Parenting Mistake Number 1 (with Rose)

My philosophy in life is very straight forward: Keep It Simple. So often things are made so very complicated and it is so unnecessary. I don't like a big fuss over anything and less is more in my book. That doesn't mean I live like a Quaker by any stretch of the imagination but I do not like a lot of fuss and fluff. I laugh at all the stuff that magazines say that we need to have for our children, the gadgets and gizmo's that they say are a necessity are overkill and quite often make things harder. Have you seen the amount of crap some people take with them on a plane or to the beach? Geesh.

Before we adopted Lily we read tonnes of material about raising adopted children, bonding and attaching, the whole gamut. We went to lectures and listened wisely when adoptive parents spoke. We smile sweetly when parents give us advice and know that for us the opposite is probably true: the family bed is OK in our house, our daughters don't need a lot of socialization immediately, etc,etc.

Since we are armed with this wealth of information how come we were the ones screwing up Roses sleep schedule? Rosie is now sleeping, 12+ hours a night and napping for 2+ hours a day but no thanks can be given to us, actually in all fairness Jacob does get a lot of the credit. I rang WACAP and talked to one of their SW's because we honestly felt that we were missing something, something so important that is was affecting the weasel very negatively. The SW said, have you let her cry at all. The answer to this was: well no, she has spent 12 months of her life crying with no response so we didn't think we should. She told us to try it. Now we all know this goes against all advice given to parents of newly adopted babies. So we took a deep breathe and Jacob gave her her bottle yesterday lunchtime told her it was time for her nap walked to her crib placed her in with a smooch and left the room. She cried for less than 5 minutes and went straight to sleep and slept for 2 hours. Last night he did the same thing and she cried for less that 1 minute and slept for just over 12 hours. Ditto today, but today she stopped crying before we were out of the door. We think they are tears of joy because we are actually leaving her alone to rest and not rocking her for hours on end and not singing in annoying out of tune voices, or putting her in with us so that every time she would move we would touch her and offer comfort. The kid likes to be left alone and we missed the most simple advice in the world. This has really opened our eyes. Don't over analyze everything. Some things are just very simple. (just for Lori's uncle Howard I am biting my tongue, throwing salt over my shoulder, crossing my fingers, knocking on wood and donating to his Rabbi just so that I don't jinx myself. )

Dear Rosie, this will probably be one of many mistakes that we make with you but have no fear your sister has her share of horror stories to trade with you so you are in great company there. We have never said we were good parents just that we have good intentions. We love you and promise to keep it simple for you. Love your lame folks. oxoxoxoxox

Needless to say the Weasel had a champion day today and was a complete riot. Oh and if you haven't ever done so I suggest that you have the Fire Department check the installation of your child's car seat. We had it done today, they came to us and we learnt so much and we thought we had it all right. Today has been a real eye opener all round!

Here for your viewing pleasure are some pic's and videos. ( I have put in loads of videos because for now this is the only way that my family back in the UK can see Rosie....but that will be changing soon right????? When Rosie Posie has surgery we will need you Nannis and Grandpa.

Future Blogger

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Until today Rosie would take one toy out at a time but today she went hog wild.

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She LURVES tiny oranges. We call them Satsumas I think you call them Clementines here.

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Zoom Zoom

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Don't Drive Like My Sister.

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Women Drivers!


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If at first you don't succeed, don't listen to your mother, just quit while you have your dignity intact!

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And finally. A huge thank you to Ed, Jenny and Ebby for the beautiful toybox that they made, yes I said made, for Rosie. They made one for Lily and the night we got home with her they had already put it in her bedroom as a surprise for her, well me actually. They are the most beautiful pieces of furniture you can imagine and they both have messages in them for the girls. We love them and we love you very much.


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The inscription complete with Rosies Gotcha day date.

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