Monday, November 17, 2008

Bad Weather, Busy Job

Things here still have not settled down at work.  This is expected, crunch time for the project as we approach 6 months for Go Live.  Not to mention that the Holidays seem to bring on the crunch.  I am managing to just keep my head above water at work but a few things have gone to the wayside.  That would include, in no particular order, blogging, photography, cleaning, reading and laundry.

The weather here in the northeast had been so dreary, wet and rainy.  With that means no sun, no natural light, no pictures.  I am trying to learn to use my flash, I just need time.  I swear I am already developing S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder).  It is killing me and Francesco that he is unable to play out side after school.  It is already dark by the time I pick them up from daycare. Having a spirited toddler not able to burn of his energy makes for a chaotic night.  I am not kidding when I say he is literally bouncing off the walls.

We are also dealing with the typical toddler eating issue.  I am flabbergasted when the daycare tells me that they give him his lunch and snack last, this is so he is not finished before the others even get their meals.  I am in disbelief because lately I can not get him to eat anything at home.  We have run the gammet of techniques.  We tried the "showdown", where Michael made him sit until he was finished, Francesco won that one.  We are now just going to let him decide if he is going to eat or not.  Last night he decided not, but the continued to ask for things afterwards.  We held our ground and did not give in.  He ate minimally at breakfast.  I did pack a large lunch, I figure if he eats good at school I'll make sure he gets what he needs there.  I would love any suggestions anyone could pass along.

Nicolo continues to be the coolest little guy.  He is clapping and waving.  He does so many things that Francesco never did.  I am so amazed at how different they are from each other.  I truly believe he will be my Zen toddler.  If he continues to have the same temperament as a toddler I will be so lucky.  He of course thinks that Francesco is the best thing in the world and so far they do get along well. It is so sweet to see Francesco get out his cherished trains and take one over to Nicolo and say "here, you try".  Melts my heart every time.

So as this busy time continues I decide to drop in for a little hello.   I will post a picture but they are not my best.  Like I said , I have a lot to learn about using the flash indoors.  I just thought the series of shot were cute.



8 comments:

  1. Isn't it totally amazing how children differ form one another?!?!?! It leaves me in awe everyday!

    And the older sibling hero worship by the younger one is so adorable!

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  2. I love it. Great series. I love all of his different expressions. I am working on my indoor shots too. Maybe Santa will bring me an external flash.

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  3. Eating: do the 3 bite rule - he must eat three bites of each thing on his plate. It's not so much he'll fight you, but it will keep him fed. Mine has been difficult with food since we moved to solids.

    I wish you luck on SAD. I couldn't live up north for that very reason.

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  4. my daughter is starting to becoming picky with her food...i try not to force her and realized that variety is key. she doesn't like having the same thing over and over...good luck!

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  5. Caden has just started not eating as well as normal...we stopped putting him in the highchair and allow him to sit at his own little table and he's liking the freedom a little too much right now. So, I don't have any advice for you, but I do feel your pain!

    Nicolo is so adorable...love his faces...and I don't think they look bad at all!! I don't even have an external flash and I would have no idea how to use one if I did!

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  6. oh...so...cute! he is just a sweet little thing.

    i hope your job slows down a bit and allows you to enjoy the next few weeks!!

    and we have the same toddler problem of not eating over here. i just put out what is for the meal, and if she doesn't eat it, she doesn't get anything until the next meal. it feels so mean, but i think you have to just lay down the law sometimes....

    good luck!

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  7. Awww, very cute shots of him! The many faces of Nicolo. :)

    The eating frustrations are the hardest thing, I know! My kids eat great at daycare, too. Then they come home. And don't eat. They know the rules. If they don't eat their dinner well, then they don't get a snack later if they are hungry. That's the way it works and eventually they learn. They don't waste away on you in the night if they don't eat their dinner. It is just another thing we need to teach them that isn't any fun.

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