb went off. Macie obviously learned this behavior from her mother. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It seems that Macie has become a human mirror of sorts. Through mimicking observed behaviors, Macie has made me very aware of the actions that I am inadvertently teaching her. What’s frightening is that Macie is imitating behaviors that I was unconsciously employing. Parenting has been a very enlightening experience. You learn a lot about yourself in the process- your strengths and weaknesses, your capacity for love, beliefs and values, commitment, etc. Most surprising have been the things I have learned about myself that I never knew. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-23577764803462243122012-02-06T20:11:00.000-06:002012-02-06T20:11:39.102-06:00Eating Dirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVEJOlqKKaM/TzCHe7o1KxI/AAAAAAAAARg/POWr35m2H_8/s1600/IMG_4067ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVEJOlqKKaM/TzCHe7o1KxI/AAAAAAAAARg/POWr35m2H_8/s320/IMG_4067ed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Last week Macie and I took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and spent as much time outside as possible. When the temperature rises above 45 degrees in February in St. Louis, let alone the glorious and unexpected 60 degrees we experienced, you see a lot of pale, exposed skin as people rush outside to enjoy the weather while it lasts. In our celebration of the outdoors, Macie and I divided our time between the park, our yard, and walking along the neighborhood sidewalks. Other parents must have had the same idea, as there were plenty of children playing outside at the park and in our neighborhood. We even took a family trip to the St. Louis Zoo to wander the vast park and watch the animals sunbathe.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">One of our trips to the park stands out in my memory, as it involved some very cute toddlers eating rocks. As mentioned in previous blogs, Macie LOVES the rock pit at the park. We usually spend a significant amount of time in this section, as Macie sorts, dumps, and shuffles the bacteria ridden, filthy rocks. Each time we leave this section Macie’s nails are lined with dirt, making me wish I could bathe her in antibacterial hand sanitizer….I just got a chill thinking about her disgusting nails. I digress. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wau6Mxm2lok/TzCHt66Y3KI/AAAAAAAAARo/ibgyuojplhM/s1600/IMG_4051ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wau6Mxm2lok/TzCHt66Y3KI/AAAAAAAAARo/ibgyuojplhM/s320/IMG_4051ed.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Despite my loathing of these rocks, I hunkered down to play. Observing Macie filling my hands with rocks, two toddler boys decided to join us. They were apparently drawn to the novelty of a big person sitting in the rocks like a child and wanted to take part in this game. Suddenly I had three toddlers piling rocks into my hands, while I smiled and encouraged their game. This was much more entertaining to these little tykes than I thought possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">While we played their mothers smiled and warned their children not to eat the rocks. Inwardly I scoffed, thinking that Macie would never eat rocks and that I was lucky not to have to deal with that….dirt under the nails is bad enough. Within a matter of minutes I witnessed one of the boys shove a whole handful of rocks into his mouth. I quickly notified his mother and she frantically scrapped the rocks out, scolded him, and steered him away from the rocks. Macie continued playing after this incident and I counted my blessings that Macie wasn’t inclined to put random things in her mouth. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">After Macie’s nap we went back outside to play. After kicking and throwing her pink ball for a few minutes, Macie grew bored and wandered over to the flower bed. Unfortunately, my child always seems to gravitate to the dirt….she likes to get her hands dirty and explore her environment. As usual, Macie started digging in the dirt and mulch, inspecting each piece as if it was a unique specimen. I glanced at my phone for a moment and when I looked up Macie’s mouth was covered in dirt. Repulsed, I dropped my phone and ran to her, attempting to wipe away the dirt and grime. Macie wriggled and wormed her way out of my grip, annoyed that I was holding her up and unconcerned about the potential bacteria she had just ingested. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">At that moment I realized that karma is vengeful. Guess what- my child eats dirt, too. That’s what I get for being smug and thinking my child was better when in reality she is just like every other dirt loving, exploratory toddler. Which is a good thing I guess- at least she is developmentally normal, right? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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</span></div><!--EndFragment-->Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-52442992116727999562012-01-30T12:42:00.005-06:002012-01-30T18:25:16.664-06:00Macie's Little Helper<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Most people have a go to person when they have a question, need advice, or assistance. Staples has an “Easy Button” to assist customers in purchasing office supplies. Medical companies advertise “help” buttons for the elderly- particularly those that have fallen and can’t get up. When you are in the hospital and need a nurse you simply push a button, which is usually code for “I need more drugs- NOW”. If you are backed against the edge of a cliff by a supervillian seeking to steal your innate knowledge of nuclear energy you can call on Superman to save you (happens more often than you might think). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">At 18 months, I am Macie’s go to person, her guru, liason, mediator, helper, assistant, etc. When she needs help finding her cuddle puppy she calls for “maaam” to help her search. When Macie wants a diaper put on her baby doll she calls for “maaam” to do her bidding. After preparing a pretend batch of scrambled eggs in her play kitchen, Macie calls for “maaam” to sample her dish. If Macie’s sippy cup is out of reach on the kitchen table she reaches and calls for “maaam” to hand it to her. When she wants to go outside or downstairs Macie calls for “maaam” to open the necessary doors. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In addition to calling for me when she needs something, Macie also yells “maaam” in order to track me down. Like sonar, she calls my name until she determines my location. If I step into another room she yells “maaam” until I respond or she finds me. If she is with daddy at a store and I step away for a moment she yells “maaam” until I come back into sight. When Macie finds me she breaks into a monologue (complete with hand gestures, raised eyebrows, and wide eyes) explaining what she was doing and her purpose for seeking me out. At least, that’s my interpretation of what she says…Macie is difficult to understand when she goes into soapbox mode. It’s like listening to someone speak another language fluently. Even if you speak the language, native speakers talk so rapidly that you usually only understand a handful of key words- enough to get an idea of what was said, but not the whole story. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Lately Macie enjoys just yelling “maaam” randomly, with no clear purpose other than seeking a response. At these times we are often within close proximity of each other. Still, she yells “maaam” and looks me straight in the eye, expecting an immediate response. When I respond by asking “what?”, Macie excitedly grins and calls my name again. Once I realize that Macie is playing a game, I start responding by calling back “Macie”. This scenario continues until Macie is distracted by something else or I grow weary and stop responding. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">As you can see, Macie definitely wears my name out. Although hearing “maaam” yelled all day long is annoying at times, I enjoy my position as Macie’s go to person. There may come a time when I will be the last person Macie goes to for advice, especially when she hits the teenage years. Therefore, I am going to relish the important role I play in Macie’s life while she still appreciates me </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">. I hope that Macie will always consider me an advisor and resource and come to me whenever she is in need….just maybe in a less obnoxious way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-53184061601202815852012-01-29T13:05:00.001-06:002012-01-29T13:08:33.146-06:0018 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17y6rUDwfD4/TyWX76ov3AI/AAAAAAAAARY/1DbwIZf94GE/s1600/Macie+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17y6rUDwfD4/TyWX76ov3AI/AAAAAAAAARY/1DbwIZf94GE/s640/Macie+for+blog.jpg" width="548" /></a></div><br />
Thanks to Jill Shadden, In the Moment Photography, for taking these adorable photos of Macie Kate! My baby is getting so big :). Happy 18 months to my gorgeous, precocious, HAPPY little girl!Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-28131150561899396572012-01-23T14:52:00.001-06:002012-01-23T14:52:49.771-06:00Aye Aye, Captain Macie!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It’s no secret that Macie thinks she is the boss. The jury is still out concerning how Macie will handle this position of power- will she be a benevolent leader or a reckless tyrant? Only time will tell what kind of person Macie will be, but one thing is certain- she enjoys exhibiting her role of power in pretend play. Macie started pretend play with her baby dolls a few months ago, but now that she is a year and a half old the pretend play has become more imaginative. One of her favorite games involves pretending to be a ship Captain. For Christmas Grandma Ann bought her a slide with faux stone sides, turrets, and a spoked steering wheel. The faux stone sides and turrets make it great for castle play, but the wheel makes for great ship play. Right now Macie prefers to pretend the slide is a ship, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before we switch to castle play (probably around 3-4 when she will inevitably become obsessed with princess play).</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In her ship captain game, Macie scurries up the faux rock steps to the slide landing (i.e. her ship) with a huge, playful grin. Once at the top she looks me in the eye and shouts “ae, ae”, prompting me to salute her formally. At Macie’s request, I dutifully shout “aye aye, Captain Macie” and salute her with zeal. Delighted with my response, Macie giggles enthusiastically and gets to work vigorously spinning her spoked steering wheel. Once at the helm, I ask Macie where she might like to visit and suggest destinations. Lately we have “visited” Spain, Ireland, Greece, Denmark, France, Australia, Hawaii, and Mexico. Once we cross the ocean and land is in sight we come up with an activity or task. For example, we have rescued a stranded puppy from a remote island (one of her stuffed animals), gone horseback riding on the beach (her rocking horse), and rode ATVs (her mini-four-wheeler) to explore the local wilderness. Throughout this game, Macie’s enthusiasm and attitude remind me of Pippi Longstocking- confident, adventurous, intelligent, self reliant, and strong. Like Pippi, Macie is a fantastic sailor who prefers life at sea to the dull constraints of life on land.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">After about 20 minutes or so Macie looses interest in being a ship Captain and moves onto something else, but we play this game at least 4 times a week- always at Macie’s request. I will continue to encourage creative pretend play because it allows Macie to use her imagination. In addition to playing ship Captain, Macie also enjoys cooking and caring for her babies. When playing with her babies I encourage Macie to pretend she is a doctor (she has a stethoscope, thermometer, and medicine dispenser) as well as mother. When cooking I encourage Macie to respond to the flavors and we talk about the different types of food she can make and why. I want Macie to be exposed to all life situations- including everyday life (like cooking and caring for children), career (doctor, chef, vet), and adventure/traveling (ship Captain, exploring the wilderness). After all, the goal is to help Macie become a thoughtful, creative, and resourceful adult so that she can have a fulfilled, happy life. I believe that pretend play is a great way to start Macie down that path…and we both have fun in the process </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-21945235577466174792012-01-15T19:40:00.001-06:002012-01-15T19:43:04.167-06:00Sunday Funday<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I have a love/hate relationship with Sundays. Typically, Sundays are a day for cleaning the house, grocery shopping, catching up on homework, and preparing for the week ahead. Since I have been on winter break from class, I have enjoyed Sundays much more, as they have been pretty lazy in this household. Today is my final Sunday on break, as class starts on Tuesday night </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">L</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">. Therefore, today was my final “Sunday Funday”. My house is strewn with baby toys, the kitchen sink is brimming with dishes, and the dirty laundry has not even made it into the washing machine. I know I will pay for my laziness tomorrow, when I have to confront the massive amount of housekeeping resulting from a weekend of laziness, but for now I am enjoying my final hours of zero productivity.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KR00QVf3bMY/TxN_uJwmAuI/AAAAAAAAARE/CaNKFVox1HI/s1600/IMG_3786_ed_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KR00QVf3bMY/TxN_uJwmAuI/AAAAAAAAARE/CaNKFVox1HI/s200/IMG_3786_ed_copy.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This Sunday Funday started with a morning trip to Sullivan to visit my twin sister and her new puppy, Sasha. Macie loves dogs, so I figured she would enjoy playing with a puppy- much more her size than our dog Gunner. While Macie showed some interest in the adorable Sasha, she was much more concerned with keeping close to my side…or on my lap. Macie is always much more clingy and shy when we are away from home, and this morning was no exception. After a while she warmed up and my “leash” became shorter, as she no longer demanded to sit directly on my lap, but she was still insistent that we stay in the same room. Spending time with Macie around other people is a pleasant reminder how important I am to my toddler, who is going through an annoyingly independent streak. After this morning’s excursion Macie continued with her “mommy’s girl” behavior and she showered me with hugs and affection for the remainder of the day. Nothing makes a parent feel more special than displays of affection from their child. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Unfortunately, Macie napped on the way home, which was exactly what I was trying to avoid. I left Sullivan at 10:30, hoping to feed Macie lunch when we got home and then immediately put her down for a nap so I could enjoy some childfree “me” time on my final Sunday Funday. Well, the 30-45 minutes that Macie napped on the way home seemed to sustain her for the rest of the day. Despite my three attempts at lulling her to sleep, she was in and out of her crib until 2:30, which is when I gave up. I figured that Macie would just cry a bit and go right to sleep. I wish. Each of the three times I put her down I ended up back in her room a short while later, as she was laughing and babbling in her crib. The last time I got her out of the crib, I walked in on her dancing and singing. It was hilarious! When she saw me she just grinned even bigger and danced more vigorously. Even though the time period between 12:00 and 3:00 was frustrating due to Macie’s lack of nap (and, therefore, my lack of nap), her energy and enthusiasm was very endearing. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MBbkQ-jSqZE/TxN_xmMm31I/AAAAAAAAARM/LS-DoVJStcI/s1600/IMG_3791_ed_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MBbkQ-jSqZE/TxN_xmMm31I/AAAAAAAAARM/LS-DoVJStcI/s200/IMG_3791_ed_copy.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Macie’s silly behavior continued for the rest of the evening. Perhaps the best part of the day was during Macie’s bath. She was babbling, dancing, and giggling so much that I just had to get the video camera out to capture all the cuteness. As weird as this sounds, I often get video of Macie in the bathtub because it is the only time she is really contained in a fairly small space for any period of time. In response to my prompts, I got Macie to say please (“pease"), meow like a cat, roar like a lion, pat her belly, say “shh”, point to her head, and say “bye bye”. My mouth hurt, I was so grinning so much, so I decided to play back the video for another chuckle. As soon as the recording started, Macie began responding to my prompts all over again. It was the funniest thing ever- Josh and I were crying we were laughing so hard, which encouraged Macie to act even sillier. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Macie is finally sleeping peacefully in her bed, so now it’s back to enjoying the last few hours of my last lazy Sunday. I plan to grab a glass of wine, turn on crappy TV, and put my up my feet. Tomorrow it is back to usual- work, cleaning my mess of a house, and preparing for class </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">L</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">. At least I enjoyed the break while it lasted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-80332120962522713142012-01-12T17:46:00.002-06:002012-01-23T14:57:31.882-06:00Emergency Room Rant<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkH2HdajcqE/Tw9vyzth0QI/AAAAAAAAAQs/AmrPPe-xcb8/s1600/IMG_0331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkH2HdajcqE/Tw9vyzth0QI/AAAAAAAAAQs/AmrPPe-xcb8/s200/IMG_0331.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">When I picked Macie up from daycare on Tuesday afternoon her eyes were red-rimmed and teary. Apparently, Macie had just been throwing a fit in the highchair because she was not released from her confinement the instant she finished eating. Encountering the same types of tantrums at home, I was satisfied with Pam’s explanation of her tear stained face. After taking a closer look, I noticed that Macie’s left eye was more swollen, moist, and droopy than her right eye. Still, I figured that the redness, swollen, and wet eyes would clear up by the time we made it home. As I pulled onto our street Macie burst into tears and was furiously rubbing her left eye. Once inside the house I immediately became suspicious that my child had contracted pink eye, as it has been spreading rampantly around the local school districts (and my babysitter has three school aged children). With this in mind, I called the pediatrician’s office and left a message for the phone nurse, expecting to have to go in for a check up the following morning. From time to time Macie’s face would change to an expression of pain; she would close her left eye, and start screaming her head off. After describing Macie’s symptoms to the phone nurse, she insisted that Macie needed to be seen by a doctor that evening. Since their office was minutes from closing, we were forced to make a trip to the Emergency Room. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pPYOCVfBHC4/Tw9v16F5r6I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/BDtibaEWW6w/s1600/IMG_0348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pPYOCVfBHC4/Tw9v16F5r6I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/BDtibaEWW6w/s200/IMG_0348.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Luckily, the phone nurse called ahead to notify Children’s Hospital that we were coming, which decreased our wait time. But there have been times when we have had to wait for at least an hour and a half to be taken back to a room. This time we only had to wait about 20 minutes and we were in and out of the hospital within an hour and a half. The worst part was when Macie cried from the pain/burning in her eye </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">L</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">. The doctor immediately ruled out pink eye or another infection because her eyes were clear of residue. After completing a dye test on her left eye, it was determined that Macie had an abrasion, or scratch, on her cornea. The doctor proscribed us an antibiotic ointment for Macie’s eye and sent us on our way. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">All in all, this was probably the least stressful and shortest E.R. visit we have had to date (we’ve had about five in total with Macie). Although there are a handful of good things about the Emergency Room, I always feel like I am being ripped off when I have to take my child. Seriously. The things we have had to take her for (always at a phone nurse’s recommendation) could have been treated at her pediatrician’s office had they been open. Who likes to spend $250 when you could have spent $20 for the same exact service? Going to the E.R. when you could have gone to the pediatrician’s office is like paying $6 versus $20 for a burger and fries. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EnM9hJ_-IeA/Tw9v4hRKTWI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/SyWIpgulHss/s1600/IMG_0355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EnM9hJ_-IeA/Tw9v4hRKTWI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/SyWIpgulHss/s200/IMG_0355.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Don’t get me wrong, I’m not entirely hating on the Emergency Room. I appreciate that the E.R. is open at all times and that the doctors and nurses are always friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable even though they are working the worst shift and have been up for an unnatural number of consecutive hours. It is an excellent fall back for true medical emergencies and those extreme cases justify the high cost of service. Unfortunately, I do not categorize the things we have had to take Macie for as true medical emergencies that only a trained E.R. staff can handle. My pediatrician’s office, were they open, would have had no difficulty diagnosing and treating Macie the handful of times we have been sent to the E.R. in the middle of the night. Overall, the burdensome cost, long wait, and germy hospital visits were not justified by the medical treatment Macie required. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Surely there has to be an alternative to the Emergency Room for children needing medical treatment around the clock. Adults can go to a Urgent Care facility and pay just $50 to be seen by a doctor in the wee hours. Yes, this is about $25 more than we pay to see our pediatrician, but significantly less than the whopping $250 E.R. visit. Surely there has to be a similar place to take children that doesn’t cost such an overwhelming amount. Maybe I should talk to my pediatrician about this….?<o:p></o:p></span></div>Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-78259210628118559882012-01-03T19:32:00.002-06:002012-01-03T19:46:48.489-06:00'Tis the Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6Je52vQjt0/TwOqMv5Y9HI/AAAAAAAAAQk/ilEZVKuJgNM/s1600/IMG_5965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6Je52vQjt0/TwOqMv5Y9HI/AAAAAAAAAQk/ilEZVKuJgNM/s320/IMG_5965.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The holidays are officially over and the New Year has begun. Below is a brief recap of how we spent the past two weeks.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">‘Twas the Night Before Christmas….</span></u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">We all know the famous children’s poem detailing the peaceful night before Christmas. Before all the hullaballoo of gift opening and socializing, most children are resting up for the big day and dreaming about the toys Santa left them. Not the case in my house. I tweaked the first line of the poem based on our Christmas Eve:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">‘Twas the night before Christmas,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">and all through the house,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">all creatures were stirring,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">except for my spouse.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Seriously. Macie had just broken out into the rash phase of Roseola Virus (at least it wasn’t the high fever she had a few days before) and her sleep schedule was fairly off. Unfortunately, Macie woke up crying at 2:00 a.m. and I had to rock her back to sleep while my husband slept- oblivious to Macie’s tears. After a few stressful days of interrupted sleep, we started our Christmas morning fairly groggy. When Macie woke up later that morning (6:00 a.m.), she was grumpy, on the verge of tears, and refused to relinquish her pacifier. Needless to say, our little family looked pretty fatigued in all of our Christmas photos. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Lazy Days</span></u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xsZwm8XsDl0/TwOpeJcFYjI/AAAAAAAAAQU/yFNLGxwlkGs/s1600/IMG_3515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xsZwm8XsDl0/TwOpeJcFYjI/AAAAAAAAAQU/yFNLGxwlkGs/s200/IMG_3515.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I was fortunate enough to have the week between Christmas and New Years off work, so I took the opportunity to be truly lazy. I responded to email and talked to my boss a few times, but that’s about it work-wise. After spending the previous week taking care of a sick baby, I was sick and fatigued myself (go figure). Therefore, I did very little productive work and certainly no writing. I cleaned my house, put away Christmas décor, read a few books, watched some crappy TV, worked out, and took care of Macie. That’s about it. It was glorious! I went back into the office today refreshed and ready to work, which made for a very productive day. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Rockin’ New Years Eve</span></u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Traditionally, New Years Eve is a huge party night- it’s basically a drunken fest. Each year my family and friends look forward to spending the night out, toasting to new beginnings. Most of my friends had plans, including those with children, even if it was just to hang out with other parents and their children. Although we have celebrated the New Year in the past, Josh and I rarely make a huge production of the evening, as we avoid being out on the road with all the intoxicated drivers. This year was even less thrilling than usual. Josh had to work an afternoon shift (2-11) so it was just Macie and me- two ladies out on the town </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">. As a treat, I rented Kung Fu Panda 2, thinking Macie would really enjoy the movie. Not so much- I paused and restarted the movie so many times that we ended up missing most of the plot. We spent most of the night playing in the basement playroom- I watched as Macie fed and bathed her baby, “cooked” some food, and rode her four-wheeler. Be jealous- it was awesome. After she went to bed I poured a glass of champagne, channel surfed, and was in bed and asleep by 8:30 p.m. Don’t judge, I still had to wake up at 6:00 a.m. the next day with an energetic toddler. Needless to say, it was a pretty wild and crazy night. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Resolutions</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TeyuoH96o-k/TwOp3ADurNI/AAAAAAAAAQc/1aQ9TL672R8/s1600/IMG_3567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TeyuoH96o-k/TwOp3ADurNI/AAAAAAAAAQc/1aQ9TL672R8/s200/IMG_3567.jpg" width="133" /></a><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">1. Join the local mommy social group and actually participate.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">2. Maintain my weight loss (maybe even loose a few more pounds).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">3. Continue to spend time each day teaching Macie new words and actions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">4. Muster the energy to finish my M.A. (this May can’t come fast enough).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">5. Finally go on a family vacation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">6. Learn more about photography. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
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</span></div>Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-16015651959227251112011-12-20T19:14:00.001-06:002011-12-20T19:15:15.690-06:00Birthday Blog<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></div><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; mso-pagination: none; padding: 0in; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">“There are three hundred and sixty-four days when you might get un-birthday presents ... and only one for birthday presents, you know. “ Author Unknown<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; mso-pagination: none; padding: 0in; text-autospace: none;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">_____________________________________________ </span></span></div></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Well, I am officially another year older (and wiser?). As usual, my family, friends, and coworkers helped me celebrate the entire week leading up to the big day. My twin sister commented that we don’t just have a birthday, but an entire week of celebrations. As adults, we rarely have just one large birthday party with all of our friends and family. Rather, each day we celebrate with a different group- family A, family B, in-laws, friends, co-workers, etc. I enjoy this method of celebration, as I get to spend quality time with each group of family and friends, as well as prolong the joy of gift receiving. At this point my week of celebration has ended and now it is time for reflection. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Old Soul</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Since the onset of adolescence, I have been considered an “old soul”. I have always been mature for my age and more cautious and reserved than most of my peers. While they had sleepovers in middle school, broke curfew in high school, and had crazy, party experiences in college (and high school), I was uncomfortable with sleepovers, too afraid to break curfew, and worked too hard in college to party excessively. Although I enjoy letting loose and having fun, my friends used to consider me the “mom” of the group. Again, I am such a chronic rule follower that it sometimes gets in the way of having fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Age in the Workplace</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It seems that young women are caught in a paradox in the work place. Many companies want the creativity, youthful energy, and relatively uncomplicated lives characteristic of young employees. However, as a young-ish professional, I have constantly found myself having to work against the stereotypes projected on me due to age. In order to “prove myself”, I have to work harder, dress more professionally, and conduct myself in a much more conservative manner. I selectively share elements of my personal life and become a much more serious, straight-laced, type-A personality when I am in a professional setting. Although I work with a wonderful group of people, I am positive that I have had to work harder to gain their respect than some of my older contemporaries due to my age. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Birthdays with Children</span></u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Celebrating your birthday with very young children is much different than celebrations sans tots. Before Macie I was able to go out, have as many drinks as I wanted, and not worry about being home at a certain time. My birthday was all about ME and I didn’t have to think about anyone else- except for maybe my twin sister. My past two birthdays with Macie have been mostly about her. Even though my husband and I went out this year to celebrate on our own (thanks to my wonderful mother-in-law for watching sassy Ms. Macie), the majority of the day was spent in our usual routine of childcare and entertainment. Basically, except for the late afternoon and evening, our routine was unchanged. I still had to cater to a bossy, demanding toddler, who screams “maaaam, maaam, maaam” anytime she needs anything. Want to know what the most annoying sound in the world is to me? I’m sure you can guess. Overall, my birthday has become less significant of an event now that I have a child. And that’s okay- my life is not all about me anymore. I am not the center of my universe- Macie is. I wouldn’t have it any other way. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
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</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Although many people dread aging another year, I am thankful for my birthday because it means I am another year wiser. Each year I become a better person- less self-involved, more self-aware, more confident, and much more knowledgeable. Along with my increased cognitive capacity and maturity, I find myself appreciating life and the people in it much more. As I have progressed through my twenties, I have gradually become happier and more fulfilled. Contrary to popular culture, I welcome the aging process and all the benefits it brings. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Cheers to another year of self-improvement! I hope I am as optimistic when I reach 30. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-8464875949342264732011-12-13T20:16:00.000-06:002011-12-13T20:16:47.187-06:00Santa, Baby<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christmas is right around the corner and my family is celebrating Macie’s second holiday season. The gifts are bought and partially wrapped, the tree and holiday décor has been out since right before Thanksgiving, and we have been listening to lots of Christmas music. Having your child’s photo taken with “Santa Claus” is a popular family tradition during the holiday season. Last year it didn’t even occur to me to have Macie’s photo taken with Santa, as I did not want to endure a trip to the mall this time of year with an infant. When one of our favorite photographers, Jill Shadden, advertised her upcoming “pictures with Santa” mini session I jumped on the opportunity (In the Moment Photography- inthemomentstl.com). This meant that Macie would finally get to meet Santa and we could avoid the frenzied mall. It was a win-win situation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This past weekend we had a designated time slot in which to meet jolly old Saint Nick and we were in and out within thirty minutes. While we waited for our turn with Santa, Jill and her welcoming parents had toys out to keep the kiddos busy. Jill’s husband was dressed as Santa (I don’t know how she talked him into that) and they were both very patient with Macie’s lack of cooperation. Although Macie didn’t seem scared of Santa, she certainly wasn’t interested in him either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After introducing Macie to Santa, we attempted to place her on his lap. The result was a short-lived tantrum as Macie wriggled her way to the floor. We tried distracting Macie with a reindeer stuffed animal and a Christmas book with limited success. Finally, we took a few photos of Macie sitting on my lap next to Santa and some of her sitting alone on the chair next to Santa. I hope Jill captured a few shots of Macie smiling, or at least looking directly at the camera, but I am looking forward to seeing a photo of Macie’s meltdown on Santa’s lap. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This holiday photo session was much more relaxing and pleasant than I expected. I am very thankful to Jill and her family for taking the stress out of this holiday tradition. When it was all said and done, Jill mentioned that Macie was not the only toddler having difficulty with Santa. Apparently, most of her toddler aged clients are less than enthusiastic about being forced to pose for pictures with an overdressed stranger. While this made me feel slightly better about Macie’s lack of cooperation, it also made me wonder why children are so scared of Santa. He is a round, jolly, old man waiting to grant your Christmas wish, not a slobbish, unwashed, drunken man waiting to steal your wallet when you turn around. Sure, Santa technically breaks into your house on Christmas Eve, but he leaves toys, eats cookies, and drinks milk. He’s not dangerous- he doesn’t trash your house and steal your TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Santa spends his night selflessly delivering toys to girls and boys. The least we could do is leave him a snack of milk and cookies…although I would prefer a margarita and chips and salsa (just saying). He is the ultimate humanitarian. And yet, so many young children are reluctant to interact with this saintly guy. I suppose this wariness is a good thing. Do we really want our children to be comfortable sitting on a strange man’s lap- no matter how jolly and rosy he appears to be? No way- that’s how children get abducted. Until Macie is old enough to buy into the “Santa” story and appreciate the experience for what it represents, I’m fine with Macie being guarded and uncooperative around Kris Kringel. The next few years of Santa photos won’t be full of glee and childish delight- more likely we will see vacant and/or confused expressions. Right now the photos are more for me that for her anyway….does that make me a selfish mom?<o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment-->Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-2751184217293912772011-12-07T19:33:00.000-06:002011-12-07T19:33:23.585-06:00Domestically Challenged<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">To put it simply, I hate cleaning. Sophie Kinsella’s phrase “Undomestic Goddess”, the title of one of her novels, is a flattering way to describe my domestic abilities. It’s not that I can’t physically do these things….it’s more that I’m not inclined to spend hours maintaining a “perfect” home. Yes, I care that the floors are clean and things are put away (sometimes). But I don’t overly concern myself if the windows aren’t spotless, if the space beneath my couch is a graveyard for stray toys and dog hair, and if my stove is splattered with red sauce. I don’t dust everyday and baskets of clothes are not always folded as soon as they leave the dryer. I like my house to be orderly and picked up, but after putting Macie to bed at 7:00 p.m., I’d rather write, edit photos, read, or watch crappy T.V. than spend an hour cleaning. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even though I stay at home half the week, I don’t consider myself to be one of those rock star housewives. Some of my acquaintances are the embodiment of domestic goddess. By 8 a.m. they have baked a cake, worked out, dropped the kiddos at school, and are perfectly coifed. Not me. Sure, I’m usually awake by 5 or 6 a.m. each day, but most of my time is spent meeting Macie’s many, and increasingly intelligible, demands. Most days I am in yoga pants and a tank top, with disheveled, pony-tailed hair, and no makeup. I often fit in a work out, but it is usually cut short by Macie demanding to be held. Cooking is on an as needed and limited basis. On motivated days I try to pick up after Macie, but I find myself cleaning the same mess over and over again. Most of the time I don’t waste the energy. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Challenges to keeping a clean house:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Macie is like a search and destroy missile. Her mission is to extract every article from the recycle bin, her toy chest, the kitchen cabinets, her bookshelf, shoe basket, and DVD collection. Basically, she undoes my work in a matter of seconds. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gunner’s dog hair covers my floor. In order to keep the floors clean I have to Swifter multiple times a day. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Josh is a slob. He leaves things all over the house without thinking twice. For example, he leaves shoes in the bathroom, dirty clothes on the floor in front of the hamper, dirty glasses all over the house, and his snack items and breadcrumbs all over the kitchen counter right after I clean. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unfortunately, now that we are in the process of putting our house on the market, I have spent much of my free time doing the thing I loathe- cleaning. When we actually list the house I am going to have to spend hours each week washing, scrubbing, polishing, and vacuuming in order to maintain an immaculate home. Although my house is small, scrubbing the main floor is exhausting enough. How am I going to find the energy and motivation to keep the basement and sun porch pristine? I will be spending a lot more time engaged in these tedious domestic tasks, which does NOT make me happy. I guess I need to create a good soundtrack for inspiration. Any suggestions for cleaning music? Better yet, any of you domestic goddesses want to volunteer to help maintain my soon to be immaculate home?<o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment-->Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-9252176637012549202011-11-30T21:32:00.000-06:002011-11-30T21:32:39.196-06:00English Language Learner<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s6Ve4iMihTY/TtbzTN4BmfI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/78NAkBKnD70/s1600/IMG_2856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s6Ve4iMihTY/TtbzTN4BmfI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/78NAkBKnD70/s320/IMG_2856.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sixteen months is an active and social age. It is wonderfully amusing to watch Macie grow and develop, becoming such a little individual. Observing Macie play and interact with her world, I am amazed at how much she understands. In addition to comprehending and responding to language, Macie’s speech and language development has increased exponentially. Her constant babble is slowly becoming intelligible, as her word count grows. When Macie can’t articulate the proper word, her facial expressions and physical movements frequently communicate her meaning. Macie’s recently expanded communication skills have made her even more entertaining. Below I have shared a list of English words that Macie is now using, as well as short anecdotes and commentary about her use of the English language. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">List of English Words<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><u><br />
</u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ball<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dog<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Duck<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moo<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64JyCc4Knt4/TtbzcFhD8qI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/90Y3FgnBupA/s1600/IMG_2861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64JyCc4Knt4/TtbzcFhD8qI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/90Y3FgnBupA/s320/IMG_2861.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mom/mommy/mama<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dad/daddy/dada<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mine<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">My<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Milk<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Baby<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">More<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Done<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">No<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bye by<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vroom<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hi<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Book<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gunner<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">That (as in, “I want that”)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peanut butter- almost<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blueberries- almost<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dog Obsession<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Macie is absolutely obsessed with dogs. One of her first words was “dog”, she has at least six dog stuffed animals, and her “lovie” is a raggedy stuffed dog that has been washed so many times that he is starting to come apart. Currently this “lovie” is stained with blueberries and peanut butter- Macie’s two favorite foods- and is in need of another washing. Every time Macie sees Gunner (our border collie/Australian shepherd mix), a dog outside, in a book, or on TV she immediately gets excited, waves, and says “doawg”. If she hears a dog barking she calls out for them and starts looking around with wide, alert eyes. Needless to say, dog is one of her most frequently used words. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Possessive Language<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The most surprising of Macie’s new words is her use of possessive language. A few weeks ago she started saying “mine” in response to having something taken away from her. In these circumstances Macie shrieks “mine” and eagerly reaches out her arms, impatiently requesting the item back. Macie makes it seem as if her human rights have been violated when you take a possession away from her. Such a drama queen. Macie has also been using “my” lately to demonstrate ownership and relationship. Most often she says “my daddy”, but I have also heard her say “my dog” and “my book”. Clearly Macie is confident that all three belong to her. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mimicking Language <o:p></o:p></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even though Macie can’t completely communicate in English, she certainly understands the flow and sequence of sentences. For a few months now she has even been mimicking our sentences, not that we can understand her exact words. The best example is from a few months ago. Our dog, Gunner was barking ferociously and Josh yelled, “Gunner, shut up!”. A moment later Macie yelled, “dada, shu uh!”. Although it wasn’t verbatim what Josh said, it was close enough in both the word structure and fluctuation. We cracked up, amused at the idea that Macie may have just told her father to “shut up”. I’m sure it won’t be the last time we hear that out of her mouth…though hopefully not for a few years. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Repetitions in songs<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><u><br />
</u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QS8r2GMYAnU/Ttbzhf4uxEI/AAAAAAAAAKE/svdgjk7aHf8/s1600/IMG_2891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QS8r2GMYAnU/Ttbzhf4uxEI/AAAAAAAAAKE/svdgjk7aHf8/s320/IMG_2891.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">When listening to music, Macie often mimics the sound of a repetitive chorus. For example, in the Nicki Minaj song “Super Bass” the chorus includes repetition of the word “boom”. As soon as Macie hears the song, she immediately starts to shake her head and repeat “ba, bo” sounds. By this point you should not be surprised that my daughter listens to modern pop music as opposed to “toddler radio”. I promise, I tried to play toddler music, but I seriously wanted to drown myself in Nyquil after about an hour of “the wheels on the bus”. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Uh Oh<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Macie says “uh oh” all day long. She says it when she or someone else drops an object, when she can’t find something, when we correct Gunner, when we correct her, and often for no apparent reason. When Macie says this phrase it is with wide eyes, raised eyebrows, and a very serious expression on her face. She intentionally makes eye contact with you so that you understand the magnitude of the situation. Imagine McCauley Caulkin’s facial expression on the “Home Alone” movie cover…but much more adorable. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ah, Ah, Ah<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Per our PAT educator’s recommendation, we try to avoid saying “no, no” to Macie. She suggested that rather than correct Macie, we should redirect her attention. This is all good and great in theory, but in practice it can be challenging sometimes. When Macie is determinedly digging in the trash and ignoring my attempts at distraction I automatically revert to the “ah, ah, ah” phrase. Technically, I’m not breaking Tina’s rule- I’m modifying it…right? (Why am I such a chronic rule follower?) Macie has gotten so used to hearing this phrase that she parrots it right back to me with a big, precocious grin on her face. You can tell that she takes me seriously, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Momma!<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><u><br />
</u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Basically, any time Macie needs something she yells for me. Seriously. She even yells for me when I am in another room and Josh is playing with and taking care of her. Most of the time she yells for me when she is hungry or to tattle on daddy for not giving her exactly what she wants. When this happens Macie indignantly calls for me, wanting nothing to do with her “uncooperative” father. Funny how quickly I have become the fixer and helper. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">My Daddy<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nwHLFuHCG-M/TtbzoOTfD3I/AAAAAAAAAKM/l8e-q-EOBXg/s1600/IMG_2977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nwHLFuHCG-M/TtbzoOTfD3I/AAAAAAAAAKM/l8e-q-EOBXg/s320/IMG_2977.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As mentioned in previous blogs, my husband works odd hours that change on a monthly basis. Additionally, he often has three or four consecutive days off work. Macie gets used to him being home on these days and can never quite adjust to his rotating schedule. On days that Josh works, Macie often looks at me and says, “mahy daddy?” with her hands and arms in the “what” gesture (arms bent, palms facing upward), as if to question where he is and when he will be home. When Josh does pull into the driveway, Macie excitedly runs to the window, giggles, and waves- eager to give her daddy a hug. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">My Daughter the Southerner</span></u></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As Macie’s word count steadily increases, I have noticed that some of her words are spoken with a Southern accent. She has always pronounced “dog” slowly, so it sounds like “daowg”. Then I noticed that Macie’s pronunciation of the word “my” sounds like “mahy”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even still, I didn’t notice Macie’s Southern accent until she put her first three-word sentence together. Last week Macie found her Christmas stash and immediately started playing with her walking, barking toy puppy. When she put the toy dog down I tried to place it out of her line of vision. As soon as I took the puppy, Macie yelled, “Mahm, mahy daowg!” (Mom, my dog!) and held out her hands for me to return the puppy. It was one of the cutest things I have ever seen. I’ve always been partial to a Southern accent, but hearing my baby speak that way is incredibly endearing. I’m guessing that this is just a phase in Macie’s language development and that she will eventually learn to speak like a Midwesterner. In the meantime, her Southern accent will be endlessly amusing while it lasts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment-->Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-12179814198932030522011-11-24T20:11:00.000-06:002011-11-24T20:11:49.789-06:00Thankful for Macie<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nqu9eokzZv4/Ts73v_EmLnI/AAAAAAAAAJM/I858euXxSV4/s1600/IMG_3030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nqu9eokzZv4/Ts73v_EmLnI/AAAAAAAAAJM/I858euXxSV4/s320/IMG_3030.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It’s a day full of family and feasting- two of my favorite things. Each Thanksgiving I reflect on the past year and remind myself of how lucky I am to have such an amazing life. My family is supportive and loving, I have a wonderful husband, I enjoy my job and the people I work with, and I have the opportunity to further my education. I am healthy, happy, live a comfortable life, and have minimal complaints. There are so many blessings in my life, but I am most thankful for Macie. After reflecting on why I am so thankful for Macie, I compiled a list of things I love about her. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqNDFxwAKh0/Ts733ce7bLI/AAAAAAAAAJU/xRjtgIMSh-4/s1600/IMG_3085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqNDFxwAKh0/Ts733ce7bLI/AAAAAAAAAJU/xRjtgIMSh-4/s320/IMG_3085.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. Macie keeps me laughing. She is a constant source of entertainment. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">2. Macie is my antidepressant. Spending time with her makes me happy and relaxed. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. Macie is energetic. She is always on the move and can destroy a room in minutes, but she is also learning and engaging in her surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">4. Macie dances like no one is watching. She does multiple squats, side-to-side movement, and quick feet- with a huge grin on her face. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">5. Macie can play with anything. We don’t need fancy toys (even though we have some) because she is happy to play with the contents of the recycling bin. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">6. Macie is very social and charismatic. She talks a mile a minute, in both long and short sentences- like she is having a conversation with you. When we did her 16-month evaluation with Parents as Teachers, Macie was advanced in the social/conversational category. Last weekend Macie gave her Grandma Ann a tour of the house, complete with unintelligible descriptions and stories about each item in the house. She doesn’t let the language barrier keep her from talking. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tF8eliTjI7c/Ts74A_ErOlI/AAAAAAAAAJc/we_03rE_WF4/s1600/IMG_3109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tF8eliTjI7c/Ts74A_ErOlI/AAAAAAAAAJc/we_03rE_WF4/s320/IMG_3109.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">7. Macie is nurturing. She loves her stuffed animals and baby dolls. In order to demonstrate her affection, she cuddles them and pats them on the back. She also puts them in her baby stroller and walks them around the house, tries to put saline in their noses, and attempts to lotion them after a “bath”. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">8. Macie “plays nice”. She is not aggressive and does not usually take things away from other children except in retaliation. The only time she gets upset is when they hit her or try to take something away. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">9. Macie is fairly easygoing. Although she can be difficult if she doesn’t get her way, Macie is typically a pretty easy baby. She is content to play around the house, keeps a decent daily schedule, and is very easy to put to sleep. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">10. Macie is tough. She has been fighting croup and an ear infection this week, as well as teething. Despite this trifecta of discomfort, Macie has been such a trooper. Yes, she has been tired and clingy, but she has not cried in frustration after a coughing fit…as I have been known to do in the past. When she falls down or bumps her head her typical reaction is “uh oh”, rather than tears. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh5tBm9d1c4/Ts74HKFUN1I/AAAAAAAAAJk/GFcad1-G074/s1600/IMG_3124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh5tBm9d1c4/Ts74HKFUN1I/AAAAAAAAAJk/GFcad1-G074/s320/IMG_3124.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">11. Macie is creative. When faced with a problem or task she attempts multiple methods of accomplishing her goal. For example, when trying to remove a Cheerio from a vial (part of our P.A.T. assessment), she shook the vial, turned it upside down, and tried to remove it with her tongue. When one method doesn’t work she just moves on to the next. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">12. Macie is fun to shop for. I enjoy picking out outfits for Macie and getting her dressed each day. She lets me fidget with her clothes and hair with minimal to no fussing. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">13. Macie is a happy baby. Most of her days are spent enjoying life, with a smile on her face. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">14. Macie is smart, curious, and adventurous. She likes to play outside, dig in the dirt, and is constantly searching for something new. Macie loves books, understands much of what she hears, says 12+ words, and learns something new each day. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">15. Macie has a mind of her own. She knows what she wants and definitely communicates her needs. While this can lead to occasional meltdowns when she doesn’t get what she wants, at least Macie is asserting herself and communicating her preferences. I hope she always speaks up and makes her needs known…just in a more constructive manner. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igywLaBnSXA/Ts74PW_c9GI/AAAAAAAAAJs/s2iXUEyU8J4/s1600/IMG_3125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igywLaBnSXA/Ts74PW_c9GI/AAAAAAAAAJs/s2iXUEyU8J4/s320/IMG_3125.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">16. Macie loves her mommy. Even though she often ignores me at home, I know that she loves me back because she clings to me at the gym, stays near me at playgroup, and remains close at family functions. She is independent at home and in familiar settings, but outside of that she is mommy’s girl.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">17. Macie makes me a better person. I strive to set a good example for Macie in everything I do. This means I eat healthier, avoid confrontations in front of her, demonstrate kindness and affection, and share my love of learning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our Parents as Teachers Educator noted on one of her visits that I am the center of Macie’s world. Very appropriate, considering Macie is easily the center of mine. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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</span></div><!--EndFragment-->Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-2819895008296074162011-11-19T06:45:00.000-06:002011-11-19T06:45:01.739-06:00Stella<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">My muse for this blog is a 2 ½ year old girl named Stella. In our weekly playgroup Stella is a constant source for chuckles and entertainment. With her bobbed hair, quirky walk, and sassy attitude, Stella makes it clear to everyone that she knows what she wants and intends to get it. She usually arrives a bit late and always makes an entrance with her head held high. When Stella’s bestie walks into the room the girls immediately get to work playing “big girl” games away from the younger toddlers. She speaks very animatedly and with personal conviction. When we sing “No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed”, Stella enthusiastically shakes her finger and puts her face into an exaggerated frown when we sing the final line (“no more monkeys jumping on the bed”).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basically, this girl has personality for days and makes no apologies. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This past week Stella came to playgroup and was immediately the center of attention (more so than usual). Her panties were hanging out of her dress, which was in a red/orange/brown striped pattern, and she was wearing lilac high tops (Converse). Nothing about her outfit worked, but her confidence made it clear to everyone that it didn’t matter. Shortly after they arrived her mother told us why Stella was such a mess. Earlier that morning Stella, wearing an outfit picked by her mother, was playing downstairs while her mother was putting away clothes upstairs. When Stella’s mother came downstairs she was surprised to find her daughter face first on the floor, laying in a pool of syrup, and licking it off the floor. Despite the childproof locks to the pantry, Stella broke her way in, climbed to the top, confiscated the syrup, and decided that the most convenient way to eat it was off the floor. I was rolling with laughter, as I imagined the scene in my head. I pictured Stella looking up nonchalantly (with a raised eyebrow) when her mother caught her, as if to say, “What are you looking at?”. Clearly, Stella had ruined her first outfit for the day, so her mother directed her to find something else to wear while she cleaned up the sugary mess. And, thus, we had the story for Stella’s unconventional outfit. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">That anecdote solidified my appreciation for Stella. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish that we could all be a little like Stella. This girl has endless confidence, a little recklessness, and a lot of gumption. She knows exactly what she wants and makes it known. Stella is an enthusiastic, loyal friend to her playgroup bestie and always finds a way to entertain herself. I hope that she never looses this sassy personality and continues to enjoy life as much as she does now. Stella is exactly the kind of person I always wanted to be….minus the exposed panties.<o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment-->Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-5493642506680137172011-11-17T18:20:00.003-06:002011-11-17T20:42:38.741-06:00Portrait of a Professional Mommy<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A few weeks ago I wrote a Middle School Language Arts lesson plan for my Secondary English Methods graduate course. The purpose of this lesson plan was to teach students about voice and word choice. In this lesson, students are asked to write a bio poem describing themselves, focusing on using descriptive language and communicating their voice. The other part of the assignment is for students to draw a self-portrait incorporating the four adjectives used in line two of the poem. This week for class we were asked to complete the writing assignment developed in the lesson plan. Below is my bio poem and self-portrait, which I'm sure many of you mommies can relate to. Please do not judge my poor artistry, as I have never been particularly gifted in that area. If anyone is interested in the lesson plan please let me know.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
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</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Maegan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Compassionate, Professional, Optimistic, Stalwart<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Who is married to Joshua Bowersox<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Who is the mother of Macie Kate Bowersox<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Who works as a part-time professional and a full-time mommy <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Who hates changing dirty diapers, laborious recipes, and cleaning the toilet<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Who feels overwhelming love for my family and pressure to be “perfect”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Who enjoys studying the times of yore, loosing myself in a book, and exercising to exhaustion<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Who likes cuddling on the couch on gloomy days, basking in the spring sunshine, and spending time with my supportive family<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Who takes excessive photographs of my delightfully entertaining daughter and unnecessarily long showers<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Who desires twelve hours of uninterrupted sleep, a childfree day at the spa, and limitless shopping<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Who dreams of completing my M.A. and finding a teaching job<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Bowersox</span><o:p></o:p></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hcxOqtNfILM/TsXGAAxXSJI/AAAAAAAAAJE/VaRaJHrDUN8/s1600/SelfPortait.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hcxOqtNfILM/TsXGAAxXSJI/AAAAAAAAAJE/VaRaJHrDUN8/s640/SelfPortait.png" width="548" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Casual';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 27px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Apple Casual';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 27px;"><b></b></span></span></div>Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-64980415975786658222011-11-14T13:40:00.002-06:002011-11-14T13:44:07.811-06:00Shopping with a Squirrel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-kiqr_HxOc/TsFuH0gxzuI/AAAAAAAAAIs/BtUkapyfCKQ/s1600/317475_527938980849_195800254_30701004_242483412_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-kiqr_HxOc/TsFuH0gxzuI/AAAAAAAAAIs/BtUkapyfCKQ/s320/317475_527938980849_195800254_30701004_242483412_n.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">During the first 9 months of motherhood, having a child did not significantly hinder the shopping experience. When Macie was a newborn she would sleep in her stroller and was often unfazed by the process. When Macie was old enough to sit upright in the cart, her fascination with our surroundings kept her occupied long enough for me to get what I needed and check out. Although shopping with a baby was not the easygoing, unburdened experience that it used to be, it was at least manageable. This summer Macie’s patience for prolonged confinement in her stroller and/or shopping cart began steadily declining. I could still keep her in the stroller or cart, but I had a significantly reduced time threshold in which to complete my shopping. Once Macie started walking (right after her 1<sup>st</sup> birthday), shopping became all but impossible. Other than the weekly trip to the grocery store and an occasional trip to Target, I typically avoid shopping with Macie. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In case you have never been shopping with a toddler, believe me when I say that it’s like someone let a squirrel loose in the store. In a previous blog, Hurricane Macie, I compared Macie’s destructive tendencies to a hurricane. She just can’t wait to get her hands on clean, organized spaces and transform them into piles of rubble. Macie’s method for destroying stores is similar to how she wreaks havoc in her room. However, it is much worse in public because there are many more things to touch. Macie immediately goes into squirrel mode and gets to work. She runs from section to section pulling bits and pieces off the shelves as she goes. Sometimes Macie stops to inspect the item in her hand before carelessly tossing it to the ground, other time she doesn’t even care about the item- she just wants it off the rack and on the floor. In her quest to touch everything, Macie darts quickly through the maze of displays. You must keep your eyes glued to her at all times; otherwise you will easily loose her. When I do take Macie shopping I usually end up making hassled, thoughtless purchases, which results in another trip to the store to return half the items. I spend more time worried about keeping Macie occupied and preventing her from destroying the store than actually shopping. I can never fully focus on what I need. This means that the shopping experience is no longer fulfilling or productive…</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">L</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">. Now the process is so stressful and tiresome that I would rather avoid the situation all together than take Macie. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CH1bwXRshgI/TsFuJAdHA8I/AAAAAAAAAI8/dLzUiF14rcU/s1600/390169_527938955899_195800254_30701003_1954396871_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CH1bwXRshgI/TsFuJAdHA8I/AAAAAAAAAI8/dLzUiF14rcU/s320/390169_527938955899_195800254_30701003_1954396871_n.jpg" width="191" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Three recent shopping excursions perfectly illustrate the process of shopping with a toddler. The first time I noticed how difficult it is to shop with a toddler was on my little sister’s birthday. As usual, my mother, sisters, and I planned lunch and shopping to celebrate. My husband works strange hours and was, unfortunately, unable to stay home with Macie. With optimistic (delusional) resolution I convinced myself that it would all work out. I couldn’t have been more wrong. After a fairly successful lunch I was hopeful that Macie would make it through a little shopping. Unfortunately, I had forgotten how long shopping takes with four women. We hadn’t even made it out of our first store before Macie was bored with her stroller and ready to explore. By the time we got to Victoria’s Secret she was in full squirrel mode. Despite my best efforts to block her little fingers, Macie kept pulling panties out of the drawers. Exhausted, I decided to put Macie back in her stroller and try to distract her with a cell phone. This unsuccessful attempt, resulting in tears, was the final straw- I had had enough. We weren’t in the mall for more than an hour before we left. I have never been happier to leave the mall in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A few months ago my mom, little sister, and nephew came to the city to shop. As usual, we headed to the West County Mall to hit up a few of our favorite stores. Again, Josh was working so I had no choice but to bring Macie. After the last shopping incident I was wary, but still optimistic. Maybe this time would be different. It wasn’t. In the parking lot Macie flat out refused to be strapped into her stroller so we decided to carry her...such a practical idea, right? After breaking my back carrying Macie for ten minutes, then wrestling with her as she attempted to wriggle out of my arms, I ended up chasing her around the store while my mother shopped. After an hour I was exhausted, frazzled, and just wanted to go home. Luckily my little sister is a mommy genius and rented one of those shopping cart/kiddie cars at one of the mall kiosks. Macie agreed to sit in the cart, but only if you plied her with graham crackers. In the final store, The Children’s Place, Macie decided that she was ready to join in the fun. Once we let her down she ran from rack to rack of clothing, carefully inspecting each item. Although Macie’s behavior was entertaining, I was concerned that Macie was annoying the sales associates so I hurriedly picked out clothing for Macie and left. At this point I was saddened to realize that I no longer enjoyed shopping- at least not with my daughter (gasp </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">L</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wlNPkk1xbgw/TsFuIS0CLtI/AAAAAAAAAI0/xS7ukhG7ZmM/s1600/317536_527938886039_195800254_30701002_1673658471_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wlNPkk1xbgw/TsFuIS0CLtI/AAAAAAAAAI0/xS7ukhG7ZmM/s320/317536_527938886039_195800254_30701002_1673658471_n.jpg" width="191" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This weekend my mom, twin sister, and I planned yet another shopping trip to buy coordinating outfits for our upcoming family photos. When we made the plans I had every intention of hiring a babysitter to watch Macie. Unfortunately, my babysitters were unavailable. My mom and sister responded positively to the news, but having been through the Macie shopping experience before I knew that this changed the whole focus of the day. At this point I knew that we only had about two hours of distracted shopping and I was fairly certain that we wouldn’t end up accomplishing our objective. My goal for the first store was to purchase larger clothes for Macie, as her latest growth spurt left her shirts and pants about half an inch too short. That was the ONLY thing we needed from this store, yet somehow we ended up meandering amongst the departments- shoes, home goods, lingerie, and finally to the children’s section. As we proceeded through each section Macie had a wonderful time running through the aisles, pulling panties and brassieres off the racks, and trying her best to lose us. Again, it was like shopping with a rabid squirrel. If you let her loose she wreaks havoc on the store. When you try to contain her she screams, foams at the mouth, and tries to bite you (slight exaggeration). By the time we made it out of the first store Macie was at her threshold of shopping tolerance. The charm of running around, pulling items onto the floor, and leaving devastation in her wake had faded and Macie was ready for lunch and a nap. Luckily, Josh was able to pick up Macie at our next store and left us to our mission. Even without the distraction of Macie we still spent HOURS searching for coordinating outfits…which could have something to do with the fact that we are very distracted shoppers to begin with. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
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</span></div>Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-73996989166026140282011-11-05T20:32:00.000-05:002011-11-05T20:32:22.638-05:00Big Wheels & Belly Buttons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOG3vVMUmgk/TrXhUb3wPSI/AAAAAAAAAIU/DwEdSxBrkFA/s1600/IMG_2778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOG3vVMUmgk/TrXhUb3wPSI/AAAAAAAAAIU/DwEdSxBrkFA/s320/IMG_2778.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><!--StartFragment--> <br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blackburn Park in Webster Groves is one of Macie’s favorite places. Macie’s love of the park is evidenced by her giggles and shouts as soon as the playground comes into sight. If I try to pass by the play area without stopping Macie reads me the riot act and basically has a seizure in her stroller seat. Since the park is only two blocks from our house, we visit at least 4-5 times a week. Lately we have been taking Macie to the playground every day the weather is fairly decent, trying to take advantage of the last few warmish weeks of fall. The following anecdote of toddler socialization took place at Blackburn Park earlier this week.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9BH3eqLnmA/TrXhE7pWWPI/AAAAAAAAAIE/jAh5XnD17dU/s1600/IMG_2701_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9BH3eqLnmA/TrXhE7pWWPI/AAAAAAAAAIE/jAh5XnD17dU/s1600/IMG_2701_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9BH3eqLnmA/TrXhE7pWWPI/AAAAAAAAAIE/jAh5XnD17dU/s320/IMG_2701_2.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><!--StartFragment--> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">When playing on the playground Macie follows a fairly predictable pattern. First she runs to the big kid jungle gym and tries to climb the steps to get to the slide. After a few stressful attempts, we usually guide Macie over to the toddler-sized jungle gym and watch her go up the steps and down the slide until she gets bored. After a few minutes of this Macie usually runs over to the swings, checks out the springy duck and seesaw, then spends the rest of her time playing in the rocks. The rock table is where Macie was playing the day she met the coolest toddler ever. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></div><!--EndFragment--> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">We heard him before we saw him. The sound of big wheel tires racing over the cobblestone path leading to the playground entrance warned us that trouble was coming- and fast. Then we saw him. This little boy, around 3, with longish wavy hair and a roguish laugh peeled into the play area. After taking a second to assess the situation, he recklessly zoomed around the playground, enjoying the feel of wind through his hair. This little guy had the need for speed and his legs peddled enthusiastically to power his rapid pace.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx2A2bb74hg/TrXiH7j72oI/AAAAAAAAAIc/zNEbchJZ_es/s1600/IMG_2790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx2A2bb74hg/TrXiH7j72oI/AAAAAAAAAIc/zNEbchJZ_es/s320/IMG_2790.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This mischievous little boy immediately caught Macie’s attention, as she stopped playing in the rocks to stare at him in awe. She seemed impressed by his speed, spunk, and devil-may-care attitude. He was like the toddler version of James Dean on a motorcycle. When he sped to our part of the playground Macie caught his eye and he skid to an abrupt halt. They stared each other down for a minute, Macie with her mouth wide open. Then, with a sudden burst of inspiration, Macie lifted her dress to show her belly. After a few more awkward moments James Dean Junior grew bored and zipped off again to do laps around the playground. Macie’s attempt at impressing this toddler idol was unsuccessful. Luckily, she didn’t seem phased. Better luck next time. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">After witnessing this amusing interaction, I began to ponder </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">why Macie always shows her belly to other children. When faced with another child, she reflexively lifts her shirt. What is she trying to communicate? Is it the same message as when a dog lays on its back and displays its belly around other dogs? Is she showing her belly as a sign of friendliness and non-aggression? Whatever her reason, it makes for some entertaining and slightly embarrassing social exchanges. Right now it’s fairly adorable, but if Macie is still flashing children in a few years I am going to be concerned. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br />
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</span></span></div><!--EndFragment-->Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-3659164483368853222011-10-31T14:01:00.002-05:002011-11-04T13:04:30.408-05:00Happy Halloween!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FVHxeDXbOjQ/Tq7wSd9esSI/AAAAAAAAAHs/Pr4_VXLqYE4/s1600/391764_10150898929585322_500710620321_21302392_17589913_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FVHxeDXbOjQ/Tq7wSd9esSI/AAAAAAAAAHs/Pr4_VXLqYE4/s640/391764_10150898929585322_500710620321_21302392_17589913_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Photo taken by Jill Shadden</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Halloween is an ancient holiday with a rich historical background. Originating in the Celtic culture, this celebration was meant to ward off ghosts that roamed on All Saints’ Day, October 31. Throughout the years Halloween has evolved into a secular, community celebration with kid-friendly activities. People still dress up in costumes, but for fun rather than to hide their personal identity from roaming ghosts.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Halloween is meant to be a frightful and fun holiday. It is a time when people embrace all things scary. Many people indulge in horror movies meant to give you nightmares for weeks and visit “haunted” houses for the thrill and adrenaline rush that accompanies fearing for your life. When I think of Halloween the imagery that comes to mind includes ghosts, black cats, grimacing jack-o-lanterns, werewolves, vampires, witches, goblins, demons, homicidal maniacs, and zombies. Basically, nothing that gets me excited. I don’t like to be scared- I hate scary movies, have never been to a haunted house, and don’t enjoy having nightmares for days. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">When I was a child Halloween was my second favorite holiday of the year (next to Christmas). It was an opportunity to dress up with my friends and accumulate enough candy to live on for weeks. Another perk was the Halloween party at school, which took away from class time (the best part). The whole party/dressing up/getting candy scenario was enough to keep Halloween high on my list of favorite holidays when I was a child- until I got to middle school. Once I hit the age where it was no longer “cool” to go trick-or-treating all the fun was gone and I despised the holiday. As punishment once in high school my mother forced me to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters….it was the most annoying night ever. As an adult I have never (not once) handed out candy to trick-or-treaters. I have a problem with anyone coming to my door unannounced. It makes me very uncomfortable (probably more than it should). Plus, there’s the whole issue of having to watch for trick-or-treaters all night and force a fake smile and make nice comments all night about costumes. Sure, there are some adorable kids out there trick-or-treating and they are mostly sweet children enjoying the holiday like I used to. I know I am weird, but I just can’t get into the thrills of Halloween. Until I had a child it had sunk to the bottom of my favorite holiday list. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Now that I have Macie I am starting to mildly enjoy Halloween again- this year more than last. Last year Macie was only three months old and had no idea what was going on. Plus, there are a very limited number of cute Halloween costumes for children under one. After searching for the “perfect” costume, I settled with a pink ballerina. Macie looked adorable, but we really didn’t do anything to commemorate the holiday. This year has been much more fun- mostly because we are celebrating with Macie. I really enjoyed picking out her Minnie Mouse costume and putting it all together. Macie looks so sweet in her costume and really enjoys twirling around in her dress. This year we got more involved in Halloween festivities. A few weeks ago we got pumpkins to decorate the house. Last week we decorated a paper pumpkin. We even took Macie to one of our favorite photographers (Jill Shadden- In The Moment Photography) and did a mini-Halloween session to visually commemorate the holiday. Over the weekend we went to a toddler friendly Halloween party and had a lot of fun watching Macie play with, or watch, the other children. Today, Halloween, Macie wore her costume to Stay and Play (a weekly playgroup for Webster Groves infants and toddlers) and had another opportunity to play with children her age all dressed up. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Although I am personally not a huge fan of Halloween, I am beginning to appreciate it as a parent. I want Macie to enjoy Halloween as much as I did as a child. Therefore, I have to provide her with opportunities for celebrating this holiday. In the process of engaging in Halloween activities and observing Macie’s entertainment, I enjoyed the holiday slightly more this year than in the past. No, I am not passing out candy this year (I have a graduate class tonight, how convenient)…or next year. But in the future I am not opposed to passing out candy at Macie’s request. Basically, I will continue to embrace Halloween not for myself, but for my daughter. Hopefully in the process I will regain my original enthusiasm for Halloween. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">So, Happy Halloween! Hopefully next year I will actually mean it. Bah Humbug </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-88007777913331328082011-10-22T12:16:00.003-05:002011-10-22T17:35:15.435-05:00Fall Festivities: Pumpkin Patch (minus the Pumpkins)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Well, it’s officially Fall (although you wouldn’t know it with the temperature in the 80s until the middle of October). The leaves are turning beautiful shades of brown, red, green, yellow, and orange and have started falling from the trees- some in heaping piles, others scattered here and there. The weather has finally started cooling and people are wearing coats, jackets, and boots (yay!). The air is crisp, the wind has a slight chill, and daylight hours are steadily decreasing. Personally, I find autumn to be a refreshing reprieve from the hot, humid summers that we endure in Missouri. I LOVE sweaters, jackets, leggings, and boots and the fact that I can spend time outside comfortably (without sweating or shivering too much). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCk9J4ikiQA/TqL2a-TvP7I/AAAAAAAAAGA/Eiq0pGSfAp4/s1600/IMG_2501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCk9J4ikiQA/TqL2a-TvP7I/AAAAAAAAAGA/Eiq0pGSfAp4/s200/IMG_2501.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">With the onset of Fall comes a slew of seasonal events and festivities that many families cherish each year. As a young adult I always enjoyed bonfires and autumnal gatherings with friends- Oktoberfest, Halloween, and house parties. When you have children the activities change from drunken celebrations with friends to family friendly, child oriented fun. My single, childless friends probably consider these events lame, but those late night drink-fests no longer appeal to me. I still have to get up and take care of a busy, demanding toddler at 6:00 a.m. regardless of how late I stay out and how much I drink the night before. Then there’s the enormous hurdle of finding (and paying) a babysitter. Nowadays I have the occasional wild night out (like once or twice a year), but most of my time is spent engaged in Macie friendly activities. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oyVrYx7Osrw/TqL2sUJ-BUI/AAAAAAAAAGY/PqAF0xugkyI/s1600/IMG_2513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oyVrYx7Osrw/TqL2sUJ-BUI/AAAAAAAAAGY/PqAF0xugkyI/s200/IMG_2513.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">One of the most traditional autumn family events is a trip to the Pumpkin Patch. This is one of those middle-class, Norman Rockwell-esque events that you look forward to as part of the “American experience”- at least in the Mid-West. Friends and family always talk about how much fun kids have at the pumpkin patch. Some of my favorite pictures of my twin and me as babies are from the pumpkin patch. As a parent, I felt obligated to provide my daughter with this experience. Yes, I jumped on that bandwagon. We tried to take Macie to the pumpkin patch last year unsuccessfully. I had a Groupon for the Eckerts in Milstadt, IL and was looking forward to a fun-filled day. Unfortunately, this area of Illinois is seriously lacking road signs and we got terribly lost. After a tense hour in the car we just decided to call it a day and went home without making it to Eckerts. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VCDujLxV508/TqL2gAD89zI/AAAAAAAAAGI/adRjddLsaUM/s1600/IMG_2505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VCDujLxV508/TqL2gAD89zI/AAAAAAAAAGI/adRjddLsaUM/s200/IMG_2505.JPG" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zxRwkPZIR98/TqL3ACHacZI/AAAAAAAAAGo/RXcch6-2IoI/s1600/IMG_2542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zxRwkPZIR98/TqL3ACHacZI/AAAAAAAAAGo/RXcch6-2IoI/s200/IMG_2542.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">After our failed attempt at pumpkin picking last year, we were a bit apprehensive about this year’s trip. Obviously we did not try to go back to Eckerts in Milstadt- NEVER again. Instead, we went to a place in Eureka (another Groupon purchase) claiming to have livestock, a corn maize, and a pumpkin patch. Although the weather was hotter than I would have liked (in the 80s), Macie and her cousin Logan had much more fun than we expected. The first thing we did when we arrived was take Macie and Logan on a horseback ride- Macie’s first. I grew up riding horses with my grandfather, so many of my fondest memories are on horseback. Although Macie has been around horses and enjoys petting them, she has never actually ridden one. I was excited to see her reaction and hoped that she would enjoy the experience as much as I do. Macie didn’t let me down- she had a blast. As we went around the ring Macie was on the saddle, and I was walking beside the horse holding onto her. She was grinning from ear to ear (with her endearing gapped teeth) and clapping her hands in delight. Logan had a great time as well- he looked so proud of himself up there on the big horse. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl3h5E22Snc/TqL3NO9Hb_I/AAAAAAAAAG4/hf4xpJtBFS0/s1600/IMG_2582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl3h5E22Snc/TqL3NO9Hb_I/AAAAAAAAAG4/hf4xpJtBFS0/s200/IMG_2582.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">After the horseback ride Macie and Logan wandered around the livestock area, going back and forth from the adorable black and white spotted calf, mini horse, black goat, and huge grey horse. With parental encouragement they would occasionally pet the animals, but were mostly content to stand there watching them and soaking up the atmosphere. After parading Macie and Logan through the livestock area I decided to take Macie on a barrel ride. Basically, this was a four-wheeler pulling a line of white plastic barrels with space cut out for passengers. The barrels were painted with black spots to look like cows to make the ride even more irresistible to children- who doesn’t want to ride a cow (ME!). Although Macie was thrilled with the ride as I held her in my lap, I was trying to hold on for dear life as the teenager driving the four-wheeler decided to drive off-road and faster than I would consider safe for a kiddie ride. After this uncomfortable experience Macie and Logan were about at the end of their threshold so we snapped a few hay bale pics and took off.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8CFVbotEb0/TqL1d_OCpuI/AAAAAAAAAF4/pN8xVFdnUnA/s1600/IMG_2501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8CFVbotEb0/TqL1d_OCpuI/AAAAAAAAAF4/pN8xVFdnUnA/s200/IMG_2501.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The only downside to this delightful day is that we didn’t actually see a “patch” of pumpkins at the farm. So our trip to the pumpkin patch was actually more like a trip to Grant’s Farm. Macie obviously didn’t notice, having no conceived notion of pumpkin picking, so I consider this trip a success. We still ended up with pumpkins to decorate the outside of the house, but we got them from the local Methodist Church not the “pumpkin patch”. Overall, this was a great way to enjoy all the best things about autumn with Macie. We spent time outside getting dirty and petting animals- three of Macie’s favorite things. Next year we will probably go to a more traditional pumpkin patch and let Macie pick out her pumpkin from the actual field (not the Methodist Church). Any suggestions for a good pumpkin patch that also includes other fall activities?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
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</span></div>Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-63462793926653011042011-10-12T15:41:00.000-05:002011-10-12T15:41:21.398-05:00Floor Fits and other Foolery<!--StartFragment--> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ultwbWXW0RE/TpX5fBW_glI/AAAAAAAAAFg/H55NTk9dyzI/s1600/IMG_2202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ultwbWXW0RE/TpX5fBW_glI/AAAAAAAAAFg/H55NTk9dyzI/s320/IMG_2202.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Talking on the "phone"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">First, let me say that fourteen months is a rollercoaster. Most of the time Macie is a delightfully entertaining child (no bias, right?). She constantly charms me with her earnest grin, sparkling blue eyes, and tremendous energy and enthusiasm. I swear she understands everything I say and responds appropriately. When I grab my purse and say, “let’s go” she walks to the door. When I ask if she wants to go to sleep she walks to her room. When I ask if she wants something she says, “ya, ya” and nods her head. In addition to her improved receptive skills, her verbal language skills have improved as well. Most of her communication is a constant stream of baby talk, but her English words have increased to “momma”, “dada”, “daddy”, “dog” (her favorite), “duck”, “ya”, “moo”, “ooh ooh, aah aah” (monkey sounds), etc. Even though I can’t understand most of what she says, we still have very interesting conversations. Macie nods her head, fluctuates her voice and language flow, widens her eyes, and moves her hands in emphasis. Talking on the “phone” is one of her favorite things to do. Although a cell phone is preferred, she will use anything (paper, the remote, her hand, etc.) as a phone. It is hilarious to hear her have imaginary conversations on the “phone”, especially when she starts yelling and shrieking at people. Her physical development has greatly progressed as well. Macie has quickly learned how to run (mostly away from me) and dances up a storm. She keeps us entertained with her antics, increased affection and responsiveness, and energy. In short, Macie is an incredibly enjoyable little person- most of the time </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raiding the Refrigerator<br />
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</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Despite all the good times, there is one new development that I am not happy with- the floor fit. Most people don’t expect to see their child throw themselves on the floor in a tantrum until age two. Dr. Maxine Bauermeister, a professor of Early Childhood education at Webster University, told me that fourteen months is fairly early for floor tantrums and that Macie is ahead of the curve. This means that Macie is going through an independent stage and asserting herself both verbally and physically. Every parent wants their child to be intelligent and developmentally on track (maybe even advanced), but no one wants their child to be advanced when it comes to displaying attitude and challenging behavior. I have no idea where her sass comes from….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Floor Fits in Action<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We have witnessed a lot of floor fits in this house lately. Today, for example, Macie has thrown herself to the ground at least six times. They start with Macie shrieking in anger/annoyance when you take something away or do something she doesn’t like. Then she looks at you with raised eyebrows and wide eyes as if to say, “are you going to make me throw a fit?”. The most minor offenses result in a verbal challenge. Lately it is in response to me barring her entry to the food cabinets. If you ignore Macie’s warning/challenge and continue with the offensive behavior (i.e. don’t give into her) then Macie throws herself to the ground in anguish, howling like a banshee, and convulsing like a fish out of water. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">These fits of rage usually last between 30 seconds to 3 minutes. When Macie is finished expressing her exasperation she gets up and carries on with her day like nothing ever happened. The first time Macie threw herself on the floor I laughed and gawked at her behavior in amusement. Now I just ignore the tantrums and/or walk away. I’m not quite sure what Macie hopes to accomplish with these sudden outbursts of fury, but she certainly doesn’t get a reaction from me. Hopefully Macie will realize that this is an ineffective method of getting her way (not to mention a total waste of energy) and these foolish floor fits will cease. Wishful thinking, perhaps?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></span></div><!--EndFragment-->Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-992744283555800602011-10-02T21:32:00.003-05:002011-10-03T07:17:31.057-05:00Molar Misery<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jhf-R4-NXCw/TokcqjhYcyI/AAAAAAAAAE8/x1x0K5ZlEVE/s1600/IMG_2078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jhf-R4-NXCw/TokcqjhYcyI/AAAAAAAAAE8/x1x0K5ZlEVE/s320/IMG_2078.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teething Tantrum</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">N</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ot to sound like a broken record, but teething is torture. In a previous blog I described teething as the devil’s punishment for procreating. Back then Macie was cutting her first four front teeth, which is typified by a low grade fever, drooling, and more frequent stage-two or three meltdowns. For the past few weeks Macie has been cutting her first four molars, which is a completely different experience. First, the molars are larger than the front teeth…which makes me think that they may hurt worse than the first four. Second, they are all coming in at the same time. Third, Macie’s fuse seems to be much shorter this time around, which results in more frequent tantrums. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Macie’s teething symptoms </span></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u></u>(they usually start a few days before the teeth start to show)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- Chews on everything- the couch, books, shoes, hands, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- Sleepier- she rubs her eyes a lot and takes longer naps.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- Puts her fingers in her mouth to touch the sore area(s). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- Tries to bite things when she is upset or told “no”- door handles, cabinet knobs, hands, you, the couch, books, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- Drinks a lot of fluids and drools more. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- Shorter fuse- much more irritable and increased frequency and severity of tantrums.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Living with a teething toddler is like living with a bipolar tyrant prone to tantrums (imagine Napoleon Bonaparte). The slightest raised eyebrow, “no”, denial of request, or lack of proper response to an unintelligible command results in a stage three meltdown. At this point Macie has perfected the art of the tantrum. First comes the crunched up, pouty face followed immediately by an indignant/enraged high-pitched scream. Then, Macie sinks to the floor in anguish and continues to wail tragically. If you try to pick her up she summersaults backwards - you have to be careful not to get head butted or drop her (it’s like holding onto a bucking bronco). Dr. Suess’s book about the joys of teeth fails to mention how painful it is to actually get them. The writing and illustrations make teeth out to be the best thing in the world. Sometimes I want to say to hell with the teeth- we were doing just fine without them.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Macie has teething tantrums when….</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- I take something away from her.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- She doesn’t get more food or water fast enough.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- I don’t respond appropriately to her baby talk commands.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GwvRdPoewWY/Tokcjc8D8eI/AAAAAAAAAE4/p1EQyW2_Fcw/s1600/IMG_1932_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GwvRdPoewWY/Tokcjc8D8eI/AAAAAAAAAE4/p1EQyW2_Fcw/s320/IMG_1932_2.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- I raise my eyebrow at her or say “no”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- Daddy says anything in a low or serious voice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- I leave the house without her- even just to go to the car. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- I close her in the living room and leave the room for a second.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- I put her toys away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- Gunner (our dog) licks her.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- I try to put her in the stroller at the mall.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- We pass by the playground and don’t stop to play.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- I try to change her diaper while she is in the middle of playing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And the list goes on and on. There are too many to list, but the actions above are demonstrative that EVERYTHING sets Macie off when she is teething.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have I mentioned that teething has a physical affect on me as well? </span></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When Macie goes through the teething process I actually seem to physically age from the stress, including: </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- Increased headaches. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- Forehead wrinkles from furrowing my brow in concern, annoyance, and empathy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- Every time Macie teethes another piece of my hair turns gray. (FYI- When I was pregnant I only had one gray hair. Since I have been a mom I have added at least three more- no joke. )<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- Blood shot eyes and dark under-eye circles. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Maybe Macie’s reaction to cutting these molars is not any worse than her previous teething stage. I have a horrible short-term memory, so it is possible that I may have blocked out the severity of previous teething tantrums. Even so, teething at any stage is like soothing someone who has a fork (or something sharper) pressing down on their gums all day long. Ultimately, I know that the headaches, forehead wrinkles, gray hair, and blood shot eyes resulting from Macie’s teething troubles are a necessary evil to endure. The end result is an adorable set of teeth, which further proves that Macie is progressing from the baby stage to the toddler stage. They grow up way too fast </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">L</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PhCcv47UMzY/Tokcczn9weI/AAAAAAAAAE0/9L5avFvoF-8/s1600/IMG_1915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PhCcv47UMzY/Tokcczn9weI/AAAAAAAAAE0/9L5avFvoF-8/s320/IMG_1915.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div>Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-39172474483372330492011-09-06T18:57:00.004-05:002011-10-01T15:51:01.256-05:00Show Me the Money<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2YJgznMP0w/TmayOBQkQVI/AAAAAAAAAEY/ADaJf0VLzmM/s1600/IMG_2171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2YJgznMP0w/TmayOBQkQVI/AAAAAAAAAEY/ADaJf0VLzmM/s320/IMG_2171.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess who dressed Macie in the "Daddy Loves Me" onsie...Oh, and forgot to button it up. That would be Daddy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It’s no secret that I am a shopaholic. Seriously. I don’t crave alcohol or narcotics, but I internally struggle to avoid unnecessary expenditures. For some strange reason I get pleasure from walking around a store and making a purchase- even something small. As soon as I get the slightest bit bored at home I always find myself justifying a trip to Target. You can always find something that you absolutely need- that you can’t live without. Right. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBlVe0MefB0/TmayV4i7k6I/AAAAAAAAAEc/ZnD2jqK8CHQ/s1600/IMG_2174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBlVe0MefB0/TmayV4i7k6I/AAAAAAAAAEc/ZnD2jqK8CHQ/s320/IMG_2174.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Like mother, like daughter. Although Macie is just a baby, she already has an unusual interest in wallets and plastic cards. After repeatedly taking Josh’s wallet away from her, we bought Macie her own wallet. It’s zebra print with hot pink trimming- very Jerseylicious. If she is fussing in public we often hand over the wallet and she takes the cards out one-by-one. For some reason she gravitates to the three most important items- Josh’s debit card, credit card, and drivers license. Then she walks around waving them in the air with a big grin on her face- like she is excited to go spend daddy’s money. It’s a frightening preview of the future. Josh is wrapped so tightly around Macie’s finger I’m fairly confident that she will always have such easy access to the contents of Josh’s wallet. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VgbaJS0vGMo/Tmayfo8WYBI/AAAAAAAAAEg/2a7Ii3cEWLs/s1600/IMG_2175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VgbaJS0vGMo/Tmayfo8WYBI/AAAAAAAAAEg/2a7Ii3cEWLs/s320/IMG_2175.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Right now it’s hilarious to watch Macie waving around “money”, but in a few years I am going to regret encouraging this behavior. Yes, I buy Macie plenty of toys, clothes, bows, and shoes. But I’m not one of those parents who buy their child something every time they go to the store. And I don’t want to be "that mother". Macie will have to learn that you can’t always get what you want, like the rest of us. Now I just have to convince her father that she can’t always get what she wants. Otherwise Macie will end up with every Barbie in the doll aisle (Josh is a sucker for toys, I’m a sucker for books and clothes). I just hope that her pushover father musters the strength to tell his baby girl “no” from time to time. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-77255485951809170642011-09-03T16:40:00.001-05:002011-10-01T19:28:40.895-05:00"Toddlers in Tiaras" Tirade<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZg3ZEo8uAo/TmKeiz3ufwI/AAAAAAAAAEU/WbjNLh_39ME/s1600/IMG_0160ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZg3ZEo8uAo/TmKeiz3ufwI/AAAAAAAAAEU/WbjNLh_39ME/s320/IMG_0160ed.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">First, let me preface this blog entry with an apology. In the upcoming weeks my blog entries will be more sporadic and shorter due to an overload of schoolwork, which consumes most of my free time in the evenings. After spending every night this week consumed with academics (either in the classroom or doing homework), I decided that the little amount of free time I had would be spent mindlessly. Therefore, I watched the latest recorded episode of TLC’s “Toddlers in Tiaras”. Yes, I record this show. I watch “Toddlers in Tiaras” for the same reason I watch the many other “reality” TV shows on cable these days- I take pleasure in the delusional and entertaining antics, not to mention the drama, that these people engage in each episode. Although I am often disgusted, annoyed, or appalled at the behavior of these people, it is a much-needed break from my busy, chaotic, sometimes boring life. “Toddler’s in Tiaras” is a show that really makes me feel good about my parenting, as it serves as a clear model of what not to do with your children. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Things I have learned NOT to do from watching “Toddlers in Tiaras”:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. Do not dress your child like a prostitute or Vegas Show girl, cover her face in dark makeup, and encourage her to dance around a stage with gyrations and bootie shakes in her routine. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. Do not wax your child’s eyebrows (especially when she is crying in pain). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdIKcAWChk8/TmKeLnUHnsI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/Ty5zRksWO6c/s1600/IMG_0157ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdIKcAWChk8/TmKeLnUHnsI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/Ty5zRksWO6c/s320/IMG_0157ed.jpg" width="213" /></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. Do not force your child to participate in competitions if she is not interested. A competitive mom with an uninterested child just looks sad for everyone. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. Do not encourage your child to make fun of other children. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5. Do not shove pixie sticks and soda down your child’s throat in order to keep her “lively”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">See, it’s not just entertainment- it’s educational!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sure, I buy bows and frilly outfits for Macie. Yes, I got her ears pierced when she was 8 months old. Yes, I encourage Macie to blow kisses and dance around the house. But I would NEVER cross the line into making my daughter a performing monkey for a bunch of pedophiles/judgmental mothers living vicariously through their children. In preparation for these pageants, “Glitz” in particular, these children undergo rigorous grooming and physical preparation. In addition to practicing their “poise”, walk, and dance routines continuously (which I understand- this is a typical aspect of any competition), these girls must wear a flipper (false teeth), get a spray tan, get their eyebrows waxed, get a manicure and pedicure, wear lots of makeup and fake hair in order to be competitive. Granted, some children genuinely do enjoy getting on stage and performing. They delight in getting glammed up, the attention they receive, and the prizes- crowns and money. But the message that these girls learn loud and clear is that appearance comes before substance. Yes, some of the mothers attempt to keep their children humble, kind, and pleasant. But most encourage their “diva” behavior and do little to reign in the self-absorbed, mean-spirited monsters. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-65y3pEL8Fco/TmKd2IdJ_BI/AAAAAAAAAEM/2edAc0Hepqo/s1600/IMG_0092ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-65y3pEL8Fco/TmKd2IdJ_BI/AAAAAAAAAEM/2edAc0Hepqo/s320/IMG_0092ed.jpg" width="213" /></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Although the behavior of these “pageant girls” is often appalling, most of the time the mothers are way worse. The apple certainly doesn’t fall far from the tree, as they say. While there are a variety of “pageant mom” personalities, there are some common characteristics. Many of these mothers were former pageant girls themselves. All of these mothers get personal gratification in knowing that other people consider their daughter(s) to be gorgeous and better looking than other people. I think some mothers believe it is a reflection on them and are almost more self-absorbed than their children. Most of these mothers flaunt their money and believe it to be all-important, which are behaviors learned (and modeled) by their children as well. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The bottom line- sure, not all pageants are bad. There are a few good things children learn from this type of competition- grace, poise, work ethic, and confidence. But these good things come at the expense of all the bad things they learn- appearance over substance, mean-spirited competition, misplaced emphasis on money and materials, and how to be a hooker way too early. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you ever hear me mention entering Macie in a pageant please remind me of this blog and replay an episode of “Toddlers in Tiaras” for me. </span></span>Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263243245742560350.post-77661586131361514852011-08-23T19:36:00.002-05:002011-08-23T19:38:51.790-05:00Moves Like Jagger<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Macie has always responded to music. In the womb she would kick and roll as I listened to music and danced around my house (yes, I’m a dork). When Macie was a newborn I spent HOURS each day dancing and swaying to music- the only thing that would soothe her fussy periods or lull her to sleep. When Macie started fussing all I had to do was turn on Beyonce and dance with her- that’s all it took to calm her down (most of the time). When Macie needed to sleep we turned on Michael Buble and swayed with her until she passed out. Beyonce and Michael were our lifesavers. They helped make the scary newborn phase a little less frightening, as we didn’t have to endure many consecutive hours of inexplicable tears. Sure, Macie’s modern day lullabies are a bit questionable lyrically, but when you are dealing with a crying newborn you don’t question positive results. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3W8i7xI42Y/TlRGIr44n3I/AAAAAAAAAEA/oh1enTceqlI/s1600/IMG_1732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3W8i7xI42Y/TlRGIr44n3I/AAAAAAAAAEA/oh1enTceqlI/s320/IMG_1732.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGqibkUPUVY/TlRGPeiDgrI/AAAAAAAAAEE/9gQvMAK9XQo/s1600/IMG_1733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Macie’s love for music and rhythm has continued throughout her life to date, but she does not react equally to all musical genres. She has little to no reaction to country music or anything slow paced (such as my current favorite- Adele). Macie occasionally bounces and bangs her head to rock music (especially Aerosmith), but she reacts the most enthusiastically to pop/dance music. Anything that hits you over the head with a beat and makes you feel like you are in a nightclub for 21 year olds gets the best response from Macie. While I enjoy my fair share of pop/dance music (especially when I am in the right mood), I typically prefer country or alternative music. Despite my preferences, I always keep pop music in the car for Macie. As a parent your preferences no longer matter- you do what makes your child happy. When Macie starts crying in the car I turn on dance music and she usually calms down, which makes car rides so much less stressful. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGqibkUPUVY/TlRGPeiDgrI/AAAAAAAAAEE/9gQvMAK9XQo/s1600/IMG_1733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGqibkUPUVY/TlRGPeiDgrI/AAAAAAAAAEE/9gQvMAK9XQo/s320/IMG_1733.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8-cIfgQ5fk/TlRGWVi8kjI/AAAAAAAAAEI/FRCfJhdSDjY/s1600/IMG_1734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Family members have also noted Macie’s love for music. When Macie was still a newborn my mother-in-law came to the house and watched Macie for a few hours. Inevitably, Macie started to fuss inexplicably and, as suggested, Ann rushed to the computer to turn on music. At this point Macie had gotten used to hearing Beyonce as the soundtrack to soothing, so as soon as she heard the familiar music she stopped crying. My mother-in-law was amazed at Macie’s immediate reaction to the music. When Macie was considerably older (around 9 months) my mother kept Macie overnight and also noted her reaction to music with a beat. Macie was in her highchair in the kitchen with her back turned to the TV. When Ray Charles’ came on she immediately turned around to find the musical source. Clearly this baby likes music with rhythm- she is so much cooler than me!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Again, being the dorky person I am, Macie has often observed me bopping around and singing along to music. As Macie has gotten older she, too, bounces her little round body when she hears a pop beat. Lately she doesn’t even need encouragement to dance- she hears the music and immediately starts to move. After she shakes it a few times she looks to me for reassurance or confirmation that I am observing her dancing (with a big grin on her face), which is ADORABLE.</span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8-cIfgQ5fk/TlRGWVi8kjI/AAAAAAAAAEI/FRCfJhdSDjY/s1600/IMG_1734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8-cIfgQ5fk/TlRGWVi8kjI/AAAAAAAAAEI/FRCfJhdSDjY/s320/IMG_1734.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Macie physically and verbally shares her enjoyment of music by dancing and singing along. As Macie’s physical coordination has developed, her dancing skills have greatly improved.</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Macie dances by bending her knees and bouncing, often holding onto furniture so she can really get deep in the knee bend. Lately she has also started swaying or pumping her arms in the air. If Macie is really into a song she occasionally tries to “sing along” in a loud, monotone voice- her mouth wide open and her eyebrows raised high. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">_________________________</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Macie’s Current Favorite Song: “Moves Like Jagger” </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">by Maroon 5</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxhMFOjNzg75zBZIt4vDIi_uqnu3rEZ9sPQbcTm5abSt3LAdr95tQ2ifWABJAorv0pNpXJNXcyaltOadJZ0cQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">________________________</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Checklist of MUST Have Music </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(based on my experience)</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. Beyonce (“Get Me Bodied” is her favorite)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. Michael Buble</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. Kesha</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. Lady Gaga</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5. Maroon Five</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6. “Toxic” by Britney Spears</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">7. Fergie</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">**Anything else with a bouncy, poppy beat will suffice. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Not your typically nursery rhymes and lullabies, I know, but you can’t argue with results. </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Maegan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14686452608775442638noreply@blogger.com1