NOT a pushover parent

I recently read this parenting book that critized parents who end their instructions with "OK?". Those parents were pushovers, the book asserted & need to just state their expectations, not make it seem like there is another option if the one the parent stated is not ok with the child.

Well, I say "OK" a lot. But, I don't think I'm a pushover. I don't say "OK" asking the child's permission. It's just that "OK" is quicker than saying, "I've now finished explaining my expectations, now please acknowledge that you heard and understood them."

Still, the doubts lingered... Afterall, I've never had my parenting philosophies published. Do my kids think I'm asking for acknowledgment or permission? Should I stop saying ok? Am I a pushover parent?

Yesterday morning, however, the 1st grader woke up early & headed downstairs. I explained, "the dishes in the dishwasher are clean, so you can get yourself a drink. Also, you can watch a video, but make sure the volume is low, OK?"

His response? "Yes, sir."

Thank you, child. Can I kiss you?! You just validated that I'm NOT a pushover parent. Now, let's see if we can teach you how to salute? ...

Lil' What's-his-name?

My sister thinks I don't post enough pictures of the baby.
OK, so Miss H DID have more pictures than he did for his birthday post.
(Don't all 3rd children get lost in their siblings' shadows?)
So, here's a post devoted exclusively to lil' what's-his-name.
Some options for a blogging name for him other than "the baby"...
STINKER
because he makes this cute face where he scrunches up his nose like he's smells something foul...



or "B"
as in big brave boy who climbs stairs like he's a professional rockclimber.


Perhaps RERUN like the little brother on the Peanuts gang who looks just like Linus.
Don't you think he's a rerun of his older brother?

He even loves dragging around hockey sticks. (And because this is a post about the baby, I won't even mention that D scored 2 goals this season and is missing 2 teeth, so he even looks and acts like an official hockey player!)


So, cast your votes in the comments for a new blogging name for lil' what's-his'name.

Our October

The baby is now officially 1! (I'm going to have to find a blogging name for him other than "baby" pretty soon!)
Miss H just finished swim lessons & had such a great time.


I wish I had a better picture of D in his hockey gear...
He's started playing hockey in the house with his plastic golf clubs & has been sent to the "penalty box" a few times for "high-sticking" & "injuring innocent spectators". (We're the ones who need protective equipment when he plays hockey in the house!) It's sure fun to watch his games, though.
Hope everyone is enjoying fall!

Playing photographer

Here're some things you may not know about our kids:
D just started playing hockey. He's been working hard trying to figure out the skates. He's a great reader.

Miss H is a great singer (she may even get to sing in church with her daddy & brother Sun. if she doesn't get stage fright). She also does a great impersonation of a deaf person. But overall, she's sweet & cooperative.

The baby is almost a year old. He's such a happy little guy- laughs easily & likes to cuddle. He adores his brother & sister.
We sure feel blessed to have these precious little people!

Start of Fatball season

No, I didn't mistype. I couldn't care less about FOOTball. They say "time flies when you are having fun." but when you are watching football, 10 seconds of playtime could drag on for nearly an hour! Indeed you read it right: Fatball. Today is the kickoff for my family's weight loss competition. I call my new diet the "EAT MORE" diet & I'm hoping it will help me lose the rest of my pregnancy pounds.

Here's my diet (nothing is forbidden except excess):
-EAT MORE fruits & veggies
-EAT MORE frequently (so I don't overeat from being overly hungry)
-drink MORE water
-EAT MORE slowly when I do have an indulgence so that a little will go a long way

That's it.
But I'm starting to wonder- how badly do I really want to lose the weight? I mean, it's hard to consistently exercise & there are certain perks to having extra pounds. For instance...

Plus you have a distinct advantage in tug of war games and teeter tottering.

Wish me luck anyway!

Cakes

Miss H is now 3! She was thrilled with the Little Einstein's rocket. She also received a bunny quilt. She's in pjs for these pictures because she opened her presents at 7:30 am- who can wait?!

Not that I make fabulous cakes, but I'm always looking for kid cake ideas, so I thought other might also. If you click on the "cake" label at the bottom of this post, it will pull up pictures of:
Dora cake
Bunny cake
Via Rail cake (my son may be the only child on earth who is a fan of the Canadian passenger railway, but I'm adding it anyway)
Diaper cake
Cars donut tires cake
& Fancy Nancy cupcakes

Here are some great cakes from other blogger friends:
Hannah Montana cake (from Becca)
Robot & Skateboard cakes From Lisa- she also has some cute cupcakes & a volcano cake posted the same month
Duck cake (from cousin Sally)
Adorable monkey cake from the friends who gave us the name "Lempskies"
Pirate cake (w/ hilarious story! from my friend Amy)

It's been a somber week. I attended the funeral for a baby. My cousin's daughter (who lives just south of here) delivered preterm & the baby only lived 10 days. Sure made me want to hug my kids 10 times more! Our heart really goes out to them.

1st day of 1st grade

D's favorite things about 1st grade:
-big kid playground
-riding the bus both ways
-eating lunch at school
-hearing he was missed
(notice Miss H even wore her backpack to the busstop the 1st day.)