I want to remember...

I told the munchkin that daddy's birthday was coming up and that I'd like to buy him the new Star Wars game for XBOX Kinect. I told her it was a surprise for Daddy but I know she couldn't keep a secret. So, we're sitting at the dinner table a couple weeks ago when she turns to me and asks, "So, are we going to buy Dad the new Star Wars game for his birthday, or what?" I kind of just stared at her and she turned to her dad and said, "Dad, don't listen, it's a surprise!". Dad played is really cool though so I don't think she's on to us :)

I want to remember

The munchkin told us she wants to be a pilot when she grows up :)

So, the January resolution. I'd say I was about 90% successful. I did well on the stretches but need more dedication on the exercises. On the good side, I did notice a decrease in back pain.

My resolution for February is to floss every day. I know I'm a grown up and should floss my teeth but I'm lazy and I hate the way  it gets stuck between my teeth sometimes. So, it seems like an easy one and I did that because I'm also traveling a lot this month. Floss doesn't take much room in my suitcase and it doesn't take much time out of my schedule.

So...I'm going to keep up the stretches and exercises and add flossing every day to my regiment. Wish me luck!

Guilt...it's a powerful thing

it makes my heart pound and my stomach feel woosy. It makes me feel embarrassed. It makes me feel like a horrible mother. It redirects me...I pray, I focus, and I make changes. Please God tell me I haven't yet done any damage. That's a "good" guilt...useful guilt. I've relied on melatonin to help the munchkin sleep for far too long...even after JT suggested we stop - although we never really had a true conversation and decision about it. I've known for a while that it's a crutch for me but couldn't bring myself to admit it. So, I did some research and it turns out it can have affects on puberty, I'm not really sure but I think it can slow it down. I shouldn't have been using it nearly every day, I know that. We need to teach her good sleep habits...we will teach her good sleep habits and I will just have to deal with the battles that come. I am not mentioning anything to JT because I'm scared of his reaction, even though it would make me feel better (I don't know why).  So, this guilt leads to change, leads to less laziness (because that's really what it is), leads me closer to God (because I NEED his forgiveness and support)...makes me a better mother and person. I vow right here and now that I will be better, do better, know better. We all screw up in some way or another, some bigger than others...it's how we react that matters. At least that's what I hope...

I want to remember...

at Petco she sees the birds and says, "I want a bird, I wish I had a bird". I told her she could have one when she got her own place. She looked at me funny so I said, "when you live on your own." She looked at me, cocked her head a bit and said, "but I want to stay with you." OMG...my heart melted. Still, never getting a bird in my house.

A Year of Resolutions

So I got to thinking about new year's resolutions, it being a new year and all. It seems that trying to hold myself to an entire year of one resolution is a bit overwhelming. It occurred to me that one month of one resolution would be doable...and maybe each one would stick. I read or heard somewhere that it takes 33 days to establish a habit. A month is pretty close :)

I decided I should use the SMART goals format...specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. These goals are simple...very simple but I've decided that's ok.

In January, I resolve to take care of my back. I will do this by following the stretches and exercised I learned in physical therapy last year. I will stretch two times every day. I will do the exercises three times per week. I will be mindful of my posture. I will get up from my desk at least once every hour...even if I have to set a calendar reminder.

So there you have it...let's get going!

I want to remember

a few things about the Munchkin at almost 4.

Munchkin,

You are so awesome and I love hanging out with you. Right now, you are working very hard on your letters and sounds. You really want to learn how to read. You love The Lion King, Fruit Roll Ups, Corn Dogs, and making Art. Playball is really showing now, we often get reports from teachers about how coordinated you are...playing soccer and dribbling a basketball. You are doing wonderful at Preschool with Ms. Graham and Ms. Targjini. They tell us you have excellent behavior, listen well, and are nice to all of your friends. Also, you aren't the tallest in your class :) It's just amazing how fast you are growing. I am loving this age and wish I could keep you here for a while longer.

Mom

Stuff

I spent some time coloring with the Munchin this afternoon. It was wonderful...I have loved to color since I can remember. The best part is, she can color with me. When I sew or scrapbook, I always feel like I have to do it when she's asleep b/c I don't want the "interference" (forgive the word but I hope you know what I mean). With coloring, it's not like that...it's just fun :)

So, there are some things I want to remember at the Munchkin inches closer to 4 years old (OMG!)

Munchkin,

This was the year you really grew from a toddler to a big girl. You've mastered potty training...the pee was easy but you just got the poop about 3 weeks ago. It was all Daddy's doing b/c I was traveling but he handled it wonderfully. Speaking of traveling...there will be more trips in the near future but none as long as that one. I missed you terribly.

You are a sweet and smart girl. Kind, earth-friendly, sporty...there just aren't enough words. Today was a tough one for me though. You were pure sass and I struggle with it. You've learned to ride your scooter and are learning to ride a bike. Right now, you are very interested in learning to write and read. You know how to write your name, you know your numbers by sight (and by count), you have known your colors and shapes for a really long time now. You continue to enjoy Playball and love to play soccer, basketball, really anything with a ball.

You continue to wow people...many tell me that there is just something about you that draws them in and makes them love you. Hey, who can blame them ;) You have really blossomed from a very shy girl to an outgoing girl. Your preschool has been absolutely instrumental about this...I cannot tell you what it's like to have the support of your school and work as a team. Less than 3 months ago, you wouldn't get up in front of your class and dance. Two weeks ago, you stood up in front of the students at your school (100) and played a hummingbird during Ms. Kate's concert.

You are an amazing person, I'm so blessed and grateful to be your mom! I love you.