Tales from the Crib

 In my last blog, I wrote that the first people to e-mail me could win the "Barbie and the Diamond Castle" DVD.

Maybe you thought online giveaways would go too quickly. Maybe you're not feeling all that lucky. Maybe you thought you missed you're chance—but you didn't! So I just wanted to break the ice and say: You still have your chance! It's easy: E-mail me and I will actually send you a DVD!

In fact, in addition to my regular blog, I'll be tacking on some occasional giveaway opportunities. So keep reading. Hopefully you are doing that already and I will thank you for doing so with more giveaways.

I'll keep it simple. October is just around the corner and one of my favorite Autumn activities is pumpkin-carving. So the first people to e-mail me at rchristman@metroparentmagazine.com will receive either the Barbie and the Diamond Castle DVD or the Casket Case Pumpkin Carving Kit.  Everything you need to carve a super scary pumpkin is included in this case: 7 patterns, 2 saws, 1 poker, 1 scoop scraper. Just let me know which you'd prefer.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

 Update: Thanks to everyone who emailed me, but the DVDs and carving kits have all been sent out. Keep reading for upcoming giveaways!

My daughter Anika turned one this week. I go back and forth feeling like she just came home from the hospital yesterday, or that we've had her forever.

I've been nostalgic and sentimental; it's really been a great year. Not an easy year, but a great one.  Every single day she surprises me with her discoveries, inspires me with her enthusiasm and warms my heart with her joyfulness.

All week I've found my self saying things like ... "One year ago today, I told work I'd be right back after my doctor's appointment."

Well, that was the day my doctor's assistant chased after me when I left the office, saying the doctor needed to see me right away.  I was having some complications and they decided it was time to induce. I was hoping to grab a sandwich on the way back to the office. Actually, I figured since we were inducing I could go back to the office, go home pack a bag and Nate and I could get ready to have a baby in the morning. But they said I had to go right to Labor & Delivery, do not eat a thing, do not pass go, do not collect $200.

That was how it all started.

Speaking of beginnings ... I  need some help cleaning of my desk, so the first  20 people to e-mail me at rchristman@metroparentmagazine.com will get a free DVD copy of "Barbie and The Diamond Castle."
 

Today was Mia's first day of school in all-day K4.

I didn't have many expectations for the day, but I expected the morning to be rough, as everyone was supposed to get up earlier than usual. Then I pictured Nate and I walking Mia (4) and Anika (11 months) to school, meeting the teacher, saying hello and introducing ourselves. Then I'd leave to bring Anika to daycare and get myself to work—on time.

Every experienced parent of a school-age child is probably giggling at my novice right now.

After a hurried morning, we took the classic "first day" pictures and ended up driving to school (3 blocks) because we were running so late. I briefly met teacher, but there was little time for hellos as she shuffled 25 4-year-olds and their parents into the room, gave us a folder of paperwork and snapped our pictures for Mia's file.

Before I left for work with a baby in desperate need of a diaper change on the go, I gave the teacher our paperwork and a "good luck" as she calmly took control of the madhouse that was forming. I've always had tremendous respect for all educators out there but just realized today what a true fiasco the first day of school can be. I chuckled at myself for assuming there would be ample time for introduction and long chat. There will be time for that in the near future, I'm sure.

Right now, I'll just concern myself with getting everyone to daycare, school and work on time.