Countdown to spring

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Since it is snowing on the blog and snowing in New England, it is time for an update.  And since most Bostonians are pretty tired of the white stuff (everyone but my son, of course), it is time for a countdown.  Since I haven’t written in months, I would say it is time to get going again.  The reasons for the long hiatus are many and varied and frankly, not the point of this piece.  We were talking about spring, right?

So there are more or less 40 days until spring.  The groundhog claims 6 more weeks of winter so I would say he is one smart rodent (Is he a rodent?) I am not sure.  I have to google that one.  There are 3 feet of snow on the ground and 1 to 2 feet on the way.  There have been 4 snow days from school for my children.  And many more for those in the harder hit areas.  In my house, that equals two happy children eliciting endless cheers when the phone call comes to announce another day off from the difficult task of being students.  Remember when we thought going to school was tough?

Before we usher in the glorious renewal of spring, let’s enjoy the beauty of winter just a bit longer.  And while winter can create some real hardships for people and we must not forget that, most of what we complain about are petty annoyances at best.  So let’s stop counting the yellow stains in the snow.  We shouldn’t worry about the 100 or so pieces of rock salt that will not go in the vacuum.  Why does one mitten always go missing?  And why do hot cocoa packets never have enough marshmallows?  I am looking at winter now through the eyes of my 6 year old son.  He shovels snow and never seems to get cold or sore.  He can throw a serious snowball with no gloves.  He makes the best snow angels.  And the other morning when it was so frigid you could barely breathe, we both stopped and looked at the sun glistening off the snow and I said, “Zach, how beautiful is that?”  He replied, “It looks like a million diamonds on top of the snow”.  Oh, how I wish!  Enjoy each moment of this season and if you have forgotten the majesty of winter, just find a curious child, get on a sled and forget your worries for the ride!  Be safe and have a peaceful season……..

Countdown to Autumn

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I think it is time for a countdown, right?  Because let’s face it, I have been slacking big time this summer.  I have countless emails I need to return and for that, I am truly sorry.  It is rude not to return an email and so the rudeness meter at blog command headquarters is off the charts. My trips to the pool with my kids this summer has been off the charts also.  Early in the morning.  Late night swimming.  Sunshine. Cloud cover.  Threat of storms.  Was that a plane or thunder?  Hmmm….maybe we should get out now?  I always think, I will never be able to replace this time again.  The laundry will be there and the rug that needs a good vacuuming but some day they will be off with their friends and I will be glad I made time for fun.

I read one book in it’s entirety. I started about 5 others and quit because of some interruption.  My daughter read 19 books and 2 novellas.  Yes, you read that correctly.  And she tells me there is still time for more.  There is about one week left to summer.  Last night the temperature was in the 50’s.  There were no bee stings.  No tick bites.  But I did get a black beetle stuck in my ear.  I am not kidding.  And they bite. Multiple times.  He finally came out but it felt like he was still in there a week later. It sounds funny but it is a pain that is hard to describe.  So you can stop chuckling now!!

Like most of you, I have two sad students looking over the list of supplies they need and not giving one thought to how much all of this is going to cost!  Are they really going to need 20 #2 pencils in one year?  Or even in a lifetime?  5 subject notebooks.  2 pocket folders.  3 hole punched paper.  Who knew there were so many numbers in the supply list?  My wish for all the returning students is they make a few friends, learn some new things and enjoy every minute of it!  Happy Back to School!

 

 

Great book for new parents! Win a copy!

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Even though my youngest child is six years old, I never quite forgot the first days of panic and exhilaration that come with having a new baby.  Every burp or coo is reason for celebration or great concern and you can never be sure which it will be.  Right?  Remember those days?  Or if you haven’t experienced it, just wait.  I advise you get yourself prepared by talking to friends (just don’t listen to the horror stories) and more importantly, get some good reading material.

Not too long ago, I received an advanced copy of the book What’s Your Baby’s Poo Telling You?  The authors are Josh Richman and Anish Sheth, M.D.  It is cleverly labeled “a bottoms-up guide to your baby’s health”.  Those are their words, not mine.  That is a great description of what you will find inside.  To be honest, I wasn’t sure you could fill a whole book based on this concept but they did and it is packed with helpful facts and information for new parents.  It has chapters on diaper rash, supplies for diaper changing and how to hold a baby while changing them (even in an airplane bathroom, which can be very challenging).

Trust me, there is information in this book that I wish I knew when I had an infant.  I was one of those people who foolishly thought by the second child, who needs a changing table?  I spent the next year shuttling around my home either carrying or looking for the changing pad, the wipes, balm and so on.  You don’t need a changing table, but personally, I would highly recommend one.  Just saying.  I would also highly recommend getting a copy of this book.  It is an easy and fun read and you can keep it on the shelf as a reference guide.  And with as many diapers as new parents change and yes, examine what’s in the diaper for health concerns, you will need it!  Click the link below to order this book through Amazon using my affiliate code.   And to add to the excitement, I have a copy of this great book to raffle off to a lucky blog reader.  Just send your entry into the blog at marym5229@gmail.com and tell me in one sentence why you or someone you know wants or needs this guidebook.  Happy summer reading!  And happy future diaper changing!