Parenting 101

I don't know if it is because I am running on empty (I've been awake since yesterday at 1:30pm) or if I am overreacting in general but today I felt like I had that "naughty" kid whose parent had no control over him. We went to the library for story time and music and were surprised to find it was a Gymboree day. They lead the kids/parents in fun dances, playing musical instruments and singing. B was great for the first 10 mins or so and then I could not keep him out of the middle or focused on the current event. Is he just too young yet? But there were other kids who looked to be his age. Is he just more curious and adventurous and doesn't feel the need to be near me in a crowd? He kept turning back to make sure I was still there. But when I tried to guide him back to our spot in the circle or keep him near me for a dance he began to arch his back and voice his opinion - rather loudly. I told him it was not acceptable behavior and he would have one more chance to participate -- am I expecting him to understand too much? Yet, I can't have him running all around like some crazy, out-of-control child, doing as he pleases. So, after one more out burst when I prevented him from wandering, we promptly left after being there for only 25 min (it's a 50min program). He probably doesn't understand the connection. I don't know. But I feel I still need to follow through with the stated consequence.
We went to the library 2 weeks ago for a storytime and it was such a good experience - we sat and read and sang together - it was great one-on-one bonding. So I am bummed over this new experience. Huh. So now we are home to have a snack and possibly take an early nap. Any suggestions for some parenting or just telling me to "take a chill pill" is welcomed.
I still managed to snap two pictures while we were having fun.

Shaking the marraccas. Blurry I know but I wanted to take the picture quickly so we could keep having fun. This is what caused the downfall -- when it was time to put the marraccas away - he wanted to keep pulling them out of the box and started to fuss when he couldn't have them.


At one of his finer moments. Note all the kids sitting/standing in their spot at the edge of the parachute while we sing and B in the middle. This wasn't too big of an issue until he started to sneak out of the circle through random people. I tried to give him his space to roam (it wasn't hurting anyone for him walk around) but thankfully two different moms caught him from leaving the area.

Cabin Fever

More snow and cold blustery weather has again kept us indoors. Unwilling to expose the Plainfield Library to Bennett's double ear infection/sinus infection we quarantined ourselves to the house (we did go to Toy's R Us - but we should probably be more afraid of exposure to germs here then passing them along...). We had a visit from Nana, went shopping for new toys and eventually played outside (when it warmed to a whopping 27 degrees).


Such longing to be outdoors



Nana came by for a visit



Our new indoor tent!! It has two tunnels and our "regular" toys are waaaay more fun to play with in here!





Peek!



Wow. When I loaded these pictures to view, I thought, "where did this kid come from? How did he get into my picture of Bennett?" He looks so much older! :( and :)


While Mike was out snowblowing (or as I frequently say, "snow moblowing") we bundled up and went for a walk in the front yard.




Walking became difficult as the snow was deep for B ~3-4 inches so I took him for a ride instead! We only have the Radio Flyer sled which has no rails/handles and it is too late in the season to find a proper sled for B so we took an older laundry basket and a cable from the garage - it worked perfectly!!

We are waiting (impatiently) for warmer weather!!!

Winter Pictures

It hasn't been lack of time that has prevented me from posting more regularly but lack of motivation. If anything makes someone want to do nothing with their time, a Michigan winter can do it. Blah. But we have been doing things and I should share more often with friends and family so here are some newer pictures.
Note: We will have high-speed available this spring (yeah! modern conveniences!) and that should help with my posting abilities.

Another Trip to Marquette (I believe that makes 7 trips for Bennett - 14 across the Mackinac Bridge)

All the cousins...soon to be one more -- congrats to Jeff, Margaret, Claire and Connor on the news of their expected addition (Oct. '09).


I made a solo trip in mid-January to the UP with Bennett -- the tree and train were still up for the holidays


Every morning B went straight to the tree to watch the train...


and watched the trains in the basement with Papa


Claire and I with high-pony tails


Claire is so adorable...I should have all boys 'cause I don't think we could do better than this little girl!




Connor is getting so big! I'm told he is now mobile -- he does a modified military crawl, pulling himself with his forearms across the room!





It's never to early to start! He stays on for all of 2 seconds...


Lovin' the spaghetti - I love to sneak in all the veggies - zucchini, yellow squash, diced tomato, onion, garlic, green beans, corn - and usually ground turkey...it's so hearty we sometimes eat it without pasta!






Just a day of playing!




Addilyn is 3 years old!!!




Doing Home Projects with Dad and Baking with Mom



Watching the drill spin -- like a record baby 'round and round!




Eating sugar and flour






Sledding in the Front Yard



The Radio Flyer is faaaaassst!


Snowboarding at Cabrefae Peaks
Ladies Day for $17 we got equipment rentals, lift ticket and a lesson...it was awesome (until I fell on the last run...still sore 2 weeks later)


Jen, me, Kristy and Morgan






We look profesh!