No sugar added, Apple Pie Oatmeal for a healthy breakfast

Fall brings changing leaves, pumpkins & APPLES!  In Ivan's class for the month of October they studies the life cycles and all things apples & pumpkins.  I believe this has spurred his new phase of apple everything!  

We were finding ourselves in a slump of breakfast foods.  He seems to get on something and want it daily, then not at all!  Looking at all the apples sitting around, I peeled a few, diced them up and put them on the stove with some cinnamon, splash of water, and few lemon juice squirts.  I then mixed up in his oatmeal (added butter and unsweetened almond milk to the oats) for "apple pie oatmeal"

He licks the bowl clean every time ... and the kitchen smells warm and delicious in the morning!

After realizing what a hit this actually was, I have now started doing 3-4 apples at a time and leave in the fridge for a faster morning routine.  I simply warm the apples separate from the oatmeal and then combine.  Still smells good 😊 

Hiring a Babysitter or Nanny

FINDING A NANNY OR BABYSITTER
There are pockets of care givers just waiting to be found, you just have to find them!  Check for websites/services such as www.Care.com or www.SittingMadeSimple.com.  We have used both, I find Care.com to be a much more daunting process, and have only used for long-term Nanny or consistent babysitters, due to the amount of people to sift through.  In limited markets, Sitting Made Simple is available.  This was not my first choice before Ivan could talk, because you do not meet the sitter prior to the appointment!  They have a registration fee, and then you pay the service per appointment you book.  Once you request a day/time, a listing of available care givers populates.  You then choose who you’d like to request.  At this time, you are able to see a headshot and read a brief bio of the care giver that includes age, what they are studying (all have been college students that I have seen), where they are from, etc.  Then the chosen care giver accepts the appointment and you get a notification that “Sally” will be at your home on the requested day/time.  This service has been AMAZING in a pinch.  One of the steady, full-time Nannies we hired ended up flaking out and it was a slow but predictable thing to watch!  Realizing she wouldn’t be showing up the next day, I called Sitting Made Simple and for a $25 fee they had an excellent gal over the next day so I could keep my work commitments.  Through Sitting Made Simple, you pay the caregivers directly.  I've been very happy with all of our Sitting Made Simple sitters!  

Ask other Mom’s in your area how they found/find their sitters.  It’s always nice to have a few in your back pocket for a date night or in a pinch!  Facebook also has some area/neighborhood babysitter pages that I have had success with.  The current gal we consistently use was found this way.  I made sure to give her all the cons to the job right up front!    

SETTING EXPECTATIONS
Just like when dating, it’s always best to share any hang-ups or expectations you might have upfront!  This can be tricky on your first hire or two, because you might not know what will make you uncomfortable until you encounter it!  Over time, I compiled a list that I give at our first or second communication – I like to share this prior to the first face-to-face meeting so they can bail if I’m too crazy out of the shoot for them! 

I also like to stress that it is very important to me that they be comfortable – after all, you are leaving them in your house with your child!  Not only do you need to be able to trust them, but they need to be comfortable to ensure your child’s mental and physical safety!

MY CRAZY MOM LIST FOR BABYSITTERS:

• No McDonalds, Wendy’s, Burger King, Taco Bell or other fast food in the house or around Ivan
• No friends/boyfriends/girlfriends while with Ivan (without clearing with Melissa) … including meeting a friend/boyfriend/girlfriend at a park or other location
• No leaving Ivan alone – leaving the house while he’s napping, leaving him in car to run into store or gas station, etc.  He must be an arm’s length away (unless he’s asleep at all times)
• No perfume or fragranced lotions
• Phone use (texting, social media, etc) should only be for emergencies or to communicate with me (During naptime, phone use is permitted)
• If leaving the house (I don’t care if it’s to walk around the block) I’d like a text that you are leaving, where you are going & another text when you arrive home
• Everyone’s hands get washed when entering the house, after using the restroom and before eating

Childcare :: Choosing a Daycare and Hiring a Babysitter

Childcare has been the most complicated, or shall I say worst thing about Motherhood for me!  My family being a 2-hr drive away is nice for visits, but doesn’t lend itself to helping with last minute emergencies or just plain babysitting.  We have tried a combination of solutions and have learned a few things along the way … perhaps you can shorten your learning curve from our journey!

Things to consider when choosing a Daycare
(I’m already ASSuming you are at a licensed, reputable center where staff is
First Aid & CPR certified and the building meets State safety requirements)

Food - This and sleep being over looked are my #1 pet peeve and biggest concerns for Ivan thus far.  Their little brains are growing so much and in such a short amount of time that what they eat and how frequently on top of rest is imperative. 

• Do they allow and encourage you to bring in breast milk?  If so, how do they store it and warm it?  
• How are dietary restrictions handled?  Tree nut policy?  Luckily we don’t have any tree nut allergies!  This one gets me though – Our current school doesn’t allow tree nuts of any kind for safety, and this definitely limits healthy fat sources I can provide Ivan with, that he would actually eat at school.
• Do they wash hands before eating?

Sleep -  I already explained my view on sleep!  Lucky for me, I also have a great napper!!

• Do they have quiet/dark sleeping area? 
• What’s the sleeping schedule & policy?  Can babies sleep on their schedule, or does the room have its schedule?  When Ivan was under 1 year, the room he was in napped 2x a day, which was the schedule he was already on.  They also would accommodate additional sleeping needs if needed. 
• Does each child have the same crib the whole week, or do they share?
• Who provides and cleans bedding? 
• Do they play music or use a sound machine?  Ivan’s daycare used a sound machine – same one that was in the stuffed bear at Buy Buy Baby, so we replicated that at home.  He now sleeps with a sound machine at home, and seems to sleep better and maybe even longer when it’s on.

Happiness

• Upon entering and during your visit, do the employees seem friendly and happy?
• Do the babies/kids look happy?
• Are the teachers interacting with small children on the floor/at their level? 

Diapering & Toilet training – We went from in home sitters --> daycare --> in home sitter --> to stay-at-home Mom at the time Ivan was ready to begin potty training.  We were also noticing that he needed the social interaction daycare provides, so enrolled him for a few hours 3 days a week.  Once I realized they were on a potty training mission, we began M-F in the mornings.  All they did was pee every 20-30 min.  The teacher had a clip board and she was on a mission to potty train the room and SHE DID!  It was amazing and potty training went so much more smoothly than I was expecting.  Because everyone was doing it, it was Ivan’s idea, ‘hey, this is fun to stand and pee’ … getting #2 into the toilet was a different story ;)

• How frequently do they change diapers? 
• Do they toilet/potty train?  If so, How & When?
• What is the cleaning & handwashing policy around all potty and diaper activities?

Space

• Do the babies have room to crawl and move around? 
• Is there outdoor playtime and/or walks? 
• Do things have a place, is the room organized?

• Are there hard & soft surfaces for babies/toddlers with variety of textures?

Communication - I linger … Linger at drop off, linger at pick up and observe.  Having a flexible schedule lends itself to this behavior.  I have found if I spend 5-10 min a day in the room, I can get a sense of what is going on.  How the kids and teacher interact and send the message loud and clear, I’m here – watching!

• Does the school have an open-door policy? We’ve been to a school that requires an appointment to observe, while all others allow you to come in as frequently as you’d like. Ivan’s current Pre-K school has 2-way mirrors on the classroom doors, so you can watch without disrupting.
• What does the daily check list look like?  It should include times of feedings, diapering’s, mood, activities, times of naps and if there is anything you need to bring, such as diapers.
• Respect is taught by showing respect – Does staff uses children’s names when communicating?
• How do they show respect other cultures, etc.?
• Do they send daily pictures? A friend’s program sends her text messages with photo’s during the day, and another friends school has an app that they post updates and photos of during the day.

Learning & Development – Make sure programs include opportunities for physical, intellectual, problem-solving and communication skill-building.

• Are toys age appropriate and easy to get to and organized? 
• How often are the switched out for variety? 
• Do they do art projects?
• What sensory activities do they do?  (Water play, playdough, packing bubbles, etc.)
• You are looking for a balance of daily activities (these should be included on your daily report) 
• Do they encourage exploration & problem solving, how? 
• Do they give children choices of activities? 
• Do they read to children?  Are books available?  They should be even in infant and toddler rooms
• Music and singing?

Conflict & Discipline – Ask the teacher (and person giving you the tour):

• How conflicts are resolved in the classroom, such as toddlers fighting over a toy?  "MINE" is very popular in the toddler room!
• Do they do time-outs?
• How do they handle hitting?
• How do they handle a child that is excessively crying?

Cleanliness – Use your eyes & nose!  Check out the restroom that’s available for you while there!

• What is diapering table cleaning policy? 
• How frequently are the toys/room cleaned? 
• Hand washing policy – I like everyone, teachers and students, to wash hands upon entering the room!
• Do they have a special protocol if there is an outbreak such as pink eye, hand-foot-mouth disease, or someone throws up?  State law requires them to post a notice if/when a contagious outbreak happens.  And they will!

Staff – Make sure to meet and observe the classroom head teacher on your visit. How long have they been there? How is turnover?

• Current credentials? How do they remain current about childcare/child development and how this adds to the center
• Do they come across as being passionate about working with kids?

Sick policy

• Will they administer medicine if needed? 
• What is the sick policy, when do they have to go home? 

Location  - How close to your home/work?

I definitely recommend spending as much time as possible at the daycare you are considering. Do they have a Facebook page? If so, check out the reviews, and even reach out to other parents that seem to be active on the FB page!

ITEMS YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEAVE AT DAYCARE

•  Any medication & sunscreen (gas drops, diaper cream, etc.)
• Diapers & Wipes
• Naptime blanket (bedding sheets)
• Change(s) of clothes
• Hat

ITEMS YOU LIKELY BRING DAILY

• Breast milk/formula
• Pacifier(s)

Why Didn't I Think Of This Sooner?!

See how inviting that looks?!  No toys ... serenity!!!  Photo compliments of Emilee Ramsier Photography

Putting myself at the bottom of the priority list is something I have successfully learned from my Mother.  It’s also the thing about her that bothers me the most … imagine that!!  Since school has just started (and we are now in full day Pre-K, Yay!) I decided I would take a short little trip to visit my sister in Atlanta.  Being the fabulous freelance photographer that she is, a job popped up at the exact time as my visit, so it got postponed!  Not wanting to waste a babysitter all lined up (to pick up from school), I made the executive decision to book a hotel room for myself and check out of Motherhood/Wifehood for 12 hours!  What a genius decision!!

Posting up at a brand new local hotel was just what the doctor ordered!  I ate dinner alone, watched a movie in my room alone, slept in and even got some work done!  Much needed headspace.  Upon re-entering my life, I found everyone was alive and well … actually thriving.  It was nice to realize my Husband was capable of making the bed AND he ACTUALLY knows where the dishwasher is and how it works!!

Next time, I am thinking a little more time, and being further away might be a better way to unplug and recharge … ocean waves … feel me? 

A little perspective always does everyone good!

Sunscreen is cool ... thanks to Elmo!

Two year old's have a mind of their own ... And an unnecessary pit stop for sunscreen before play seems absolutely ridiculous and unreasonable! 

Last year before our annual spring break beach get-a-way I started showing Ivan Elmo's World, Summer Vacation.  After the segment about the beach there is a segment about skin, which mentions sunscreen and having to wear hats to the beach.  This year while getting ready to go play in the sun, I was surprised to hear Ivan say, "Elmo sunscreen" as I was applying his sunscreen.  It was an OK activity because Elmo said so - Thank you Elmo, XO!

(Knock on wood) Ivan has been a dream about putting sunscreen on his pale little self, face and all, and never complains about wearing a hat!

I've read articles about not showing kids media before the age of 2, but for us, everything in moderation!  Elmo has single-handily helped with so much - and now I can credit him for the most important thing for a sweet ginger in the summertime .... SUNSCREEN!

Cookies made with Agave syrup

We have been trying to avoid excess processed sugar in Ivan's diet, and have done well so far!  I use to bake blueberries and puree to use as a topping for his waffles.  Now we are onto pancakes. I have most recently began using Agave Nectar Maple syrup.  I lightly butter and syrup the pancake before cutting so I don't need to pour more syrup than necessary!

In searching for another cookie recipe that might work for all of us, I found one that I like maybe too much!

1 cup oatmeal
1 cup wheat flour
1/2 cup oil (I used olive oil, only because it's all we had!)
1/2 cup agave maple syrup
1/2 cut ground walnuts (or almonds)
1/2 tsp vanilla
salt

Bake at 350 for 12 min
 

So why agave syrup/nectar?  The Aztecs referred to agave nectar as "honey water".  Sweeter than refined sugars and with a lower glycemic profile.  For me, this is a better option than refined sugars.

“One of the most health-promoting properties of agave nectar is its favorable glycemic profile. Its sweetness comes primarily from a complex form of fructose called inulin. Fructose is the sugar that occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables. The carbohydrate in agave nectar has a low glycemic index, which provides sweetness without the unpleasant “sugar rush” and unhealthful blood sugar spike caused by many other sugars.”

— http://allaboutagave.com/index.php

They are crispier than soft, but have a great flavor.  Not too sweet, but just right!  I'm happy the walnuts are in there, as well as the fats from the oil.  These may not be loaded with vegetables, but they are "healthy" cookies to me!

I can always count on my 2 kitchen helpers ... Ivan and Isabelle

Hakuna Matata, C'est la vie!

I’ve heard other Mother’s explain this feeling exactly the same way (and have been slightly annoyed at how cliché it sounds) … “each phase my child enters - every stage and age - just gets better and better”. 

How can that be!? 

I look at elementary school aged kids and think, my 22 month old is so much more fun than you are!  Not long ago, I looked at my 6 month old and thought he was at such a better stage than that two year old across the room that was scaling the walls and screaming!

Or maybe it’s that every phase has its challenges so we welcome the next one with open arms!  Change IS good!  I’m so happy that the phase we are in, is the BEST one there is.  It means there are sunnier days ahead, ALWAYS.  And most importantly, LIFE IS GOOD.

Anything that goes "Brummm BRUMM" is of interest to Mr. Ivan!  This is the Jeep just past the giraffe exhibit in Africa at the Columbus Zoo

YouTube to the rescue!

What an amazing resource YouTube is!  I love being able to elaborate on a subject with my (almost 2 year old) son with a quick and easy clip on YouTube.  It makes things come alive in a way that is thrilling to watch and can be a great distraction to get a quick diaper change done without getting poop EVERYWHERE!  Below I've included links to some of our favorite YouTube videos.

Ivan's progression of entertainment started with his LOVE of ELMO ... There are great videos that are only a few minutes long of the Elmo and friends singing.  I usually start with Elmo's Got the Moves and find great suggestions from there.

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Hey, gingers stick together!!  Sesame Street LIVE Spring 2014

On vacation, Ivan started honing his love of the steering wheel and Daddy's "vroom" car!  We then progressed to Disney's Car's and Car's 2 movies.  As his love of motors started blossoming, MOTORCYCLES were the next item of interest.  We often visit our downtown area and walk up and down High Street watching the buses, motorcycles, and bicycles pass.  Now add in trains!  This YouTube video has the same effect as Baby Einstein on my lil'Einstein and the historic train engines are quite beautiful!

Earlier this week, we took Ivan to the first pre-season NHL Columbus Bluejackets game and while walking to the arena saw a train under the foot bridge.  That was obviously pretty LOUD and of course COOL!  Tonight we were in the same area and Ivan remembered the tracks.  He ran to the railing and couldn't understand where the "choochoo, choochoo, choochoo ... " was.  Not long after, we heard a train on a nearby track that we could not see.  The entire ride home, "choochoo, choochoo, choochoo ... " until I couldn't take it any longer!  I searched YouTube for train noises and found some pretty fun clips with amazing audio and video!  I can't believe it took me until tonight to really realize how amazing YouTube can be! 

Until our YouTube adventure this evening, Ivan has really only seen 1, maybe 2 real trains since he's been paying attention to them ... with the YouTube videos I can show him all kinds of trains (old and new) faster than we could sit an wait for the next train to pass.  I'm just loving watching the world unfold in his eyes ... !!

We have also found some video's that are great for learning ABC's, numbers, and colors.  The Pete the Cat book series is also a fun dance to get dressed to in the morning!

no sugar added cookies!

This recipe has been floating around on Facebook ... I tried it when Ivan was under a year old and Ivan has loved them ever since!  When I first started making them I made circles ... you know, COOKIES.  When I gave them to Ivan I had to tear them into bite sized bits because he would put the ENTIRE thing into his mouth.  With a full set of teeth now, I have begun making sticks/bars instead.  They are easier for him to hold onto and nibble on.

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I mash the ripe bananas with a fork prior to adding the additional ingredients.  I like the banana to be creamy.

Here's what you'll need:

2 cups quick oatmeal (this is really the only thing I measure)
3 ripe bananas (smashed until creamy)
1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
cinnamon
vanilla

Every time I cook it's more like a science project ... I started making this recipe with exact measurements and have since just eye-balled it.  Sometimes I've forgotten the cinnamon and/or vanilla and it's hard to notice.  Occasionally I've also added finely ground walnuts for some extra brain power. 

Pre-heat your oven before you mix to approx 350-375 degrees.  Mix all ingredients until the mixture is not too runny, and not too thick (wow, I would make a horrible cook book author)! 

Shape to your desired outcome on a greased cookie sheet (I use a fork to scoop and shape).  Maybe due to my limited baking experience, I was ASSuming the cookies would rise or change shape in the oven.  With limited ingredients, they did not!  They come out the same way you put them in.  Just make sure each shape is about the same thickness to ensure evenly cooking them. 

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make sure to grease the cookie sheet and not to keep them in too long ... they will get hard fast!

They should be done in about 20-30 minutes.  Careful not to bake too long, they can get hard fast.

I store them in a container in the refrigerator but they usually don't last long!  They also live in our freezer in a freezer Ziploc bag when we have a lot of ripe bananas laying around.

I've recently found myself eating a few of these for breakfast on the go!

Feeding toddlers ... my tasty and easy chicken recipe

Trying to feed toddler can be a trying adventure ... they like it today, throw it on the floor the next!  About 8-9 months months ago, Ivan was less than impressed with any protein sources I presented so I came up with a match made in heaven ... dark meat chicken & Ritz crackers!

TO MAKE: Combine 1 beaten egg, about 1/2 sleeve crushed Hint of Salt Ritz crackers with 1-1.5 lbs of ground chicken.  Form into patty's and cook on a skillet with olive oil.

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combine crumbled Ritz, chicken & beaten egg before placing in the skillet

I keep patties in the refrigerator or freezer and warm in the microwave for approx 25 seconds for meals as needed.  Sometimes I cut the patties into strips, or just serve in bit size squares ... Ivan loves them!!

Located in Columbus, Ohio, I choose to buy grass-fed and free-range organic chicken that can be found from both North Market Poultry & Game (they seem to always have dark meat chicken ground on hand) as well as Oink Moo Cluck Farms (I've only sourced from here twice and have liked the meat ... it seems to have more white meat in the ground mixture which makes the patties a bit more firm).  Oink Moo Cluck is regularly found at neighborhood farmers markets such as: New Albany Farmers Market & Clintonville Farmers Market and their website says they deliver!

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Enjoy!

We found a HAPPY PLACE in Franklin Park Conservatory

In the routine chaos that is motherhood, there are days and times I need to, as they say, "stop and smell the roses."  When those thankless & redundant tasks us mothers tackle round-the-clock cause that overwhelming feeling of non-completion I NEED A HAPPY PLACE!  It's these days that are PERFECT days for me visit Franklin Park to gain some perspective and regenerate!  Not only do I enjoy the sensory overload, but I know Ivan does too! 

I highly recommend finding a place or two you can share with your little one that provides the same rejuvenation.  One of our favorite places to visit is Franklin Park Conservatory located on East Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio.  This year marks the 20th anniversary of their Blooms & Butterflies Exhibition that runs from March 8 - September 28, 2014.

Not only is Franklin Park a perfect place to visit on an off weather day (snow, rain, or too much humidity), but it's a great place to experience the magic Mother Earth has to offer.  Flowers, amazing plants, butterflies from around the globe, multiple waterfalls and streams, fish, hands-on interactive games/stations for kids, birds, and even a choo-choo train!

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Ivan loves visiting Franklin Park

On a routine visit, I bring the stroller with water and snacks, and we start our tour in the Pacific Island Water Garden (left after the entrance).  I love stopping by the windows were you can watch the caterpillars in their cocoons and the butterflies emerge!  Viewing this metamorphosis is as equally as magical to me as the experience in making my little (1 year old) nugget, Ivan! 

As 100's of butterflies fly about you can take in all the sounds, smells, and visuals of all the amazing plants and flowers that fill this space.  Ivan loves visiting the fish, waterfalls, and spotting flying butterflies.  Next we pass through the basement that has a few hands-on stations for kids to play with before heading into the next section that includes the Desert Biome (out of my respect for the incredible cacti, Ivan is not allowed to run free in this space) ... then we enter the Rainforest Biome that is home to Max and Mic the two resident Macaw's that scare the pants off of both of us every time with their abrupt greetings ... After the Rainforest is the train room, AKA, the Himalayan Mountain Biome that features another waterfall and other delicious visual treasures to discover (look up after you pass the over the bridge and round the corner).

The Palm House and Showroom also feature seasonal exhibitions that host all kinds of events from weddings beyond ...

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The Hungry Caterpillar becoming a Beautiful Butterfly ... AMAZING!! & One of the hands-on features, a giant light bright!

If your kids are older, there are classes and workshops for all ages (kids-adults) offered year round.  Check the website for more information here.

The Blooms & Butterflies exhibition is now through September 28, 2014 ... I hope you plan a visit!

and as Ivan ends The Hungry Caterpillar book .... [waving] "Bye, bye!"

Teething SUX

They say every child teethes at a different pace ... Luckily Ivan got his teeth relatively fast and was not as miserable as I have heard some can be.  Throughout the process we experienced all the typical symptoms: mouthing & biting EVERYTHING, irritability, red cheeks, diarrhea, sleeplessness, fever, drooling & chin rash. The age old tricks for relief include: freezing a damp wash cloth or other items that can be frozen and safe for a baby to hold and bite and other medications.  Not wanting to constantly drug my child, I discovered Hyland's Teething Tablets made of homeopathic medicines: Calcarea Phosphorica (for teething, dentition); Coffea Cruda (for sleeplessness); Chamomilla (for teething pain) and Belladonna (redness & teething).  They also make gel you can apply directly on the gums with the same ingredients.  The other homeopathic product that worked well was Borion's Camilia which comes in single dose liquid capsules you can just squeeze in your little one's mouth.  Camilia worked especially well for us when Ivan had a bit of diarrhea due to it's ingredients: Chamomilla (for teething pain); Phytolacca decandra (for painful gum relief); Rheum officinale (diarrhea).

Homeopathic medicines are made from highly diluted natural substances (plants, animals & minerals) and have been used for over 200 years ... I have been told when presented the proper remedy or combination of remedies for a symptom a person is feeling, they don't even necessarily need to ingest it to feel relief, but by just holding the container, the energy can heal.  Ivan seemed to know what the Hyland's Teething Tablet container was and while in pain, was always eager to open his mouth for a few tablets.  (I gave him 3 tablets at once.  If I didn't notice a difference in his behavior or symptom he was experiencing in 15-20 minutes, I gave him 3 more.  He was usually noticeably experiencing relief after the first dose of 3 tablets).  Both Hyland's and Borion's products were easy for me to find at the regular neighborhood stores (Kroger, Giant Eagle, Wholefoods, CVS, Drug Mart & Walgreens).

Getting his one-year old molars ... found him sleeping with a lion over his head.  Fitting for his irritability ... RooaAAR!

Even though we were able to get through Ivan's first 16 teeth avoiding the medicated route, there were a few times Motrin was necessary ... Holy Molars!   

Traveling with an infant for the first time ... Ivan's first flight!

Ivan was 4 months old - it was April 2013 - and living in Columbus, Ohio by the time it's April all you can think of is SUNSHINE and dream of SANDY BEACHES ... Especially after 4 months of brand new baby chaos in the grey of winter, a WARM, SUNNY vacation sounds like a DREAM!!!  Weighing all factors at hand we decided it was probably best to find a destination within driving distance (Hilton Head, SC) so we could take everything but the kitchen sink & drive through the night while Ivan slept.  The little dude had no idea we even drove as long as we did and the travel portion of the vacation worked out perfectly, breast pump and all!

Minus the travel, last years Hilton Head adventure ended up being a disaster - unusually cool and overcast weather, I got the flu, BLAH ... so I wanted to head further SOUTH for Spring Break 2014 for baby vacation #2.  We found a beautiful house to lease for the week outside of St. Augustine, FL located in Palm Coast, FL adjacent to The Hammock Beach Resort & Spa (what a great baby + dog destination!)

John and the Nanny headed down the day prior via car ... This affording us a bit more house with 2 less airfares and solving the problem of what to do with Isabelle, the family dog!  To my surprise the flight had 100+ empty seats so Ivan and I had a whole row (6 seats) to ourselves!  He was a dream ...

In my bag of tricks:

• Maclaren Mark II Umbrella stroller - not the best for steering with one hand, I prefer my Britax B-Agile Stroller any day, but didn't want it to get all beat up
• My old iPhone in the Fisher Price toddler case loaded and ready to go with none other than plenty of ELMO'S WORLD ... aka Ivan kriptonite
• iPod with back up of video's as well as games he has not yet mastered
• BRAND NEW Elmo books and a few other exciting toys he's yet to see (thanks Laura)
• an apple (thanks Stephanie)
• more snacks
• Of course diapers, extra clothes, water & sippy cup, blanket

Our destination airport was Orlando, FL ... what a great airport to roll into with a baby by yourself especially during Spring Break.  It's all families - Disneyworld bound - that are overly sympathetic and extremely kind & helpful!

All in all, I'm not sure what I was really so worried about ... just the unknown I suppose.  It was less than a 2 hour flight ... the West Coast will be the true test.  This Momma isn't brave enough for International with this busy body!

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Bye Bye Bottles

At Ivan's 12 month well check our Nurse Practitioner (who is not a mother) said, "OK, no more bottles, he can drink milk now"

Well, doesn't that sound EASY!  I opted for unsweetened vanilla almond milk in place of dairy milk (we make a special effort to make sure Ivan is getting good fats by cooking with Olive Oil and feeding him avocados, etc).  The first few days he seemed slightly bothered he didn't have a bottle, however, I kept his night time routine (which included a bottle) on schedule.  The first few weeks he LOVED his "Ba-ba" and looked forward to it, but shortly after he only drank half and was more occupied with reading a few books rather than rocking with his bottle.  

It took about 8 weeks in total (from his 1 year birthday) to the day I packed up the bottles ... As a new parent I often hear how every child will develop on his/her own time and not to get too caught up in milestones ... this was just a prime example of that in practice for us!  I'm trying my hardest to nurture his development, while allowing him to be a baby just as long as possible!!

Thank goodness for white vinegar!

There was a day not long ago when I was precise about removing the clothes from the dryer as soon as the cycle finished.  Prior to folding, I would immediately shake out all shirts and lay them flat so everything would stay wrinkle free.  Each item would be neatly folded and carefully placed - usually in color coded sequence - in the closet.  Ahhh how those days are long over ... Enter IVAN (motherhood).  Laundry these days usually sits for 12-24 hours in the basket after leaving the dryer.  It is still neatly folded, however, once it hits the drawers it is usually re-arranged by a busy 13 month old.  Bras end up in the sock drawer, socks behind the mirror, my husbands neatly color coded underwear and sock drawer look like the dryer spit them straight into his drawer.

Motherhood changes oh so many things ... it's the things like the impact on a simple load of laundry that surprise me most!  I often joke that I didn't read the fine print on this mommy thing!  Quite an extraordinary adventure we are on, Mother & Son.  Everything appears to be the same, BUT it is not!  The degree of difficulty to do the smallest chores, like a load of laundry, have created another set of challenges.  At my baby shower, guests were asked to write advice for a new mother (me) on a note card ... I think back to the advice written and the advice I can now share.  Close to the top of the list I hope to pass along: white vinegar added to the wash cycle will remove the moldy smell created by towels that have been damp too long, or that load of laundry you washed and forgot about!

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