Bye Bye Po Po and Kung Kung

For about the past three months my in-laws have been staying with us.  I was very excited for them to come because it would be the first time they got to meet their granddaughter in person.  They have seen each other over Skype, but that is not the same as being able to hug her.  When they did get here, I was a little overwhelmed by the changes in our routine and always having them around.  Things got somewhat easier the longer they were here, but I am sure it is always hard to have house guests for that long.  They left to go back to Malaysia on Friday.  Since then we have been trying to readjust to not having them here.  I found myself missing them almost immediately.  I loved to watch them interact with their granddaughter and vice versa.  She had learned a lot when they were here.  I think she says more Chinese words than she does English.  She also learned how to pretend to nap by lying down and snoring, and how to show something is good by giving a thumbs up (or in her case a pointer finger up).  The hardest part of having half our family oversees is that we have to be away from one side or the other for long periods of time, and due to the distance and cost of travel it isn't like we can schedule a week or two each year to visit or see them at holidays.  Thankful, our little one does at least get to interact with her grandparents over Skype.  This experience has also made me more appreciative of what my husband gives up to stay here with us.

Balancing TV Time

Regarding Article Stricter Rules Can Steer Kids Away From TV

I do not want my child to be one of those that spends all day inside watching TV.  I have to admit that I do let her watch a little bit of TV.  I am trying to be careful as far as how much I allow her to watch.  Once she shows signs of losing interest, I turn it off.  However, there have been days (when I am exhausted) that I do leave the TV on longer than I should.  The hardest part is to pull myself and my husband away from the TV.  It is of course easier on nice days when we can get out and walk or play in the back yard, but once it gets cold again or is raining out, it will be much harder.  Now is probably a good time anyway for my husband and I to sit down and set some limits for the whole family before TV and computer use becomes a problem.

Heart Risk for Child with Pregnany Weight Gain

Regarding article Mom's Extra Pregnancy Pounds May Raise Child's Heart Risks:

I find this article disturbing because I did gain a LOT of weight during my pregnancy; especially, during the last couple months.  I had every intention of keeping up with my exercises and eating healthy all the way through, but once PUPP (a pregnancy rash) kicked in early on in my pregnancy, I was in too much pain and not getting enough sleep to exercise.  I do however wonder what else was factored into this study.  Did they study the differences when the mother was able to loose the weight again versus not being able to?  Mother's that do not return to a healthy weight may have an increase risk of children that have weight issues due to passing on bad habits or not showing their children the importance of being healthy.  This could definitely have an impact on a child's heart health.  While a mother who actively tries to loose the weight and stay healthy in turn teaches their child through example how to stay healthy.  I have not yet worked off all my pregnancy weight, but I definitely will.  I know how important it is for my physical/mental health, my child's health, and the quality of life for my family.  I love being outdoors and active which is much more enjoyable when I'm fit.  Plus I, of course, feel better about myself then too.

Blue Angels in the Rain

This past weekend we went to the Chippewa Valley Air Show in Eau Claire.  It looked to be a promising day until the show was about to start; then down came the rain.  My little girl didn't mind.  She loves water; even in the form of rain.  The first part of the show were parachuters, some smaller stunt planes, and a jet fueled school bus.  These kept her attention for the first minute or two each.  Unfortunately, there were large gaps in between acts which combined with the rain made it difficult for a squirmy little 15 month old.  I spent most of that time following her through the crowd as she was busy making a lot of "friends."  We thought the rain was going to stop for the Blue Angels, but, after a brief respite from the rain, it started up again.  Despite the constant showers, the Blue Angels' show was fantastic.  The combination of team and individual fly-by's kept all of us, including my little one, entertained.  It was amazing how close and precise these planes could create their formations, how sharp and quick their maneuvers are performed, and just the power of these machines.  Cost wise, this was not a cheap adventure with tickets, parking, food, and gas for the trip, but the proceeds do go to the Boy Scouts.

Helicopter Pilot at 15 Months

We ventured off to Bay Beach Park the other weekend in Green Bay, WI.  While the ticket prices went up to 25 cents a few years ago (most people remember it as being 10 cents), this park is still a fantastic deal.  Rides are either 1 or 2 tickets.  While my little one is not quite ready to go on any rides by herself (although she thinks she can) we were still able to do a few rides together.  We road the carousel twice, and my little girl's only complaint is that mommy would not completely let go.  However, since it is always fun when the horses go up and down, she was easily distracted and had a lot of fun.  This was also daddy's, grandma's, and grandpa's first times to ride the carousel.  The line for the train was a bit long for a little one, but bouncing on mommy's shoulders was a good distraction and gave me a good workout.  My little girl was a bit disappointed that the train did not stop at the playground.  She squirms any time we pass a playground.  Otherwise, the ride was nice and relaxing.  One of the best rides she got to do was to pilot a helicopter strapped in next to either her mommy or daddy.  She enjoyed moving the throttle (lap bar) backward and forward causing us to fly up and down.  We only spent a few hours at the park as we then took grandma and grandpa to see Lambeau Field.

I always remember Bay Beach bing a highlight of my summer growing up.  We got to go on as many rides as we wanted, picnic in the park, and play on the playgrounds.  This area seems to keep growing.  We saw a sign that next year the park plans on opening a roller coaster.  Across the street from the park and independently owned is a nice miniature golf course, go karts, and batting cages.  I can't wait to enjoy many more summers here with my family.

ROAR to you, flamingos!

We went to the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison the other weekend.  This was my little girl's first time to a zoo.  It was fascinating to see how she reacted to the animals; however, other people were usually far more interesting to her.  She bravely stood up against the glass with the other kids as the tiger walked back and forth in front of them.  Then as the tiger came by, she gave it a huge roar.  She was so attentive to this tiger that I hated to pull her away, but the other kids wanted to see it too.  She roared at most of the animals she saw: the tiger, the chimpanzees, the giraffes, and the flamingos.  When we went inside to see the fish she would plop down in front of each tank and just watch.  It was a struggle to get her to move on or leave the exhibit.

This zoo is awesome for the little ones (okay...for the big ones too).  The admission is free; donations are definitely appreciated and well used.  There are play and picnic areas right outside the zoo.  Inside, there was plenty to see, even with the lions in breeding and the petting zoo temporarily closed.  There is a good variety of animals (sorry, no elephants as they need a much larger habitat) and the grounds were well cared for.  Make sure you have time and a camera with you because what child does not like the zoo?

Where did last year go?

I love to watch my little girl exploring her surroundings.  I don't think she would ever come inside if we didn't make her.  To see her now amazes me that she is only 14 months old.  It was just a little over a year ago that she was in that "sleep, eat, poop" stage.  When people comment about how quickly that first year goes by, they are not kidding.  Part of me does miss being able to just hold my daughter while she was nursing/napping.  Now I am lucky if I get to cuddle with her for more than a minute before she starts to wiggle like a worm.  For anyone still at this stage, make sure you take all the time you want to just hold your son/daughter, and make sure you let yourself just be in that moment.  While we are still getting up in the middle of the night once in a while (last night was unfortunately one of those long nights -separation anxiety?), I certainly do not  miss having to sleep in 2 to 3 hour intervals as the first several months seemed to bring.  Who would miss that?  I also remember how excited I would get whenever she would learn a new skill like grabbing onto her rattle or learning she could move the mirror on her floor gym, or even how shocked I was when she let go of her walker to walk to her daddy the first day I taught her how to use it.  At least she enjoys pushing it around now as she loads it up with all her important possessions (sippy cup, dolly, books, and pillows).  However, even though I do sometimes miss parts of that first year (that whole sleep part not included), I also would not want to go back to that.  This second year has already been as special as the first.  It is amazing to see how much she is capable of doing now and what all she enjoys.  She has already become a pro at going down the slide and getting on/off the couch by herself.  She also loves to dance, play in the sandbox, and "use" the computer.  All this in just a year's time...Crazy!

Disclaimer

Please keep in mind as you read my posts that I am writing from the perspective of a first time mommy; not an expert.  I am using this blog to express my opinions, reflections, and questions.  Feel free to support, criticize, or offer your own opinions.

Introduction

I have started this blog for a course I am taking through Learner's Edge on how to incorporate new web-based technologies into the classroom.  Since it has been ten years since I had taken a technologies course, I thought now would be a good time to get caught up.   I was surprised about how much I did not know about the tools I see nearly everyday on the internet.  While I am currently not teaching in a classroom, I hope to someday go back to it.  Right now I am a part-time stay-at-home mom to a 14 month old girl who loves to run around outside, climb onto everything, and explore anything she can get her hands or feet onto.  Since my new role as a mother is a huge part of my life right now, my views and reflections on parenting will be the main focus of this blog for now.