minimal mom

dear hadley

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Sat, 26 May 2012 01:01:00 +0000

Dear Hadley,

I'm embarrassed that I haven't kept up with my monthly letters to you. It's not that I haven't been inspired, because little lady, you inspire me daily. It's that life is busy!! But tonight, I feel inspired.

My sweet girl, you are quickly rounding the "four year-old" corner at the speed of a professional ball player. I can't believe it... I have an (almost) four year-old. You are so grown-up and smart. I look at you and marvel... Is it possible that I grew you, birthed you and manage to not only keep you alive, but help mold you into this gorgeous little person?

The other evening we were all outside so you and your sister could ride bikes. You had on your Tinker Bell helmet, flip flops, a cute little skirt and sweatshirt. You were smacking on gum and zooming around corners on your big girl bike like it was no ones business. I looked at your dad and said "I can't believe we have a child who is doing this." And I can't.

Just last week you finished your first year of preschool. Your development leaped... You draw pictures now and almost write your name. You have one more year of preschool, but I think you are anxious for kindergarten - today you had me drive you by the school you will go to when the time comes.

You have made wonderful little friends, both in school and out, who you love spending time with. You have a little friend who comes over once a week (and you go to her house once a week) and you two hole up in your bedroom and spend two hours in your own little world. I have vivid memories of doing this with my friends and I'm in awe that you are old enough to do it too.

Now let's talk about swimming! You are starting to swim like you ride your bike. You have become quite comfortable in the pool and today I watched you dunk yourself underwater in the shallow end. Not by accident, but on purpose by all meanings of the word. You scoop and kick and when your floaties are on, watch out! I think you might be pretty close to being an independent swimmer by the end of the summer.

You and I are headed on a trip to San Francisco in a couple of weeks. No daddy. No sister. Just the two of us. And I am beyond excited. You make a wonderful travel companion and I think you will really enjoy seeing the beautiful city you are from. Plus, I get to show off my beautiful girl to my friends :)

My love, this letter is written quite poorly, but my thoughts poured out a bit. I love you more than words can describe.

I love you to pieces,
Momma

mad

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:17:00 +0000

Today Hadley made me mad. She was in a typical, almost four year-old, push your buttons mode. Not listening, doing exactly opposite of what I asked her not to do. "Hadley, crayons are for paper" and two minutes later I catch her coloring on the table top and the top of their push car. "Hadley, stay inside the fenced area (in our backyard)" and where do I find her? On the other side of the fence.

I got mad.

I got so mad that I gave their little table and chair set away. I had it. I have asked countless times not to color on things other than their drawing paper, none the less, it happened. And my almost four year-old knew better. If my two year-old had done this, I probably wouldn't have been as livid.

Following this extravaganza, Hadley decided she needed some privacy in the bathroom - fair enough - but she slammed the door in her sisters face before she had the chance to get her hand out of the door. This set me off too.

And I yelled.

Then I cried.

I don't like being mad. It's not fair that I was mad at my daughter who was doing exactly what she should be doing at this age. But I was mad. Pissed.

And so I apologized. For being mad and yelling. But I explained what the problem was.

But, I don't like being mad.

epic

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Sun, 13 May 2012 20:58:00 +0000

We are home from our family vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. And I'm not going to lie... a little grudgingly. All of us enjoyed spending time with our extended family, many of whom my children have never met, some I haven't seen in 20+ years. We played together in the sand and the waves and the pool. We caught crabs, watched for dolphins and hollered when the flocks of pelicans flew over head. We hugged and laughed and cried. We celebrated those who are no longer with us and promised to not let 20+ years pass again.

This is what it's about. Family. I am fortunate to have the family I do and feel blessed to be able to share that with my girls.

gussy sews inspiration workshop: shoes

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Thu, 10 May 2012 23:01:00 +0000

(or lack there of...)

We are still playing in the sand in North Carolina.

These feet are of my little girls and my handsome nephew (the tiny feet).

I'm linking up with Gussy Sews :)

beep...

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:23:00 +0000

The Kite Chase

leave a message, we're on vacation!

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Mon, 07 May 2012 18:43:00 +0000

We are at a family reunion in the outer banks of North Carolina. It's windy, but it hasn't stopped us from spending a lot of time on the beach, being chased by the waves, collecting sea shells and flying kites.

I'm in love with her

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:13:00 +0000

big climb for cures: follow-up

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:38:00 +0000

On April 21st, I put on my sneakers and made my way to the 5th Street Towers. Even though I had trained, my nerves started to take over. But I was quickly reminded why I was doing this: to help raise money to find a cure to a disease that has claimed the lives of loved ones.

I signed in, strapped on my timing device, signed the memory poster in memory of my dad. And waited anxiously with my team. We climbed the first tower, which was 34 floors first, then had the option to climb the second tower, the final 23 floors. After the first tower, it crossed my mind to skip the second tower. Climbing that many actual stairs was much more difficult than on the stairclimber. But I took a few minutes to catch my breath, had a pep talk with myself, put on my iPod and charged up those final 23 floors.

I don't have cancer. I have healthy legs and blood. And despite what my lungs were screaming at me, they were healthy too. There was no reason I couldn't complete this.

And I did it.

Using the top three times from our team (mine was not one of these), our team placed third overall! I did the climb in 21 minutes, 57 seconds, much quicker than it felt. And I raised over $500 for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. I am proud of my efforts.

Thank you to all my supporters who donated their hard earned money to LLS on my behalf. I know these events are a dime a dozen and money can be spent elsewhere. Having lost my dad to lymphoma, this is a very personal plight and I appreciate the support.

Next up? The Dirty Girl Mud Run that will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation!

"you smell like the zoo"

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:06:00 +0000

Sunday mornings and day I am on my own with the girls while Jonathan is at work. So I often try to find something fun to do, since school, gymnastics nor swimming is on our calendar, like often the rest of the week has. And most of the time, I try to get there right at opening, since most folks are at church and museums and zoos tend to be quieter then.

We packed up our things, dressed for a 65 degree day and headed out. A pass through the Starbucks drive-thru and 20 minutes later, we pulled into the Minnesota Zoo parking lot, where I discovered a sleeping Hadley.

After rousting her awake, pulling out Hayden's beloved stroller, we walked to the entrance, discussing the different animal sculptures along the way. And realizing the day was not going to be anywhere near 65 degrees, like the weather report promised (Hadley's bare legs and sandaled feet were the top of my concern).

We stood in a short line, where the woman in front of me handing me a coupon for free admission, which I happily took and made note that it was going to be an excellent zoo visit. And it was!

First stop, the monkeys. There were a bunch of little monkeys, adult monkeys, including a hugely pregnant monkey who was basking her busting belly in the sun. Having been pregnant in the past, seeing her brought back memories of those final weeks of pregnancy. Uncomfortable.

After our monkey visit, we made our way to see the bears, who were sleeping. Play momentarily in a sand pit until my girls sandaled feet were uncomfortable. Said hello to a wild boar. Then stopped by to say "how do you do" to a big kitty cat.

I was surprised how brave Hadley was sitting up against that glass. Hayden would have nothing to do with the display. And quite frankly, I don't blame her. That cat was pacing and would've liked a little girl for lunch.

We walked the distance and landed ourselves in the zoo's working farm. They had all sorts of farm babies, including piglets who were born just last week. We had an amazing sandwich followed by some seriously delish ice cream. And took some silly pictures.

We waited for the tractor to take us back to the main part of the zoo and passed the time admiring the 3,000 pound bull. He was laying down and had "boy bits" squishing out the sides of his massive body. Hadley innocently asked "Mom, is that an egg?" I told her no and didn't delve further into the topic since there were other children in ear shot. And she asked again, "Then, what is it?" Ughhh... At this point the mom next to me is chuckling. "Let's just call it an egg for now, but that's not what it is." She stopped pressing about the topic, but I overheard the mom whispering the story to her husband, who laughed and said "Well, she's not far off." I love my sharp little person.

We finished the day with some playtime in a cool playground followed by taking a peek in the aquarium. The girls both cried when we left. And I have to say it was probably the best trip to the zoo we've ever had.

I noticed, however, that my girls sort of smelled like the zoo, so major scrub down occurred after dinner to relieve the stink.

bloggers for birth kits: the ultimate mother's day gift

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:56:00 +0000

Did you know that one in seven women lose their lives during childbirth in developing nations? I had no idea that statistic was as startling as it is. And even more jaw dropping, many of these deaths can be prevented by a few simple, every day items that cost about $2.

(photo credit)

1. Soap (for the birth attendant to wash her hands). Use a hotel-size soap or cut a regular bar of soap into 1/8-sized pieces. (Microwave the bar of soap for 30 seconds to soften it for cutting).

2. One pair of plastic gloves (for the birth attendant to wear).

3. Five squares of gauze (to wipe the mum’s perineum and baby’s eyes). Gauze pieces should be about 3×3 inches.

4. One blade (to cut the cord). You can buy individually wrapped sterile blades at the pharmacist or buy utility blades (much cheaper) at the hardware store. B4BK teaches the women to boil the blades for sterilization, so utility blades work just fine.

5. Three pieces of string (2 for tying the cord, 1 for “just in case”). String should be about 10 inches long.

6. One plastic sheet (for a clean birthing surface). Sheet should be approximately 1×1 yard and can be purchased at your hardware or paint store.

7. One sandwich-size ziplock bag (to pack the contents).

(photo credit)

Adriel, over at The Mommyhood Memos has started the organization Bloggers for Birth Kits, last year sending over 2,000 birth kits to moms in developing nations. This year you can be involved. Here are some things you can do:

1. Make a birth kit. Assemble one yourself or gather a group of girlfriends, a moms group, work associates, or a church group to make a box full of them! Mail your kits to: Adriel Booker, Bloggers for Birth Kits, PO Box 6221, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia

2. Donate for a birth kit to be made on your behalf. ($10 will buy 5 kits!) All donations for B4BK go toward the assembly and distribution of kits, as well as maternal care education. Make your online donation here. Please be sure to write “Bloggers for Birth Kits” in the box that says “additional comments” so the funds will be allocated properly! This would make an excellent Mother's Day card, and Bloggers for Birth Kits can even send a card to that special mom on your behalf.

3. Help raise awareness by posting about the cause on your blog, facebook, pinterest, and twitter. (Please use the hash tag #B4BirthKits!)

4. Add the Bloggers for Birth Kits button to your blog. (See the side bar for code.)

Help make Mother's Day a happy one for moms everywhere!

and you'll wonder, "where are those parents?"

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:59:00 +0000

Yesterday, in the span of two hours, Hadley managed two annoying, infuriating, yet funny tasks:

* Used her toothbrush to "paint" the toilet seat with her pink toothpaste. You should've heard the crying that followed when she learned the toothbrush must be thrown away and that she had to wipe the toothpaste up. Oh my!

* Found body lotion in my bathroom and decided her little sisters hair needed some conditioning. Daddy found this antic and put both girls to bed immediately. You should see Hayden's hair this morning. Oh my!

Oh, the fun of toddlers and preschoolers. Gotta love it.

our conversation went something like this...

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:20:00 +0000

"Look mom, my cheese looks just like elephant poop!"

"Hmmm... that is not good dinner table talk."

"About elephant poop?"

"Yep, let's not play with our food and make it look like elephant poop."

She didn't eat the rest of her cheese. I just threw the elephant poop in the trash.

hello, little ladies

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:11:00 +0000

Yesterday was Easter. Easter is not a huge holiday for us, it's one we appreciate for spending time with family and friends. J was working, so the girlies and I ventured out to spend time with some friends I know from California. Their youngest daughter is the same age as Hadley, and Hayden was quite entertained with their dog. I enjoyed nice conversation with my friends and getting to know their family. While we were there, my sweet friend orchestrated an epic egg hunt and I was lucky enough to snap a few photos of the kids (I will only put the images of my children up on this blog).

Hello, little lady with her orange balloon.

Hello, little lady, blowing bubbles.

Hello, little lady, all dressed up as a "allerina"

happy easter

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 23:56:00 +0000

We are not a religious family, so Easter for us is really an excuse to do fun things to spoil the kids and spend time together. So, much like Santa Claus, I have chatted up the Easter Bunny myth to the girls. Hadley, who is nearing four years-old, has no less that 1000 questions about the Easter Bunny. And in her awe, I convinced her that she should be extra good and helpful tonight, otherwise the Easter Bunny will not come and deliver her special treats and hide our freshly decorated Easter eggs. Here is how a couple of our conversations went:

Hadley: "What is the Easter Bunny's name?"
Me: "Easter Bunny"
Hadley: "No! What is his LAST name?"
Me: "Bunny"
Hadley: "That's silly, mommy."

Hadley: "How does the Easter Bunny get into the house?
Me: "Hmmm... Good question, I really don't know. How do you think he gets in?"
Hadley: "Down the fireplace, like Santa."
Me: "No, that's only for Santa. Maybe he gets really flat and slips under the front door."
Hadley: "Oh. How does he get bigger again?"
Me: "He blows into his thumb and blows himself back up, like a balloon."
Hadley: "That's silly, mommy."

Happy Easter, friends, no matter how you celebrate it!

facing the harsh realities and forgiving myself

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:05:00 +0000

I think something I have struggled with a lot is truly finding me. Being good with me. Being good with where I am in my life. Enjoying every second. Living in the moment and not fretting about the future.

I fret. A lot.

When I'm busy and doing all the things I think I should be doing, I notice this less. I am working, have a decent income, taking my girls to the park and reading to them at night. I go to the gym, eat my vegetables and drink plenty of water.

But when life slows down a bit, I get caught up in the uncertainties. And convince myself that I'm not doing it well enough. I worry that I spend too much money. That I don't play with my kids enough. That I weigh too much and that my blood pressure "might" be too high. My life slows down, then my head gets consumed with worry that I probably don't need to be worrying about. I lose sleep over these things.

And what I'm realizing is that most of the time I am living in one of these two extremes, and not living in the moment. I'm not kind to myself. Not walking outside and enjoying the crispness of the air, or the way to wind feels on my face. Enjoying every second of my kids laughter.

Several years a go I made a life change. I quit a job I loved and did well with, and moved back to San Francisco. Around the same time, a dear friend of mine did the same thing, only she moved abroad. Shortly after she arrived at her new residence, she sent me the book Eat, Pray, Love and the timing couldn't have been better. While I am far from religious, I do consider myself spiritual and this book spoke to me at the time, especially Italy. While I wasn't in a new country, it encouraged me to engage in my surroundings, albeit not new to me except that I was living in San Francisco as a working professional and not a college student.

Last weekend it was on cable, so I DVRd it and finally watched the whole thing through. And it spoke to me in a different way. What I took away this time was what happened in India. To face the really hard realities about myself, then forgive myself. Facing the uglies, the things that aren't so great, acknowledging them and forgiving myself so I let them go. So I don't have those extreme days and I learn to live in the moment.

I guess I don't have a huge purpose for this post other than to write. I process my thoughts. Share what's on my mind. In this moment.

"where do babies come from?"

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 02:36:00 +0000

A couple of weeks a go Hadley started asking how babies get in mommy's tummy. So when my "they grow like flowers do" didn't suffice, we decided to be honest, in a preschool manner. I found a little video on The Mayo Clinic's website that shows an egg being fertilized by sperm. I told her that mommies have the eggs in their tummies and daddies have fish. When mommy and daddy love each other very much, daddy gives mommy his fishy. I didn't go into details how, and she didn't ask (thank goodness), but the story was intriguing enough that we had to watch the video ten more times and even merited her own illustration of an egg and sperm.

I sure hope she doesn't decide to draw this at school...

Today, a package arrived for Hayden. It was a sweet story book about a puppy and the first illustration is that of a little of puppies being born. Literally one of the puppies coming out of the dogs rear end. This sparked a whole bunch more questions about the dog coming out of the mommy's "who-ha". And why? And how? "And why is it coming out of the dogs butt?"

Of course, little Hayden who's language is exploding announces "DOGGY'S WHO-HA!"

hayden, you're two!

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:02:00 +0000

My dear Buggety Boo,

On Monday, you turned two. How is it possible that this little person who I pushed out of my body, what seemed like, just yesterday is two years old? It's still awe-filled and incredible, even after having witnessed it with your sister. And I'm glad I don't have the "been there, done that" feeling, because this is like magic all over again.

This year has been full of all kinds of stuff. We traveled to California a few times to see relatives and out to Vermont to vacation with even more. We even went to Disneyland for your first visit, which I think you loved. We've been swimming and playing in the snow. You've bitten through your lip - twice - and we have a trip to the hospital to have you nebulized when you had croup. We've eaten ice cream and slid down many a slide. We laugh and we cry. We have been living life, my sweet little person.

You have taught me so many lessons in parenthood, like to pick my battles and to slow down and listen. But the biggest lesson you've taught me is that every child is different. Even though they have the same genetic make up and were birthed similarly, you and your sister are very different. I think it was really easy to think that you would be the same, but boy you are not!!

Here are some fun things about you right now, at two years old:

* Little lady, your language has EXPLODED! There is still quite a bit I can't understand and you get so frustrated after having to repeat yourself 20 times, but you are talking. In sentences. I hear "Daddy's not here." "Mommy, I'm all done." "Put shoes on." and so much more... Plus when you say "sister" it sounds like "dee-toe", which is ridiculously cute.

* You are a climber and a pro at the park. Maybe I over worried with your sister, and we certainly didn't go to the park as much as we do now when she was two. But you can climb up the rock wall and go down the biggest of slides without me. I'm almost at the point of sitting on a park bench and relaxing, but not quite.

* You L.O.V.E. dogs and babies. If we are in 100 feet of one you start shouting "DOGGIE" or "BABY!". You must smell them. I hope to have a house someday with a yard so we can get you a dog, but I'm pretty sure there will be no more babies, so we will visit friends with wee ones :)

* You have a super strong little personality - you don't put up with shit. If you don't like it or we aren't doing something quick enough, you let us know about it. You'll never be a push over, that's for sure.

* You will only wear footed jammies. Sometimes I get you in clothes with promises of gymnastics class, swimming and trips to the park, but otherwise, jammies it is!

Oh my, little lady, there is so much I can share. I just can't believe what a little lovely you have become. I love watching you grown and blossom and love.

I love you to bits and pieces,
Mama

hello ice cream!

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 23:45:00 +0000

Considering March is considered the "snowiest" month here in Minnesota, we've certainly been enjoying 75 degree days here in snow land. We've all been exposing our legs and toes and spending almost every daylight moment outside. The tulips are even starting to push up through the ground. This California gal sure hopes this sticks.

Hello, Spring! And HELLO ice cream!

This evening, like the last several, I let the girls eat dinner outside. For some reason they eat everything on their plate, when normally, at least with Hadley, we are lucky to get half of it down. Must be the fresh air! So we gave the girls a treat of chocolate ice cream cones, which I cringed at J's suggestion of this, but it certainly turned into a fun little photo session!

I decided to consider these Hayden's two year photos, as she turns two in a week. I think they represent her fun little, pistol of a personality well.

I'm linking up with Lisa Leonard :)

on vegetables

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 17:06:00 +0000

Vegetables... They are like potty training. Getting a kid to eat them is hard. Like trying to get them to use a potty full time (at least with mine). When they were little we were happily going down the "I eat veggies with every meal" road, and somewhere along the way we made a wrong turn. Fruit has never been a problem, but veggies are.

So while I continue to put veggies on their plates daily, and often toss them out, or bribe my girls to have a bite before they can have a treat or something to drink other than water, I have found other ways to sneak them in. Here is what I've been doing:

* Baby food squeezers. Happy Tot/Baby, Plum Baby, Earth's Best, Trader Joes and even Target brand makes these fun squeezer packs that have fruit and veggies mixed in together. My kids eat these like crazy. I try to limit this one a day because they are a little pricey, but I feel good that I get them in.

* Little Critters makes a fruit/veggie gummy. Two of these yummy things apparently give kids one full serving of fruits/veggies. I figure it can't hurt and the girls get these with their morning multi-vitamin and fish oil gummies.

* Yesterday I made Harper's Happenings Favorite Smoothie and my girls downed it. In addition to fruit and almond milk, it has spinach and flax seeds. Was pretty tasty and will be made again. Maybe today.

What are some of your tricks to get your kids to eat vegetables?

you know you have a toddler when...

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 18:29:00 +0000

You send an email to a friend (who watched her for a couple of hours that afternoon) explaining why she may have found uncooked wild rice inside her clothes and diaper.

Oh, this doesn't happen to everyone?

Well, as an explanation, before we went over to her house I took Hayden to a play event at Hadley's preschool, where she spent a good deal of time playing at a sensory table pouring rice from cup to cup, on the floor and all over herself.

I dream of spring

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:23:00 +0000

Today I am linking up with the Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop with the inspiration prompt of SPRING. These are some photos I snapped last spring of our backyard, when the snow had finally all melted off and the plants started to spring up. Not to mention, my two little beauties running around barefoot on the grass. I'm craving spring now!

10 things

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:01:00 +0000

Today I am inspired by Mandy over at Harper's Happenings 10 things post. And since she provided questions to participate, I figured, why not?

Here are the 10 questions Mandy posed to her readers, and my answers follow:

1. Have you ever met someone famous?
A: Yep. When I was fresh out of college I worked in television and film production for near five years. I met several famous folks while working and living in LA. My most notable project was working on NYPD Blue, where I got to know the cast.

2. What is your happiest childhood memory?
A: Oh my, there are so many. Lately, I've been thinking about our family vacations to Maui. Probably because I now live in the frigid weather of Minnesota and there is a grand storm a brewing outside. There were so many happy memories going on adventures with my parents, swimming in the pool and the ocean, chasing tree frogs and geckos. I can't wait to take my girls there someday.

3. Favorite album of all time?
A: This is super tough because there are so many! But I think Fleetwood Mac "The Dance" is right up there on top.

4. Are you a salty or sweet lover?
A: Sweet. Hands down.

5. What is favorite guilty pleasure tv show or movie?
A: I could (and have) watched every Sex and the City rerun and movie countless times. Love. It.

6. Describe your favorite sandwich.
A: When I lived in San Francisco I would stop by this little place called Einsteins (not the bagel place). They made their own bread and had this avocado, cream cheese, vinegarette combo that was to die! I've never been able to recreate it, but it was AMAZING!

7. What was your first pet?
A: I believe it was a little puppy named Facci.

8. What is your biggest accomplishment thus far in life?
A: My babies. Hands down. I can not imagine my life without them and even when they are being awful, I am over the moon for them!

9. What is the first blog you started reading?
A: This Fish. I was a single gal in San Francisco and I could relate to this blog. At the time, she was a single gal in New York. She's now a married gal in Texas. Stop by. It's a fun read.

10. if you had to choose one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: I think if I had a lifetime supply of Hershey bars, I'd be quite content :)

Do you want to participate? Stop by Mandy's blog for the details.

we are officially a cribless house

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:45:00 +0000

That's right... My littlest girl is no longer sleeping in a crib but in her very own big girl bed!

Back in September when she was 18 months old, I shipped our beautiful Stokke Crib to my brand-spankin'-new, sweet nephew. I honestly thought she would be climbing out soon, much like her sister did at 18 months. But instead I learned that she actually LIKED her crib, unlike her sister. So, I set-up our pack and play, bought a matress and made it cozy. She's been quite content and will at times look to get in it without our telling her it's time to lay down in it.

Recently, J and I read an article about the differences between French parenting vs. American parenting. Great article, I recommend reading it... Anyway, part of what they talked about is the French are clear about their children's place. Sure, they teach, encourage and love their children, but they also draw lines. It's important that children know how to entertain themselves and that adults have "adult time".

Since Hadley was two nap-time has been "quiet time" because she NEVER napped, and bedtime was sort of self directed. She goes into her room at 7 p.m. We read some books, snuggle, talk and then she does her own thing quietly and puts herself in bed. We sneak in around 8 p.m. and shut off her lights and make sure she is tucked in. This system has always worked and we get our adult time and she has her alone time to do her thing.

But Hayden, who loves her crib, hasn't been able to enjoy this option. After several nights of her crying for 30 minutes before she falls asleep, waking several times in the night, and up for the morning around 5 a.m., we decided a change needed to happen. I don't know if it's that she is ready for some freedom in her bedroom or the pack and play is no longer comfortable, but something needed to happen.

Last Thursday I ran out to Ikea and picked up the same bed her sister has. No toddler beds here. We went straight for the twin sizes. I brought it home, J put her pack and play away and assembled her new bed. We read books on her bed, let the girls play for hours on her bed. The night came and I laid down with her while she nodded off... After that, not a peep until 6:45 a.m.

The following day I was watching a friend's children (we do a weekly babysitting swap) and Hayden was getting grumpy. I was apprehensive as to how putting her down for a nap, in a new non-confined bed with other kids here would go. And after a few minutes of fuss, down she went. Same with that evening.

So, we are officially a cribless house. Next will be diapers, which will likely blow my mind. All are bittersweet as my babies grow up into little girls.

stuff she says

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:47:00 +0000

"Daddy Mana" - Hayden, translates to "Daddy Monster", which we refer to daddy who growls when he wakes up

"Hair Ups" - Hadley, translates to pony tail holders

"Allerina" - Hayden, translates to "tutu" or "ballerina"

"Splendid" - Hadley, translates to the flavored fizzy water we sampled at Costco that I was told was sweetened with Splenda

"Uce" - Hayden, translate to "juice"

"Kiki" - Hayden and Hadley, translates to "blanket"

"Mil, mil, mil" - Hayden, translates to "give me milk right this very second"

"Getting Married" - Hadley, translates to "getting your prince"

"Ammies" - Hayden, translates to "pajamas"

three year olds and donating things

noreply@blogger.com (minimal mom) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:24:00 +0000

The girls each received a gift card to Toys R Us from Grandma for Valentines Day. They've wanted a doll house and due to bad behavior I haven't allowed it. But they had been good for sometime and it just seemed right to go make the purchase. They were absolute angels in Toys R Us, staying right with me. And they were dreams at home when we were assembling. I was very happy with purchasing the doll house because they were so good and appreciative.

Last night I mentioned to Hadley that maybe we should think about picking out a few toys that we could give to other kids. I explained that we were quite lucky and there are some children who are not. We could help brighten their day by donating a few things that we were done with. She was worried I would give away her dollies, but I told her to think about it and we'd talk about it tonight.

This afternoon I broached the subject of donating some toys again. I reminded her that we were able to get this really great new toy and now we could get rid of a few things we don't need. I suggested that after dinner we go to the playroom and pick out a few things.

Before I could even clear the table she brought me two toys. I asked her if we should go downstairs and select a couple more, which she agreed to do. We selected six toys all together to donate. I am very proud of her for taking the initiative to select them, without crying or complaining.

I couldn't be more proud.