The Many Faces of Micron

Book plug: A Crazy Day At The Critter Cafe

 

Mr. Fliz and I have been reading to Micro since he was out of the womb. Some parents do it while the child is still in utero. My in-laws kind of laughed at us for it. But I believe in fostering a love of books at an early age. Since then, we've been steadily amassing a collection of books about cars, trucks, trains, and more trucks. No, not really, but we've got plenty to keep Micro browsing all types of vehicles with big wheels. Every now and then, we've come across a book that we thoroughly enjoy reading to him over and over and over. Books that enlighten a toddler along with Mom and Dad. I've decided to start a children's book review (ohh, how novel right?) once a month. The books I will review are either books from our own library at home or borrowed, and ones that I find will be a great fit for babies or toddlers. Most often, the books will have some personal meaning to my kids or myself. If for some magical reason, you agree that my book review appeals, or will appeal to you or your toddler, click on the link and you can purchase the book from Amazon, which in turn provides me a small commission. Now, onto my first book plug review that I find totally entertaining for toddlers.

 A Crazy Day At The Critter Cafe is one such book. Given to Micro by one of my dearest friends and signed by the author, it's a book Micro can't get enough of. There have been plenty of books we've read to him where it might be the upteenth time we've read it that day, week, or month (roll eyes). It's safe to say, some stories get pretty old fast. However, "A Crazy Day At The Critter Cafe" is seriously a fun and poetic book for toddlers. The artwork in the book is playful and brings to life the hilarity of animals behaving like humans. You can have your toddler point out the different animals and types of food found on all the pages. Because the book rhymes (not in the way Dr. Seuss books do), it's aiding Micro's language development. He will often say the next line in the story as we read it together (without us prompting him). This book (along with a few others, which in time, I'll reveal, so your toddler too can share in the joy) will have your toddler laughing and wanting you to read something other than Goodnight Moon (no offense, we've read that book like a bazillion times and still love it). 

Make reading fun. Though it might be the fifth time today you'll be reading a particular book, make each time more interesting than the last. How? Change your voice, challenge your little one to find certain things in the story, ask your toddler how he/she would change the actions of the main character or its ending. Or, act it out. CRazY I tElL ya! Besides, nothing's more boring than listening to a bored storyteller.  

 

"ME" time. What do you do?

I was inspired and entertained by Peter Hartlaub's post (I read The Poop whenever I can. The man is hilarious) about what he does when he has some "Home Alone time" from the family. Given that I'm a SAHM, getting some much-needed "me" time is hard to come by. Thankfully, I have a wonderful husband that encourages me to take some time for myself to go out and do things either alone, or with my gf's (which, unfortunately, some of them don't have that type of luxury, or husband) while he takes the brood. Hmm, what to do when the kiddies and hubs are gone??

Hartlaub writes some pretty funny s**t, and I'll admit to an occasional "dance my a$$" off to some RUN DMC musak. Maybe even some Gaga. I like to watch crap T.V. (wait, wait, I do that from time to time when they're playing or napping anyway) like the Kardashians,  E news, and catch glimpses of an episode of "The Real Housewives of ___." I need to keep up with pop culture people, so sue me. I'm currently waiting for Vampire Diaries to start up again, which is a guilty pleasure, and not really crap T.V. Who's with me?

Like Hartlaub, I take looong showers. Intentionally. I know it's wasteful, but when you've had kids, you'll understand and sympathize. I also like to eat the junk food that we try and hide in our cupboards. Unfortunately, that last little bit isn't helping me shed the baby weight faster. But on the other hand, I also like to go for a workout, especially a good run. Anything to break a sweat to take out my frustrations about my toddler's terrible twos. 

Reading. sigh. I wish I had more time to read. I am used to be an avid reader and read fairly fast. The hubs bought me a kindle after Micron was born and since then, I've used it a handful of times. I seriously need to put more mileage on it--especially since the in-laws bought me a really cool kindle cover.

Yes, I do clap with glee when I get a few precious moments to myself. It's healthy and a necessity. Besides, it makes me appreciate my family more when I'm not ALWAYS with them.

All dressed Up in Love

Are you sick of me posting up cute pics of my kids? Are you? NO?!? Great!! Here's one more!!

Just so everyone knows, I do become that annoying mother who posts pictures of her kids and can't stop gushing about how cute they are and all. Well, can you blame me? C'mon, ALL MOMS do it! If they don't, they're lying and just trying to be polite.

Micron and I were dancing to J Hud's "All dressed up in Love"  on my iPhone. What? Just because I had a second baby and recently moved into a new house, doesn't mean I stop my dance parties. In fact, with all this craziness, all the more reason to do them!!

Oh no you didn't!!

It's everywhere, and I debated whether to even write a post about it. If you've been slumbering the past few days, then you missed Amy Chua's online piece at the WSJ. It certainly has given rise to the subject of parenting and parenting styles. Read it and form your own opinion. I do commend Ms. Chua for openly expressing and having the guts to write such a critical piece. I'm sure every warm body out there has a few choice words about the topic and everyone is weighing in. 

What I will say is, she has some valid points, however extreme. I don't agree in her style of parenting, but see the value in what she's saying. There's also value in "western style" parenting. Parenting is not black and white. There are way too many shades of gray. In any case, it's something for all of us parents to think about and discuss. 

On a lighter note, moving to our new house has made for some crazy days. So, I've been taking advantage of the nearby lagoon for some peace of mind when Micron and Micro are driving me mad. "It feels like Spring time in Winter" (to quote BabyFace's song, "Every Time I Close My Eyes"). No, really it does. Sometimes that's the best part of living in the Bay Area. Having my own little piece of heaven.

Lightning Speed

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year holiday full of love and good cheer. In our household, it's been festive and busy. As 2010 came to a close, I remembered all the good and bad things that happened. My family had shared the sorrow of losing loved ones this year and yet, celebrated the arrival of our Micron. The circle of life. 

Though parenting has been difficult as of late, watching my children grow and change everyday amazes and challenges me. At the end of the day, I can only breathe deeply, center myself, and know tomorrow is a fresh start. In the midst of the holiday season, Mr. Fliz and I embarked on our own "new journey," as new homeowners. That's right. Let me write that one more time. We are "homeowners." I can barely say it myself without giggling or getting giddy. Through God's grace and blessing, we've found a place that we want to raise our family for the long term. We have outgrown our current place. However, our old place will always be memorable, as it is where Mr. Fliz and I began our life together, and started a family. I brought home both my babies there. We've been fortunate to have stayed there, though the location may leave a lot to be desired for young families like ourselves (not many parks, no nearby grocery store or bank). I hope the area continues to improve and grow in a positive direction. We're not moving that far however, so I'll still be visiting our old locale often. But our excitement can't be stopped about the new house. We feel truly blessed.

We welcomed the new year amidst dozens of boxes in our new house. 2011 seemed to come at lightning speed. To think about the year I've had, well, it exhausts me. It's been an incredible year full of milestones. This also marks another year down for this blog, a place where I've shared my stories about motherhood and beyond. So what's in store for this year? Who knows. Each day is new and with it, comes ever-present challenges to overcome. My goal is to become a better mother. One with more patience, better understanding, and most of all, to allow myself to enjoy moments for what they are, right there and then. In doing so, I hope I can become an even more loving parent, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. Here's to 2011, bring it on.