The Power Struggle

Image from Google Images

My oldest son is 4 1/2 and for the past few months we have entered a power struggle in our home.  If I say do it now he says he will do it in ten minutes. If I say put all of your toys away, he leaves one out just to spite me. If I say the sky is blue, he swears it is green. I knew this stage was coming but with a strong willed little boy is can be a source of constant frustration.

I often think to myself... why can't he just do what I ask when I ask?? Why must everything be a struggle?? But I know this is a stage and I must be vigilant in order to get through it without allowing him to think things will go the ways he wants. We have always taught him compromise is a good thing, but now it's a a way for him to try and hold the power in the home.

Slowly I am seeing an improvement, there are less discussions and it doesn't take as long to get accomplished. It's seems though every time I think I have the problem licked we have another one of those days!! LOL A am happy though that now I see the light at the end of the tunnel and my little man now understands that in the end he will do what he is asked!

I wonder what the next stage will be????

Baby with the Urge to Scratch

A few weeks back my son started doing what I thought was the cutest thing ever... scratching his little head while having a bottle. My husband and I loved to look at him run his fingers through what little hair he has while falling asleep. Then one day I looked at my sons head and it looked incredibly sore, I didn't know what to think! At his next bottle I realized that his scratching had turned serious and he was now making his head bleed.

Now how to stop it! I know it sounds easy but it has been a struggle, because this scratching has become a soothing mechanism for him. At first I tried to pull his hands away but he he started to cry and wouldn't drink. Hats were the next solution and worked wonderfully until he figured out how to pull them off easily! Mittens were hard because at 18 lbs there aren't a lot to fit him. I discovered socks were the solution to my problem. He could still feel as if he was scratching, but can no longer do the damage!

He still manages to scratch himself now and then when we aren't expecting it but slowly we are getting under control.  Thank goodness!!!!!!

While researching I did come across this product from Australia that seems like a cute solution. They are called Sleepy Wings and while they do not deliver outside of Australia yet they are great option for those of you who can get them!

Trials and Tribulations of Junior Kindergarden!

My oldest boy is in JK this year and I don't know who finds it harder... me or him!!! The first day he walked away from me and said goodbye like it was no big deal! He had never been to daycare or anything but seemed to just cope amazingly! He came home from school for lunch and within a week he was asking if he could stay! Then it all began to change overnight!

He asked me if he could start coming home again for lunch. Not surprised really because my picky son doesn't do well with sandwiches etc so I said ok. Then it started... not sure if it was the arrival of his brother or what but all of a sudden my boy did not want to go to school! He was ok until I went to walk away... then the tears would start and not a little meltdown either. They were so bad I would leave crying for my little boy who I just wanted to take home with me and say he didn't have to go again!

After a couple of months of discussion he began going to school again without incident. I am glad there is no stress now and in recent weeks he even smiles and tells me to leave quickly so he can go and play with his friends!

Then it was homework! I am finding this a nightly struggle with a boy who can't focus long enough to write his line of letters when all he wants to do is play. I know homework is a struggle at any age but sometimes I look at his work and think how crazy that they are doing this stuff at 4 years old now! My little boy has achieved so much this year and I am proud and amazed at what he has achieved! I still often wonder though it they are prepared for all that is expected of them at such a young age.

Do you have a child who has had a hard time with JK and all that was expected of them??

What's in Your Purse??

I always see these what's in your purse video's on YouTube and posts on various blogs. I think about how I used to have my purse packed... full of various beauty products that I may need so stay out together all day!

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to be invited to blogger edition of City Line! I was so excited and spent time making sure that I had myself somewhat put together for first real blogger outing since my 5 month old was born. Once I got to the show I looked in my purse to touch up before the show started. I did find the gloss I had placed in the purse before I left but was there powder etc to be found??? NO

In my purse was 3 hot wheels, 2 action figures and 3 hockey cards! I was prepared keeping my 4 year old (who was in school at the time) busy, but not ready at all to be seen on tv! LOL

Just thought I would share my fun experience of not being prepared with you all, even after trying my best to be ready for my day on the town! LOL

Oh How Times Have Changed!

Rummaging though my shoe collection I just found it funny so I had to share with you. I am a shoealolic but since having my boys the style has changed!


Before Kids.....

After Kids.....

The Decision Not to Work Outside the Home

When my 1st born was almost one I had to start thinking about going back to work! It was a topic I had avoided and dreaded through out my maternity leave and now I could avoid it no longer.

My husband and I were lucky that it was even a discussion as I know many women just don't have the option. For us it was decided that it was better that I stay at home with my boy which made me excited and scared all at the same time. Expenses were always on my mind but as well I was loosing my identity as a working woman.

After a few months I decided to start working on a freelance basis outside of the home, mostly on weekends so my husband could be at home with my son. It allowed me to not only contribute financially to the household again but also to reconnect a little with my former life as a person working outside of the home.

I started my beauty blog so I could continue to share my passion for beauty while at home with my son. This allowed me to have both things I love without feeling torn which has been amazing. It also forced me to stay in touch with what was happening in the industry which was good for me.

Now with two boys working outside the home has again become more difficult, but I am so thankful that I am at home with my children. Blogging as always has allowed me to remain connected with the outside world. I am home doing what I love while still being able to talk to others about my other passions as well!

How did you feel when faced with the decision of returning to work??