A Secret to Success as a Working Mom: Turn Burn Out Into Bliss and Embrace Joy

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Last weekend my youngest was committed to going to the "Water Steps" a man-made water fall in Pittsburgh by the rivers. (Fun Fact: Three rivers converge in Pittsburgh--The Ohio River, The Monongahela River, and the Allegheny River.)  He kept asking. I knew he was serious when he said, "If you won't take me, I'll ask  daddy!" Given that it was highly unlikely that would happen on an unscheduled day, I relented. So, we went. It wasn’t planned in the way most things in my life are. No calendar block. No checklist. No “productive” purpose attached. And, so in some respects it was uncomfortable. And yet, it seemed necessary. It was the idea of my 8-year-old—offered with the kind of urgency only children possess when something is profoundly important to them.
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Toddler Tales: Little People Need Little Things

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One of the best shopping scores I made for my daughter was an arm chair.  I swear that chair is the best money that I have ever spent. Below is the tale of how I found the chair and how much she loves it.
Invariably when I shop I am drawn to the children’s section.  Shopping for the baby is sometimes more fun than shopping for me. Who would have thunk it?! As a lifelong shopaholic I had no idea that shopping could get any better. Anybody who’s looking for the ultimate shopping experience, have a kid! 
On MLK Day, my mother and I attended a celebration then we did a bit of shopping.  We went to Pittsburgh’s new Home Goods store. We’re doing our part to stimulate the economy one shopping trip at a time. Many things caught our attention. However, in addition to a few other things, we left with large quantities of Green Tea, some dish towels, a couple of lamps and the cutest pint sized arm chair you have ever seen.
My baby loves the chair. As soon as the chair came home it was like she felt like she belonged with us and wasn’t just a visitor in the big people’s world. She often enjoys her snack in the chair, watches videos or just sits there because she feels like it. It’s hers and she knows it. 
I think that these little things small chairs, putting snacks within reach and toys where she can get them helps foster her independence and give her a sense of belonging.  And although her mother is amazed by her independence she wants her to know that this is her home and she belongs right here with her people. I hope she likes us!
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Comments

Diane - It's All Good Until You Burn Dinner said…
The chair is adorable. No wonder she loves it! And don't you remember how much you loved the things that were "just your size" when you were little? I certainly do. For some reason, the small things made me feel like a big person!
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Jeryn said…
Cute!
11:28 PM
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