Time-Out For Love

In the spirit of Valentine's Day I am posting a few things for the most important people in our lives; our kids. In the face of the commercial frenzy over pre-bought valentines for the kids, generic chocolates in a heart shaped box, and the ridiculously overpriced roses that are the standard, we rebelled. Since we love each other every day, we don't feel the need to express it on one single day simply because we're told we should. Ok, that's not ENTIRELY true, as we celebrate our wedding anniversary every year with romance and nostalgia, but you get the idea.

So, instead, we focus on our daughter, the real proof of our love. In that vein, I want to share with you a list that I stumbled across from The Mother Huddle. Here are 40 simple ways to show your child that you love them, and that you are thinking of them. The beauty is that you can use any of these tips at any time of the year, and combine them in any manner you wish.

Here's a few to get you interested:

o1. Take them to a movie they want to see.

o2. Go on a treasure hunt (collect all the loose change around the house/car) together and then make a trip to the arcade with your findings.

o3. Take a long nature walk together, at their pace. Let them lead the conversation.

o4. Find qualities about them that you genuinely love, and compliment them in front of others.

o5. Frame a photo of the two of you, and display it in their room.


...click to see the rest.

Of Firsts and Lasts

It's been quite an exciting time since I updated last! First, and most importantly, Beaner has finally shaken her respiratory infection. Huzzah! No more cough, no more inhaler, no more worrying and sleepless nights for me! I am so overly thrilled, mere words can't convey what I feel. I'm hoping we get at least a month before the next illness hits, but really I'd settle for a week or two.

Beaner went tobogganing yesterday with her Grandpa and some other family members. It was her first time and I'm told that she loved it! She's not a fan of snow on bare skin, or of the inevitable crash that happens when kids go sledding, but many "wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"s were had. I am sad that I wasn't able to be there for pictures (Saturdays are NO MOMS ALLOWED!!), but I'm thrilled she had so much fun. I can't wait to take her myself.

Another first happened yesterday when she got home from sledding; we had taken the side off her crib and converted it into her temporary Big Girl Bed. For ages now she's been able to nap on the couch at my Dad's without falling off, and she's slept on a twin bed without getting up, so we (ok, I) decided it was time to make the transition at home. I am happy to report that she did great, and didn't get out once. She's currently napping right now with no escape attempts.

It's going to be funny as hell once she realizes there's nothing stopping her from getting up in the morning and helping herself to the contents of the fridge.

Almost all traces of my baby are gone. Instead, I have a Big Girl emerging in all kinds of ways. I couldn't be prouder, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss my sweet smelling baby, with her big blue eyes and her enthusiastic grin. Not that I'd trade hazel eyed, mischievous grinning Beaner for the world.

Around The House

While thinking of things to do with jelly bean on a cold, wet, Sunday afternoon, I remembered a bag of makeup sponges in various geometric shapes.

Shapes are all the rage in our house these days. "Mommy! That's a circle" "I has triangle!"

I poured a few different bowls of paint, threw down a dropcloth, handed her the sponges and some paper and I let her go to town.

 And to town she went!

At some point, she forgot about the sponges altogether.

For half a bag of dollar store sponges and some paint, I had a very happy toddler and some new art for our walls. I can see us running out of space soon!

Summer Fun

As summer is upon us, I'm left wondering how many more times I can take Jelly Bean to the local wading pools before I try and drown myself out of boredom. She's 22 months and extremely active, curious and intelligent and we both hate being cooped up in the house.

Wading pools and splash parks are great but they are a lot of work to prepare for and clean up after, especially when you rely on public transit to get around.

It is my mission this summer to come up with unique, fun, educational activities and outings for us as a family.

On a semi-related note, we tried camping over the weekend and we were completely rained out. Score 1 for Mother Nature.