Hello Lent

So, we're about to embark on the season of Lent.  And this year, I really thought about what I should give up.  I thought about what would challenge me the most, what I could really benefit from missing.  I decided to fast from television.  I have been using TV time as decompression, especially the last couple of months when I've been so tired and drained.  But I don't want TV to become anything I need in my life.  Really, shouldn't my quiet time be my decompression?  Or reading, or taking a bath...

Of course I partake in these activities too, but not as much as if I didn't have TV to conveniently fall back on, to zone out with.  It's not as if I watch a lot during the day, but at night, after Jude's asleep, it's what we do.  (I say "we," but usually Ben is on his mac, sitting next to me as I watch tv).  I'm excited to see what creativity stems from lack of television.  How will we pass the time? I would love to use this time as a spring board to watching less television in the future; I certainly don't want my children attached to it.  

I'm excited about the potential growth in my life.  About what the Lord can do when I have fewer distractions.  I'm sure it will be a challenge at times (Lost!), but isn't that what this whole fasting thing is about?  So, farewell television... 

Battle Cry

We have a new battle.  A battle between toddler and parent.  A battle between stubborn and more stubborn.  

We transformed Jude's crib into a toddler bed (aka, crib without front rail) as to aide his transition to a big boy bed.  For the first week and a half, he did splendidly.  How perfect, I would think, is my child...He has since discovered that there is no invisible boundary keeping him in his bed.  Nap time has now become "Jude play by himself in his room" time.  I know this doesn't seem so bad, but the kid needs his sleep.  And I am reluctant to even think about losing the nap, the glorious mid-day break.  

Hence, the battle.  He begins to play.  I come in and put him back in his bed.  He plays again.  I put him back in his bed, not saying a word this time.  He plays again.  I, more frustrated, put him back in bed, and glare at him angrily.  This process can continue for an hour.  A few times, I have entered his room, only to find it empty.  Well, not actually empty, but I could not see him. He was under the bed, of course.  Speaking of this, I need to go put him back in his bed.

Okay, that time he was actually poopy.  Much of the time, he will claim he is, but will not be.  I have gotten so frustrated by his persistence, that I have actually cried.  (I am pregnant, but still!)  Eventually, he falls asleep...usually.  And by then, I have to take a nap too...

I have to say, this is the first time I have truly seen his stubborn side, a trait that I am not happy to say decidedly comes from me.  I am realizing that the toddler battles have begun (I thought I was getting lucky on that one).  

Any advice?

Lazy Days

Well, I'm knocked up again.  I'm wondering if first trimester = unmotivated for anyone else... is that just me?  Of course I'm tired; growing a baby is hard work.  But it's a mental thing too.   I can't seem to make myself do the things around the house that need to get done...

Part of the problem might be that sections of my house are impossible to go into without holding my breath.  Namely, the kitchen/pantry.  This whole smell sensitivity thing is kicking my butt.

I may sound like I'm complaining, and maybe I am, a little.  But, I am so very thankful for these symptoms.  After going through a miscarriage, I can't take these things for granted.  If I have to gag frequently for a few months, so be it.  If I constantly feel nauseous, great.  If I can't seem to get enough rest, bring it on.  If all this means the baby is healthy, then I am happy.  

However, I will not be sad to see the first trimester pass...