I'm Done!

Well, I have officially completed my last class at Fuller! And I couldn't be happier. I have to finish my practicum this summer but I will walk in graduation in June! Just have to say, 5 years and 2 kids later, it is good to be done. Thanks to all who supported me so I could finish-couldn't have done it without you!!!

Who says boys can't play with dolls?

Dave and I are not scared to let our son play with dolls. We aren't afraid that it will make him soft or effeminate. We don't think it makes him less boyish. We let him play with dolls if he wants as much as he plays with scooters or soccer balls or dirt. In fact, we believe that letting him play with dolls with help him foster his daddy skills as much as letting Willow do so will help her foster mommy skills. Why shouldn't he learn to care for a baby and be tender? He loves to have picnics, feed them, sling them and even nurse his baby. I am happy that he has such a sweet and nurturing side and we both want to foster that, not shame him for that. The idea that boys must act and behave one way and girls another has only perpetuated false stereotypes of who boys and girls should be, and often they have been unhealthy ones. Children should be free to express themselves in whatever way feels natural to them. Dave and I feel that our job is to encourage them in being themselves, fostering those budding personalities and talents and love them unconditionally. We strive to develop strong and healthy attachments now so that we will have strong relationships with them later in life. So if Mason likes to play with dolls, we let him play. It allows him to use his imagination, play creatively and learn to nurture.

Why I am not buying nice furniture until my kids are grown

1. So I won't have millions of fork tong marks in my dining room chairs
2. So I won't have red crayon across the back of my sofa
3. So I won't have smeared peanut butter or yogurt on my chairs from an escapee toddler climbing head first up the furniture trying to get away
4. So I won't have mysterious nicks and chips in my console table
5. So I can actually use the bottom shelf of my coffee table to keep books or games on
6. So I can actually use candles and their respective holders for their intended purposes

VALENTINE'S DAY

We didn't do much for Valentine's DAy for a couple reasons. (1) We're broke, (2) Dave thinks it's too much of a Hallmark holiday to give it any credence....which would be a valid argument if he actually got me flowers or anything other days of the year! But that is a whole other entry in and of itself. But Mason and I did have a fun time making his and Willow's gift for their dad. I think Mason ate more than cooked, but hey, I can't say I blame him!

p.s. Just to avoid a follow up from Dave, I did get chocolates and a couple other things!