Wednesday we stayed home and did an activity outside!I was a little upset with this activity just because our dog kept knocking the boats over. Axel is a 100lb Chocolate Lab that absolutely loves the water. Well he was outside with us and thought this activity was for him as well. Oh well, Asher still participated and learned some new numbers!
My best friend since middle school is a Pre-K teacher. We typically bounce ideas back and forth for activities. This one is all her. She sent me a photo the other day of these and told me how I had to try this with Asher. Asher can count 1-10 no problem! He even knows 20 and some of the numbers in between. So with my counting boats I focused on the numbers after 10. I did by 10's and 11-19. Yet again all these items were just laying around my house. Any activity lately has to be done with the supplies I have at home. Venturing with a 2 year old and a 2 1/2 month old is quite the task. Items Used:
I did test them in my sink first to make sure they would float! I actually didn't get any pictures of Asher in the pool with his counting boats =[. I'm sure we will do the activity again and I will update the pictures!
0 Comments
Continuing with my week off with the kids, Tuesday we went to the park! As i was explaining in my last post I have been off all week with my kids and planned something each day to keep us busy.
I do not venture far with both kids without my husband, my mom, or a friend. Asher is 2 years old and Aubriella is 2 1/2 months. I am slowly venturing out and seeing how it goes. So far we have mastered the post office, the store ( only got 3 items), a few Park's, and I am fine with going to other people's houses. Just public places make me nervous! But we are working on it and going to the Park was a big one for me! Tuesday we met our besties at our local park to let the kids burn off their energy. This whole week has been on and off raining! We were lucky enough to be able to enjoy a day at the park. We went to Long's park. I enjoy taking the kids to Long's Park for many reasons.
I try to make every activity not only fun, but a learning experience as well! I feel when you incorporate a small amount of learning into a fun activity, your toddler has no idea and is just enjoying the "fun" part.
I am off all this week with the kids. So I had to plan activities to keep my 2 year old entertained all week. The weather is on and off with rain this week which does not help! Not only does he go crazy being kept inside, but Momma does as well! With newly having 2 children I do NOT venture out a lot by myself with both kids. So I knew whatever activities I wanted to plan had to use items that are around the house. And that is how Cardboard painting was formed. This is a super simple activity, but a very messy one! What you need:
On the cardboard I used the painters tape to spell out my son's name. Then on paper plates I poured out different colored paint. I sat Asher outside and gave him the paint brushes to go to town!
He started off doing really well only painting on the cardboard. At first he did not want to get messy. But that eventually changed and he wanted to paint himself. Reason for washable paint!
Asher played outside painting for 45 minutes. Afterwards I carried him to the bath tub for clean up. I couldn't believe how easy the paint washed off. I thought for sure he was going to have blue hair. NOPE!
How did I make this a learning experience? When Asher went to use the colors I made him tell me what color each was as he was using it. Asher is really good with his colors!
Amber Petersheim is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
I'm unsure why, but both my babies had a horrible case of dry skin.
With my first child I found a solution pretty easy. As a first time mom I didn't know not to bath my baby everyday. We were giving him a bath every night as part of his bedtime routine and I thought consistency was key. Another thing I learned was that Johnson & Johnson products are harsh on your newborn babies skin. So are solution for Asher was, A bath every 3 days along with Cetaphil wash & lotion. Asher's skin improved. He no longer has dry skin and is now able to use Johnson & Johnson products. Let's talk about my second child. Aubriella's skin is SO dry! So from the knowledge I already have from the first time around, I immediately stuck with no bath every night and Cetaphil wash & lotion. But this did not solve the problem. I tried:
After doing some research and the basic knowledge I have about dry skin I formed a new approach. These were all items I had around the house and are safe for your baby! 3 items you need:
Olive Oil is a natural skin moisturizer and helps prevent water from evaporating Oatmeal fights dryness and help maintain skin's natural barrier function. it cleanses and moisturizes. Oatmeal also has antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties
Is a routine with a newborn and 2 year old toddler even possible?
I'm here to tell you it is! Believe it or not! When I had Asher, as a first time mom, I had no idea how to get him on a routine. I read books, talked to other mom's, and tried a few routine schedules. Nothing seemed to work. Asher was a very difficult baby. It took awhile but between 4 to 6 months we finally starting perfecting a routine. Aubriella is just over a month old and for the most part we are in a pretty good routine. Some days are more successful than others, but everyone is still adjusting. I remember the morning my husband went back to work. (He was only off for 5 days with us. ) I got up with my husband and showered, made coffee, washed bottles, and got a few things ready for the day. I sat there in the bed thinking there is no way this is going to go smooth with 2. I heard the door from the kitchen to the garage shut and knew in 30 seconds the house was going to fall apart. To my surprise it didn't. Aubriella and Asher were both still sleeping. Where is the chaos now that daddy left? There are a few things I did before the arrival of Aubriella that has made our lives so much easier with 2! Check out my other blog posts!
During the day there are 2 routines that go on.
Pumping Routine: Getting on a pumping schedule is one of the best things I did. I was all over the place first time around. This lead to engorgement and always being uncomfortable. I produce a lot of milk. I mean A LOT. I will nurse and then pump afterwards. I will soon be going back to work so a pumping schedule is exactly what I need. I pump at:
My Routine/ Kids Routine: We tried to keep Asher's routine the same as it was before Aubriella was born. Somethings haven't changed but other's have. Also Asher not going to the sitter is throwing him off. He soon will start going back and I think that will help him even more.
I get up at 6 am, pump, SHOWER, make coffee, wash bottles, & write out my "To Do" list for the day.
Adam & I then do our "chores" once the kids go to bed. Finish laundry, do the dishes, empty trash cans, tidy up, or bills. So far this routine has been working out great for us! I will soon be heading back to work so I'm sure we may need to revamp the schedule just a little.
New flavors!!
These are very summery! I love the Oatmeal ones for in the mornings. Sometimes Asher will have 1 or 2 pouches for breakfast. These actually fill him up. Breakfast in a squeeze pouch! I only post my most successful flavors. Some of the flavors I make up are not a hit at all. Which is okay! Asher is such a picky eater, so if he likes them, they have to be good! Out of this batch orange creamsicle is his favorite. He is unsure of the banana coconut. He grabs it out of his drawer, eats half, and then wants to put in back in the drawer. Mango Coconut:
Strawberry Peach Oatmeal:
Orange Creamsicle:
Pina Colada:
Melon Madness:
Looking for more? Click the buttons below to view my other Squeeze Pouch Recipes!
Amber Petersheim is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
Water, Bubbles, and Balls.
My son loves to be outside. I mean LOVES. If he can't go outside a day because of the weather he is devastated. I am always trying to come up with activities to do that are not only fun, but are educational as well. Lately Asher has taken a big interest in learning his colors. PERFECT! It was so hot and humid the other day. I got the kiddie pool out, balls from his ball pit , and mixed in some bubbles! Asher had a blast! Not only was he enjoying the outdoors and his bubbles, but he was learning while playing. I even put the kiddie slid half in the pool and Asher would tell me the color as he sent it down the slide. So much fun! Score Momma! All of these items I already had around the house. What you need:
Amber Petersheim is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
Our little girl made her arrival May 16th at 4:03am. My labor was so quick! I started with contractions at 1:30am, got to Women's & Babies at 3:45am, and Aubriella was born shortly after arriving!
God has made Aubriella a little extra special. I would like to share with everyone what makes Aubriella so special. Once she arrived and while the nurses were drying her off, the doctor said she needed to inform us of a deformity. Immediately my heart sank. My pregnancy was not the easiest and towards the end I started to have complications. I do not owe anyone any explanation. Close friends and family have told me not to even write this post. I feel I need to write this post because I want freedom from questions, freedom from looks while in public, and freedom of people talking about us. Sure I'm not going to get that 100%, but I guess what I am thinking is that if I provide everyone with the information I have and properly introduce Aubriella, I wont be bombarded with questions and I will finally feel free to post all of her pictures. Some of you may have noticed in the few pictures I have posted. While others have not.
Aubriella's right hand is smaller than her left. She has been diagnosed with symbrachydactyly.
What is Symbrachydactyly? Symbrachydactyly occurs during normal embryonic development. When a baby’s hands begin to form in utero, they are shaped like mittens or paddles. Then the fingers divide. In babies with symbrachydactyly, the fingers (and sometimes the hand and arm) don’t fully form during this time. This may happen because the area doesn’t get enough blood flow or because of some other problem with the tissue. It’s not caused by anything the mother did or did not do while she was pregnant. This limb difference occurs in every 30,000 to 40,000 births. It’s not passed down in families (inherited). Children with Symbrachydactyly grow up still being able to do everything that children without symbrachydactyly can do. Aubriella will be able to do everything Asher can do!
Aubriella does have all 5 fingers on her sym hand, just the first 3 are shorter than what we are used to. She is able to move her hand, grab things, and move each individual finger. Her thumb is fully developed and she has a good portion of her pinky. She has tiny little finger nails on all her fingers. We have a specialist that we will be traveling a lot to see. She has introduced us to some great support groups and other parents who have children with Symbrachydactyly. Aubriella and Asher are going to grow up to do amazing things! Asher is really warming up to her and loves to give his sister kisses! I think that about covers it all. One last picture of our precious little girl!
Jessica Snider Photography is who took all of Aubriella's photos. She does amazing work! She has taken all of our family photos, maternity photos, & photos of our children! Check out her website. www.jessicasniderphotography.com/home The information I provided is from Lucky Fin Project . Along with what our specialist went over with us. luckyfinproject.org/
Peapod was here bright and early dropping our weekly groceries which included all things for meal prep. As I got everything out and started cooking my bacon, boiling my eggs, and getting my lettuce ready, I noticed the lettuce was looking a little sad. I have NEVER got bad produce before from Peapod. Typically their produce is much fresher than at the store. Anyways, I started chopping and realized this lettuce was already browning and appeared to have bugs eating at it. So in the trash it went! Now we have new snack boxes this week! Which is okay because they have healthier choices in them.
What's in the box?:
Quick and easy!
I typically do a snack box each week. I love this idea because not only does it help my husband and I make healthier eating decisions, but it fills us up and eliminates crazy grocery bill's for junk food! My other snack boxes typically contain meats & cheeses along with a fruit.
So this is out of my niche and not normally what I would blog about. I thought it would make a great topic though and hopefully could help someone else going through the same thing.
This is not something you can prepare for and not something you would expect to happen. On May 10th 2018 my mother in law passed away. On May 16th 2018 our daughter was born. 6 days apart we lost a life and gained a life. Pretty crazy to think that all happened in a week. One of the saddest days followed by one of the happiest days. All in a week. It was been quite the journey but I feel we are managing very well! My husband does not always do the best when a tragedy happens. He tends to shut down and become absent in life. I could not have this happen. I needed him to stay focused, I needed him to be there for me, for our daughter, and our 2 year old son. But I also understood that he needed time to grieve. I wanted to share some tips and how we have been handling this situation in hopes that this could help someone else in this situation. 1. Take Time Make sure to take time to grieve. Don't keep it bottled up inside. Take time to do the tasks that are at hand. Such as funeral arrangements, cleaning out a loved ones belonging, and making phone calls to settle anything that is left behind. Do this on your time and don't try to do it all at once and become too over whelmed. Take time to enjoy the happy moment. Do not feel guilty for enjoying the life of your newborn and your family. Take time to cherish that moment. 2. Be Patient This is a hard one for me. I am not a patient person. What I mean by be patient is, be patient with your significant other. Their mind is out in left field. It is going to take some time for them to heal and to get back to "normal". Adam's thought process is cluttered with all the new tasks at hand and sometimes can't focus and make decisions. 3. Talk about it I have been with my husband for 6 years. I am really good at reading him. I don't bring up his mom unless he does. When he does talk about her I listen to him talk. Sometimes he just needs to talk. I let him do it on his time though. Leaving out your feelings is a great way to cope. 4. Have a Game Plan There are a lot of responsibilities that can fall on someone after losing a loved one. Such as funeral expenses, debt, dealing with a vehicle and so on. If your loved one does not have life insurance and a Will this can make things a little more difficult. I am a planner. My husband won't admit it but I know that is one of my qualities my husband does admire about me. I immediately got a game plan together to try and help lessen his load. Even though I am not Power of Attorney, I am able to write down things my husband needs to do, places he needs to call, and get paper work/ things in order for him for the next day. Having some sort of a game plan not only helps you be organized in what all needs done, but helps keep your mind on track to the tasks at hand. Not only did we have a game plan for my mother in law, we also had a game plan for the arrival of Aubriella. I had a birth plan which was a big help and had everything planned out as to who would have our 2 year old and how to keep his routine as normal as possible. 5. Praise So this may sound a little ridiculous but I try to praise my husband. Adam was given 3 days off of work when his mother passed. In those 3 days he was so successful. From calling places to running all over the county, he got in done. He has been handling this situation so well and trying to stay focused and keep his mind in check. Every time he accomplishes a task I let him know how successful his day was and now we can check that off the list. It may sound silly but I really feel its helping him. 6. Embrace New Life I feel its very ironic how this all worked out. How do you lose someone and then 6 days later have a baby? I push Adam to embrace Aubriella's birth all the time. I am thankful for her making her arrival so quickly because it kept my husband so busy. It kept his mind in a good place. He was so busy with our son and being back and forth at the hospital that his mind didn't have time to shut down. I wanted him to embrace her life and not regret in a few years that he wasn't in the right mind frame. 7. Keep Daily Routine Trying to keep things "normal" definitely help. We tried to keep our daily routines the same and just add in tasks that needed accomplished as they fitted our schedule. Not only does it help our kids staying on their routine, but also helped the both of us not feel overwhelmed. This kind of goes hand in hand with taking time. 8. Stay Strong & United I try to be very strong for my husband. I only once cried in front of him about his mom. I don't want him to see me upset and then he gets upset. I was not very close with my mother in law but the whole situation is very sad. It is a very emotional time. I feel through both of these situations it has actually brought my husband and I closer together. These situations have united us closer together than ever. We rely on each other and need each other's support and love. Next week will be a month since both events happened. We did get a lot accomplished, but still have more to complete. We are taking our time and proceeding on with our lives. We are soaking up every moment with our kiddo's. One day they will not be this small. They keep us going and very busy so we can move forward. |
AuthorMomma of 2 Archives
February 2021
Categories
All
|