Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Mommy Class, leg swasses, etc.

Okay so I am taking a parenting class at the library once a week.  So far the information has not been spectacular, but I love it because I get to sit there for and hour and a half and focus mentally on being a good Mother to my children.
Mainly I am taking this class because I have a toddler who I have no idea how to handle. Mr. Stone really ticks me off. A lot.  He is SO adorable, as most 2-year-olds are, so I can't stay mad at him for long, but I can't stay UN mad at him for long either!  I haven't understood the phrase "terrible two" until now (which is pretty fortunate considering he is my third baby).  He is a handful!
Pete is really good with Stone.  He doesn't seem to get under Pete's skin at all.  So for the last 2 days I have been discreetly observing Pete when he interacts with Stone so I can copy the way he handles him.  Here's what I discovered:  Pete just plays with him. When Stone is throwing a fit while Pete is trying to change his diaper,  he pretends to do an arm-bar-choke-out-whatever on him and makes him giggle like crazy. Pete will chase him around, and play with him like a boy. Monsters, jujitsu, manly stuff.  He loves it.  I don't play with him like a boy.  I think I play too gently and girly with him.  Not sure I'm going to be able to mimic my husband on this one. I tried copying his diaper-change strategy.  I failed miserably. Stone was like "Uh...what are you doing."

Pete and I are reading a book together every night called 5 Spiritual Solutions for Every-Day Parenting.
(Okay don't judge me.  Yes I am a little obsessed with parenting right now.  I am okay with that.  It makes me happy to be putting photography on the back-burner, and focusing on more important things.  Deal with it. {wink}) So yes, as the parenting obsession continues, my husband gets sucked in too.  We must do these things together.
The truth is I bribe him to read this book with me every night.  I scratch ("swass") his back or his legs (weird, I know. Who likes their LEGS scratched? Weirdo. ;)) and we read the parenting book aloud together.  It works.
Anyway, this book was recommended to me by my incredibly smart friend, Marrian who is an inspired mother, and a well-read person.
I love the book.  It's giving me a better perspective on parenting.  A different perspective than you usually hear.  I really like it!
New Years Resolution update:  I made stuffed chicken and peas tonight! Woo-hoo! We won't talk about Monday and Tuesday night. One day at a time, right?  We celebrate the little successes over here.

3 comments:

CoconutKate said...

Stone sounds SO much like Penny. Adorable and infuriating! I call her my delightful challenge.
Good job on your successful dinner! You will get better at it and with time you might find you even enjoy cooking! I view it as one of my (and sometimes my ONLY) creative outlets!

Story Family said...

Now you've got me thinking...how can I get Scott to scrath MY back? Huh, one to grow one.

I'm going to check out that book. Anything that inspires to be better or try a bit harder is a good thing!

And, don't you dare think about censoring your blog. It's so real and honest and I love it. Keep it up!

Anonymous said...

I am inspired by you! I'm glad you like the book. I am sure enjoying it! I dont think you are obsessed with parenting. I think it's good to be doing everything you can to be better at what you do. And being a mom is so important! I think the world would be a little more at peace if more moms gave as much to their kids as you do!