Category Archives: baby

Ten Fun Winter Activities

Last weekend it rained. Hard. Which meant all outdoor activities were nixed off the list. Now, try explaining that to a hyper two year old who wants nothing but to run around outside. She spent most of the day in front of the patio door, pointing and making sad (albeit cute) pouty faces. This was Saturday. By Sunday, I had a plan. While you debate letting your little one splash in the puddles outside, and contemplate the giant mess you will have to clean up, here are ten fun tips for keeping her active, entertained, and most importantly, warm and dry.

1. Go to the toy store

I know this sounds completely counterintuitive to your sanity, and probably your check book too, but it can actually be quite productive and fun. I am not suggesting buying anything. Spend several hours letting your child experience the toys. Get an idea of which items she likes more than others. See how she interacts with the toys, and gage how much use and benefit she would get from them. This helps you solidify your Christmas list. When it is time to go, explain to her she will receive something special at Christmas time.

2. Play hide and seek

But remember to keep it simple so your wee one doesn’t get too frustrated, or worse, scared. She may not yet understand the concept of hiding, but she can definitely seek.

3. Dance

Put on some music and let loose. If you don’t know how to dance, don’t worry, your kid doesn’t either, so just bounce around have fun.

4. Put on a fashion show

At this age kids grow an inch a second. They will outgrow their clothes before you can finish doing the week’s laundry. Use this opportunity to have some fun with your kid (toddlers love trying to learn how to dress and undress themselves) while also figuring out what items in their wardrobe are no longer viable options.

5. Build a fort

Use your couch, some sheets and throw pillows. Throw in a few dining room chairs. You now have the perfect castle, fort, tent, etc. Let your imagination guide you.

6. Go to the park

If it is not raining or snowing, but it is still cold outside don’t rule out going to the park. Bundle up and you can still have a blast. Just think of the yummy hot cocoa you both can enjoy when you get back. Don’t forget the marshmallows.

7. Move

Put a bunch of toys in a pile, and then the both of you pick some up and move them across the house. Go back for more, until the entire pile is moved over. Repeat as many times as your kid has energy. Feel free to skip the gym tonight.

8. Go for a walk

Don’t set a destination. Don’t plan. Just take a stroll through your neighborhood. But don’t walk until you are both completely tired or your little one won’t be able to make it home. You will be surprised at how many things you have never seen before.

9. Decorate

Christmas is less than two months away, and you don’t want to get caught up doing everything last minute. Buy a large bag of popcorn, cereal, etc. and some string. Make giant garlands to string up for the holidays. Have her hand you the kernels as you string them through the needle. Enjoy a few bites along the way.

10. Make your own wrapping paper

While you are in the holiday spirit, create your own wrapping paper. All you need are some giant sheets of drawing paper, crayons, colored pencils, washable markers, stamps, or whatever you want to use to decorate, and have at it! Grandma will love her custom wrapped gifts.

What are some of your favorite winter activities?

How The Car Dealership Cured My Depression

The last couple of weeks I have been feeling a little down. Nothing to worry about, and certainly nothing that rivaled the post partum I had a few years ago with my daughter. But I was still in a funk. I wanted to sleep a lot. I felt lazy. And if you know me, you know lazy is not a part of my lexicon. So, bottom line, I was not myself.
Cleaning has even become a chore for me. Yes, I know that is how most other people view it all the time. But, I love cleaning, in that way that it helps me unwind, disconnect, and ironically cleanse. I cannot really explain it, and I know how weird I sound. So, feeling like I had to do my weekly chores as opposed to something I normally feel good about, sent up a few red flags.
I began wondering if I am depressed. I kind of pushed the idea towards the back of my mind because we had a pretty busy weekend and I just did not have the time or energy to deal with it. Again, what? Me, not have the energy? This NEVER happens.
Yesterday I had to take my car in to get serviced, fixed, spayed (do they do that to cars?) etc. I spent a large part of my day at the dealership, pretty much doing nothing but sipping specialty coffee, eating gourmet donuts, and reading an amazing book.
Last night I was very sleepy, exhausted even. But this morning I woke up rejuvenated, happy, bouncy, and (insert bubbly adjective here). Holly smokes! I wasn’t depressed. I was exhausted. I had burnt the candle on both ends (whatever that means) for too long, and all I needed was a day to unwind. Lounging around doing nothing was exactly what my brain and body needed.
Who knew taking the car in would be so therapeutic. My battery needs to die more often. Just kidding. Sort of.

The Pro Choice Debate

For the longest time I thought I was pro choice. I still am. As long as it’s your choice. When faced with the decision, each time I realized there really was no decision to make. First, let me say I am not judging those who have had abortions in the past, or may have them in the future. As stated, I am pro choice.
Personally, however, it was impossible. And I have never regretted it going through with the pregnancies and having my wonderful children. Of course at the time, despite the unplanned nature of everything, my husband and I were in good positions to have these children.
The other day there was a split second when I thought I may be pregnant again. I was mortified. We are in absolutely no position to have any more children right now. And even more importantly, my body would not be able to sustain a life and maintain itself. I have had two children in less than two years. I know some women who have had more than that, but I don’t think I could physically handle it.
After giving birth to my son my body was completely depleted. I have lost a lot of weight. My body has been weakened. I need to recuperate for several years before growing another life.
Yet, for that split second, I once again realized, I cannot make that decision. I am pro choice. As long as it’s not my choice.