This is something I see every night while my Sweet Pea nurses before bed, and I never get tired of those cute little elf ears and soulful changeling eyes...
Thursday, 7 June 2012
Blog Challenge - Day 7
A Picture of Something That Makes You Happy
This is something I see every night while my Sweet Pea nurses before bed, and I never get tired of those cute little elf ears and soulful changeling eyes...
This is something I see every night while my Sweet Pea nurses before bed, and I never get tired of those cute little elf ears and soulful changeling eyes...
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Blog Challenge - Day 6
Nicknames You Have and Why You Have Them
I've had a couple of nicknames over the years, but none of them have really stuck.
There was always Hannah Banana (insert eyeroll here), which I heard WAY too much for my liking :P
I don't know how well this will come off in writing, but when I was a kid my mom would call me Hannikah (as in, Hannah can ya do this, Hannah can ya do that...)
When I went to visit some adopted family in New Jersey a few years ago, my cousin called me Banana the whole time, and still calls me that when I talk to him :) (Don't know why I prefer Banana to Hannah Banana, but I do...I'm just weird I guess...)
When hubby and I were first dating, my sister would call us the Giant and the Midget (He's over 6'1", I'm 5'1")
I worked at a small produce shop for a while, and one of the guys there would call me Hannabee, (short for Hannah Banana again...), or simply, B, and I really liked that as well :)
Rather mundane, but still cute!
I've had a couple of nicknames over the years, but none of them have really stuck.
There was always Hannah Banana (insert eyeroll here), which I heard WAY too much for my liking :P
I don't know how well this will come off in writing, but when I was a kid my mom would call me Hannikah (as in, Hannah can ya do this, Hannah can ya do that...)
When I went to visit some adopted family in New Jersey a few years ago, my cousin called me Banana the whole time, and still calls me that when I talk to him :) (Don't know why I prefer Banana to Hannah Banana, but I do...I'm just weird I guess...)
When hubby and I were first dating, my sister would call us the Giant and the Midget (He's over 6'1", I'm 5'1")
I worked at a small produce shop for a while, and one of the guys there would call me Hannabee, (short for Hannah Banana again...), or simply, B, and I really liked that as well :)
Rather mundane, but still cute!
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
Blog Challenge - Day 5
I'm loving the topics that Kassie from Going Green with the Grizls is coming up with. Here's today's blog topic!
Short-term Goals for This Month and Why
Lose the last 5 pounds of baby weight
- It's been 5 months since baby girl's been born, and I want to fit into my summer clothes!!
Go running at least twice a week
- I want to get fit for summer, I miss running, and it gets me outdoors and enjoying my city. Hey, I might as well take advantage of all the bike paths around here!
Get rid of at least 2 garbage bags worth of stuff
- Over the years we've accumulated an incredible variety of things, and I feel like my house is starting to get very cluttered. When W came along, we got a masive amount of baby paerphanalia from a bunch of different sources, and I'm finding that some things weren't necessary (like the baby bath; she's been showering with me since about a month old), so why keep them?
Do my taxes
- Yes, I'm behind, and no, I didn't do any small business stuff last year, so I can't claim the June 15 deadline. Plus, I don't get my baby bonus or GST rebates until I file, and they'd both come in handy right about now...
Read some books
- I used to inhale books. Seriously. I'd read an average of 4 books a week. Since I've gotten busy with a baby, I've read about 10 in five months. *sigh* I want to read because I miss it, and also because what you read affects how you write, and if I want to write better, I have to read some good books. Any suggestions?
Short-term Goals for This Month and Why
Lose the last 5 pounds of baby weight
- It's been 5 months since baby girl's been born, and I want to fit into my summer clothes!!
Go running at least twice a week
- I want to get fit for summer, I miss running, and it gets me outdoors and enjoying my city. Hey, I might as well take advantage of all the bike paths around here!
Get rid of at least 2 garbage bags worth of stuff
- Over the years we've accumulated an incredible variety of things, and I feel like my house is starting to get very cluttered. When W came along, we got a masive amount of baby paerphanalia from a bunch of different sources, and I'm finding that some things weren't necessary (like the baby bath; she's been showering with me since about a month old), so why keep them?
Do my taxes
- Yes, I'm behind, and no, I didn't do any small business stuff last year, so I can't claim the June 15 deadline. Plus, I don't get my baby bonus or GST rebates until I file, and they'd both come in handy right about now...
Read some books
- I used to inhale books. Seriously. I'd read an average of 4 books a week. Since I've gotten busy with a baby, I've read about 10 in five months. *sigh* I want to read because I miss it, and also because what you read affects how you write, and if I want to write better, I have to read some good books. Any suggestions?
Monday, 4 June 2012
Blog Challenge - Day 4
The Meaning Behind Your Blog Name
I wrote a bit about the meaning behind my blog name in my first post, but I'll take this opportunity to expand a bit...
In all of my research regarding pregnancy, parenting, etc., I came to really appreciate what some people had to say about the care of newborns and young babies. Those I respected and identified with most were very common-sense and go-with-your-instincts oriented, because that's the way I am, and that's the way I was taught. As the oldest of 5 kids, I was used to being around babies and toddlers, and then when I got old enough to babysit, I was always caring for kids of all ages. I realized that what worked for some kids totally did not work for others.
When my daughter was born, I quickly found her likes: being upright, being held, music, bouncing, water, physical contact. She can feel a wet diaper before I can (well, she is wearing it...) and will squawk for a change if I'm not quick enough on the draw. She also knows when she needs to eat, and will respond to my sign for 'milk' and lunge at my breast :) She knows when she needs to sleep, and will rub her eyes and, when I pick her up, either rest her head on my shoulder or nestle into my chest. She knows that the place she sleeps best is beside mummy on most nights. Recently in the early mornings, she will squirm and wiggle until I move away from her, and then she will drift into a deep sleep again. In time, I trust that she will know the best time for her to wean, when she wants to sleep in her own room, when she wants to learn to read (if she doesn't teach herself, like I did), and when she wants to exercise her independence.
I fully understand that many parents will not agree with me, but this is what works for us, and I am quite comfortable following my daughter's leads. While she has very specific needs (Miss Social Butterfly and Miss Cuddlebug), I fully expect any other children I have the privilege of raising to have their own needs, which will require me to adapt my parenting style for them.
One person, whom I respect quite a lot, said that before six months, a baby's wants are a baby's needs. Being a first-time mom, that statement kept me going many times when I was just so tired and frustrated with my child who needed constant physical contact. Then I took a moment, and realized that I'm the same way. Ever since I've been a child/teenager, any time I was insecure or unsure of something, I would seek out physical contact. Cuddling with my baby brothers, putting my head in my mother's lap.
My daughter cannot talk. She cannot tell me how she is feeling, or what is bothering her. If she puts her arms out to me, who am I to resist the most basic needs of a person? To be acknowledged, to be held, to be loved.
I go with the flow. Some days she's happy playing by herself (and I get a lot of housework/paperwork done), and some days I have a velcro baby. But that's okay. Right now, my Sweet Pea knows what she needs better than I.
There you go! An epistle behind my blog name :) Was it what you expected?
I wrote a bit about the meaning behind my blog name in my first post, but I'll take this opportunity to expand a bit...
In all of my research regarding pregnancy, parenting, etc., I came to really appreciate what some people had to say about the care of newborns and young babies. Those I respected and identified with most were very common-sense and go-with-your-instincts oriented, because that's the way I am, and that's the way I was taught. As the oldest of 5 kids, I was used to being around babies and toddlers, and then when I got old enough to babysit, I was always caring for kids of all ages. I realized that what worked for some kids totally did not work for others.
When my daughter was born, I quickly found her likes: being upright, being held, music, bouncing, water, physical contact. She can feel a wet diaper before I can (well, she is wearing it...) and will squawk for a change if I'm not quick enough on the draw. She also knows when she needs to eat, and will respond to my sign for 'milk' and lunge at my breast :) She knows when she needs to sleep, and will rub her eyes and, when I pick her up, either rest her head on my shoulder or nestle into my chest. She knows that the place she sleeps best is beside mummy on most nights. Recently in the early mornings, she will squirm and wiggle until I move away from her, and then she will drift into a deep sleep again. In time, I trust that she will know the best time for her to wean, when she wants to sleep in her own room, when she wants to learn to read (if she doesn't teach herself, like I did), and when she wants to exercise her independence.
I fully understand that many parents will not agree with me, but this is what works for us, and I am quite comfortable following my daughter's leads. While she has very specific needs (Miss Social Butterfly and Miss Cuddlebug), I fully expect any other children I have the privilege of raising to have their own needs, which will require me to adapt my parenting style for them.
One person, whom I respect quite a lot, said that before six months, a baby's wants are a baby's needs. Being a first-time mom, that statement kept me going many times when I was just so tired and frustrated with my child who needed constant physical contact. Then I took a moment, and realized that I'm the same way. Ever since I've been a child/teenager, any time I was insecure or unsure of something, I would seek out physical contact. Cuddling with my baby brothers, putting my head in my mother's lap.
My daughter cannot talk. She cannot tell me how she is feeling, or what is bothering her. If she puts her arms out to me, who am I to resist the most basic needs of a person? To be acknowledged, to be held, to be loved.
I go with the flow. Some days she's happy playing by herself (and I get a lot of housework/paperwork done), and some days I have a velcro baby. But that's okay. Right now, my Sweet Pea knows what she needs better than I.
There you go! An epistle behind my blog name :) Was it what you expected?
Sunday, 3 June 2012
Blog Challenge - Day 3
15 Interesting Facts About Yourself
I have to say, this blog challenge topic was the most daunting one...how am I supposed to come up with 15 interesting facts about myself?? Five or six, I can do after a bit of thinking, but fifteen?!? The answer: ask your family members :D
1) I was home-educated from kindergarten to graduation (I live in Ontario, and I'm old enough that that meant Grade 13)
2) Right after I graduated, I moved to West Africa for a year; no small feat for a homebody such as I! I worked at a boarding school for Missionary Kids, and kids of diplomats. I came home with an international accent and the ability to tan darkly in as little as 20 minutes!
3) I've played the harp off-and-on for 16 years.
4) I once fainted in a tree (Long story here; maybe I'll post it sometime...)
5) I have enough books to rival small libraries
6) Hubby and I eloped on a little homestead in the middle of nowhere, Ontario. My sister and her partner were our witnesses, and all they knew was that we were going on a drive to visit some friends. Our little ceremony was in the woods, as the sun was setting, and as the snow just started falling....totally awesome!! I'll have to tell that story sometime too :)
7) Our little girl was born at home, in the water. We aren't from homebirth families, but I hate hospitals and after doing some research (to present to hubby; he was leery of it...), I figured that it was the best option for me, and it was an absolutely awesome experience!! Any more kids we have will definitely be born at home (unless there are complications).
8) The most interesting meats I've eaten are Green Mamba (poisonous snake in West Africa) and Canada Goose (in a Cree community on the James Bay)
9) My favourite job was installing sound systems in churches and being an audio engineer...I'm also a techie at heart :)
10) Among other audio jobs, I've run sound and lighting for a community theatre performance on short notice...I got the script on Sunday, had tech on Monday, dress rehearsal on Tuesday, and then successfully teched 7 performances from Wednesday to Saturday! And I was also working at the time! (The following year I asked for the script a few weeks in advance :) )
11) I know how to make and use puppets. My sister and I actually made a bunch that went to a Cree Community!
12) (I don't find this one interesting, but my family does) A couple years before I moved out of my parents' house, I slept on the living room couch for a year - by choice. (I shared a bed with my sister (who is a kicker and a bed/covers hog), so I moved to the couch in the summer because it was more comfortable, and a couple months ended up turning into a year!)
13) Much to the annoyance of my family, I would rather park my car so I don't have to reverse to get out (e.g. pull through 2 parking spaces at a mall far away from the door), than park close to my destination.
14) When I was a kid, we had a super-windy day and two of my siblings and I rigged our wagon with a sail and spent the afternoon 'sailing' down our long driveway. Lol, and I even found a photo :)
15) Oh, and I'm the oldest of 5 kids :D
I have to say, this blog challenge topic was the most daunting one...how am I supposed to come up with 15 interesting facts about myself?? Five or six, I can do after a bit of thinking, but fifteen?!? The answer: ask your family members :D
1) I was home-educated from kindergarten to graduation (I live in Ontario, and I'm old enough that that meant Grade 13)
2) Right after I graduated, I moved to West Africa for a year; no small feat for a homebody such as I! I worked at a boarding school for Missionary Kids, and kids of diplomats. I came home with an international accent and the ability to tan darkly in as little as 20 minutes!
3) I've played the harp off-and-on for 16 years.
4) I once fainted in a tree (Long story here; maybe I'll post it sometime...)
5) I have enough books to rival small libraries
6) Hubby and I eloped on a little homestead in the middle of nowhere, Ontario. My sister and her partner were our witnesses, and all they knew was that we were going on a drive to visit some friends. Our little ceremony was in the woods, as the sun was setting, and as the snow just started falling....totally awesome!! I'll have to tell that story sometime too :)
7) Our little girl was born at home, in the water. We aren't from homebirth families, but I hate hospitals and after doing some research (to present to hubby; he was leery of it...), I figured that it was the best option for me, and it was an absolutely awesome experience!! Any more kids we have will definitely be born at home (unless there are complications).
8) The most interesting meats I've eaten are Green Mamba (poisonous snake in West Africa) and Canada Goose (in a Cree community on the James Bay)
9) My favourite job was installing sound systems in churches and being an audio engineer...I'm also a techie at heart :)
10) Among other audio jobs, I've run sound and lighting for a community theatre performance on short notice...I got the script on Sunday, had tech on Monday, dress rehearsal on Tuesday, and then successfully teched 7 performances from Wednesday to Saturday! And I was also working at the time! (The following year I asked for the script a few weeks in advance :) )
11) I know how to make and use puppets. My sister and I actually made a bunch that went to a Cree Community!
12) (I don't find this one interesting, but my family does) A couple years before I moved out of my parents' house, I slept on the living room couch for a year - by choice. (I shared a bed with my sister (who is a kicker and a bed/covers hog), so I moved to the couch in the summer because it was more comfortable, and a couple months ended up turning into a year!)
13) Much to the annoyance of my family, I would rather park my car so I don't have to reverse to get out (e.g. pull through 2 parking spaces at a mall far away from the door), than park close to my destination.
14) When I was a kid, we had a super-windy day and two of my siblings and I rigged our wagon with a sail and spent the afternoon 'sailing' down our long driveway. Lol, and I even found a photo :)
15) Oh, and I'm the oldest of 5 kids :D
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Blog Challenge - Day 2
Post a Picture of Yourself Smiling
I spent the past few days with my mom and her partner, at a little slice of Canadian paradise. Part of it was to get out of the city, part of it was because Sweet Pea's started teething and I needed another couple pairs of arms, and part of it was to enjoy nature. Oh, and maybe draft up some blog posts :)
I have hardly any photos of just me, so here's my little girl and me, at our rustic hideaway in the woods.
I spent the past few days with my mom and her partner, at a little slice of Canadian paradise. Part of it was to get out of the city, part of it was because Sweet Pea's started teething and I needed another couple pairs of arms, and part of it was to enjoy nature. Oh, and maybe draft up some blog posts :)
I have hardly any photos of just me, so here's my little girl and me, at our rustic hideaway in the woods.
Friday, 1 June 2012
Blogging Challenge! Day 1
I have embarked on a rather ambitious journey (well, I think it's ambitious), and have joined a Summer Blog Challenge. To read up on the finer points of the challenge, click on the cool picture/button. And to check out the other blogs in the Challenge, click on my "Summer Blog Challenge" tab.
The challenge is to write/publish one blog post every day from June 1 to August 31. Ack! Can I do it? I hope so!
So, the first post topic: Why are you doing this challenge?
I categorize myself as a researcher. It's not my job (yet) but I'd say that it's what I am, at heart. My parents taught me to love reading, and to question. Not in a bad way, more in a "Why (as in, give me a good reason) should I believe/do/learn this?" And yes, it did bite them back a few times (Just ask my mom about the advanced geometry and pre-calculus days...)
Whenever I have a question about something or want to know something, I research it. I've gotten pretty good at finding information, and it's even served me pretty well in some of the jobs I've had. (Presentation on what? In two days? No problem!)
When I got pregnant, it was only natural for me to research pregnancy, birthing options, cloth diapering, parenting styles, breastfeeding, etc, etc, etc. Needless to say, I found a TON of information, and still discover new things every day. I love it! I've had a couple friends who've gotten pregnant after me, and it was so wonderful to be able to answer their questions and give them lots of sources and resources. (I'm also a teacher at heart).
Usually I can retain vast quantities of information in my head, and recall whatever I need. Since my little Sweet Pea's been born, forget it. Hence my blog. A place for me to talk about my research, about things I've learned, about products I've found useful (or not), about places to find good information, about my own experiences, plus anything else that strikes my fancy :)
In a nutshell, I'm doing the challenge to get back into writing regularly. Because, as much as I love my little girl, I need something 'grown-up' that I can do to regain some energy. Because I love writing, learning, researching, and teaching :D
Here's to the next 90 days!
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