The End of the Rock Era

Most of you know our son Brock bypassed the normal security items such as a blanket, binki or stuffed animal and instead became dependent on rocks for self-soothing. From the time he was 14 months old, it was rare to find Brock without at least one rock in his hand. Of course it couldn't be just any rock - that would be too simple. They had to be smooth and/or shiny rocks. I can confidently say that there are absolutely no smooth, shiny rocks left to be found on our property.

Most of the time Rod and I would get a kick out of our son's choice of security item. It was pretty endearing to watch, especially when friends and family would show up with a rock they had spotted and give it to Brock who would be so genuinely thankful for the gift. However, there were also times Rod and I cursed Brock's love for rocks as we searched the couches, toys, cars and all corners of the house for a special rock so Brock could take his nap. We also didn't like how Brock would only suck his thumb when he had a rock in his hand.

It was the thumb sucking that was the rock era's undoing. Brock looked at the big bump on his thumb that he has from sucking his thumb and asked Rod: 'Daddy, why do I have this owie on my thumb"? Rod answered: "That owie is from when you suck your thumb". After a minute of reflection Brock stated: "I don't think I need rocks anymore". And that was it. It's been close to three weeks that our little man hasn't needed or asked for a rock. Sorry family - rocks will no longer due for gifts. :-) Here's a few pictures to reflect on the 'rock era':

Rod and I have been going through the house collecting all of the rocks to redeposit them in our yard. Upon our recent trip to the beach, I decided to hold on to them for now.....

Watch out for Mother Bear

My mother is a WONDERFUL mother but I think my sisters and I would agree that she is not the 'calm, cool and collected' type - especially when it comes to anything and anyone who might hurt one of her children. Although I truly appreciate her passion and devotion to us, I have tried to teach myself to keep a cool head in uncomfortable or stressful moments. I'm definitely not always successful but I do try. I really want to be a parent that doesn't react on emotions before thinking things through.

I got a big helping of humble pie the other day (and a new appreciation of my mother's willpower), when I picked Brock up from pre-school and upon asking him how his day was, he responded with a tear in his eye "I'm sad because Sean told me I wasn't his friend anymore". It's a good thing little three-year old Sean wasn't within arms length of me at the moment because Momma Bear's claws were out! I was surprised at how emotionally and physically upset I got. Logically I know that kids from 3 to 18 are in friendship fights every other day but emotion blanketed logic and I was absolutely crushed that Brock's feelings were hurt. Tears stung my eyes and I had to take a few breaths before I was able to comfort him.

Boy do I have my work cut out for me! This is just the beginning of fights, hurt feelings and misunderstandings between my children and their friends. I need to somehow learn to reign in Mamma Bear now! (Note -Brock and Sean were back to being best friends the following day).

On a lighter side of things - Brock had plenty of fun things to say last week though. Here are some latest 'BROCKISMS':

Too Much Info

My neighbor Rhonda and her daughter were coming over for a play date with Brock. When they arrived at the house my husband happened to be using the facility. As our guests were entering the house Brock came running to greet them and proceeded to yell:

'Stop! Don't go into the bathroom. Daddy's going Poo Poo and he needs some privacy!!

Needless to say, we couldn't help from bursting out in laughter when Rod joined the play date.

Cruel Honesty

Brock gave me the incentive I needed to continue on my diet the other day. I was changing my shirt and Brock came up to me and patted one of my love-handles and said:

'Wow mommy - that's really big. Look at my belly, it's flat'.

With that...I'm off to the gym.

To Blog Or Not To Blog

As usual, I am not one to jump on the band wagon of any trend until it appears to no longer be a trend (i.e. capri pants, pointy shoes, online social networking, and I have yet to get an ipod). And, truth be told I'm not sure if I'll really end up being a Blogger or not. I have enjoyed many of my friend's blogs although all are much more talented writers than I. I especially enjoy those who write wonderful experiences and thoughts about their kiddos. After hearing a coworker of mine who writes a hilarious Blog say that writing a Blog can be one of the best things you do for your family, I was immediately filled with guilt that I was not doing the best by my children (an ever-present worry).


So now I sit at my computer, where I already spend 8 hours of my day, to start my journey in the blogging world and hopefully feel like a better mother today than I was yesterday. In all likelihood this blog will be added to the long list of projects that I started with the best of intentions but end up abandoned. Who knows -maybe I'll surprise myself.


First thing first - here we are. The Fleming family consisting of myself, my husband Rod, our 3 year old son Brock, our 1 year old daughter Reagan and our 4 year old dog Mr. Bosworth (BOZ). Yes - the average American family and I will be the first one to acknowledge just how blessed we are.








My goal is to update my site once a month. A pretty high goal but we'll see how it goes.