April Showers

We had a very nice, but overly short weekend. Is it just me, or should weekends be AT LEAST 3 days long? So maybe no one would get anything done, but we would all be a lot happier!

Saturday we took a drive out to Culpeper for sandwiches at this little Deli called "The Stable." Nick decided their slogan should be "our sandwiches could feed a horse." He is not to far from the truth as my sandwich was stacked so high, I couldn't fit it in my mouth. I seriously could only eat 1/4 of it before I felt like I might explode! After our short visit to Culpeper, we headed to Shenandoah for a 3 mile (about) hike in white oak canyon. We hiked to the less-frequented lower falls and it was truly breathtaking. Anastasia had the best seat in the house-- in her backpack carrier on Nick's back. We had a nice time and a stop at the "Frost Diner" in Culpeper served us well with some yummy ice cream on our way home.

Sunday I learned how to play a dice game called "Bunco" at my aunt's house. The game was complete luck... and serves more as a social outlet for friends. Not my favorite game, but I won some Tupperware so that was good. I think I would prefer to have a mom's poker night instead of Bunco. That would be a little more my speed. Or even Spades!

I just started reading Dr. Sears' book "Parenting the Fussy Baby and High-Need Child." I wouldn't have described Anastasia as a fussy baby, I just assumed she was normal since she was my first. I just assumed every baby was "demanding" and had to be held, cuddled and nursed all the time. Since she has gotten older, when I read about how "normal" children act or behave I realize she isn't so normal. On top of that, her hot-or-cold attitude toward everything, her spunk, and her determination concluded for me that Anastasia is definitely a strong-willed child. Reading this book has really pinpointed Anastasia on the dot from day 1! It makes me feel like I haven't "spoiled" Anastasia, she just wants what she wants when she wants it. I am excited to read this book and learn more ways to help Anastasia develop her will rather than try and suppress it. I like that Dr. Sears has a lot of advice on disciplining and directing a strong-willed child (as they need a significant amount for their own safety and well-being). I am hoping to come away with a greater understanding of my child and how to effectively meet her needs as a little person and direct her towards becoming a good contributor to society, rather than a monster.

It is April! Hooray! It is a classic, dreary April Day. You know, the "April Showers bring May flowers" kind of day. I am very excited that at the end of this month we should be (God willing) closing on our little mountain house. I have to work today on my resume and fill out an application as an old friend from Alexandria Animal Hospital who lives in Front Royal, has helped me to get an interview at a local veterinary clinic there. I want to work Saturdays and evenings, but they aren't open past 6 pm and they are only open a few hours on Saturdays. But some hours are better than none! I actually kind of miss working to a certain extent and a few days a week would make me feel like a better contributor to my family and society. We will see what happens!! Its all very exciting! So I am hoping April will go by quick and maybe I will be living somewhere new come my birthday (May 4th)!! That would be the very best present ever!!