A Beautiful Time

I’m still in the Bahamas with David and the kids. He is shooting the new version of “Superstars” for ABC. There’s a great group of celebs and athletes down here with their families. David is so happy and this is truly his element. It has been an interesting trip for me. My nanny did not have a passport and David got the invite to join the show late in the game, so we actually packed our bags and left immediately the following morning. We had no one to join us to help with the kids, so I have been the babysitter, supporting partner, playmate, and as always, mommy. I feel like I did back when it was just Neriah, Sierra and I. They are back home in school and with their father so it is just me and the babies.

We have been totally bonding. Rain has been such an amazing big girl, and my helper. Meals are tough and nap times are not on the same schedule yet, so I have been spending a lot of time in our room. What could be worse considering it is overlooking the beautiful Carribean? I am also doing a lot of writing as it is very peaceful and inspiring here.

We have been spending our days in the pool, at the beach, visiting the aquarium and taking many long walks through the property. I feel like this is an important time for us. Life gets so busy back home, work is very demanding and I am constantly juggling meetings and many other obligations with school, Baboosh, etc. This trip has been only about our family, the kids and David. I have to admit that we were a bit worried because we have great help at home which is necessary with all four children’s different schedules, but I have enjoyed every moment with the kids alone here.

I have learned so much this week about all of us; it has been a beautiful time. Try to set aside your demanding schedules whenever possible and enjoy the important things in life such as family and friends.

Brooke

The Economy Has To Get Better

Even The Paparazzi Couldn’t Ruin This Weekend!

I had an amazing weekend. David flew to Vegas to celebrate a guys only surprise birthday party for one of our best friend’s 40th. I had a much needed girls dinner Friday night at one of my favorite Santa Monica restaurants, Boa. We shared stories, laughed a lot and drank too much wine! I payed for it Saturday, but spent the day with my girlfriends and our kids at our local park in the center. You’ll probably see us in the mags, there was so much paparazzi following our every move, but I didn’t want it to take away from the kids fun. It’s kinda sad that i don’t spend as much time with them in that area, simply because of the hassle with all the paparazzi. But that particular day we went about our business and let nothing stop us. The real killer was the RUDE mother in the sand box that wouldn’t let any of the kids use her child’s sand toys. She actually took a shovel away from Rain and Rain kept asking me, “why mommy?” I quickly ran over to the the store and bought a bunch of stuff for everyone to share in the sand box. Its amazing how a grown up can behave that way, talk about NO sand box ediquate….

Last night was the 2nd night of the birthday bash. David and I met everyone at a local supper club, and partied the night away. It ended up to be a late night jacuzzi party at my house. A stretch from the usual family affair that we are used to. We had so much fun!! It’s been too long. It was so healthy to let lose and get a little crazy. Everyone needs that or you WILL go crazy!

Today we had a fish barbeque with the kids and our parents. Life quickly returned to the Malibu norm by sunrise, too bad every great night has to end!!!!

Love,

How You Can Learn From Your Kids!

If you ever want to learn something about yourself, ask the people close to you what they think of you.  Although the truth may hurt sometimes, if your loved ones can be honest, the constructive criticism can be fascinating!

I decided to do an exercise with my girls, in hopes that “checking in” would bring us closer.  Kids love to be heard, and their uncensored opinions are invaluable.  So, we were in the car on our way home from school, our usual 45 min drive.  I gave Sierra a tablet of paper and a pen and told her and Neriah that we were going to play a game.  I told them that I wanted to know what they think of me, good and bad, and that no one would get in trouble….. I asked them to take turns giving me one word to describe me, and Sierra would write them down.

Here is what they came up with; busy, smart, nice, caring, mean (this one came with “no offense mom, I don’t want to hurt your feelings,  but…”) helpful, fun. beautiful, RUDE, late, honest, hero, super mom,  fixer, great dancer, great body, cool mom.

Well, to be totally honest, I have spent some time thinking about all of my words.  Many were so nice to hear, some were a surprise, and some made me realize that my style might need to be modified.  We talked about all the reasons why they felt those things, and it was such an eye opening experience.  I really believe in giving my kids the freedom to express themselves and I want them to be opinionated as well, even if it is negative sometimes.  Many things I thought would be important to them were not mentioned, and many things I do that I thought they took for granted, were brought up.  I felt validated in many ways, sorry for being RUDE and LATE, and flattered to be adored by the little people that matter the most to me.

I learned that when I don’t always hear my kids out when they are trying to explain something, they feel cut off, unimportant, and they think I am “rude”, so I will try to listen to their thoughts more. When I am always rushing them in the morning, which is ALWAYS, they think that I am “late”, so we will get up earlier. All the rest of the stuff was so nice to hear, so positive, and it touched me in many ways.

“A Mother’s Work is Never Done!”

Hi,

I am in my office and Shaya is asleep in his stroller next to me.  I just finished my usual Pilates class, which I have been taking him to.  Lately I have been so busy being pulled in a million directions that I am trying to squeeze in my baby moments.  Isn’t that the ongoing challenge of motherhood?  Not to mention the guilt that goes along with the fact that there are not enough hours in the day for everyone’s needs.
 
I am always hesitant about how personal to get in my blogs. I know that they end up circulating all over the internet, but I feel obligated to share my truth and real life experiences.  Besides, today I need to vent!
 
Here is a typical morning in my house, and this is only the beginning of my usual hectic schedule:

No need for an alarm in the morning, baby is up fussing for milk. Our two year old needs to go potty and my eyes are fighting the sunlight. My back hurts form being sandwiched in between two babies that are not yet sleeping through the night (on my side of the bed btw).  I wake up my older kids for school and hurry downstairs to get breakfast ready and make it out the door in time to beat rush hour. Thank God I made lunches last night, and I have a 30 minute drive for the kids to finish eating breakfast. Quick glance at the school calendar to make sure I have not missed anything; I have 5 minutes for myself to throw hair in a ponytail, sweats and flip flops on and grab my shades to hide the restless nights bags under my eyes. I yell for everyone to get in the car, bus is leaving!!!  Oh yeah, my COFFEE!  On some days, it’s not that bad but on most before I’ve had my morning coffee, everything is tough.  Mornings are all about the kids.
 
Anyone relate to that?!  Its 10:44 am, I have dropped off Neriah and Sierra at school, worked out with Shaya, wrote an article for my new internet project while he slept, had my 2nd latte, and I’m only getting started.
 
A mother’s work is never done…

Neriah’s Birthday - Slumber Party

Last week was Neriah’s 9th birthday.  Since I have back to back birthdays in March, April and May,  I try to keep them small and allow for a big bash every few years.

Neriah asked for a slumber party this year, and I agreed to do it as long as she only invited five friends.  Five quickly turned into nine, but with courage, I began to plan a fun night with her.  We heated the pool, the jacuzzi and chose the menu for Chinese food delivery; she was far too old for pizza!!! She loaded her iPod with all the music they would listen to, and I headed out to the store to buy supplies for an art project.  I figured that would occupy the girls for at least an hour. I bought 9 colored t-shirts from the Gap, 2 for $18.00, multi-colored diamonds (inspired by DWTS) from Michael’s for $9.99 a package, and fabric glue.  I laid out crayons for the girls to sketch out a design on their shirts, dabs of glue on paper plates, toothpicks to use as the glue tool, and bowls full of the diamonds. They were so excited about the project, and began bedazzling personal designs.  When they were finished, I fringed the sleeves and cut slits across the back. It reminded me of my rocker days back in high school.  When finished, they put them on and did a dance show.  Sooo cute!

Later, I popped corn, ordered a movie from apple TV and let them all settle in their sleeping bags in the screening room. One of Neriah’s friends complained of a headache, which turned into fever and chills. Her mom was at a movie and couldn’t be reached.  She ended up throwing up and was on her way home by 11:00 as soon as mom could be reached. Poor thing!  When the movie finished, I called for lights out and headed off to bed myself.  At 12:30am I was awakened by “Excuse me Mrs. Fisher, I can’t sleep”. David loved that title, LOL!!! I went down stairs to comfort her, but she insisted on calling her dad and needing to go home.  By 1:00am I had talked her out of it and we were both ready to sleep again. I made it a few more hours until Rain climbed onto my bed and baby Shaya woke up.

In the morning, they all headed out to play in the back yard and I toasted fresh bagels and made eggs. After a mellow and polite breakfast, their parents began to pick them up in rounds.  I can’t imagine what 9 little boys would do at a sleep over?!?

I was wiped out, but Neriah had a blast! Aside from two friends, it was a great success.

It Was Harder For Me Than Her

Today was Rain’s first day at a new preschool.  We decided to take her out of the other school she has been attending to offer her early Jewish education.  Both Neriah and Sierra attended a Jewish ECC and the program was full of love and valuable lessons.  Although Rain was very happy at her other school, David and I felt that the new place would be a better choice for our family.  She did great today and it was a much longer day for her, 9-2:00. Friday I spent the afternoon with Rain at the school for a special event, which helped to familiarize her with the area.  I spoke a little with her over the weekend about her going to a new school , and mentioned her teachers’ names several times.  As I was packing her necessity bag this morning, we talked about the program, nap time, and which items in her bag would be for what. She seemed open to the fact that I was packing a sleeping bag, pillow and baby for rest/nap time. We also packed lunch together and chatted about eating with new friends.  I think “fun talk” about anything new is super important, and a well prepared child adjusts much easier.

She approached the day with enthusiasm!  I spent the first hour with her, actually I was filling out paper work and intentionally being inconspicuous, but she new I was there.  Then I told her I was going to a meeting and I would be back soon.  She kissed me goodbye, and I watched my phone for the next 2 hrs thinking she may need me.  She didn’t.  It was harder for me than her, which I have found to be true in many cases.

I picked up a happy Rain, and I was so proud of her and how well adjusted she is.  On the flip side, my first two were totally different.  I actually sat in the same chair with many other moms to partake in the mandatory transition program for both Neriah and Sierra.  It was a 4 week commitment and every child was able to be in the class without mommy at different times.  With Neriah, I was one of the first moms to go, but with Sierra I was one of the last. Every child is different, but I promise they all get through it.  My mom says that I never was able to separate and I was kicked out of many preschools because I could not adjust.  Hang in there if you are going through this tough stage, and count your blessing if you are flying through it! Yeah, Rain!!!

On another note, knowing what kind of program is right for your child at the tender age of 2 is really difficult.  I thought Rain was in the perfect place and several months later, we decided on a different school.  I think it’s about what suits your family, not only your child.  Ask yourself these questions: Is it geographically desirable? How do you feel in the class room? Do you like the program? Does the program include some things your child likes (music, art, etc?). Do you feel stimulated in the class room, overly stimulated? What is the feeling you get interacting with the teachers? Is the environment clean?

Best,

Brooke

Apple Cinnamon Snack

One of my friends at modernmom.com just turned me on to a really yummy snack recipe for the kids.  I actually made it and loved it myself. You can buy an apple slicer from Sur Le Table that peels and cuts apples into cool spiral formations.  They separate into circular thin slices that are fun to eat.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Serve warm or cold.  My kids love them and so do I!

Sick Day? Yea…Right!

Hi,

I woke up not feeling well yesterday.  I never get sick.  Rain has been home sick all week from school and it finally caught up with me!  I was tweeting about it today and a mother wrote, “that a day home sick could be a good thing”.  I replied, “a mother never gets to play that card!”  I would have loved to spend the day in bed, but that was wishful thinking.

I played with Shaya all morning  because I have been too busy lately to put in the time that I know he needs.  Then, I took Shaya and Rain out to our garden and playground in the backyard.  They love that.  I had a lunch scheduled with my girlfriend and I didn’t want to cancel that because I need some girl time, then I had to pick Sierra up from school and drive her across town to an eye doctor appointment that Garth and I worked hard to coordinate. In between all this, I have been working on new product development for the Baboosh store and we just lost one of our valuable employees. I then spent an hour driving home and I am now rushing to cook dinner for the kids. I promised Sierra the meat and chip dip and I didn’t want to disappoint her.  I haven’t had a minute to blog, so as the meat is simmering, I am writing this!  Oh, I also have an 8:00 dinner that I scheduled a month ago with my agent, and I refuse to be a flake.  I haven’t even looked at the hundreds of e-mail that came in today, which I am sure are all important.  That’s my quick summary of my day home sick. LOL!!!

I have so much I want to share about the work/life balance.  I am feeling a bit overwhelmed lately, but somehow as mothers, we always have the ability to figure it out and squeeze it all in.  I will find some time to write later.  I wish I could at night, but the truth is that I am too exhausted in the evening to stay awake past the kids bed time.

Thanks for letting me vent!  Gotta go, dinner is ready.

Sleep Training… The Saga Continues

Hi,

Thank you much for all the valuable feedback that I have been receiving regarding sleep training.  The more I blog, the more I realize the benefits of sharing and developing online relationships. Sometimes I hesitate about sharing the more intimate moments of motherhood.  When I read the responses, I am reminded of how much we can learn form each other.  A community is so important, especially in mommyville!

Most of mommy friends agree that sleep training is the most difficult stage and they have all been there.  I don’t know why none of my four are sleepers, but it is getting torturous.  The past four nights have been rough.  Rain and Shaya have had a bit of the stomach flu.  I just switched Shaya form his formula to regular milk, because he turned one yesterday.  He doesn’t like it, or is just resisting the change.  I feel bad because I know he isn’t getting the calories.  This morning after a few hungry days, he finally took a whole bottle. I have been laying off the night time sleep routine, because he was ill and dealing with the milk change, and I know I am making excuses.  I wish I could fast forward to an easier time.  Anybody wish that???? Tonight I will try again to get him to bed on his own, and try to get him to  stay there all night.  I am honestly dreading it, but my body is telling me I have no choice, David and I are wiped out!  I’ll keep you posted on our progress.

Last night we celebrated Shaya’s first birthday with only our family and grandparents.  He still is not walking, but getting closer everyday.  Oops, he just woke up, I gotta go!