Gaditana's Profile

Get a mirror so you can check on him, and just keep singing! You deserve a break. Go for it!

Ditto. I try to keep the bag stocked at all times. Snack containers get filled and tucked into the bag during breakfast, regardless of the day's plans. I keep extras of the basics, (diapers, wipes change of clothes for each) in the car for emergencies. The car also contains juice boxes and special snacks for diverting toddler tantrums in key moments. And I try to keep the unnecessary culled so we don't get overloaded.

A huge challenge with new babies is stopping the steady in-flow of new STUFF. Some is necessary, much is not. In our case, unwanted, un-used gifts from Grandparents being the principle source. It miight be time for a big talk with your family about gifts and small-space living in general. If you get talked into a dishwasher before baby is even born, I can't imagine the crap that will arrive after.

We've convinced the grandparents that every time they feel the urge to buy something to put the money into a savings account instead.

Goes to show you that white always look fresh and sweet. So calming, I want this look for my room!
notsospanish.wordpress.com

Great comment and ideas! I need to freshen things up a bit on our outings. Funny how just one idea can start you off in a new direction.

notsospanish@wordpress.com

Have you got kids? They make a great non-slip surface under water tables and anywhere kids want to splash water on tile, then run and bonk their heads.

http://notsospanish.wordpress.com/

Your house is already full of fun stuff, there is no need to buy "toys". Our one year old is much happier with the pots, pans and wooden spoons than any piece of plastic the grandparents buy. Get out the utensils, cardboard boxes, baskets of fabric scraps; you name it, you already own it.

I have an identical door to my apartment in Spain. They are really common here, and in fact, my Spanish husband asked my why all the doorknobs in North America are over on the side.

Aesthetically, the strength of the dark wood and weight of the ornate central knob grows on you after awhile. The caveman in you comes out. "See my door. Big strong door. I am IMPORTANT"

Everyone needs the book. It is full of interesting tidbits, whether or not you get around to doing the projects. Guests love to browse this one too.

I live in Spain, down the street from my in-laws. And I mean ALL my in-laws because my 30 and 40 something brother and sister in law still live with Mom and Dad. I have had to be very firm about claiming our house as hands off territory for a mother in law who still washes the underpants of her adult children. Luckily, being the foreigner buys me some space to do my own thing. They just throw up their hands at my strange customs, like cooking and cleaning for myself.

But as others have said, my job is to balance that pushing away by making them feel involed in my life in ways I can control, like visit them in their space, or meet on neutral territory. And lots of times I just send my husband over to visit without me!