Multitasking With Children

 

"Multi-tasking arises out of distraction itself." - Marilyn vos Savant

 

   Over the weekend I was fortunate enough to get to some projects moved along. The Wife and I have found a decent balance so that we both get some time for ourselves. That being said, we also sometimes are so into our projects, that it's hard to stop once on a roll. Case in point: this weekend's art project.

   I've recently had a good start on some wood pallet art on my small but growing Etsy shop. The only issue I've had is "the zone". You see, "the zone" is that place you go when you're SO into the project at hand that you lose track of time and block out everything else. Let's just say, it's tough watching my older two out front when I'm in the garage and "the zone" hits while working on a project.

   So Saturday afternoon, The Wife has a make an Easter run, and I'm watching the two older sprogs out front, Wee Lass asleep in her crib. Halfway through a wood pallet piece (Pictured above, and please excuse the mess. Artist on board.), the baby wakes up and I have to make a decision. Pack it in, or multitask. Que the Ergo Baby and we're back in business! At first she was looking up at me, staring me in the eye with amazement and wonder. Oh, if only all the girls did that. Then she watching me paint like "awwwweee, yeahhhh,..now THAT'S a mess I can get on board with!" By the time she'd had enough, The Wife was home and took over while I finished the piece.

   Not every opportunity is suitable for multitasking with children. There are a few that work out seamlessly and I found one this weekend. Granted, I'm still looking for the other two kids (KIDDING!). Actually, The Wife and I have noticed that the kids are into projects more, now that they've seen us in action working on the art pieces and Oreo Pops. So I guess it's rubbing off on them.

   I wonder if any one's had similar experiences. I'm always on the hunt for ways to pull of more in the same amount of time. Ideas?

 

J.

When There's No Baby Sling

 

"I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living my baby you'll be."
- Love You Forever, Robert Munsch

 

   When there's no baby sling, what do you do. I was out watching the older two on their bikes and had my Wee Lass with me. It was still warm when we headed out, so I didn't have a coat or blanket for her. The sling or carrier typically acts as its own warmth device, but alas, I had none. So I unzipped my jacket, dropped her in, and zipped back up. She was snug as a bug in a rug. She continued to watch the world around her from the comfort of daddy's sweater jacket. In return, she kept me warm to.

   It was precious, and every so often she'd look up at me and grin. I'm sure some of you out there feel the same way when I say it feels like her smile could bring peace to the world. It brightens my darkest days, turns my frowns upside down, and makes me feel better no matter what. I found myself saying "I'll love you for always." I then remembered Robert Munsch's book Love You Forever that we all know.

   It's a small moment in our busy lives, but thought I'd share. There are little things we do that end up being big memories. I won't remember my days at work, as much as I'll remember the day I zipped my Wee Lass into my jacket and wandered around the neighborhood.

 

J. 

Baby Carriers and Slings

"Carry on my wayward son." - Kansas

   Aside from feeling like a humanoid marsupial, carrying my children in carriers and slings has been a mixed bag of reaction and emotion. The first time I put one one, I went through a myriad of feelings, from "this is what it's like to be pregnant", to "boy, this'd be GREAT for shoplifting!" Basically, it boiled down to the same benefit as any hands-free device. You get more done! There's the added benefit of the child falling asleep, as they're nearer to your body, body heat, heartbeat, etc. That means sleepy time!

   We've used two different models for our little ones. The first is the Ergo-Baby. We own the Bundle of Joy - Original Black/Camel with Camel Insert.

  This one's nice for loads of reasons. The waist belt keeps the babies compounding weight off your shoulders and on your hips, much like a mountaineering pack. There's a buckle in the back, between your shoulder blades that keeps the thing from feeling like it's going to fall off at any minute. The weather cover is great for the sun, a light sprinkle, or just to keep them more enclosed once your child has fallen to sleep. Check out the standard features tab for the full enchilada.

   We've also used (are using) Sleeping Baby Productions LLC, slings. The Wife is a research nut, and always has been. After a TON of looking around, reading reviews, etc. she found Jan Heirtzler's hand made slings a while ago and they're the biz for babies.Kudos to The Wife for such a find, and kudos to Jan for such a stellar product.

   This one's nice as they are of great quality material, craftsmanship, and are VERY reasonably priced. She'll add a bit of color flair to the fringe, add a pocket, and a few other extras available. The website covers safety, why to chose them (besides listening to The Cheeky Daddy, MY MINIONS!!!), and a bunch of other questions an involved parent would ask. 

   My last comment is related to the manliness of wearing a baby carrier. I'm past the embarrassment of it all. After being peed on, pooped on, puked on, and food dumped on, pride is OUT the window. Wear your kid with pride instead. They are my loudest cheering section these days, and THAT'S all that matters. Good luck in you baby wearing endeavors. 

J. 

Hey, Ho, Let's Go! To San Diego

     Took a trip down to San Diego this weekend. We hit Seaport Village, which is always a good time. The crowd was surprisingly small for the New Year's weekend, which made it nice and quiet. It was a beautiful day, so it was cool in the shade, but MMMmmm warm in the sun. Aside from a scene right out of Alfred Hitcock's "The Birds", and a son that was trying to dive through the fencing to gain pond access, it was a great time.
     On the topic of my boy, I did get tired of hunching over after awhile. Sure, it's cute to watch him eat bark and attempt to become the first Pigeon Whisperer, but my back can only take so much. We've been using an Ergo Baby Carrier since my daughter was born. It's been a blessing ever since. My wife uses it a lot, but I've logged my own time with this bad boy. I've had kids in the front, and used it with 'em on the back. Both are great and my little guy fell asleep on my back during this most recent trip. Look into it!
     Oh, and if you do get to visit Seaport Village, swing by Kite Flite to pick up your first (or newest?) aerial acquisition. It's right across from the Embarcadero Marina Park, so you can grab a kite and head on over to the "downs", where the ocean breeze makes for great flying. In fact, that's where the above picture came from. I have the best time with my daughter there. She loves to try to catch the kite as it dips down to the ground, only to have it shoot back up into the sky. 


Good times! 


J.