Mom's for Modesty

I just recently saw this and want to share. With my little one growing up in today's fashion trends, it would be nice to see a little sense put in before she gets there.

Check it out:

Tantrums are here

My little one (MLO) has gotten the idea if she cries load enough she will get whatever it is that we aren't giving her.

Yesterday she wanted to play with the scissors I was using to open a package. When I put them away, boy did I hear it.

My husband and I are trying the method of just not giving in. Letting her cry it out. We explain to her first why we aren't giving it to her, and if she insists on continuing to cry, we just ignore it.

Sometimes we distract her with something else but I want to teach her quickly that this isn't how to get things.

It is really painful, I love MLO's smiles and laugh and hate her tears (which she knows full well).

I guess I just have to stand fast and make the point - just wish we didn't have to even go this route :(

Xmas parties

That last post was way to depressing, so I thought I would talk about something happier.

This was my busiest Xmas weekend so far. I went to three Christmas parties (all with the little one coming along) and two dinners out with friends. Ate a lot of food and got a log of hugs.

Of course, my little one (MLO) stole the show every time. People loved her and playing with her and talking to her. I must say, she has really come out of her shell. She will go up to just about anyone if they have something interesting on.

At one of the parties there was another little girl (a few years older than mine) who had a very sparkly blue headband. MLO walked right up to her and touched the headband (the girl had sat on the floor) and made a cute oh sound. The other little girl was surprised but then smiled and my goodness what good friends they became.

Then at one of the dinners with friends, their youngest daughter (about 13) who up until now has showed very little interest in MLO suddenly started playing with her. I didn't have to worry about MLO at all the rest of the night as they were always together. MLO got to play with a guitar and have a great time.

It is nice to see her growing and playing with others. Though I admit a small part of me misses her constant need for my attention (well, sometimes).

Ritalin use

Okay, so, with a small child who will one day go to schoool, I am starting to have concerns about prescription drugs and how easily people turn to them.

I am of the mind that there are other things happening with someone that can be addressed, before you go to drugs. Nutrition, tutoring, exercise even getting enough love.

I recently came across some books which I agreed with (for the most part - can't say I would swear by every line) and think other people should read, if the need should arise.

They are:
* The Ritalin Fact Book, what your doctor won’t tell you about ADHD and stimulant drugs by Peter Breggin, MD
* No More ADHD by Dr. Mary Ann Block
* THE ADHD FRAUD, How Psychiatry Makes "Patients" of Normal Children by Pediatric Neurologist Dr. Fred Baughman
* The Side Effects of Common Psychiatric Drugs compiled by Citizens Commission on Human Rights

Cartoons

My nanny called in sick today. Means I spent most of the time with my little one which was actually very fun.

I work from home, so was able to work while she napped. Otherwise we just had a great time, I love listening to her laugh.

While she is still working on the talking thing (we got da, ma, up, down, no, yes, ki for kitty) she communicates very well. She may be saying baby talk, but I get it and get it crystal clear.

We were watching cartoons on TV and I didn't notice when they had stopped, but she did. She let me know and made sure that I found something for her to watch (I put on our Lady and the Tramp DVD). Though she doesn't watch it that much, she likes having it on the background so when she needs her five minute break (from playing) there is something to look at.

Her favorite cartoons/shows seem to be "It's a big, big world", the "Backyardigans" and (God help me) "Barney". I remember making fun of Barney and can't believe that I know sit and watch it with her - and sing along even.

Oh well, one of those things that change when you have your own kid. You definitely see the world through a whole new set of eyes.

The Philippines

As I said in an earlier blog I don't like bad news. I generally don't read much news nor keep posted on what is happening in the world, especially the bad stuff. At least, as much as I can avoid it (I do have work related things I have to keep up on).

So I just today heard about what happened in the Philippines with the whole Typhoon Durian which struck the Philippines last weekend leaving an estimated 1000 dead or missing and another 40,000 people displaced from their homes.

With everything that keeps happening in that part of the world I feel like I should do something to help. So I looked around for places that were helping out and if anyone else is interested here are places that are helping (I will update this when I find more):

http://www.redcross.org/article/0,1072,0_312_5895,00.html
http://www.volunteerministers.org/news/

Television

Okay, so I admit to watching Grey's Anatomy, Desparate Housewives, Heroes, Lost, Bones, and CSI. No one gives me much hardship on the fact that I watch these.

The one that I do watch and get a lot of teasing about is Charmed.

I spend an hour with my daughter in the middle of the afternoon so my nanny can get lunch (plus I like the quality time).

During that hour I discovered that Charmed was on. I liked the idea and started watching it.

I am now totally hooked. I can't not watch it.

What is even scarier, I liked it better with Shannon Doherty on it (even though she is apparently a total bi*ch).

The new girl is okay, but Shannon's character was great.

Oh, well. Not everyone is perfect, right?