Making: I made crockpot chicken tortilla soup last night and it was really, really, really easy. Get the recipe in my IG stories before it expires cause you’re going to want it in your bag of tricks that are not so tricky after all. (From this cookbook which is a forever favorite.)
Drinking: okay, here’s a sort of new one! I’ve been doing 2 parts red wine and 1 part that wassail punch from Trader Joe’s together. It’s like a slightly spicy Christmas sangria!
Reading: yesterday I sat down with the boys and we read Charlie Brown (I couldn’t love that story more.) and the Nutcracker. While listening to… Charlie Brown and the Nutcracker. WE ARE SO CHRISTMAS HERE AT THE HUNTS.
Wanting: this slouchy sweater; I’m very into the oversized trend as of late.
Listening: the Moana soundtrack. I took Parker to see it last week and it was so fun. A few times he closed his eyes (and then ended up on my lap, which I loved), but we really liked it and I loved the message. So, now the music is on all the time. We like “Where You Are” and “You’re Welcome” best. Sidenote: I want to live in Montenui now (I think I said the same sort of thing after watching Avatar.).
Playing: puzzles with Anders; he’s really getting into them lately. The other day a police car flew down our street and he started making his siren noises, and ran to pick up the police puzzle piece to show us. You could see the excitement in his face, “This! This is what just went by!” (His expressive language is limited so we started EI with him a few weeks ago. I think the extra help will be good for him.)
Wishing: for some snow! Weird coming from me, right? (What good is cold without a little snow.)
Loving: this article on marriage by Harville Hendrix; so simple. Listening, validating, empathizing. Isn’t that what we all want and need at the end of the day?
Watching: Home Alone. Parker died laughing at the burglars. I mean so many giggles. It was the best.
In case you’re in need of one more holiday look–how about some sparkle pants?!
oh my goodness, sparkle pants! so amazing!
i love that marriage article too.
xo, brittany
prettiest goods for the home on my blog today!
http://www.notablob.com
Those sparkle pants are pretty badass.
I’ve been a reader for years, since before Parker and Anders, because of your unique story. Love following along with your New England life! This post made me smile because I’ve worked with EI for years and LOVE when families can see it as a support and not a negative for their child. Hope it goes well!
nicest people! at least, that’s my experience so far. and yes, i was actually hoping he would qualify so that he could get the extra help before frustration sets in (he doesn’t seem to mind his lack of words yet!). meanwhile i’m watching and listening to every session and taking notes!
Fun times!
Hendrix is on point. I think the hardest part is giving all of that 100% when we percieve our partner as giving less than that….or at least that is my challenge.
Merry merry Christmas to you and your gang.
I’m glad I’m not the only one letting their kids watch Home Alone. Apparently my 4.5yo mentioned something about it at preschool and his teachers were like, “Did he see Home Alone?!?” I probably looked like a deer in headlights like – did I screw up this parenting thing?? (Although whenever I watch those PG rated 80’s and 90’s movies, it makes me realize how much the ratings have changed!!)
i def. cringed a few times with the words jerk and what not–commentary from mom “not a nice word!!”–but overall worth it for those giggles!
Love the sparkles… what is EI? For the confused British reader ?
early intervention. they do so many things from babies on. for anders it’s his expressive language he’s needing some extra help with!
Cant find the soup recipe!!!
sorry! it expired! DM me to send you a snapshot!
Would you consider doing a post on your decision to do EI? I know it’s a sensitive topic and I don’t think it should be taboo, but I’m not sure what are some good signs that EI might be helpful or if I should be patient? Hope that makes sense!
I don’t think there’s enough for a post! I’ll try to say here how we came to this spot – he’s only 2, so language is limited anyway – but he only had about 15-20 words (lots of babbling/communication/understanding – i.e. I can say, “let’s get your shoes on!” and he would go get his shoes. It’s his expressive language that’s limited.) which is less than he should have at 2. Parker was the same way (and had speech therapy but a bit later–around 3.5 years of age; not through EI.). I’m truly not the least bit worried or anxious about it, but more wanted to have a bit of help for him before he’d get to a point where he’s feeling frustrated by his inability to communicate. Plus, it helps me – watching an EI appt. helps me have some of the tools to better play with him in ways that are also speech therapy-like! Let me know if this helped at all? The process was simple and the people have been so wonderful!
Thanks, Bridget! Your response was really helpful. Our son doesn’t speak yet either and he’s 20 months, but our first so I don’t know really what to measure him again. Thanks for this positive response. Did you read any good literature about EI before starting?
i didn’t, but i do have a sister who’s a ei specialist (not local though unfortunately) and another who utilizes their services so i talked with them about it!
Hi! Long time reader, first time commenter. I am a speech-language pathologist and I’ve worked with people of all ages now (seriously – ages 0 to 100). Most states have free early intervention services (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc.) from birth to 3 for those who qualify, many with the option of doing in-home therapy so that the parent can observe/participate. If you’re at all concerned, there’s no harm in consulting with your pediatrician who can refer you for an evaluation. If your child doesn’t qualify for services they may be able to give you recommendations on things to work on at home to increase language in your environment. Hope this was helpful and not overwhelming! Merry Christmas 🙂
PS If anyone else is reading this and their child is older than 3, you should be able to get free services through your local public school, sometimes even if you homeschool your children (you still pay taxes)! God alternative to private practice if your insurance doesn’t cover it, you can’t afford it, or if you already have elementary-aged kiddos and want one less place to drive 🙂
Ahhh so this is where the taking stock posts I’ve seen on Tisse’s blog stem from, not gonna lie, I’ve “borrowed” this concept for a few posts on my blog and was about to do one this weekend! Hope you don’t mind 🙂 Made that chicken tortilla soup yesterday for dinner and it was delish and a hit with the whole fam! My mom and I took my 4 year old Mia to see the Moscow Ballet Nutcracker a few weeks ago and had been reading the book to her beforehand to prep. She LOVES it! Marriage article= all the praise hands, lastly sparkle pants, always
it came from somewhere before me! can’t take credit! thanks for the comment 🙂