tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78517216847325678152024-03-05T01:11:30.158-06:00Tiny Mitten SecretsParenting blog for awesome parents.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-44442421364637469872015-08-04T13:52:00.003-05:002015-08-05T11:00:38.823-05:00Boyhood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jack slow danced across the grass. The dusk light escaping
behind the bushes where fireflies twinkled. With smooth steps, he silently
approached a sparkling bug. His hands reaching toward the moon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I watched cross-legged from the front lawn. Admiring his
dedication. Amazed at how old he looked. It feels like boyhood happened so
quickly. I can barely remember his sweet baby babble of mispronounced words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now he’s almost 6 years old. Growing long hair like a hockey
player. Obsessed with the difference between amphibians and reptiles. More
interested in his friends then his mom. And, devoted to learning to read this
summer. My little boy is just a boy now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Traits of his babyhood have carried over. Like his nighttime
blanket and fascination with how everything works in this world. His silliness
and stubbornness. He would rather be outdoors then playing with toys. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But, his hands are now tough. His responses a little snarky.
His preference is a shower in the morning. And, his music interest is all his
own. The dirt under his nails is permanent from searching for worms to feed his
snake, Laser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swear my voice is
pouring with pleasantry as I kindly ask him to remove his plate from the table.
Eyes rolling he says, “I’m just finishing my milk, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mooooommm</i>.” A warm shower in the morning wakes him up. His words.
And, his song requests switch from Luke Bryan to some rapper covered in tattoos
and gold chains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My favorite boyhood moments are the little ones. Early
mornings when he asks me if his clothes match. His innocence shinning though
his eyes. The times he invites his little sister to play. His soft voice
showing her the steps to take as they pitch a fort together. The true laughter
that comes from a sarcastic remark I make. An understanding that had soared
over his head a year ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The jar of lightening bugs glows at my feet. Jack races over,
adds another one to the collection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“I love you, bear,” I say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He glances at me. “Love you too, mom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He darts away, still hung on catching the twinkling bugs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“You’re going to have to let them go,” I call. Still stuck
in this boyhood moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“I know, I’m going to before we go inside,” he quietly calls
back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I smile. I miss that little boy. But, I sure am glad I let
him go. Just in time to see this wonderfully intuitive and glowing kid in
front of me.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-14990335782070996512015-01-27T21:29:00.001-06:002015-01-27T21:30:07.939-06:00An Unintentional New Beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQW5qzNAnutqbGX-PqiVxRK6_8YxMUP3qRIlRN6yl1caz46IlZaNnvKObz-0d6_oX5y1Y57bz4pRKrk9EiihxFFHT_LMdQJ3_Fshsll2YXrk1_6y3-RVmYUfvycLyPpUKdWfIxEmf5XDs/s1600/lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQW5qzNAnutqbGX-PqiVxRK6_8YxMUP3qRIlRN6yl1caz46IlZaNnvKObz-0d6_oX5y1Y57bz4pRKrk9EiihxFFHT_LMdQJ3_Fshsll2YXrk1_6y3-RVmYUfvycLyPpUKdWfIxEmf5XDs/s1600/lake.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tonight, I rocked my 3-year-old to sleep. Her eyes fluttering. Her legs to long to curl near my waist, dangled over the chair's arm. The cold chill of winter seeping through the window above my shoulder. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hadn't rocked her to sleep since she was 18 months old, at most. And, it was in our old house. Our first house. Her first room. Painted a light yellow. Trimmed in purple. Her door just a few steps away from mine. Home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, we were years ahead and it was if my mind had just caught up. Slowly rocking. The dark glow of night bouncing on her rosy cheeks. I missed our old home. I missed our old life. The one we left five months ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was the middle of summer, Justin and I had been lazily browsing house listings on a regular basis. I wasn't too serious. He was. The night before we had the Realtor over to sign the papers and hammer the 'For Sale' sign in the front yard, I hesitated. I can never commit to such a big decision. The whole cause and effect theory consumes me. The year ahead was already harvesting big life changes - why add one more?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It didn't take long for Justin to convince me. Not 24 hours after listing and our first home was sold. A few weeks later we found the new home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We spent the rest of summer packing, moving, vacationing, then packing and moving again. A few boxes remained when autumn blew in and our almost 5-year-old started kindergarten. I kissed his cheek. Kids poured around me and Ella as we watched him walk into school. My voice cracked as I told her to never grow up. She started a new preschool a few weeks later. Just like that, our new life had begun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hadn't anticipated a new beginning. Yet, everything now seemed so changed. Our routines were different. Jack was a kid with big words and independence. Ella started using the potty. Defiant, but still sensitive. I found a balance with work and family. We were all growing, not just the kids. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sometimes I still mourn our old house. Our old life. Simply because the kids were little. Their first crawl. First smiles. First everythings were at that house. I miss the expected. The secluded master bathroom. Hearing Jack kick off his blanket as I fell into sleep. The sun streaming through the kitchen window every morning. The creaky pantry door. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Most times, I'm in love with the new. Saturday mornings of hockey practice and donuts. Ice skating and boating out the back door. Coloring on the back deck. Breakfast surrounded by the sunlight. And, the smell of coffee greeting me every morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I stopped rocking. Ella's deep breathes filling the still room. As I softly laid her in bed, I realized that's exactly what I needed. To really see the life in front of me. Listen intently as Ella recites a fairy tale. Build a master suite of Legos with Jack. Skate on the ice. Live this life. Break the old habits and just spend a little time rocking. </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-51161296587856560962013-08-12T18:14:00.000-05:002013-08-12T18:14:36.896-05:00Cheers to 30<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's been some time since I've been here. I took a full-time job. Life became rushed. Ella became a toddler. My marriage grew thin. And, my heart questioned my goals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I just turned 30 this week. And, it wasn't scary or sad. I'm in a great place. A great life. Good friends. Wonderful family. Beautiful house. And, two amazing kids. The part that has me choked up is if I've really found my place in this world. I'm literally struggling with my identity. Not as a mom, wife, friend or daughter. But, as a person. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My job is rewarding. I help spread the good word about a great non-profit serving kids. Telling stories. Gaining awareness. And, filling all the space in communications. It's demanding. There's a lot of work towards growth. t's a different side than my life before. It's more purposeful. But, with that comes less moments of cookie baking. Picking wildflowers. Visiting the local nature center. Less cuddles. Less kisses. Less smiles. Missed moments. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Quality over quantity.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I repeat it daily. Hourly almost. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My kids are growing at rapid speed. School has improved each of their independence. Enhanced their skills. Prepared them for life. A life without me at their side every hour. Every day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's tough. Mainly on my heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can't look at the swing set out back. It's filled with my days at home. Ella steadily rocking in the swing. A tiny smile glowing with contentment. Jack giggling down the slide head first. Hands and knees caked in dirt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On the flip side, the new career has helped us finish our basement. Or, as Justin calls it, our adult bar surrounded by Chuckie Cheese. The toys have found a place to call home. And, when we don't pick it all up, I can't see it when I'm decompressing after bedtime.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> It's bliss. The new life also includes more spare change for family vacations and day trips to places. Without dipping into savings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I just keep teeter-tottering with my decision to work. I'm teaching my children a healthy lesson about life and purpose. But, I didn't make a summer bucket list this year. I'm finally contributing a substantial amount to our family bank. But, we haven't even taking our yearly camping trip. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ella has grown into an independent little girl, who knows how to put her older brother in place. And, has no problem telling you how she feels. If you tell her to sit down, she will. She's a Daddy's girl who yells at me to "go! Go Momma!" when she's ready for bed. Joins me to apply make up every morning. Rocks her babies more gently then I ever could. And, offers shushes and hugs when someone's in tears. Our little sweet and sour patch kid.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jack is wise beyond his years. He's intuitive. Always right. A Momma's boy who's tough enough to handle four bee stings. Bates his own hook. Creates his own stage. Craves new experiences. Remembers everything, but looses all his favorite toys. And, is fascinated by the world turning. Our insightful little man.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I miss them all the time. But, am thankful we can take the train to the aquarium. Spend a long weekend in Traverse City. And, plan a trip to California. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cheers to 30. May I breathe in extra hard when those moments happen. And, feel proud to play a part of something extraordinary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-75828791720227767832013-02-27T13:40:00.000-06:002013-02-27T13:40:34.419-06:00Songs for Michigan Kids<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We're proud Michiganders. Even in the bitter of February after months of freezing ice and snow. It's hard not to be when the kids wake up to a surprise snowfall blanketing the back woods. Eyes sparkling. Smiles laughing. The fresh snow silence is unheard anywhere else. And, nothing's as cozy as a warm fire and soft blanket with winter's freeze at the window. Many of us start grumping this time of year. Cabin fever mixed with icy winds. But, not for my kids. Sledding and snow angels never get old. And, it's sure contagious.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I recently reviewed Kathryn Christian's "I'm a Michigan Kid" CD, boasting "fun and inspiring music for the whole family featuring songs of beautiful Michigan." It even features a Great Lakes song. Jack was attempting the words at first listen. Ella screeched in furry when the songs ended. My opinion? Better then the Wiggles. And, it's easing Jack's curiosity about our home-state. He's no long from Florida. Or begging to go to California.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Christian, her husband and two daughters live in northern Michigan near Grand Traverse Bay. She mainly writes for prayer, meditation and healing, but also sings for children of all ages. For more on Christian, </span><a href="http://www.kathrynchristian.com/about.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">click here</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. Or follow her on Facebook </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kathrynchristianmusic" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">here</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To listen to the Michigan Kid CD lineup or to purchase your own (iTunes available), <a href="http://www.kathrynchristian.com/music.html">click here</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For now, here's my littles enjoying the CD.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Ella dancing by the stereo system.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Jack's "I'm a little shy but trying to learn the words" face</i></span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-62187582383915119832013-01-30T15:22:00.003-06:002013-01-30T15:22:50.366-06:00Discipline: Laying Down the Law<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In two years of daycare, Jack's been in time out twice. <i>Twice. </i>I sometimes question if we're dealing with the same three-year-old. The one that whines for hours because he wants <i>two</i> gummy worms, not one. Who pushes his 14-month-old sister around five thousand times a day. Argues that he's not arguing. Claims he's being careful after hitting the wall twice with a hockey stick. And, expects a treat because he got out of the bath and dressed without fighting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He's a challenge. That's for sure. And, we've recently reached the rope's end with a few upper-cuts to the face. One for each of us. So, I dug into discipline research. Determined to get answers we haven't heard. The discipline secrets that <i>actually</i> work. The ones that don't just tell you to stay calm. That actually streamline our techniques. And, are simplified enough for us to absorb. Stick to. And, hopefully, get results. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Step One: Sync Up</b></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Research shows that parents with drastically different child-raising styles are more likely to have behavioral problems. The trick is to <b>avoid power struggles with your partner</b>. Sit down and <b>draft the basics</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Always settle discipline disputes away from little ears. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Vow not to badmouth the other's technique in front of the kiddos. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Compromise. But always confront the kids as a <b>unified front</b>. "You need a 'yes' from both parents."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Most importantly, keep <b>encouraging each other</b>. After all, we're fighting the same war. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For more on getting in sync with your partner, </span><a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_ten-ways-to-get-in-sync-with-your-partner-on-discipline_3657175.bc" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">click here</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;">Step Two: Set the Stage</span></b></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Focus on <b>two to three challenges</b> at a time. Ours: whining, aggression, not listening. Explain the rules before the breakdown. "We set the rules and you're expected to listen or accept the consequence." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Also add a few responsibilities, aka <b>chores and rules</b>. Always take your plate to the sink when your finished. Make your bed. Leave your shoes by the door. Babies can participate too. Ella claps for more food, helps pick up toys and hands over dirty dishes when done.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Step Three: Know the Punishment</b></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This typically means time out. We've tried to let Jack tantrum in place. Take things away. Leave the scene. Nothing works better. Just prolongs the freak out. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Time outs can begin as </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">early as 18 - 24 months, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Keep in mind that, time outs should only be used for extreme behaviors, like the three "challenges" outlined in Step Two.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> We also take things away for less-horrific outbursts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here's some general guidelines for time outs:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Pick the space</i>. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Make the time out spot a </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">boring place</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> with no distractions, maybe a hall or corner. Don't use a crib or bed, that's for sleeping and never lock a child in a room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Determine your warning strategy</i>. We're a one-warning-your-done family, but the three-strikes-your-out policy has great results, says Nanny 911.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Simplify the jargon</i>. State what you're doing and why. "You hit your sister after I warned you. That's not nice." Lecturing only looses the impact and understanding.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Quite and still vs. minute-per-year</i>. The AAP</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> suggests that t</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ime out should mean <b>"quiet and still" </b>until the youngster has a grasp on calming, usually around three years. Then, it's <b>one minute in time out for each year of age</b>. Use a timer in plain view. And, n</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">o getting up. If they move, place them back without talking and reset the timer (if used).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Discuss the behavior with them afterwards. </i>Clear the air. Encourage their input, ask what happened and listen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>After the time out, there needs to be a time in</i>. Don't dwell on the negative, he's served his time. Give some hugs and attention for something else.</span><br />
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<b style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Step Four: Stay Consistent</b></h4>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I know, I know. Consistency is key. But, here's the situation: After a six-hour night of broken sleep, 10-hour work day, messy dinner and overly-playful kids, my energy is extinct. Jack's still bossing his little sister after my third warning. So. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Unbelievably</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. Tired.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, my vow starting today is to <b>never overlook misbehaviors</b> because I don't want to deal with the never-ending punishment battle. It's time to nip the bud.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Every single time. Don't give in. And, don't reward. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">According to experts, it usually takes three weeks to correct a misbehavior. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One warning, then it's consequence time</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. Over. And over. And over. At least there's an end in sight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our new motto: <b>Calm and consistent</b>. The hubs and I are both half-German, blended with Italian. Not so good with calm. Especially when I'm an hour late for work, still have to drop the kids at daycare, drive 45 minutes and I'm exhaling my thousandth warning to finish eating breakfast to Jack, who's doing everything but. And I'm everything but calm. At this point, that's when the other parent has permission to step in. One's about to blow. So the other defuses the situation. And keeps the calm in consistent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Expect resistance</b>. This is where we fall apart. Jack will challenge us no matter how many times he's been in time out for the same thing. See our issues with calming above. Also our reasons for the inability to accept resistance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Kick the "accidental" inconsistency</b>. Being preoccupied (Justin) or too busy (me) to enforce a rule only sends the "it's not important" message. Meaning Jack will ignore it too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Reward the good</b>. And be specific. "I'm proud of you for sharing your toys" instead of "great job!" has more of an impact, experts say.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Step Five: When It's Not Working</b></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No one ever tells you what to do if it's not working. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If time outs aren't working, revisit your plan and make adjustments. Some preschoolers find it hard to sit still for a few seconds, let alone a few minutes. Maybe the kid needs three warnings instead of one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you've done it all and nothing curves the issue, consider a behavior chart. Make a chart with a box for each day of the week. Decide how many times he/she can misbehave before being punished. Or, how long the proper behavior must happen before it's rewarded. Post the chart on the fridge. Every day, track the good and bad. Once it starts to work, reward for learning to control the misbehavior. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jack usually springs up instantly after being placed in time out. I sit him back down. He's up. I place him down. He's back up. Instead of playing Jack-in-the-Box, literally, if he instantly gets up a third time, we sit down and I hold him for the duration of time out. No talking until he's "quiet and still."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Never use your child's room as a time out space. We're super guilty here. Mainly because we just don't want to hear the continuos freak out. His bedroom should be a sanctuary, not a prison. We've since moved the "spot" somewhere more manageable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He just won't stop crying and whining. Trying to console your child while in time out only introduces a new power struggle and diminishes the point you're trying to make. Try to issue the time out before the point of no return.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He's not just crying, he's full-blown freaking. A tantruming preschooler has lost full control and only he/she can regain it. So we know. Forcing him to sit still just makes it worse. So, the best expert advise is to let him work it out, hard as it is, and not get swept under the craziness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For more on what to do when time out's don't work, <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_what-to-do-when-time-outs-dont-work-ages-3-to-4_65539.bc">click here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For a discipline tool kit based on every age group, <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_the-discipline-tool-kit-successful-strategies-for-every-age_1475318.bc"><span style="color: purple;">click here</span></a>.</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-4666034154784807202013-01-10T15:51:00.000-06:002013-01-10T15:51:26.848-06:00One Thing We Can't Live Without. Well, Two Things.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Almost a year ago I asked mommy friends, readers and followers a question: "What's the one thing you can't live without as a parent?" My plan was to take a personal survey. Compare trends. Post responses. And compare secrets. Maybe help us all uncover a new trick to help manage the madness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As answers poured in, I realized not one response was the same. All were completely unique. So, I decided to sit on the survey. Wait until everyone forgot their answers. Now, it's time to see if they've changed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Back then, my response was my kids' beloved Little Giraffe blankets. They wipe tears. Calm meltdowns. Stop hurting boo boo's. Are perfect size for peek-a-boo. Ensure my uninterrupted sleep. And, provide the comfort when my kisses just aren't enough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Below are the initial mommy responses. Tell me, has your's changed? How so? If you weren't involved in the first survey, share your single-most precious item in the comments!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"The one thing as a mom that I could not live without with my children was LUVS diapers. They never leaked and never caused rashes. My children have eczema and if I tried any other diaper, instant rashes and leaks. I hated that they didn't have pull ups as they got to that stage, but we survived and it was well worth it!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>- Full time working mom of three (ages 9, 8 and 5)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"As a new mom to a three-week-old, I would be lost with the itzbeen timer (www.itzbeen.com). I can hardly remember to check my phone for missed calls, let alone when I fed or changed her last. One less thing to worry about and gives me a ballpark for where we are time wise."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>- First time mom</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I couldn't of made it without a breast pump. I worked full-time when both kids were infants and when one developed thrush at seven weeks, pumping allowed me to do what needed to be done."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <i>Single mom of 12-year-old and two-year old</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I couldn't live without Target brand diapers! They work great, save tons of money and gives me a reason to HAVE to go to Target!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>- Working mom of two girls (ages one and two)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I fought and fought getting the dreaded mini-van, as I never wanted it and had tried every medium-sized SUV, but they couldn't compare. Of course, I got the van and made sure it was decked out with all the bells and whistles! I don't think I could ever go without my van. Soccer, friends, vacations."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <i>SAHM of three (ages 6, 4, 2) and a Lab</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Since I have a child with eczema, I couldn't live without Aquaphor. I actually buy the Target brand equivalent to save some money, but it is amazing in helping keep the breakouts under control!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>- Mom of two</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I cannot live without my son's Jump-A-Roo that distracts him while I work. He loves jumping in it while watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <i>Work-from-Home mom of a seven-month old boy</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I couldn't have lived without the video monitor. Although Easton's room is right next to ours, the video monitor allowed me to check on him without actually going in the room. This was great for before and after naps, and first thin in the mornings when Easton is awake in his crib playing, talking, etc, but not yet fussing. It also provides a little comedy when we watch him throwing all his toys and blankets out of the crib, and jumping up and down on the bed. Lastly, it allows me the flexibility of going outside."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <i>Working mom of a one-year-old boy</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"The one thing I could not live without would be the Fisher Price Rock 'N Play Sleeper. It has been a life saver with the second baby. She sleeps in it at night and is content to lay in it during the day while I help my crazy two-year-old! Plus, it's high enough off the ground to keep an over-loving brother off her face!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <i>Working mom of a two-year-old boy and three-month-old girl</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"If I had to choose I would say a supportive partner is at the top of my list! Number two, I think, is my rocking chair. Funny that 'rocking chair' and 'Kris' are neck-to-neck for the number one spot on my 'must haves' list, but if Kris up and left, I think the cruddy uncomfortable Target chair that has put in more miles than a pair of spanks could probably help me make it through. Not really, but I have spent more hours nursing and nurturing my sweet little man on it over the last two years I can't imagine living without it!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>- Mom of a two-year-old boy</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Now that my food-allergic baby is getting big, I can't live without Earth's Best and Naturally Preferred organic baby food. No soy in any of their products, including cereal (which is very hard to find!). Also, Kroger brand diapers Little Comfies are great for sensitive skin and sooo much cheaper than other kinds."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <i>My sister-in-law and mom of a 13-month-old (then)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>"</i>With a third little lady, our days are filled with playing, walking while holding the sweet little girl and me trying to desperately keep up with dishes/laundry/toys/food prep. I have a SAH husband, so I'm pretty sure it would take an act of God to get it all done without him! Plus, having some kind of snack/treat/distraction on board at every turn can really help perk up the older girls (3.5 years and 19 months) when I can't be available to everyone's needs at the exact moment." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <i>Working mom of three girls</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I cannot live without my iPad. Obviously for many reasons, but the most improtant is my calendar. It's so difficult to keep everyone on task, whether it is school projects, daycare days or doctors' appointments. I have been using the app 'Cozi' and it is amazing."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>- Working mom of two boys (ages six and eight)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>"</i>With two kids (a baby and a preschooler), I could not live without my baby carrier. It frees up my hands to help my older child, but still lets me keep the little guy close and happy!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <i>Working mom of two (ages 2 months and 3 years)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"I can't live without my iPhone! Not only can I keep track of my grocery list, but also keep the kids entertained with games, music or inter-active learning games while in the car or at the store."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- <i>Working mom of three</i></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-68571329819922819332013-01-02T14:41:00.000-06:002013-01-02T14:42:06.215-06:00Keeping the Christmas Tree<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By now, the Christmas lights are off. Trees once covered in sparkles now cover the curbs (or, like ours, the bonfire pit). No more silly tricks by mischievous elves. I</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> meant to get this post up before the holidays. Mainly to catch your inspiration before the tree hit the ground. But, the week before Christmas filled up quickly with colds, Ella's impulsive tubes surgery, cleaning, decorating, baking and tidying up my actual job. Then, wham. Christmas Eve. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, hopefully it's not to late for you to save a slice of this Christmas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last year, I read a blog about how one family keeps a part of every tree and we've since incorporated it into our Christmas tradition. Before we toss the tree in the backyard bonfire pit for spring burning, Justin cuts a piece of the bottom. I write all the family members names and the year on it. And then, Justin applies a clear coat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The pieces create a uniquely personalized Christmas keepsake. A fun little decoration. Ours accompanies collected pinecones in a glass vase on the kitchen table. My plan is to cut a piece until the kids are 18. Will be fun to see how our family dynamics and tree size have changed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy late Holidays!</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-8695980705549769872012-12-04T15:18:00.003-06:002012-12-04T15:18:54.067-06:00Nursery Update: Peacock & Play for a Toddler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Recently, we slightly re-arranged Ella's nursery to reflect her growth. Packed away the burp clothes. Removed the breakables. And, made playtime much more accessible. All modifications were made with no extra cost. Now, her room echoes a toddler's. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For before pics of Ella's nursery, <a href="http://www.tinymittensecrets.blogspot.com/2012/03/baby-girl-nursery-purple-in-peacock.html">click here</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When we created the nursery, I knew one day we would have to remove the glass shelf above the changing table. The room was previously our office/spare room and the shelf was above the desk for our pencils and such. As Ella grew into her curiosity, so did her interest in everything on the shelf. Trying to change a standing baby isn't the easiest. The shelf had to go. And, something needed to cover the large holes it left behind...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The hand-painted, one-of-a-kind peacock art was originally designed as a corner piece. The artist, a good friend, had never seen the room, but it's like he knew exactly what it needed. Visit <a href="http://artcasters.com/">artcasters.com</a> for more on our talented artist friend. He's genius. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We created shelves for toys from unused blocks from Target that we had stashed in Jack's closet. Easy access = happy baby. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The peacock feathers I found at a craft store fitted the window valances perfectly (previously in a glass vase on the glass shelf). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAhjo7W9DF7_9xSWXRUEAe6SdKqqAoqgtKX3LlUtzpVc_RG2nHVxOqKeTmumyStfGXgATnCeUQbzp1wQ-2SD94G3-bqet3B9DX8BcTfTfHH30Ff2S3DF4Vcl5OmmlMppwMYOxaiD90rc/s1600/DSC_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAhjo7W9DF7_9xSWXRUEAe6SdKqqAoqgtKX3LlUtzpVc_RG2nHVxOqKeTmumyStfGXgATnCeUQbzp1wQ-2SD94G3-bqet3B9DX8BcTfTfHH30Ff2S3DF4Vcl5OmmlMppwMYOxaiD90rc/s400/DSC_0477.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We added the letter "E" to the collage above her bed. Out of reach of course. The "E" was also on the glass shelf before the room revamp.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvNA_GLfLHzVqjUNaUcIU-v4X5r5pAEhV4SbGazPUWRxp4sSaBKK7n-Zhlsf0DZDZ2owTAWvM4JlIZLYRbzmYxSU96wzaLo-arnlO00HOMQ3_MtVWnIDFQv9pGQ9ec1MYJEHgiWTSLho/s1600/DSC_0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvNA_GLfLHzVqjUNaUcIU-v4X5r5pAEhV4SbGazPUWRxp4sSaBKK7n-Zhlsf0DZDZ2owTAWvM4JlIZLYRbzmYxSU96wzaLo-arnlO00HOMQ3_MtVWnIDFQv9pGQ9ec1MYJEHgiWTSLho/s400/DSC_0482.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Books replaced burp clothes in the nightstand basket.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, the remodel wasn't much. Took all of a few hours to do. But, the results are much more functional for Ella, now one. At least we can get another year out of our pretty, purple peacock theme before we say goodbye to another baby room...</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-6618804446123827452012-11-20T16:02:00.001-06:002012-11-20T16:02:25.903-06:00Ten Gifts for New Moms<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HAqJKy8SwRZ-BEa63kLpk6afPRoOESsPVmv0Inqrl4d-tzLs4e2AKsLe34e2nvsLvBWlljfI69350yyU40I2VBeSHamfocq3xH0Xgu4KzBbKL3ciT8hPemqycdfua3S_SstG1TjAYx8/s1600/420581_3244963480819_818395373_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HAqJKy8SwRZ-BEa63kLpk6afPRoOESsPVmv0Inqrl4d-tzLs4e2AKsLe34e2nvsLvBWlljfI69350yyU40I2VBeSHamfocq3xH0Xgu4KzBbKL3ciT8hPemqycdfua3S_SstG1TjAYx8/s640/420581_3244963480819_818395373_n.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Color me strange, but I
love holiday shopping. Not the actual parading of stores part. But, the browsing
for the perfect present part. The brainstorming. The thought behind the gift
that makes someone smile. Something they need. Could actually use. Or, holds sentimental
value. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’m a mom. With two kids
under four, I’m still considered a “new mom.” I thought finding a present for a
frazzled, time-crunching, realistic mom like me wouldn't be difficult. But, talks with family and friends suggest another story. Weird. So, here’s ten gift
ideas for new, young and fresh moms. Little or big. Thoughtful or useful. All we would like, need or want for the happiest of holiday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">A pretty scarf.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Trust me, scarves are not something we’re normally browsing when wrangling in tiny speedy munchkins. Above: </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Scarf from the shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/womann?ref=seller_info">Womann on Etsy</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uGHlp-U6cFyZm78uYDIaX6tU2edgc6OyzRpq5XR8u13pTDw44CqJ8u0c_5-kNprVq6FGO-xhAGdv0kwQ1O2mp37QRCSo96RkMYg23EYGjZpogZqgXpue5PUFedZqtLjnXvLz8s3nW6g/s1600/iphone+case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uGHlp-U6cFyZm78uYDIaX6tU2edgc6OyzRpq5XR8u13pTDw44CqJ8u0c_5-kNprVq6FGO-xhAGdv0kwQ1O2mp37QRCSo96RkMYg23EYGjZpogZqgXpue5PUFedZqtLjnXvLz8s3nW6g/s1600/iphone+case.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Wallet plus iPhone case.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Seriously perfect. An iPhone 4/4S case with built-in storage space for credit cards, ID, money, you-name-it.<i> </i>Above: Pink storage/<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007DHXXOI/?ref=ox_sc_act_title_1">iPhone case by EYN (Everything you Need) on Amazon</a>.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The Reminder Frame.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As parents, we sometimes
need a little reminder of why we’re in this together. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/47780446017317940/">Photo credit: Pinterest.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Child Keepsake Jewelry.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have no jewelry with my
kids’ names, birthstones, fingers, hands or feet on them. Nothing. I would cry
for this. Above: <o:p></o:p></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/95318646/your-childs-handwriting-upgrade-12-mm?ref=sc_3" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Child’s handwriting charmfrom J4J Charms on Ets</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">y.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Girlfriend Date.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mani. Pedi. Dinner.
Coffee. Us new moms don’t get girl time often. Unless it’s a tea party with the
toddler. </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/45247171226575868/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Photo credit: Pinterest.com</a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Maid service gift card. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I hate HATE cleaning the
house. Photo credit: </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/80783387036940492/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pinterest.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXdeJEh8b5XiWm9hAFqcYa4kkL9nXU65Mqy_S8npjXRXEL6vlH-EY8ubRzCsbveJLGLFJVhC8Stwo_XkT6IXQPdvv7MYVIKocHuFwrUGWtsrdBtfOtnq5fVRc4T6dJ-UPvuBIjbO9dPU/s1600/yoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXdeJEh8b5XiWm9hAFqcYa4kkL9nXU65Mqy_S8npjXRXEL6vlH-EY8ubRzCsbveJLGLFJVhC8Stwo_XkT6IXQPdvv7MYVIKocHuFwrUGWtsrdBtfOtnq5fVRc4T6dJ-UPvuBIjbO9dPU/s400/yoga.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Yoga class registration. </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My back hurts all the
time. </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/205195326741557563/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Photo credit: Pinterest.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN92D7rKDHOH4h_RPPaTYcYURapUnxB_QM0-Hii3VVTsdiCc_BXIav-_zdCAf6saRA756FhP0R3ZexuHk4xTDjbr3jScgMf6OZ4Yvr7FIlsWos_9xASUs_TTPQgxAE5-ffuI4yoZvhyU/s1600/mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN92D7rKDHOH4h_RPPaTYcYURapUnxB_QM0-Hii3VVTsdiCc_BXIav-_zdCAf6saRA756FhP0R3ZexuHk4xTDjbr3jScgMf6OZ4Yvr7FIlsWos_9xASUs_TTPQgxAE5-ffuI4yoZvhyU/s320/mug.jpg" width="177" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Travel coffee mug</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’m always on the go. And,
my mugs are always missing. Above: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_1_3_acs_trend_3?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=travel+coffee+mug+pink&ie=UTF8&qid=1353446449&sr=8-3-acs" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Trudeau Paige 16-ouncestainless teal mug on Amazon</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdlrOk46QunQlWw-YfdeoFTcwFC9eChPmc26j3lCRwbdl-5lFuVhoP-awCZJwHV9ChF-aYqVHYCWb3X8kKpqBEx79ghYnWrE6I9i33bl0bShw-GmXqdyHgTe6L-4G53sl17ubPBDTLsk/s1600/wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdlrOk46QunQlWw-YfdeoFTcwFC9eChPmc26j3lCRwbdl-5lFuVhoP-awCZJwHV9ChF-aYqVHYCWb3X8kKpqBEx79ghYnWrE6I9i33bl0bShw-GmXqdyHgTe6L-4G53sl17ubPBDTLsk/s400/wine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Good bottle of wine</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For those nights following
crazy days. Oh yeah, that’s every night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo credit: <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/91127592430441404/">Pinterest.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_PsFKrGI5y4vlii9ZFRLL3apq_Rh_LVrprLW7Pdd6eHAUYsl2Nia_-UySE3ReoOjDCYKfu6gYfCGOmUwqtpNJqOaMi7G9EwL-02MouFeOry53VuD5VMgJcwQNkQqHSkrpUqZ5Q99few/s1600/bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_PsFKrGI5y4vlii9ZFRLL3apq_Rh_LVrprLW7Pdd6eHAUYsl2Nia_-UySE3ReoOjDCYKfu6gYfCGOmUwqtpNJqOaMi7G9EwL-02MouFeOry53VuD5VMgJcwQNkQqHSkrpUqZ5Q99few/s400/bag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Trendy little LITTLE diaper sac</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can never have enough
shoes? So, you can never have enough diaper bags. Especially cute little ones,
which is what I use most often. Above: </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Petunia-Pickle-Bottom-Satellite-SGCO-00-296/dp/B0072WKYHS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2YP28TL2MQGGF&coliid=I3NATBG0H1Z410">Petunia Pickle Bottom’s SatelliteBackpack</a>. I love love LOVE.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cheers! Don't forget to follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TinyMittenSecrets?ref=hl">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/TinyMittSecrets">Twitter</a>!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-63360000531149298042012-11-14T14:55:00.000-06:002012-11-14T17:44:19.445-06:00Snapshot Series: Walk of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaV17p5Oq-zn3nf242m1dUPPnr3N24jPpLUNzFOowU5dT5hzjAM9oka34O6TCRCQvTvpwwIFgpMdg0QJ31-piWZUdLUSkxv3DyjDbpIqMdfIiLCK6Pdh9QuJdEKDVzGE4H9MMz8AoVFKg/s1600/DSC_0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaV17p5Oq-zn3nf242m1dUPPnr3N24jPpLUNzFOowU5dT5hzjAM9oka34O6TCRCQvTvpwwIFgpMdg0QJ31-piWZUdLUSkxv3DyjDbpIqMdfIiLCK6Pdh9QuJdEKDVzGE4H9MMz8AoVFKg/s400/DSC_0460.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was Wednesday afternoon. The evening sun peeked through the windows. Lighting the kitchen in warm orange glow. Little coats and report sheets lazily scattered the kitchen island. Each telling a story of the day. I had picked the kids up early from daycare. My monthly routine when Justin is up north for a night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We had an hour before I had to start cooking dinner. Usually I'm frantically cleaning hands and wiping faces. Pulling out pots and putting away lunch boxes. But not this day. This day I situated on the floor. Quietly smiling at my kids tinkering in the kitchen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jack dangled from the island. His eyes lingering for a snack. He started to sing. Ella, busy clapping the dog dishes together in the pantry, looked up at him. Smiled and started to sway. I laughed. The girl dances for everything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jack and I started to discuss dinner. Him on top the counter. Me legs crossed on the floor. Ella picked up the dog treat bag. I sighed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Not again, E. The dogs still need to eat dinner." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As the words left my lips, Ella caught my gaze. A grin took over. She stepped towards me. My smile lit up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Come on E! You can do it!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Her excitement got the best of her. She crumpled to the floor. Ella had been taking steps, here and there, for three weeks. She hadn't completed a walk further than three steps. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Stand up E! Come on, stand up!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She smiled at me. Proud. And, actually stood up. She grabbed the dog treats and headed my way. The thrill rose in my voice as I coaxed her to me. Her smile grew with each step. My heart melted with each step. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She fell just before reaching me. Anticipating my hug. I swooped her up. Threw her in the air. Tears soaking my cheeks. I'm not one to get over emotional, but Ella's first walk reminded me of Jack's. It was a day larger than small steps. A day everyone in my family will never forget.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Aug. 22, 2010. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My Nonna had been in a coma for over a week. At 93, she had suffered a stroke. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">She had been living in assisted living for years. Unable to tell me from my mom. Yesterday from 20 years ago. And, spring from summer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">She still saw me. Knew me. But, the independent woman I grew up idolizing was already gone. I always said she'd hate to see herself this way. So dependent on others. Unable to talk world news or write a letter in Italian. I missed her every time I saw her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That early afternoon Justin, Jack, my Mom and I had spent at my parent's lake. It was</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> one of the most beautiful days. A slow breeze trickled off the lake. The summer sun warming our skin. The </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">thought of fall lingering in the trees. My Mom even said we needed to enjoy that day. And, we sure tried. My dad was at his mom's bedside. Reading the newspaper and catching up with his brother. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A week past 11 months old, Jack was a true toddler already. He had mastered standing. Would </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">occasionally take a step or two, but never without coaxing. We usually tricked him to walk. He was head-strong. Determined. And, fearless. True boy right down to his curiosity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jack played in the grass as we talked. He grabbed the arm of my Mom's beach chair and stood up. Sitting on the grass a few strides away, I coaxed Jack to walk to me. He looked over his shoulder. A sly smile. Turned and walked towards me. Too many steps to count. The three of us cheered. Hugged and kissed him. Probably the first time any of us had laughed in days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For a few moments, we watched Jack wobble around us. Smiling and cooing at his accomplishment. He'd fall and get right back up. It was amazing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then, we saw my Dad walking towards us. A different look on his face. We all knew. My Nonna was gone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For me, the timing wasn't</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> coincidental. It was faithful. As we told my Dad about Jack, I saw a small twinkle in his dark eyes. It was then I understood. My Nonna was there. Reminding us to smile for the life we're watching grow. Not cry for the one we watched end. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>The post above is part of my </i>Snapshot Series<i>. When my preschooler, Jack, was a baby, I recorded all his milestones and silliness in a journal. I'd write daily on the things he was doing. First tooth. First time climbing the couch. His first laugh at the dog. And last taste of baby food.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>In order to keep my recordings alive, I've started a </i>Snapshot Series. <i>An e-journal of my children. </i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Like pages in a diary, I've </i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-style: italic;">shared the moments of laughter and smiles that keep my world turning. Captured like photographs. So when Jack leaves for college or Ella goes on her first date, I'll have these tiny memories to remember. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-56902397874621833732012-11-07T13:34:00.001-06:002012-11-07T13:34:28.331-06:00Birthday is for Butterflies<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Three weeks from today, Ella will be one. An entire year has whizzed by. Literally whizzed. With Jack, I couldn't wait for him to start walking. To turn one. And, gain his independence. But, not my little girl. I dream she stays small forever. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, just in time for the holiday madness, we're planning Ella's first birthday. Filled with girlie goodness. She's mainly played with monster trucks her whole life. It's her time to appreciate the pretty things in life. Here's a little preview of Ella's soon-to-be party. A little winter garden party.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTzNnDiln9hvmV9xt5y55YdeXEomofoap25-uCZLXqAl5EbRCha624mJWeR4V-TJrk-Xemed2A_QO55qhq11ksPu_xAhlTBIz2u81bd19wcwiwf1avM_FtH2A_F7bVCD5N-ubd-BGkbA/s1600/1.png.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTzNnDiln9hvmV9xt5y55YdeXEomofoap25-uCZLXqAl5EbRCha624mJWeR4V-TJrk-Xemed2A_QO55qhq11ksPu_xAhlTBIz2u81bd19wcwiwf1avM_FtH2A_F7bVCD5N-ubd-BGkbA/s400/1.png.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBE0Z_rFDyzeTqjaHdlkZmQAnieUwZ9D-AJQAYM4jXTTPVSXatrhmtlMxm7MQg-Z9ysY4m3NxbbuXAP6jEwbZJJOK02tAFlfosX0DY-AdmLiLuNyhyphenhyphenCqqKWh-0pzWfSQ3D_UFDvfCNdVU/s1600/535112_298963600184614_1442389772_n_standard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBE0Z_rFDyzeTqjaHdlkZmQAnieUwZ9D-AJQAYM4jXTTPVSXatrhmtlMxm7MQg-Z9ysY4m3NxbbuXAP6jEwbZJJOK02tAFlfosX0DY-AdmLiLuNyhyphenhyphenCqqKWh-0pzWfSQ3D_UFDvfCNdVU/s400/535112_298963600184614_1442389772_n_standard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo credit: <a href="http://catchmyparty.com/photos/714114">Catchmyparty.com</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdvmwPDKv_tvFdLNAHnfroqfx80Ukr2jypIWahc7W55DgORQ5McF3nm7Es_mZwapypSBrVxqkH9pMBfexKtfmNNFZnCZUbyqkzRbrNj80O-CWx4Cs3ORcksKKT3x45vvqIzldJ5PEIBA/s1600/576656_298963700184604_369336474_n_standard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdvmwPDKv_tvFdLNAHnfroqfx80Ukr2jypIWahc7W55DgORQ5McF3nm7Es_mZwapypSBrVxqkH9pMBfexKtfmNNFZnCZUbyqkzRbrNj80O-CWx4Cs3ORcksKKT3x45vvqIzldJ5PEIBA/s400/576656_298963700184604_369336474_n_standard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo credit: <a href="http://catchmyparty.com/photos/714114">Catchmyparty.com</a></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitry4UWlmepk-NWz5Mz-CyMBwoUbb0H3FjXOiwSkNTB2zqTmzm6mk3aZ7Zgi5BrpQsTcrpNnodsZ-DeWJkzjMP-dgfnGNuYFgetwWblP-svQJ9owT4ySXkbzaPIPDAQ6Q0mNNF1RhNct0/s1600/105834659963227281_uvKB6mpa_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitry4UWlmepk-NWz5Mz-CyMBwoUbb0H3FjXOiwSkNTB2zqTmzm6mk3aZ7Zgi5BrpQsTcrpNnodsZ-DeWJkzjMP-dgfnGNuYFgetwWblP-svQJ9owT4ySXkbzaPIPDAQ6Q0mNNF1RhNct0/s640/105834659963227281_uvKB6mpa_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pinterest find: Add Epsom salt in a mason jar to create a candle in snow effect.<br />Photo credit: <a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/2010/11/19/how-to-make-a-jingle-bell-jar-and-other-mason-jar-crafts/">theinspiredroom.net</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lAtP2Jds4L52xYFwdhQN50SD9o9Soh36Yv3syuECkJskZUzHll1hpnm2Z8xe0r-5Wk3Syqg5Z4mcy1tSh56Pz6HNjZQQbfnabqPJ67ZkVo9T1UAGJ91fC1W4XuInBdpaNULoe8wGxGA/s1600/124693483402854302_vE60xc4l_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lAtP2Jds4L52xYFwdhQN50SD9o9Soh36Yv3syuECkJskZUzHll1hpnm2Z8xe0r-5Wk3Syqg5Z4mcy1tSh56Pz6HNjZQQbfnabqPJ67ZkVo9T1UAGJ91fC1W4XuInBdpaNULoe8wGxGA/s400/124693483402854302_vE60xc4l_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another Pinterest discovery, although I may use paper butterflies and snowflakes.<br />Photo credit: <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/category/diy-projects/page/4/">ohhappyday.com</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmlxkUMupwzOoQ-QlstBmoAJpqClFe2NfpyALlfl7jbIwBYs2pxV6_ES7-x8VB3XgqjAjEXbw_Z1PueP95W-ij6kcC0tMU9qrs06KDv0hBSjDCjf8diUeYRhtJWjbJtLcDeajq0st97o/s1600/il_570xN.351644377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmlxkUMupwzOoQ-QlstBmoAJpqClFe2NfpyALlfl7jbIwBYs2pxV6_ES7-x8VB3XgqjAjEXbw_Z1PueP95W-ij6kcC0tMU9qrs06KDv0hBSjDCjf8diUeYRhtJWjbJtLcDeajq0st97o/s400/il_570xN.351644377.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Vintage-inspired butterfly decor. Photo credit: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/103095248/vintage-inspired-wedding-decor?ref=usr_faveitems">Etsy Shop: ScrapBugs</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeNiC6zNygbRR413YIgRecrB_ytBRUwko0K3pChUkNFy6RSnE8fOGWTMug1ykaA_RVvg6dNualWkkIpdGUrQhcEPpyUdGq9jmi8JhGNmMrYvfC1KQQ_faj-qh2lXlX5IxGxoPylYiWQw/s1600/il_570xN.298348743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdeNiC6zNygbRR413YIgRecrB_ytBRUwko0K3pChUkNFy6RSnE8fOGWTMug1ykaA_RVvg6dNualWkkIpdGUrQhcEPpyUdGq9jmi8JhGNmMrYvfC1KQQ_faj-qh2lXlX5IxGxoPylYiWQw/s400/il_570xN.298348743.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Birdseed flower favors. Photo credit: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89311846/bird-seed-flower-favor-birdseed-wedding">Etsy Shop: GreenDoxieEvents</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwA0shqqr8mlDJFiriRaKw8FmK5QKwYTsy-n0unqTcAC-r6HBQe9DnV9_fPUXEIUMOcp47fAjOdfaKm4m6T1MVJ3SRJ6_S9h6SmuWiwRATHjwe4dwrdxmvwqY5RkoQK5WzA7nvrS1Bl2s/s1600/il_570xN.371428771_mxdp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwA0shqqr8mlDJFiriRaKw8FmK5QKwYTsy-n0unqTcAC-r6HBQe9DnV9_fPUXEIUMOcp47fAjOdfaKm4m6T1MVJ3SRJ6_S9h6SmuWiwRATHjwe4dwrdxmvwqY5RkoQK5WzA7nvrS1Bl2s/s640/il_570xN.371428771_mxdp.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/108426051/girls-butterfly-wand-birthday-party?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=butterfly+birthday+favors&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all">Etsy Shop: PropShopBoutique</a></span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-70836343352443207862012-10-24T14:11:00.002-05:002012-10-24T14:12:15.000-05:00Kid-Approved Tortellini & Veggie Soup<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not a chef. Won't pretend to be. Really, my husband understands the kitchen better than me. But, I do prefer a healthy meal. Filled with goodness to make the kids grow strong. And, something simple. Ingredients I can easily find at the supermarket. Finally, a recipe that takes less than 30 minutes and fits on an index card.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I came across the following recipe in a $1 item at Target, Family Fun's "Kid-Friendly Meals: School Night Suppers."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Twelve ingredients, including salt and pepper. Tortellini. My favorite. The taste was above the dollar I spent on the book. And, both baby Ella and preschooler Jack devoured it. Even the vegetables. My favorite about the recipe is you can add in new veggies each time. Creativity for the simple cooks.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgLkBQkCck6MQ478xGVuWVVv2AgBBOjZupY6-H9zvQAUTC5V1AzCsZ2dYaTTQnT-u6qJnRUKDm4zJrCg7-OUrSsMwndW1oyUx2n6WggZ9rRU7ErI-8XVoCAPcSj3E9bvt-3kR70cYtoY/s1600/DSC_0382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgLkBQkCck6MQ478xGVuWVVv2AgBBOjZupY6-H9zvQAUTC5V1AzCsZ2dYaTTQnT-u6qJnRUKDm4zJrCg7-OUrSsMwndW1oyUx2n6WggZ9rRU7ErI-8XVoCAPcSj3E9bvt-3kR70cYtoY/s400/DSC_0382.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Tortellini Vegetable Soup</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Ingredients</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tbls olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 medium onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 small zucchini, diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 medium carrot, peeled and diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5 1/2 cups chicken stock</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tsp dried basil (more if fresh)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 bay leaf</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">8-9 ounces tortellini (cheese or meat)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2-3 tbls chopped parsley</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">black pepper to taste</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Directions</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Heat olive oil in a medium soup pot or large saucepan. Add onion, zucchini and carrot. Saute over moderate heat 8 - 10 min., stirring often, or until onion is soft/translucent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. Add the stock, basil, bay leaf, tomatoes and salt to the pot. Increase heat and bring mixture to low boil. Add tortellini and bring back to low boil. Cook for two min., then reduce heat and simmer 5 - 6 min. Gently stir in parsley and pepper during last minute.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-80075877260608198162012-10-17T13:44:00.001-05:002012-10-17T13:44:29.428-05:00ABC. Not as Easy as 123.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCD1SwDEwpVfxqeExNiS87JA9JbTOiFPtzW5J9g1YQo_u50V3MD0Eb-BAh2tNKk16Ql8qqbepjLMC6fH6mc4ks0n2ow2rbiU8P192cvGUJWpuHdp6mT-1JOMSvcndOHRLCI_IHV7syew/s1600/DSC_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCD1SwDEwpVfxqeExNiS87JA9JbTOiFPtzW5J9g1YQo_u50V3MD0Eb-BAh2tNKk16Ql8qqbepjLMC6fH6mc4ks0n2ow2rbiU8P192cvGUJWpuHdp6mT-1JOMSvcndOHRLCI_IHV7syew/s400/DSC_0291.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our three-year-old Jack has been singing the ABCs since he was just over two. Clearer than crystal. He can also count to 30. To ten in Spanish, with no help. But, when it comes to identifying letters and sounds or numbers, he's clueless. I hold up a "B," he boldly shouts "Jay!" I ask what letter dinosaur starts with he says "A, ah ah!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Okay...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We've been aware at his resistance to absorbing the alphabet. But, his recent preschool assessment reinforced our knowledge. "Jack needs improvement on recognizing letters and numbers." Unlike Jack, I've absorbed this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the past few months, we've been working on letter and number recognition. Sounds easy. But, maintaining a preschoolers attention is quite challenging. So, I found a few games that keep things fresh. Hold his interest. And, hopefully he'll start to catch on.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>ABC Cookies</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jack loves his peanut butter and jelly sandwiches cut in shapes. I found a box of 101 kid-themed cookie cutters at the supermarket. From holiday and transportation shapes to letters and numbers. Every week I match his sandwich to the featured letter of the week at preschool. But, why not actually cut letter cookies? Duh.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Alphabet Hunt Game</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jack received foam letter bath toys last Christmas. While we do practice in the tub (find the letter "C" among numerous floating letters), I uncovered many Alphabet Hunt Games on other Mom blogs. Sort of like an Easter Egg Hunt, Jack has to find the letters around the house. If he guesses the letter correctly when he finds one, he gets a special treat. Or sticker. Depending on how well he's doing.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Letters from Objects</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This one's pretty simple and takes no time to prepare. Use objects, such as noodles, legos, crayons, to create different letters. We even used his trucks one time to make the letter "T."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Alphabet Scavenger Hunt</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We've done indoor and outdoor scavenger hunts, but I recently came across the inspiration to host an Alphabet Scavenger Hunt. Find objects and things in the house that start with each letter of the alphabet. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>ABC Mat Game</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is our favorite. I discovered numerous ways to play this game. Here's our way: we place the ABC foam mat in order A to Z. Then, I pull out Jack's wood letter blocks. He picks a wood block and matches it with the correct foam letter. To keep his interest, I offer a sticker if he gets it right. If he can repeat the letter and what sound it makes, he gets a treat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-9558839503432631422012-10-03T12:41:00.001-05:002012-10-03T12:41:20.303-05:00Red Leaves and Green Snot<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Well, it’s definitely fall. Not because of
the cozy boots or vibrant leaves. But, because our family weathered our first
sickness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">As a parent, the beauty of autumn signifies
the ugly of sick. Unending snot. Horrific coughs. Watery eyes. And, “well we
can’t prescribe her anything” nod from the doctor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg04S2OO4UxqDBVdVFe8ebMRJC69vDJ9NPqKSSwYjchvNdIAjnOXXFTSMb2QyZTlH7phzoA0yWc-cbBYpcel5RbaCzrZkIUNXQ5WltucqiNmMQi0in4GxSOvM4NEMGW9t413hAkKGdOm0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg04S2OO4UxqDBVdVFe8ebMRJC69vDJ9NPqKSSwYjchvNdIAjnOXXFTSMb2QyZTlH7phzoA0yWc-cbBYpcel5RbaCzrZkIUNXQ5WltucqiNmMQi0in4GxSOvM4NEMGW9t413hAkKGdOm0/s400/photo.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Puffy-eyed Ella with her first cold of the 2012 season.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">When he turned one, Jack (now three) started
daycare two days a week. And, he was sick November through April. Literally
visiting the pediatrician every 14 days. I cried thinking something was
terribly wrong. Reconsidered my play on returning to work. We were basically
loosing money. And, he was miserable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">A good friend with two kids promised it was
normal. My Mom, research, readings and own doctor even reassured it was
typical. A kid’s first year in daycare is the pits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Ella just turned ten months. She started
daycare last month. As a Mom-of-Two, I know she’ll get sick. There’s no
preventative. Especially for a baby who loves to taste everything. Hands her pacifier to everyone. And, drag
her mini-blanket across the floor. Everywhere.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The American Academy of Pediatrics warns
that kids under two shouldn’t use over-the-counter cold and cough medications.
So, there are a few tricks and techniques (some our pediatrician never
mentioned) that we discovered to help our tiny people sleep and feel better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Quickly insert saline drops. Quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Babies hate to get their nose sucked. Even
more so when it’s followed by saline drops. But, quickly instilling a drop or
two of saline in each side of the nose will help loosen up the mucus. Doing so
before feedings will help them eat better, since babies primarily breath out of
their nose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Green snot isn’t always an infection.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">According to <a href="http://blogs.webmd.com/all-ears/2010/03/dealing-with-your-infants-cold.html">Rod Moser, PhD, PA, on WebMDExpert Blogs</a>, colored snot doesn’t always indicate a bacterial infection that
needs antibiotics. He advised to see the pediatrician if green mucous persists
more than 7 – 10 days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">It’s all in the steam technique<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Before bed, we close the door and soak the
kid in a hot bath. Not scorching. Warm enough to fog the glass. We’d add
bubbles of <a href="http://www.johnsonsbaby.com/johnsons-soothing-vapor-baby-bath">Johnson’s Soothing Vapor Baby Bath</a> to clear the nose. Afterwards,
we’d towel off and read a book or play games in the bathroom as we turned up
the shower heat. Smoked out the mucus and cough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUmKn3pOFYZiQPYy31gGu25uUXblA8OHHyLt11ymT6rYa220KXNIZnLZ2Ur7BFOf8TeTuyoh3h0k5sWeYgK3-c9WTN9aEsBpSMXmcXdhiicnWHFF98gfBK9qbq8jVLi75joFahYkezsQ/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUmKn3pOFYZiQPYy31gGu25uUXblA8OHHyLt11ymT6rYa220KXNIZnLZ2Ur7BFOf8TeTuyoh3h0k5sWeYgK3-c9WTN9aEsBpSMXmcXdhiicnWHFF98gfBK9qbq8jVLi75joFahYkezsQ/s400/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>When Jack was a baby, a steamy bathroom was the only trick.</i></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Cool mist vs. hot steam?</span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Both do the trick. After the vapor steam
shower, we turned the cool mist humidifier up full blast in the kid’s room. FYI,
humidifiers can grow mold so they need to be cleaned and inspected often. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><b>Nix the aches</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A little ibuprofen or acetaminophen may sometimes do the trick. Especially with the aches and pains. Be careful though, our pediatrician warned that such medications may dry things out even more, causing the coughing to intensify. Rookie parents beware.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><i>Note: Medications should not be given to babies under three months. Dose is based on weight, not age.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_acetaminophen-dosage-chart_11886.bc">Click here for an acetaminophen dosage chart</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_ibuprofen-dosage-chart_10334443.bc">Click here for an ibuprofen dosage chart</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><b>Vapor rub the chest and ... feet?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Nowadays, they make a vapor rub safe for babies three months and older. <a href="http://www.vicks.com/products/childrens-medicine/babyrub-ointment/">Vicks Vapor Rub</a> contains soothing aloe, oils and eucalyptus to soothe babies. Most infant rubs are made without camphor or menthol, which shouldn't be used on children under two. You can also find recipes to make your own rub. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The trick is to not only apply the rub to the chest and neck, but also the feet. Then put on some socks. An old friend once told me this amazing technique, which really does work for some silly reason.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><b>Warm up the day with chicken soup</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Chicken soup really does help kids feel better. Studies prove it actually relieves cold symptom such as aches, fever and congestion. Other warm liquids, like apple juice or chamomile tea can help relieve symptoms during the day. If your baby is at least six months old, try warm liquids to make the days easier for you both.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Best-kept secret: Vapor Plug In for Babies</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">PediCare, Vicks and other brands make waterless, vapor plug-ins safe for babies. Like an aroma therapy plugged right into their outlet. Genious. Like most, <a href="http://www.pediacare.com/products/pediacare-childrens-gentle-vapors-vapor-plug.aspx">PediCare's Gentle Vapors Plug-In</a> is non-medicated and contains a blend of eucalyptus, lavender (proven to help people sleep) and other aromatic ingredients. <a href="http://www.vicks.com/products/vaporizers/v1700-plugin-waterless-vaporizer/">Vicks Vaporizer Plug-In</a> lasts up to eight hours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Sources:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><a href="http://webmd.com/">Webmd.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_11-safe-home-remedies-to-soothe-your-childs-cold-and-flu-sym_10014077.bc?page=3#articlesection6">BabyCenter's Cough, Cold and Flu: What to Do</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/common-cold-in-babies/DS01106/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs">Mayo Clinic: Common cold in babies</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-67022748639327684032012-09-26T13:44:00.000-05:002012-09-26T19:27:37.509-05:00Down on the Farm<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before kids, I dreamed of creating the perfectly unique birthday party. From hand-crafted decorations to signature drinks, each birthday better than the last. But, today, our hectic life and crazy schedules leave little room for etching names on party favors and cooking homemade pot pies for 30-plus. So, for Jack's third birthday party I mixed a little of my craftiness with a lot of simpleness. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He's finally at the age where a party can only include friends. And, it can be housed somewhere other than our home. No prepping. Clean up. Or bombarding of personal space. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After researching many local places, and factoring in Jack's favorite activities, we decided to have his party at a local petting farm that rents out for parties. The farm, Carousel Acres in South Lyon, Mich., provided the decorations, table clothes, cowboy/girl hats and bandanas, pony rides and personal access to all the animals. All for a seriously decent price. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I found some trendy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/92472960/farm-birthday-invitation">farm party invites</a> on Etsy, purchased farm animal paper products, bought a basic chocolate cake from Costco and ordered carryout from a local Italian caterer. The favors were juice boxes and starbursts (Jack's favorite) in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/100971425/farm-animal-muslin-bag-set-of-30-perfect?ref=sr_gallery_17&ga_search_query=farm+animal+party+favor&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all">farm animal muslin bags</a> I found on Etsy. I finished the cake with farm animal candles, chocolate shavings and gummy worms (another of Jack's desires). Wa-la. Party planned.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHCa_FAyNOa6UUGcEh1G2SIkI9DDf75XjGwlCQcMGgYT_2Z_vWCISSpO2Z6J41xLM8OaWckmMPKYb2I_VfofZmHmJLma70jqZgB57a3oykFP-8zqMDU6c-XtaxXbvXCwQdv3tMi8QGYg/s1600/DSC_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHCa_FAyNOa6UUGcEh1G2SIkI9DDf75XjGwlCQcMGgYT_2Z_vWCISSpO2Z6J41xLM8OaWckmMPKYb2I_VfofZmHmJLma70jqZgB57a3oykFP-8zqMDU6c-XtaxXbvXCwQdv3tMi8QGYg/s400/DSC_0235.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jack and two of his favorite buddies, Caleb (left) and Asher (right).</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2jAU1G9aZHXCnKyn79XcGfSQYgpjWjtczDSbFA8HMRb4E_UpL-ZzSBg1kpvmzuN_wozFCAShXlucLoG7hD_H-BRuYRg7GEhPSq0mJe1WwCgFTT_o3cEICe5m4WV8qcbbJkA_zXgYoQY/s1600/il_570xN.310051561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2jAU1G9aZHXCnKyn79XcGfSQYgpjWjtczDSbFA8HMRb4E_UpL-ZzSBg1kpvmzuN_wozFCAShXlucLoG7hD_H-BRuYRg7GEhPSq0mJe1WwCgFTT_o3cEICe5m4WV8qcbbJkA_zXgYoQY/s400/il_570xN.310051561.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Farm invites from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/92472960/farm-birthday-invitation">Dream a Little Dream </a>on Etsy.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqe2Li3YO6OqlYskfwYQPQRtuLn5WtauuwdH0g-H9Mo7yWehY5K1G8JA0EheG0a32Y0uADlFT20DnPj-f_fCnrMYyo-1dEyZOUKxLwnM2peE4c8Fx1oMSnVOMLp32ScpAd5Tu0Vr1Wtuw/s1600/il_570xN.341325416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqe2Li3YO6OqlYskfwYQPQRtuLn5WtauuwdH0g-H9Mo7yWehY5K1G8JA0EheG0a32Y0uADlFT20DnPj-f_fCnrMYyo-1dEyZOUKxLwnM2peE4c8Fx1oMSnVOMLp32ScpAd5Tu0Vr1Wtuw/s400/il_570xN.341325416.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Muslin bag party favors from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/100971425/farm-animal-muslin-bag-set-of-30-perfect?ref=sr_gallery_17&ga_search_query=farm+animal+party+favor&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all">Little Chicklets</a> on Etsy.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Luckily the rain held off, and the kids were able to enjoy the farm to themselves. Chased goats. Rode a pony. Fed a baby cow. And, brushed little ponies. The next morning, Jack wanted to go back. With all his friends, of course. Guess it was a perfect party, after all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopQ700melOGGudz7BZ3dSaEHHfOzPekaVxwvuOd8mQUjX0kGGGBsBxLR9H9p8PI4K0BxOh8lkiWwzUPEHOOkQH7RsIGmRrRSHB73vRV9yfLjkr98sZmxnjXc85VE7-H5me8ObEU61f7Q/s1600/DSC_0167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopQ700melOGGudz7BZ3dSaEHHfOzPekaVxwvuOd8mQUjX0kGGGBsBxLR9H9p8PI4K0BxOh8lkiWwzUPEHOOkQH7RsIGmRrRSHB73vRV9yfLjkr98sZmxnjXc85VE7-H5me8ObEU61f7Q/s400/DSC_0167.JPG" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Jack was a little nervous to ride Jackie the Pony. </i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ftwDTDghjFlb8Cd7xIIdO8fJvRut8LUDLTog42iQ3Pbdcw9qNZyR37YkRG20hLUa-dEG7E3kuFTHZoizS-Us-NLeHYC-FObNqK76qhXvh1zeJjZlYl4y7IKNwSJBglhS-UG32lnxo54/s1600/DSC_0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ftwDTDghjFlb8Cd7xIIdO8fJvRut8LUDLTog42iQ3Pbdcw9qNZyR37YkRG20hLUa-dEG7E3kuFTHZoizS-Us-NLeHYC-FObNqK76qhXvh1zeJjZlYl4y7IKNwSJBglhS-UG32lnxo54/s640/DSC_0171.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Little sister Ella was not afraid one bit. Hoping she grows up to ride horses like her Momma!</i></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5k_fX8jBoemlwS9iQ4I3GzeR9GhfU7K-pS7D3qd5YjK4kddd1lU_d4EJnjqRrohP5SQ6R31ksCXrp29ZkCzM7BXidjMSNAoDNkPK88oxFYk2K_9PPmshGqIkF25f4EguTggUKnYbfLY/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5k_fX8jBoemlwS9iQ4I3GzeR9GhfU7K-pS7D3qd5YjK4kddd1lU_d4EJnjqRrohP5SQ6R31ksCXrp29ZkCzM7BXidjMSNAoDNkPK88oxFYk2K_9PPmshGqIkF25f4EguTggUKnYbfLY/s400/DSC_0184.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizImD8mInWbR1xAhtW-Nc8zhMPM7CmvnFbrLiiHGXAzlk34CGNOyJwBAjoWPmQr7RO44Yr3GFjf8WPwf_VjZqSz4gdcMiUtOriuNLOVqMsHri0B7qCu0z2sPWOtlzcrokRoAwAu0r1IgI/s1600/DSC_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizImD8mInWbR1xAhtW-Nc8zhMPM7CmvnFbrLiiHGXAzlk34CGNOyJwBAjoWPmQr7RO44Yr3GFjf8WPwf_VjZqSz4gdcMiUtOriuNLOVqMsHri0B7qCu0z2sPWOtlzcrokRoAwAu0r1IgI/s400/DSC_0200.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Our good friend's son, Asher, took farm duties seriously. Heart him.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCKPRYyIy0VtlgvVqjKIEA7UmcvBvcg1eYgbhCjqfNZBsCV-L_MO2O9YMR3bYZ7V2kwyP_yKdeHbI2388MmiRm04h5dommdFohp5ywB-Qqm9lSxqV5s5ep2KNuAHdX-GhJ3sS3dHZoQo/s1600/DSC_0231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCKPRYyIy0VtlgvVqjKIEA7UmcvBvcg1eYgbhCjqfNZBsCV-L_MO2O9YMR3bYZ7V2kwyP_yKdeHbI2388MmiRm04h5dommdFohp5ywB-Qqm9lSxqV5s5ep2KNuAHdX-GhJ3sS3dHZoQo/s400/DSC_0231.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The beautiful Rozanski family. Also known as Jack's future in-laws and wife Lucy. Ella's BFF.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jack's smile face.</span></i> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our other close friends' son, Caleb, 4.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Modified Costco cake. Yep, I did the lettering too.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>He gets a little shy when people sing to him.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Checking out the reindeer.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now on to Ella's first birthday in November....</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-85370066158419593402012-09-19T13:48:00.000-05:002012-09-19T13:48:12.600-05:00Bounce House, Crab Legs, and a Birthday<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jack officially turned three on Sunday. One of my favorite days of the year. The one that signified the beginning of our family. And, when my heart began beating outside my body. It was the day I finally understood the best part of life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jack woke to balloons covering the living room. Eggs and bacon for breakfast. Then, the best surprise of all. His very own bounce house ready for use in the backyard. We covered his eyes and carried him out. His sheepish smile spoke volumes. He couldn't get his shoes off quick enough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The four of us spent the day in the bounce house. Skipped naps. Fell down. Watched the tree tops. And, bounced some more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not sure how we're ever going to top this year's gift. Or even match it for Ella's first birthday in November. But, the kids' joy-filled laughs made the price worth it. And, the idea to rent it to friends and family for a very low price. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We completed Jack's birthday with his requested dinner. Crab legs, fish and french fries. And, of course chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting and sprinkles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, happy birthday, little bear. Thanks for showing me to appreciate all the small things. You're my world and I will love you forever.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDW4oZkj1xk2AUOA4z2FrB8wen9RsWki1mBsgH6zMfAw7utmjx8T0kVez8OC8yBEp8i-2fIVGlhQH_vzqS_pvo0EdWbgDm2_mtKc_6vsJf-r36-zv63xPzQDQef_uP3kjyktxy_Cn-LI/s1600/DSC_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDW4oZkj1xk2AUOA4z2FrB8wen9RsWki1mBsgH6zMfAw7utmjx8T0kVez8OC8yBEp8i-2fIVGlhQH_vzqS_pvo0EdWbgDm2_mtKc_6vsJf-r36-zv63xPzQDQef_uP3kjyktxy_Cn-LI/s400/DSC_0131.JPG" width="370" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENGnfqqTWls_x3cpccX-Zzfafkzw6WsT5tX3yXrl3VXQpZWQpccH8dipxS4q0UQo3TlkB7LNtWWH9bPlyJoiA7VQ8XwxW6tOTsSrAOLI4aquYAKDJirZNTHmdNUwDyYTVRIo0Ny3uGfM/s1600/DSC_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENGnfqqTWls_x3cpccX-Zzfafkzw6WsT5tX3yXrl3VXQpZWQpccH8dipxS4q0UQo3TlkB7LNtWWH9bPlyJoiA7VQ8XwxW6tOTsSrAOLI4aquYAKDJirZNTHmdNUwDyYTVRIo0Ny3uGfM/s400/DSC_0145.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Jack enjoying crab legs with Nonnie S (center) and Great Nonna (left)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwGbnjLnSYNBYyF58di453bs8KMHIM3Tuo5M_dxwoWlLPLSJBNalvcP6v6Evx1S4f5PQTJU9MixYQufR983mcHiZieROA8RiUgAlFLMnyjypziP0YNL3s3v2xJEyCnrDwYfGYIn7iwcw/s1600/DSC_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwGbnjLnSYNBYyF58di453bs8KMHIM3Tuo5M_dxwoWlLPLSJBNalvcP6v6Evx1S4f5PQTJU9MixYQufR983mcHiZieROA8RiUgAlFLMnyjypziP0YNL3s3v2xJEyCnrDwYfGYIn7iwcw/s400/DSC_0151.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Cracking his crab legs</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUvBirMi1KrBphXGly5-xpbinG_RD6z3KpnzAmnqY-XptaK9d_Sw9-mpaI1305Jr8_HOCL-rW9mfYzQzQ6rEaGiH9LaZ0XIAIwowB9iUANUyJpaoo-pTaDl-aTLZcqOOd2kXHr_8wftw/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUvBirMi1KrBphXGly5-xpbinG_RD6z3KpnzAmnqY-XptaK9d_Sw9-mpaI1305Jr8_HOCL-rW9mfYzQzQ6rEaGiH9LaZ0XIAIwowB9iUANUyJpaoo-pTaDl-aTLZcqOOd2kXHr_8wftw/s400/DSC_0153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-67222724313432483202012-09-06T15:26:00.002-05:002012-09-06T16:00:40.841-05:00Snapshot Series: Praising My Three-Year-Old<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #5a4973;">The post below is a part
of my<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><b><span style="color: #5a4973;"><a href="http://www.tinymittensecrets.blogspot.com/p/snapshot-series.html"><span style="color: #979c71; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Snapshot Series</span></a>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><i><span style="color: #5a4973;">an e-journal of my
children. Like pages in a diary, I share the moments of laughter and
smiles that keep my world turning. Captured like photographs. So when Jack
leaves for college or Ella goes on her first date, I'll have these tiny
memories to remember. </span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #5a4973;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_A_CokshN55pFwmSKN2WK582eZtHNIC6vmBZG_O0X6pwen54cpVzVHcaGdw8HF7viz_Cr4ydx6qwDRXXFJYhSjRDIWI5t9PkqvO94S5Ui95C-u_bAE-gdkdsTUSZsA1aNEoqwP9PbbY/s1600/DSC_1785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_A_CokshN55pFwmSKN2WK582eZtHNIC6vmBZG_O0X6pwen54cpVzVHcaGdw8HF7viz_Cr4ydx6qwDRXXFJYhSjRDIWI5t9PkqvO94S5Ui95C-u_bAE-gdkdsTUSZsA1aNEoqwP9PbbY/s400/DSC_1785.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yesterday’s post
was all about little Ella. Today it’s all about big boy Jack. My tank. My
pillow. And, the first half of my heart.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last weekend we
vacationed at the cabin with friends and family. I watched Jack learn to trace
letters from my Dad (retired principal teacher of more than 30 years) and
Sister-in-Law (an emotionally-impaired teacher). I had been
trying to teach the concept for months. No progress. Just scribbles. But, two
teachers later the kid was press-tongued and concentrating. Actually <i>tracing</i>
the letters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It’s easy to let
the milestones slip by as a toddler becomes a kid. As Ella’s firsts suck up our
smiles, Jack’s increasing abilities, like his knowledge of shapes and amazing
problem solving skills, rarely earn the deserved recognition. So again, here’s a list of memories that
would be forgotten if not recorded now:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Everything happened
“last morning.” “Hey, remember when I went sledding last morning?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. When he gets
really happy, he sings “Jake and the Neverland Pirates, climb aboard and become
a pirate too…” To himself. Kind of like a whistle, but with words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. He prefers seafood
over McDonalds. Or, really everything. When he was just 1.5 years old, we were
in Florida and he ate all of Justin’s scallops instead of chicken nuggets and
fries. Request for his third birthday dinner? Crab legs and lobster. True
story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4. Few of my favorite
expressions lately: “Darnit!” “Are you kidding me?” “I have a great idea!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5. Randomly, when
he wants something, in a very sweet voice he says, “I love you Mom.” Charm in
his smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6. He has to brush
his teeth after every piece of candy and chewing of gum. By the way, he needs a
five-step program for his gum addiction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">7. When discussing
my Mom (his Nonnie S) with me, he refers to her as my mom. “Is your mom coming
over later?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">8. He is devoted to
catching frogs. Thank God we never built that pond in the backyard or I’m sure
he would have moved his bed there. Guess I could say the same for finding
worms, tree frogs, bugs or caterpillars. Win some. Loose some. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">9. He’s full of
expression like his father. “I don’t have to eat my dinner!” Arms flailing.
Face twisted with the attitude of a teenager.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">10. He doesn’t miss
a trick, as my Grandma said since he was a baby. His memory is sharp. Steak
knife sharp. “Remember, we fed the birds those marshmallows?” <i>last summer! </i>After
a full workday, he asks about the special treat I promised that morning. “That
dress is pretty, Mom. Remember you wore it at Easter?” He can recite lines from
BBC’s Planet Dinosaur. And, discusses the entire Bubble Guppies episode about
the supermarket every time we go grocery shopping. Every time.</span><u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><o:p></o:p></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Like my style? Please help a girl out and click the banner below. Just two clicks and I'll be famous! Maybe not famous, but sure would feel like it. Thank you!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<a title="popular baby blogs" HREF="http://www.topbabyblogs.com/cgi-bin/topblogs/in.cgi?id=leahb4" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.topbabyblogs.com/topblogs/images/banners/top_baby_blog_468x60_an.gif" alt="Click To Vote For Us @ the Top Baby Blogs Directory! The most popular baby blogs" width="468" height="60"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-89205528771017775122012-09-05T14:07:00.002-05:002012-09-05T14:07:39.971-05:00Snapshot Series: All the Baby Moments I Would Have Missed<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Today's post is a part of my </i><b><a href="http://www.tinymittensecrets.blogspot.com/p/snapshot-series.html">Snapshot Series</a>, </b><i>an e-journal of my children. </i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Like pages in a diary, I </i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;">share the moments of laughter and smiles that keep my world turning. Captured like photographs. So when Jack leaves for college or Ella goes on her first date, I'll have these tiny memories to remember. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTMcXbXSubfCeEH8OmxTkSzGBh4LBjzw8zIjXDn_AELxCy0tYvw40rOWNF7aL0vpHI7v-c3nGECfyo0H8vwpfnQNgijj-qMfcPtIHVaS1xuhYk84xk56DYghhVmHREsgXbR6Z-ehOn-I/s1600/DSC_1891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTMcXbXSubfCeEH8OmxTkSzGBh4LBjzw8zIjXDn_AELxCy0tYvw40rOWNF7aL0vpHI7v-c3nGECfyo0H8vwpfnQNgijj-qMfcPtIHVaS1xuhYk84xk56DYghhVmHREsgXbR6Z-ehOn-I/s400/DSC_1891.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Today was Ella’s
nine-month check up. </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Nine months.</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"> And, in 11 days Jack will be three
years old. </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Three years.</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"> So many smiles. Too many passing memories.
Disaster moments. And laughs that make my world go ‘round.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Within two months,
Ella has learned to crawl. Stand. Climb the couch. Eat many solid foods. Drink
from a cup. Speak syllables. Wave hi. “Soooo big.” Point for things. And, fight
her brother hard.</span><br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">I forgot how
quickly the first year goes. Man, it’s lightening. I remember grasping at Jack’s babyness, attempting to memorize
every chubby line and unending babble. Those silly moments when he hula-danced
for a singing monkey. Or yelled back when you told him not to touch the dog’s
water dish. There’s so many places in-between that melted my heart. And I don’t
remember. Makes me realize all the small spaces we’ve missed with Ella. So
here’s a few things that would surely get misplaced in memory if I didn’t
record them now:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">1. Ella sucks in
air like she has asthma. Large gasps. Just because. Usually followed by a huge
grin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">2. She already
prefers carbs over any other food. Breads. Cheerios. Pasta. Wait ‘til she tries
chocolate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">3. She lifts her
eyebrows while playing. In an arrogant kind of way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">4. She screams –
seriously screams – at her brother. Hits, bites or head butts when needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">5. She drives
Jack’s mini-monster trucks. Literally rolls them around the floor, making a
gurgling sound.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">6. Favorite toy:
Mini-tool bench. Not the tea pot and cups. Sigh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">7. She waves “hi”
at a select few. Most get the stern stare down. Picture it: Lady walks up
ooo-ing at the cute baby. Saying, “hello there!” in a high-pitched voice. Baby glares.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">8. She cannot <i>live</i>
without her Little Giraffe blanket. Jack can’t either, but Ella takes it to new
extremes. Bites it. Mashes her face in it. Talks to it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">9. She belly-bounce
dances at the ABC song.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">10. She actually listens
to “no.” Probably because she hears it often yelled at her brother. And,
realizes it’s not worth the fight.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-27050248874685340462012-08-29T14:30:00.001-05:002012-08-29T14:30:36.610-05:00It's in the Bag. The be...bag.<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText2">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can’t remember the last time I cluttered a purse with
nonsense. Now-a-days, it’s the diaper bag that’s full of it. Gum wrappers. Lip
gloss. Tweezers. Multiple pens. Crinkled receipts. And, lost pennies. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With a baby and
preschooler, I’m usually handcuffed to a diaper bag. But lately, as Ella
approaches one and potty training Jack is a faint memory, I’ve dusted off my
prized collection of purses. My tiny handbags of heaven. It’s my addiction.
While most women like shoes, I prefer purses. (Although a sharp pair of
stilettos wouldn’t make me frown.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The need for a bulky
diaper bag has diminished for short trips. Grocery store outings, trips
downtown or fall clothes shopping now means smaller bags. Handbags. Well, not
the itsy-bitsy Coach clutch. Rather the Kenneth Cole sack. But, still an
improvement. And, much more my style.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I recently connected
with Rhonda of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/bebag">be…bag</a>, an Etsy shop featuring handmade quilted handbags,
exclusively designed by her. Rarely are two alike. The best part is that a
portion of every sale goes to charity. And, each bag has an “inspiration” card
inside. Inspiring purse lovers to <i>be </i>the best and give back to someone
else. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHifLE0r1CXCN9kt2X5TX9qCX6LI-1SLoGYUJ851FmbW9t86nxfjeD327pWYKsNP-Qb3bp_UXKG00tfb3j0ZpbhKbDHHjRMhf34bz2cO0uuYG6URA8dIb0LaeWysbpgBOsnOvNTSZCU2A/s1600/DSC_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHifLE0r1CXCN9kt2X5TX9qCX6LI-1SLoGYUJ851FmbW9t86nxfjeD327pWYKsNP-Qb3bp_UXKG00tfb3j0ZpbhKbDHHjRMhf34bz2cO0uuYG6URA8dIb0LaeWysbpgBOsnOvNTSZCU2A/s640/DSC_0026.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My <a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/bebag">be…bag</a> joins us
everywhere. The shoulder strap ensures contents don’t scatter when I quickly
snatch a fallen pacifier. Or chase Jack out of the candy isle. The vintage-like
fabric is right up my style. Unique. Timeless. And, the handywork is unreal. So
durable. And, beautifully crafted. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Holds a few diapers,
keys, wallet and snack perfectly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRXGic9GRetkDj9WB9-o-q5ExH86MKvigmp9vOrR4nisKKA17rpK4G4ElpDwyF3XnGPOUutfCUG0DW7VVuyqaGFt2eKyJ8FHDgSE8aEK-w4xVNEMGflvWckVHaFP7f18-oX1SxzdSRaw/s1600/DSC_0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRXGic9GRetkDj9WB9-o-q5ExH86MKvigmp9vOrR4nisKKA17rpK4G4ElpDwyF3XnGPOUutfCUG0DW7VVuyqaGFt2eKyJ8FHDgSE8aEK-w4xVNEMGflvWckVHaFP7f18-oX1SxzdSRaw/s640/DSC_0022.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMKoX6qHMImYA1bllOMOSX3jeQgi8W0518xRb9p1ZFr95Ew_SzEccaIZAsn-zCzdaQyYEYJUrA5G6udV3c10lWULvhqtxsLdmdBzwqKwRA__BLBsGFWNCU9JjwxhKHaoEw7vN7JhbQdA/s1600/DSC_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMKoX6qHMImYA1bllOMOSX3jeQgi8W0518xRb9p1ZFr95Ew_SzEccaIZAsn-zCzdaQyYEYJUrA5G6udV3c10lWULvhqtxsLdmdBzwqKwRA__BLBsGFWNCU9JjwxhKHaoEw7vN7JhbQdA/s400/DSC_0027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here’s a little more
on Rhonda and be…bag. A few things that make me admire her style – and bags –
even more:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">“I love flip-flops
with brightly colored toenails. I sew barefoot and flip-flops easily
accommodate this.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I come from a
long line of sewing people & treasure a quilt of my great-grandmothers,
sewn from scraps of her handmade dresses. I'm a self-taught sewer and a
mom-taught quilter. Combining a love of quilting, an obsession with handbags,
& a desire to help others, bebag was born. A beautiful bag on your arm
means you're helping others. Part of the brand has always been to give a
percentage of each sale to charities that help others ‘be’ all that they can
be. It's all being inspired and inspiring others.</span></i><i>”</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpaA3B5n1oGqqCSbbr-ErptHCWurjYZo7th3cUpZDDP4HzLhNzWw48QspR53yvx8Obfwo7zjHoznRF5rPgq9VlQWXyP5S1EQCSXNOC-d2c2Xsed4-vgOJIKHFsKQRlR4X-Jfqlsj0yCc/s1600/DSC_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpaA3B5n1oGqqCSbbr-ErptHCWurjYZo7th3cUpZDDP4HzLhNzWw48QspR53yvx8Obfwo7zjHoznRF5rPgq9VlQWXyP5S1EQCSXNOC-d2c2Xsed4-vgOJIKHFsKQRlR4X-Jfqlsj0yCc/s400/DSC_0031.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Ella loves the be...bag too.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Like my be…bag? Get one from her Etsy store <a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/bebag">here</a>, find
her on Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/bebag/259737050718534">here</a> or follow her on Twitter <a href="http://www.https//twitter.com/bebagRhonda">here</a>.</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-51527301010602192382012-08-21T12:09:00.000-05:002012-08-21T12:09:13.342-05:00Combating the Most Common Illness Among Youngsters. Starting at the Gums.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPMk6t43cAoD8x4VoZ7z9zzetbyuZDLpFoDNV580MAwD78vQ2bhvDvvNK8G8VbjxfoiC97B_G5aDsz7bEBa3ZvyH6b9jtzpzN2phTM9CfXzAzv1Qlr5zphxxizn59v2YIAJtEEaz1-8Q/s1600/Final.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPMk6t43cAoD8x4VoZ7z9zzetbyuZDLpFoDNV580MAwD78vQ2bhvDvvNK8G8VbjxfoiC97B_G5aDsz7bEBa3ZvyH6b9jtzpzN2phTM9CfXzAzv1Qlr5zphxxizn59v2YIAJtEEaz1-8Q/s400/Final.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the past month,
Ella has taken to solid foods and sippy cups like a devoted Olympic gold
medallist. It wasn’t easy. But, the road to victory never is. Razzed yogurt.
Splattered formula. Mushed blueberries. And, protesting squeals. Much more of a
mess at this age than her older brother was. But, my goal to kick the bottle by
her first birthday is just three months away. So, “Operation Bottle Bye Bye” is
in overdrive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I refuse to be the
parent with a three-year-old drinking juice from a bottle. Not only because
preschoolers are completely capable of drinking from cups, but mainly due to
the very serious risk of tooth decay and bottle mouth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bottle mouth? More
common than parents think. It’s when a baby/toddler keeps a bottle with soda,
sugary drinks juice, milk or formula in his or her mouth a lot during the day
(i.e. overnight bottle nursing, frequent sipping). The liquid ferments around the teeth and leads to enamel damage.
Eventually tooth decay. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At least 4 million
preschoolers suffer from tooth decay. <i>Four
million. </i>It’s an increase of more than 600,000 kids in the last decade,
according to <i><a href="http://www.parents.com/baby/health/baby-teeth/cavities/">Parenting.com</a></i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2051271567">March 2012 </a></span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2051271567">NY
Times </a></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/health/rise-in-preschool-cavities-prompts-anesthesia-use.html?pagewanted=all">article</a> stated that the number of preschoolers requiring extensive
dental work is on the rise. “Dentists nationwide say they are seeing more
preschoolers at all income levels with 6 to 10 cavities. The level of decay,
they added, is so severe, that they often recommend using general anesthesia
because young children are unlikely to sit through such extensive procedures.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Still not
convinced? The </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2051271573">LA Times </a></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/01/health/hk-he-dental-underserved-20110701">reported</a> that more than 50 percent of children
will have some tooth decay by age 5 and oral infection is the No. 1 chronic
disease in kids.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yikes. Just picturing my little Jack. Almost three. His tiny feet not nearly reaching the dentist chair edge. Small cubby hand clutching my fingers as the dentist shifts a mask over his mouth.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We have a dentist appointment Friday. Glad he brushes his teeth every day and we only let him sip water. Juice only at meals. It’s the addiction to sticky candy that worries me…</span>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But, what most
parents don’t know is the risks. Tooth decay is mainly caused by bacteria.
Germs. Not by the lack of brushing or flossing. And, it’s more common among
young children than any other chronic illness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Here’s a few
leading causes of tooth decay:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- Eating a
high-sugar diet (that includes all those processed and frozen foods!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Eating sticky
candy (Jack is totally guilty)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Eating frequent
sweets or snacks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Drinking beverages
with sugar between meals<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Leading causes of
bottle mouth:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- Drinking
sweetened beverages from the bottle</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Too many bottles
after child’s first birthday (even milk in a bottle after 14 months can cause
decay)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Going to bed with
a bottle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>A few tips to curve
tooth decay in kids:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Choose tap water,
not bottled water. Bottled water doesn't contain fluoride, which protects
against cavities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Visit the dentist
or have the pediatrician do an oral exam by age 1.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Fight the battle to brush teeth. Start early
(as soon as the first tooth appears) and get in the habit of doing it twice a
day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Cut down on
snacks, especially with sugary foods (like raisins).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- If baby is placed
to sleep with a bottle, use water and nothing else. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Wean baby of the
bottle by age 1, 14 months at the latest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Discuss a
fluoride supplement with a dentist or pediatrician for children older than six
months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Keep your mouth
clean. A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics Dentistry (AAPD) found
that in 71 percent of cases, the mother transmitted cavity-causing bacteria to
infants even before teeth erupted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Break the
pacifier addiction. The AAPD states the earlier it’s stopped, the less chance
it will lead to orthodontic problems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Limit the drinks.
Aside from juice, breastmilk and formula can also coat the teeth and lead to
tooth decay. Don’t let your child walk around with a sippy cup or bottle all
day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Wipe your baby’s
gums – even if there are not teeth – with a damp washcloth after feedings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Brush your
child’s teeth for at least 30 seconds after breakfast and before bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Start using
fluorinated toothpaste at 2 years old. Begin flossing when two of his or her
teeth are touching.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Other resources:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/08/tooth-decay-in-children_n_1328022.html">Huffington Post: Tooth Decay in Children</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.aapd.org/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-7575621756583810282012-08-09T11:55:00.000-05:002012-08-09T11:55:05.381-05:00Two Kids. One Vacation. It Happens.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: TrebuchetMS;">Just
four springs ago, Justin and I sipped frozen margaritas and lazily soaked up
the Caribbean during our honeymoon in St. Maarten. Almost daily, we
watched two parents with two toddlers fluster their way through vacation.</span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: TrebuchetMS;">“Let’s
never bring our kids on vacations like this,” we promised each other.</span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: TrebuchetMS;">“How
un-relaxing,” we cooed as one boy whined through each day at the pool.</span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: TrebuchetMS;">His
mother pressed lips and brisk moves. At the time, life with kids seemed more
like work than a vacation. </span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: TrebuchetMS;">Fast
forward to Fourth of July 2012. The Caribbean never visited since, despite vows
to jet set yearly. Two kids under three. A modified travel plan that includes
historical and natural wonder destinations. And a July holiday annual family
vacation to my Dad's cabin in northern Michigan.</span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: TrebuchetMS;">Lately,
life with two kids is flowing easier. Justin and I have found our groove. And
Jack has found independence and fun in being “big.” Odd as it sounds, we’re
much more relaxed with two little ones to tote around. I know, strange.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: TrebuchetMS;">As
our five-day vacay to the cabin approached, I vowed the trip would go just as
smoothly as life has been. Carefree. Fun. And memory-filled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: TrebuchetMS;">And,
it sure was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: TrebuchetMS;">We
let go of the schedule. Took naps. Let the sun warm our skin. Made sand ramps
for trucks. Shopped local. Ate fresh fish. Fed the birds. Stayed up late.
Roasted marshmallows. Ate whenever. Watched Justin blow off fireworks. And, actually relaxed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: TrebuchetMS;">The
trick to keeping everyone’s cool on vacation? Keep your cool. Don’t set
expectations high. Never let a mishap ruin the fun (because there will be with
two unpredictable littles). And, literally go with the flow.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZX0rp1poAE/UCFgMoFN_QI/AAAAAAAABYY/Wfm0n7vJZ_E/s1600/DSC_1651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZX0rp1poAE/UCFgMoFN_QI/AAAAAAAABYY/Wfm0n7vJZ_E/s400/DSC_1651.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>My Dad's cabin on Lake Huron</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F_zo66c7pYY/UCFgCqH43II/AAAAAAAABWw/NmbR_YjccKY/s1600/DSC_1625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F_zo66c7pYY/UCFgCqH43II/AAAAAAAABWw/NmbR_YjccKY/s400/DSC_1625.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Brother love.</i></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ISWuYlwU1s/UCFgFHjrYfI/AAAAAAAABmE/nduyPiGpzNg/s1600/DSC_1635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ISWuYlwU1s/UCFgFHjrYfI/AAAAAAAABmE/nduyPiGpzNg/s640/DSC_1635.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Ella and her favorite snack.</i></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vTsz1YhKerU/UCFgJ37w-UI/AAAAAAAABYA/bWzXTtDijCM/s1600/DSC_1646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vTsz1YhKerU/UCFgJ37w-UI/AAAAAAAABYA/bWzXTtDijCM/s400/DSC_1646.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>My water shoes. Rocks galore.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9aIvXeh2re4/UCFgN34UFII/AAAAAAAABYo/puTGGYb_Tdk/s1600/DSC_1653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9aIvXeh2re4/UCFgN34UFII/AAAAAAAABYo/puTGGYb_Tdk/s400/DSC_1653.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Jack and Nonnie S. making a Fourth of July cheesecake.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3NdN2b2BJpc/UCFgPYt8dTI/AAAAAAAABY4/oHnw7D-IWRs/s1600/DSC_1656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3NdN2b2BJpc/UCFgPYt8dTI/AAAAAAAABY4/oHnw7D-IWRs/s400/DSC_1656.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C_qDC5YPEEg/UCFgcYGvuuI/AAAAAAAABbI/whMTPO84xso/s1600/DSC_1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C_qDC5YPEEg/UCFgcYGvuuI/AAAAAAAABbI/whMTPO84xso/s400/DSC_1686.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>They didn't catch anything. But, still a cute site to see.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t4b56gvEIJE/UCFgg-kuIHI/AAAAAAAABb0/HihY5cTPw7U/s1600/DSC_1694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t4b56gvEIJE/UCFgg-kuIHI/AAAAAAAABb0/HihY5cTPw7U/s640/DSC_1694.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjg2MoUZ-VA/UCFgiowLA3I/AAAAAAAABcA/C3Z_KSjZdug/s1600/DSC_1699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjg2MoUZ-VA/UCFgiowLA3I/AAAAAAAABcA/C3Z_KSjZdug/s640/DSC_1699.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>"Daddy, can I hold it?"</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4KtNCSPYIBw/UCFg1p3sAqI/AAAAAAAABfQ/S7Zeq8y4Pqg/s1600/DSC_1742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4KtNCSPYIBw/UCFg1p3sAqI/AAAAAAAABfQ/S7Zeq8y4Pqg/s400/DSC_1742.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Mom can four-wheel too.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93NTY7sjOIA/UCFg8_5KScI/AAAAAAAABgo/yIVtHE6bQb8/s1600/DSC_1770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93NTY7sjOIA/UCFg8_5KScI/AAAAAAAABgo/yIVtHE6bQb8/s400/DSC_1770.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Best buds. Jack and Papa feeding the gulls.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKlQnAewWfQ/UCFhAs4gh1I/AAAAAAAABhk/sy_9K41ZmV4/s1600/DSC_1788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKlQnAewWfQ/UCFhAs4gh1I/AAAAAAAABhk/sy_9K41ZmV4/s400/DSC_1788.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PjfiMWkeMDU/UCFhF9CqsTI/AAAAAAAABiY/vT6LgUzvcXs/s1600/DSC_1804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PjfiMWkeMDU/UCFhF9CqsTI/AAAAAAAABiY/vT6LgUzvcXs/s400/DSC_1804.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Ella was napping. </i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here
are some other tips to staying sane on vacation:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-
Designate which parent is on which kid at all times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- Let
each other enjoy alone time (I went shopping one morning, Justin went
four-wheeling one afternoon).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-
Pack light, only the necessities. Let the kids enjoy the sights. There’s no
need for the bouncer. There are plenty of new sights to look at.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-
Travel with company (we brought grandparents. Great entertainment).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-
Drink early. You’re still parenting, but on vacation. Just don’t get drunk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-
Give yourself an extra hour to do anything. Maybe two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-
Plan out activities for rain or shine in advance. But, don’t plan too many and
don’t worry if you don’t cover it all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-
Don’t dress up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-
Don’t bring a book. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-
Only plan sightseeing that’s age-appropriate (we biked Mackinac Island with
Jack, left Ella at the cabin for quality Nonnie and Papa time).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-
Take turns with your significant other (I sunbathed while Justin swam with the
kids). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-
Most of all, leave the schedule at home. It is the kids’ vacation too!</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-44464094765560156432012-07-19T13:08:00.000-05:002012-07-19T15:01:44.406-05:00Every Night's and All-Nighter When You're a Parent<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">In the past three
years, the hubs and I have enjoyed about ten nights of uninterrupted sleep.
That’s about 1,085 un-enjoyable days. I’m surprised dark, saggy bulges aren’t permanently
tattooed under my eyes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Mornings after
five-hour stretches feel like we’ve endlessly dozed on clouds. Best. Nights.
Sleep. Ever. Sleeping in means 8 a.m. And, Jack sneaking between us at 5 a.m.,
instead of midnight, is a “great night.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">I’m not sure how we
got so lucky. Having two kids who find it fun to wake up all night. Jack was
horrible right out of the gate. I clearly remember the first weeks of his life.
Pleading to God to help him stay asleep. Hearing his grunts and tiny hiccup
cries every hour. Unable to open my eyes. Rocking him for hours. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We had a very
specific bedtime routine. Still do. Let him sleep with us. Cry it out (see my previous post on that <a href="http://tinymittensecrets.blogspot.com/2011/07/sleep-baby-sleep.html">here</a>). You name
it, we tried it. It was never going to sleep that was the issue. It was <i>staying
</i>asleep. Now almost three, Jack usually wakes up once a night. And, normally
ends up in our bed. But, not without a few humorous sleep conversations. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Now Ella? She’s the
sassy, unpredictable one. When she was four weeks old, we gushed about her
consistent five-to-six hour stretches. Would wake up to quickly nurse, then
instantly fell back asleep for another five hours. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">At four months, it
was easy to wean her of night feedings. Two nights of a couple extra snuggles
and she kicked the habit. But a few
weeks later, she found her voice. And, discovered we came to it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Now almost eight
months old, Ella owns the night. It’s like playing cards. Never sure of the
hand we’ll be dealt. Goes to bed around 8 or 9 p.m. Never ever fusses. And,
usually can’t even finish her bottle. (For the recommended amount of sleep your
baby should have by age, <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-much-sleep-does-your-child-need_7645.bc?bclink=sleep&scid=momsbaby_20120717_A:4&pe=MlV3T0lWQXwyMDEyMDcxN19B">click here</a>).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Sometimes she’ll
barely wake once. Just for the missing pacifier. But, those nights are becoming
scarcer. Normally, she’s up for an hour sometime between 2 and 4 a.m. Grinning
and batting my face. Seriously. Last night, she squealed and elbowed as I
forced her into the sleep position in my arms. She was mad. <i>Mad</i>! And,
that was after a half-hour of Justin rocking and rocking and rocking. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">If she’s not up for
one solid hour, she’s waking up every two to three. Shove in the pacifier. Or
rock for a few seconds. She’s good for another two to three. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Ella’s unusual
sleep patterns and Jack’s sleep talking and midnight snuggles are the perfect
recipe for auto-parents. With some edge of course.We're lucky to get a solid hour these days. It's always one or the other. Never both at one time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Last nights party
with Ella made me realize something. It’s time for some new sleep training.
And, I had just read an article in <i>Parenting Magazine</i> about a new book
written by a pediatrician that doesn’t involve Cry It Out. <a href="http://www.happiestbaby.com/store/Babies/The-Happiest-Baby-Guide-to-Great-Sleep-Book-p26.html"><i>The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep</i></a> is written by Harvey Karp, M.D., who also wrote<i> The
Happiest Toddler on the Block</i>. And,
it addresses kids up to five years. Maybe I can kill two birds with one book?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">So, sorry Ella.
Maybe you should leave the sass at your door and get some shuteye. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyXiLzJwC4jk1BD7uMsxJQgAutWBQqxQBwmcKV_Q2HpFZYlMD5yCO88dNCkMqBwTWvyW_ioDM7x_02tr3XHfusve7dtjx7htbkQQndysCoLLLBQBs70bW_AEYS4SqEDaktwd7JJR_66Y/s1600/13426360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyXiLzJwC4jk1BD7uMsxJQgAutWBQqxQBwmcKV_Q2HpFZYlMD5yCO88dNCkMqBwTWvyW_ioDM7x_02tr3XHfusve7dtjx7htbkQQndysCoLLLBQBs70bW_AEYS4SqEDaktwd7JJR_66Y/s400/13426360.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-13678949032778698822012-07-17T12:57:00.000-05:002012-07-17T12:57:29.548-05:00Unjunking Junk Food. It's Unreal.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I could live off cho</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">colate. And the days I forget to pack my lunch for work, I do. We stopped
buying chocolate candy because it’s gone within hours. I just can’t resist.
We’ve since stopped buying anything sweet. Our almost three-year-old can’t
withstand treats. Mainly Skittles and Taffy. But, his eyes get all gooey, face
in a smirk, when we mention chocolate. “Mommy’s medicine,” Jack grins.</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So, when I heard of
<a href="http://www.healthychild.org/">Healthy Child, Healthy World’s</a> partnership with <a href="http://getunreal.com/">UNREAL</a> Candy, I had to try.
Again, I just can’t resist. And this was taking my addiction to an entire new
level. An “unjunked” level. UNREAL sent us a sample pack. A large pack. And, it
was gone so quickly my husband accused me of sleep walking and devouring the
treats in one frenzy.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8y17w253tRP0E37UFmdFgB0fnNdOxIGEmtHK_OEluMROktFOD8CB2WlGiXi1T2nyYUgLABqh3y6KHZBgJjNeOMBjsWpaOMWOVsgSRmMRMQ5E0_qU5BuJBLNYb-awGgyWz6FMOH5Lv6DA/s1600/DSC_1536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8y17w253tRP0E37UFmdFgB0fnNdOxIGEmtHK_OEluMROktFOD8CB2WlGiXi1T2nyYUgLABqh3y6KHZBgJjNeOMBjsWpaOMWOVsgSRmMRMQ5E0_qU5BuJBLNYb-awGgyWz6FMOH5Lv6DA/s400/DSC_1536.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jack super pumped to try UNREAL's 54, similar to peanut M & M's</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://getunreal.com/">UNREAL</a> has created “unjunked”
candy. Meaning the goods contain no artificial flavors, preservatives or
hormones, no genetically modified organisms (GMOs), no hydrogenated oils and –
best of all – no corn syrup.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4Y9H0GSo27K1iYHLb0OesZOHiyndKfWaIQ2rNecJ929MIemD3ZTSDfY3gTwLtmMDYThS2K-w9v0ny5Jfb7AeIRFuA5x4tSYSrsayx9afbRsupthYbfAya8UN7FNX-ch7BRj17HkLQWk/s1600/insider+one+pager+-+front.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4Y9H0GSo27K1iYHLb0OesZOHiyndKfWaIQ2rNecJ929MIemD3ZTSDfY3gTwLtmMDYThS2K-w9v0ny5Jfb7AeIRFuA5x4tSYSrsayx9afbRsupthYbfAya8UN7FNX-ch7BRj17HkLQWk/s640/insider+one+pager+-+front.png" width="412" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://getunreal.com/">UNREAL</a> uses real
sugar, natural oils and real milk. It’s delish. Chocolately heaven with more
cacao than leading brands. And, the peanut butter cups? Better then the
alternative. Hands down freshest tasting peanut butter ever. The sweetest part
is there is actually fiber in every bar. Fiber! Three to five grams in each
serving. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4A8hVBOx9LtPVzdKLyOu3czidY7oN4q15N3M4epvlJYNTwTJVq-Qs_UJiOSIvRlMZsy14d3oyjngjcD042cef0eOo62-JOVd-qhodsnbFm-BdVHekU2a7ZNPaSV-W8tcze73yUdA8Nv0/s1600/DSC_1545.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4A8hVBOx9LtPVzdKLyOu3czidY7oN4q15N3M4epvlJYNTwTJVq-Qs_UJiOSIvRlMZsy14d3oyjngjcD042cef0eOo62-JOVd-qhodsnbFm-BdVHekU2a7ZNPaSV-W8tcze73yUdA8Nv0/s400/DSC_1545.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Also, as <a href="http://getunreal.com/">UNREAL</a>
says, you don’t need to travel to a fancy health food store to buy it. It’s
only available where junk food is available. So, keep looking for UNREAL to fill shelves of local check out lines soon. And trust me. It’s
unreal.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now, if they could
create some sweet candy to keep the little guy's satisfaction… </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6D8ZkObt0qBsyaULBhl93GfnKeNZkjhPVAblaNTma4bTFaI9hZ-WI33jRr-aGrR2SeKM5_rgyVMGMppyaiJ9mt8VQiT0xYvtqLcTfRNce5Fo-T78gJ7IiLR61ADSXUIMFTHJIrAk48Ik/s1600/Unreal_MomBlogBadge_300x250_unrealmom.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6D8ZkObt0qBsyaULBhl93GfnKeNZkjhPVAblaNTma4bTFaI9hZ-WI33jRr-aGrR2SeKM5_rgyVMGMppyaiJ9mt8VQiT0xYvtqLcTfRNce5Fo-T78gJ7IiLR61ADSXUIMFTHJIrAk48Ik/s1600/Unreal_MomBlogBadge_300x250_unrealmom.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-73647399768113226832012-07-12T13:20:00.000-05:002012-07-13T09:04:11.664-05:00Summer "Bucket" List<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">There are many days
I find us trapped in typical. Especially as we capture the warmth of Michigan’s
summer. Head to the beach. Stroll downtown. Eat icecream. Explore the backyard.
Blow bubbles. And, splash in the pool. </span>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">It’s not that our
regular activities aren’t fun. Just normal. And plenty of days we’ve gotten
caught in the couch. Thinking of something new and exciting to do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">I ask Jack, “What
should we do today? Something really cool.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">“Play!” Jack jumps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">As if his
conclusion is totally unique from all the rest.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">So, with a lot of
help from <a href="http://pinterest.com/tinymittens/keepin-kids-happy/">Pinterest</a> and a little brainstorming from me, I created a Summer
“Bucket” List (as seen on <a href="http://thehometeacher.blogspot.com/2012/05/summer-bucket-list.html"><i>The Home Teacher</i></a> blog). All the things to eat
up empty days. All the spontaneous fun in one place. Science projects, yummy
summer treats, indoor activities, everything I want to do with the kids. But
can never remember when there’s time to do them. </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlqlcxgSQ34bVn0MequlV-PCMoWaciYEI66Qkh1UFfiMEXuWvvztAUOlc8KYk_K3ovfwmoWs3ilG-N6KHJ1K08W8sn0wRlyUE8Aw0k2kk6BgJjeTQwSKcH_u1nABtLjeaUzvfEjWLBYA/s1600/DSC_1474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlqlcxgSQ34bVn0MequlV-PCMoWaciYEI66Qkh1UFfiMEXuWvvztAUOlc8KYk_K3ovfwmoWs3ilG-N6KHJ1K08W8sn0wRlyUE8Aw0k2kk6BgJjeTQwSKcH_u1nABtLjeaUzvfEjWLBYA/s640/DSC_1474.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Here’s how it goes:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b>The bucket: </b>I
purchased two tin pails from Target’s dollar bins. One pail to choose
activities from. One for extra sticks and sharpie for additions to the list. I
also place the completed in here to, so we’re not repeating activities. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b>The list: </b>I
found a bag full of colored Popsicle sticks from Michael’s Arts & Crafts.
All our ideas are written on a colored stick by category. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Yellow: Outside</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Red: Inside</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Green: Places to go
near home</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Blue: Places to go
around lower Michigan.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1nQIx9qqUKoVcJ4S_VuZSfUSklM7LUaQTjjXDOm1zvNtwcyGi2LycvcwdoiQdbGEUPOJfbit0JU1ZSVRTK7xPczpd6ebTMoTKzNVd4_MeW8F6o0fqZXiwpISBLbGlvLTo6WZuBbSNCQ/s1600/DSC_1471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1nQIx9qqUKoVcJ4S_VuZSfUSklM7LUaQTjjXDOm1zvNtwcyGi2LycvcwdoiQdbGEUPOJfbit0JU1ZSVRTK7xPczpd6ebTMoTKzNVd4_MeW8F6o0fqZXiwpISBLbGlvLTo6WZuBbSNCQ/s400/DSC_1471.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b>The fun: </b>Jack
picks a stick from the bucket whenever we have free time. Rainy day? Jack picks
a red one. Free afternoon? He picks a yellow one. Been stuck at home? Green. Family trip next weekend? Blue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b>The to do’s: </b>A
few fun and inspiring things off our bucket list:</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><i>OUTSIDE</i></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><i></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"></span></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Water pinatas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Make a play garden</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Kid car wash</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Nature scavenger hunt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Squirt gun
fight</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Wash the car</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Sprinkler games</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Catch a bug for a day</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Paper plate ring toss</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Feed the birds out of hands</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Create a mud pie</span></div>
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<b style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><i>INSIDE</i></span></b><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Sink or float game</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Indoor obstacle course</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Soap cloud</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Paint rocks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Banana sundaes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Make bird feeders</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Puppet
show</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Scavenger hunt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Melt crayons</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Decorate cookies</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">ABC matt game</span></div>
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<b style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><i>CLOSE TO HOME</i></span></b><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Planetarium</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Make a
bouquet of wildflowers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Kensington water park</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Domiano Farms</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Feed horses</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Plant flowers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Picnic</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Pick fresh fruit at Spicer's Orchard</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Local library garden</span></div>
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<b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><i>AROUND MICHIGAN</i></span></b><i style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"></span></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Visit Lake
Michigan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Detroit Zoo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Water Park</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Take a train ride</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Potter Park Zoo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Henry Ford Museum</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">For the “how to’s”
on some of the mentioned activities, visit my <a href="http://pinterest.com/tinymittens/keepin-kids-happy/">Pinterest page</a>. But don’t forget
to become a fan! </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_ODSKdHDGZX7UET4jhbhWgm_UA9psjzAIEKHe4V3uoy6w0VB7jzv3kXDRZ2UL12y31rLFoazoXob3drGViqmLH3EN1SZZcpomiiI7gRt9FPtbjxE-nynP_W5M3tiB7A3oB6dvyJqGZ4/s1600/DSC_1566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_ODSKdHDGZX7UET4jhbhWgm_UA9psjzAIEKHe4V3uoy6w0VB7jzv3kXDRZ2UL12y31rLFoazoXob3drGViqmLH3EN1SZZcpomiiI7gRt9FPtbjxE-nynP_W5M3tiB7A3oB6dvyJqGZ4/s400/DSC_1566.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Painting rocks</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwaBR6hkcgIYOcHwpuZwqYP-bc45cYInQIBHe9xbywUocNBQz8S-fS3CXDHqgo2qH9vin72OSh8NS5JPfx-swrbJTfXPh9hKcghFeFaa16gqcWuguZnmX76-ua9FIN5MyYHgkY7xlqyA/s1600/DSC_1572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwaBR6hkcgIYOcHwpuZwqYP-bc45cYInQIBHe9xbywUocNBQz8S-fS3CXDHqgo2qH9vin72OSh8NS5JPfx-swrbJTfXPh9hKcghFeFaa16gqcWuguZnmX76-ua9FIN5MyYHgkY7xlqyA/s400/DSC_1572.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851721684732567815.post-31295629811241221112012-07-10T14:06:00.000-05:002012-07-10T14:06:15.739-05:00The Fish Learns to Swim<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Our summer is
floating away. Literally. We’ve splashed plenty of afternoons away at the lake.
Fished off the dock. Ate sand at the beach. Hunted for turtles on the
paddleboat. And, treaded the slippery rocks of Lake Huron. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We’re a typical
lake-loving Michigan family. So our water adventures won’t stop here. We’ve got
at least 56 more days of this fun. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">My plan was to wait
until winter to enroll Jack in swim class. He’s not even three. But, the little
fish took to all things water with purpose. So we started swim classes in June.
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">I signed up for an
eight-week class through our local community education program. Saturday
mornings at the high school. Just Mommy and Jack. A pool. And, 15 other little
duos braving the cold pool.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">I wasn’t sure how
Jack would fare. I knew he’d favor the pool part. But, I wasn’t sure if he’d
soak up the techniques. Prefer the water toys. Or whine to continuously jump
off the side. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">He did all three. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">At our first class,
most tots clung to their moms’ legs. Afraid of the ocean-sized pool. Not Jack.
He sheepishly griped to dive in. Instantly. I couldn’t get his Crocs off fast
enough. </span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">By class two Jack
was floating and kicking with reason. Showed the instructor how he’d practiced
blowing bubbles in the bathtub. Droplets tickled his eyebrows as he largely
exhaled into the water. Class three, we were jumping in. Swimming – assisted –
towards sharks and boats. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">He now understands the techniques. But can’t connect them together. To
stay afloat. Regardless, I’m proud. He listens well. Practices. And, shows
classmates not to be afraid. </span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Eventually he’ll learn how to swim alone. His determination and enthusiasm says so.
Besides, we’ve made some new local friends. A group we call “Saturday Morning
Swim.” Although none of our future plans involve swimming.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Best of all, we’ve
enjoyed quality time every Saturday morning. Just the two of us. Me
and my little Bear. Thinking I’ll continue our ritual with another activity in
the fall.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">What are some of your favorite activities to do with your little ones? Do you have a favorite community education program? </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiJj8ktci9NBpW_hBiexqYiWoyJHTUo5meO7Ldy6oV6goHCA_ioCSL2WM1wWyFtMtplSXSIGVl_yDdykr8VbpNum5EEnbKPyHlgNLhEoMMs-pubSCWpGtGSkMp280U3GQOPXbfiOlOxY/s1600/swim.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiJj8ktci9NBpW_hBiexqYiWoyJHTUo5meO7Ldy6oV6goHCA_ioCSL2WM1wWyFtMtplSXSIGVl_yDdykr8VbpNum5EEnbKPyHlgNLhEoMMs-pubSCWpGtGSkMp280U3GQOPXbfiOlOxY/s640/swim.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 12pt;"> <span><br /></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285620900423520790noreply@blogger.com0