Parenthood

November 24, 2010 I Love My Family

If you’ve ever:

…gotten a lump in your throat while you heard the heartbeat of your baby;

…unwrapped your newly swaddled baby, completely out of curiosity;

…held the feet of an infant to your lips;

…gotten tears on your baby’s head in the middle of the night while feeding him or her;

…been so tired you handed your spouse a sippy cup instead of a beer;

…researched the cure for croup, at 3 a.m.;

…picked a tiny nose with your pinky finger;

…stumbled over your words, as you explained something so very big to someone so very small;

…wished with all your might for moments forever lost in time;

…surprisingly realized there were tears on your cheeks;

…paced the halls of your home, mentally willing a fever to break;

…wondered how it was possible for a little person to eat so much;

…wondered how it was possible for a little person to eat so little;

…discussed growth spurts, cradle cap, and the colour, consistency and smell of poop;

…were surprised at how long his little legs were getting as you re-tucked him in, before retiring for the night;

…felt warm vomit down your back as you try to calm your frightened child;

…laid awake and wondered if you could have done something better;

…heard 18 excuses why he doesn’t want to go to bed;

…bought them new shoes despite the fact you’ve had yours for 3 years running;

…baked 32 cupcakes at 10:30 at night;

(after doing a milk run in your pajamas);

…filled out a field trip form, only to worry about all the things that could go wrong;

…volunteered for that field trip to put your own mind at ease;

…stayed by the window after allowing her to bike to the variety store;

…talked candidly about sex and drugs, all the while nursing knots in your tummy;

…felt your heart soar along with his when he saved the game;

…been mad at someone else’s kid for hurting your kid’s feelings;

…taught them how to cook a meal/do a load of laundry/long division/anything, and somehow not ripped your hair out;

…been more excited than ever for Christmas morning, just to see their faces;

…spoiled them rotten when you got a few extra bucks;

…made her favorite meal, just because;

…tusseled his hair, and pulled him back for a kiss and a hug when he squirmed away;

…laid awake at night and willed time to slow down;

…thought you’d never, ever feel love like this – so raw and powerful – leaving you so very vulnerable…

…then you’re doing it right.

If you liked this, than you might also like my Parenting Manifesto!

Good for the Kids

November 23, 2010 SimpleSugar,There are other people besides me?

Thanks to American Express for sponsoring my writing today about small businesses. American Express is presenting Small Business Saturday, a way to honor the local merchants who are the backbone of the economy, this Saturday, November 27. They’re offering statement credits to people who shop at small businesses, advertising for small-business owners, and donations to Girls Inc. for “Likes” of the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook. Join the celebration by clicking the “Like” button and then visiting the Facebook page to learn more about the program and read the terms and conditions that apply.

My friend Angie is a teacher-turned-work-at-home mom that has an online toy shop called Good for the Kids, which is full of interesting and engaging toys and supplies for young children.

I am a big believer in small business, for one reason: customer service.  I live in a small town, and it means a lot when you receive personalized service and you know you’re dealing with people who truly care about what they are doing every day.  The same holds true for Angie’s shop, which is backed by her well known commitment to her customers.  She stands behind everything she carries, and if ever you have an issue with your order, she’s on top of it.

Just in time for Christmas, Angie is holding a huge sale – at a whopping 30% OFF everything in her shop!

If you’d like to take advantage of this fabulous offer, use coupon code holiday2010 before the sale is over: December 6th.

And if you’re looking for Melissa & Doug products, now is the time to snag them – once Angie sells out of M&D, they are gone!

I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

Hopesense

November 18, 2010 I Love My Family,SugarSpawn

Last week, during dinner, my 6 year old proclaimed, quite confidently, that he had something he wanted to share with us.  He explained to us that he had another sense, beyond the usual five, that allowed his wishes to come true.  He had wanted very much to be the calendar helper in his class, and used his “Hopesense” to get it.

Of course we asked, “What is Hopesense, bud?”

He clenched his little fists on the edge of the table, squeezed his eyes shut and announced, “This is Hopesense! I wish with everything I’ve got in my heart and whatever I wish for, happens!”

It was the single most cutest thing ever.

We asked him what else Hopesense could be used for.  I asked if it would help me get all A’s at school.

“No, silly,” he laughed.

“You’re doing that on your own,” my husband reminded me, “Hopesense isn’t for that.”

I have no idea how my husband became the authority on Hopesense in 34 seconds.  Hopesense Ninja.

This Hopesense thing has come up again a couple of times since our son has introduced it to us.  It’s such an innocent and pure concept.  He’s used it to wish his brother a great game in hockey.  He’s used it in the car when we told the kids we were taking them somewhere special and he wanted a certain place.  He’s used it as I tucked him in, while wishing for good dreams.

Every single time, his Hopesense works for him. His brother had that great game. The place he wanted to go? We went (and we had no idea that’s what he had wished for). He tells me his Hopesense worked on his dreams too.

Last night, just after the kids were in bed, I got a little weepy about Mum. My little one had sneaked upstairs and caught me teary-eyed.  He had come to me for one more hug, as he often does.

I held him tight. He snuggled into me, and I kissed the top of his head.

There was no talk of Hopesense, thank goodness.  I didn’t want to have to explain to him that Hopesense doesn’t always work.

He fell asleep in my arms, and I wished hard that my sweet son’s innocence, purity, and Hopesense would stay intact for a long, long time.