Surprise.

I know I said I was done... but then I finally had stuff to blog about. Let's see how fast I can do this.

#1. I thought only toddlers screamed and arched their backs when you put them in the car seat. Oh... toddlers and MILO!

#2. I'm reading a book right now called Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn. Its very interesting. The basis is that the messages we are sending our kids with conventional parenting... is sending a message that our love for them is conditional upon their behavior. OF COURSE... that is not how we truly feel, but a different message is being sent. I could have an entire post about spanking. We will not be spanking Milo. But this book goes on to say that Time-Outs, too can be sending a mixed message. A parents love and attention is not something that should be given or taken away based on their behavior. Interesting stuff. Now... this guy takes it to an extreme. He says that even praise based on behavior can send the same, mixed message. But that's a tougher one to swallow. Two other things I liked were not making a child say "I'm sorry." You can encourage them to say it if that's the way they feel, but making them say it is teaching them to basically lie... that they just have to say it even if they don't mean it. The same goes for I love you. And physical affection. So often 'we' say, "Give so and so a kiss." "Give so and so a hug." I even do that now. "Give mommy a kiss." Its said as a command. Affection should not be given because someone said to do so. It should be given when felt. So I will be changing my words/actions to... "Mommy wants to give you a kiss." I will give him the kiss... and he can return the kiss when he desires to do so. I don't know. I just like some of what this guy has to say. I don't know that I agree with everything... and I still have a lot to read before I finish... but I have definitely looked at parenting a bit differently than before.

#3. Nanny Drama. I can't get into the entire story... but long story shorter... The nanny that Anya's family hired was NOT a good fit. She worked with me two days this week and I quickly found that she did not have the experience she had indicated. Katie did not respond well to her at all. That may have gone away with time... but there were just several factors that played into their decision to let her go. And I think she lacked a sense of professionalism... or maybe just personal courtesy. And then, when Linda who is very kind, professional, and sensitive let her go... she turned the drama on... (she actually majored in theater or drama in college?!) She argued with Linda. She cried. She manipulated the situation. She ranted. She really showed her true character, which let them know it was the right decision. So now they are back to the drawing board. Anya's mom gave me quite the compliment, saying she'll never find another Nanny Kelly. I love those girls... and I know that God will work things out for their family.

#4. I'm SO ready for another baby?! What? Seriously? Did I just say that? Nathan is not surprised. At all. Even Anya's mom says that I'm meant to be the mother of many. We'll see how that all plays out in the coming years. {And tonight at a birthday party... Nathan found a sweet baby girl, 4 months old, nestled into his arms. I think Nathan is also ready for another... but I don't expect him to say it out loud. I could just see it in his eye.)

#5. Continued prayers for Nathan's Grandma. She was released from the hospital to the rehab facility my mom worked. She still needs lots of prayer... as do Nathan's parents. I know they have to be exhausted.

#6. My dear friend Kendra's daughter is turning one this week! Kendra and I would pregnant pals... spent many days waddling together... and have since spent many hours together with the babies. If her daughter is turning one... I know that Milo is just ten weeks from turning one. TEN WEEKS FROM TURNING ONE!

#7. Ok. Now I'm tired. Goodnight.