Good Morning Sunshine!

My munchkin is turning 2 in just over a month (WHAT?!), and I realized this weekend that she is quite possibly the most inspirational human being I know.

She's a BIG talker-- a real chatterbox-- (hard to believe with such quiet, reserved parents), and she tends to say a lot of laugh-out-loud and/or cute things. She also tends to shock us on a daily basis with what comes out of her mouth. I am actually sitting here, shaking my head and smiling just thinking about it. It's more than pride-- it's amazement.

Before you stop reading, I'm not that mother-- the one who will sit and tell you that she has the world's most perfect child. I will be the first to step up and admit that we undoubtedly started with the whole "twos" thing early. We're on a daily rotation of smiles, whining, tantrums, mommy-clinging, laughs, hyperactivity,  fits and cuddles. It's quite draining, actually.

The thing is, this Saturday morning, she said something that took my breath away. I woke up to her morning noises, went into her room, said "good morning", and opened her blinds to let in some light. Standing in her crib, she looked out the window, smiled and said, "good morning sunshine!" What made me stop in my tracks was the fact that it was a particularly grey November Montreal morning. There was no sunshine to be seen. From her not-quite-two-year-old perspective, that was completely insignificant.

Then, I realized it was not the first time she started her day like this. No, actually it's the first thing she says nearly every single morning. Every morning for her is a "good morning sunshine" kind of morning.

As I smiled and scooped her up for a big morning hug and kiss, I realized just how amazing that is. What if we all started every morning with a "good morning sunshine", not yet knowing just what our day might have in store for us? What if every day-- no matter how grey, or cold, or sleepy-- actually started out full of possibility and positivity? ...Out of the mouths of babes...

I can only hope that my adult brain can step aside for a moment and allow me to greet every new day through the eyes of a toddler.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Adventures with a Toddler: Our Halloween Costume Saga

Happy Halloween everyone!


So this one was really an adventure- trying to find a Halloween costume for my not-quite-two-year-old.

As you can see, things started off pretty well with the elephant costume Mama wanted to attempt to use for the second year in a row.

It was looking like we had an early win!

...and then this happened...

...and this...

So we tried something a little different.
Neither Mama nor munchkin were impressed.

In the end we went with what just felt "right" for all of us! A happy little Habs fan! 

Trick or treat! 

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Love,

The Kujos

Keeping Busy Keeps Me at My Best

Ahhh the wisdom and insight of the amazingly fabulous Lucille Ball. While this quote doesn't necessarily represent my life mantra, it certainly defines one of my life's truths. I have always found that I am at my social and personal best and most productive when I am busiest. Any time I have ever found myself in a slump, on the couch, wanting to cry and hide in my pjs all day long, chances are I was low on a list of things to do and responsibilities to be met.

While these days I cannot look to the pressures of school work, legal research or paper writing any more, recently I have found a way to make the busy life work with mommy life. A few days ago, a friend asked me how I have the time to work a full-time job, keep house, cook, be a wife, mother, blog, read books, captain and play on a sports team (or 2), study my lines and attend rehersals for a play, make it to weekly pilates sessions, get a toddler to her own activities, keep in touch with friends and family spanning the entire North American continent without crashing or imploding. Well, when you put it like that... I HAVE NO IDEA! Seriously! Am I insane?! (My actual response was something along the lines of... I'd rather not think about it because I might break down!)

It seems to me that I'm just one of those crazy people who functions best under constant movement and activity. I just seem to work best when I'm needed (or something like that). [And maybe, just maybe it has a little something to do with my amazing and supportive husband who recognizes the need to keep me swimming in the deep end.]

When I returned to work after my maternity leave last fall, I found the prospect of balancing a full-time career and being a wife and mother an impossibly daunting task. How the heck is it even possible? Should it even be a goal? What do I do when one or the other begins to suffer because of the attention required for the other? Let me tell you, I still haven't found the secret formula. I am not sure I ever will (or if there even is one). I can tell you that I've discovered that the less I think about it and stress about it, the easier it seems to be. 

Obviously I know the risks of burn out, but I've got some good people in my corner to rein me back in when I swim too far from the shore. 

It makes me wonder though, is there anyone else out there who feels the same way? Am I just crazy? When do you find you're at your best? How do you manage the balancing act? How many licks does it take to get to the centre of a Tootsie Roll Pop? I would love to hear your answers and comments below!

Happy Multi-Tasking!

Book Review, Author Interview and Giveaway: My Handy Little Health Journal

My Handy Little Health Journal
Authors: Mary Anne Alton & Tania Craan
Publication: 2013 ECW Press

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A structured tool for busy women, My Handy Little Health Journal by Tania Craan and Mary Anne Alton guides women in their process to track their health and wellness information, all in one place.

The average woman visits a healthcare professional six to ten times a year, but her responsibilities extend far beyong that with regular regimens for nutrition, exercise, hygiene, and stress management. With space to record healthcare providers, appointments, medications, tests, expenses, and procedures, this journal is as useful before a routine appointment as it is in an emergency. Plus, the journal highlights helpful tips about medication, smart recipes, fitness, and travel- and even includes brainteasers for the waiting room.

My Healthy Little Health Journal is the result of extensive consultation with women in the medical, communications, and marketing fields and inspires women to change their healthcare habits with a broad approach to wellness.

MY REVIEW AND AUTHOR INTERVIEW:

I was sent a copy of My Handy Little Health Journal (MHLHJ) from ECW Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This journal is so well thought out, so adorable, and very smart. It's the perfect size to slip into your computer case, diaper bag, or purse, so you can take it with you wherever you go. It's the perfect way to keep track of everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) related to your health and wellness while keeping organized. 

I was so impressed by this journal that I wanted to know more. The lovely creators, Tania Craan and Mary Anne Alton, obliged by answering some questions that I thought would be fun to share with all of you!

MamaKujo (MK):       I would love to know more about each of you. What can you tell me about your respective backgrounds that might give a little more insight into the creation of MHLHJ?

Tania Craan (TC):       I have been an art director and book designer for over 30 years. I started my graphic design career working as a designer at Penguin Books Canada and then went on to become the art director at McClelland & Stewart. For the past 20 years, I have run my own graphic design studio while managing to keep up with a hectic family life- being a wife, mother of two teenage girls, daughter of aging parents and official daily dog-walker of Koko, our dog. 

Mary Anne Alton (MA):       I'm a mom to two teenage boys, a wife, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and best friend to Abby, our dog. I'm also a documentary filmmaker who has written, directed and produced award- winning documentaries for over 20 years. My docs have aired in Canada, the U.S. and around the world. Many of my docs have been about health, specifically women's health. I've worked the past 20 years as a freelancer, but prior to that, I worked for CBC television and radio.I was an early local food advocate, having grown up on a farm where we ate what we grew. I love to cook, bake and eat good meals with my family and friends. I've always respected traditional medicine but have approached my own health from a holistic perspective. I'm also an active member of my church, organizing a cooking series and an author's series to feed the body, mind and soul. 

MK:     How did the two of you meet and how and when did you decide to collaborate on this project? 

TC:      Mary Anne and I have been friends for over ten years. We have shared a great deal together. We're both freelancers in very demanding creative fields. We met through our husbands who are good friends working in the advertising world. One day, over coffee, we decided we needed to do something to protect our most important asset- our health. We felt that id we could develop a tool to help us take control of our health other women might to want to use it too.

MA:       Tania and I decided after that cup of coffee that we'd try to put something together even if just for ourselves. I'm a writer and researcher and Tania is a graphic designer who works on a lot of books. With our complimentary skills, we started mapping out the book in coffee shops, meeting once a month, then weekly, eventually working out of our homes to start researching, writing, and designing the layout. It's been a labour of love!

MK:      What inspired you to write and prepare this journal? What's the story behind the story that actually got you to sit down and start putting it all together?

TC:       The idea of creating a health journal was always in the back of my mind. I have always been responsible for keeping track of my health history (as well as my family's), but it was always scattered all over the house. Telephone numbers were in one place, tests and documents in another, and bits of paper in folders and drawers. Every time I had to fill out a medical form, I spent too much time looking for information. It was never at my fingertips.

I also noticed I could not always remember when I was due for a check up or a follow-up test. I'm a relatively healthy person, but I have 6-10 medical-related appointments per year (family doctor, specialists, dentist, tests and more tests, etc.). It was becoming too hard to keep track of everything. 

Being a book designer, it only made sense to have all of my information all in one place. Why not in an attractive book form? The options on the market were pretty ordinary journal books. I wanted something more inviting and fun to use.

MA:       I've talked with too many women over the years who didn't stay on top of their health and wellness and ended up having to deal with a life-threatening condition. I've always been interested in my own health and wellness, but I've found it harder to manage with all the demands of work, family and my own routine medical appointments. I had started a file folder which had bits of paper in it, but it wasn't very organized. What if I ever got sick and needed to know important information about past medications, treatments, appointments? I wouldn't be able to tell my health care team what they would need to know to help me.

While in the process of writing this journal, I found myself in the emergency room one day with my son. He had had a minor bike accident. The nurse asked me when he'd had his last tetanus shot. I couldn't tell her. It made me realize I didn't know when I'd had my last tetanus shot either- or any of my vaccinations for that matter. 

It was confirmation that we were on the right track, and that this project could be really helpful to other women. One place to have all of their health and wellness information, easily accessible whenever it might be needed.

MK:      What kind of research went into the preparation of the journal?

MA:      We made our way through books, periodicals, online sources, and consulted with medical professionals. We also asked our friends and potential users what they might like to see in the book and what they thought of the information we were gathering. I also took a 13-week mindful meditation course which really gave me some great insight into the mind-body connection and how it affects our overall health and well-being. 

TC:      Mary Anne and I spent over eight months developing, researching and designing the first draft of the health journal. We felt it was important to get the right feel and tone-- we did not want it to be a chore for women to use it. It had to be guilt-free and filled with inspiration and humour.  

MK:      What is the most important message you have for working moms?

MA:      Take care of yourself... because if you don't, you won't be able to care for those you love.

TC:      There are always health issues we want to improve-- eat better, exercise more, reduce stress-- but we don't always know how to begin. I believe the key is just taking that first step. Just start. Take small, achievable steps, and before you know it a new habit will have taken root.

GIVEAWAY:

I am also thrilled to be giving away a copy of My Little Handy Healthy Journal to one of my lucky readers!


Contest ends November 8th.
Open to Canadian residents only. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway



If you would like to learn more about the authors, ask your questions, or learn more about My Handy Little Health Journal:

Website: www.myhandylittle.com
Facebook: My Handy Little
Twitter: @myhandylittle
LinkedIn: My Handy Little
Goodreads Author Pages: Mary Anne Alton & Tania Craan

Morning Giggles for Another Manic Monday

This morning was a bit of a rush in the Kujo household. Mondays generally are- waking up to an alarm for the first time in a few days, getting everything ready for daycare for the week, general sluggishness. I was up and out with the dog by the time Hubby was waking Miss R. I came back inside with just enough time for bye-bye hugs and kisses all around.

I sat down at my desk in my office, and I get a notification that I have a new email from Hubby:

After telling her several minutes earlier that Mommy went to work, munchkin and I had the following chat:

R: "Where did Mommy go?"

Daddy: "You know where Mommy went, you tell Daddy where Mommy went."

R: "A Mommy home."

Daddy: "No, Mommy's not home, do you you remember where Daddy told you Mommy went this morning?"

R: "A Mommy home?!"

Daddy: "No Rosie.....Mommy went somewhere this morning, do you remember where?"

R: "Danna!!!"

Daddy: "???"

R: "Jordana!!!"

Daddy: "Rosie, who is Jordana?"

R: "A Mommy Jordana!!!"

Ahhhh life with a toddler. 

I got a good smile and giggle out of this one, so I thought I'd share.

Anyone else out there have a Munckin Monday Morning today? Would love to hear yours! Feel free to share in a comment below!

Wordless Wednesday: Books Are Our Friends {linky}

That moment when your child cuddles up with your favourite storytime books and "reads" the words out loud for the first time...

Leave your WW Post down below! Would love to check out all of the fun photos of the day! :)

Wordless Wednesday: We Love Fall {linky}

That face AND juicy apples fresh from the tree? Who could ask for more?!

Ok- maybe some homemade apple pie, too!

Leave your WW Post down below! Would love to check out all of the fun photos of the day! :)

I am Thankful

Happy Monday everyone! Welcome to the new week.


Today's post is a short post of gratitude.

A few days ago I had a medical emergency that had me in the hospital emergency room for nearly 20 hours. [Yes, I am okay. Thank goodness it was a passing thing that has resolved itself.] It's sad to admit, but sometimes it takes something scary and unpredictable to give me the kick in the head I deserve and realize just how blessed I am to be surrounded by the love and support I have in my life.

Parents who are far away but always available for their grown-up little girl to cry to when she's scared...

In-laws who drop everything to take care of my precious family...

Siblings ready to help in whatever way they can (without complaint)...

My husband who is my rock and my anchor in any chaotic storm...

Friends who "just know" and are always there to let me know they love me in unexpected ways and at just the right moment...

My daughter who needs no words...




I am so grateful.

Thank you.

Thanksgiving is a week away (for us Canucks, anyway).  I would love to hear about those (often forgotten) people or things that you are grateful for. Spread the love in the comments below.

HAPPY OCTOBER!

I can't say exactly why, but October has always been my favourite month of the year.

Nature's paintbrush...
Cooler air...
Picnics in the leaves...
Sweaters and boots...
Scarves...
Pumpkin EVERYTHING!...
Apple picking...
Halloween...


What do you love about October?

The First Time Leaving Baby

Today I am a sad Mommy in need of some pep talking. Tomorrow I leave to spend my first (and second) night away from my baby girl. Yes, I know I have gone longer than most in taking this leap (she's 21 months), but maybe that's why it feels so scary.

I have a fun-filled, busy weekend in the Big Apple to celebrate my BFF's upcoming nuptials, and I am SO excited! It's all just a little bitter-sweet: getting some needed mommy time, time with old friends and family, but I know I will be missing my girl. 

Goodness knows she'll probably be having too much fun with Daddy to even notice I'm missing!

Help a Mama out, dear readers... Pep talk? Advice? Words of encouragement? Please leave 'em in the comments below!

AYFKM?!: J. Crew Baby

J. Crew's announcement that it will be adding a line of baby clothes to its collection has inspired a new type of post I will affectionately be categorizing as "Are You Freaking Kidding Me?!".  [A close-second was "Kujo's Kall-Outs".]

Let's just take a quick look at a screenshot of the J.Crew Baby Landing Page...

Above you can see the "above-the-fold" view of the page (with my annotations in red); a.k.a. what they deem to be the most important content for anyone navigating to the page; a.k.a. what will keep you clicking and eventually get you buying. 

Italian Cashmere?! For reals? 

Yes, I would LOVE to dress my little girl up in this adorable polka-dotted (MamaKujo LOVES polka-dots), cozy looking sweater, but not for ONE-HUNDRED-AND-SIXTY-EIGHT FREAKING DOLLARS! $168! I cringe at the thought of a Mommy-sized sweater for $168. Are you freaking kidding me?!

Babies get dirty. They spit up, drool, vomit, poop in their pants, roll or crawl around on the floor. They also grow out of clothing sizes in the blink of an eye. I'd sooner toss $168 into the diaper genie! 

And $24 for a bib?! Are you freaking kidding me?!

You do know that a bib's entire purpose for existing is to GET DIRTY, don't you?! Babies wear bibs to catch the spit up, drool, food, vomit, etc. that is constantly leaking from their faces so that their $168 dollar Italian Cashmere sweaters won't get ruined. Why would I spend $24 for a shmatah?!

There are also sandals for $120, blankets for $228, wool stuffed toys for $88, and on and on, and I need to stop before I vomit!  

Does anyone over there at J. Crew Baby even have kids?! Don't even answer that because I won't believe you if you tell me you do. Or I'll just know that you're a shmuck.

I love J. Crew's style- some of my favourite pieces in my wardrobe are J. Crew staples. I also love baby clothes (who doesn't?!). This is just one of those cases where 1+1 does not equal 2 for this mama.

Leave a comment down below-  I would love to hear your reactions to this. What do you think? Am I over-reacting?!

Pride, Prejudice and Propaganda: The Quebec Charter of "Values"

This week, I am a very sad Mama. Sad, angry, disgusted, fearful, and embittered. Oh yeah, and there's the thread of complete disbelief running through it all.

I've been wanting to write this post since Tuesday's "reveal", but I knew I needed some time to stop and think and get my thoughts together. I'm not entirely sure that I have managed to do that yet, but I do know that I can't keep this frustration locked up anymore. My husband beat me to it yesterday (see his blog post here)- and, well, now I feel obliged...

As an overview: The PQ government is proposing a "Charter of Values" under which they will enforce a ban on religious "symbols" among public employees.

They even provided a helpful infographic to ensure that we could make no mistake about what (and WHO) would and would not be deemed acceptable. 

Here's the thing, public employees include those employed by:
-crown corporations and government ministries and offices
-public and private subsidized daycares
-schoolboards and public schools
-CEGEPs and universities
-municipalities, including services such as public transportation
-hospitals

The most infuriating thing is that the ban will not apply to elected officials ostensibly because they have been chosen by the voters despite any religious garb they might don. Basically: the law will not apply to those who are creating it, pushing it and passing it. They are the immune elite.

CEGEPS, universities, hospitals and municipalities will be able to opt for a 5-year renewable exception if they so choose. Talk about a loophole.

Here's the kicker- notice which groups are not included in the above mentioned exceptions? Schoolboards, public schools and daycare workers. Why? Well, we don't want our children being exposed to the religious radicalism of wearing a hijab or a turban or a kippah, do we? No, they might turn to someone else's god and get converted. Does this smack of Putin's Russia and "gay propaganda" to anyone else out there?

When we began our search for the perfect home daycare setting for our daughter, we knew all we wanted was a place where she would be safe, well-cared for, and a place where she could learn and play and grow in a sanitary environment. When we found our dayhome, the fact that the woman who ran it was Persian and wore a hijab made no difference. Actually- that's not true. It did make a difference. We saw it as an added value. Our daughter would be exposed to different faces and languages and cultures at the earliest stage possible. After all, one cannot function in the world today without some basic understanding of diversity. Unless you live in Quebec, that is...

What kills me, as a mother, is that the love and care my daughter received in the 12 months she spent in that home daycare was more than either my husband or I could have ever imagined possible from a childcare provider. After spending long days chasing after, entertaining, and taking care of numerous children who were not her own, Farah dedicated her evenings preparing fresh meals for the following day, along with hand-made juice because she would not buy store-bought sugar drinks. Every morning we were greeted with hugs and kisses and smiles (happily reciprocated by my daughter). And when the time came to move to a school-like environment and leave the dayhome, the goodbyes were more heart-wrenching than a made-for-tv Hallmark movie.

Now Farah and her family are at risk of losing their daycare. Despite the love and care she provides, despite her impressive qualifications as an educator and community worker, despite her (sometime too) strict adherence to protocol and rules, Farah could lose her job. She will be faced with having to choose between her babies (as she calls them) and her religion and tradition.

According to the PQ's proposal, a woman wearing a hijab is less qualified to take care of my child than some daycare workers I have seen wearing daisy dukes and ripped t-shirts.

Also, apparently, come December, when my daughter- I KNOW- will be exposed to Christmas trees and Christmas themes at school, that's less of a threat to her keeping her Jewish identity than if her teacher wears a scarf to cover her hair. Right. Because it's easier to have THAT conversation with a kid about why some of her friends get to have pretty trees with presents under them in their homes and a big fat happy guy who comes for milk and cookies at their house but she doesn't. Good luck to us!


None of this is to say anything of the ridiculous hypocrisy and inconsistencies surrounding what will and will not be deemed acceptable under the PQ's ideal secular state. The GIANT crucifix on the top of Mount Royal is secular. So is the cross hanging in the National Assembly. A small cross on a chain around your neck is okay, but a large one is not. Get out your measuring tapes, ladies and gentlemen! A headscarf worn wrapped as a hijab is illegal, but what about a wig (sheitl) traditionally worn by religious Jewish women? Is a wig okay?

Meanwhile, there are public city council meetings in this province which still open with group prayers, our streets and cities are named for the Saints, we have a mandated public holiday for Saint John the Baptist every June, and almost everything is closed early or doesn't open at all on Sundays.

The real laugh-out-loud kicker- when Bernard Drainville, the minister presenting the plan, was asked about whether public officials and courtroom witnesses would still be expected to swear oaths on THE BIBLE in this staunchly secular state, his response was, "Oh my God, we'll get back to you." That's right- GOD!

And if this all wasn't enough to make me want to tear out my hair already- the marketing budget for this piece of hate-filled xenophobia is $1.9 million!!! My money is paying for this inhumane, disgusting waste of time. Because this province doesn't have anything more pressing to invest in...



As I said at the beginning of my tirade- I am sad and afraid.

I am sad and afraid because despite the odds, I have fought to make Montreal my HOME- a home for my family.

I was born in Montreal, my mother and father were born here, my mother's father moved here at 6-months old,  and the rest of my grandparents made this city their home after being displaced from Eastern Europe following WWII. When my parents divorced, I moved to Florida with my mother to be near her family. [Aside: This was after my father moved to Toronto to pursue more lucrative business opportunities because, despite being perfectly bilingual, he was told in a job interview that he would not be hired for the position because he didn't have "the right last name".] I spent summers at camp outside of Montreal, and when I graduated from high school, I accepted my entry to McGill University because I wanted to know this city more. I love Montreal- its culture, its beauty, its personality. After returning to Florida for law school and a short stint in Toronto, I, with my husband, decided to return to Montreal and put down roots here. This was despite protests from both sides of my family (aside from the personal distance) that Quebec was no place to live and work and raise a family anymore.

Since returning to Montreal, I have faced many obstacles because I am not a Francophone or because I don't speak "functional" French. I have given up the practice of law for many reasons, but partially because I knew when I still had the opportunity, that I would not be able to sit and write a bar exam in French or practice with French cases and legal documents. I have struggled finding work that I "qualify" for. That's right- even as a lawyer who graduated cum laude, no one wanted to hire me because I am not bilingual. It's no wonder there is such a "brain drain" from this province to Ontario and elsewhere.

I have since found steady, fulfilling employment (despite close to 3 years of struggling), and I am grateful.



I am sad and afraid because I am a Jew.

Nearly all of my father's family perished at the hands of the Nazis. My mother's family were scattered around the globe because of the persecution they faced. My grandfather awoke in the night screaming from nightmares of the horrors he experienced until the day he died. My grandmother was the subject of unspeakable "scientific" and "medical" experiments during her time in a concentration camp.

Those experiences came from the hate, lack of understanding, and unwillingness to accept "the other" of another xenophobic, elitist, regime focused on "values" and the "ideal society". I swear, I can hear the distant march of brownshirts sometimes when I lay in bed at night.


I am sad and afraid because I was an American teenager on 9/11.

I found it all too ironic that this plan was revealed on Tuesday, September 10th, so that the bulk of media reaction would occur on September 11th. The attacks of September 11, 2001 were the result of the refusal to accept one another, to live together with understanding and appreciation of diversity, to learn about each other. Following that horrifying day, the subsequent failures in Iraq and Afghanistan, how have we not learned our lessons?

I am sad and afraid because I am a mother, and I don't know how to protect my child from a world that is so much scarier than I ever really understood. 



So Monsieur Drainville, Madame Marois- do not speak for ME or MY values.

TGIF: My Silly Mommy Moment of the Week

You know your brain is fried when...

Hello out there!

Today's post will be a quick one because I JUST HAD to share it with all of you.


This week was particularly hectic at work. Yesterday was the craziest day of all. Exhaustion, late work day, transit commute home (my car was in for repairs). I was TOAST by the time I got home at nearly 7pm.

Hubby had to run out to do a quick errand, so this mama was alone for end of supper, bath and bedtime.

I have to say that considering just how out of it I was feeling, everything was going pretty smoothly. Bath and playtime lead to story time without a fuss. Babygirl went "night night" with a big hug and kiss.

Hubby came home disappointed that he missed saying goodnight. I told him munchkin had just gone down, so he could still pop in to give munchkin a kiss.

It turns out...


I forgot to switch off her lamp.

Oops!


Just thought I'd share the laughs (even at my own expense).


I would love to hear all of your Silly Mommy (or Daddy) Moments- share a comment about "that one time" below!

Happy Labour Day Weekend Everyone!

Book Review: Making the "Terrible" Twos Terrific!

Making the "Terrible" Twos Terrific!
Author: John Rosemond
Published: Paperback August 13, 2013 (originally published 1993) Andrews McMeel Publishing

PUBLISHER'S SYNOPSIS:

In a completely revised and updated edition of his classic parenting guide, nationally recognized expert John Rosemond offers practical, tantrum-free methods for raising toddlers and getting them through the "terrible" times from age eighteen to thirty-six months. Focusing on the developmental period spanning age eighteen to thirty-six-months, which renowned parenting expert John Rosemond dubs, "the twos" Making the & "Terrible" Twos Terrific! offers practical parenting advice to ensure that every child's "twos" are terrific.

By offering comprehensive tips on everything from toilet training to developing good habits for bedtime, as well as disciplinary techniques to control aggressive behaviors, Making the "Terrible" Twos Terrific! approaches parenting in a straightforward, accessible manner that is easy for parents to implement and achieve success with their toddlers.

No bribing, meltdowns, nudging, or cajoling are necessary. All parents need is consistent, firm, and loving interactions with their toddler to guide him or her during the developmental years. The methods described by Rosemond also translate to success throughout other life endeavors such as school, relationship building, and even productivity in the distant tween and teen years. To ensure that earthquaking foot stomps, decibel-shattering screaming, and consistently stubborn behavior are not the norm for your toddler, consult Rosemond's Making the "Terrible" Twos Terrific!.

MY REVIEW:

Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

No! No. No, no, no, no, no... A thousand times NO! Just no.

In light of the fact that we have entered "the twos" in my household, I thought this Galley came my way with providential timing. Not that my "terrible" twos have been so unbearable thus far that I needed guidance (thank the powers that be for my generally cooperative munchkin), but any parent that tells you they've got it, thanks-but-no-thanks for your advice, is LYING! We can all use a little insight from someone else every now and then. This book is just NOT the place to look- for me anyway.

In general, the author spends his time criticizing modern mothers (in particular) and parents (in general). Now, most of what he says about the helicopter-parenting and then psychological development stages of the toddler is legit. Don't get me wrong on that. However, it's his editorializing on the terrible, horrible parents who tend to their child's every whim that is just NOT helpful. 

Okay- I get it, some moms (and dads) out there need to stop the constant attention and child-serving. You've made your point, now move on to the substance... Oh- you just want to keep lambasting? Oh- well, then I'll just keep skimming and find the part where it stops. Oh- there isn't one? Well then...

In between the constant pontificating, Rosemond does attempt to provide advice. However, it may just be me, but most of what he offers seems like common sense and second nature-type stuff. I guess for parents who didn't grow up around siblings or other kids, some of what he has to offer might be helpful, but most of the time I just found myself saying, "Yeah, and?" 

Not sure how or why this book has such high reviews elsewhere. In fact, a lot of the reviews that give even 3-star ratings are actually quite negative. I suppose this is one of those times that the star-rating vs. review substance will be deceiving for some readers.  

In my humble parenting/mommy blogger opinion, if you're curious what Rosemond has to say about the "terrible twos", you're better off just asking your own parents or grandparents. Yes, you'll be subject to some lecturing, but chances are what you'll take away will be more useful (and you'll waste less of your precious non-toddler time). 

Adventures in Moving: Renos Part 1- The Floors

Hello friends! As promised, I am bringing you updates on our BIG move. Here is the first instalment of a series of posts showing off our progress.

How in the world will I ever get you caught up on our last 2 months? It will be a process, but we've got to start somewhere... Floors!

The white ceramic tiles in the hallway HAD to go! Forget the aesthetics- I have a toddler running around! We get enough bumps and bruises as it is. Rock hard floors are not an option!

A different version of the accident-waiting-to-happen, cold, white floors were lurking in the living room- dining room.

Demolition time!

Bye bye tiles!

So it turns out that we are very lucky. After ripping up the tiles, removing the glue and cement that was holding them in place, and a layer of plywood, the original hardwood floors from 1956 were still mostly intact below!

Next step: sanding...

...and staining...

... and sealing...

Stay tuned for more updates and a look at the finished product!

Until next time... stay cool, dudes!

Adventures in Moving: Updates

You all may have noticed that I've been either MIA or hiding behind my book review posts for the last few weeks. The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem- right? I confess. I have been hiding. No question. Procrastinating as much as possible so as not to have to do a move update. Guilty.

It's coming. I swear it is. 

Here's my defense: 

1. Our move did not go as smoothly (not even close) as planned, as evidenced by previous posts.

2. The amount of work we ended up doing in the house ran over time due to unforeseen issues, so while we moved our things in on the scheduled moving date, we did not actually sleep in the house until about 5 or 6 days later.

3. Once we finally got in to our new house, this mama also started a brand-spanking new job, so the moving-in process has greatly slooooooooowed.

4. Softball. MamaKujo and hubby, The Funny Accountant (shameless plug- but notice how little time he's had to keep up with his blog posts, too!) both play softball. Our evenings do not exist most weeks.

5. The Kujos went on our first family vacation to Cape Cod for a week. That also means we spent the week before prepping and packing, and the week after cleaning and doing laundry.

6. In between all of this craziness, we have had numerous out-of-town guests come in to town to visit plus other family obligations. 

Mea culpa. 

I promise that I will get myself together, collect my thoughts and pictures (and get over my frustration at the lack of progress I've made despite wanting to share with you all a perfectly organized and decorated home by now) and provide a beautiful, complete update as soon as humanly possible. 

Thank you all for your support and patience! 

Big hugs and kisses!