Too funny not to share...

Work and Other Fun Stuff

As the little man has gotten older (he's a wise old 15 months now), he's become increasingly more active, curious, and social.  All great things!  I'm a proud mama for sure.  I'm running into some trouble with his outgoing-ness while working from home though.  When he was brand  new, he'd pretty much sleep all day, or at the minimum, he'd just hang out while I worked away on my laptop.  Ever since he's been mobile though, I find myself battling the need to keep up with him and answer an important work email/IM.  Or even worse, trying to manage a conference call with him crying in the background.  Not fun.  Lately I'm beginning to think it's a losing battle.  I'm great at multi-tasking, but a girl has her limits, right?

We weren't planning on sending him to pre-school until he was at least two, but I'm beginning to think it's going to happen sooner than later.  The good news is he's super social and loves playing with other kids, so maybe it won't be that big of a deal for him.  I don't think he needs to go full time, since I am at home three days a week after all.  Perhaps just 2 half days/week to start?  It will be good for him to play with other kids, and the fact that mama gets a few hours to herself for un-interrupted work is a nice bonus. 

We're still in the process of figuring all this stuff out.  We need to scout out the local pre-schools before we make any decisions.  But somethings gotta give.

Right Now...

I'm sitting in my parent's family room while I work away on my laptop. (Taking a quick break now, obviously). Baby's upstairs sleeping. Going on 2.5 hours now! There's a load of laundry in the washing machine and a full dishwasher doing it's thing. I'm thinking about our new house and how I want to decorate once we're able to move in, and feeling totally overwhelmed by the task. I need to remember that there are bigger problems in the world than where I'm going to put my couch. It's another beautiful day outside, so I'm planning on spending my lunch break at the park with the little man. Sure to be fun. Until then, back to work.

So long!

25 Manners Every Kid Should Know by Age 9

Today, Yahoo! had an article listing 25 important manners that every child should know by age 9.  I thought it was a pretty good list, actually, so I'll share it below:

Manner #1

When asking for something, say "Please."

Manner #2

When receiving something, say "Thank you."

Manner #3

Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.

Manner #4
If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.

Manner #5
When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.

Manner #6
The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.

Manner #7
Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.

Manner #8
When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.

Manner #9
When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.

Manner #10
Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.

Manner #11
When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.

Manner #12
Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.

Manner #13
Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.

Manner #14
Don't call people mean names.

Manner #15
Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.

Manner #16
Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.

Manner #17
If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."

Manner #18
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.

Manner #19
As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.

Manner #20

If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.

Manner #21

When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

Manner #22

When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!

Manner #23

Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.

Manner #24

Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.

Manner #25

Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

**I think a lot of adults could stand to learn a thing or two from this list as well ;-)