tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87574349488636926982024-03-04T23:58:50.927-06:00Adventures of a rookie sahmRookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-87306425662262346882009-01-31T18:27:00.000-06:002009-01-31T18:27:00.226-06:00Home-made sandpaper lettersI made the sandpaper letters from Montessori Method at home. I did these just to create some craft for myself, I guess. We were trying to get the basement finished. I remembered the instructions at the end of "Teaching Montessori in the Home: Pre-School Years". I got an extra pack of fine sandpapers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEK-IP-nGIHuKCBcqFxMkpgkMqBSUnkKEgFtSx-DrGy6XQWdFv3pTeyPbPd7FTykyYgp7kAMIbOqOefh4NgSPOe5n_CcAVwNMjaeH0lKZTyFoWUaOV37R5JcHhTbx_f81hFT_7nLX6pM/s1600-h/IMG_7850.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295831954169176178" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEK-IP-nGIHuKCBcqFxMkpgkMqBSUnkKEgFtSx-DrGy6XQWdFv3pTeyPbPd7FTykyYgp7kAMIbOqOefh4NgSPOe5n_CcAVwNMjaeH0lKZTyFoWUaOV37R5JcHhTbx_f81hFT_7nLX6pM/s320/IMG_7850.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />First I traced the letters on the back of the sandpapers. I used the print letters given at the back of the book. I realized I neededa carbon copy paper. But it was so cold outside. I used a black crayon on a white paper to do the same thing. You need to trace the letters backwards so that the mirror image on the other side (sanded) will be correct. Then I cut the letters. This part is really tedious.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjpX5_azXa_9WL8tDCbmX27m3tZjds6JkdNeSf9CUnxpY7LWaQAI2RHjHjoCX1bm-Fr6-PEytJt-89N1S5qf-Ejr4jGN_U-BR7rAXA1NKRMys-ol8y95UtrfsY3SCEpMDTbmKlierCU8/s1600-h/IMG_7861.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295831952890018546" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjpX5_azXa_9WL8tDCbmX27m3tZjds6JkdNeSf9CUnxpY7LWaQAI2RHjHjoCX1bm-Fr6-PEytJt-89N1S5qf-Ejr4jGN_U-BR7rAXA1NKRMys-ol8y95UtrfsY3SCEpMDTbmKlierCU8/s320/IMG_7861.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Then I cut 3x4 rectangles out of the the poster boards. Blue for wovels and red for consonants.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBdtTAbFHpPplcmGt-u8X6jTXQrwTfsk6vrGUEBwn4VYjaQj6E4qgKip1XI5K0ylXjSEpZXXR1OCOcCFPsLgFfFs2d2uthVue93ApmdPWOf2tzBzdFkBTG3Xk96cwa-wb_qTTS_PXnS4/s1600-h/IMG_7863.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295831948128092514" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBdtTAbFHpPplcmGt-u8X6jTXQrwTfsk6vrGUEBwn4VYjaQj6E4qgKip1XI5K0ylXjSEpZXXR1OCOcCFPsLgFfFs2d2uthVue93ApmdPWOf2tzBzdFkBTG3Xk96cwa-wb_qTTS_PXnS4/s320/IMG_7863.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I glued the letters to rectangles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbj82HzKn0DSo-wJ050ku7jSoimn8_knjqd9iM-DBeKMtD6sdtnwfO53D4SjxGbNdxiFezy8cF-rEHzVYFpVDRwKicR0fE_w1TsOsjUgEUPSBbUSZ4jC_v_K9PsWdXSwzV59IWpkrp26w/s1600-h/IMG_8300.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295831944498029474" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 214px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbj82HzKn0DSo-wJ050ku7jSoimn8_knjqd9iM-DBeKMtD6sdtnwfO53D4SjxGbNdxiFezy8cF-rEHzVYFpVDRwKicR0fE_w1TsOsjUgEUPSBbUSZ4jC_v_K9PsWdXSwzV59IWpkrp26w/s320/IMG_8300.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Here they are. The weird letters the picture above are additional vowels in Turkish alphabet.<br /><br />I cut the bottoms of two milk cartons to make containers for the letters. I am trying to find nice adhesive cover paper to decorate those. Once I do it, I'll post the photo here.Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-65649104100895075832009-01-31T13:54:00.004-06:002009-01-31T14:04:09.458-06:00Random Picture Challenge 4.0<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFLLcHhnnZ5WrHIeiGgruAcypv7yB1iO93Cp3CJHzF9eywoeR5htWdoUFao64Fle97jBoLsG6nJeI4bhdbxL6opCweqbOi52oZeWJyhjnQj1uyn-JWOD-l7YB5tVcPUmmeTQWxsDgLkc/s1600-h/IMG_6519.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFLLcHhnnZ5WrHIeiGgruAcypv7yB1iO93Cp3CJHzF9eywoeR5htWdoUFao64Fle97jBoLsG6nJeI4bhdbxL6opCweqbOi52oZeWJyhjnQj1uyn-JWOD-l7YB5tVcPUmmeTQWxsDgLkc/s320/IMG_6519.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297549010209319314" border="0" /></a>On a Sunday afternoon, before his sister, Ela had arrived, my son is enjoying a quiet time with his beloved dad and listening to music. The rest of the series show them, hugging and snuggling on the carpet.<br /><br />By the way, I finally went through all of our pictures and had 600 photos printed. (<a href="http://rookiesahm.blogspot.com/2009/01/random-picture.html" target="_blank">see first random picture entry post</a>) 600 photos in print quality from a duration of 2 years. Can you imagine the number of total digital photos in our hard drive?<br /><br />For more <a href="http://4littlemen.blogspot.com/2009/01/random-picture-challenge_17.html" target="_blank">Random Picture Challenge entries visit 4 Little Men</a>.Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-40173649139205199182009-01-30T16:35:00.002-06:002009-01-30T16:35:01.137-06:00Cheap CheapI got hooked on craigslist.com, dollar and thrift stores. This happened because I saw on other mom blogs and homeschooling blogs, moms creating inspirational playrooms or classrooms , shopping from dollar and thrift stores.<br /><br />I got amazing deals for furniture and other stuff.<br /><br />I got these shelves for $10 each.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUC4q2AwplhCJMsb9Ndl6vUgCzCHXw8OQ08MouIr-7qVI_nsvXj-hsf4kMtpJiqWJ1IU0b_AEH4Uwsnb_bgOfPqw3I6Hm_rMP6FzdJWZnGfm_B5U65c4n3eDSa-ITT4GE7QpdHenURqDA/s1600-h/IMG_8320.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUC4q2AwplhCJMsb9Ndl6vUgCzCHXw8OQ08MouIr-7qVI_nsvXj-hsf4kMtpJiqWJ1IU0b_AEH4Uwsnb_bgOfPqw3I6Hm_rMP6FzdJWZnGfm_B5U65c4n3eDSa-ITT4GE7QpdHenURqDA/s320/IMG_8320.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296963743612973266" border="0" /></a>This one is the basement. I organized kid's toys somewhat applying Montessori environment.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbniVzxuNG_FviaWpdsNeV88Azm3u8GvJrO8Q_EZOQTTowpsoFsKkXYcdn8Q1vt7CA2LM6GWEdBx75O7zQ6BGNe1Yga7z3j47MQJv1Q3rkEQK-QC-9xCtZ1YKG8_3zWFNmoFSd2Gz2g4c/s1600-h/IMG_8313.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbniVzxuNG_FviaWpdsNeV88Azm3u8GvJrO8Q_EZOQTTowpsoFsKkXYcdn8Q1vt7CA2LM6GWEdBx75O7zQ6BGNe1Yga7z3j47MQJv1Q3rkEQK-QC-9xCtZ1YKG8_3zWFNmoFSd2Gz2g4c/s320/IMG_8313.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296963004873827346" border="0" /></a>I used this one to create a kids' corner in the living room. It's matching the rest of the furniture.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0afgXgNS4PpepH_5I8-0NJcUBVzW5rablVcArwhs4gJwj8YW04y2nJA3JLImi_db7DzCLaCTVLtWPjmkqzl6oY1jdlt3xk1Pja_Xz_QnTy99VEYAXnFSfz6fCn-atoPfxsomrG6Oqh_Y/s1600-h/IMG_8351.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0afgXgNS4PpepH_5I8-0NJcUBVzW5rablVcArwhs4gJwj8YW04y2nJA3JLImi_db7DzCLaCTVLtWPjmkqzl6oY1jdlt3xk1Pja_Xz_QnTy99VEYAXnFSfz6fCn-atoPfxsomrG6Oqh_Y/s320/IMG_8351.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296963003155524946" border="0" /></a>I got this trampoline for $50. It's like brand new. I wanted something like this since I had seen it in Gymboree. It's very small, does not occupy much space. Burak can move it around. Ela can get up on it and down by herself. It is pretty safe with two handles. I got on craigslist, searched and it was there. Waiting for me. :) I just had to drive for 45 mins under the thick snow. But it was worth it. I love it as much as my children :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOoyRI45DuXIH6V4BCopJyflGUQIe1N8Z8mlqX-S873TYFqlTzt7i5FzlIgllY3nBDwqXG-uFE0uxs0-e2XThqEs6ytNzZT4MdtCiUACOsGt2XJ78NRIh-EUtWrGp5LhryXEjlH85CNM/s1600-h/LTaraba.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOoyRI45DuXIH6V4BCopJyflGUQIe1N8Z8mlqX-S873TYFqlTzt7i5FzlIgllY3nBDwqXG-uFE0uxs0-e2XThqEs6ytNzZT4MdtCiUACOsGt2XJ78NRIh-EUtWrGp5LhryXEjlH85CNM/s320/LTaraba.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296563410330759074" border="0" /></a><br />I also found a pretty clean Little Tykes Car from one of our neighbors. Burak loves it. I think their granddaughter grew out of it. It's sitting in our garage and Burak asks to ride it everytime we get in the garage. Poor thing, he has to wait 5 more months until the weather gets warm.<br /><br />Now I'm thinking, what else I could have gotten cheaper instead of paying the full price. Buyer's remorse is kicking in :PRookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-74295177237331313322009-01-29T21:51:00.001-06:002009-01-30T00:14:40.288-06:00Future of Chicago Public Schools<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24sGYkGqRx9ofCifPt_vKRrnKN7JT2FnCL4uOPgKLJ6l9I-OBgegf7mJEag6vXNgFO-Uw2P-ahi1Ygera2wOsG8iE2VH5klP3X4_sKSwnEunErNlVjt2w0AIrq7LgSNoLuudOXgXK7m4/s1600-h/school-bus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24sGYkGqRx9ofCifPt_vKRrnKN7JT2FnCL4uOPgKLJ6l9I-OBgegf7mJEag6vXNgFO-Uw2P-ahi1Ygera2wOsG8iE2VH5klP3X4_sKSwnEunErNlVjt2w0AIrq7LgSNoLuudOXgXK7m4/s200/school-bus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296966034546725730" border="0" /></a><br />I started looking for job postings and thinking about updating my resume on job search sites.<br />In two years, my son will be starting Kindergarten and my daughter Preschool. I feel like we will have to put them in a private school and instead of public school based on the most recent news.<br /><br />Our own Mayor Daley (of Chicago) picked the ex-CTA (public transit sytem) Chief to head Chicago Public Schools. He does not have any education background. He's replacing someone who was picked as "United States Secretary of Education". Can you imagine the difference in the credentials of these two leaders (for this particular position)?<br /><br />I just cannot find a way to digest this decision and Mayor Daley got his first big F from me for sure.<br /><br />Now I need to get back into workforce asap and get ready for private school bills.Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-1822844703449293552009-01-28T21:43:00.004-06:002009-01-30T00:12:05.709-06:00Loving to be a SAHM<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQ782GWSbBwUOD3WjIcRyFRViMzp2lKqNn5lEMbkCAd1axUJggy_rmwEhsE9cPcodQNi9C0uFg5KpUiQ9CifhUd17Jf_w86v10r7SqrW5xvP_wOEusiDNdLPRJNUT8eWkseXfy7v6UDg/s1600-h/IMG_7959.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQ782GWSbBwUOD3WjIcRyFRViMzp2lKqNn5lEMbkCAd1axUJggy_rmwEhsE9cPcodQNi9C0uFg5KpUiQ9CifhUd17Jf_w86v10r7SqrW5xvP_wOEusiDNdLPRJNUT8eWkseXfy7v6UDg/s320/IMG_7959.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296965390808423234" border="0" /></a><br />I love to be a stay-at-home-mom on days like these. Take a music class... then run to the museum to enjoy free museum days... [Museum of Science and Industry has free admission until Jan 31] Especially now that Ela is 13 months old and she can walk.<br /><br />So it is not a stay-at-home!!! situation really, but I enjoy these things. I enjoy my kids' dragging me from exhibit to exhibit instead of me showing them the way. I enjoy the fact that it takes us 2 hours to get from the music class to the museum. I enjoy watching my little daughter trying to imitate my son climbing a wall :P<br /><br />It's unfair that in this economy we "have to" have two incomes to live even a moderate life style, with a house in a good neighborhood, some extracurricular activities for kids and maybe a private school.<br /><br />So I feel lucky and savor the days like these as much as I can, since this is temporary, until ve deplete all of our savings.Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-84890784348187338902009-01-21T23:48:00.001-06:002009-01-21T23:48:00.688-06:00Last minute getawayTwo Fridays ago, a friend of mine called me to ask me why I haven't replied to her evite. Apparently, she used my e-mail address which I use only to register for memberships, and receive ads. As I was going through my inbox, which I haven not checked for a month or so, I saw this newsletter from a ski resort. We've gone there years ago. Since I was craving for a ski trip I opened the mail and saw this last minute getaway deal. It was for a free lodging if you purchase 2 2-day lift tickets. The deal was valid until 4pm that day. I immediately checked computer's time on the right bottom corner.<br /><br />And.... of course it was 3:52 pm. :)<br /><br />I called the resort. They told me to but the tickets online first. I was IMing my brother as I was trying to reach my husband over his cell.<br /><br />To cut the story short, that was one of the most hectic 3 hours of my life. We purchased the tickets and rentals, reserved our hotel, packed out suitcases, got the kids ready. We were on the road at 7:00pm.<br /><br />One of the possible deal breakers was the snowstorm that night. I convinced my husband but he had really stressful 4 hours until Madison. it took us 7 hours to get to the resort. It was 3 am when my head fell on my pillow. Luckily, the kids slept along the drive.<br /><br />I was so excited. So excited to be skiing again. So excited about the deal we got. So excited about the sunny weather.<br /><br />Then BAAAM. I had a really well executed faceplant and my ski goggles smashed my cheekbone. It was ok until we got back to the hotel bacause cold outside was keeping the bruise down. The next morning I woke up to see a boxer's face in the mirror. I skied the whole day next day regardless. Nothing could banish my excitement.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzHRx-gtdRE4XO4qRiJE8iFCMZWQJo50Z01jut0BF15I9g6PgNcjSEUebDYP_EetPdOPpFflxlN7_VGiNFxM72D53M-Iz1Ka5KTxLpi5gwv-ID0CYmKMgFRXFymX0Kp6ojvH1ERxxXLY/s1600-h/IMG_7830.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293607382621121090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzHRx-gtdRE4XO4qRiJE8iFCMZWQJo50Z01jut0BF15I9g6PgNcjSEUebDYP_EetPdOPpFflxlN7_VGiNFxM72D53M-Iz1Ka5KTxLpi5gwv-ID0CYmKMgFRXFymX0Kp6ojvH1ERxxXLY/s320/IMG_7830.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p>(also see previous <a href="http://rookiesahm.blogspot.com/2009/01/wordless-wednesday_20.html">Wordless Wednesday picture</a>)<br /><br />The funny thing is I have been going around with this really bad looking, swollen and purple eye for the past week. Noone, not even a single person I met, asked me anything. I forget about it because it doesn't hurt. Then I remember and wonder what people are thinking.<br /><br />My husband cannot grasp how I still like skiing and did not care about the eye. :) I am ckecking my other e-mail regularly now. For any last minute deal like that, I am ready with two kids in an hour baby.</p>Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-73282558486801593152009-01-20T23:09:00.001-06:002009-01-20T23:12:11.507-06:00Wordless Wednesday<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcO5WjvopYTFJutp4m3D3p0f0NrdGKu5fUADpbMkNhVTAj04aTVwvh1-TyCY2zaSOXT5n8r0smBz7AedNH4xyrP2Oe1O3cXC_rZRc1skzaHiX7KLy8jXd3nOduvGwhGbLS6rUqwkvS4I/s1600-h/IMG_7827.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293610278466689298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcO5WjvopYTFJutp4m3D3p0f0NrdGKu5fUADpbMkNhVTAj04aTVwvh1-TyCY2zaSOXT5n8r0smBz7AedNH4xyrP2Oe1O3cXC_rZRc1skzaHiX7KLy8jXd3nOduvGwhGbLS6rUqwkvS4I/s320/IMG_7827.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Happy WW and keep warm! </div>Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-23113987500211392682009-01-19T23:39:00.002-06:002009-01-19T23:48:25.531-06:00How did this happen?Last weekend we went skiing up north. Everyone came back healthy, except for my swollen purple eye.<br /><br />Since the extreme weather is over Chicago, I have decided to keep the kids at home. I haven't even sent Burak to preschool since Tuesday. Stayed at home and played in our newly decorated basement. Only my husband went to work.<br /><br />And what happened? Burak developed a terrible upper respiratory congestion and cough. Ela suddenly came down with fever and later she also developed nasal congestion. I have no idea how this happened. I am not staying inside for more than 2-3 days again.<br /><br />Two sick kids... ruined bedtime routine... sleepless nights because of coughing and fever... serious loss of appetite... It'll take another week to get back into our regular routine and habits, once they get well.<br /><br />There goes the saying: "I'm not really worried about the sickness. I am worried about my kid's changing character."Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-49198536493040065592009-01-17T23:31:00.003-06:002009-01-31T14:04:21.497-06:00Random Picture<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzAYyIkXZP4NMp678mb4Aw9bvvdYuweeQvCsnZ-frA0X33Jyp30f3BaSYVEkC2Kqm6JZk_kLhI53fDgZsx0rC2YfT60N3jAgv6xOXXZNp_cmbKmLBhX6P_9UnZLee0Ujc89NdREdNiC4/s1600-h/IMG_8218.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzAYyIkXZP4NMp678mb4Aw9bvvdYuweeQvCsnZ-frA0X33Jyp30f3BaSYVEkC2Kqm6JZk_kLhI53fDgZsx0rC2YfT60N3jAgv6xOXXZNp_cmbKmLBhX6P_9UnZLee0Ujc89NdREdNiC4/s320/IMG_8218.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292503828160271202" border="0" /></a><br />As I was sorting the old photo prints, putting them in order of date and putting them in an album today, I was reminiscing my first pregnancy and infancy of my son.<br /><br />We have millions of digital photos but I have very few prints. If I can go through tens of thousands of photos, I will upload them online and order prints. We have tapes and DVDs of recorded movies and clips but we rarely watch them.<br /><br />My daughter is past her first birthday and she doesn't even have a baby photo album. Drawback of the digital era.<br /><br />Here she is on the first day of 2009, playing with a stethoscope.<br /><br />For more <a href="http://4littlemen.blogspot.com/2009/01/random-picture-challenge_17.html">Random Picture Challenge entries visit 4 Little Men</a>.Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-12009196855720161092009-01-10T20:01:00.000-06:002009-01-10T20:01:00.446-06:00Carrot Island<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk1TTWNKqbkk6NF7BpIweBoJlieQ4g_2fxOSRyYcfxiXI_NjCw42c-GKKgs3696pXHWX7R8HCdm7vi9RL7eTfEDEHIgHtnsXmzTPiYad2daOBg3-UxKGAyslB9jUyjTGRQ4aw6Fv7maM/s1600-h/IMG_7811s.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk1TTWNKqbkk6NF7BpIweBoJlieQ4g_2fxOSRyYcfxiXI_NjCw42c-GKKgs3696pXHWX7R8HCdm7vi9RL7eTfEDEHIgHtnsXmzTPiYad2daOBg3-UxKGAyslB9jUyjTGRQ4aw6Fv7maM/s320/IMG_7811s.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288984853034452146" border="0" /></a><br />We all know growing a sprout from beans. This is also neat. You can grow your own carrot island.<br /><br />Cut the tip of the carrot that has already began to grow greens. Put it in a small plate, covering the root with wet cotton. Keep it moist. You don't see it here but there was also wet cotton on the sides of the carrot as well.<br /><br />Our island has been a part of our kitchen for the last month. To me, its like a paradise. I want to hop on it and rest a little bit.Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-22294168549278668122009-01-09T22:26:00.000-06:002009-01-09T22:26:00.916-06:00Parenting solutions for parents with many kidsI don't like that the parenting books are written for the first and only child. Sleep, potty training, discipline, or play/game books... Everyone assumes parents have one kid. If they are the experts and have something to tell us about kids, they also have to figure out most of us have more than one.<br /><br />I got "Siblings without rivalry" from the library. Until I found this book out, my kids started to get on well anyway. But let's see what these ladies have to say.Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-67824195179202410492009-01-08T22:47:00.001-06:002009-01-08T22:47:00.850-06:00Home made knee pads for babies<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3269/1933/1600/coraplar.0.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3269/1933/200/coraplar.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div>If you worry about your crawling baby's knees, you can make your own knee pads.<br /><br />Take a pair of old socks. Preferably elastic, ankle-hi, sports socks for ladies, because they are smaller. Cut the toes.<br /><br />Take two nursing pads with adhesive bands. Put them in the heel, sticking the adhesive part of the nursing pads to your sock.<br /><br />Knee pads are ready to use.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3269/1933/1600/Evyapimidizlikler.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3269/1933/200/Evyapimidizlikler.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-32703010419975160472009-01-07T00:54:00.000-06:002009-01-07T00:58:24.613-06:00Wordless WednesdayHappy WW!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEIoZ-o3ptAhSZKf9W8jqoajEaan5y1VMlTDSgpkgFv-nAJB4-mjqDw_nUZsLyI6f9iiZ0sYfdk9OONTTKIV93yGanlCoCkU6QXYzXVb7Cb7QSorIZvDlNDZFA9ZU87MOVV0PYRTXmJQ/s1600-h/IMG_7430.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275976221331689330" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEIoZ-o3ptAhSZKf9W8jqoajEaan5y1VMlTDSgpkgFv-nAJB4-mjqDw_nUZsLyI6f9iiZ0sYfdk9OONTTKIV93yGanlCoCkU6QXYzXVb7Cb7QSorIZvDlNDZFA9ZU87MOVV0PYRTXmJQ/s320/IMG_7430.jpg" border="0" /></a>Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-8234488491278599382009-01-06T22:27:00.000-06:002009-01-06T22:27:00.259-06:00Luck, be a husband...I read "Choosing my own's" Jamie's <a href="http://choosingmyown.blogspot.com/2009/01/kind-of-love-letter.html">Love letter to her husband</a>. I was thinking about writing something similar recently, because I think I am one of these lucky ladies. Knocking on wood, really, I think finding the perfect someone whom you can share life, love and kids is pure luck.<br /><br />I feel like he's a part of me. But not like I am totally dependent on someone, but in a way who I am today depends on him. He is such a good father and a husband, I couldn't and wouldn't keep my sane as a rookie sahm without him for sure. Some people might miss their time before marriage once in a while, I don't. I can't think of myself without him. As I can't think of myself without my kids.<br /><br />On the other hand, this luck, sometimes, very rarely, scares me. Like it might be jinxed or something. God forbid. Maybe it's a woman thing. We always have to worry about even the good things.<br /><br />I love you sweetie :x kiss kiss, love loveRookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-25329725448135590532009-01-05T21:52:00.001-06:002009-01-05T22:11:09.556-06:00Prepare aheadAfter my regular visit to my doctor, at the checkout I saw this really neat list on the cubicle wall. It was called "<a href="http://www.carolinashealthcare.org/services/behavioral/Stress.cfm">101 ways to cope with stress</a>". I think it wasn't only for stress. It was more of a "Oprah got together with Martha Stewart and made a to do list" kind of list.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.carolinashealthcare.org/services/behavioral/Stress.cfm">You can find the whole list here</a>. And don't just sneak peek and forward the link to your friends. Best way to use this list is to print it out and put it on your refrigerator, office wall, message board etc to see it every day. Remind yourself of the important stuff.<br /><br />The second item on this list is "prepare ahead". And we all know, how important it is to prepare and plan ahead, especially with kids, both for our sakes and kids routines.<br /><br />My mom is here, as you may know from my previous post. She is the most practical mom, I've ever known. Here are some pictures from our kitchen and dining table around 10:20 pm. That's been her habit for a loong long time. We're ready for tomorrow, thanks to mom.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsu4F2gqvfU__QOHIB1Wgd8D9ogZRSbUYm0_VsGx_slcW3jfQPo3yV-tKhtWcG1qBAEp432EGRG_SStVhofWkPKu-tdKksO6rI6LTZ8s9D_IXPwIl5De7y8GQZLW2h3P2Ju28mJDf4B0/s1600-h/IMG_8254.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287694446746071250" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsu4F2gqvfU__QOHIB1Wgd8D9ogZRSbUYm0_VsGx_slcW3jfQPo3yV-tKhtWcG1qBAEp432EGRG_SStVhofWkPKu-tdKksO6rI6LTZ8s9D_IXPwIl5De7y8GQZLW2h3P2Ju28mJDf4B0/s320/IMG_8254.JPG" border="0" /> </a><p align="center"><br />Table ready for breakfast<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfw9NnzuMHBKja9p12At0p4Sqxr4DUf6ivEJ1anMqNIpt3Bp_8e55fOc1uoD-kvzgzXwfWDTpudWtZTddKZqABRbtNoi7350gdbJqe5z5ECmp7a48DoKlMdV_AxWHruVzuo4fdQNK9NHI/s1600-h/IMG_7793.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287694444799012178" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfw9NnzuMHBKja9p12At0p4Sqxr4DUf6ivEJ1anMqNIpt3Bp_8e55fOc1uoD-kvzgzXwfWDTpudWtZTddKZqABRbtNoi7350gdbJqe5z5ECmp7a48DoKlMdV_AxWHruVzuo4fdQNK9NHI/s320/IMG_7793.JPG" border="0" /> </a></p><p align="center"><br />Breakfast stuff for Ela<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcE-XukG25gSilfzAj4C56qHV8ciyhaD3sN_sK3Em3Nbvozq3IlER9FD9AYe3sRbV5KMviHiHVOg_Klf9XiFnDtw6CJ7p_btGI2ycMxINoqr4kPdP-NxcBTApB9TAtAEM_toRA5U7Gek/s1600-h/IMG_7792.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287694438882258194" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcE-XukG25gSilfzAj4C56qHV8ciyhaD3sN_sK3Em3Nbvozq3IlER9FD9AYe3sRbV5KMviHiHVOg_Klf9XiFnDtw6CJ7p_btGI2ycMxINoqr4kPdP-NxcBTApB9TAtAEM_toRA5U7Gek/s320/IMG_7792.JPG" border="0" /> </a></p><p align="center"><br />Pans on stove, one for hardboiled eggs, one for oatmeal.<br /></p>Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-49761079380453677712009-01-05T16:04:00.000-06:002009-01-05T16:17:40.075-06:00NiceMy mom's here visiting and also helping me. Help! Big time!<br /><br />Even though we've been very busy moving out of and back into our seepage damaged basement during the last month, as a part of my new year's resolutions I spared an hour for myself and myself only. I made my appointment during naptime anyway.<br /><br />Since I'm an "<a href="http://bagar.avonrepresentative.com/">Avon Lady</a>" I prefer to do my mani/pedi at home but nothing is like a spa mani/pedi with jacuzi treatment and sea salt massage. I can get used to this.Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-8629518964646237612008-12-30T22:23:00.000-06:002008-12-30T22:25:40.206-06:00Happy New Year<div style="text-align: center;">I was away from blogging for a while but I wanted to post a new year's message.<br /><br />I hope everyone a healthy, happy, peaceful new year with their families and loved ones.<br /><br /><object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1509073&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1509073&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/1509073">The Mom Song</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/northland">Northland Video</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /></div>Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-22578068211620137062008-11-21T10:48:00.000-06:002008-11-21T11:00:00.960-06:00Preschool sceneRecently there has been crying and fussing when I'm dropping Burak off at his preschool in the mornings. It's been almost 3 months since he started and I wasn't expecting this. I thought we could be on a routine by now; get in, get out. No scene, no issues. But my day is always full of surprises.<br /><br />It's not Burak who's fussing, it's Ela. I take her with me when we go to Burak's school because I have noone else to leave her. I hate the fact that I have to bundle her up and take her out to that freezing weather every single morning, but I have to.<br /><br />Now, as she's getting closer to her first birthday, she wants to stay with her brother and play with the other kids. First she jumps on to his teacher's arms, as if I had abducted her. She grabs her shirt or cardigan, whatever she has. She giggles and smiles, acting cute so that the teacher cannot let her go. When I get her back and she lets a cry out. Oh my god! She wants to get down. As we leave out of the door, she's crying.<br /><br />I worry about your 3 year-old getting used to being away from you at school and how he's adapting. On the other hand, my free-spirited daughter wanting to get away from me, already.<br /><br />Is this a red flag for the future? Is this what my mom had warned me about?<br /><br />"If you have a daughter like yourself, you'll see"<br /><br />Oh my...Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-82300796024795890362008-11-20T15:00:00.000-06:002008-11-20T15:17:58.807-06:00DownturnWhen I go out everyday to leave Burak to preschool, I pass by a gas station. Today regular was $2.29. I think 3-4 miles up North it might be around $2.09. It's always very low north of the city. I remember, the days we used to pay $4.50 weren't that far past.<br /><br />It's nice to see the drop in gas prices, but I also see the big "going out of business" sale signs. It's not the mom and pop store at the corner. They're already gone. These are the big guys. Linen's n Things and Circuit City.<br /><br />When housing market got tighter and mortgage bubble burst I was thinking maybe it'd pass before we're affected. Then stock market turned upside down, I started to think of worrying things more than once a day. Now with all the closings, and huge lay downs by big corporations I'm biting my nails.<br /><br />Most stay-at-home moms might aggree with me on this, because we have only one person on the line, remaining in the volatile job market and that's the only income we have right now. I have my Avon business and some other side start-ups going on but it's not going to pay our mortgage and living expenses alone for sure. In addition, working even part-time with two kids is not as easy as it sounds. At least, I feel guilty when I have to do work related stuff instead of playing with them or taking them to the library etc during the day. So, the less time devoted, the less income earned.<br /><br />I left my job voluntarily and for a short period - theoretically. I loved my job and the company I worked for, and hopefully they appreciated me as a member of their team as they told me when I was leaving. The decision then was not that hard. I wanted to stay with my kids at home, instead of looking for a new nanny (love) after Ana. (When we moved, she couldn't come with us. She is the gratest nanny on Earth) If I would be making the same decision today, it wouldn't be that easy.<br /><br />I just hope we can hold on tight until Ela is at least 2 years-old. I hope I am making the right choice of investment.Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-50331513979860255542008-11-19T02:15:00.000-06:002008-11-19T00:23:31.022-06:00Wordless Wednesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndEWUHKpOJakB1ci_4PtlYv3L2Qci44hpH1lOZKXReLo55rAU-UR5zt_cEEKmpnYOCtDO7ZSF4JHMZ0vLYMKqohOcvVXq0y0OkU7-vzGtGCfB6PlfP8udC1RUZD_AfZwaimunOuIYJ4A/s1600-h/IMG_6538.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndEWUHKpOJakB1ci_4PtlYv3L2Qci44hpH1lOZKXReLo55rAU-UR5zt_cEEKmpnYOCtDO7ZSF4JHMZ0vLYMKqohOcvVXq0y0OkU7-vzGtGCfB6PlfP8udC1RUZD_AfZwaimunOuIYJ4A/s320/IMG_6538.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270205756300773474" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">April<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnqM8P42SY0fSpK31awGJLHARoB-oGebjKajFaov38XIY-leqXjBKoNF0cXsbGHquuOxOpdGMiRN4SQGPRkTANNfyasnGG_LnoZwtReYcS_NyiMARP_gh9adV7Z480ekFi2Udl-KXDyE/s1600-h/IMG_1311.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnqM8P42SY0fSpK31awGJLHARoB-oGebjKajFaov38XIY-leqXjBKoNF0cXsbGHquuOxOpdGMiRN4SQGPRkTANNfyasnGG_LnoZwtReYcS_NyiMARP_gh9adV7Z480ekFi2Udl-KXDyE/s320/IMG_1311.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270205758518167650" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">May<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHs8GoRjVgJspNNEtVeFO4XOmC3JrR_3Hk1cm5AqcqsX4r_F_zJMDFKiqk4IWjSsUorVWtnOXWF74rOoBYuJPzAmO7Ae0L5JlGQ74xl7Boj1M0ncg2ziHWS76fy0f8LDxAL5j440O8ROc/s1600-h/IMG_7471.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHs8GoRjVgJspNNEtVeFO4XOmC3JrR_3Hk1cm5AqcqsX4r_F_zJMDFKiqk4IWjSsUorVWtnOXWF74rOoBYuJPzAmO7Ae0L5JlGQ74xl7Boj1M0ncg2ziHWS76fy0f8LDxAL5j440O8ROc/s320/IMG_7471.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270205758952689410" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">October<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOIH5rPj88e5pxDk-sra55n6oaGsk7s67g36fnb8a9Kj-_iwMO9YiHi_I0h6MMx9EiT19K3GV_FxmSU82-PUT0e7bCbeHUh2NqTK86UXaL0l84vH8jOlIgoK5SHQnraSe8O3l2IpMk_c/s1600-h/IMG_7807.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOIH5rPj88e5pxDk-sra55n6oaGsk7s67g36fnb8a9Kj-_iwMO9YiHi_I0h6MMx9EiT19K3GV_FxmSU82-PUT0e7bCbeHUh2NqTK86UXaL0l84vH8jOlIgoK5SHQnraSe8O3l2IpMk_c/s320/IMG_7807.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270205763943278546" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">November 2<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIN89SdLvHEb3JrdA5C6E87anauUmy9SUKejsWW7ZNUiYx1iyTIElDrleiKvmGds1h8pb1UAi2BMV5mI2wB1gRSO_lZ1dOlDzia0BWDX5cmJNlpH-9NteqmpwCNTTFL62hGmlcwSQng1I/s1600-h/IMG_7909.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIN89SdLvHEb3JrdA5C6E87anauUmy9SUKejsWW7ZNUiYx1iyTIElDrleiKvmGds1h8pb1UAi2BMV5mI2wB1gRSO_lZ1dOlDzia0BWDX5cmJNlpH-9NteqmpwCNTTFL62hGmlcwSQng1I/s320/IMG_7909.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270205764638194802" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday<br /></div>Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-63570232766935686362008-11-17T12:13:00.001-06:002008-11-17T15:54:41.707-06:00Handmade pouch sling<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOafW8nw5Ft0nVibiNowwb4hg99bwZS3qoAJE8f4e8Vty-pFpXUT_qVyJOJ1N4k8-S9QaDN00HpwPPkYqLde0NMG-MtWISRGttUOkF13h4A00EJAnqKvz-aYGffUba1K73e5dMh_u0Ujw/s1600-h/pouchsling0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOafW8nw5Ft0nVibiNowwb4hg99bwZS3qoAJE8f4e8Vty-pFpXUT_qVyJOJ1N4k8-S9QaDN00HpwPPkYqLde0NMG-MtWISRGttUOkF13h4A00EJAnqKvz-aYGffUba1K73e5dMh_u0Ujw/s320/pouchsling0.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269695135342973810" border="0" /></a><br />I did not know it was <a href="http://babywearinginternational.org/pages/babywearingweek.php">International Babywearing Week</a> this week until I finished my first home-made pouch sling. I made this sling using the <a href="http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/pouch.html">directions at Sleepingbaby website</a> at home.<br /><br />I had used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MXMKW6">Evenflo Snugli Classic Soft Carrier</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Baby-Wrap-Navy/dp/B00009VE6W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1226945735&sr=1-2">The Ultimate Baby Wrap</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Evenflo-Snugli-Side-Soft-Carrier/dp/B000C6OL20/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1226945757&sr=1-1">Evenflo Snugli By My Side Soft Carrier</a>. All of them were usable but my biggest problem was putting the sling on and putting Ela in it. I still use Snugli By My Side out and about. I was trying to use The Ultimate Baby Wrap at home whenever Ela couldn't entertain herself anymore and I had to prepare meals for them. It takes so long to put it on.<br /><br />Not a lot of people use slings in Chicago. Maybe it is because most of the year it's so cold that the baby is either in the car seat or in the stroller anyway. Recently I saw a mom carrying an infant with <a href="http://www.kangarookorner.com/p-26-adjustable-fleece-pouch.aspx">Kangaroo Corner Adjustable Fleece Pouch</a>. I really liked it but the price threw me off. I can sew so I decided it's high time to blow off the dusts on my sewing machine.<br /><br />Even tough the directions warn you not to try your first pouch using polar fleece it's not that scary. I actually chose this fabric just because I loved the pattern. I have two more fabrics, one of which is a light upholstery fabric. I will post the pictures once I finish that one.<br /><br />This pouch sling, is very very easy to use. Quick to put it on, put the baby in and take her out. It does not hurt my back, distributes the weight. Ela is about 24 lbs and I can easily carry her around the house with this. The baby sits firmly and is not flimsy as I though at first. Only thing I can recommend with fleece is to make sure you cut the fabric in the non-stretching direction and make the pouch seam a little bit curved at the ends than shown in the directions.<br /><a href="http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/pouch.html"><br />Directions for sewing a pouch sling by sleepingbaby.com</a>Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-81025627289465287042008-11-16T09:55:00.001-06:002008-11-16T10:15:55.237-06:00Home-made, Mom-made Halloween Costumes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoe9liV1ABXpFo0ZZTz2f1EonINP0ZPlmxWF5Pt_CtOanHMm30GVmhjNybBVIaVA2K5MIfSJKbvLR1BcJC1yftxAfBxlEH-dvg-xLIV4ofZkB7g1ZlXAbV-4MmD_2d5e00hfhGJAWMEOY/s1600-h/IMG_7727.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269284980302508562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoe9liV1ABXpFo0ZZTz2f1EonINP0ZPlmxWF5Pt_CtOanHMm30GVmhjNybBVIaVA2K5MIfSJKbvLR1BcJC1yftxAfBxlEH-dvg-xLIV4ofZkB7g1ZlXAbV-4MmD_2d5e00hfhGJAWMEOY/s320/IMG_7727.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3AOyzp6egMKvIBkWWBqd8dsJiA99HQXI7KUekA_b5Xd0MxxBf1wREJYVvlopnY1rJ9SDnyHznQw87c41bpIz4CdNKBrqoM44sLTC4jtW7XXN1SdAN_AdK7asI5TvtGsiDakE2lNg4jg/s1600-h/IMG_7672.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269284973896210018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3AOyzp6egMKvIBkWWBqd8dsJiA99HQXI7KUekA_b5Xd0MxxBf1wREJYVvlopnY1rJ9SDnyHznQw87c41bpIz4CdNKBrqoM44sLTC4jtW7XXN1SdAN_AdK7asI5TvtGsiDakE2lNg4jg/s320/IMG_7672.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It is way past Halloween, but I wanted to share the costumes of our little ones. I made Burak's Spongebob Squarepants costume. I used one of Ela's diaper boxes. I cut the head and arm holes and took the bottom part out. Then I wrapped around with yellow poster paper. Then I used my sons Spongebob t-shirt to trace its face on a white paper and applied it back to the box. I cut out and glued its pants and tie from colored craft papers. The costume was ready.<br /><br />Unfortunately, my son wore the costume twice and did not want to go trick or treating with the costume on. So my husband carried it along. Burak wore his Spongebob t-shirt instead. He did not want to wear his pirate costume last year as well. Since I had asked him what he wanted and did not want to wear it despite his choice, I will be hesitant to "purchase" a costume, that he might not wear next year. I can do another one myself. Actually, I saw a picture on one blog of a kid with garbage truck made out of cardboard. I loved it. I will ask Burak next year and if he agrees I will build a garbage truck out of cardboard.<br /><br />Ela's costume was made by my grandmother -with my humble helps tracing the pattern and cutting the fabric - 3 years ago for Burak. We used a Kwik-sew pattern. It is so cute, I couldn't think of any other costume for Ela. Burak was 3 months-old when he wore this. Ela was 10. It was a perfect fit and she kept the hat on as well.<br /><br />The weather was gorgeous that day in Chicago. We sat down in front of our door to give candy to the kids (and eat the candy) while Burak and dad went around trick and treating.Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-50893568614386652282008-11-12T09:11:00.001-06:002008-11-12T09:13:08.859-06:00Wordless Wednesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxIN-6Z325KIdRwni7HES6jnRqhyphenhyphenFRkQawuWhpatW_fCkLMpM1hO-Uw2fcmWi1H5Dc1z0ZrRFuvzYhdTIoWgrJxNijEybcntujRB-TKcbAQ1TM_tMb05iisDLMGXrOyQSsSLYA7iVllU/s1600-h/IMG_7794.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxIN-6Z325KIdRwni7HES6jnRqhyphenhyphenFRkQawuWhpatW_fCkLMpM1hO-Uw2fcmWi1H5Dc1z0ZrRFuvzYhdTIoWgrJxNijEybcntujRB-TKcbAQ1TM_tMb05iisDLMGXrOyQSsSLYA7iVllU/s320/IMG_7794.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267789202001272754" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjoskBQqs_S1PaZHL4WhYeSI7NZvX5T3dWWLe4dvmdSq_3Oc6Q1Lq7vayC6kPJMOUAWnPXsJXx7Q8UThIrI-aWMamrkp9Biz2JaVkjpX1Op8z1VTuna6SFjW5WJU0yctrPtVO5KLZ-f8/s1600-h/IMG_7805.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjoskBQqs_S1PaZHL4WhYeSI7NZvX5T3dWWLe4dvmdSq_3Oc6Q1Lq7vayC6kPJMOUAWnPXsJXx7Q8UThIrI-aWMamrkp9Biz2JaVkjpX1Op8z1VTuna6SFjW5WJU0yctrPtVO5KLZ-f8/s320/IMG_7805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267789203085062818" border="0" /></a>Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-59383300873563676232008-10-23T09:57:00.001-05:002008-10-23T10:14:52.338-05:00Yippie Yay Thursday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VoY4wDUvO_W1eBGBy9l8g69FSq4WRUJSiJbJslcMNosw8512HN9hXRghIA8hFbb89oigtyUl0IL_J8BZPJkZfSn7q3WCdn9ZrF-ZcV2-N-9Vv1dt7I51V7tF5-w0Yx8FU5FTmPhc_cM/s1600-h/WW1023.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VoY4wDUvO_W1eBGBy9l8g69FSq4WRUJSiJbJslcMNosw8512HN9hXRghIA8hFbb89oigtyUl0IL_J8BZPJkZfSn7q3WCdn9ZrF-ZcV2-N-9Vv1dt7I51V7tF5-w0Yx8FU5FTmPhc_cM/s400/WW1023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260363733444579794" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have no idea how I did it. I just poked around on the circuit board. Now the ride-on's buttons and the bubble maker is working. This is the only toy they enjoy together, right now. It's so nice (heartwarming) to see them playing together.<br /><br />Ela and I started the classes at <a href="http://merrymusicmakers.net/" target="_blank">Merry Music Makers</a> yesterday. It's a part of <a href="http://www.musictogether.com/" target="_blank">Music Together</a> program. I love these classes. I like them better than Gymboree's gym classes. Not that anything is wrong with those but I like the interactivity of the music, the rhythm and, finger and body play better.<br /><br />Ela is so different from Burak. She started to shake and wiggle right from the start. It had taken Burak I-don't-know-how-many classes to get warmed up the the class. I knew he liked the music, because he was doing everything back at home. But he would just sit and watch others for 35 minutes, then in the last 10 minutes he would start to join in. Then the class would end.<br /><br />Preschool is helping him to be a part of a group I think. In the mornings, when I leave him to his class, he immediately finds his friends and forget about me (or even his father, when he leaves Burak). He has his own little - or maybe bigger than mine, who knows - world. It's amazing.<br /><br />In the meantime, he's having hard time letting us go during bedtime in the last few days. I am guessing - from few hints he's given us - he is scared of something in the room or the wardrobe. He didn't tell us exactly why. I hope we can figure out soon.<br /><br />Final good news is, I started reading again. (see <a href="http://rookiesahm.blogspot.com/2008/09/craving.html">Craving</a>) Of course, the books are about child development. I will post some of my reviews here soon.Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757434948863692698.post-50343745082135463402008-10-22T09:31:00.001-05:002008-10-22T09:35:16.165-05:00Wordless Wednesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfomRpfl-ibtrI0HHrXJI0_VIr7gYvBRxrBodq4UifHGbYPlBysAuGIxBTagZhxmWSZZdBQrFwYhna3kPYUPbry3NzFDMxXP-nnOs2kMHbwkSq3wK7XRiOmAxT8vuSVGvNviIuuSRMoc/s1600-h/WW1022.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfomRpfl-ibtrI0HHrXJI0_VIr7gYvBRxrBodq4UifHGbYPlBysAuGIxBTagZhxmWSZZdBQrFwYhna3kPYUPbry3NzFDMxXP-nnOs2kMHbwkSq3wK7XRiOmAxT8vuSVGvNviIuuSRMoc/s400/WW1022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259986054469807298" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This Winnie Pooh Ride-on has been broken for sometime. The buttons don't work. The sound is off. I though I could fix it. So I opened it up, which was easy. Now I'm thinking.... what was I thinking?<br /><br />Red cable or the blue cable?<br /><br />What do you think?<br /><br />I think it already blew up.<br /></div>Rookie SAHMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06569990307349323037noreply@blogger.com1