Parent of the Week: Adri

Today we honor Adri. Adri is A-mazing. She's just full of joy and it comes across in her words and photos. She's also a singer- she wrote a lullaby for her baby girl and gave me permission to print the lyrics!! (They're at the bottom of her post). Okay- enjoy!

REMEMBER: If you’d like to be a Parent of the Week, or if you’d like to nominate someone, simply email me at deluna.jamie@gmail.com. It’s that easy!

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Tell me about your children.

I have two step-sons, Sephiroth (11) and Sebastian (10). Then, there is Serena, better known as "Critter". Critter is 11 months old and walking, practically running. The boys dote on their sister and she lights up when they come into the room. Seph is good with electronics, engineering, robotics. He's a wiz kid as long as he's doing a project that he thought of and not an assignment the teacher gave him. Sebastian is great with writing, video gaming, and make believe. He has such an imagination and writes incredible stories. Serena has been a constant blessing in an often stressful world. She loves to sing, dance, and beat out a rhythm. But, it is the three of them together along with their dad that bring deep joy to my life.

How did you meet your husband? Robert and I were good friends in the youth group at our church. I met him when I was 13 and he was 15. When he turned 18 we went our separate ways. It was in 2003, I was 23 and he was 25, that he came back to that same church and I was there...again. We started dating almost immediately and in 2007 we were married. It hasn't always been an easy road, but with God's help, everything that we have gone through has made our marriage stronger and everyday I love him a little bit more.

I would also like to take a minute to point out that my husband is a stay-at-home dad. He is incredible with Serena. From the moment she was born, he had stars in his eyes. For the first few weeks he was the only one that could calm her down when she got upset, which was rare because she is happy 95% of the time! Most mornings, Robert brings her to me (in bed) and I get to snuggle with her and then feed her and put her back to bed for her morning nap before I have to get ready for work. He knows how important that time is to me. Then, while I’m away, he sings the ABCs with her everyday, reads books with her, gets down on his knees and plays with her in her nursery, keeps her out in the yard while he gardens or straps her on his back when he cleans up around the house, and then spends time with both of us every evening when I get home. He has been with her everyday for the past 11 months and I do believe our family routine has contributed to Serena’s early development.

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Parent of the Week: Vivian

Meet Vivian- a mom and grandmother who is just delightful! Would you believe that this adventurous lady has jumped out a perfectly good airplane...something called skydiving... ;) Read on as she describes how the lessons she learned as a parent led her to create her very own business, which you can check out here!

As always, if you'd like to be a Parent of the Week or would like to nominate someone, email me at deluna.jamie@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

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My love affair with children’s picture books began over fifty years ago as I helped my mother turn the pages of THE LITTLE HOUSE by Virginia Lee Burton.  Even as a very young person, I knew that my life would be devoted to uplifting young children. 

Vivian's book art- her 3 children!

As a kindergarten and Head Start teacher in the New York City public schools, I implemented an innovative program, using daily picture book stories, simple craft projects and easy healthful cooking activities that helped build self-esteem and develop pre-literacy skills.  But, when my husband and I decided to start a family, we made the decision that I would quit teaching and stay at home to raise our children.

 

However, our finances (or lack of them) required a second income.  And that’s how my daycare operation for the children of local teachers began.  Now I could stay home with my children, while earning money at the same time.  For me, it was the ideal solution to a problem that many parents face.

Looking back, while it might have been an ideal situation for me, I know that if you had taken a survey of my husband and my own children, you would have gotten a very different impression.  My husband was a teacher at that time and he returned home from work at 3:30pm…to be greeted by a houseful of young children…the six children I watched in addition to our own three.  And, even though they were usually involved in constructive and educational play activities…nine children in one home equals, well, nine children. :)  My husband wanted me to be there for HIM…not busy changing several diapers or preparing afternoon snacks for a bunch of toddlers.  My own children also resented this intrusion…other children sitting in THEIR chairs, playing with THEIR toys, taking the time and attention of THEIR mother.  They didn’t voice their unhappiness at the time…but whenever we talk about it now, they tell me that it made them mad and sad. 

Vivian's daughter and grandson

I think that being a parent is the most challenging and difficult job in the world…whether you are a SAHM or SAHD, whether you work at home or work outside the home while raising your children, whether you volunteer part-time as a crossing guard or you work 50 plus hours a week in an executive level position.   What works for one person, may not work for another.  Each person’s family situation is unique.   I guess my advice to parents is that they need to communicate with each other and decide together what works best.  Talking really does help…our special place was in the car parked in the driveway after the kids were sleeping.  We felt we were away from the situation…no phones, no interruptions…but close enough if we were needed.  It worked for us (we celebrated our 43^rd anniversary last August) and hopefully our children (all grown with families of their own) have discovered their own ways of dealing with problems and situations that arise.

This past September, I was able to share the innovative and successful program that I developed while teaching and doing daycare when my new book for parents and teachers of preschoolers, SHOW ME HOW! BUILD YOUR CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM THROUGH READING, CRAFTING AND COOKING, was published.  It pinpoints 100 picture books every young child should hear and provides a story summary, gentle parenting tip, eco-friendly craft project and child-friendly healthful cooking activity for each recommended title.  This ultimate resource for busy parents builds self-esteem, develops pre-literacy skills and creates a life-long parent-child bond while giving parents a newfound sense of confidence in their own parenting abilities as well.

Vivian and Past Parents of the Week: Feel free to grab the Parent of the Week Badge:

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Parent of the Week: Ann

Ann, our Parent of the Week, is someone I know you all will be able to related to. Read on as she talks about how there's really no 'one size fits all' way of parenting. Oh, and did you see her absolutely, breathtakingly precious daughter?!

As always, if you'd like to be a Parent of the Week or would like to nominate someone, email me at deluna.jamie@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Tell me a little about you.

My name is Ann.  I've been married to my wonderful husband Daniel for 5 1/2 years.  I quit my career to be a stay-at-home mom to our daughter and I'm so happy and grateful that we were able to make that change.  We're also expecting our second baby!  I'm a proud graduate of the University of Southern California, Fight on Trojans!  I love kids, sports, reading, traveling and food.  :) We also have two chocolate lab doggies, named Abby and Ace.  I'll dance occasionally in the car, these days, it's to amuse my daughter.  I also love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with all my heart.

Tell me about your little one.

My daughter Alexis is almost 18 months old and is the absolute joy of our lives. She is extremely smart and advanced for her age. She loves the Your Baby Can Read program and can read and say lots of words.  The best part is she LOVES books and loves to read with mommy and daddy. She learns something new nearly everyday.  She's very sweet and funny and dogs are her favorite thing in the whole world.  We love taking walks in the stroller and visiting the dog park near our house.  She really likes all other animals too.  She prefers peas and fruit to most sweets, but loves chocolate and cookies (such a girl).  She's very attached to mommy, and is VERY shy around people she's not around all the time.  She knows how to work mommy's iphone and loves swimming.  She freaks out at doctors offices, elevators, and anything that resembles a doctor or dentist (not fun.)  She'll dance to just about any music, anytime, anywhere.  She loves other babies and is very excited about the other baby in mommy's tummy, which is good for us.

What surprised you most about parenting?

The thing that surprised me most was that there are no absolute right ways to do ANYTHING.  There are a million different opinions about sleep issues, feeding, nursing/weaning, vaccines, etc.  I didn't expect that and it can be quite confusing when trying to figure out something with your child, especially as first-time parents.

How have you had to be Avant Garde as a Parent?

Based on all these different parenting styles, we've pretty much had to try different things based on what we as parents know about Alexis and trust our instincts. We may do things the same or completely different for the next baby.  I've learned you can't protect your child from everything and you can't compare yourself to other parents.  Every child is unique and different and needs to be raised as such.  For example, I know the cry-it-out method works for lots of babies, but we figured out almost immediately that it wasn't going to work for us.  Therefore we have had to create our own sleep training program (because the others didn't work) to try and get her out of our bed and into hers (still working on it and praying it works, lol.). Weaning was another thing I had to figure out based on lots of other suggestions that didn't work.  Thankfully, she is fully weaned and I'm really happy that we figured out that issue mainly on our own.  Parenting is this crazy, sometimes scary, sometimes exhilarating, roller-coaster ride.  I wouldn't trade it in for anything and I am so in love with my kids and being a mommy!  

Ann and Past Parents of the Week: Feel free to grab the Parent of the Week Badge:

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Parent of the Week: Kristan

This week's Avant Garde Parent of the Week is Kristan. She's a fellow Texan who has a precious little cowboy! Read on as she describes her transition from the work world to the mommy world...

As always, if you'd like to be a Parent of the Week or would like to nominate someone, email me at deluna.jamie@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Hi, my name is Kristan and I have been married to my wonderful husband Michael for 5 years.  I am a full time mom; wow it has taken me a long time to say that!  I never desired to be; I always wanted and pictured myself in the "working world".  I was laid off from my job when Austin was just 4 months old, and I had a hard time finding the time to look for a job with the little guy.  Then I lost the desire to go back to "work" (although some days it would be far easier!).  So, here I am, in love with my little guy and a full time mom!  My hobbies are cooking, walking at the park, church, enjoying family time, and reading (when I have time). :)

Austin is now 15 months old and has been very busy ever since he was mobile!  We stay very busy with Kindermusik, play dates, church, and story time.  All of these are fun, but I would have to say playing at the park has been Austin's new favorite thing.  We go to the park almost daily, swings and slides are fun, but dirt and sticks are fascinating to my little guy!  It is so much fun to see his little mind observe and take it all in!  Music has also been a huge part of Austin's life every since he was born.  I started playing music for him when I put him down to nap so I didn't have to tip toe around the house while he was sleeping.  Now, it is a huge comfort for him but it has become educational as well with his age.  Kindermusik has helped him grow and learn a steady beat, we also sing about are hands and toes!  It is so amazing to see how much he can absorb at such a young age!

I think what surprised me most about parenting is there isn't always an answer!  I finally accepted after many moments of defeat to relax and enjoy the ride.  I didn't come into parenting with a plan, but everyone said you will figure it out.  Well I feel that it took me a while, but here I am flaws and all doing the best I can!  

Each week I try to have a new experience with Austin.  A few weeks ago we were iced in, all the schools and roads were closed.  I put all of Austin's balls in my bathtub and made a big ball pit.  Another week we went to a different park and I let him walk in the sand bare foot, he didn't like the texture of sand in his toes, but it was so funny to see his little face!  Moments like those will be in my mind forever, experiences and adventures are the best and I look forward to many more with him!

Kristan and Past Parents of the Week: Feel free to grab the Parent of the Week Badge:

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Avant Garde Parent of the Week: Kimberly

This week’s Avant Garde Parent of the Week is Kimberly from Stinker Pinkers! I love, love, love her and you will, too! Her blog is one of my daily reads and she has two of the CUTEST little boys on this green Earth. Enjoy!

As always, if you'd like to be a Parent of the Week or would like to nominate someone, email me at deluna.jamie@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

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First I'd like to thank my virtual BFF Allie over at Little Baby Fields for nominating me for this.  I will admit most weeks I don't feel like parent of the week...in fact most days I joke that I am not going to make Mother of the Year...again!  But parenting is a journey...so here we go! 

Tell me a little about you- Who are you? What do you do? Do you dance in the car?

My name is Kimberly and I am a new stay at home mom to my two little boys.  I run a blog called The Stinker Pinkers, which is a hodge-podge or a hot mess of my mommy life. I am a new transplant to Indiana from Minnesota.  I recently left my job as a Social Worker to move here for my husband’s job.  Speaking of husbands…I have one!  His name is Rich, we've been married for 6 years and he is a great dad and really should be the one featured as the parent of the week…he keeps me sane to be able to be a good mommy.   We also have a 4-year-old Shih Tzu who we adopted last spring named Phoebe and an 8-year-old cat named Bridget.  Both pets were named after my favorite TV or Movie Characters; Phoebe Buffet from Friends and Bridget from Bridget Jones Diary. 

I am an aspiring freelance writer hoping to make a go at that from home so I can continue to be available for my children even when they are in school.  I love to write and I am working on my writing skills.  What I lack in eloquence in my writing I make up for in personality…ha! ha!

I can’t say I “dance” in the car, I sway and “raise the roof.”  I suppose that is a form of dance…but I encourage the boys to car seat dance…that is where you are still safely buckled in but able to get your groove on!

Tell me about your kiddos

Oh my children.  My boys are wonderful, sweet, mischievous, curious, naughty and funny. I could rave about all their GREAT qualities and complain about all I have to work on with them, it’s a real balance!  Ian is 4 years old.  He is growing up so fast and I love the age he’s at.  He is old enough to help his brother with things and knows how to listen to directions when he chooses too.  He is in preschool, which he really loves and is a smart kid!  Dalton is 2 years old.  He has been walking since he was 9 months old and has not stopped moving since.  He is putting sentences together and plays well independently.   He likes trains, that’s his major interest at the moment.

What surprised you most about parenting?

I am going to sound totally naïve when I say this.  I had no idea when we choose to have children how hard it was going to be!  I must have read every book about being pregnant and forgot to study up on what happens after they are born.  The phases are the hardest. Because once you think you’ve mastered the phase they have immediately moved on to something new you have to work on with them.  People kept telling me when they were born, “enjoy it! The time goes so fast.” And I thought,  “oh my gosh!  That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard.  I haven’t slept in 2 days and I have vomit on my shirt and they want me to enjoy this!” But now I do get it.  Time with your children does go quickly so I do try and savor the moments and the memories with them. 

What one tip would you give other parents? 

Don’t take yourself as a parent too seriously.  I sure don’t!  I think when we become parents we automatically think we have to be this strict disciplinarian, keep our children away from TV, and sing only songs that Barney would sing around the house.  One of the best things you can do for your children is make sure that they know you adore them and love them, but the world does not revolve around them.   It’s okay to be yourself and be a great parent.  I notice a lot of moms trying way to hard at being perfect and making sure their children have everything.  I think you should just be you and your kids will ultimately respect you for that!  Don’t be something you’re not!  As an example, I have two boys.  I have felt like I need to start liking sports and encouraging them to like sports.  Um…I am a girly girl.  I hate sports.  It’s not in my blood.  So I decided I would wear lots of pink, buy myself pretty Vera Bradley bags and stop trying to be the stereotypical mom of boys and just be who I am.  My boys like that their mama is a bit of a girly girl and I think it makes me a better mom because I’m being true to myself.

How have you had to be Avant Garde as a parent?

I was raised in a family of all girls.  So I have had to learn how to parent boys.  Girls play a little more quietly than boys.  My boys need to burn energy a few times a day.  It leads them to jumping off high surfaces and running around in circles.  Winter months are awful for moms with boys.  So I started exercising with my boys in the house when we can’t get out.  We use a lot of workout videos and dance music and we get into our work out clothes and 'burn baby burn!'  My boys think it’s fun that they are “exercising” and I get in a little workout and an activity.  Even if it only lasts 10-15 minutes it’s good for everyone! 

Thank you so much for allowing me to share some things about my family and why I love being a parent.  My favorite parenting quote is: “Parenting the days are long but the years are short!” There is no greater honor than to be chosen by God to parent a child! 

Kimberly and Past Parents of the Week: Feel free to grab the Parent of the Week Badge:

<center><a href="http://avantgardeparenting.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src=" http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac319/avantgardeparenting/ParentoftheWeek.jpg " /></a></center>

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Parent of the Week: Julie

When I read the post for this week's Parent of the Week, I thought, 'I like her. We could be friends.' I think you'll all feel the same. Julie is down to earth, funny, creative, and just plain awesome. She blogs over at Ad Bits - check it out after you read her post!

As always, if you'd like to be a Parent of the Week or would like to nominate someone, email me at deluna.jamie@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Tell me a little about you- Who are you? What do you do? Hobbies? Do you dance in the car?

I am a thirty year old mommy to two little girlies (Molly, 3 years and Adrienne, 20 months) and a Sheltie (Allie, 7) and wife to one handsome guy with big ears (the better to hear me with!).  The girls and I stay at home and play normal things like school, dress-up, and Candyland, and some not so normal things like, “smell my feet and say ‘ewwww!’” or the “Mommy-is-a-sick-dinosaur, but-I-have-the-magic-crystals-to-save-her” game.

When I’m not picking play-dough out of the carpet or scrubbing Jell-O off the wall, I like blogging (obvious!), writing, reading, knitting, jogging (short distances at a slow pace is my style), and caring for my exotic doorknob collection.  Just kidding about that last one.  I also like stupid jokes.

I do dance in the car!  And sing and apply make-up and read and talk on the phone and eat and do ab exercises.  But never text.

Tell me a little about your children.

Oops, I jumped the gun on this one, didn’t I?  I already introduced Molly and Adrienne, but of course I’m happy to tell you more about them!  Molly is a 38 pound ball of blonde energy.  She’s not scared of anything (even T-Rexes!) and will tackle anything or anyone.  I love her confidence and silliness.  Adrienne is the opposite of Molly.  She is cautious (crossing thresholds makes her nervous- anything could be on the other side!) and quiet.  Adrienne won’t just give smiles out unless a person has earned it.  She is sincere and sweet and will always take time to snuggle with her Mommy.

What surprised you most about parenting?

The guilt!  I always thought my parents punished me for fun.  I truly believed they enjoyed it, but the truth has come out.  It’s awful!  Parents don’t want to be cranky!  We don’t want to give you a time-out!  Being the bad guy stinks!  Kids, when you’re upstairs crying, there is a good chance your Mom is downstairs crying.

The only thing that surprised me more than the guilt was the complete adoration.  I think any mom will agree- all the clichés are true!  Kids really do change your life.  I really didn’t have any idea I could love somebody so very much.  They really do give my life new meaning.  True, true, and true!  

How have you had to be Avant Garde as a parent?

I read all the books like every mom-to-be, but I had no game plan going into motherhood.  Should I be strict or lax when it came to nap times?  What about nursing?  I knew I was going to do it, but had no plan for a schedule.  Co-sleeping?  I couldn’t make up my mind!  I am very much a Libra and pregnancy just magnified my indecisiveness.

Once my babies arrived, I just started winging it (and I still do- but don’t tell them; they seem to think I know what I’m doing!)  As it turned out both girls put themselves on a nap schedule.  I just fed Molly whenever she was hungry, but Adrienne did better with planned mealtimes.  I didn’t co-sleep with either girl until they were nine months old and then only for a few months, until they started kicking the crud out of me. 

Now that the girls are a bit older innovation and creativity seem critical in a different, how-to-keep-them-entertained kind of way.  Some of my most innovative moments have come from sheer desperation.  What mom hasn’t masterminded some sanity-saving game (like “close your eyes and guess what’s in my purse”) in a waiting room to appease crabby, crying kids?  That’s a breeding ground of innovation for we mommies, right?

Thank you so much Avant Garde Parenting for letting me be Parent of the Week; it is such an honor! 

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Julie and Past Parents of the Week: Feel free to grab the Parent of the Week Badge:

<center><a href="http://avantgardeparenting.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src=" http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac319/avantgardeparenting/ParentoftheWeek.jpg " /></a></center>

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Parent of the Week: Erica

I’ve got an extra special Parent of the Week- Erica. She’s an American. Who married an Englishman. Who now lives in the UK. Everybody now! But really, Erica has had some amazing adventures traveling back and forth with her kids, and, let's be honest, she deserves a trophy for even attempting it!

Tell me about your children.

I currently have 2.3 children. Joel is 3 and a half. He is the dream first child! So much fun. Interested in everything, very chatty and full of energy. Alice is just over 1. And again full of personality. She is very determined and loves her mummy! And baby number 3 is due in early May.

How did you meet your husband and wind up all the way in the UK?

I studied abroad in London for six weeks one summer. I met Phil the first weekend I was here and fell for him straight away. We got engaged 4 months later, (its not easy to date someone in a different country. Even a phone call was a challenge with a 6 hour time change!) and married 3 months later. Then I moved to London.

Can you see any big differences between American and UK parents?

It’s really difficult to say because America is really big and everyone has such different styles/ attitudes, but the most noticeable thing is maternity leave. Here mothers get a year off with each child. They are paid during this time and guaranteed their job when they return. Plus most jobs are very flexible with part-time/ job shares for parents who choose to return to work. I do stay home full time, but it means that there are lots of mums around me with little ones. I think this has helped with my transition into parenthood because I was surrounded by experienced mums. They helped with the cultural differences.

Have you traveled to the US with your kids? How did the trip go/What's your best tip for traveling with kids?

I’ve done 4 transatlantic trips with kids. Two with babies, one by myself with an 18 month old and one trip with my husband with both kids. I won’t lie; it’s a really long flight. At best it is 11 hours. Plus you have the journey on either side to and from the airport. Lots of food helps. Once they hit the magic age of about 18 moths and start to watch TV it gets much easier. Otherwise just go with a positive attitude and be prepared for the worst. Then I am always pleasantly surprised that it was easier than I expected. Sadly the hard work awaits you when you arrive. It’s the time change that my kids always find the hardest!

Tell me a funny story about one of the kiddos.

Joel has started asking "why" to everything! So I decided to give him a taste of his own medicine.

Joel- I'm hungry

me- why?

Joel- cause I want something to eat.

me- why?

Joel- stop being ridiculous mummy!

What American comfort items do you miss?

I am starting to miss less and less these days. There is always the feeling here that I am foreign so I guess I miss feeling normal. Something most people don’t ever think about. I am always the one with the funny accent! But I love it here, and I love that I get to live in such a great country! It feels like I am on always on an amazing adventure!

- Oh and I love Butterfingers! If anyone makes a trip to the US I always ask them to bring one back!!

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Who Takes Care of Mommy?

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Have you ever asked yourself this question? You take care of everyone else- you fill sippy cups, make lunches, take the dry cleaning, clean the toilets, and gosh knows what else, but who takes care of you? In fact, I read a recent blog entry that tackles just this topic. It’s called role conflict and it’s something that many moms face- trying to balance being a mom with being a wife with being a woman- it just sounds exhausting, doesn’t it?!

I don't want to forget my stay at home dads. The pull to take care of kids, clean house, maintain your role as a man, the husband, the dad, AND make it in a world other stay at home parents who are mostly female is by no means less stressful. 

So what can you do? It’s a tough situation. Things still have to get done. You still have to be the mom/dad. The wife/husband. The woman/man. Well, for starters, take a deep breath. Try to find some time to focus on you, even if it’s just five or ten minutes. The dry cleaning can be a day late and you can live with dirty toilets for a few days. You can also try a few tips offered by the American Psychological Association Help Center for managing stress.

Later this week, I’ll be attending a free forum on just this topic. It’s being put on by the University of Texas at Dallas Center for Children and Families- they’re bringing in Dr. Suniya Luthar, a well-known researcher on this topic. If you live in DFW, I’d encourage you to attend! It’s free, you get lunch (for free!), and you’ll learn a lot. I’ll be sure to update you all next week on what I learned J

Who takes care of you?

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Parent of the Week: Tracy

Okay, you guys are just going to love this. This week's Parent of the week is Tracy. She is the mom of four (love it!) and was nominated by her husband (LOVE IT!). She blogs over at My Crazy 4 and she's just all around awesome. Enjoy!

As always, if you'd like to be a Parent of the Week or would like to nominate someone, email me at deluna.jamie@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

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^{Tell me a little about you- Who are you? What do you do? Hobbies? Do you dance in the car?}

^{My name is Tracy and I live in West Georgia and I have been married for almost 11 years to my wonderful husband Scott. We have 4 awesome children. I am a breastfeeding, baby wearing, cloth diapering organic loving, home schooling mom. I home school my two older boys in the K-12 program. My biggest accomplishment so far is teaching the boys how to read. I love to blog even though it is hard to find the time to do it as often as I like. I am an avid coupon clipper and I take every chance I can to save some money. And no, I do not dance in the van, but I do sing Barney and Imagination Movers songs.}

^{Tell me about your children.}

^{I have three boys and a girl. My son Carson is seven and he is so much like his daddy. He’s very sweet , sensitive and caring. He loves to read, draw and play legos. Cain is five and he is alot like me. He’s our strong willed, knows what he wants, and never backs down kind of boy. He loves the computer and is very smart. Carly, my daughter is four and she is my little princess who does a great job of keeping up with her brothers. She loves to learn, do everything herself and help out around the house. Camlin is 19 months and he is the climber of the family. He loves to take naps while in the Ergo back carrier. He is still nursing, and definitely a momma’s boy. They were all born on a Wednesday, and their birthdays are every 3 months-March~ June~ September~ December (3-6-9-12). I’m a big planner.}

^{What surprised you most about parenting?}

^{When I first got married I did not want children at all. I know crazy, huh? I think what has surprised me the most about parenting is how much the kids would teach me about things. I think we learn from our children as much as they learn from us. Even though sometimes it takes us awhile to figure that out. I also had no idea that I would become such a passionate parent about things such as breastfeeding, attachment parenting, baby wearing, non vaccinating and eating organically. I do wish I would have started cloth diapering sooner.}

^{How have you had to be Avant Garde as a parent?}

^{Well with four children that are so different from one another I have had to learn to use different parenting styles. We are not all the same and neither are our children. I have come to find out that I can use examples from different books I have read and implemented the styles and mesh them together. My favorite is  “Love and Logic”. Everyday is not going to be the same. Each day brings a new challenge and I am learning to adapt to that and take it as it comes. The main thing is that I will love my children and try to show them that mistakes will be made and it is ok. Move on. Have fun and enjoy every minute of them because they grow up fast.}

^{Thank you Jamie for allowing me to be Parent of the Week! And to my wonderful husband who thinks I should always be Parent of the Week. Love you honey.} 

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^{Tracy and Past Parents of the Week: Feel free to grab the Parent of the Week Badge:}

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