Diapers....Round 4!

As we prepare for the newest baby here, we had to return to the world of diapers. This time around we are going green and doing cloth diapers. Interestingly, it never presented itself as choice before (although, of course, it always was).

Why we are doing it....
1) Expense--up front, it is more expensive to set up your diapering system than stocking for a month of disposables however in the long run (2-3 years of diapers), it is way, way, way cheaper. No comparison.

2) Environment--it is clearly better for the environment to use reusable items than sending things to fill up landfills. Although it will add a laundry load or two to our week, it will not add anything to our garbage load (which we like to keep light---recycling and composting keep us to a bag or two per week).

This is a very big trend and lots of families are choosing to use cloth diapers, at least in some degree. So the products available are abundant.

If you are considering cloth diapers, you do need to educate yourself a bit. There are a few ways to do this.

*Ask around (I put a question to my friends on facebook and asked people who I know do it)
*You Tube (there are tons of videos on how to...)
*The Interweb (again lots of sources, Cotton Babies is a good start)
*Your local green store. Ours, B.Lime Baby, offers classes, rentals, products, etc.

So, I'm sure you will hear from us on how this new adventure goes.

WW Update: the Financial Times

So, we knew that 2011 would be an exciting year for us. A new baby! Our oldest will be entering high school! I have expanded my fitness career with personal training! The 7yo is reading and learning to tie his shoes! The 5yo just might sleep in his own bed one day this year! My husband tested through college algebra and straight into statistics (this was our miracle moment!)!

We also knew that since I will be on maternity leave for a bit, that money would be a bit tight until school starts again in the fall. But we have planned for it and we are no strangers to frugal living.

Enter further complications.....significant cut-backs with my husband's job and changes in health insurance (e.g. increased costs for us) and proposed Illinois tax increases...just put me in a bit of a panic this week.

You just can't plan for such things. However, we are happy to have jobs and health care, healthy and happy kids, friends and family, and a house to live in (which we will be living in for at least another year or two...the baby can sleep in the dining room, right?). And we have done this before when my husband went back to school a few years ago. We can live on a smaller income, pull our resources, and use some assistance (whatever the state doesn't end up cutting later this month).

We can do it, it just sucks that we have to.

I must have blacked out during Black Swan

Black Swan (R, 108mins)

I think of myself as a pretty intelligent and somewhat 'cultured' person, but I missed something important in this film.

This very dark, psychological thriller starring Natalie Portman seems to follow the story of a ballerina as she prepares for her big principle role as the Swan Queen in Swan Lake for a major ballet company (aka ABT or the like). This I am sure of. What I am so confident is the rest of the movie...what is really happening and not happening, why or why not, and who really exists.

The reviews are overall very positive for this film so I was very optimistic about seeing it (and it has lots of Oscar buzz). I kept waiting for a big twist, a big shock...even holding off a bathroom run as long as possible....nothing came (well, I did make it to the bathroom). I left the theater confused, unsatisfied, and disappointed.

I then tried to read about it as much as I could so I didn't feel so stupid. But it isn't that I missed something, the something really isn't there. The film intentionally presents an open case for the viewer to unravel on her own but too much so, in my opinion. I won't reveal much here since the film wants you to do it on your own. But I would recommend brushing up on your Swan Lake storylines (even stated briefly in the film, I didn't make the connections on my own).

As for the rest of the film, I found Portman's performance, like her character, on one note. All of the characters and their actors are much of the same, very one dimensional and archetypal. The production design is nothing special either.

So, I wouldn't really recommend this film, definitely not spending a night at the theater with it. But it will be nominated for Academy Awards, so if you like to see those films..... I would wait for the free library DVD (with commentary to help explain the film).

Devote 94 mins to 127 Hours

127 Hours (R, 94mins)

This movie is based on the true story of Aron Ralston (and his book Between a Rock and a Hard Place) and his amazing experience being trapped in a canyon for 127 hours.

The story itself is captivating. Aron is an extraordinary explorer with skills and sanity that just blows you away. James Franco, who portrays Aron, is fantastic in this film...he better be, he IS the film. He is engaging and just captivates the audience.

Danny Boyle directs this challenging story with a nice balance of comedy, drama, and emotion. By using flashbacks and fantasy, he breaks up the tragedy of this experience. It was surprisingly moving (lots of weeping at the end, and not just for the hormonal pregnant woman). The music, by ARR Rahman (a Boyle favorite) is fantastic yet again (please check out his music, its amazing). The scenery is breathtaking.

Overall, I recommend this film on the big screen. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the film. There are some graphic moments that might not be appropriate for kids under 13.

December! Always so busy!

In being a mom for so long, I have finally decided that December is just one of the busiest months of the year (holiday concerts, parades, extra shopping and baking, parties, class parties, work events, and Christmas, of course!)...so I might as well prepare for it and try to reduce the stress of the month. This is where I probably drive my husband and co-workers nuts with planning so far in advance, but I think it pays off.

Not that we didn't have our extra challenges this year....a big fall on the ice for me, at least one case of strep, putting in new flooring in the kitchen, horrible weather, and being very pregnant....

What I did this year.....
I did most of the Christmas shopping in end of November and first week of December. This year I did a lot of online shopping. I watched the ads and came in with a great budget. However, I have to remember where everything is hidden before the 23rd when we leave for the family visits.

I did most of my preschool gifty/end-of-semester work the first two weeks of the month so I could enjoy the students (and my family) this last week.

I stopped to enjoy the kids, hubby, and take some time to myself. Sleep, read a trashy novel, breathe.

We are trying to get up North a bit earlier so we don't have to run to more than 2 places per day.

Can I say crockpot! Thank you crockpot for feeding us this month.

I baked cookies/candies for the school cookie grab early and froze them.

Thank you for the Snow Day for some extra time to get everything done!

Fitness Friday!!!

Let's talk shoes and clothes.

There are lots of new toning shoes on the market. And now Reebok has a line of toning clothing.


I will start by saying that I have not actually purchased either of these products, however, I still find them ridiculous.

Let's start with the shoes. I actually think that walking in these shoes may help tone and sculpt your lower body and core. But simply having them on your feet, will do nothing. Your butt will not look like the girls in the commercials. You have to walk or run in them, and in significant amounts. Such amounts of activity might help you loose weight and tone muscle regardless of your shoes. If you don't already walk for fitness, I would recommend purchasing a good walking shoe first. If you enjoy walking and would like to make it a regular part of your fitness routine, you might consider these type of shoes. However, at $100 per pair, I would recommend a set of squats and heel raises at the end of your walk instead for free.

Now, the clothing. Just as the shoes, the clothing itself will not help you loose weight or tone your muscles. Regular cardio and strength exercises combined with a reasonable diet are the only ways to truly achieve this goal. (Remember, you should aim to exercise for 30mins at least 3-5 times per week) Simply wearing tight clothing all day, will do nothing. Again, I haven't tried this product personally. As with the shoes, if you are already in good shape, these might help you continue to progress in your fitness goals. Price-wise is it comparable to other specialty fitness appeal ($55-80 per item).

There is no easy fix to getting in shape. You have to put in the work, time, and effort. Instead of purchasing specialty clothing, invest in a gym membership (great deals are around in December and January), a great pair of cross-training shoes and sports bra, and even a couple sessions with a personal trainer.

For affordable fitness apparel, I like Target and Kohls. I do have a several things from Fit Couture, that I LOVE as well.

Good Thing He's So Cute

So our 5yo is pretty cute. Everyone seems to just love him. Let me tell you a secret about our little Prince Charming...its all an act. He knows he can flash his smile and head in for a cuddle and all is forgiven. He is a master of distracting your accusations with adorable dancing or joke telling. Too bad this magic doesn't really work on me or his siblings.

Just this weekend, the boy snuck and ate 4 doughnuts in a day, half a box of candy, and emptied a brand new bottle of his sister's face wash. Last week, I witnessed him come down late at night (I was on the couch), and eat something out of the kitchen and then go back upstairs. The TV cabinet has been mysteriously broken as well.

He does know that if he lies convincingly, he will get off the hook. If he says he didn't do it, what can I do? And he is pretty a good liar. Only when we have proof, can we convince him to give it up.

So beware of this little one...he's good, almost too good.

Harry Potter...at last (kind of)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I (PG-13, 146min)

Well, HP fans, the final installment of the Harry Potter film series has begun (ending with Part 2 in July 2011). This first part is really that...simply the first part of a 5hr film.

I have read the books and seen all the previous films, so I am very familiar with the world and history of Harry Potter. Although I decided not to re-read the book again before the film, it is very helpful viewing this film with some knowledge of the story (either seeing the previous movies or reading the book). They have a lot to cram in and cram they do into every word of dialogue, background scenery, character, etc. (this is true of the 6th film as well...so look for lots of 'clues' in the Half-Blood Prince).

Over the past ten years, our trio (Harry, Hermoine, Ron) have grown up quite a bit, not only in character but the actors themselves. Which is good since the story demands a lot more precise acting and depth, which is delivered effectively. Additionally, the film is probably 2/3 just them. Which is a bit a shame since the book is so rich in supportive characters but the story is not lost in these omissions. Of course, book readers will find their favorite characters or scenes cut out (such as no Charlie Weasley in the series). These omissions are necessary to make watchable movies but I feel they lessen some of the emotional impact.

As a film, this is the most 'adult' of the series. Watching the first film again....it is a children's movie. This is a film for adults. Not only in content but cinematography (lots of silent, beautiful scenery). There is also more violence...prepare for major character demise.

I can't say that I am disappointed in the film but I want so much more. I felt genuine excitement when seeing the trailers but didn't feel that rush in the film itself. This film is slow and full of story opposed to action. And I felt it kind of just stops (like they said, ok that's been 2 1/2 hrs, stop it!). I felt similarly when I saw the Lord of the Rings films. The film in no way stands on its own (you must have background knowledge and the patience to wait for the conclusion). However, this is ok since the film will continue in several months.

I, of course, recommend it for anyone interested in Harry Potter. I would also recommend seeing it at least once on the big screen...the camera work and locations are too gorgeous to miss. As it is a more mature film, the PG-13 rating is completely appropriate (my kids aren't allowed to see any of the films in their entirety until they have read the books first).

Catfish

So, we ran over to the Art Theater (ok, we actually drove) to see the documentary Catfish on Monday.

Catfish (PG-13, 87min)
I'd love to tell you about it but I can't really say too much. Part of the excitement of the film is not knowing everything about it before you experience it.

I can say that it is interesting and makes you think, just as the Social Network, about using the internet. And the film maker and main subject, Nev, is adorable and easy to watch for 87mins.

I would recommend you seeing it as it will most likely be nominated for the Oscars however I don't know that you need to spend $7-10 on it. It would be a great DVD rental.

It will run for another week at the Art in Champaign.

A new family favorite

A new favorite lunch and dinner place for our family is Urbana's Black Dog Smoke and Ale House on Broadway. They've been open for just under a year and are doing fantastically. Find them on facebook here. They are open everyday starting at 11am.

It is a pub so they have all the usual alcohol, etc. But we don't go there to hang out and drink. We go there to eat...and eat well. This is real smoked, delicious pit barbeque (and although you can taste the smoke it is subtle and you won't smell like it when you leave...so a great lunch spot).

They have the usual pork and brisket but also chicken, sausage, and some fish (portabellos and great grilled cheese for vegetarians). The best is, they offer burnt ends (which are the ends of the brisket, re-seasoned and re-smoked). These come in small quantities and go FAST. (tip: try to get there between 11am-12pm or 5-6pm for the best spot at these morsels). They offer sandwiches as well as platters and daily specials. They have some appetizers if you just want something to go with your beer (which, I've been told they have a great selection). Their sides are equally fantastic to their meats...the slaw (which comes on the sandwiches) is perfect and the twice baked potato casserole is perfect on a fall day. My family is also partial to the sweet potato fries. I love the lemonade (real lemonade!). They offer a variety of sauces to appeal to everyone.

It is very reasonably priced (my husband can get lunch with drinks for about $16, our family got out for about $30 (the boys shared a sandwich)). The service is very friendly. It can get busy during lunch hour but if go other times, it is a very relaxed atmosphere (they have a couple big screens to watch sports, etc.). I will mention the bathrooms are tiny (a challenge for the pregnant mom and a child to share).

Honestly, once we find a place that everyone in the family, especially our picky-7yo, likes, we go there a lot. So get yourself there!

Fitness Friday

Here is what my mom did as a child to keep fit! How about you?

R&R

So, like anytime this beast is seen or even heard in my life, I contracted a delightful stomach virus this week. And why does it always hit me in the middle of the night? Maybe so I don't have to actually look at anything....just keep the lights out and flush it all away. And no kids knocking on the doors. Anyways. It really wiped me out for awhile so I decided, being pregnant and all (yea, that was an added bonus...nothing like a gurgling stomach with a very active being dancing on top of it), that I would actually take some time to rest, rehydrate, and recuperate.

The problem with this plan was (1) there was nothing reasonable on tv this weekend and I had just finished my latest book, and (2) it is really hard for me to just sit around. But, I did it and I think my body is thankful for it. I focused on sleeping, resting, drinking, and eating all weekend. What a concept? There are other days where I forget to do at least one of those things!

So, as my mom would say (and did), your body just really needed some time off. So, I listened. (next time Body, feel free to send me an email instead).

Its Alright to Cry

After years of parenting and teaching, I've come to a conclusion...it is alright to cry. And, more importantly, it is alright to allow children to cry.

If you simply take a snapshot into my house or classroom, you might see a child crying alone. And I think that is ok....yes, I said it, its ok to leave a child alone when he is crying. This might seem like I am insensitive or unsympathetic but it is actually quite the opposite. I always consider the entire context of the situation and WHY the child is crying. Then I provide the level of interaction the child wants and needs. As an adult, I sometimes want to just sit alone and let it all out...sometimes I want my husband to hold me...sometimes I want to talk about it as the tears run down my face. Children are the same way.

For example, today one of my students was really mad at me for taking her take gum out of her mouth. She cried to express this. After an initial attempt to soothe her, it was clear she didn't want to have anything to do with me and just needed a moment to get her anger out and move on (which she did). My 7yo often gets very frustrated with life and just breaks down and sits and cries. He doesn't want to be cuddled or even really noticed...but just cry and express how terrible his life is. Then he is done and moves on. I also often encounter children who cry when they want something instead of using language to ask for help. There are times when I will go ahead and take care of whatever they need and times when I will wait patiently for them to use words I know they have to ask for what they need.

I try to assess the situation and provide whatever the child might need. If they need to cuddle in my lap, great. If they need to lay on the floor and let the tears flow, fine. I am there to provide whatever they want. I also try to give children the language and coping skills to cope with their emotions and know how and when to ask help.


Its Alright to Cry sung by Rosey Grier in Free To Be You and Me

Fitness Friday: The Power of Walking

Walking is one of the best exercises you can find. Obviously, it is a highly functional exercise (we all walk every day!). It is also low-impact and beginner-friendly....one foot in front of the other--repeat.

I also find it very relaxing. A walk after dinner or in the afternoon while the kids are still at school...delightful. Today at school, we took a walk with the kids to calm them down a little after snack. Just breathe in and out and look around you (or listen to your favorite music). It is an easy way to get in an extra 20-30mins of exercise into your week (you should aim to do something active EVERYDAY!!).

My favorite places in CU to walk are into downtown Champaign (Pakara is waiting for me in the middle!) or Meadowbrook Park in Urbana.

Where is your favorite place to wonder?

This weekend you can walk for a good cause at the annual CU Buddy Walk. This is a free event (donations for the CU Down Syndrome Network are happily accepted) for the whole family to raise awareness and inclusion of children with Down Syndrome. Walk with a team or alone and then stay for family-fun. See here for more details.

Is there a doctor in the house?

When we first moved to CU, we asked around to the few people we knew and happen to hook up with an amazing pediatrician, Dr. Hill at Carle. We just loved him. He really cares for the family as a whole and respects our parenting choices. We were so happy to have him at the birth of our 5yo. Then sadly, when my husband changed jobs, we had to find a new doctor that was covered under our insurance. After a couple tries, we found Dr. Gilpin at Christie. We LOVE her! She is so cool. She interacts with the kids so amazingly and seems to really know our family, again as a whole. Both these doctors valued the idea that a child does not exist in isolation but within a family and community (an idea I hold very dear).

But sadly, Dr. Gilpin is moving. I think I almost cried when I got the letter telling us. And on our last visit, we all had a nice, long hug.

So, now we are forced to find another magical connection with a doctor in town. We have couple in mind but....if you have a favorite pediatrician in CU, let us know.

Celebrity Diets---Don't do it!

Here is an article from today's msnbc.

Basically, you really should only follow nutrition advice from a licensed nutritionist (or your dr, at the very least).

Eat, drink, dance, and be happy.

Fitness Friday: Pregnant Lady Edition

So, I am 20 weeks pregnant and the questions are getting more frequent....when are you going to stop exercising?

With my last baby, I remember heading to the gym the night before my scheduled c-section. And I plan to do the same with this one. I will stop teaching classes after the holidays but I will continue to get in the gym. I had to laugh this week as one of my fitness students said she came into class that day since she thought I would be taking it easy....she was wrong. I am also serving as an inspiration to everyone...'if the pregnant lady can do this, so can I!'

Exercise during pregnancy is very important. Besides being in good muscular and cardiovascular shape is important in everyone's life.....your body is being put through a lot and you need to keep it strong! Not to mention, if you have to labor and deliver vaginally, you will need some strength. If you are having a c-section, you will recover more quickly.

Surprisingly, core strength is really important during pregnancy. Just as your 'core' seems to disappear, right?! Keeping a strong core will help with supporting that belly and relieve some lower back stress. It will also help get back into shape after the baby. Check out some prenatal pilates.

The basic recommendations (see ACSM here) encourage pregnant women to exercise regularly. And basically, if you exercised before becoming pregnant, you can continue whatever you were doing (so yes, I still do some kickboxing). If you didn't, its a good time to start but not maybe the best time to start any extreme sports. A basic cardio program 3 or so times a week such as walking, cycling, step class, or dance as well as some strength such as light weight work or resistance bands and flexibility training such as yoga are good choices. As your pregnancy progresses, you may have to reduce the intensity or modify some exercises.

Always ask your dr or midwife what is safe for you. Stop exercising if you have any cramping, spotting, shortness of breath, or dizziness. If you are taking fitness classes, please tell the instructor (they will be able to give you modifications). Most communities offer specific prenatal fitness programs (check your local hospital) and the library has lots of DVD's and books.

Fitness Friday

My kids have their annual Walkathon fundraiser next week at school. Last Friday, we had a kick off assembly complete with a magician and the local high school cheerleading squad. I ended the assembly talking to them about fitness and how to put into their daily lives. I was a bit shocked to hear how many of them liked push ups! I lead them in a five-minute hip hop routine and yoga stretch.

I did some hip hop since, like most dance, is based on walking. It is also pretty easy for kids (and adults). It was really fun. But now I am 'the hip hop mom'. Here's a secret...I am a white girl from the suburbs of Chicago that can apparently fake enough dance to make people think I am a real dancer (there were rumors around my husband's work that we were professional ballroom dancers!). I have been booked for future engagements.

But what was even better was when I went to school to help our first grader celebrate his birthday. I was greeted with "Hey, I exercised today! I did some push ups!" "I did some dancing last night with my mom." "I have been doing lots of walking!" What? They listened to me? They did what I told them was right? My five minutes of fun fitness translated into a week of wellness? It felt nice to push fitness into their lives and have them so excited about it, that they want to share it with me.

I go back next week, so we'll see what they have done and what stories they have to share.

Trust in them

I think a key component to my parenting (and teaching) is trust. I trust children.

I trust children to find what they need to grow and learn.
(I can provide them materials and experiences they ask for--and some healthy food).

I trust children to explore and experiment to make sense of the world around them.
(I can provide them a safe and rich environment).

I trust children to take calculated risks and learn from the outcomes.
(I can provide support and encouragement without judgement--and band aids).

I trust children to seek comfort when they are sad or angry.
(I can provide a lap to cuddle in).

I trust children to express their feelings loud and clear.
(I can provide them with space and language to let it out).

I trust children need to be children.
(I can provide them love and understanding for who they are without prejudice).

School is in full swing!

"Mom, what day is it?" Its Thursday. "Oh....I don't go to school on Thursdays."--the kindergartener says the second week of school.

By now, everyone in our house is in school (even Dad...online psych class!). My kids always need some adjustment time. After doing this for several years, I think I have figured out most of the tricks of the trade on getting them adjusted.

Although they have all asked, I don't grant sick or personal days the first month of school (this year is the exception as my daughter was actually sick one day). They go, everyday, all day as much as possible.

Expect tantrums, naps, and ravenous hunger after school. They are exhausted when they get home, rightfully so. Our basic strategy is snack immediately and chill out time of their choosing (usually some TV). Maybe even some cuddling. I don't even ask too much about their day (we wait until diner)...just veg time.

Bedtime! Early bedtime! After dinner we might do something...play outside, walk, game, or a quick TV show (if nothing was watched earlier). But then it is bedtime. If they haven't dropped before dinner, by 730pm, the younger ones are drifting off. Don't want to sleep that early, read as much as you want in your bed (this usually amounts to 5-10mins).

As I am very busy as well the first few weeks of school, I try hard to plan dinners ahead so we can eat together and eat well. And have some good breakfast choices on hand for the mornings.

Its take some time but it will fall into rhythm.