Archive for March, 2011

Well, Hello!

Monday, March 7th, 2011

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Hey there GUL blog readers! I am happy to introduce myself to you as the new Monday Mom. My name is Neetika. I am 30 years old and I live in the New York City area. I have been married to a great guy named Joe for almost three years. We are expecting our first child in the coming weeks.

I have always wanted to be a mom, more than anything else. Growing up, I worked hard in school, college and beyond, thinking carefully about my career ambitions at each step. But I knew that it would all take a back seat as soon as I had a little one. Which is not to say that I have no professional goals. Participating in this blog is a big part of my staying active as a writer, which is one of my passions. The fact that I can write about such an important facet of my life, and share those experiences with all of you, makes this that much sweeter. I hope you will enjoy the process as much as I do.

So, I know that I want to be parent. Just one small detail I need to figure out—how exactly do I do that? I have two concerns regarding childcare. First, there’s the ordeal of taking care of a new baby, as in meeting his or her basic needs. But I have a plan to address that, and let’s just say it involves someone named “Grandma” in a major way.

I also consider it my responsibility to raise a child who is well adjusted, curious, and thoughtful. When my children are in school, I intend to be an involved parent. However, children don’t go straight from the hospital to the classroom, do they? The several years spent at home as an infant and toddler are among the most formative. So how do I make the most of them?

I don’t actually have the answer to that— which is why I am so pleased to be involved with the GrowUpLearning community. Engaging your child in learning activities that are part of your daily routine is not only convenient, it makes sense. How better to teach your child new skills than through real-life applications? This approach makes me feel like even the most tedious tasks I will perform as a busy mom are for a truly greater purpose. It provides the perspective I want and the plan that I need to be the mother my young child deserves. I look forward to sharing those adventures with all of you.

On the Way to School…

Friday, March 4th, 2011

From Friday Mom – Jaime:
I’ve spent a decent amount of time on here writing about memories I have of doing stuff with my dad. Hopefully my mom isn’t feeling left out or that she isn’t getting equal play. Other than my holiday memories with mom, as silly as it may seem, some of my favorite memories were of her driving me to school in the morning.

I hated riding the bus to school in high school. I did it all freshman year. The kids were such jerks. I had idiots who would through Cheese-its at me (yes, this is why I still have issues eating those stupid crackers today). I had a guy who would hit on me just to make me uncomfortable. And there was this one overly made-up, big haired girl who just hated me for absolutely no reason.

Anyway, I dreaded going to school because I hated being on the bus with them. It was only three people, but they still made me miserable.

My sophomore year, my mom started driving me to school. I don’t remember how that started. But what I do remember is that we got to spend that time together.

Those 10 minute rides to school made us much closer. We actually talked, about everything…and nothing. School. Work. Boys. My sister. Sports. College. Life.

I’m not sure that I ever really looked forward to school, but I looked forward to those rides.

I was driving Andrew home from daycare the other day and he was in a MOOD. He didn’t want to leave his classroom, didn’t want to get into the car and kept telling me how he wanted daddy to pick him up, not me. I tried asking him how his day was and I got the look. (Trust me. I saw it in the rear view mirror) “Mommy, why you talkin’ to me?”

So I told him. I loved my rides with Nana to (or from) school. It was a time we could actually talk. I didn’t have to share her with my sister, dad, work or anything else. It was my time with her, where I could tell her whatever I wanted.

Andrew got his thoughtful look on his face, then nodded. “Okay, mommy.” He said finally. “What you want to know?”

We talked the rest of the way home. It was mostly nonsense, with him telling me that he played hopscotch in the dark. (We have yet to figure out where he gets that one. Daycare assures me they do not do any such thing). But hopefully one day he’ll look back on those rides and smile, kind of like I do when I think of all those rides with my mom.

Celebrate Seuss

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Today marks what would have been Dr. Seuss’ 107th birthday.  It’s also National Read Across America Day.  This amazing writer and cartoonist is highly rated in our home as well as many other homes, libraries, and book sellers.  His work was not only innovative, but creatively expressed his own social and political opinions.  Jack’s bookshelf is stocked full of many Dr. Seuss books.  Mysteriously,  the books always seem to disappear under his bed.  I recently learned that after I kiss Jack goodnight, he likes to look at all the pictures even if he can’t read the words yet.

When I picked Jack up from preschool yesterday the first thing out of his mouth was “Mommy, tomorrow is Dr. Seuss’ birthday.”  I asked him if his class was going to celebrate his birthday by reading one of his books.  He replied, “Yes, we are going to read a bunch of books, play games and the best part we are even going to eat green eggs and ham.”  I find this hysterical for two reasons, One because green eggs are funny and Two because Jack can’t stand either eggs or ham.  Hmmm.. maybe I should change the color of peas and green beans to blue?

I am looking forward to hearing how Dr. Seuss’ birthday celebration goes in Jack’s class today.  We will surely read several of his books before bed tonight.  I hope you can read one or two today as well to share in the merriment.  Go on and make your own green eggs and ham for breakfast!