Leap, Little Frog: Containing Growth

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Containing Growth

Spring is here! These brighter and (vaguely) warmer days inspire in me fresh gardening resolves: I will try vegetables once again in my mostly shady garden... this time in containers.

With containers, I can move things around as the sun moves. This is a simple and creative approach to gardening in little sun.

The best medium for container gardening, I am learning, is a soil-free mix of peat, vermiculite, and organic compost. Rich earth from the garden just turns to rock in the pots.

Like plants, kids can thrive in appropriate settings. What a wild balance to strike: facilitate a groovy and supportive set-up for your little dude; do your best to nurture and maintain your awesome situation/attitude/community; and welcome the worms you meet along the way.

Happy Spring, gardeners and parents!

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1 comments:

RobinHApr 1, 2011 01:35 PM
I saw my first crocuses out walking on Sunday! And I'm reminding myself that snow this late is ephemeral- it'll disappear in a day or two. Still- does seem like appropriate weather for April Fools!
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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

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Containing Growth

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