snow, non-studentdom, and other tid-bits.

I realized that I haven't blogged in a while. I wanted to write a post on compassion vs. moral obligation, but I totally don't have the brain capacity to delve into it tonight.  There are a few things happening around here, some good, and some I'm not read to discuss.

Anyway, yesterday we had a huge blizzard that actually closed CWRU, which is such a rareity since Case stays open for almost everything that I feel like it should be marked down in history so that's what i am doing.  I also decided that I would much rather have a blizzard than a tornado which happens in the warmer climates during this time year.  Having experienced more tornadoes than I would like to in my college experience, I can vouch for this want of a blizzard.  I honestly think this would also be one of my major deterrents for living in the southern midwest. Well, that and the insane humid summers.

Thursday, I officially turned everything in for graduation, and this means I have no more obligations to the school that impend my graduating.  Instead now I must clean out my office and turn in my keys.  A sad day it might be that I do that, but at least its no longer impending doom.

Ben has developed this hair pulling habit that I think he does out of frustration, but I don't really understand why he wants to self-inflict pain on himself.  If this something I should worry about let me know.  I think its simply a sign of more teeth further back in the mouth coming in.

We went to a birthday party today and it was fun.  However, this means that Ben's birthday is approaching upon us.  It's crazy to think that he is soon one.  Or as my husband says he will upgrade from 3G to 4G.  Apparently 4G is meaningless but I guess to him this is his way of saying that Ben is having a birthday.

So yeah, I am super tired and so am going to turn in. Have an excellent second part of the weekend.

7 quick takes

1. Ben took some first steps a day shy of 11 months, and I was super excited for him. But I am sure I will miss my baby soon.

2. I screwed up a deadline for graduation and luckily was approved an extension.  But I have totally been working my butt off to get it done by February 25th.

3. Last Friday Ben and I checked out the Children's museum of Cleveland and he loved it.  Unfortunately we had a little fall when there, but the crying was short lasted, and he didn't want the fun to end.

4. Tents have been made constantly with lots of laughter ensued.  And apparently throwing magnets at a refrigerator is hilarious as well.

5. I've been enjoying the Live Out Loud podcast.  I just keep thinking about how I wish I knew more teenagers like the host.  Maybe she will go on to be the next Lila Rose.

6. We recorded another podcast. All about the planned parenthood investigations and other current news.  If you want to listen to it here is a link: The Contranauts Episode 33

7. I am anticipating a warm up this weekend, and even though I like winter, I could do without the block of ice that is my driveway that has been here since 2 Wednesdays ago.

Quick Takes is hosted at Conversion Diary

Snowbound

Granted this is Cleveland, but it seems that lately there has been quite a good amount of snow here.  This makes me feel like curling up with a good book and hot chocolate or tea.  For proof of the constant snow here are some views from my window:

Granted I choose to live here, and actually love the snow, so really I'm not complaining.  I just wanted to give you a taste of our little winter wonderland. 

The complaint I do have, is simply I went to the library to pick out a book to read, and was all excited to read a book about living in the city.  But no, that's not what the book is really about.  So after about 10 pages in, I am done with it, and must take it back tomorrow or tonight for a different book.  I realized that I have read most of what are on my bookshelves at home, so the library becomes necessary for new material.  Of the books that I have read though, I think I actually only enjoyed one of them, title The Quickening, all the other ones have just been so so.  I guess part of my issue is that I don't want to search for a book forever, so I just pick one up from the displayed books.  This means, I am kinda judging a book by its cover and I am definitely doing a poor job of it. I am thinking that I should return to the classics or get books that were recommended to me.  I obviously am doing a terrible job of picking things up on a whim. If you have a must read for me than just leave it in the comment section and I will be sure to look for it at the library.  I read pretty much anything in the fiction category as long as its not a romance novel that is just gross.  

March 4 Life

I am always sad now when I cannot go to the National March For Life in DC.  I know that right now for good reason why I can't go, but my heart is always there.  I know once you have gone, you always want to return and fight for life.  Anyway, I don't have that many words to say, though if you follow me on Facebook you would have noticed that I have put up a pro-life quote for each day since last Wednesday.

One thing is that I love that my husband goes to it with the teens, even though he's gone from home for a while, its still super awesome that he's on the same page as me in defending life.  And that is something for which I thank God.

Thoughts about attachment parenting

Attachment parenting has been on my mind lately.  More than a few moms I know have had to stop co-sleeping with their babies, due to lack of sleep issues.  As a result, I began to ponder another mom blogger's motto about every baby is different and we need to always keep that in check.  I think this also goes along with the fact that every parent is different too. I am trying to understand rather than judge parenting decisions these days when it comes to each individual child and parent.  While I think some folks like myself are totally attachment parents to the whole nine yards, others are APs in other aspects and others APs in aspects unbeknownst to them, and others not at all.  I think now, after pondering this in my mind a bit, that I am coming to respect each parents decision with their child.  Some children need some detachment to function better, and other need the attachment to function better.

When it comes to co-sleeping some children thrive off of it, and others do not.  At the same time some parents like myself, seem to get their best sleep with a co-sleeping baby, while other parents maybe because of the babies habits may not.  I guess it comes down to being adaptable and finding what works best for everyone that would be affected.

What I have noticed in my own child's behavior is that when it comes to sleep he is very dependent on me, but then when it comes to playing he is very independent and sometimes I have to force myself to get inside his little world of destructo baby land to remember to keep talking with him.  I sometimes have associated this with APing but I am starting to realize its probably more of a temperament thing.  Maybe being an AP does sometimes make him less of a scaredy cat in some situations, but since I only have one subject to observe at the moment its really hard to say.

I guess as a come away from this, I would have to say that for myself I am trying to judge less with parenting styles and realize that folks do what is best for their family situation.  I also think sometimes for the first it is easier to do one thing than it is for maybe the 4th or 6th kiddo.  So, as I try to judge less, I still think we know in our gut what is best for us when it comes to these situations, but I am also trying to remember that I am molding a little child of God here and keeping that in check is always good to remember.

Anyway that's what is on my mind lately.  Hope you are having a wonderful week so far.

Random Bits and Questions from my mind

1. I decided that my favorite place to print pics is CVS.  I have tried most of the drug stores and some grocery stores, and now even Target. And ultimately CVS has the quickest turn around with the best quality prints.  And maybe its just my local CVS that is good with photos, but I think I will stick with them.

2. I am going to attempt making my own laundry detergent, via the Duggar recipe.  Anyone try this out and have success?  I am hoping to be successful and save lots of money by doing so.

3. I am trying to figure out a local volunteer gig, and thinking about pregnancy centers as something to do.  But not sure what I would do there.  Trying to muster the courage to call an inquire.  I have a phone phobia with strangers that has existed since forever.

4. Ben is again throwing my sleep for a loop, but not really at night, he's usually up just once at night these days but has decided that destroying the house is more important than nap taking.

5. I have been enjoying play-dates, though have decided against the library playgroup at least for now.  Too much unsolicited advice and too many different parenting styles that seem to make me cringe.  I think that even though I have little experience with daycare, this somehow reminded me of it and a little of why I am so anti it.

6. Still looking into PT jobs, but I think I want a PT-PT job, one that is like only 4 hours a week.  Know of any of these?

7. I was given a compliment the other day that made me think wow I must just be this person on my blog and then totally different in public.  Makes me wonder if that is a good or bad thing.  Because blogging about it still means I am acting out about it right?  Maybe I need to think twice about stating my opinions.

8. Did I tell you I have a newly born nephew.  He was born at the end of December on the 30th, which made him 2.5 weeks early.  Probably having a baby that early and healthy makes the women who go 2 weeks past their due date crazy.

9. Does anyone else crave milk products when they are having a meatless day?

10. Lastly, I am super appreciative of my husband. He is awesome and has been a great help at getting me through the days by letting me get an extra hour's rest every weekday morning while he takes Ben around as he gets ready in the morning for work.  Thanks love if you read this :)

Some recent pics

Some pics from some recent events.

First Keith and Ben climbed to the top of the pyramid in the Adventure Science Center 

in Nashville.  This is a priceless expression from that adventure.

and then the little dude turned another month older.  He's now 10 months old. 

Last, after the snow all melted from a warm snap.  It came back today.  So we had a little adventure 

sidewalk sledding.