Fast forward: Xmas & New Years

We had a wonderful Christmas. Absolutely wonderful. Doug was on vacation and home for 10 days straight, and it was a lively and productive holiday filled with Christmas celebrations, Doug's birthday, and a New Years party. We were so busy with all of that and household projects that I didn't have time for updating Kenzie's Doodles. One of our most successful household projects (aside from a whole bunch of freshly painted rooms) is a fully potty-trained daughter. I'd say she was proficient at using the toilet for a long while now, but we'd frequently slap a diaper on her for outings or busy days, or several busy days in a row... and - over our holiday we nixed that. We are so lucky, as it was the easiest project of the season. We are truly lucky to have this little gal - who's a refreshing two year old. There's simply very little "terrible" in her. Misbehaviors are easily redirected by three counted warnings, and as result, she infrequently lands on the naughty step. She's eager to please and sweet as a cupcake, most times. Her kisses are precious and thoughtful. Her hugs are so warm and enveloping. We have done so many things right with this little being.

Which brings me to the New Year. And resolutions. I'm not terribly good at following through with resolutions. The ones I envision each year are usually achievable, but typically don't reach that state. This year, I've given thought to what I would like to improve upon, however, and hope that these outcomes will be fulfilled. My New Years Parenting resolutions:

1. Less Christmas. Our recognition of advent was good. My least favorite part of it was documenting it - as is clearly noted by the sporadic posts of our activities. Next year more advent, more sophisticated advent, but less Christmas. I've been the first in our family to exclaim Christmas gifts as overstimulating and overwhelming for a child of this age - yet, overdoing it this year (in our household anyway) was primarily my fault. Here's Kenzie with some of her Christmas loot.



She was really done after seeing the giant Christmas elephant from "Santa." She was pleased and thrilled with that and about the first three gifts. Here eyes widened to saucers when seeing the empty plate of cookies and carrots left for Santa and the Reindeer..and that was really the only experience she "needed" from the long line of gifts she had to open. Next year - I'll stick with a few thoughtful gifts. A few. That's it. We now have the full assortment of old fashioned and imagination building toys (tinker toys, legos, art & craft goods, plastic animals, puppets, etc.) and there's no need for more in our arsenal. So Resolution Number One - is less Christmas loot next year. I don't think she'll mind. The grandparents can do whatever they want, as they will whether I ask them to demonstrate more reserve or not, and this child certainly won't "want" for much throughout her childhood - so I -personally- can endeavor to put less under the tree next year.

In line with things I aim to do "less" of - the next is less TV. Ah, the guilt!!! Children at Kenzie's age should experience well under 2 hours a day of TV time. Kenzie is a child who tends to zone into a TV show, and no toy or activity will shake her from it. The television is a stellar babysitter for me...and she does ask for it. A lot. Now that I'm at home and still working part time for my old agency, and fairly committed to making my husband's time at home less focused on household chores - the poor girl makes it easy for me to accomplish stuff....while sitting in front of the TV. I am fairly diligent at limiting the TV time, keeping it to less than the recommended daily dose. But, I think she could benefit from even less of it. None, would be my ultimate preference. But, I might go crazy. We'll see.

And then there are the resolutions for "more"...
More patience.
More play. More towers.


More tea parties. More puzzles. More reading, more than attending story hour, and just before naps and bedtimes. More baking. More art. Just... MORE play.



I must stop telling Kenzie "just a second" when she asks me to come play with her. It's my job. I always do my jobs well. My role as a parent should be managed with as much zeal as I have given my previous occupations. I'm lucky to have this job. I endeavor to do it better.

More & less. Sounds easy enough at this moment & she deserves it. She believes in me.