Conscious Mom

Before I had a child I didn't mind being sick. I took time off work, lay in bed, caught up on reading, and if things got too bad, indulged in a little self pity. Now, it's a whole different experience. Lie in bed, HA. I'm lucky if I can lie on the couch. Whose foolish idea was it to teach Little M sign language??? I've got a splitting headache and she keeps asking to go for a walk, or take a drive. I had to say 'no' so many times to her yesterday she finally burst into tears. No, we can't go out in the snow. No, I can't bounce you up and down. No, I can't chase you around ...

I have a soft spot for NPR and I wish I could say it is my primary news source. But as much as I enjoy listening to Carl Kassel and Lakshmi Singh, I always feel vaguely dissatisfied after Morning Edition. NPR does spend less time on local automobile accidents and more time on issues of national interest than the other networks. But it doesn't delve into the issues like I wish it would. Its investigative journalism doesn't investigate enough. Recently I've begun reading Democracy Now. Here I can read about news the other stations pass by, and get in-depth analysis on various issues. Today I read about how several states' laws prohibiting felons from voting disproportionally affects African American ...

I take back what I said a few weeks ago about Carol's Daughter products being great for Little M's hair. They make her scalp itch horribly. It wasn't so bad when the air wasn't so dry, but the combination of the perfumes and the low humidity of New England winter made her scratch until she was red. The poor thing, she was so uncomfortable. I washed her hair with a baking soda wash to make sure to get out every last trace (I just rubbed about a teaspoon of baking soda into her hair and rinsed it out). An older child or adult would be able to handle the these products much better, so they are being rehomed to another ...

Maia had her first hair style today. Directions are below the photos. 1. Seat toddler with favorite food, toy, and book. Yes, you will need all three. Vow to ignore any undesirable behavior such as throwing cheerios or smearing banana all over clothes (yours and toddlers). This is the most important step. (Some people have great success sitting their child in front of a Baby Einstein or similar video, but we choose not to let her watch TV, which makes some aspects of our life more difficult.) 2. Spray a small section of hair with leave in treatment; I use a grapeseed oil/conditioner mix. 3. Comb section of hair. 4. Working scalp to ends, ...

Mix together: 5 t yeast 1 C whole wheat flour 2 ½ C warm water 2 T olive oil Let sit 10-15 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix: 2 1/2 - 3 C whole wheat flour 1 C spelt flour 1 t baking powder 1 t salt 1/3 cup chopped sunflower seeds 1/3 cup chopped pumpkin seeds Mix the dry ingredients in with the wet ones, 1 cup at a time. When it forms a dough and no more flour can be added, turn onto a floured surface and knead 5-10 minutes. Place into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let sit until at least doubled in size. Knead again, then put into bread pan, let rise about ½ ...

A few days ago I was putting Little M into her car seat after a trip to the grocery store. She was putting up great resistance, reaching for the ceiling, clinging to the headrest on the front seat, arching her back and refusing to bend her knees or waist. All the while, crying sorrowfully. I think I'd find it easier to cope with a furious tantrum than her 'why-has-such-misfortune-befallen-me? Whatever-I did-to-deserve-this-mistreatment-I am-very-very-sorry-mommy-please-stop' wail, complete with huge tears streaming down her cheeks. In the middle of this an older gentlemen called to me. "Excuse me, excuse me" he said more and more loudly until I could no longer ignore him. Thinking that only an extremely urgent situation would warrant interrupting a ...

It's official. I'm a Groovy Mother Hen.

What type of Mother Hen Are You? by Montessorimom.com: Educational Resource

Most of Maia's toys are presents from other people. People like to give little girls teddy bears and dolls. Maia has been given four dolls so far; three of them have been Caucasian, one has been African. The African doll is a beauty, traditionally dressed and adorned with earrings, bracelets, and beads. In other words, not something a 15 month old can play with, but perfect for an older child to treasure. It was my favorite present from her baby shower. Until she's old enough not to choke on the earrings, spit up on the dress, and bite off the fingers, it's displayed a shelf and she can see it at every diaper change. On the back of the package ...

Stacie at The Twinkies posted some great tips on how to take pictures of toddlers. Thanks Stacie, and here goes: The moment between me putting the headband on her head and her taking it off: The moment between me placing her in the chair and her jumping off. (The dress is from a dear friend who bought it from craftswomen in Mexico.) Downward Facing Dog, baby style An FYI: Sandra Boynton's Barnyard Dance is the best baby book ever. Yes, I do smile for the camera sometimes You've had it long enough. It's my turn to play with the ...

Last night as I was in that between waking and sleeping state I began to wonder what I'd do differently if I could start my life over again. A voice that was definitely mine surprised me by saying 'I'd complain less'. Not exercise more, not put aside more money for retirement, not visit Mexico, not be kinder to strangers, but complain less. Twenty... give or take... years later, does it really matter that I didn't like my English teacher? That the weather was bad on my birthday? That people in a movie theater coughed loudly without covering their mouths? It's all water under the bridge now; nothing is left but the carping, critical, look-for-the-problem-and-perseverate-on-it habit. I'm off to sleep now, ...