It is common for playrooms to have lots of toys. Toys on the floors, toys on the table, toys everywhere. However, just because it is a playroom doesn’t mean toys have to be all over the place. On the contrary, organized and tidy playrooms are much more fun to be in. If you want your kids’ playroom to feel that way too, you need to find a way to keep it tidy and neat. For the sake of happy kids and a happy mum, here are some quick and easy tips for organizing your playroom. Enjoy!
Tag Archives: child
100+ Tips for Breastfeeding Success
Breastfeeding a newborn, can be one of the most difficult things that you do, but there has NEVER been something more worth it in your life!
In the beginning, you’re unsure of what you’re doing, your child knows what to do, but may not latch correctly, which can lead to painful, cracked nipples, or your child under-eating. However, there ARE ways to overcome this, and still have 100% success for you and for your child.
The BEST piece of advice that I can give you, is DO NOT GIVE UP! Yes, things may be difficult, and you might have times in the beginning where you are exhausted and want sleep, but don’t quit. It DOES get easier, and eventually, it is the most amazing time spent with your child. That time is just for you and your baby, no one else can have that… think about how special that is! Think of the bonds that will be built. 🙂
Side note: One thing, that I think is incredibly important to mention – My intention when writing this is not to criticize a mom who chose to formula feed, but to encourage those moms who are struggling with breastfeeding.
Turn It Up Tuesday – #79
Happy Turn It Up Tuesday! We are loving our link-up each week, and we hope you are, too! If you can think of any things that you think would make our link-up any better, please be sure to share that with out. We’re always looking to grow and improve, and need our readers help with that!
With out further ado… Turn It Up Tuesday!
Spring is finally here! Can you believe it??!! Yes, in some parts of the US, we started spring with a winter storm that dumped up to 6 inches of snow, but we made up for it in spades yesterday with beautiful spring weather. We’re hoping for it to stay that way!
Welcome to the 79th week of Turn It Up Tuesday! Last week, we had an awesome time on Turn It Up Tuesday with 448 links – another amazing week! We’d like to thank each and every one of you for making every week so amazing! Keep sharing your amazing posts with us here on Turn It Up Tuesday!
Turn It Up Tuesdays is all about being happy, excited, energetic…and having fun! Link up your favorite posts (old or new) and meet some awesome bloggers in return! Link up your funny stories, DIY posts, recipes, mommy moments — anything at all. We want to laugh, be entertained, be inspired, and have a good time!… Continue Reading
Things to Remember About Toddler Emmett
I’ve always wanted to be a mom!
Ever since I can remember, I loved playing house, and pretending I had all the babies. I loved holding them, and nuturing them. It was one of my favorite activities as a child (my other, was playing school, in case you were wondering). So when I found out I was pregnant with Emmett, I was more then excited, my life felt like it would finally have a purpose.
However, when Emmett was first born, things didn’t start out as I had envisioned. I went through some serious Postpartum Depression. 🙁 (More details on this linked at the bottom of the post) Looking back, I wish I had asked for help… I knew I was struggling, I just did nothing to fix myself. So, he and I didn’t get off to the best of starts – I cared for him, breastfed him, did everything I could to keep him safe, but it took a few weeks for the deep love I feel for him now to bloom and blossom.
Anyway, the reason that I mention all of this is because I have now realized how fleeting time with him, this little, is. So, I decided to write a post, with 35 things I never want to forget about Emmett.
35 Things I Never Want to Forget About Toddler Emmett
- The way you will stop what you’re doing, to look up at me and say, “I love you SOOO much, momma!” It makes my heart melt every single time.
- The way you and I can just look at each other, and start giggling over nothing at all.
- The way you curl up close when you’re watching TV.
- The way you will lay down with your head on my lap, when you’re tired after school.
- The way you look in your winter hats.
- The way you look back at me from the back seat of the car. You have a half smile on your face, and a half, “stop looking at me mommy” face.
- The way you run to me when I pick you up from day care.
- The way you get so sad when I leave the room for even just a few minutes. (Going potty alone? No way!)
- The way you hug. You give the tightest, strongest hugs, and they feel so good.
- The way just seeing you can wipe a full stressful day right out of my mind.
- The way you need to bring a hot wheels car with you almost everywhere we go.
- The way you suck on your binkie. I know we’ll need to get you to give it up soon, but you look so sweet when you have it.
- The way you always need to have “green nigh-nigh” with you at all times.
- The way you want to help and truly interested in everything that I’m doing.
- The way you just *need* to wiggle your dupa (butt) before you get into the tubby each night.
- The way you forgive. If I snap at you because I’m stressed, and you’re getting into things – a simple apology from me and a hug, makes it all go away.
- The way you explore with all of your food. It makes a mess, and can be frustrating, but I never want to forget what it’s like.
- The way you mimic me in movements, and sometimes in words (though, I hope you leave the swear words out of it). lol
- The way you love your day care teachers. You hug them each morning, I love that you are so happy there!
- The way you run to me when you get scared and need comfort.
- The way you’ll reach for my hand when you’re walking or going downstairs. I love how fully you trust me!
- The way you love your daddy. As much as you love me, you love your father, too. You always want to do things with him, build lego buildings, or help him cook. It warms my heart to see the bond you two have.
- The way you look when you’re sleeping – All curled up in your blankets.
- The way you love building a “house” out of your blankets and your crib.
- The way you are curious about everything.
- The way we have to read 4 bed time stories each night.
- The way you love stickers. Every time you get new ones, you have to use them all, and stick them all to yourself (or mommy). 🙂
- The way you were fearful of the snow at the beginning of winter 2014.
- The way you NEVER give-up. You will keep trying over and over again, even if it isn’t working or you can’t figure something out.
- The way you need to lay your “green nigh night” on everything – your stool, the table, your little desk, everything.
- The way you count. You can get to 20 pretty well, and only stumble if you’re not really paying attention.
- The way you know that green means go and read means stop with a traffic light, and will direct me when to go or stop.
- The way you were so in love with our Christmas tree, and when we took it to the street, watched for it everyday, until the garbage men took it away.
- The way you always want a bite of what I’m eating (doesn’t matter what it is).
- The way when you get in trouble at dinner, for playing with your food, or spitting out milk, you start singing this, Mommy and Daddy and Emmett song you made up. It’s adorable, and you have a dance!
He’s the best! Every single thing he does, even when he’s getting into trouble amazes me. I had NO idea how much I could love someone, until I had Emmett. I’m sad that he won’t stay little forever (he’s so much fun right now), but I am so excited to experience life with him.
I love you, Emmett!!
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Happy Thanksgiving & an Update on Emmett?
Since there is no greater time to be grateful than Thanksgiving, I decided that I wanted to share an update on Emmett, since he is one of the top people I am MOST thankful for, day after day.
When I originally started my Dear Emmett series, my goal was to capture everything that I could, while Emmett was an infant, and early toddler. It eventually became a big hit and quite a few people looked forward to those updates. Since he’s turned two, his major milestones have slowed a bit, which doesn’t really give me enough to write about every month – however, I don’t want to forget the developments that he IS hitting. So, I decided to started a semi-regular series to track what Emmett is into every few months or so & to update you on his progress. Plus, I love sharing stories about my little!
Every morning when he wakes up I feel like he is doing something new and different that he hasn’t done before, or something that he has done before but is now better at. He amazes me!
He’s been talking for awhile now, but it continues to develop. Back in Sepetember, Emmett and Seamus were on the phone with his grandparents, he was getting bored, so Seamus told him to look out the window. He did, and a few seconds later he turns around to us, and very seriously says, “Oh my gosh!! This moon!” We laughed so hard!! It was just one of those moments that you couldn’t recreate, even if you wanted to.
On that note, he does say oh my gosh and oh my goodness A LOT! That’s the phrase they must use at day care, or maybe I use it a lot (but I feel like I’m a bit more direct with, oh my god), because everything is an oh my goodness. The other day we were sitting on the couch watching TV And his little car fell between the cushions, he looked up at me with wide eyes and said, “Oh my goodness, Momma. My car felld.” I couldn’t help but grab him and cuddle, because he is just TOO cute!
So, yes, he is speaking mostly in full sentences. We don’t always understand everything he’s trying to say, but eventually we can figure it out. We’ll either ask him to point to what he wants, or he’ll repeat the phrase until we get it. It really doesn’t take that many tries. I am MUCH better at translating Emmett, than Seamus is. I have no idea why that is, though.
Halloween was a lot of fun this year! I talked more about it in my post a few weeks back, but Emmett was Flint Lockwood. It was the perfect costume for him, because he hates putting things on his head, and this didn’t require a head piece, just messy hair. And then Seamus found him a tuxedo t-shirt at Kohl’s, so he wore that with jeans and the white lab coat we got him.
We got out to trick or treat, but our first house pretty much brought an end to the fun. When they brought the candy out for Emmett, their dog snuck out, too. Very nice dog, he was just interested in sniffing us and Emmett, but since Emmett isn’t often around dogs, he got startled and very upset. We calmed him down, but that was pretty much it, every house after that he would get scared and say no doggie, no doggie. After about 6 houses or so, I asked if he wanted to go home, he said yes, so we called it a night. No big deal! It was his first Halloween out, there will be plenty more!
Oh man! He is SO into cars and trucks right now and has been for quite some time. It started with trains, and has now progressed into cars and trucks. He has SO many matchbox cars for a 2 year old (don’t worry he’s never left alone with them, because of the small parts). He loves holding them, looking at them and racing them around his track (that’s meant for trains, but works for cars).
I don’t mind him being into matchbox cars, because they’re a pretty cheap prize for him. Lately Wegmans has been having them for 99 cents, so we’ll grab a couple to keep on hand. I’m thinking, if he sticks with the cars, it will be a great reward when it comes to potty training. Which will have to come eventually, but I’m in no rush! We’ll do it when E’s ready.
Emmett’s been going in phases with his night time routine. We always do bath, lotion, PJs, book, bed. But every so often, Emmett will switch and not want a book, and just want his bed. I was really surprised when this started happening because he has always been a cuddler. But, his likes and desires so going to change frequently. An example of this, is that 2 weeks later, he was done going right to bed, but was ready to read again.
Oh yeah! And with his bed time routine, we used to do a cup of milk while we cuddled and read books. I was beginning to worry that he’d never give that crutch up, and I was going to start researching ways to wean from a night time bottle (he wasn’t sleeping with it, just having it before bed). When, low and behold, he didn’t want it any more and hasn’t since.
This kid amazes me with his ability to just wean himself from things. He knows what he does and does not want. It started with breastfeeding, he had no desire to nurse after 14 months. I offered him my boob on a couple different occasions and he whined and pushed away, so we just stopped. Now with his milk at bed time, it was the same thing. It is because of these two situations, that I don’t worry whether he’ll ever give up his binky, or whether he’ll ever be potty trained. He’ll tell me when he’s ready. I trust him.
We have begun letting him watch a bit more TV in the evenings, but ONLY educational. His current favorite is Team UmiZoomi, if you don’t know what it is, it’s a Nickelodian cartoon, with these 2 kids and 1 robot that go around “behind the scenes” and fix things that aren’t working or are causing problems. It’s super cute!! I thought it would be a little advanced for him, but he gets it, based on his answering of their questions that they ask. Previous favorites have been Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Handy Manny, Bob the Builder and Chuck. I would say that Chuck is probably the least educational out of all of them, but he just loves trucks SO much, so we let him watch it on occasion.
So, I’ve obviously never had another child, so I have nothing to compare it to, but Emmett is really smart! He knows all of his colors and can recognized them, he knows most of his shapes and is pretty good at naming them, and is slowly learning his numbers. He’s great at counting when you do it along with him, when he does it alone, he tends to start around 3 and count up. Either way, I was very impressed when I realized he could do this. He also can recognize the letter “E,” and knows it is the first letter of his name, and can also recognized M, for momma, G for grandma and D for daddy, about 80% of the time
Oh! And his memory is exploding! He is beginning to remember things you tell him in the beginning of the day, or even days before. For instance, we went to Trader Joe’s and they gave him stickers, now, every time we go he knows to ask for stickers, and we don’t go there that frequently, maybe once every two weeks. I love it! I just need to be MUCH more careful of what he is promised. haha
WOW! This is long!! I’m going to go ahead and publish anyway, this post is partially to provide my readers with an update on the person that was the inspiration for this blog, but also as a way to remember everything that is going on with him. He’ll love having this later in life and I look forward to reminiscing with him. 🙂
If you’re interested in reading all of the Dear Emmett posts, just click on HERE!
I also want to wish all of my readers a VERY Happy Thanksgiving!! I hope that you ALL have an amazing day and enjoy being surrounding by those that love you most.
Your turn!
What are some of your favorite memories of your two year old child??
How do you celebrate Thanksgiving?
Share in the comments below!
Looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to get your news? Check-out theSkimm and sign-up for your daily email box delivery of the world’s news, plus if you share your birthday, you get it listed at the bottom of the newsletter on your day. It’s like celebrating with thousands of people!!!!
Dear Emmett – 23 Months
23 Months!? Seriously!?
I find it really hard to believe, but you’re officially 23 months old! We’re nearing the 2 year mark, and I just don’t know how that is possible.
The very first thing I want to say is that you can count to 10!!!! Yes, seriously! You are not even 2 years old and you can count to 10. And I don’t mean, I say the number and you repeat after me, I mean I say one, you say two, I say three, you say four, ALL the way up to 10. This may be totally normal abilities for a 23 month old, but I’m pretty darn impressed. You went from an adorable little lump to a baby who doesn’t need his momma quite as much any more.
You’re also pretty awesome with your colors. For the most part, when I hold up a crayon, you’re able to name it accurately. There are a few times when you aren’t entirely focused on what we’re doing, that you’ll say the incorrect name, but it’s obvious that you know what you’re doing. Impressive my son!
We’ve had an exciting month, so much going on! We’ve spent a good majority of the month, both on weeknights and weekends, outdoors. No couch potato here! You love being in your own backyard or at the playground. Most recently, you’ve gotten a huge affinity for swinging, so we’ve been making loads of stops to the park down the street so we can oblige you. 🙂
You’re a huge fan of your Aunt Bridget and you got to spend some time with her before she goes off to work at camp for the summer. We all went out for frozen yogurt, you wanted nothing to do with the dish I bought for you and I to share, you only wanted Aunt B’s. I ended up going to get you your OWN bowl, which you still just picked at and wanted Bridget’s. It was pretty funny!
Aunt Bridget also took you out for your first experience splashing in the big puddles on a warm day. When she came out to visit, she took you out and you guys walked around look for puddles to jump in. For the next couple of days after that, all you could talk about is “PUDDLES!” Little Cutie!
Since your birthday is towards the end of July, and we asked your grandma to get you a sandbox as a gift. She sent it to you early so that you could enjoy it before the summer ended. Your daddy filled it up with sand, and I took you in the backyard to see it for the first time. Your reaction was priceless!!
However, the downfall is that you are not a huge fan of touching the sand. It was getting in your shoes, so I figured the solution would be to just take your sandals off, but you refused to touch the sand with your feet, cringing at the feeling. You’re the same way with grass, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. We’ll work on it! In the meantime, you do like dumping water into it, and shoveling it around… You just don’t like touching it. 😉
We also went to our gym’s outdoor pool for the first time. It. Was. AWESOME! The water was so warm, and you were so happy to “jump in” and play with me. You’re still clinging tightly to me, not quite ready to do it on your own, but you’ll get no complaints from me. I get to enjoy holding you and smooching your chubby baby (toddler) cheeks. I’m looking forward to a summer in the pool with you.
We also, in all that we have going on, find a small amount of time for TV. Your show of choice nowadays is this creepy bunny called Harry the Bunny. Each episode is about 5 to 8 minutes long and it’s very simple. But I think that simplicity is why you like it so much, because if I turn it on when we first get home, so that I can change out of work clothes, you are sucked in within moments. Wonder what kind of subliminal messaging is involved… JUST kidding!
Having you as a child continues to be amazing! Watching you grow more and more aware of the world around you, and become more independent is just mind-blowing. I had no idea that having a child could be this moving, I’m so glad I get to experience it all with you!
I love you, my little 23 month old toddler!!
Love,
Mommy
If you’d like to read any of the past Dear Emmett’s, just click here. 🙂
10 Reasons Having a Boy Rocks!
My little boy is my world! This is why having a boy rocks!
When I was a little girl, I always wanted a daughter. I’d think about how I would dress her, play dolls with her, put on make-up, etc, but then as I got older, I realized how much fun boys are. Girls still are awesome, but boys rock!
Here is 10 reasons why I love having a boy:
1. Rough and tumble play is the norm. I don’t think there’s a single day that passes, where Emmett doesn’t egg me on to chase him and push him to the ground and tickle him. I love this! I love the high pitched giggles that ensue while he’s being chased and then him begging with his sweet “again” “again,” every single time!
2. His toys are pretty awesome! I’ve definitely always been a doll person, but I’m realizing that there is nothing cooler than pushing a car down the track and hearing the mechanical roar of the engine, or seeing who can build the biggest spaceship with his legos. Seriously, so much fun!
3. The love we have for one another is very different than mother/daughter love. I can’t explain it, but the love I have for my own mom is very different than what I feel between Emmett and myself. Now, I do realize that’s partially because he’s my child, but boys need their moms in different ways and it’s really exciting to get to know this new aspect of love.
4. Realizing that there is a whole new realm of things associated with having a boy. Man, as I read more and more about what boys go through as they grow, develop and change, I realize how easy it was (at times) to be a girl. Being a girl definitely has it’s own set of pressures, but believe it or not, being a boy is hard work.
Boys are mischievous and energetic! They need to move, and can’t just be still (unless you put in a good episode of Daniel Tiger). LOL That’s not something I’m used to. I remember loving to read and enjoying peace and quiet, as I was growing up. Emmett is the total opposite, he wants to move ALWAYS!
5. No need to do their hair. Sure, I comb Emmett’s hair every morning and after his bath, but I don’t spend any time making pony tails, or putting in bows. Not only does it save the time of needing to fix hair, but also the frustration of getting your toddler to sit still long enough to get their hair done. And, OH MAN! If there are knots (my mom used to call them snarls, anyone else?), the kid will be crying for mercy! Getting my hair done in the morning was the pits, until I did it myself.
6. Dresses are cute, but a well dressed little boy will knock your socks off! I won’t lie, there have been a few moment when I’ve wandered over to the girly side of Carter’s and wished I had a little girl to put in one of those adorable dresses, but then I put my son in a button down shirt, tie, and sweater vest and WOOO-WEE!! I’m in awe of his handsome-ness! There’s just something about a well dressed man. 🙂
7. I love dress shoes, but in order to keep up with Emmett it’s flats, preferably sneakers ALL THE TIME! As I mentioned earlier, Emmett’s a busy busy boy, it is absolutely necessary to own several pairs of good flats. When we’re out in the backyard playing, I opt for sneakers, they keep me quick on my feet and ready to move about. If we’re shopping, I’ll wear a cute pair of flats, or in the summer, flip flops. Heels and dress shoes don’t really have a place in my wardrobe, except for in the office.
8. Little boys love their mommies like nothing else. There’s no doubt that Emmett loves his dad, but (not to brag) he’s totally hooked on me. I’m the one he comes to for comfort, to cuddle or to kiss it better and I wouldn’t trade that for ANYTHING. There’s just something very special about the bond that Emmett and I have.
9. I don’t stress about whether Emmett is chubby or not. Granted, any child at the age of 2 should not be worried about what they’re eating, so long as it a mostly balanced diet, but as he gets older, he is less likely to have body image issues than a little girl. I’ve dealt with weight issues and self-esteem issues since I can remember, I’d love for my child to never have to suffer through that and just enjoy every minute of his beautiful life.
10. Watching him slowly grow into a sweet, gentle and loving boy warms my heart. Seamus and I do our very best to ensure that Emmett gets a plethora of hugs, kisses and cuddles whenever he needs them. Our hope is that he turns into the a kind gentleman to whoever comes into his life as he gets older.
Your turn!
What are YOUR favorite things about having a boy?
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