Parenting

I thought that as Sam got older parenting would get easier for a number of reasons...

1. He'd be older and more mature, independent, and self-motivated.


2. We'd have better communication with words and eventually be able to reason with one another.


3. Our relationship would have time to develop and settle.

All of these things have happened to a certain level and yet parenting has become harder. I still love being a parent and look forward to having another child; however, I am more scared now about parenting than I was before we had Sam!

Today I had a tough conversation with a friend about Sam's recent behaviour. Sam has been playing more rough with other kids (not hitting or biting, but just rough play). He is an energetic boy and not all of the other kids in our playgroup are as energetic as he is. He has definitely played in ways that are undesirable and I feel that I have interacted with him ways that will deter these behaviours as he listens, interprets, and learns how to interact with other kids. My friend told me that she no longer wants her son to play with Sam outside of playgroups and this hurt my feelings. I understand her perspective and respect it. However, it was the manner in which she communicated her feelings. Instead of just talking to me about it, she gave me the cold shoulder and when I sensed her distance and asked about it, only then did she express her feelings about Sam's behaviour.

The whole conversation has been haunting me today for a few reasons and I can't decide if it is because I am having sincere feelings about it or if it is because I started my period today and everything seems dramatic! I have talked with 3 good friends on the phone and I feel better after hearing different perspectives, but am still dwelling and sulking and weeping randomly. Sound like my hormones mostly, now that I reflect on my writings. One more good reason to continue the blog!

Christmas and Thoughts on the Season

Well our Christmas here in Wenatchee was quite fun with Matt's brother visiting and lots of family time. Sam completely enjoyed Christmas day with the gifts and the new toys and I know he loved just having everyone here playing with him all day long! We gave Sam a train table and accessories as his gift and he loved it...(see photos below).

The train table after we set it up on Christmas Eve.

The train table minutes after Sam discovered his new toy on Christmas Day.

As you can see the little village of "Garage Town" was hit by the toddler whirlwind known around our house as Sam and sometimes, "Chipi". What fun we still have with this toy.

So I was driving to the YMCA this morning for my workout and was quite taken by the music we were listening to. I missed the turn and ended up on a street I don't normally drive on. It was in the part of town where most of the Mexican population lives and many of the lower income families. Some of the houses looked so decrepit and sad. I thought as I drove I might feel better about what I have (not that I am feeling bad about it) and appreciate it that much more after seeing these homes...but I just felt overwhelmingly sad for the families that lived there. I watched a young girl play in her lawn with her puppy in front of what looked like a building that could crumbled with the slightest of breeze. She seemed happy and it just goes to show that a house doesn't make a person. I also saw many signs celebrating the season. One sign was a large piece of pressboard with the words, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!" painted in white. Perspective.

What to Write?

I find myself coming to my blog and wanting to write, but not knowing what to write about...then I ask myself, "why do I want to write if I can't think of anything to write about?", and, "Why can't I think about anything to write about...I am a busy woman with lots of really interesting thoughts, right?". Well, yeah, I have some pretty interesting thoughts in between the things I do everyday to keep me busy.

Mostly, lately I have been feeling depressed and mostly it is due to the weather. It has been very cloudy and foggy lately and warm enough that the snow has now melted, leaving behind lots of mud and grime.

Sam just woke up, so will continue this later...

Okay. it's later...like the next day!

So Matt and Andy (Matt's brother visiting from Pitttsburgh, PA) and I went skiing today and it was amazing. This is my 4th time up at the hill this year and by far the best skiing yet. The powder was great and weather nice. I loved it! Today helped very much with my foggy blues.

We have been recently addicted to the HBO series "Six Feet Under" and tonight we completed the seasons that are available on DVD. It is such an addicting show with characters that are deeply developed and messed up! Anyone else out there a "Six Feet Under" addict??

Just a little view of my weekly hiking spot.