Gender roles

I'm tired and will probably rework this at some point - for now it remains more of an internal monologue :)

I just read a really interesting article about gender specific colours - and how the switch from pink as a boy's colour (rather than our contemporary interpretation of pink as a girl colour) came around WWII and the Nazi rule. Interesting how a fascist dictatorship can influence gender identity in such a profound way. Which makes me all the more determined to dress my boy in whatever colours I choose. Relating to that - I don't understand why gender expectations are forced upon our children before they're even born. Why does society feel the need to impress suffocating ideals of what boys or girls 'should' be? Parents often treat their sons and daughters differently - the concept that girls naturally talk earlier than boys is often because parents of girls talk to them much more than they would to their sons. Exposure to language inevitably leads to earlier language acquisition. They also respond faster to thei daughter's cries, cuddle them more, and are more likely to allow their boys to try things out like walking or climbing. In fact, boys are more fragile in infancy than girls - so why are we more likely to be comfortable with our boys exploring? It's that whole 'damsel in distress' thing, right? Gender expectations. We are constantly setting our children up for the roles they will play in their lives and it is ultimately our responsibility to allow them to grow and develop into well-rounded human beings. Allowing a boy to play with a doll doesn't mean he'll grow up to be a sissy, or gay (I constantly roll my eyes at that assumption) - it means he will be adopting the role of care-giver into his being. Colour is just that - colour. And toys? They are creating a wonderful world for children to play in. I refuse to force gender expectations on my one-year old, he will be facing a lifetime of that. So now when people comment on him wearing pink, or carrying around his doll, I will feel secure in the knowledge that he is a loving little person without the pressure of gender specificity.

It's New Year's Eve!!

So it's almost 2009. Raf's in dreamland and I am one tired mama! Our neighbours kept us up all night with their very bad karaoke. I really wish if they were going to get twatted that they would at least have the decency to sing something other than very old Oasis. Raf slept blissfully on while I silently seethed :D

Will 2009 be a better year than 2008? Only one way to find out... FIGHT!! (ten points for whoever gets the reference!)

- Mama

Quote of the day: "Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are" - Marianne Williamson

Melodramatic mummy moment...

This morning Raf fell while running and his top teeth split his bottom lip open. It didn't look too bad at the time but now it looks really painful and worse than I thought at the time. Not sure if he needs to be seen by a dr/nurse or just see how it heals. The health visitor was there at the time and she didn't seem too concerned, it just looks worse than it is I think. It's twice the size and the split is across over half his lip but didn't go through. He just woke from a nap and there's blood all over his face and lovey now :(

CRASH

Ever had those days when you're trying to be soooooooo quiet so the baby sleeps and end up bashing into every. little. thing? I hate that!!

Bathtime woes

Recently, Raf has started to HATE bathtime. As in seriously freaking out, flinging himself backwards, won't even put a toe in the water hatred. And I have NO IDEA why. I've tried bathing with him, not washing his hair in case it's the water-over-face that he doesn't like, putting on calm lights/music... what else could I do? I don't get it!! He used to be such a water baby too :(

Picasso

These are the Xmas gifts for grandparents/grandparents this year - if you're reading, look away now!! It's supposed to be a SURPRISE!!

What mama wanted them to look like (the top one)

What Raf wanted them to look like (the bottom one!)

Who needs to be neat when you're creating ART??

It's birthday time!!

It's Raf's first birthday!! I'm happy but sad too. I don't want him to grow up so fast!! How did we celebrate this morning? By being terrified of the wrapped presents and throwing a 1kg bag of sultanas all over the floor.

We went to grandma's for lunch and more presents, but he had a meltdown and was SO tired by 3pm that we had to leave early to get some sleep. So much happened today, I think we were both pretty exhausted. But we love all the birthday presents, thank you very much!!