DISCLOSURE: Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links. Know that I only promote products I personally use and stand behind. To learn more about my affiliates, please review my disclosure policy here. We were lucky this year that snow didn’t really hit us until the end of January. However, even without a ton of snow, the chilly weather kept us inside more than we would’ve liked. With a newborn at home, I worked to come up with more ways to entertain my active 2 year old toddler during these cabin fever type stretches. This is a continuation post from the original 10 ways I entertained my toddler last winter which you can read here. Bring the elements inside! Brielle woke up from a nap one day with the kitchen sink full of freshly fallen snow! I added some plastic utensils and cups and let her have fun with the fluffy white stuff. When daddy came home that evening she told him all about how she got to "scoop the snow" so I know she had a fun time. UPDATE: We have done this dozens of times since this post and just recently added our washable liquid watercolors to the mix to create a discussion of color mixing and the science of melting! Indoor obstacle course. One of Brielle’s favorite ... Continue Reading...
Mega List of Parenting Advice
In case you didn't notice, the 21st of the month is very special to me for two special reasons. Since the month after Brielle's arrival I've reserved that date to share my little nuggets of parenting advice here on the blog. Below you'll find the mega list of these posts. Preggo mommas take a good read! I hope you'll walk away with at least one new thing learned! PREGNANCY ADVICE Lessons Learned In My First Pregnancy 10 Things You Do When Pregnant and Overdue 10 Lessons Learned in my Second Pregnancy Second Pregnancy: What I'm Doing Differently This Time Around Favorite Maternity Products: Clothing and Comfort Items How to Enjoy Your Summer Pregnancy Documenting Your Pregnancy Packing the Hospital Bag Getting Organized Before Baby Tips for Setting Up Your Nursery Making Room For Baby FIRST TIME MOM/DAD PERSPECTIVE First Time Mom: Dos and Don'ts (my most popular post EVER) The Post Baby You First Time Dad: Dos and Don'ts Tips for Breastfeeding and Changing Baby First Year Parenting: Lessons Learned the Hard Way Second Year Parenting: Lessons Learned the Hard Way Babysitting Guide Book: What to include for first time sitters Traveling with a Toddler: Packing Tips ... Continue Reading...
Second Year Parenting: Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Back when Brielle turned one, I reflected on my first year as a mom and shared lessons I learned the hard way. Now that she's over two years old and I have another little one I'm learning from, I'm looking back at this second year and sharing some other insights! Hopefully you or someone you know can learn from my mistakes, be more prepared than I was or just get a chuckle at my missteps! Just when you think you've figured out their eating preferences, they change. One week Brielle didn't like raisins and then next week she did because she has some at her cousin's house. Another week she was over tots pouches and the next she was sucking them down again. Lesson: don't stop trying to introduce or re-introduce foods to your kids. Look for an upcoming post with some pinned toddler approved recipes! Cous cous and rice are easier to clean off the floor when dried. Brielle loves her "bowl of stuff" as we call it. AKA a grain (rice or cous cous) with a meat (usually chicken or pork) and veggies. She'll sit and gobble it all up not caring what's inside (yay hidden veggies) but sometimes gets a little carried away. It took me a while to realize that it was easier to sweep the items off our hardwood floors after they dried instead ... Continue Reading...