Mixing Business with Pleasure

Luckily, a business trip landed me in State College last week -- less than an hour from my brother's house.  Roo went along for the drive and spent some quality time with two of her favorite people in the world -- Bracken and Brantly!  Aunt Carly took the opportunity to give Roo her first pig tails.  It was a great trip -- albeit exhausting in the middle of an already chaotic and germ-ridden week.

I know it takes a village to raise a child.  I just wish my village were a little closer...

Roo's Barnyard Birthday Bash

Thanks for building Tabo, Pa!  This mighty rocking horse has brought plenty of joy to two generations of "Ackincloses" and their friends!  And... it looks like you're still having fun too!!!  xoxox

Reading My Tractor Book

Diners, Drive-ins and Dog Bowls

Rylee has decided to give up on silverware and start eating like her brothers.  Who knew it would be sooooo much fun to lick mac 'n' cheese from the bottom of a bowl?!?!  I hope the other kids at school don't think she's toooooo odd!  Oh... who cares if they do -- she's adorable!!!!

Helping Mommy Help Others

A little angel came by to help me ring bells for the Salvation Army on a very chilly (23 degree) morning!  I was really glad that Chris brought her by to help me (and contribute a little something to the kettle I was manning that chilly winter morn!) 

I think it's important that Rylee see her parents actively participate in making our community, and our world, a better place to live -- to be civic-minded -- to spread goodwill.  I want to raise her to have an open mind and and a giving heart.  I want Rylee to understand that she's very fortunate to be wearing a warm coat and hat -- to have a (very nice) roof over her head, and food on our table.  Her Mommy and Daddy work hard, but we've gotten help.  We didn't get where we are alone, and we're grateful for the support we've received.  We are extremely fortunate.  We have a responsibility to help others -- to pay it forward.

"Moe-Moe!"

Rylee is getting to be such a good helper.  Here's a short vid of Roo calling "Moe-Moe" (Marley) in from the cold.  It's her FAVORITE after-school activity!  As you can clearly see, patience is not a virtue for this little toddler rocket.  Made worse by the fact that Marley is an old man with degenerative arthritis...

Enjoy!

Santa's Nice List

Since Ho Ho's arrival is right around the corner, RooGirl is making a last ditch effort to get off the naughty list and be nice to her friends at school. Santa's elves reported that she even helped her teacher clean up toys this morning -- the only student in class to do so :-)

Here's hoping she can refrain from biting any of her classmates, teachers or parents this week...

Mommy Rant

This post is for all those Mommies out there who are still under the illusion that their child is perfect.  Time to wake up.  He/she is not perfect.  He/she will make mistakes.  It is human nature to have flaws. 

For anybody who hasn't heard my cries for help... "Hi.  My name is Carry, and I'm raising a biter.  It's been 12 hours since her last bite."  My imperfect (but lovable!) daughter bit her cousin last weekend, her friend at school yesterday, and made Mommy her snack at tumbling class last night.  These are just three in a long line of victims -- sometimes innocent, and sometimes not so innocent, people who have fallen victim to Rylee's anger or frustration.

Rylee is a late talker who gets frustrated with her inability to express herself, and we're working with her to learn new ways of communicating her frustrations.  But I don't need to explain myself to you, and that's the point.  I'm tired of being judged by other mothers.  I'm tired of the looks, and I'm tired of the nasty commentary. 

Last night, after being bitten for the umpteenth time, I started some Internet research to see if anyone had come up with a winning strategy -- other than, "It's normal toddler behavior -- a phase that she will grow out of naturally."  Well, instead of a winning strategy, I stumbled upon a reputable parenting website with blog posts from angry parents who believe that "these children" (biters) should be expelled from daycare.  Other parents went on about the "bad parents" raising "biters."  Obviously, I'm more than a little ticked off. 

If "these bloggers" think that Rylee's behavior is in any way premeditated or that her father and I are supporting her behavior then they are mistaken.  I'd love to have them walk a mile in our shoes.  I think it would be a learning experience for them -- an opportunity for growth.  What would these perfect parents do differently?  We use "time out," we read "Teeth are not for Biting" on a nightly basis, we tell her "biting hurts" and suggest alternative ways to express her frustration.

My daughter is not perfect.  I am not a perfect parent.  She makes mistakes.  I make mistakes.  It's human nature to be flawed, but I love my daughter immensely and she loves me immensely.  We'll both wake up tomorrow and learn something new, and quite possibly, how to express anger and frustration in a constructive manner!

Gobble! Gobble!

Rylee's school had Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday.  The children made Native American head dresses to wear during their meal, but Rylee only kept hers on for about 2 seconds.  She was a big fan of the mashed potatoes... and clearly... doesn't like to be interrupted by the paparazzi!

Halloween, Gerber Style

Yesterday was a GREAT day.  There were sooo many special moments -- like when Chris carved the greatest Jack O Lantern of all time (pic below).  It turned out great... just like the Jack O Lantern from Halloween the movie! BTW:  Rylee named the Jack O Lantern, "Shoes."  We put a scented candle in "shoes" and got a lot of great comments from our trick or treaters (300 or so!)

Another favorite moment from the day was when we were watching Sports Center in the morning.  Iowa was running a play on the highlight reel.  When they scored, Rylee yelled "Yay!"  I didn't bother explaining to her why she was cheering for the wrong team... black and gold is black and gold to a 21 month old!

Rylee didn't trick or treat.  Instead, she passed out candy to the kids and yelled, "Bye Guys!" and waved as they moved on to the next house.  Priceless.  One of her favorite costumes was a tiger.  As the tiger approached the house, Rylee said, "Moo!"  I corrected her by saying, "Oh no, Rylee, that's a tiger."  Rylee said, "Moo!"  Looks like we need another trip to the zoo!