China Mom
December 2010
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12/30/10Ringing in a new family traditionIn our house, New Year's Eve and parenthood go together like champagne and chocolate milk. Two great things that really don't blend well. But it's okay! I figure I partied as a young singleton and even as a first married. Over the years, the mister and I have realized we're content to ring in the new year at home. We're exciting like that. However, I didn't want to pass our lackluster entertaining skills on to our daughter. I wanted to make the holiday somewhat special and keep it on her level. So last year I put together a Kiddie Cocktail Party, just for the three of us. We had kid-friendly finger foods - little meatballs and pizzas, cheese and crackers, and of course grapes. She had a Shirley Temple while we enjoyed some champagne. It was a blast! As we were getting ready... Posted at 04:50 PM | Permalink |
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12/11/10The Great Elf on the Shelf ControversyI see that little elf. Up there on the shelf. Sitting there...judging me. But that elf isn't on any shelf in my home. No this elf - rather these elves - are still in shops and stores. Staring at me with their happy little faces. Unbought. But I see past their cheery grins. They're judging me. Their eyes say it all: I'm not a good mommy. I don't have an elf sitting on a shelf on my home for my daughter to happily find each morning. I'm not merrily moving my elf every night to a new location. Hiding it in a tree. Slipping it atop the mantel. Nestling it in a lampshade. No. I'm a mean mom. Or am I just lazy? Can we just say I'm busy? I have a hard enough time filling the Advent calendar with tiny gifts every year, let alone play hide and seek with a doll for 25 days. But I'm... Posted at 07:56 PM | Permalink |
When Karen Szabo adopted her daughter Piper from China back in 2006, she didn't know she was also adopting a new passion for and interest in adoption and international adoption issues. But ever since she wrapped her arms around her sweet little girl, she's been drawn to adoption-related stories - and formed a few opinions along the way. She'll share these and write about her own experiences as an adoptive mom - and just an ordinary mom.
