Playful Rooted

It’s my first time writing under a new domain, so hey hi hello!

A couple recent highlights:

Me: Everybody ready to go?
Sawyer: WAIT Mom! Big Fat’s not ready!!
Me: What?
Sawyer: Big. Fat. Is. Not. Ready.
Me:

……who is Big Fat??
Sawyer, tossing his eyes to the ceiling: DAD is Big Fat, Mom.

Since then, we’ve called Ben “Big Fat” at every opportunity.

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Luca and I have been locked in a battle over whether “funner” is an acceptable word. And I do truly mean battle – I’ve pulled out those parenting nuggets, “no child of mine!” and “not while you’re living in my house!” His argument is that Alexa says it’s a real word – and, okayfine, I recognize that it’s a word used in some circles. It’s also a word we simply do not use. The other “F” word? Fine. “Funner”? OVER MY DEAD BODY. And don’t even get me started on ending a sentence with a preposition. No child of mine, indeed.

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We have a new cat! Her name is Zoey and she is a super precious 8-month-old kitten. Sawyer has been begging for a cat for months and months, and we finally found the perfect fit at a great no-kill shelter where our neighbor volunteers. Zoey has been entertaining us all with cute kitten antics, and she’s already established that she’s the queen of the house and will do what she wants.

She’s equal parts snuggly and feisty, and we love her a lot!

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We made the big leap into potty training Pria exactly one month ago today. I was unsure how it was going to go, as I’ve read that kids who share her physical challenges can really struggle to potty train. Plus, well… her personality is not always the easiest. (I love her sooo much, but guys.) However, she has done amazingly well!

We have done the “boot camp” method with all three of our kids, which involves lots of nudity and staying home for a full week to keep a constant eye on the potty situation. It’s a very boring several days with no outings (which coincided this time with a visit from Ben’s mom, so I fear it was a boring trip for her!), but at the end of it, the kiddo is pretty much good to go. So I consider it VERY worth the investment of one tedious week. I am thrilled with how easy it’s been again this time. Pria has done just as well as both big brothers, and we haven’t had an accident in weeks. And Ben in particular is thrilled to be DONE with daytime diapers. 🙂 Pop the bubbly!

Interestingly, although Pria trained later than the boys, each of my three kids has shown they were ready to potty train exactly 9 months after they started walking. Sawyer at 19 months (walked at 10), Luca at 21 months (walked at 12), and Pria at 30 months (walked at 21)!

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I’ve mentioned this before, but Kansas City has an almost incomprehensibly large homeschooling community. Like, so big. I have met a TON of people in random social situations that, it soon comes out, are also homeschoolers. I, of course, love this and appreciate the fact that there are literally dozens of social and learning opportunities throughout the city every day of every week. My kids are definitely not under-socialized homeschoolers. BUT! The fact that there are so many activities at our disposal can also lead to the trap of overcommitment, and I’m definitely alllll up in that trap. I’ve overcommitted.

I believe that best experiences in life come from saying “yes” to lots of different things, and one of my favorite parts of homeschooling is the flexibility. We can go out and do things in the middle of the day, which is such a privilege. However, I’m also coming to terms with the fact that homeschooling means that we need to actually be home sometimes and, you know, do some schooling. So instead of saying “yes!!” to every activity that sounds fun or beneficial, this next season of life needs to include some “no” responses. This is hard for me, but I’m working on prioritizing which activities we choose so that I can also protect our time, learning, and sanity. It’s a balance. Balance is hard.

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Our library’s Winter Reading Challenge is in full swing (read five books in eight weeks, get a free mug), and I was so jazzed to go pick up my mug last week! Here’s what I read this time:

The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store – I give it an A-; it’s no wonder it received the National Book Award as it is a fantastic book, but the ending got a little tedious. Still highly recommend! I will reread it, and that’s uniquely high praise.

All Good People Here – My rating: C. Maybe that’s being generous. Intriguing premise! INSANELY terrible ending. I still can’t get over it. Would Not Recommend.

This is How it Always Is – I think I’d give it a B. Incredible insight into an issue with which I have no experience; this book really made me think and feel. But the writing style – eesh. A little too proustian; definitely not for me.

The Measure – My rating: A- (It was very predictable, but that didn’t really bother me). Fascinating, scary, infuriating, and relevant. It’s my month to choose our book club book, and this was my pick – I think we’re going to have some really interesting conversations over this one!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – A+ obviously. Is it cheating that I included this one so I could pick up my mug early? I did read every word of this book out loud to Luca this month, and I will finish my next book by the time the challenge ends, so. I’m okay with it.

Currently reading: From Sand and Ash – I’ve only just started this one, but I am loving it already. My dear friend Paige turned me onto this author last year when she recommended What the Wind Knows, and I absolutely devoured that one. From Sand and Ash has started out so beautifully, and I think I might be the next Amy Harmon superfan.

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We have had the craziest weather over the past month or so. Ice and snow one day and then running around at the park in t-shirts and shorts the next. Hey, midwest! I’m trying to enjoy the warmth and not panic about global warming. We’ve done a lot of hiking, park playing, pickle-balling, and grilling outside (aka stuffing our faces with s’mores).

We also did a fun event during which the boys learned how to tap a tree for sap. Luca’s favorite part was the popcorn topped with walnut syrup – so unique and tasty!

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I went to the doctor last week (this is VERY rare for me) for this specific stomach pain that just wouldn’t quit. I was thinking ulcer, hernia, stomach cancer?? Turns out: stress (see above re: packing my calendar with activities) and dehydration. I guess replacing my water intake with coffee hasn’t necessarily been the best choice. It’s one thing to know how to take good care of yourself. It’s another thing to actually do it.

So, dear reader, consider this a gentle nudge to do something today to take good care of yourself. And, take it from me, go drink a glass of water.

xo!