Disequilibrium

If there is one thing I have learned in my almost six (!) years of parenting, it is that nothing lasts forever.  While ,yes, that acknowledges how quickly kids grow up, it more refers to all of these 'phases' that kids go through.  They eventually sleep through the night.  The temper tantrums eventually subside.  The transitions in our lives eventually end letting us finally settle into some kind of new routine...

And then something else happens.

I am a big believer in the whole child development theory of equilibrium and disequilibrium.  Our children's behavior very clearly ebbs and flows.  Sometimes in that predicted 6 month pattern, but also clearly related to change and stress.  Both of my kids are very...  perceptive.  Sensitive and observant and reactive.

Why am I rambling about Child Development?  Because E right now is definitely struggling, in a state of disequilibrium.  Clingy, awaking at night, combative, and cranky.  And therefore, I am in a state of disequilibrium.  Just as tired.  Just as cranky.  And seeking balance in my own way.

So while E finds her calm in reading with us and playing quietly in her room, I am spending as much time in my studio as I can.  Sewing in preparation for Art Star, preparing to build up my etsy shop (we just need some sunshine around here for pictures!), and waiting anxiously for Spring.

And just as I know that the snow will eventually melt, I also know that things will calm down around here again.  Hopefully soon!

Valentine's Day 2010

 

 With all of the snow days, Valentine's Day seems to be lasting forever around here.

 
O's valentines for school have been ready and waiting since Friday, while E still has to finish decorating her hearts.  I have a feeling I will be attaching pipe cleaners to pencils after she is cozy in bed tonight.

Digging Ourselves Out

I've been trying to capture the depth of the snow around here but just haven't been able to do it.
Evidently we added 15" yesterday on top of the 28" that dumped on us over the weekend.  Luckily, we had a sunny day on Tuesday so a little bit melted before the second storm hit.  But still...  Really?

Tomorrow we have Snow Day #4 of the week.  Sledding?  A train trip downtown?  The first challenge will be getting the car out of the driveway.  So far we have been traveling by foot or by sled.

Teaching My Children to Sew

I was a little worried about the snow day off from school and how we were all going to occupy ourselves with The Dad away in California (where evidently it is beautiful and sunny and he is driving a convertible) - we three can drive each other a little mad when we sit around only with ourselves.
  
And then our 10am playdate cancelled and I asked the kids where they wanted to go.

"I want to sew!", E declared.  "You've been promising you'd give me a sewing lesson."

The reason I keep putting this "lesson" off is because of O.  And his attention span (or lack there of at times).  And the fear of leaving E to her own devices (with needle and scissors) while tending to him. 
But he wanted to join us, too.  And oh how I was surprised!

I got him started the way I did with E her first time:  A not-to-sharp 'chenille' needle, an embroidery hoop, and embroidery thread.  I had an old tea towel, from an embroidery class I took back in Minneapolis, that was just porous enough for him.  He loved it!  And was oh-so intent, making "a pillow for dad for valentine's day".

E, for the first time, free-cut pieces and sewed them together.  She made me a doll that is not quite finished but that I will try to catch a picture of tomorrow.  She used regular thread for the first time, and little tiny curved scissors that came in a basket of thread and notions from an estate sale.  I offered her sharper, easier scissors, but she preferred 'her own'.  And the thimble.  Because she had to have a thimble - and sometimes more than one at a time.

So this was a first for us, the kids sitting and sewing together.  A successful one.  So fun.

Snow

 
I think we're digging ourselves out from under about 2 feet of snow.
A snow fort has been built.  The sledding has been done.  Hot chocolate has been drunk, as well as peppermint tea.  Popcorn has been consumed multiple times per day.

And a snow day has just been declared for tomorrow.

Hmmm...  I'm seeing more tea (for me).  And more popcorn.  Maybe some baking.  And lots more play outside.
As well as some more reinvention of the basement playspace that's developed.

 

Climbing blocks.  Tunnel.  Recycled crib mattress.  Old school exercise jumper/trampoline.  Step ladder?
That's my boy.