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  • Interview with a … school principal

    Interview with a … school principal

    Ella in hospital

    IT FEELS like only yesterday my mind was firmly on whether my body was going to turn inside out. Ah, the joys of childbirth. Now, here I am lamenting my li’l princess heading off to “big girl school’’ (aka pre-kindy) later this year. Where did my baby girl go?

    Don’t worry, this isn’t a lecture on what age your child should be when they start school. My theory is, start them when they’re ready. And Princess Ella is well and truly ready (she’s four in November, just for the record). I’ve even started the ABC Reading Eggs with her, because she WANTS to learn.

    Each time we pass the school with the pretty windows, Ella shouts out “that’s going to be my big girl school, isn’t it mum?’’. Each time, I shed a tear. I’m not upset about her not being at home. Give me Oprah over those annoying Small Potatoes any day. Someone, please, bake those buggers. She’s been in child care two days a week since she was one. So I don’t have that same anxiety other parents face in seeing their child walk out the door. It’s more the fact that we’ve reached yet another mark in her fast-moving life.

     

    There is some anxiety though. You see, we have to be… interviewed. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been on the receiving end of an interview? The Bloke in The Shed, having just been through a pretty rigorous interview to become Editor, doesn’t have the same fears. So I’ll be stapling my lips together to limit the amount of times I can stuff up her chances of a private education for her. That’s if we get an interview.
    And we’re not private school snobs. We both went to public school and turned out half OK. Except for a few emotional scars from stealing everyone’s erasers from their desk tubs in Grade 6. As if no one was going to notice. What was I thinking? We’re also not Catholic, which could be a slight issue considering it’s a Catholic school. The Pope’s Catholic, right? Hmm, may need to hit the books (and by books, I mean the bible).

    We’ve opted private simply because the school has a good reputation and… we can. Although it may mean bread and dripping for dinner for the next 18 years. And really, if I fail the interview because I just can’t keep my mouth shut, it’s not going to be the end of the world. Although, Ella does have her heart set on playing on that red and blue swing set.

    How are you feeling (or did you feel) about your child starting school?

  • Revisiting the book that stopped me crying

    Revisiting the book that stopped me crying

    WONDER Week 37 has come complete with the return of The Diva. The fussy, crying, clingy, sleep-challenged full-on Baby Holly. Yes, move over Diana Ross.

    As explained in my last post, The Wonder Weeks is a book by Hetty Vanderijt and Frans Plooij which has uncovered the eight “fussy’’ phases in the first 14 months of bub’s life and shows you how to turn them into magical leaps forward.

    The problem is I thought the bittersweet Wonder Week 37 had been and gone. Sure, there was the li’l cold and the emergence of the rabbit teeth, but the little bit of cranky during that period was surely the developmental leap. It seems not. On the weekend, we hit week 39 and Baby Holly’s delayed reaction to Wonder Week 37. Kind of like Charlie Sheen’s delayed reaction to now being a nobody. And this Wonder Week’s a doozie. Again, just like Sheen.

    This sixth developmental stage – and by stage I mean mega Opera House-sized stage considering the drama that’s ensued – is called The World of Categories. Baby Holly is:

    • Learning about things belonging together. The example given is “a banana looks, feels, and tastes different than spinach, but they are both foods’’.
    • Her language skills are also continuing to develop, picking up “Ella’’ but still not “mum’’. Hmm. Through her speech development, she’s also beginning to understand a lot more of what I say to her (except for “please, please, say mum just once’’).
    • She’s understanding names and objects, so when I ask her where something is (like Ella), she looks for her.
    • Is mimicking what I do. After patting her on the back the other day when she was coughing, she started patting my shoulder in response. She then laughed when I started coughing.
    • She’s trying to master the art of crawling. She gets up on all fours, does a bit of a rock, tries to get her limbs to move forward and then nosedives. Cue: crying. Thanks to the WW there’s a lot of this happening, especially when it comes to settling of a night.

    Here’s what we’re doing to help her development during Wonder Week 37:

    • Giving her blocks in different sizes to play with
    • Reading her touch and feel books and material books
    • Helping her stack the rings on the pole
    • Playing in and next to her tunnel toy. This helps her learn about space.
    • Sitting in front of the mirror and talking together

    Afterwards, babies are expected to have a greater awareness of their surroundings and can often be more independent.

    I’ve already posted about Week 26, provided a copy of the Wonder Week chart, reviewed the book and had author Frans Plooij guest post. There’s more about the new expanded version of the book on the official Wonder Week site. But to learn more about the Wonder Weeks themselves, buy the book (affiliate link).

    How do you cope with your children’s fussy periods?

  • WIN: The Little Engine That Could Review and Giveaway

    WIN: The Little Engine That Could Review and Giveaway

    THE Little Engine That Could was one of those beautiful stories I grew up with and includes a message I continue to live by – I think I can, I think I can. In most cases, this motto has proven right. Especially during child birth!
    If you remember the book, or read it to your child now (note: must get the book for Ella), then you’ll be filled with fond memories. With the help of some talented voice actors in Whoopi Goldberg, Jamie Lee Curtis and Corbin Bleu (you know, the kid from High School Musical) along with the minds behind The Lion King and Aladdin, they’ve made those pictures in my head into the most bright and colourful (and I mean colourful) animation.
    If you have no idea what I’m talking about, the Little Engine is a girl shunter train. A major bonus in our household. She leaves Dreamland to head over the mountain to the real world, all the while encountering many obstacles. She learns to put her fears aside and when the journey seems impossible, she remembers the words: “If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you can’t. Either way, you’re right.’’
    You’re probably wondering how they fill out a whole feature-length movie. Well, that’s the bit that didn’t go down so well with 3.5-year-old Ella. You see, there’s the introduction of an evil “Nightmare’’ engine, who was just a little too scary for this li’l princess.
    This part, unfortunately, we had to fast forward, so I can’t really tell you much more than that. However, children a year or two older with a love of trains would relish this tale. And, aside from this one moment, it really is a fun movie, with a classic storyline, sweet characters, one powerful and positive message and a rather cool pop soundtrack.
    It’s released by Universal Studios. Running time: 1 hour 22 minutes. Rated: G
    Here, take a look:
    Want to watch more than just the trailer?
    To go in the draw to win one of three copies of The Little Engine That Could on DVD, leave a comment telling us your favourite book from your childhood (or your child’s fave if you can’t remember!). The giveaway closes Friday, July 10 at 7pm and a winner will be drawn randomly and announced on this blog and via Facebook and Twitter. Australian residents only. Limit of three entries.
    Want extra entries? Then here’s how you can up your chances in the draw. Each task is worth one extra entry, but must be included as a separate comment (or it won’t count).
    1. Click the Facebook button below and share this giveaway with your Facebook friends. Then leave a separate comment saying something along the lines of “I’ve shared this on Facebook’’.
    2. Click the Twitter button below and share this giveaway with your Twitter followers (Twitter handle is @ThreeLil). Then leave a separate comment saying something along the lines of “I’ve shared this on Twitter’’.
    **DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of The Little Engine That Could on DVD for review. All opinions expressed are purely my own.
    Aussie Giveaway Linky
    Hosted by Three Lil Princesses and Tina Gray {dot} Me
    AND THE WINNERS ARE:
    Cate, who said: “I shared this on Facebook”
    Sarah Asome, who said: “Flat Stanley. Just the best book. The twits almost got the win tho.”
    Jasmine, who said: “Who Sank The Boat?”
  • WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup + How to write a good product review

    WIN: Aussie Giveaway Linkup + How to write a good product review

    Ella and Holly eyeing off a pair of shoes I got to review.

    IT’S Aussie Giveaway Linkup time already. I know. Where did the week go? This week I thought I’d share five tips for a good product review.

    • Write a balanced review. Remember, most reviews will include some degree of constructive criticism. Very few things in this world are perfect, so there is always room for improvement. It not only increases the believability of your review, but it also builds credibility for you as a reviewer.
    • Provide a thorough description of the product – size, price, features, targeted audience, colour range, stockists etc.
    • Be personable. People want to hear what you think and how it was applied to your life. They don’t want to read what was in the press release. They also want to hear “your voice’’, so don’t change your usual writing style.
    • Use a photo to illustrate the product. People like to see what they’re getting and especially if the photos is of you (or your kids) using it.
    • Disclose what you received for doing the review – product, money, airfares to BlogHer (OK, that was someone else, not me!).

    If you’re a blogger or business owner with a giveaway you want to link up, please read the below. For readers, simply start clicking the links and enter. I’ve got my lucky hat on this week. Fingers crossed…

    If you’re a blogger wanting to take part in the Aussie Giveaway Linkup:

    1. Only link directly to the giveaway post/s and include the prize and end date in the linky tool below. Link each giveaway separately.
    2. Giveaways must be open to Australian residents.
    3. Grab the button to add to your post.
    4. A new list is added each Sunday so bloggers need to add their links weekly.
    5. Start entering the giveaways!

    This linkup is a combined project with the wonderful Tina Gray, so don’t forget to pop on over and say hi. You can link up your giveaway on either of our sites – it all goes into the one linky.



    Aussie Giveaway Linky
    Hosted by Three Lil Princesses and Tina Gray {dot} Me



  • FEATURE: I’m grateful for chocolate (who isn’t!)

    FEATURE: I’m grateful for chocolate (who isn’t!)

    This week I’m grateful for:

    • Nanny O’Brien giving Princess Ella a chocolate Easter Bunny (only nans could still have Easter chocolate left). Although, I must admit I held grave fears for the life of that bunny while Ella was at child care earlier this week.
    • To TLP readers not laughing too hard over “that photo’’. Although, I really think some of you were being rather too kind in
      your comments!
    • Little girls who make me laugh when I’m unwell (dreaded cold). As Ella went to bed last night she announced to all that her bedroom door would need to be shut because: “I’m going to be snoring very loudly. I don’t want to wake anyone’’. Ah, right.

    I’m joining with Maxabella Loves to share what I’m grateful for.

  • FEATURE: A bear with a sore head ready for bed

    FEATURE: A bear with a sore head ready for bed

    IT’S 8.22pm, my nose is red and running, my head is pounding, I have sneezed eight times in a row and bed is beckoning. I know that, for certain. However, I also know I’m addicted to blogging and just can’t help but write SOMETHING. So, here are some other things I know.

    • I know mothers don’t get sick leave. Why didn’t someone tell me this earlier? I may have applied for a different job.
    • I know there may be a few crocodile tears this morning when three-year-old Ella realises she won’t be able to go to dancing because mum needs to be close to a large supply of tissues.
    • I know she will then turn around an hour later and say: “it’s OK Mum, I’ll look after you’’ (ever the helper).
    • I know being a milk tanker to my girls has been one of the great joys of motherhood, because it’s allowed me to bond with them in a whole different way to which their dad does.
    • I know being a milk tanker to my girls has been one of the great pains in the bottom when you’re sick and pining for drugs to ease your pain. Aarrggghhh!
    • I know Baby Holly is likely to wake in about two hours, because she’s also sick and will want comfort (ie. a boobie juice).
    • I know much of this post will probably not make sense, which brings me to my final point…
    • I know it’s time now for bed. Night! xx

    I’m linking up with Where’s My Glow? as part of FlogYoBlog Friday and Shae from Yay For Home as part of Things I Know.

    FYBF