It's a Wrap

When my firstborn was a baby, his favorite soothing spot was in someone's arms. By the end of Jack's third month, I was a professional at one-handed tasks. Loading the dishwasher. Feeding the dogs. Emptying the trash. Making the bed. I had a Jeep baby carrier, but it didn't fit his standards. He preferred to be tightly squeezed. And mostly rocking. All. Day. Long.

Now toting around my second baby, I've learned a few tricks-of-the-trade. The little niche details that make wrangling kids a little easier. Like the importance of a bottle warmer. Benefits of only rocking until their eyelids flutter. Just before sleep. And, the most valuable item I wish I had with Jack - the Moby Wrap.

Ella is very chill. Lounges on the floor. Talks to the lights. Smiles even when you're not looking. Ah, second babies. Despite her laid-back demeanor, she occasionally wants to be apart of the action. Quietly watch her brother crash trucks. Let the wind breeze through her diminishing baby hair. Or grunt in delight at the ability to flex her muscles through the air as if she's superwoman. 

I do love the Baby Bjorn carrier, but nothing suctions Ell close quite like the Moby. She's connected. Wrapped so tightly, I can do mostly everything. Vacuum the carpet. Wash Jack's hands. Reach towels on the top shelf. Everything short of cleaning the toilets.  

And when I'm not wearing Ella, I can leave it on without looking totally awkward. Makes grocery shopping with two kids a cinch. Well, easier anyway.

Thanks to my bro- and sis- in-laws for being hipster parents and letting us borrow the Moby and Bjorn. Although I don't think either have saved our lives quite like it saved theirs. But, it sure simplifies things. And makes Ella extremely happy.

Do you have a favorite baby carrier? How has it helped you?

Adding Flare to His Backpack

Jack is a collector. Well, more like a hoarder. The 2.5-year-old has a special fancy for accumulating things. Things that match. Then, he separates them. By object, texture, animal, color or whatever way best eases his mind.

Most days he spends completing such tasks. Collecting. Sorting. Collecting. Sorting.

Recently I discovered Gutzy Gear, which offers tiny patches that allow Jack to take his collecting fascination to preschool with him. A few of his personal passions in life. Frogs, dogs and dragons. His personalized flare to display on his backpack.

Gutzy Gear literally allows kids to wear their heart on their sleeves and express their unique personalities and passions. Kids can collect and stick patches on their backpacks. With a collection of hundreds of patches, aka “Gutzies,” to choose from, Gutzy Gear offers kids the opportunity to collect, trade and show off Gutzies. 

His mouth dropped when they arrived. A big gasp. Now if only he’d keep them on his backpack, they may actually make it to preschool. Regardless, he’s got something new to stack and tote around. Gutzies. And we can plug his obsession with more patches in the future or, possibly, a Gutzy party for his friends. “Oh yeaaaahhh,” as Jack would say.

Add a little flare to your kids' backpack, and visit www.gutzygear.com for more information. And check them out on Facebook! Let them know you heard it here first. And be sure to keep me posted on your Gutzy experience. What do you think about hosting a Gutzy party? Nifty alternative to a typical party?

Snapshot Series: Splashes and Walls

The post below is part of my Snapshot Series, an e-journal of my children. Like pages in a diary, I'll 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 this to remember. Read the series intro here.

Jack: 2.5 years

Ella: 3 months, 3 weeks

Last week Ella discovered she can splash. Lounging in the bold blue whale bath, arms flapping as a penguin’s flippers. Her petite foot, toes curled in, jabbed at the water. She looked down. Focus in her eyes. Unsure of what just happened. Then she sent her legs out in tangents. Little feet sending droplets everywhere. Covering her face. The mirror and towels surrounding the tub. Her face beaming with delight. Eyes smiling. Lips shaped in an O.

Since then her legs have become her most favorite tool. Straightening them constantly. Pointing toes like a ballerina. Within seven days, her skinny little legs have become so strong she’s able to lift her tiny bottom off the ground. Almost pushed herself out of the bouncer once.  A new favorite activity is standing. Supported under the arms, she locks her knees and elbows. Shooting her body into a back-and-forth sway of bobbles. A tiny dancer.

Two days ago, Jack mastered the playset climbing wall. He’s been attempting the task since the set was built 1.5 years ago. My determined little boy. His feet and hands gripping each “rock” tightly until he’s inches from the top. Then, he eagerly pulls himself up past the last few. Too gritty to take his time.

I position my hand behind his back, anticipating a fall.

“No Mommy, me do it myself,” he says with fortitude.

I start to wonder if this is how it will be forever. Jack wanting to do more. Me not wanting to let him go. Missing my baby with each forward step. But so proud of the person he’s growing into.

And within two tries, Jack succeeded the rock wall. Luckily, this warmer-than-normal March weather in Michigan has allowed him to fine-tune the skill. By the day’s end, he’s climbing like an seasoned professional.