Leap, Little Frog: new little frog

Sunday, October 3, 2010

new little frog

I have a new little frog to love and to teach me how to listen (to myself and to the needs of people i love). He is tiny but demands constant attention and nourishment, so this post will be tiny... just enough to nourish my own needs to process this new creative project.

The real shocker in bringing a new kid into my family is this: in an instant there is this dramatic change and addition to my world. Suddenly stuff that seemed important takes a backseat to stuff I had not considered before. But with all this change, it is surprising to learn that it is still me-with all my strengths and tedious bullshit-who is maneuvering this new paradigm! Same old me with my same old gifts and limitations.

Welcome to humbling lesson #1 of 78,493. (And that's probably just the first year?) Thank you, tiny frog mentor.

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1 comments:

KaitlinOctober 12, 2010 3:48 PM
Congrats! I was just wondering when the baby was due to arrive! Enjoy the new addition to your family. PS just bought your solo album, it's fantastic.

Kaitlin from Winnipeg
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Welcome

My name is Shannon Heaton. I am a performer, teacher, composer, and parent living in kid-friendly Boston. As Matt & Shannon Heaton, my husband and I perform updated and traditional Irish music around the globe.

Since the birth of our son Nigel, our touring habits have begun to change. I post about music and personal pursuits, and attempts to raise a road-ready kid with two equally creative and equally hands-on parents.

(And a fascinating sub-plot: fun, cheap stuff to do in Boston with a wee one in tow.)

If you like what you see PLEASE:
* Like me on Facebook
* Email me at shannon at mattandshannonheaton dot com
* Subscribe to my RSS Feed

About Me and Leap

My husband Matt and I have been performing together in bands since we first met in 1991. We set out as our duo in 2003 and have performed on four continents. Home base is Boston, boasting a vibrant community of traditional and folk musicians, as well as great stuff to do for frogs of all ages.

When we found out we were going to have our own little frog (baby), we manufactured our tour schedule so we’d have a two-month Maternity/Paternity leave around my due date to devote ourselves thoroughly to Baby Nigel.

Nigel arrived three weeks earlier than anticipated. Nearly an extra bonus month to care for our new son... and to gradually assess the actual challenges (not just the hypothetical ones done while pregnant) of how we would raise and travel with a kid while also nurturing creative careers and personal development.

I began Leap Little Frog in 2009 (before I ever thought I would get pregnant), writing about my pursuit of wellness and balance between creative work, personal development, and business/household tasks. I shared successes and frustrations about prioritizing and staying present and healthy.

With Nigel on the scene, I have begun rearranging my outlook and priorities. One of the biggest ongoing challenges for both me and my husband has been exploring the idea of equally sharing childcare duties and privileges (and household chores, since that’s an inseparable part of running a family).

We are sometimes at home and sometimes traveling. Consistency is a challenge--when should we fabricate a consistent schedule, and when should we be more fluid with Nigel and with each other? Even with our deep dedication to parent together... and to keep our careers afloat... my husband Matt and I face lots of confusing and frustrating trial, error, and bickering as we encounter different priorities/parenting styles. When do we compromise? When do we overlook differences? When does one of us need to lay down the law?

In this new chapter of Leap Little Frog, I look forward to sharing my process of raising a kid while also nurturing a creative career and personal development--on the road and at home in fabulous Boston.

Leap, Little Frog

Sunday, October 3, 2010

new little frog

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