September 29, 2009
World Habitat Day
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.5 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org
September 28, 2009
Hapee Face
So I'm at the OBGYN for a checkup and I had to, um, you know -- make a "contribution." Lucian was with me in the ladies room and, well, I had to try and keep him entertained so after I wrote my name and DOB, he asked for the marker and, well, there you have it…
… this is the very first happy face he has ever drawn.
I guess your kid's artwork can show up just about anywhere. If only I could have seen the look on face of the person collecting the sample. I can only **hope** they heard me giggling and talking to my child through the wall. I just can't bear the thought of them thinking it was me who drew it! Hapee ThoughtsAre You a Freak on a Leash?
How do you feel about leashes on kids?
I personally think it's a good idea at times and I have used a leash with Lucian. I used to raise an eyebrow at people who used leashes — until I became the parent of a curious toddler.
The thing that bugs me is the way people stare or when family members have chastised me for using one, whether they have kids or not. I didn't use it all the time, just times when I was with him by myself or just feeling extra insecure in an unfamiliar place like a big city with lots of cars. I plan on using a leash with our next child when I feel necessary as well, but I'm not looking forward to the way I feel when people stare at me. I won't let it stop me though.
I'm curious. What is the big freakin deal, people? Why do you stare at parents who choose to use a leash with their kids? Isn't it better than just letting their kids run wild all over the place? People complain about that as well.
I just want to be a good mother and using a leash makes me and my child feel safe. Isn't that what's most important? Isn't it better to give your child a little bit of space rather than digging your fingernails into their flesh or yanking their arms out of their sockets from dragging them? I've seen that happen and I don't want to use that method if I can help it. Parking lots and crowded malls are very scary places! You'll pull your kid by his hair or his eyelashes if that's the nearest thing on them when a car darts out at you!
It takes some practice to use a leash. It can be tricky and downright dangerous sometimes, but once you get the hang of it, you feel much more secure. If you plan on using a leash, be sure to practice somewhere first like your back yard or some place where you and your child can roam before you use it in public.
Do me a favor, next time you see a parent using a leash with their child, please smile at them and just know they are trying to do what they feel is best for their safety and security.
Thanks!
Check out more DadLabs videos. They're the dudes who give Dads their due!
Mouse Paint (tag: Lucian)
Each month at Lucian's Preschool they focus on a book and do activities based on the story as part of their curriculum. This month the book is "Mouse Paint," by Ellen Stoll-Walsh.
http://www.amazon.com/Mouse-Paint-Ellen-Stoll-Walsh/dp/0152002650#Lucian was very excited about this book and he was trying to describe it in detail when I picked him up at the bus stop.
This is how he looked when I picked him up this past Friday.
Later on that day, we played with some clear chap stick and he painted mouse whiskers on Mommy. Oh, and a pink nose too!
(I guess they were invisible whiskers, but he could certainly see them on me!)
I love his imagination.
September 27, 2009
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