Tuesday, January 20, 2009

An update...

It's been a while since I've posted, and I didn't want you to think that the napping strike had done me in. Thankfully, I'm stronger than that!

Actually, the strike lasted about a week or two - it's a blur now. Monkey has finally settled into something resembling a routine again, and is napping consistently in the early afternoon, without nearly as much fussing (although a little protest here and there, just to keep Mommy on her toes). Sadly, his total nap time is still only half of what it used to be, which means less time for me to play around on the computer, not to mention do more productive things. But kids grow up, and he wasn't going to sleep forever. Besides, how much fun is that?

So, we've been trying to fill our extended days with new activities, and I will freely confess that I am stealing liberally from my on-line mommy friends, particularly since the cold (more like ridiculously frigid!) weather limits our ability to get out of the house as much as I'd like. We've bought some new art supplies, and I'm hoping to turn the time between lunch and nap into a quiet "sit at the table and do crafts" time, instead of the current "running around the house and chasing the dog and throwing toys and tripping and falling" time. We'll see if Monkey agrees...

I'm also trying to implement some semi-educational activities into our day. To echo a sentiment raised by more than one of my mommy friends, I'm having some "mommy guilt" over the fact that I seem to spend very little time interacting with and teaching Monkey, and most of my time just trying to keep him from hurting himself or the dog. I know that he's picking up on new things, both at home and at day care, but a little more effort on my part couldn't hurt. So, I've been looking at things like flash cards for shapes, colors, etc. Again, for all I know, Monkey will have zero interest, but it's worth a shot! Hopefully I'll be able to post about new accomplishments soon...

2 comments:

Beverly said...

Kristin, I love the new layout! I hope Monkey takes to the new activities and attempts at "teaching." If he's like Jack, he'll show interest for five minutes, and then go on to seek life-endangering activities. But, I figure, those five minutes are better than nothing! I, too, steal ideas from the board, since I'm not creative enough to come up with them myself. Jill's blog is also a fount of inspiration (or a fount of guilt ;)). Here in Taiwan, we haven't done any crafts or teaching, but we're kind of on vacation, and I think my mom would have a litter of kittens if I whipped out crayons for Jack ... we'll resume when we're back in LA!

klalaw said...

OMG, yes, I check Jill's blog daily, feel guilty about how much she is doing vs. what I am, and then try to figure out which of her ideas I can steal! And as for Jack, I am sure he is learning a TON just being in Taiwan - what an amazing experience for him! And I love your pics, BTW, although I got a bit claustrophobic just seeing that crowded Costco... :-)