Toddler – Page 2 – Muddling Momma

05
Jun
2015

Happy 2nd Birthday Mike!

My sweet Bug –

I’m sitting at my desk on this rainy day looking at your pictures on my desk from the last month or so – you watching the snow while Charlie watches your cracker, you wearing your White Rabbit costume at Miranda’s birthday party and you just being you at the BWI Airplane park. Looking at these photos reminds me of a few lyrics from Marcus Foster’s song ‘You My Love’:

It’s true, my love, so kind are your eyes,
I see them in the darkest skies.
If it’s true, my love, I’ve got to see the way
I’ll love you till my dying day.

I can’t help but feel a little bittersweet about your 2nd birthday tomorrow. I know Daddy feels the same. We miss have a little baby to snuggle, but now we have a big boy to snuggle! And you are the snuggliest. You love to bury yourself between Daddy and me in the bed and pull up the covers demanding ‘sea-goo’ time. Sometimes you even grab our arm and drape it over you. If you catch Daddy and I hugging, you run right up and want in on that action. You are truly our little love bug.

This has been an exciting year for you! Right before your first birthday last year we were watching and waiting for you to take your first steps unassisted. Now you are climbing on chairs, maneuvering up stairs and fearlessly walking back down. I won’t even mention chasing you as you squeal with glee.

You’ve gone through some other changes as well. We made the big move from Centreville, Virginia to Crofton, Maryland in January for a variety of reasons and none that we regret. The main reason was to be closer to family and this has proven to be so beneficial. Your Bubbe, Grandma and Grandpa have visited often and we have seen Mollie a lot. Daddy and I are thrilled you will be growing up closer to the family that is so important to us.

With the move came a new daycare. It was obvious by day 2 that I worried myself sick about nothing. You have flourished there, learning new things and making friends. You give me a hug, go to Miss Rachel and immediately you are waving, saying ‘au revoir’ and blowing kisses. If you do cry it is once in a blue moon and probably only for my benefit.

Oh my love, you do have your moments like we all do. You have mastered the ‘lay down on the floor and fake cry’ quite well, but it never lasts long and you are always quick to come find us so we can move on with our day. You can’t keep up the grumpiness for long, I don’t think it’s in your nature!

Mikey, as you turn two my biggest wish for you is to know how much you are cherished and adored. You are growing into quite a kind, easy going, and hilarious kid. These are all things your Daddy and I dreamed about while watching you roll around in my tummy.

I’ll eat you up I love you so.

Momma, xoxo

13
May
2015

Sea-Goo

categories: Being Mom, Toddler

My Sweet Boy –

Yes, I have neglected to write you a letter the past few months. However, your birthday is right around the corner so I have a whole year to review. But I wanted to capture yesterday and your need to sea-goo (snuggle).

Yesterday was the day that Mommas (and Daddys!) live for. From the minute you woke up to the minute you got in your crib you just wanted to be close to someone. And guess what? I was able to give you that.

When you try to say ‘snuggle’, it comes out as ‘sea-goo’ and usually involves a blanket. Yesterday when everyone got home, you were happily playing with your car in the living room while I watched from the futon. I stood up to make dinner and you said ‘sea-goo’ and pointed to the futon. When I didn’t comply right away, I realized that this wasn’t a request — it was a demand. Daddy happily took over dinner so I could lay on the futon while you played next to me.

Our after bath routine is pretty standard and includs snuggling between Daddy and me while watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. You were very content with us all under the covers. And when bedtime came, you picked out a book (the first time in months you showed an interest in reading) and hopped right in my lap and sat through the whole story.

Sweetie, sometimes we all need to sea-goo and I hope, even as a big boy, you always feel like Daddy or I will sea-goo with you when you need it. Sometimes I even sea-goo with Grandma! You and I both got what we needed yesterday and that makes me a happy Momma.

I’ll eat you up I love you so,

Momma xoxo

30
Apr
2015

Sand is So Last Year

categories: DIY, Toddler

I’ve been pretty quiet lately, mainly because my blog is going through a branding upgrade thanks to a fabulous friend of mine! Once that is in place, I will be back to my regular posting and updates. HOWEVER, it has been gorgeous out and since everyone is working on their backyards, I wanted to share Mike’s Rock Box.

I found this idea when I suggested getting Mike a sandbox. S. couldn’t stand the thought of sand EVERYWHERE and it didn’t take much convincing for me to agree. I cruised alternatives and Mike’s Rock Box was born! A few people asked how I made it and guys? It’s stupid simple.

Here’s what you need:

A hard plastic pool
pea gravel (I used 2 bags)
A drill
Toys

Use the drill to pop a few small holes in the bottom so when it rain, it will drain and not give you a pool with rocks (though that might be fun too). Toss the rocks in the pool with a few toys and let your little construction worker at it!

20
Feb
2015

Is Forever Enough?

categories: Toddler

I was thinking this morning that February may be the shortest month, but this year it is DRAGGING. I blame it insane weather, today it’s the temperature – without the windchill it’s 3 degrees. 3 degrees. That might be normal for say, Fargo, but this is Maryland. Finding motivation to do anything more than what I have to do is hard.

I did unpack my CDs the other day, being a teenager in the 90s means I had a pretty extensive collection from bluegrass to broadway to hymns to mall punk. I didn’t keep them all, but they have followed me around. This morning I popped in Take the Long Way by the Dixie Chicks and was pleasantly surprised that the whole album still holds up today. Then I heard Lullabye and the lump in my throat came up. I had forgotten this song, which was beautiful in 2006 when I first heard it, is even more touching since I am a mom. I must have played it 47 times.

They didn’t have you where I come from
Never knew the best was yet to come
Life began when I saw your face
And I hear your laugh like a serenade

How long do you want to be loved?
Is forever enough, is forever enough?
How long do you want to be loved?
Is forever enough?
Cause I’m never, never giving you up

I slip in bed when you’re asleep
To hold you close and feel your breath on me
Tomorrow there’ll be so much to do
So tonight I’ll drift in a dream with you

How long do you want to be loved?
Is forever enough, is forever enough?
How long do you want to be loved?
Is forever enough?
Cause I’m never, never giving you up

As you wander through this troubled world
In search of all things beautiful
You can close your eyes when you’re miles away
And hear my voice like a serenade

How long do you want to be loved?
Is forever enough, is forever enough?
How long do you want to be loved?
Is forever enough?
Cause I’m never, never giving you up

How long do you want to be loved?
Is forever enough, is forever enough?
How long do you want to be loved?
Is forever enough?
Cause I’m never, never giving you up
Is forever enough?
Cause I’m never, never giving you up

26
Jan
2015

A Lesson in Moving

categories: Toddler

Hi! Remember me? We finally moved after weeks of living among the boxes. Well, we are still living among the boxes, but at least we are breaking them down and not building them. We are still a bit in moving limbo with address changes and all the hoopla that comes from crossing state lines (even if the states are touching).

If I had one piece of advice to any parent moving with a toddler is to stop trying to be a perfect parent. Everything I read kept saying to ease the transition keep things as much the same as possible. Folks? That’s exhausting.

Mike has watched pretty much the whole season of Chuggington. Twice. He’s eaten french fries or pizza at almost every meal. And yes. That includes breakfast. His Wubba is permanently stuck in his mouth. The night before the move he ended up sleeping in our bed. He’s even – gasp – been rocked back to sleep after waking up in the middle of the night.

And that is ok ay. We are in survival mode for the next few weeks while we unearth our pots and pans and figure out our groove. Here’s some pictures from our move.

CAM07847 — Two Marines Moving is an amazing moving company in the Maryland, DC, Virginia area. We have used them twice and highly recommend them.

05
Jan
2015

The ABCs of ABCs

categories: Toddler

Mikey: Ahhhhhhhhh

Momma: B

Mikey: Sayyyyyyyyy

Momma: D

Mikey: Ehhhhhhhhh

Momma: F

Mikey: Ohhhhhhhhhhhh

Momma: F

Mikey: Ohhhhhhhhhhh

Mikey: Ahhhhhhhhhhh

This kid. Still a genius.

29
Dec
2014

Even Stevens

categories: Toddler

Momma: One.

Mikey: Toooooooo.

Momma: Three.

Mikey: silence.

Momma: Three.

Mikey: Foooooo.

Momma: Five.

Mikey: Saaaaaa (a stretch, I know).

Momma: Seven.

Mikey: Ayyyyyyyye.

Momma: Nine.

Mikey: TAY!!!!!!!!!

This kid. Genius.

06
Nov
2014

Go Play By Yourself

categories: DIY, Toddler

In my Pinterest binge a few weeks ago I was looking for some inside toddler activities now that the weather is getting colder. I found a few articles on independent, self-led play that stuck with me. A day later and a few bucks spent at the Dollar Tree I had a few random things for Mike to play with. I’m not talking balls or crayons, no. That’s too easy! I bought pom-poms, dry beans, muffin tins and mini Christmas bows to make a sensory box.

We quickly learned he might be a little too young for the beans in a box. Or S. and I might be a little too concerned about making a {huge} mess.

Just a plastic tub with dry beans and measuring cups.

BUT – I gave Mike the pom-poms and muffin tin and it was a hit. I will be the first to tell you, it is really, really hard not to dictate HOW to play. I wanted to say ‘put the big ones in his pot’ … but why? I have no idea. It is what makes sense to me – the 30-something college graduate. I bit my tongue and waited to see what Mike did.

He took the pom-poms to the couch, out of the bag and then tried to put them back in the bag. He picked them up, looked at them, put them down. I said nothing. I did nothing. About 15 minutes went by before he got bored, but I found it so interesting to see what he did. How HE interpreted the playtime. I’ve tried to put the concept of not dictating playtime into practice and sometimes it’s hard, but it’s also really really cool. I see a little imagination budding and Mike working out his own challenges like getting on the couch or putting the lid on his bubbles.

I really want to encourage first time parents to tell your kiddos to go play while you sit back and watch what happens. Just head over to Goodwill, the Dollar Tree or another super cheap store and pick up a few random items. Use your imagination!

Here’s Mike and his pom-poms (we did clean up our mess):

14
Sep
2014

She’s Crafty

categories: DIY, Toddler

I am going to be honest, I love those DIY/Home/Craft/Mommy blogs that have beautiful pictures of beautiful places. I, on the other hand, do not have one of those blogs. My pictures are taken with a cell phone – and not even and iPhone. My DIY projects are mediocre at best. I post sporadically with spelling errors. BUT I think most people who read my blog realize I am human and have a job and a kid and a life. So this counts as a disclaimer. I want to share my latest crafting adventure but without the beautiful DSLR photos or Pinterest worthy results. I am not going to let this stop me from sharing.

I found a cute, easy craft on Pinterest where you tape up a canvas, let your kiddo finger paint it, then remove the tape for a piece of ‘art’. I am trying to spruce our place up on a budget and thought this would be a fun way to do it. I turned out pretty cute!

Here’s what you need:

Canvas – any size, shape, color, etc. Michael’s had a set of 3 on sale
Finger Paint
Painter’s Tape
Bathtub – bonus points if you need to clean it anyway!
Cute kid – bonus points if he needs a bath anyway!

Here’s how I did it:

1. I turned on the Unauthorized Saved by the Bell movie from Lifetime, opened a bag of trail mix and popped the top on an Oktoberfest.

2. I thought it would be cute to have 3 canvases – one that says ‘Mom’ ‘heart’ ‘Dad’. S. and I could put it above our bed.

3. I started pulling off strips of painter’s tape and taping it on the table in the shape of the letters and the heart. It’s was a bit of a pain, but the booze and Lifetime movie helped.

4. The next day I stripped Mike down to his diaper and squirted a little finger paint on the canvas and let him go to town. It took some time, but he eventually figured it out. You really have to be okay with messiness. The bathtub helps contain it, but I am pretty sure I still have finger paint in my hair.

5. I let the canvas’ dry while I hosed Mike and the bathtub down.

6. I pulled off the painter’s tape and ta-da! I think they turned out pretty well and it was fun too.

04
Sep
2014

Why is it Not Friday?

categories: Being Mom, Toddler, Working Mom

Oh friends. Do you ever have one of those mornings where feel like it should be bed time by 9AM? That was my morning. Here’s how it went down in the W home this morning:

1AM – I suddenly find myself wide awake for no good reason. While staring at the ceiling, I realize I am hearing a helicopter. We are in the flight path for a major airport, so airplanes are so common I don’t even register the noise anymore, but a helicopter is another story. I peek out the window and sure enough – slowly circling our area. I do a little research, since I am wide awake, on Twitter and the local news and I don’t see anything of note. Hey Fairfax County? I just signed up for your new alert system and marked about 45 things I want to be alerted about. Perhaps you should have an option to get a text or email if there is a homicidal manic running around my community.

5:45AM – I wake up to spend some time chatting with S. before he leaves for work. The minute he leaves, Mike starts to stir. MUCH earlier than usual. I take a quick shower and get dressed.

6:15AM – I get Mike up and dressed

6:30AM – I make Mike a bottle of milk, put it on the stove and while my back is turned he pulls it down and it is perfectly times to get milk on both of us head to toe. We both strip down and he finishes his milk while I try to find something else to wear. This would be easier if I had done my ‘special wash’ last night like I intended. Oh, and if it wasn’t 97% humidity today.

7:00AM – We are ready to face the day! Mike and I take Charlie out for a walk, which is usually a fun and relaxing time. Again, the 97% humidity doesn’t make this morning much fun. Half way on our walk, we run into a neighbor and his dog Bacon (uh, huh). Apparently the dogs have met before and are nice to each other, but Bacon is high energy and is clearly in the mood to play. Charlie is friendly until he is ‘over it’ and I was worried about how all this energy would go with Mike standing next to me. Bacon’s Dad is chatting my ear off and then Charlie walks around Mike and knocks him over. Nothing terrible, but enough for him to burst into hysterical tears while the dogs are barking at each other and Bacon’s Dad continues his story about … something. I can’t even focus because I am waiting for my conversational ‘out’ while trying to get the point across that he needs to MOVE ALONG. It is easier to manage his one dog versus me trying to corral my circus. We finally move along. #awkward

7:20AM – We get Charlie his Kong so we can slip out without the typical beagle drama. We didn’t get far before I was sweating everywhere and Charlie was howling.

7:30AM – Quick stop for gas.

7:35AM – Quick stop at the ATM.

7:45AM – A crow flies into my drivers side window. Yep. A crow. I saw it coming, but I assumed it would swoop up. Apparently not. That’s not like a bad omen or anything right?

7:47AM – I drop Mike off at daycare. He seemed in a good mood since we spent the morning talking about his friends and the fun stuff he will do (which seems to help with drop off). He walks up the driveway with purpose, marches down the sidewalk, crawls up the steps like he’s been doing it all his life and then they open the front door. My little guy quickly turns around like, ‘that was fun, let’s go Ma’. I turned him around in time to see the waterworks start. Being a working momma isn’t always fun.

7:55AM – Yay! Momma time. My 40 minute commute means loud music or my Mike O’Meara Show podcast. Then I saw the big board telling me my 8 mile trip down 66E to the Beltway will take me 27 minutes. Insert Napoleon Dynamite ‘uggggh’.

8:45AM – Arrived safely to work but feel like I’ve been awake for twice as long as I actually have.

It can only go up from here right?

Oh hey! There is still time to comment on my Bloomers bra fitting review post to win a BraMaid!

Category: Toddler