Maybe it's time for a chalkboard wall, eh?
So this is my new project. I was inspired by styleberry BLOG's Project 52 last year and decided to do it myself in 2012. Each week I will use one photograph and a corresponding word or phrase that fits the theme of parenting. At the end of the year I'll have 52 pages for a book. I love that the work gets spread out over a year - unlike the way Week in the Life ends up being a huge project once it's over. I also like that this project will make me pause in the midst of life's chaos and think about parenting. A forced moment of reflection each week will be a good thing and the resulting book of memories will be treasured.
(Today I appear to be dripping with sap, as though I stood under a maple tree. "Treasured"? FORGIVE! AM SICK!)
Now the backstory for this week's picture. It was definitely not the best picture, but it was the most representative. (And in case you were wondering what she is wearing that would be her "baby Oliver in a carrier" A.K.A. a stuffed dog in a maternity support belt - ha!) Bella has been very, how should I put this...TWO lately. She tests limits and doesn't listen and then does something naughty or hurts herself and ay yi yi! And then she does it again. So we say no or count to three or ask her to listen or remind her to stop whining or give time outs. Or maybe all of them at the same time. Again and again and again. It's tough on her and tough on us.
But with us staying disciplined with consistently disciplining her, I think we'll be better off in the long run. That the theory anyway! Oh, but it's soooooo hard. We had a long pediatrician appointment for Oliver this week and Bella was very good, but started getting very antsy at the end. This was understandable. So as an incentive I told her she could watch a Dora episode when we got home if she cooperated with me and listened and did what I asked as we were leaving. She listened carefully and agreed to do as I asked, but then she chose to run away from me - twice. Thus no Dora and tantrumming. I would have given anything for the 24 minutes of peace Dora would have brought, but instead I held firm and guess what? Now when I say "You need to listen and do what I ask you" she is following through more often than not.
And while we are on the topic of discipline, Husband and I have continued to be quite disciplined with our own goals. We stuck to non-processed foods this week and being productive as time and energy allowed. Thinking it will pay off for us in the long run, too. (Ah, but I WAAAANT a piece of crappy grocery store cake.)
Anyone else want to tackle this project this year?
Ohh what a timely topic - we just brought Annie back from my parents - always the time she is testing boundaries to the max! And, whilst reading this, I was eating some velveeta shells & cheese :)
ReplyDeleteHi! I found you through Styleberry Blog. Love your topic and totally agree that it takes such discipline to discipline :) I have a two year old and an 8 month old and though I am sometimes tempted to leave something alone because it would make my moment easier...I know, in the long run, everyone will be happier if we establish good family ground rules now!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I'm also going to try out project 52 this year. Good luck with yours!
Jessica
www.ginandjuiceboxes.com
Even though I know we aren't alone, it feels good to know that we aren't alone in dealing with a two year old. It makes bedtime that much sweeter, doesn't it? :) I take away TV time too, even though it's so hard to give up that time to quietly make lunch or dinner. I won't be doing the project, but I look forward to reading about it! I'm always so impressed by your projects!
ReplyDeleteThis may be a strange question, but what software did you use to create your page? I cannot commit to definitely doing 52 weeks of pages, but I love the idea and know I'll be so happy to have a record of this challenging year of work/life balance in Beijing.
ReplyDeleteErin - There is something magical about mac & cheese while pregnant.
ReplyDeleteJessica - Thanks for commenting! Looking forward to following along with your year!
Crystal - I think our spunky gals are probably quite similar with their ways :)
Beijing - Not strange! I did it on photoshop. I can send you the psd file if you have it, but you could also make a shutterfly book. Would love to see yours as you work on it/when it's finished! XOXO Hope your flight back went well.
My girls, esp my 2 1/2 year old with not listening or helping .... And today, I pulled out the chore chart and put LISTEN! on it. It's working. She's listening and eating all her dinner since a chance of dessert wasn't.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up this year! Happy to have you as a part of the 2012 project 52 circle! *s
ReplyDeleteI'm so not ready for discipline but it is so necessary! My Project 52 post was about our "sleepless nights" with our daughter who is teething at www.lucasandmahina.com. Linked you to my Project 52 blog! Hope you can link me too.
ReplyDelete