What Are You Reading This Fall?

There is nothing better than curling up with a good book during the fall/winter months. A nice warm blanket, some thick socks, maybe even a mug of coffee or hot tea. Mmmmmmm. Love it.

So maybe it's November and 70 degrees in Houston. And maybe I have an insanely rambunctious toddler who is busing burning my house to the ground every minute of every day and a three month old baby who is only happy when she's being held. But, what the hell? Here's my fall reading list:

 

Jo Frost's Toddler Rules

I LOVE Supernanny. She is like the ultimate toddler whisperer. When Niamh turned two, it was like she instantly learned about the 'terrible two's' and thought to herself "oh hell yeah, I can do this!" After one of those afternoons that makes you seriously entertain selling your toddler to the gypsies, I came home to pour myself a glass of wine and browse for toddler discipline books on Amazon. Talk about #momproblems, y'all.

I just started this book last week and am digging it so far. If you ever watched Supernanny, you're probably already familiar with some of her techniques (i.e. the "Naughty Step" for one minute per year of age). The book basically goes into more detail and elaborates on the importance of proper sleep routine, established snack and mealtimes, physical activity, early learning activities, and clear expectations on family rules and expectations.

The first couple chapters helped me realize that some of Niamh's tantrums were a result of wishy-washy snacking and meal times. I've also added some good tools to my toolbox that have helped me communicate with Niamh and let her know what I expect from her and how she can be a "big girl" when we do things outside of the house. So far, so good!

 

The End of Absence

Here's a little something you might not know about me: I am a total throwback when it comes to technology. I don't do things like e-Readers, I have a love/hate (mostly hate) relationship with my iPhone, and I take notes and draft these blog posts on old school paper, not a computer.

When I stumbled across this book review in the Wall Street Journal, I knew I had to read the book. "Digital technology, the author suggests in 'The End of Absence: Reclaiming What We've Lost in a World of Constant Connection,' has filled the once sacrosanct silences in our heads that let us escape our fleeting daily concerns. Distracted by the constant buzzing of our devices, we lose the chance for novel insights and discoveries, 'the kinds of thoughts that present themselves in our emptiest moments—the moments when we stare out the train's windows or hover on a lawn to monitor the sky.'" Um, wow. Yes. Do you ever people watch anymore? For those of us who do, it's astounding to look around a restaurant and see how many people are hunched over their phones "interacting" via social networks rather than truly interacting with other human beings. Probably like many of us who grew up before the internet age, I miss the good old days. Sometimes I like to pretend like it's 1994.

Yeah, I know it's only two books. But let's be real here, if I read both of these before 2015 I'll be one happy camper! What's on your reading list?? I love some recommendations!

Veterans Day

To all who have served: thank you.

Your family, friends, and neighbors appreciate your service and sacrifices every day, not just today.

And a special thank you to my own veteran: I am beyond fortunate to have such a hard-working husband and fun-loving father to my girls. I am always proud of you and your never-ending desire to help others who have served. Thank you for continuing to be a true sheepdog.

RLTW