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By Little Mummy, March 31, 2007 2:57 pm

Today was a busy day, first I started a new work at home job, then this afternoon I helped a friend with her wedding invitations.

Erin enjoyed some ‘Daddy Time’. Together they produced these white chocolate crispy cakes

(I’m not quite sure if the spring onion in the background is for garnish?!?!)

I was informed that they simply melted some white chocolate, added puffed rice cereal and mixed together. They then divided the mix into paper cases, licked the bowl (!) and decorated with mini eggs and milky bar buttons

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By Little Mummy, March 28, 2007 9:43 am

Today’s outing was to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. We had been before, but never with Erin…

So do toddlers and galleries mix?

Yes, Erin loved it. The exhibits included a ball dispay – 1000 balls of all shapes and sizes scattered in a huge room. The exhibit was interactive but apparently they had too many parents (!) getting over excited! It’s a shame I’d have liked a kick about

The highlights for Erin were the stripey floored room – a room in which the floor was covered in migraine inducing multi-coloured vinyl tape and the ball room where she liked the echo of her voice.

The gallery and staff were, as the book stated, very child friendly.

Great morning out and definitely one to revisit in a couple years time.

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Photo by Martin Burns

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By Little Mummy, March 25, 2007 1:36 am

Balancing Priorities

The fact we approach parenthood with such high expectations is not surprising. We are the first generation in human history where ‘having it all’ was not only possible, but what we expected.

This final chapter encourages us to lower our standards and expectations a little and focus more on the proverbial houseplant that is our marriage.

Chapter Quote

We accept that the constraints that come with having kids are part of the deal. Unless we’re holding on to the ‘sell the children to the gypsies’ idea as a reserve option, we’re pretty wel stuck inside the box. But we do have a choice about how we react to how our lives have changed.

Take-Away Point

A strong message that the parenting phase is just that, a phase, and to stick it out (the marriage not the parenting!) and try harder to squeeze a little more time together.

Conclusion

That concludes my review. Overall well worth the read. The pros far outweighed the cons and if I were in a magazine doing this review I’d give it 4 stars.

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By Little Mummy, March 24, 2007 12:30 am

Getting More and Giving In: More kids, more chaos

With each child, the love and joy in our homes increases a thousandfold, but so does the general mayhem.

This chapter focusses on the addition of a second, third or plus (!) child/ren, and how you can expect it to affect your marriage.

I particularly enjoyed the chart presenting what you can expect in terms of time, grandparent participation,and pints of milk per week with each additional child – very funny.

Chapter Quotes

With hindsight, taking care of one child was a hobby.

When faced with more kids we have one of two choices: surrender or die fighting.

…we stockpile nappies and baby food like Armageddon is just around the corner.

Take-Away Point

Don’t have more kids.

Only joking.

Proceed with caution Your husband will become more proficient as your family grows in numbers.

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By Little Mummy, March 22, 2007 11:55 pm

In-laws and Outlaws

“This chapter is about how profoundly our family relationships are altered by a baby and how, in turn, these changes impact on our marriages.”

My own experiences in this area have been very positive. Expectations were discussed well before Erin’s arrival and so far there haven’t been any major issues. I think a lot of it comes down to the parents keeping a relaxed attitude and grandparents being mindful of not taking over (too much).

“Who does the baby look like?” It sounds innocent, but it is actually the most loaded of questions.

I was quite taken aback at just how important this was to everyone – I was like who cares, look how gorgeous she is! But to the grandparents it’s *very* important that the child looks like their side of the family.

Remember: Smile and nod, smile and nod. This week she looks like Aunty Jane’s sister next week it’s Cousin John’s youngest nephew. Take it with a pinch of salt.

Chapter Quotes

The gift and picture competitions are, for the most part easily resolved. If grandparents want to blow their pension hiring photographers and buying toys, so be it.

Women are perfectly willing to let everyone else in on the kiddie action as long as they understand that ultimately, we call the shots

No matter how much we love our families, we want them to recognize the pecking order

I would guess that the vast majority of marital arguments would be non-existant if in laws would understand and respect the pecking order, and of course, that applies to both sides.

Take-Away Point

It’s simply a matter of give and take. Oh yeah, and your husband dealing with his fair share of the in-law problems instead of leaving it all up to you.

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By Little Mummy, March 22, 2007 12:07 am

I bought this magnetic sketching toy to put away for when Erin is a bit older. But she loves it!

At first she waggled the pen around not making a mark, but now she scribbles away and has learned that only one end of the pen works. She manouvres the pen in her hand to get the best grip and control for her ‘drawing’. I have noticed Erin’s fine motor skills are really improving because of it.

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By Little Mummy, March 21, 2007 12:39 am

The ‘sex life’ of new parents

Billed as ‘The Most Important Chapter in This Book’, did it live up to the hype?

Well, in a way yes. It was certainly an eye opener, however, it was also the chapter that caused one of my gripes – too much stereotyping. Don’t let that stop you reading the chapter and taking special notes though

If you read nothing else in this book, read this chapter.

I wholeheartedly agree!

The topic of s.e.x is covered with the same level of humour and sensible advice afforded to the rest of the book. The difference being that this is the ‘biggy’ that nobody wants to discuss. The internet excerpts from a chat thread entitled ‘married men who…’ (I’m sure you can guess the rest!) was certainly the most eye-opening!

Chapter Quotes

sex may fall to the bottom of your to-do (or can-do) list

Because sex is more than a physical act for men – his wife just lying back and thinking of England isn’t quite the response he wants

For women, getting in the mood for sex is not so much a question of switching gears as switching identities.

Take-Away Points

Too many! You really will need to get your hands on the book

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By Little Mummy, March 20, 2007 12:42 am

I don’t usually do memes, mainly because I rarely get tagged (all say ahhhh), but my friend Megin has tagged me and I thought it would be a good departure from my bumper book review.

Instructions: List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what they are. They must be songs you are presently enjoying. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to.

1. Grace Kelly – Mika

2. Patience – Take That

3. Tiny Dancer – Elton John

4. New Shoes – Paulo Nutini

5. Alfie – Lily Allen

6. These Arms of Mine – Dirty Dancing Soundtrack

7. How to Save a Life – The Fray

And tag 7 people…. Glennia, Trent, Michelle, Hsien, Ben, Leslie and Asha

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By Little Mummy, March 17, 2007 9:18 am

What’s the score?

The author/s say this chapter is about ‘the collision of expectation and reality’. Simply put, it’s about the constant scorekeeping and bickering that creeps into a marriage post-partum.

Later on, the chapter turns it’s attention to fixing the problem ‘ripping up the scorcard’. Part of the solution being the ‘divide and conquer’ method. Split all tasks fairly and give full commitment to doing your fair share. Practise a little more give and take over chores and in disagreements (aka a little less nagging for the ladies, a little more action from the gentlemen’.

Chapter Quote

Welcome to the weekend, the Scorekeeping World Cup

Take-Away Point

Scorekeeping does nothing for a marriage. Discuss and solve the underlying issues.

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By Little Mummy, March 16, 2007 1:48 am

This is a nursery favourite, especially with younger children who get impatient with longer baking projects.

If you don’t fancy baking or think your kids would lose interest too quickly, simply ice rich tea biscuits and decorate with hundreds and thousands, jelly sweets etc… The other advantage, is that you get to see (and eat) the finished product very quickly.

Have fun!