I swear I’m not avoiding the adoption world. It’s all I can do to keep breathing right now. I’ve been sick for, as of this afternoon, ten days. TEN DAYS. As we’re sliding down the slippery slope to the boys’ birthdays, the Munchkin’s birthday and Christmas, I want to scream, “I DON’T HAVE TIME TO BE SICK!” But I can’t scream because my voice has also been affected by this flu that does not end. Yes, it goes on and on my friend. (Sing it.)
Between my new job, planning a party, finishing up Christmas shopping, taking on new writing gigs and taking care of sick children (my youngest is now sick), I’m just exhausted. If I could breathe or function without sweating, I’d probably say that it was a good kind of exhausted. But it’s not. I’m just worn out.
Of course, all of this busy-work and illness leaves me feeling guilty. I meant to get something in the mail to the Munchkin last week and, instead, I haven’t even gotten to the Post Office to mail something to a friend. I had it packaged up yesterday but the swine flu ate my brain. It’s things like this, things that you didn’t know to expect (being super sick, that is), that affect communication in open adoption. I feel like a slacker even though I know I should allow myself room to simply be sick. That slacker feeling then makes me feel guilty. That guilt then makes me feel like a failure. The feeling of failure makes me ask the question if I’m really benefiting my daughter or if I’m just going to screw this up as well.
Sick cycle carousel. Literally!
And so, today I hope to actually print out the pictures I meant to send last week, write a note and have my husband lick the envelope. (Just in case germs can travel across state lines in envelope glue.) I promise to be easy on myself. Well, that’s a lie. I’m never easy on myself. I’m only blogging all of this so that I can be held accountable.
Also, anyone know what to get a six year old girl for Christmas? Because I’m lost.
My name is Jenna. I blog here, 
I can offer what my daughter would like–she’s 7.
- any of those obnoxious dolls that seem to have taken over commercials: Moxy Girls, Liv Girls, etc. They make me sigh, but at least they’re not Bratz.
- Zubber bands (where you can make your own version of those stretchy rubber bracelets; assuming it works, I think this is actually kind of cool)
- any very small toy featuring pets (i.e. the Puppy in my Pocket toys or Polly Pocket pets)
- lip balm. Seriously. Especially if it’s flavored like candy or cookies or something.
- anything purple and sparkly. Bonus would be purple sparkly lip balm flavored like candy. ;)
- those Avon bath time body paints. I swear, they don’t stain the tub.
I hope you feel better and that NO MORE SICKNESS hits your house!
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My just turned seven is both very girly and very tomboyey.
She has some Polly Pockets, and would not mind more.
She has none, but she has envied long and hard Playmobil;
the horse sets, animal sets, zoo, vet, you get the picture.
They are expensive, but very cute, and get played with for a long time
apparently.
Will try to think of something my daughter and her compatriots love that does NOT have
tons of little pieces that a little bro might eat.
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My 6 year old is all about dolls right now. She recently got a Best Friend Club doll and loves it – best of all, it wasn’t crazy expensive like other 18 inch dolls.
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My 5 and 7 year old girls think Build-a-Bear is the most wonderful place in the world. If you have a visit maybe you could take her to do this…
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My nieces have always liked gifts such as:
*arts and crafts kits think, simple jewelry making kits (if the parts won’t be too much of a choking hazard around her younger brother), or just pack a cute tote full of markers, stickers, paper, crayons, paints, scissors, etc.
*cutesy jewelry from Claire’s or Target or walmart – inexpensive
*dress up clothes (Princess themed or just dressy)
*books
*I like games – board or card games the whole family can play. She can then “teach” you how to play the game on your next visit!
hair accessories make great stocking stuffers/easy to ship small items
My youngest niece LOVES the Littlest Pet Shop toys – like POlly Pockets, but animals… Ooh – She loves POlly Pockets, come to think of it.
Happy Shopping!!!
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