"I Just Love You!"

As we nestled down into bed after a late night, the bedroom door suddenly flung open and a miniature silhouette declared into the darkness, "I just love you!"  Cupcake promptly pulled herself up onto the bed, sprawled on top of me sideways and whispered again, "I just love you."

Nothing says love like a cuddle from my little cherub, even in the middle of the night!

Cultivating an environment where our kids know they are loved, has been a purposeful part of our parenting.  We tell them we love them - every day. When they go to bed at night, when we leave the house, when we drop them off at school, when we hang up the phone, when we discipline, when we encourage and at random moments in between.

As a result all three of our kids have become accustomed to saying, "I love you."  Early on, Cupcake responded to "I love you" with a simple "I you."  Now she speaks in full sentences in the wee hours of the morning.  I have caught our teens ending their phone calls with their cousins, grandparents and (gasp!) even each other with a, "Bye, I love ya!"

With Valentine's Day approaching, it is a perfect opportunity to increase our use of the word "love" and not just in reference to the roses, cards or chocolate received.  Those are all wonderful ways to express our love (and here's hoping Hubby doesn't forget that!), but let's think outside the candy box to incorporate "I love you" into our family vocabulary.  Consider little love notes in lunchboxes or a home baked treat just because or an "I love you" before bed every night or breaking out into love songs occasionally (eyes might roll, but I have fond memories of my Dad's serenades!)

Imagine our Heavenly Father, bursting open the door and declaring into the darkness of our hearts, "I just love you!"  Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another! (1Jn.4:11 NIV)   

  

How Our Family Fights the Flu & Combats Colds

It seems that everywhere I go I'm surrounded by little sickies - in the stores, at church, at school, etc.  Every year we hear about how awful the cold and flu season is, but for our community it truly does seem to be one of the worst years I've seen.

Before Christmas break our rather small school had 50 plus students home in one day!  Considering the high school averages about 35 per grade, that is a substantial percentage of the student body.  In fact the high rate of absences warranted canceling many activities, practices and postponing the Christmas concert until January.  (All of this provided me with lots of "found" time to prepare for the holidays and subsequently enabled me to have quite the relaxing holiday season...unfortunately it was at the expense of many a sick kid!)

Christmas break provided the respite that everyone needed to recover from the various viruses that were making their rounds in our school.  The teens in my life are currently healthy, happy and very active, as are their friends.  It's a different story, however, for the little tykes in my life!

Cupcake tends to be the one who brings home the germs that her little friends were so kind enough to share (or give back!)  For those of you who are just starting out with little ones in school, this is quite common.  In fact, WebMD notes that statistics show that preschool kids have about 9 colds per year, kindergartners about 12, and adolescents and adults have about 7 per year, with most children contracting colds during the months of September through April.

Once kids start attending school and activities they are bound to be exposed to a multitude of germs and, for awhile, it may seem like your child is constantly sick as they build up their immune systems.  This can be a tiresome time of life, but there are some things available that can help reduce the duration of these viruses and help boost your little one's immune system.

Below are some of the natural methods that I have used with my family to combat the colds and fight the flu for me, my teens, my toddler and even Hubby (despite the fact that he asks me to do a little witch doctor dance while I'm whipping him up some of these concoctions!)  Our success has been to cut down the duration and intensity of the symptoms, from a typical 7-10 day cold to 2-4 days.  The times things have lasted a week or more with the kiddos, it ended up being an infection which required antibiotics.

Obviously, I am no doctor, so please consult your physician before implementing any of the following products.  Even though they are natural supplements and vitamins, it is possible for things to interact with other medications, so please ask your doctor before incorporating something new to your regiment.

These are items which I have been able to get at our local health food store, grocery store and my doctor's office (Woodlands Healing Research Center.)  All of these I use in addition to the tried and true mom treatments of : fluids, rest and homemade chicken soup!


Vitamin C -  I use this as a preventative on a daily basis and increase it at the first sneeze or sniffle!  For the older family members, I administer a buffered Vitamin C tablet, which helps combat any stomach issues that can accompany high dosages of Vitamin C (we have been known to take 2 or 3 grams several times a day when ill.)  I use a liquid Vitamin C for Cupcake which gets added to her sippy cup, usually a 1/4- 1/2 tsp when she's sick.

Vitamin D3 - This is also a good preventative, especially in the winter months when the sun goes into hiding.  It too is available in liquid form for little ones, just one drop daily provides 1000 IU of Vitamin D!  The rest of us take a 5,000 I U D3 Plus which includes Vitamin A, K2 and E.

EMP - A homeopathic tincture including Echinacea, Myrrh and Phytolacca.  As soon as cold symptoms appear, I give Cupcake a few drops in her watered down juice a couple times a day and the rest of the family takes 10-15 drops 3 times a day.  There are lots of medicinal teas available too with Echinacea which provide a soothing drink in addition to this helpful herb.

Pulsatilla Nig. 1M - Another homeopathic remedy for colds and runny noses.  Cupcake comes running for this "medcin!"  I give her just a few crystals to dissolve in her mouth and the rest of us take a bit more a couple times a day.  This seems to work best if administered right away, when symptoms first appear.

ViraClear -  This is a yummy tasting syrup for cough, congestion and sore throat.  It too seems to work best if taken at the first sneeze and sniffle!  Sometimes I will add the other liquid remedies into this one and just give Cupcake one little medicine cup with my own concoction.  She receives 1/2 tsp of ViraClear three times a day when she's got a cold and the rest of us take 1 1/2 tsps at the same interval.

Oscillococcinum - This homeopathic is best taken at the first sign of fever and flu symptoms, helping to reduce the duration of chills, fatigue, body aches and fever.  All of us are able to take a capsule full of pellets, dissolved in the mouth, a couple times a day as soon as the symptoms start.


Some other items that come in pill form, I only give to myself, hubby and my teens.  A few of these do have kiddie versions available.

Zinc Citrate:  We take a 30mg capsule at first sign of a cold or flu to help our systems combat the oncoming virus.  I recall giving our teens Zinc lollipops, so that may be an option for little tykes.

Thymucin: This supplement supports the thymus gland and immune system.  I usually hand this out for a few days if anyone in the family comes down with something.  There is a liquid variation, called Thymactiv, that I give Cupcake - just a couple drops while she is sick.

Immune-Assist:  This is probably one of my favorite immune boosting supplements!  I take one a day regularly and up to six  throughout the day if I'm sick.  I have found that this, in combination with the Thymucin, Vitamin C and Vitamin D3, is great for helping me keep healthy while Cupcake brings home plenty of germs during the school year.  In fact, this latter combination is part of the "Flu Protocol" that our doctor's office hands out to all the patients for the winter months.

By using these, and a few other vitamins and supplements in my arsenal, I have certainly seen the benefit of cutting down the duration and intensity of various bugs in our family.  It doesn't necessarily prevent illness, but helps us recover much quicker.  Although, I have found that all of these things do help to boost my immune system, especially when taken as soon as I realize the inevitable, for instance when Cupcake sneezed right into my mouth...yup, welcome to my world!

Hopefully, you can incorporate some of these homeopathic remedies and vitamins into your life to help combat the colds and fight the flu viruses that your toddler might be bringing home this season.  Oh, and word to the wise, keep your mouth shut around a sneezing, sniffling toddler!

HOPE

In the wake of the tragedy in Connecticut last week, I cannot turn off the Christmas music. It brings me peace, comfort and hope in this fallen world.

I cannot bring myself to listen to news radio, watch TV broadcasts, read updates about the events of the massacre or look at pictures of those precious little faces.  The few times I have chanced a glance, read a blog post or poem or heard 10 seconds of a news report I burst into tears.

Why?  Because I can only see the face of my own little Cupcake and it is just too much for this Mommy to handle.

Cupcake in the Christmas program at church this weekend!

I can only imagine the heart wrenching agony of those parents, pray for them and weep with them.

Unfortunately for me, I have a very creative imagination.  I could easily live in fear and I must admit, that very often I do.  I am fearful because things like this do happen on occasion.  I am scared because I have watched too many crime dramas and suspense thrillers.  I am anxious because I remember all those after-school specials I watched as a kid.  (For those of you under the age of 40, these movies were always about drunk driving, gun accidents, drug overdose and teen suicide.  It was an effort by our teen idols to scare us stiff!  I'm here to tell you it worked - I still remember those movies like it was yesterday.)

Nowadays, the news constantly bombards my worrisome heart with potential danger, hazard, harm and tragedy that could befall my children at any moment.  Yet, I am also aware that I am not the only mother, bleary-eyed and heavyhearted today, nor am I the first mother to feel this way.  Every generation deals with tragedy.  Some may be further from our doorstep than others - some may be on the other side of the world and others down the street at our local mall.

I will never forget the day that our little community was rocked by a shooting at our teenage hangout - the mall.  One young, disturbed, woman opened fire killing three and wounding seven on October 30, 1985 at the Springfield Mall in the Philadelphia suburbs. My mom and I were distraught because my father had gone to the mall.  In the era before cell phones, it was an agonizing wait before we got word that he was safe.  My Dad came home, but for those other families, their lives were changed that day.

Just like the families whose children did not come home to them from Sandy Hook Elementary School on Friday.

Today, when I dropped Cupcake off at her preschool, I was surprised by my own emotions.  She skipped along beside me, blissfully unaware of the tragedy that had taken the lives of children only a few years older than her and shattered the lives of many parents.  I fought back tears as I hugged her, kissed her and we shared "I love yous."

I attempted to gain my composure as I forced myself to hit the grocery store, while she was at school.  Anxiously I completed my shopping and rushed back to pick her up.

I have never felt more relieved to see her smiling and waving to me as she ran and jumped into my arms for a big bear hug.  Again, I fought the tears as I realized that those other mothers had been deprived of one more hug, kiss or "I love you" from their little ones.

I hugged her even tighter.

The world is a scary, broken place.  But there is hope.

With my teens I've had the opportunity to discuss the events of this and other tragedies.  These are hard but meaningful times to talk to them about the world in which we live and the hope that we have, despite the circumstances we or others may face.

Look around at the lights, the trees, the decorations and remember why we celebrate Christmas. The baby in the manger came to rescue us.  He is our Hope, our Redeemer, our Savior.

Without this hope, I would not be able to function.  I would be paralyzed in fear, never letting my kids out of my sight, hoarding weapons, buying a cabin in the woods and living in seclusion.  That, however, is not the life I am called to.  Rather, I am called to trust God, to be a light in a fallen world, to point others to Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Without Him, we have no hope.  Without Him, I am just another scared Mommy.  

With Jesus, I have a stronghold.  A place to go when the world makes no sense.  Someone to cry out to when I wake from a nightmare where I have just happened upon my teenage daughter lying on the side of the road. (I imagine the first of many possible bad dreams I may experience as she learns to drive!)  The God who delivered my son to me when he was lost at two years old, feet blackened from his travels.  My Lord whom I call to every night when I still neurotically check to make sure my preschooler is still breathing (Okay, I admit, I check on my teens too!)

In each scenario, imagined and real, I must rely on God.  I turn to God, because only in Him and through Him can I maintain my sanity as a Mom.  Parenting is hard and our fears are real.  God can provide us with a peace beyond understanding.

As Christmas approaches next week, may you know the salvation that is found in Jesus.  The baby in the manger whose birth we celebrate because of His death and resurrection.

So I will continue to fill my home and car with Christmas music.  A reminder of the hope that I have: Jesus!

Below is one of the Christmas songs I have been enjoying listening to that reminds me of the love God has demonstrated through the birth of Christ!  Merry Christmas!

Baby Soft Skin With Seventh Generation!

I love baby skin, it is just so brand new!  And, yes, there is nothing softer than a baby's bottom!  After bath time, I always enjoyed massaging our kiddos with baby lotion and singing songs.  It's a special bonding time that Cupcake and I still enjoy, although, now she likes to "help" put on the lotion.

I am thrilled to be able to offer two gift sets of Seventh Generation's new line of baby products.  Each set includes: Diaper Cream, Sunscreen, Bubble Bath, Baby Lotion, Baby Shampoo & Wash and Foaming Baby Shampoo & Wash.

Cupcake especially enjoyed the Foaming Baby Shampoo & Wash and the Bubble Bath!  I enjoyed the light citrus scent and learning all about the benefits of this new line of baby care products for my toddler:

• First complete line of USDA-certified biobased baby care products
• Endorsed by Healthy Child, Healthy World
• Gluten-free
• No synthetic fragrances, phthalates, or parabens
• Tear-free
• Non-toxic, biodegradable formula
• Made with natural ingredients that come from plants and minerals
• Extra-virgin olive oil to moisturize and protect

Recently, founder of Liddle Kidz™ Foundation, Tina Allen, teamed up with Seventh Generation to discuss the benefits of baby massage.  She has over a decade of service to kids and their families in issues of children's health and nurturing touch and is a respected author, lecturer and authority on infant and pediatric massage.

Five Quick Tips for Baby Massage:

1. Choose the Best Time and Place:  The best time for a massage is when baby is awake, healthy and happy!  Find a familiar, warm and cozy spot with no drafts or distractions.
2. Be Comfortable:  Make sure both you and baby are comfy!  (If not, you might be needing a massage afterward).  Be sure baby is in a safe, soft, spot - especially if baby is mobile, as massage oil can make them quite slippery!
3. Choosing Massage Oil:  Massage oil is not a necessary component for baby massage as one might assume.  If you choose to use one, extra virgin olive oil and grape seed oil are some of the best choices for infant massage.  If you prefer a lotion, pick something with natural ingredients like the Seventh Generation Baby Lotion.
4. Ask Permission:  Watch your baby for cues.  Learn to read the sounds and body language which indicates a green light or a red light. Coos and smiles are a very good sign!
5. Know When Not to Massage:  Avoid massage if baby has a rash, broken skin, bruising or if baby is sick, has a fever or an infection.  Wait 30 minutes after eating and 2-3 days if baby has had immunizations.  Check with your doctor if your baby has additional health concerns.

Enjoy the adorable babies in the video below from Liddle Kidz.  It may not be a tutorial, but will show some Moms, Dads and babies enjoying baby massage techniques that you could easily incorporate into your daily routine with your baby or toddler.  Please note, that it is recommended to wait until an infant is over 3 weeks old before implementing baby massage.  Naturally, touch is important between you and your newborn, especially in those early weeks, so please handle with care!

Giveaway!

Enter below to win some Seventh Generation Wee Gen Baby products for your own wee little one!  Just remember to leave a comment at the bottom of this post with a link or email so I can contact you through email if you should be one of our two winners!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I participated in this product review through The Motherhood.  I received a gift set of Wee Gen products to use and a stipend for this post.  All opinions are mine and Cupcake's!

How My Faith Informs My Vote

I rarely get political here at My Mid-Life Motherhood, but with the Presidential Election looming large this coming Tuesday, I could resist no longer.  As I've gotten older, become a parent and now have teenagers that are interested and intrigued by the political debate, I have thus become more politically minded.  The issues matter more to me each year and my appreciation for the political process has deepened each time I have cast my vote.

My vote counts.  Your vote counts.  Voting does matter.

Despite the cry that it doesn't work, our vote doesn't count and it doesn't matter, we have managed to vote in 44 Presidents and thousands of representatives, locally and nationally, since this great nation began!  I am proud to stand among those patriots who take seriously the responsibility we have as Americans to continue this "government of the people, by the people, for the people." (President Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address)

This morning, our pastor's sermon was based on the passage in Romans 13 that deals with our relationship to governing authorities.  It was a timely sermon as we have been working our way through the book of Romans and only jumped ahead a chapter to address this topic.  I appreciated the reminder that we are to live responsibly under civil authority, which for we Americans includes participating in the political process with our vote.  Our government, has been established under God's authority and when it veers away from His word we need to abide by God's law.  If the governing authority is not divergent from scripture, than we are obligated to respect that authority.

I was shocked, and saddened, to hear the statistic from one survey that only 40% of Evangelical Christians registered to vote, actually do so.  As Christians, we are called to be culturally relevant and I believe sitting on the sidelines because we are uninformed, misinformed or disillusioned is not living up to that calling.  We need to make sure that we are informed and take seriously the opportunity we have each year to have an impact on our community, state and nation.

Our pastor shared six questions that he asks himself before voting for any candidate.  These questions can assist us on the journey to becoming better informed.   Based on the Ten Commandments, I found these queries to be a helpful guide for choosing which candidates would be best to support from a Christian perspective.  As we are to use God's Word as a standard in every aspect of our lives, this is a practical way of showing how to do so when it comes to the realm of politics.  My hope, is that by sharing these questions others may feel more comfortable and prepared to vote for the candidate of their choice this coming Tuesday, and beyond, for various representatives - from the local Committee Person, Mayor or Judge to Governor, Senator, House Representative, and President!

1. Which candidate is most likely to protect my freedom to worship God? (1st - 4th Commandments: Have no other gods.  Have no idols.  Honor God's name.  Honor the Sabbath day.)
2. Which candidate is most likely to protect my freedom to teach my children my values. (5th Commandment: Honor your parents.)
3. Which candidate is most likely to protect human life?  (6th Commandment: Do not murder.)
4. Which candidate is most likely to endorse God's plan and purpose for human sexuality and marriage; to promote sexual morality, responsibility and marriage? (7th Commandment: Do not commit adultery.)
5. Which candidate is most likely to support financial responsibility and contentment; considering that extreme taxation and debt are forms of theft?  (8th & 10th Commandments: Do not steal. Do not covet.)
6. Which candidate is most likely to tell the truth?  (9th Commandment: Do not lie.)

We need not be so cynical as to assume that ever politician in every case is a pathological liar.  Conversely, we need to be aware that there is no such thing as a perfect politician.  We all sin and so do the politicians.

We can rest assured that God is in control and He is the one who has given us the government and leaders we have.  He knows who will be elected President on Tuesday.  It may not be my choice, it may not be your choice, but in the end our political process will work to elect the next President and various other leaders in our nation.  I encourage you to take the opportunity to participate in the process and teach your children the value of your vote!

Perhaps a simple children's song can remind us of a comforting fact, "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands."  And that brings us back to My Mid-Life Motherhood.



I've added this post to Motivation Mondays here and there.

Naptime Nostalgia

This morning I returned from a church women's breakfast to the sound of busy chatter over the baby monitor.  With our two teens away for the weekend, I knew that Hubby and Cupcake were up to something in her room, especially after I heard him instruct her to put the hammer away!  As I climbed the stairs I saw the unmistakable signs of change in the hallway - cardboard boxes lying in front of a familiar white railing.  With quickened step, I soon found myself standing in her room.  Furniture re-arranged.  Crib gone.  Pretty little toddler bed in its place.  Excitement etched on their faces as I entered the room and...cried.

Flooded by emotions, I continued to cry.  We had talked about this day for awhile now, but I had been reluctant to make the move.  Apparently, this had been the perfect weekend for Hubby to tackle the task, so he thought he would go ahead and surprise me by having it all done by the time I got home.  Silly man.  After 20 years, he forgot he was married to an emotional, sentimental old fool of a woman!

Cupcake attempted to console me with, "Oh, it's okay, don't cwy Mama!", flitting back and forth between me and her newly converted bed.  Meanwhile, Hubby and I both just stood there, equally stunned.  He at my tears and me at what I can only describe as a huge lack of insensitivity on his part!  C'mon, what had he been thinking?!  Didn't he realize that I had wanted before and after pictures?  To rock her one last time before putting her to bed in her crib?  To savor the moment, watching her sleep surrounded by every Minnie Mouse she could find?  To wake up hearing her call me to get her out of  her "cwib?"

I tried to calm myself and enjoy Cupcake's enthusiasm, but I eventually had to excuse myself to go sob like a baby in the privacy of my own bathroom.  Again, flooded by emotions only this time with a new theme overcoming me: fear.  How will I ever be able to sleep again, knowing she can wander around the house on her own?  With no safe spot to stow her, when will I be able to get a shower or have a break from the inevitable temper tantrum?  Will she ever take another nap?  How will she be safe in a room she shares with her teen sister?  Now that she has full accessibility to the tall bookshelf, how soon can we bolt it to the wall?  What if...? What if...? What if...?

As nap time approached, I apprehensively got her ready to try out her new bed.  Anxiety filled me as I anticipated an hour long wrestling match attempting to keep her in the bed.  I recalled these years with her older siblings.  The daily nap time struggle which entailed having to sit threateningly at the edge of their bed until they fell asleep or learned to play quietly on their beds.

Frankly, I was exhausted and my emotions were raw (hence, the crying!) after an extremely busy week (which had brought the first full week of school, the first day of nursery school, the kick off to two ministries, piano lessons, auditions, back to school night and more.)  I ached for the nostalgia of our night time routine which I had missed over the past two days due to our hectic schedule necessitating babysitters.  The week had been a whirlwind and I really did not have it in me to fight her to take a nap.

Cupcake climbed in her big girl bed and I marveled at how she could just jump on in without me wrenching my back lifting her over the high crib rail.  I tucked her in, relishing the fact that I could now easily reach her for a cuddle and a kiss.  Thankfully, she snuggled down with her stuffed animals and quickly fell asleep...likely exhausted from the excitement of the day (not to mention the intense mood swings of her Mama!)

Change is hard, especially when it means leaving a part of  life behind.  I suppose if my mid-life crisis is melting down at the sight of a toddler bed in place of the crib, then I'm doin' pretty well!

As soon as Hubby and Cupcake wake up from their respective naps, I'll be sure to greet them with a more thankful heart!

Final Destination On The Potty Train!

Nearing the end of our potty training journey!

There is an almost audible screeching of the brakes as Cupcake and I round the bend, approaching the last tunnel, rattling slowly toward our final destination on The Potty Train.  We embarked on the scenic route, had a few delays, switched gears to the fast track and hope to disembark soon at No Diaper Depot!

The ultimate goal of complete potty independence seemed miles away at the beginning of our journey, but now I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  We've gone from diapers to pull-ups over the course of several months as we introduced Cupcake to the world of potty training.  During our Intensive Potty Training Day, we made the switch from diapers to underwear while at home.  The last leg of our journey involves ditching the diapers for outings, naps and bedtime.

We have already had several successful trips out of the house without incident (or diapers!), which gives me hope that we are on our way to freedom soon.  Cupcake even prefers wearing panties to pull-ups, except at naps and bedtime when she asks for her "Cinderella" diaper.  She does, however, start pleading for diapers and whining about how much she "no likes panties!" during the occasional accident (only 3 so far!)   This aversion of accidents on her part is an encouragement to me, since it means that she will continue to do her best to avoid them.  Of course, it takes an extra measure of patience to clean up and then coax her back into her pretty little undies!

Constant supervision on my part will be necessary to help her avoid the accidents and continue to build her confidence.  This means reminding her to go potty, keeping an eye on her as she maneuvers on and off, assisting her in completing her potty routine when necessary and helping her be prepared to do it all by herself in time for preschool at the end of the summer.  (Always helps to have a deadline!)

It also may mean allowing her a few more diapers to help ease the transition of those stubborn little poopies!  Poor little Cupcake has been plugged up for two days and just couldn't do her duty until I gave her a little time back in the diaper for a longer car ride.  Our next step will be to focus on having her accomplish both types of elimination on her own in the bathroom.  One down, two to go (a little potty humor for ya!)

Once Cupcake has accomplished complete potty independence for a solid week, we will throw her a potty party.  We did this for each of our kids and it was a great incentive for them to get over any final hurdles.  Cupcake already has her potty party planned and is eager to invite all her "fans" (aka, friends!)

I hope you have enjoyed the ride here on our Potty Train express and would love to hear about your journey in potty training!

< last stop!

Taking The Scenic Route On The Potty Train

There are various tracks to be taken on The Potty Train.  Some take the fast track while others take a more leisurely approach on the scenic route.

FAST TRACK

With our first child, we pretty much took the fast track on The Potty Train and it worked for us.  There are several resources out there available on how to potty train quickly (a day, 3 days, a week, etc.) The track we followed with Darlin' was pretty similar to the one we implemented with Cupcake recently.  I outlined our Intensive Potty Training Day process in a previous post that I hope is helpful to you.  I could not find the exact book we relied on originally, (about fourteen years ago,) but pretty sure the techniques we used are similar to those found in Potty Train Your Child In Just One Day: Proven Secrets of the Potty Pro.  If you'd like to take the fast track to potty training, then I would recommend using this book as a guide.

THE SCENIC ROUTE

The fast track may not appeal to everyone, as it can be somewhat, well, fast...and it can get a bit intensive at times (hence the name Intensive Potty Training Day.)  Frankly, sometimes we would just rather meander leisurely through parenting instead of being on the express train!

The scenic route takes a bit of a relaxed approach to potty training, which may suit you and your child better than one focused sprint.  This is a more gradual process introducing your tot to the bathroom routine via various tools (books, videos, songs, and potty chairs) over a longer period of time (weeks or months.)  There is a plethora of things available online and in stores to help you on your journey.  Some of my favorite potty training books for kids are listed, here, in my amazon store.

As your child begins to express interest you may slowly have them sit on the potty while reading or watching a favorite show. If they sit long enough they might have the opportunity to recognize when something happens or be completely surprised by the "water" in the potty bowl - either way they begin to get the idea of what to expect!

Once they've made the connection between diapers and the potty they may be ready to sit on their special seat a few times a day - before nap time and bed time are good habits to begin.  If you notice a dry diaper after waking up, then encourage them to sit on the potty immediately.  This is a great time to garner success and build confidence!

COMBO TRACK

Perhaps the leisurely pace of the scenic route and the focus of the fast track are both appealing.  If so, then I highly recommend the combo track!  To be honest, this is more my style and precisely what I did with Cupcake.

I introduced her to various potty paraphernalia months ago and have been gradually resigning myself to potty training ever since.  Cupcake has been interested in potty training for awhile and I have been the one to avoid hopping on board The Potty Train express.  She followed me around the house with her princess potty, she sat and watched TV on her bunny potty, she hunted me down for diaper changes, she woke up dry after naps and she constantly followed me into the bathroom all day long.  As summer progressed with nursery school on the horizon, I realized that my gradual approach had not quite accomplished the goal of total potty independence and I needed to switch gears to the fast track.

I do believe the leisurely pace we have had over the past few months helped Cupcake (and Mommy!) with the adjustment to a more focused approach.  She was already familiar with her potties and really only needed to be trained in completing the whole potty process.

Despite our Intensive Potty Training Day, we are back on the scenic route and enjoying the ride.  Cupcake has been wearing her panties proudly while at home and I haven't stressed about using diapers for naps, bed or outings.  In fact it was only yesterday, (a week and a half after our IPTD,) that I dared venture out with her in undies - successfully, I might add!

Taking the scenic route to the fast track has been the perfect ride for Cupcake and has helped ease her out of diapers.  She was so afraid of having an accident in her new undies during our IPTD, that she kept running to the potty every few minutes.  She did this so much during that first day, that I considered writing a book called, The Girl Who Cried Potty!  Eventually, when we relaxed the routine over the next week, she began to go at the proper times and stopped "crying potty."  I think our easing into and out of the fast track was a significant step that enabled Cupcake to become more comfortable with the whole potty concept.

No matter which track you choose on The Potty Train, enjoy the ride!

< last stop!                          final destination! >

The Potty Train: Delays, Detours and Departures!

Rarely is a ride on The Potty Train smooth sailing the entire way.  Rather, you're bound to experience bumps, hills, turns, and even full stops on your journey.  Here's a few of the delays, detours and departures that you might experience as you wind along the track of The Potty Train.

Delays

There are several delays that you might face on the road to potty training.

You're Child Is Not Ready

If you're tot is following you around the house carrying a new potty, begging to sit on it, then you can be pretty sure it's time to start considering potty training!  On the other extreme, if you're tot is throwing tantrums at the mention of the potty, then perhaps ya might want to bring it up again later or consider a new approach.

Some key signals that your tot is most likely ready to start potty training or things that just make the ride a little smoother for all involved are:  

1. Communication: It's so much easier to understand when your child has to go potty when they can tell you! It is also easier to teach them proper potty behavior when they can understand what you're talking about.
2. Interest: If you are no longer able to relieve yourself without an audience, then it's a good time to hop on board The Potty Train!
3. Urgency:  If your tot is eager for you to change a dirty diaper, then they are beginning to feel uncomfortable and perhaps would like to be introduced to the softer side of life: cotton!
4. Development:  If you notice that your child wakes up dry after a nap or is going much longer between diaper changes, then that is a sign they are developing better bladder control.  

You're Life Is Not Ready

Perhaps the circumstances of life are such that it would make it quite difficult to even consider potty training at the moment.  Are you moving?  Are you expecting?  Are you suffering from major illness or recovering from surgery?  The list goes on of possible delays that life may bring to the potty training process.  It's important to assess your own situation and not compare yourself to friends or family.  

Our three children were all potty trained at different ages.  I was expecting our son when Darlin' was turning two.  Despite the fact that she exhibited all the signs of readiness, I choose to hold off until after the baby was born.  This worked for our family, as we all had the opportunity to adjust to a baby in the house before dealing with potty training our first child.  Even with the delay, she was still potty trained in time to attend a nursery school program at age 2 1/2.

Just after Bud turned two, we moved.  I actually do not remember potty training him at all!  Since he started nursery school at age 3 1/2, my assumption is that we worked on it the summer beforehand.  I do recall that I did not attempt to squeeze in potty training before we moved and transitioned him to a kiddie bed.  Sometimes it is better to just take one thing at a time and not overwhelm a toddler.

You're Just Not Ready!

Sometimes your child is ready, your situation is perfect, but you are just not ready to go (pun intended!)  This was my delay with Cupcake.  She has been following me around the house with her princess potty, practically using a battering ram to get into the bathroom should I attempt privacy and she cannot handle a second more than necessary should she soil her diaper!  So you might be asking yourself, "Why the delay?!" The answer is simple: Me.

I just wasn't ready to deal with potty training.  All I recalled from my previous experiences was cleaning up messes and doing extra laundry.  I was really hoping she would just potty train herself along the way!  But alas, it had not happened miraculously and with nursery school just around the corner, I could delay no more - so we boarded The Potty Train once again!

Detours

Expect a few detours as your tot adjusts to life without diapers.  Accidents will happen and it helps to handle them with an extra measure of patience in order to continue to build confidence in your child.  Attempt to maintain control even if you are ready to blow your lid (again, pun intended!)  Continue to encourage your child, even if it is a struggle for them to gain control or focus.  If you need some encouragement, talk to other moms, your Mom or other parenting resources.  Here's one article to help you through the bed wetting stage that might detour your child for a bit.  Be encouraged, even with lengthy detours you won't be sending them off to college in diapers!

Departures

Despite our best laid plans things sometimes take us off course and we Moms need to be flexible.  If you feel that you'd rather not deal with a mess in the car, then go ahead...use a diaper.  If you don't want to have to take your child to the potty every fifteen minutes at the amusement park, go ahead...use a pull-up.  Don't worry, I won't judge ya and don't worry about all the other moms out there who might be looking down their noses at your diapered three year old...they'll get over it!  You know what you and your child can handle, so handle it and don't concern yourself with what others might think.  Be aware of your situations, be prepared, but be flexible.

As you board The Potty Train, have a destination in mind, strive for complete potty training by then (nursery school, baby's arrival, after moving) and don't fret over any delays, detours or departures along the way.

< last stop!                        next stop! >

First Stop On The Potty Train!

Welcome aboard The Potty Train!  Grab your gear and get ready for our first stop:

Intensive Potty Training

Conductor Cupcake on The Potty Train!

With each of our little passengers on The Potty Train, we have set aside one day to focus entirely on potty training.  Our first experience was a huge success when Darlin' went from diapers to underwear practically overnight.  I recall that we had a week or so worth of accidents after our Intensive Potty Training Day (IPTD) as she adjusted to the change during naps and bedtime.  I considered that a great success, because that was about all Mommy could handle of washing sheets and cleaning up messes.  Fortunately, Darlin' caught on quickly and was ready for nursery school at 2 1/2!

Unfortunately, Hubby and I have absolutely no recollection of potty training our son.  (Not sure if we were just so traumatized by the endeavor, if it was just a complete breeze or if the recent decade has dimmed those memories?!)  What I do remember is that we set aside a day to train him like we had done with Darlin' and, again, claimed success.  Based on our track record, we decided to embark on yet another IPTD with Cupcake.

Below is a tour of our first stop on The Potty Train!

Schedule Trip

Clear a day for your intensive potty training.  We set aside a Saturday when we would both be home, our older kids would be away and we could focus on the potty training process with Cupcake together.  I highly recommend having an additional adult present to help occupy your tot if a major mess occurs or just to give Mommy a break to go to the bathroom herself!

Check Baggage

Gather your supplies and place them in a handy spot.  After Cupcake's first accident, I quickly realized that everything I needed was all over the house.  I rounded up our necessary items (panties, clothes, wipes, etc.) and placed them in the powder room, where we had chosen to do most of our potty training.  I cleared the washer and dryer so soiled items could be thrown in the wash immediately and dealt with at the end of the day.  Our Swiffer mop, Lysol wipes, baby wipes and paper towels stood at attention in the hallway until they were needed.  I still keep flushable wipes and several of Cupcake's undies in the powder room just in case she doesn't make it to the potty on time.

Assess Amenities

Make sure the potty works!  I had assumed that the insert on the Disney Princess Potty would fit on top of our toilets - to great disappointment, it didn't.  I then tried the portable Disney Princess Travel Potty Seat. This fold up potty seat sat on top, but really required supervision for our little one.  Our goal, with IPTD, was to teach our tot how to go to the bathroom independently, so it was a bit of a shock that morning when we realized we had nothing that Cupcake could use by herself on top of a regular toilet.  Hubby ran to the store and picked up a new potty seat that has worked perfectly for us, Disney Princess Potty Seat.  Lesson learned - check to make sure the potty seat fits!

Cafe Car

Potty training works best when ya gotta go!  Cupcake got to have special donuts with juice at breakfast, so she would be ready to relieve herself soon after we boarded The Potty Train.  The first couple trips to the bathroom were unsuccessful, but she eventually went - right after leaving the bathroom.  The second hour brought success, however, as we continued to pump her full of liquids and snacks.

Whistle Blows

Set a timer.  At the beginning of our day we planned on taking Cupcake to the restroom every half hour, so we set our timer accordingly.  At first nothing happened in the potty.  Eventually, she was successful and we realized that she was needing to empty her bladder more often.  We found that stopping every 15 minutes for the first few hours helped Cupcake avoid accidents and gain more confidence on the potty.

Follow Route

Teach your tot a potty routine and stick to it consistently.  Many of the trips to the bathroom for the first few hours are really just establishing proper potty behavior.  In the beginning your tot may need assistance, but by the end of the day should be able to accomplish much of it independently.  Cupcake is able to follow her routine all by herself, with the exception of hand washing since she still can't reach the faucet.  Here is her potty routine:

• She moves her stool in front of toilet.
• She removes her potty seat from hook and places it on top of toilet seat.
• She climbs up on stool.
• She pulls her pants down and sits on potty seat.
• She relieves herself.
• She wipes herself and any drips on potty seat.
• She pulls up her pants.
• She climbs down from stool.
• She hangs potty seat back up on hook.
• She gently closes the toilet lid and flushes.
• She pushes stool over to the sink
• She washes and dries her hands.

Perks

Positive reinforcement is beneficial.  Stock up on a few prizes to reward your child for success on the potty. Cupcake picked out candy, coloring books, crayons and stickers for her prizes.  Smaller perks were awarded if she was successful when we brought her to the potty.  Larger prizes were awarded when she initiated going to the potty on her own successfully.  We restrict the majority of our perks to our Intensive Potty Training Day.  Of course we continue to cheer, clap, hoot and holler our excitement - especially when Cupcake initiates and completes the process all on her own!  An extra special surprise does await for going poop in the potty on her own (that always seems to take kids a little longer to perfect.)

Be Alert

Keep a close watch on your child for signs of urgency.  I have to remind myself that this potty thing is new to Cupcake!  We are not used to having to interrupt play time (or blogging or laundry or phone calls) to attempt to go to the potty.  It is very easy to get distracted by life, miss the signals and end up with a big mess on your newly mopped floor!  Continue to set the timer for a few days to help you both adjust to this new habit.  Also be sure to supervise the potty routine to help reinforce what has been learned.

Tunnel Ahead

Remember there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel!  Potty training is my least favorite part of parenthood and requires a lot of patience on my part.  Sometimes it helps to remind myself that it is a very brief part of child rearing that benefits our family immensely: no more stinky diapers, no more expensive diapers, no more diaper rash and no more overstuffed diaper bags!  Pretty soon Cupcake and I will be officially disembarking from The Potty Train! Whoo! Whoo!

< all aboard!                           next stop! >

All Aboard The Potty Train!

Whoot!  Whoo!  All Aboard The Potty Train!  Whoot!  Whoo!

This week on My Mid-Life Motherhood we are jumping on board the Potty Train!  Cupcake and I hope you'll join us as we share the ups and downs of our potty training experience.

Here are a few key items to gather if you'd like to join us on our journey!

Underwear

Take your little tyke to the store and pick out their favorite character undies.  Cupcake was so excited to pick out Princess and Minnie Mouse panties - so much so that she showed them to anyone who neared our shopping cart and proudly announced that she was getting ready to potty train!

Cupcake's New Panties!

Treats

While at the store, grab a few extra treats that your child likes. I let Cupcake pick out some donuts, candy and juice - things she would consider an extra special reward.

Prizes

We also picked out a few special stickers, crayons and coloring books to use for rewards during our intensive potty training day.  Every time she went in the potty she got to pick a small treat and if she initiated going to the potty on her own successfully, she was rewarded with a larger prize.

Portable Potty & Potty Chair

Decide which kind of potty you would like to train your tot to use and make sure you have what you need before you climb aboard the potty train!  We have several potties that Cupcake has been using on and off for the past few months.  We decided to use a portable potty insert that fits onto any toilet seat in order to train her to use the bathroom properly.

Plenty of Princess Potties!

Stool

An important part of potty training is teaching our kids how to use the bathroom on their own.  Hand washing is key to that training and it is vital to have a non-slip stool to make the sink reachable for little ones!

Potty Books

Anticipate that your tot will spend lots of time just sitting and waiting on the potty. Providing some helpful reading material is another way to educate them on proper potty usage.  One potty we have even has a little side pocket to hold a few books - it is the perfect size for one of our favorites: Once Upon A Potty!

Old Fashioned Potty Chair!

Cleaning Supplies

Stock up on paper towels, flushable wipes, Lysol wipes, baby wipes, etc. Pick whichever cleaning supplies you prefer for the inevitable accidents your tot will experience. Hopefully, your experience will be similar to ours with only a couple of accidents that first day of intensive potty training!

Timer

Make sure you have some sort of timer to help remind you to take your tot to the potty on a regular basis.

Night Time Plan

Decide how you want to handle nap time and bed time - undies, training pants, pull-ups or diapers and stock up on any necessary supplies.

Now that all our supplies are gathered, get ready to embark upon The Potty Train!

first stop! >

My "Did It!" List

The day is nearly done and as I look around at the mess of the house engulfing me, I wonder, "What in the world did I do all day?!"  In an effort to achieve some sense of accomplishment, I'd like to take a moment to list the things I did do.

Instead of the typical "To Do" list, (which leaves little satisfaction for me at the end of the day when nothing has been crossed off) here is my "Did It!" list.

I feel better already....

DID IT!

• Decided to start a new morning routine for Cupcake after realizing that the very first thing she wants each morning is to "watch a show!"  Instead, I poured us some morning Joe (coffee for me, juice for her) and we snuggled together to read her toddler Bible.  She was thrilled!  Afterward, I began reading the book of Esther out loud and she was excited to hear about a Queen in the Bible!
• Caught up on email and messages.
• Made a yummy egg breakfast for all the kiddos.
• Planned a few meals and created shopping list
• Went to the gym and broke a sweat.
• Did a full trip to the grocery store.
• Unpacked groceries and ended up needing to clean out bottom drawer of freezer in the process!
• Threw together some sort of late lunch for myself.
• Rescued Cupcake from her loose dress strap while she napped.
• Took a swim and did laps in the pool (even after working out at the gym!)
• Had a much needed and relaxing shower.
• Checked on Cupcake multiple times while she slept all afternoon...still breathing!
• Sorted laundry from our trip to the shore and started a load.
• Taught Darlin' how to make chicken fajitas and managed to keep myself from jumping in to take over since I can do it ten times faster!
• Enjoyed Darlin's dinner with the family, despite the learning curve delay.
• Hurriedly gave instructions to Hubby as I rushed out the door.
• Dropped Darlin' and Bud off at our church Senior High Youth Group.
• Raced to the church for a Board of Christian Education Meeting.  Put in my proverbial two cents.
• Drove home.
• Finished last bits of dinner clean up.
• Unloaded washer only to discover sand at the bottom, because I had neglected to rinse out Cupcake's beach cover up before throwing it in the wash!
• Rinsed it out thoroughly and started wash again.
• Checked phone and email messages.
• Had a glass of wine.
• Proudly listened to Bud's piano composition he worked on most of the day.
• Did not yell when Bud requested laundry for tomorrow...just a few minutes ago.
• Another load of laundry.
• Wrote this post!

I DID IT!  Or as Cupcake says, "I dill it!"

First (And Hopefully Only!) ER Trip

In honor of Red Cross Month, we made our first trip to the Emergency Room with Cupcake this March. Considering that she is named after Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross (the only claim to fame in my family tree), it seemed a fitting tribute.

Cupcake & Minnie waiting at the ER!

After 5 days of dealing with Cupcake's high fever, we ended up taking her to the ER. We had managed to keep the fever under control by alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen for a week. She had even been given antibiotics for possible strep that may have gone to her ears.  Despite this, anytime we delayed the pain relievers, hoping the fever was done, within an hour it would skyrocket to 104, 105, even 106 at one point!  Finally, the doctor instructed us to take her to the ER if it hit 102 again.  So we packed up, anticipating the spike and prepared for a traumatic hospital experience.  Boy, were we surprised!

Cupcake in her mini hospital gown.

We arrived at the ER in the evening loaded with all sorts of snacks, toys and games to keep our tot occupied during what we expected to be a bit of a wait. We had anticipated being there for several hours, but were shocked at the end, when we returned home at 4 am, after a 7 1/2 hour trip to the ER! Unbelievably, Cupcake was awake for the ENTIRE time! Daddy and Mommy, on the other hand, could hardly keep our eyes open in the wee hours.

Shortly after our arrival, her fever spiked enough to merit a dose of Tylenol.  True to form, she perked right up for the rest of our stay, causing us to question, "Why are we here?!"  With her fever down, she managed to fill the time contentedly singing, playing, watching TV, entertaining the hospital staff or curiously inquiring of every noise over the PA System.  Thankfully, her internal chronometer reminded her body that it was supposed to be asleep, so she stayed in the hospital bed and was not anxious to get up and run around.  It would have been a rather hectic experience if we were chasing her through the halls!  On the other hand, it may have been a quicker visit had she been a bit more discontent....

Cupcake was fascinated with all the doctors and nurses.  She didn't seem to mind being poked, prodded and stuck.  In fact, she was almost intrigued by the whole ordeal. Perhaps she'll follow in the footsteps of her namesake and head into the field of medicine. The only tears came at the end of the visit when it was time to pull out the IV port. She didn't want to take off the cute splint they had given her, so the nurses kindly let her keep it. Cupcake was happy to use it as a sleeping bag for her mini Minnie Mouse!

Cupcake, with her IV splint, was a real trooper!

After our long stay, she was given the all clear and we were sent home to await some test results. For several days, Cupcake sported her bracelets and told everyone she met about the boo-boo on her arm. She's still undergoing testing to find out the mystery behind her on and off fever for the past month.  When we pulled into the doctor's office this week for a blood test, she told me, "Boo-boo all 'beller'!"  She apparently didn't want another boo-boo on that same arm!  Despite a few tears this time around, she sat very still and was fascinated with the vile of her own blood that the phlebotomist let her hold.  Cupcake proudly wore her badge of courage (otherwise known as her princess boo-boo sticker) and it would come as no surprise to me if someday she sported a Red Cross!

Top Ten Things I Love About Breakfast With My Toddler!

1.  How she clambers all the way up on the kitchen stool to retrieve her coveted "orange ball" and starts peeling it.  Cupcake is addicted to clementines!

2.  How she takes a sip from her cup every time I take a swig of my morning java!

3.  How she says "cheers" and holds out her sippy cup expectantly til I tap my mug to it!

4.  How she started saying grace this week, "God is good, God is great, God is good...indecipherable toddler mumblings...food."

5.  The joy on her face every time we sing the "Oh, the Lord's been good to me" song before we eat.

6.  Sitting so proudly in her new big girl Trip Trapp chair!

7.  Footie Pajamas!

8.  How she keeps her markers and sparkle Disney Princess paper right next to her all the while, just in case she has a moment of artistic inspiration!

9.  How she picks up the scrambled eggs and places them on her tiny fork!

10.  Sitting down at the dining room table and starting our day together!

"Animal Six"

In recent years our older kids have become involved in the theatre.  They have participated in several school productions and have thoroughly enjoyed the Theatre and Kids summer camps.

Last year was the first time that we encouraged them to audition for a community production through Theatre and Kids, because they were slated to do Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe!  As the Narnia books and movies are beloved family favorites, our children were eager to audition...especially Darlin'.  I encouraged Bud to go for it too, even though it was his first year at a new school - with all new routines, teachers and a lot more homework.

They worked hard to memorize their monologues. Darlin' auditioned with a dramatic piece for Galadriel, from Lord of the Rings, (accent and all,) hoping to play Susan or the White Which.  Bud, who just wanted to get to do some stage fighting, chose something a little less, well, dramatic: Syndrome from The Incredibles!

One of my worst fears was that only one of the of kids would get a part in the play and the other would be left "standing in the wings."  A few days later we were excited to find that both kids had received roles in the play!  I was not prepared, however, for the result.

Our son had been cast as Edmund!  Wow!  What an accomplishment, to land a lead the first time out?! (Naturally, he was thrilled that stage combat would be involved!)  Our daughter...Animal Six....  In case you're wondering, tears were involved.

King Edmund

To make matters worse, I tried to console my daughter. I explained that they probably wanted an older girl if Bud was playing Edmund.  Probably taller, more experienced, etc.  The next day Darlin' arrived at school to find that the "new girl", whom we had invited to audition, had landed the part of Susan.  Same grade, same age, slightly taller, in fact they look like they could be sisters!  Poor Darlin'.

Despite her smaller role, Darlin' faithfully attended rehearsal, helped her brother with lines and encouraged her new friend (she'd be the first to tell ya that she portrayed Susan wonderfully!)  To her credit, Darlin' embraced the essence of Animal Six and delivered her lines with much gusto. 

Animal Six

In an effort to encourage Darlin', while being supportive and excited for Bud's leading role, our family decided to sport T-shirts to the production.  On the front we had a logo for Narnia and on the back in huge letters it read: "GO ANIMAL SIX."  Under that, in fine print it read: "and Edmund too!"

All the cousins sportin' their supportive T's!

We even made a toddler version for the baby to wear...you can imagine that it attracted a bit of attention.  Both kids were thrilled and it brought a lot of levity to what could have been a touchy situation.  Amazing how T-shirts can calm teen drama, eh?  Who knew?!

This year the kids both participated in the Theatre and Kids summer camp.  Bud as a camper and Darlin' as an apprentice.  They each learned new skills and developed greater confidence in their performances.  Our daughter had a wonderful opportunity to participate in the One Acts, in which she really shown as a narrator in Sleepy Hollow and as a little girl in another one act.

Little girl, large lollipop!

School arrived and they each anticipated auditioning for the upcoming production of Jane Eyre.  Soon after school started, each of the kids decided to run for student council...can  you guess where this is going?

Darlin' lost her Vice Presidential race with grace.  The very next day, my son returned home from school and excitedly, but quietly, pulled me aside to announce that he had won his race, he was Junior High President!

It was Animal Six all over again.

Despite Darlin's loss, I felt that President did deserve a few cheers and she too congratulated him on his success.  Of course, I continue to address him as Mr. President, being the proud Mama that I am!

As auditions for Jane Eyre loomed ever closer, my only thought was, "Please, Lord, not another Animal Six?!"  I truly felt that my heart would break should Darlin' watch her little bro achieve, yet again, in an area where she too desired to excel but instead found herself deflated. Besides, I would like to wholeheartedly support his (and her) achievements without any sense of guilt.

With so few boys that audition, I was pretty confident that he would get a part, but with so many girls that try out I new it would be a fierce competition for any major female roles.  My hope and prayer was that both of them would get parts that they were excited about, content with and eager to perform.

Both kids worked hard to find and prepare a monologue.  Darlin' performed one of Jo's monologues from Little Women, while Bud portrayed Mr. Knightley reprimanding Emma from that Jane Austen classic of the same name.

It was with great trepidation and anticipation that we eagerly awaited the posting of the cast list.  In fact, we tried for 45 minutes to find out where it was posted, to no avail.  Finally, Hubby sent Darlin' a text to congratulate her on being cast as...drum roll please...Jane!

You can only imagine the excitement when we finally found out that the curse of Animal Six had been broken!  Darlin' may still be in shock over the fact that she landed the lead for the next few months!  Naturally, there was great celebration in our house that both kids received roles that they are enthusiastic to perform!  Apparently, Bud plays St. John Rivers, who proposes to Jane...so we're all wondering how that's gonna play out?!

Thankfully, both our kids have a great sense of humor.  They embraced the Go Animal Six T-shirts last year, in fact it was their idea!  Upon learning of her role,  Darlin' even called her Aunt to inform her that she had indeed been cast as Jane and not "third bush to the left" as our family had been teasing. (Gee, we're supportive, eh?!)  As I mentioned, it's a good thing they have a great sense of humor.  Suppose I'd rather prepare them for worst case scenarios and be pleasantly surprised!

And pleasantly surprised we were!

Congratulations to my kiddos!  Well done, Mr. President and Jane Eyre!  Wonder what kind of T-shirts we'll make this year?!

GO ANIMAL SIX!

Our budding actors!

Top Ten Things I Love About...Spring Break!

1. Sleeping in!
2. Staying up late with kids to watch DWTS while munching homemade popcorn.
3. No packing lunches for school...yay!
4. Shopping for Easter dresses.
5. Baking chocolate chip cookies for my daughter's friends when they come over.
6. Hosting our family Easter egg hunt for the first time since our teens were little...sniff...sniff!
7. Decorating Easter eggs.
8. Ending my Lenten fast with a Starbuck's Decaf-Non-Fat-Latte-Please!
9. Heading to the shore to celebrate Easter with family.
10. Celebrating the resurrection of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Hope you all have an enjoyable, restful, refreshing Spring break and can truly celebrate the real meaning of Christmas this Easter!

Silver Spoons

My two older children, although sometimes it may seem like it, were not born with silver spoons in their hands.  In fact, as toddlers they hardly used spoons at all, I guess I was much more the go-ahead-and-eat-with-your-hands type of Mom.  Don't worry, eventually, I got tired of dealing with the mess and encouraged them to leave behind their viking ways to join the upper crust! (I can dream can't I?!)

They each had their own favorite spoons, forks, sporks, etc. - of all shapes, sizes and varieties.  Some of these I have kept and will occasionally pull them out for our current toddler to use.  However, more often I find myself reaching for the old sets of children's silverware that had been given to my previous two kids when they were babies.  They are just the right size for chubby little toddler hands to grasp.  The fork works much better than the plastic varieties which, although pose no poking risk, do make it difficult to, well, poke the food! 

I was very excited when I received the opportunity (thanks to Tara Bucci, a fellow PSMM blogger!) to review a new 3 Piece Baby Set of Oneida. Now Baby would have a set of her own!  She has been enjoying using her favorite piece, the fork.  She seems to have much more success getting things to her mouth by stabbing them with the fork.  When she uses the spoon, inevitably, the food ends up in her lap or if I'm lucky, the crumb catcher pocket of her bib!  It is usually at those times that I pull out the trusty fork or encourage reverting to viking style.

I have been impressed with the durability of Oneida over the years and this new set is no exception.  It has met and exceeded my expectations and has not shown any ware from multiple dashes to our ceramic tiled kitchen floor!  Thanks to Oneida for providing this 3 piece infant Chateau stainless steel set, which includes at baby spoon, baby fork and feeder spoon.

Comes in nice gift box and is great for a baby shower gift!

I think Baby likes how shiny they are and, I admit it, so do I!

There are a variety of gift sets available from Oneida in 3 different designs: Paul Revere, Cubby Bear and my personal favorite, Chateau.  I love that one because it complements the Oneida flatware and silver I received for my wedding.  With this latest addition to our silverware drawer, now we will have enough to set the table properly for holiday dinners.  Once the kids outgrow them, they are perfect sizes for dips, sauces, pickles and other condiments.  I know I look forward to using them for years to come and eventually handing them down to each of my children for their own babies! 

Disclosure: The opinions expressed are mine and no monetary compensation was received for this review.