So I am finally making my way through the loads of laundry that comes with a newborn. Actually, I must admit that my mom has helped us this week catch up and more importantly find the washer and dryer again underneath massive piles of dirty laundry.
I forgot how much laundry a tiny person can produce. The tiniest person in the house almost makes the most laundry and most certainly doubles your wash input. I find though that one of my favorite chores is to fold all the cute little clothes and put them away.
At least I had all her clothes washed and ready beforehand as recommended on the new baby checklist. I must have done at least a half dozen loads of just newborn clothes (all the clothes everyone was so gracious to give us), sheets, burp cloths, towels, and so on.
And I must have washed each of these loads twice beforehand due to unseen silica gel packet exploding in the wash. At first I was confused over these little beads that seemed to fall out of the clothes when I took them out of the dryer. I had my husband come over and look and he identified them as the freshness beads that come with new clothes. Yes, these beads had secretly made their way through the wash only to swell up and explode out of the packet. Unfortunately I did not discover them until I finished my second load of baby clothes.
After doing some research, I discovered that these beads can be irritable to the skin. When I read this I got mad that some company even considered putting something semi dangerous with infant clothes, causing potential harm to a newborn.
To solve this problem, I took some vinegar and washed out the washing machine on a hot cycle. I also ran the dryer and cleaned the lent trap. Then I rewashed all my infant clothes again to remove any unwanted particles from the clothes to keep them delicate to baby's skin.
So I am here to warn you once again, look through all your new clothes. Remove tags, clean out pockets, and beware of silica packets. It may take you a few extra minutes to do this but it will save you some time and money washing more loads of laundry. And at the very most, it will save your family members from breaking out from a potential hazardous material.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Toy Thursday: Turning Cleaning Into A Game
Yes...I did it. I made cleaning fun. The last couple of days I've talked about using lemons and limes to clean, so I thought I'd try the bathtub cleaning I came across. I sliced my lemons and limes, put them in the tub with cold water and let it sit.
I thought the ducks could use a good citrus soak as well.
Liam was not wanting to go to bed, at all. I was exhausted. I knew I needed to drain and scrub the tubs. So I had him help me.
He thought it was fun to squeeze he juice that remained in the lemons and limes, and when we drained the water, he thought it was fun to take a rag and scrub. I was amazed at how easily the soap scum lifted (even with his 6 year old elbow grease). And the bathroom smelled SO good.
The best part? It wore him out. By the second bathtub, he was tired. And he went to bed (willingly)...and slept in!
However, I should note that I took a shower shortly after we had cleaned the tub and I'm not sure if it was the juice or the lifted gunk, but the tub was a little slippery. So be careful!
I thought the ducks could use a good citrus soak as well.
Liam was not wanting to go to bed, at all. I was exhausted. I knew I needed to drain and scrub the tubs. So I had him help me.
He thought it was fun to squeeze he juice that remained in the lemons and limes, and when we drained the water, he thought it was fun to take a rag and scrub. I was amazed at how easily the soap scum lifted (even with his 6 year old elbow grease). And the bathroom smelled SO good.
The best part? It wore him out. By the second bathtub, he was tired. And he went to bed (willingly)...and slept in!
However, I should note that I took a shower shortly after we had cleaned the tub and I'm not sure if it was the juice or the lifted gunk, but the tub was a little slippery. So be careful!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Wash Wednesday: Cleaning WITHOUT Chemicals
In yesterday's post, I explained how fresh lemons and limes can be used as decoration...but don't just toss them out! You can use them to clean! Yes, cleaning WITHOUT chemicals. It's the best. And since you've already bought the fruit for "decorations" it's a bonus. No other expensive chemicals to buy! And it's the best for your family (especially if you have small children)!
After the lemons lost their color and needed to be replaced, it was time for my kitchen sink to get a good scrub down. I plugged the sink and I cut up the lemons. I took the end pieces to scrub the gunk off of the sink (stuck on soap) and was amazed that the lemon rind was even taking the water spots off of the faucet. It took almost zero elbow grease to work up the stuck on stuff (the soap sticky under the dispenser) and smelled great.
When I was done, I put all of the lemon (and lime) rinds in the sink and boiled some water in my teapot. I poured the boiling water in the sink with the leftover decorations and scrubbers (aka lemons and limes) and let it sit. It made the whole house smell like fragrant citrus.
When the water had cooled, I picked the larger pieces out of the sink and put them in the garbage where they continued their work to make the trash actually smell good! With two in diapers, that is saying a lot!
I allowed the smaller rinds to go down the garbage disposal and it helped "unstink" the disposal as well.
While I haven't tried this, I did find that you can even use lemons to clean your bathtub!
So why buy chemicals (seriously, next time read the ingredients on your cleaner...you can choose that...or just lemons and hot water) that smell "like" lemons when you can use the REAL thing...and no harmful chemicals??
How have you used natural items for cleaning?? Please share in the comments!
After the lemons lost their color and needed to be replaced, it was time for my kitchen sink to get a good scrub down. I plugged the sink and I cut up the lemons. I took the end pieces to scrub the gunk off of the sink (stuck on soap) and was amazed that the lemon rind was even taking the water spots off of the faucet. It took almost zero elbow grease to work up the stuck on stuff (the soap sticky under the dispenser) and smelled great.
When I was done, I put all of the lemon (and lime) rinds in the sink and boiled some water in my teapot. I poured the boiling water in the sink with the leftover decorations and scrubbers (aka lemons and limes) and let it sit. It made the whole house smell like fragrant citrus.
When the water had cooled, I picked the larger pieces out of the sink and put them in the garbage where they continued their work to make the trash actually smell good! With two in diapers, that is saying a lot!
I allowed the smaller rinds to go down the garbage disposal and it helped "unstink" the disposal as well.
While I haven't tried this, I did find that you can even use lemons to clean your bathtub!
So why buy chemicals (seriously, next time read the ingredients on your cleaner...you can choose that...or just lemons and hot water) that smell "like" lemons when you can use the REAL thing...and no harmful chemicals??
How have you used natural items for cleaning?? Please share in the comments!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Tip Tuesday: Decorating With Fresh Fruit
I love the fresh fruit decorations...but I dislike plastic fruit. So last week I picked up some fresh lemons and limes and put them in clear flower vases. It makes for a fragrant, pretty addition to my kitchen.
Stay tuned to tomorrow's "Wash Wednesday" post on how to use the lemons to clean!
Stay tuned to tomorrow's "Wash Wednesday" post on how to use the lemons to clean!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Food Friday: St. Patrick's Day Meal
Now, if you're Catholic you can't make this tonight...but you can sure have it tomorrow! It's my Corned Beef and Cabbage in the crock (how easy can it get) pot. I posted it before on Mommy's Recess but it's too good not to share again!
Super yummy, super easy and super Irish (American). Enjoy!
Super yummy, super easy and super Irish (American). Enjoy!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Toy Thursday: A Toy For The Sibling
First I want to say Congrats to my co-author Emma for having a beautiful baby girl yesterday. That reminded me of how important it is to make sure her older son feels included in all of the attention.
Every time a friend has a baby, I always get the baby a gift (of course) but I always try to get something for the older sibling(s). Every time my husband and I have a new baby, we make sure the older brothers get a present "from the baby" so they don't feel left out when the baby gets all of the new clothes, toys etc.
Becoming an older sibling is an adjustment. While it's easy to shower gifts on a cute squishy newborn, it's just as important to make sure the older siblings feel involved and included.
Every time a friend has a baby, I always get the baby a gift (of course) but I always try to get something for the older sibling(s). Every time my husband and I have a new baby, we make sure the older brothers get a present "from the baby" so they don't feel left out when the baby gets all of the new clothes, toys etc.
Becoming an older sibling is an adjustment. While it's easy to shower gifts on a cute squishy newborn, it's just as important to make sure the older siblings feel involved and included.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Wash Wednesday: Keeping The Cold Germs Away
It's spring (well, not officially) but with the last couple of nice days we've had, it sure feels like it. And it seems that everyone is dealing with the colds. My husband had a sinus infection a couple of weeks ago, and a 10 day treatment of antibiotics took care of it.
Thankfully none of my kids fell terribly ill this winter/spring and I attribute it to being able to control the temperature of our home. Yes, you can kill germs with Lysol and Clorox wipes, but why let them grow?
When we lived at our apartment, it would get WAY too hot, thus incubating the germs and we were sick more often. There were nights, even when it was snowing out, that I'd have the heat off and a window open. Because I know that heat allows bacteria and viruses to grow. Cold slows them down. Think about it. Your refrigerator is cold, right? Because cold temperatures slow the growth of bacteria and viruses.
My house thermostat never gets set above 72 degrees. That's a rule. If you're cold, you put on a blanket. Our house uses geothermal heat and we've got it set to go to 62 at night. You're under blankets anyway, right? Why have it so hot in the house? It's just incubating germs. Studies have shown that your body falls into a deeper, more restful sleep when you're cooler as well. Deeper sleep also helps your immune system. Win, win, win.
Lower your thermostat. Save a little green in both heating and Doctor bills (and save the environment while you're at it). And don't be afraid to open the windows. As my mom says, "A little fresh air never killed anyone."
Thankfully none of my kids fell terribly ill this winter/spring and I attribute it to being able to control the temperature of our home. Yes, you can kill germs with Lysol and Clorox wipes, but why let them grow?
When we lived at our apartment, it would get WAY too hot, thus incubating the germs and we were sick more often. There were nights, even when it was snowing out, that I'd have the heat off and a window open. Because I know that heat allows bacteria and viruses to grow. Cold slows them down. Think about it. Your refrigerator is cold, right? Because cold temperatures slow the growth of bacteria and viruses.
My house thermostat never gets set above 72 degrees. That's a rule. If you're cold, you put on a blanket. Our house uses geothermal heat and we've got it set to go to 62 at night. You're under blankets anyway, right? Why have it so hot in the house? It's just incubating germs. Studies have shown that your body falls into a deeper, more restful sleep when you're cooler as well. Deeper sleep also helps your immune system. Win, win, win.
Lower your thermostat. Save a little green in both heating and Doctor bills (and save the environment while you're at it). And don't be afraid to open the windows. As my mom says, "A little fresh air never killed anyone."
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Tip Tuesday: Monitoring those Contractions!
At 38 weeks pregnant, yes, I have had a few contractions. Nothing major yet. I remember though when I was pregnant with Judah having contractions and trying to keep track of them.
My husband was a very nice support system the first time around (and is now too). It was on Wednesday afternoon when I started having contractions after a short nap that I had taken. I patiently waited until he came home from work and immediately we started timing them as they became more intense and regular.
Somewhere we had found this really neat tool that allowed us to time our contractions and monitor their regularity. So my husband had his computer nearby opened to Contraction Master. Throughout the evening he would wait for me to say when a contraction was starting and then hit the space bar. The timer would start and he would then hit the space bar again as soon as the contraction was over.
By the time we went into the hospital at 3:00am, we had several sheets printed off of contraction records which had finally gotten to 1 minute long every five minutes for several hours. This made it easy on the hospital staff as they immediately assumed their roles.
The web site made it so much easier to time contractions. While we timed them, we simply stayed relaxed and watched several movies. I had my homemade heating pack (old sock filled with rice that had been microwaved) and sat with my feet up.
And my husband (who loves technology) felt like part of the process with his timer keeping track of those contractions. It was his contribution to the process.
As a side note, review with your doctor when you need to go to the hospital. Instances where your water breaks, regular, intense contractions for 1 minute, every five minutes, for over an hour are reasons to seek medical help.
My husband was a very nice support system the first time around (and is now too). It was on Wednesday afternoon when I started having contractions after a short nap that I had taken. I patiently waited until he came home from work and immediately we started timing them as they became more intense and regular.
Somewhere we had found this really neat tool that allowed us to time our contractions and monitor their regularity. So my husband had his computer nearby opened to Contraction Master. Throughout the evening he would wait for me to say when a contraction was starting and then hit the space bar. The timer would start and he would then hit the space bar again as soon as the contraction was over.
By the time we went into the hospital at 3:00am, we had several sheets printed off of contraction records which had finally gotten to 1 minute long every five minutes for several hours. This made it easy on the hospital staff as they immediately assumed their roles.
The web site made it so much easier to time contractions. While we timed them, we simply stayed relaxed and watched several movies. I had my homemade heating pack (old sock filled with rice that had been microwaved) and sat with my feet up.
And my husband (who loves technology) felt like part of the process with his timer keeping track of those contractions. It was his contribution to the process.
As a side note, review with your doctor when you need to go to the hospital. Instances where your water breaks, regular, intense contractions for 1 minute, every five minutes, for over an hour are reasons to seek medical help.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Shuffle Saturday: Company with New Baby!
Now that I am 38 weeks pregnant, we are making the final preparations for new baby. Things have been crazy around our house as a result. My husband has been trying to squeeze in last minute things at work in order to take two weeks off. Then both my husband and Judah got sick with that fever/cold that has been going around.
I have been fortunate to have extra help lately by so many people. Our neighbors have offered to babysit Judah a few times so that we can run extra errands and have a date night. We have some friends that offered to bring a meal early. And the grandmas have helped watch Judah. My mother-in-law took him a few weekends ago to the farm for us to have some catch up time at home and my own mom came down this last week to babysit and do laundry.
So we are juggling the last few items on our list. Our shuffle Saturday has been filled with rest and running a few last minute errands. We are also getting the house ready for our family that is coming to help watch Judah while we are at the hospital.
All this has me thinking about new baby and all the company that seems to come with it. From my previous experience, we had the grandmas come to help and a lot of people brought meals. On top of that we had a number of people want to see baby. This was nice but also very exhausting.
Among new moms there seems to be this debate: do you have help come or do you enjoy your time alone with new baby? Of course my perspective has changed since I do need the help this time to take care of Judah, especially after a c-section. You also have to ask yourself what kind of help do you need and for how long.
I will say this. The best advice from last time is limit the number of visitors in the hospital. In part due to my complications I was restricted for having visitors for the first 24 hours after my surgery. The sign posted on the door continued to stay up the rest of the week only allowing doctors and nurses to enter. Then the last day before we went home, we took it down, and we had a day full of visitors which totally exhausted me from recovering.
I would like to hear your thoughts new moms based on your own experiences of what worked, what did not, and how would you do it differently.
I have been fortunate to have extra help lately by so many people. Our neighbors have offered to babysit Judah a few times so that we can run extra errands and have a date night. We have some friends that offered to bring a meal early. And the grandmas have helped watch Judah. My mother-in-law took him a few weekends ago to the farm for us to have some catch up time at home and my own mom came down this last week to babysit and do laundry.
So we are juggling the last few items on our list. Our shuffle Saturday has been filled with rest and running a few last minute errands. We are also getting the house ready for our family that is coming to help watch Judah while we are at the hospital.
All this has me thinking about new baby and all the company that seems to come with it. From my previous experience, we had the grandmas come to help and a lot of people brought meals. On top of that we had a number of people want to see baby. This was nice but also very exhausting.
Among new moms there seems to be this debate: do you have help come or do you enjoy your time alone with new baby? Of course my perspective has changed since I do need the help this time to take care of Judah, especially after a c-section. You also have to ask yourself what kind of help do you need and for how long.
I will say this. The best advice from last time is limit the number of visitors in the hospital. In part due to my complications I was restricted for having visitors for the first 24 hours after my surgery. The sign posted on the door continued to stay up the rest of the week only allowing doctors and nurses to enter. Then the last day before we went home, we took it down, and we had a day full of visitors which totally exhausted me from recovering.
I would like to hear your thoughts new moms based on your own experiences of what worked, what did not, and how would you do it differently.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Food Friday: Cheap Pizza!
Are you a deal seeker? Do you like pizza? Have I got a deal for you!
I volunteer with a non-profit group and we're selling Domino's Pizza books. Each book contains 24 Buy 1 Large Pizza, get 1 Medium Pizza FREE and 7 Buy Large Pizza, get 1 order of Breadsticks FREE coupons! That means you will save over $250 on just one book!!! The best thing is, you have plenty of time to use them because they don't expire until 12/31!
These books usually sell for $10 a piece but we're offering a buy one, get one deal. Just visit this siteand scroll down to the pizza offer. When you click the link, enter 1 in the quantity and we'll send you two!
I volunteer with a non-profit group and we're selling Domino's Pizza books. Each book contains 24 Buy 1 Large Pizza, get 1 Medium Pizza FREE and 7 Buy Large Pizza, get 1 order of Breadsticks FREE coupons! That means you will save over $250 on just one book!!! The best thing is, you have plenty of time to use them because they don't expire until 12/31!
These books usually sell for $10 a piece but we're offering a buy one, get one deal. Just visit this siteand scroll down to the pizza offer. When you click the link, enter 1 in the quantity and we'll send you two!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Tip Tuesday: Special PARTY Favor Ideas!
Now that spring is upon us, many people are gearing up for parties of all kinds. Baby Showers, wedding showers, weddings, birthdays, and Easter to name a few spring occasions. And if you are like me, you are looking for party ideas that are original and special for such special occasions.
I was cleaning out the back of my freezer recently and discovered I had saved some packages of M&M's. These were not ordinary M&M's though. These were special packages specifically ordered to be used to celebrate different life events.
I still had some blue and green ones from when my husband proposed to me. I love peanut M&M's, making them probably my most favorite candy. As a back up plan to the carriage ride we took, my husband had ordered directly from the company, M&M's that said (in our favorite colors) "will you marry me" and our initials on them. He then took these and carefully added them to a package of peanut M&M's before skillfully repackaging the bag back together. I was surprised and of course I said, "yes."
The theme stuck. So for our wedding we ordered as part of the cake table, M&M's in our purple and green wedding colors, M&M's to celebrate the special day. Then later on, we again ordered pink and blue M&M's to hand out to the prospective grandparents to tell them we were expecting a baby.
When I cleaned out my freezer, I did finally throw away the M&M's after five plus years. My son snatched a few while I took pictures of them to remember them. The special sentiment though will last forever in my heart and memory.
If you are looking for an original idea to share with someone special, consider customizing your own M&M sayings. Order a short, clean saying in colors of your choice to be shipped to your house for your special occasion. It is easy, fun, and definitely original!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Salvation Sunday: A Kind Word Goes a Long Way!
Do you ever remember a time when someone came along with a kind word at the most opportune time in your life? I can think of a few times during my own life journey where someone (usually a mentor, a friend, or someone special) gave profound advice or simply a kind word that changed my general outlook on life. In essence this person offered me hope by reminding me of the important things in life.
Without these words which are still with me to this day, I cannot say for sure where I would be. These words lifted me up and encouraged me along my struggles. These words kept me accountable from doing more harm. These words spoke love and compassion in an often hopeless filled world.
The cool thing is once these words were spoken, they gave me renewed life. And that life became contagious. After kind words, it is easy to pass on a cheerfulness to others. The opposite is true too. Ugly, mean words can tear us down filling us with despair that seems to loom in a halo around us.
God's words are the source of a hope-filled life. His words bring freshness, hope, and cheerfulness like none other. And because of hope-filled words, we can pass on a lifestyle of happiness to others in the forms of words.
Proverbs 25:11 says, "Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket." Try saying something nice to those around you today.
Without these words which are still with me to this day, I cannot say for sure where I would be. These words lifted me up and encouraged me along my struggles. These words kept me accountable from doing more harm. These words spoke love and compassion in an often hopeless filled world.
The cool thing is once these words were spoken, they gave me renewed life. And that life became contagious. After kind words, it is easy to pass on a cheerfulness to others. The opposite is true too. Ugly, mean words can tear us down filling us with despair that seems to loom in a halo around us.
God's words are the source of a hope-filled life. His words bring freshness, hope, and cheerfulness like none other. And because of hope-filled words, we can pass on a lifestyle of happiness to others in the forms of words.
Proverbs 25:11 says, "Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket." Try saying something nice to those around you today.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Shuffle Saturday: Treating YOURSELF
This has been a crazy week. Just crazy. Work, kids, what's been going on in the news...the weather? Crazy.
So I took some time and treated myself. I took the boys to Grandmas and went and got a pedicure.
While I won't be able to take part in the drinking of the spirits this year on St. Patrick's Day, I can at least look good being the designated driver. :)
I love pedicures. To have someone tend to my sore, tired, achy feet? Yes please. All while I sip on a bottle of water and watch TV in a massage chair? I'm so there.
I have green toes!!!
It's important for moms to take a break, even if it's only an hour or two. I'll admit, I felt guilty on the way there but on the way back I was so refreshed and ready to be a better wife and mother. All because of a little warm water and nail polish.
So I took some time and treated myself. I took the boys to Grandmas and went and got a pedicure.
While I won't be able to take part in the drinking of the spirits this year on St. Patrick's Day, I can at least look good being the designated driver. :)
I love pedicures. To have someone tend to my sore, tired, achy feet? Yes please. All while I sip on a bottle of water and watch TV in a massage chair? I'm so there.
I have green toes!!!
It's important for moms to take a break, even if it's only an hour or two. I'll admit, I felt guilty on the way there but on the way back I was so refreshed and ready to be a better wife and mother. All because of a little warm water and nail polish.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Food Friday: Gestational Diabetes Approved Recipe - Alfredo Sauce
A few weeks ago I posted a meal for Chicken Alfredo. This menu proved acceptable for those with gestational diabetes or who have gluten allergies since I used spaghetti squash instead of regular noodles. I dug around some more for an Alfredo sauce that would go.
I found this great recipe that yes is high in calories but is low in sodium and carbs. According to my doctor, I can cheat with calories elsewhere since I am cutting carbs (this will help me be more full). The lower amount of sodium is noticeably different compared to a jar of Alfredo sauce, making this a nice addition to the recipe.
Here is the review that came with the recipe which I wholeheartedly agree: "This by far is the easiest and best Alfredo sauce recipe I have found yet! I love pasta and Alfredo and searched forever to make it homemade. I think that too many recipes have too many ingredients and that others are too watery. My girlfriend loves it and makes me cook it at least once a week... plus you can add it to so many different things! This is a great, simple recipe to make for someone coming over for a dinner date."
Alfredo Sauce Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese
1 cup half and half
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon garlic powder (optional)
pepper, to taste
I found this great recipe that yes is high in calories but is low in sodium and carbs. According to my doctor, I can cheat with calories elsewhere since I am cutting carbs (this will help me be more full). The lower amount of sodium is noticeably different compared to a jar of Alfredo sauce, making this a nice addition to the recipe.
Here is the review that came with the recipe which I wholeheartedly agree: "This by far is the easiest and best Alfredo sauce recipe I have found yet! I love pasta and Alfredo and searched forever to make it homemade. I think that too many recipes have too many ingredients and that others are too watery. My girlfriend loves it and makes me cook it at least once a week... plus you can add it to so many different things! This is a great, simple recipe to make for someone coming over for a dinner date."
Alfredo Sauce Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese
1 cup half and half
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon garlic powder (optional)
pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook together in a pan on the stove. Add some liquid to rewarm the sauce up for leftovers to
keep it from getting too thick.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Toy Thursday: Playing with your Food
What is it about kids playing with their food? I remember my mom always telling my younger siblings to stop playing with their food or swinging their arms at the table. If something spilled because of carelessness, then we got in trouble at the table. And now I find myself doing the same thing.
Judah is definitely in that stage where food becomes center stage for all kinds of pretend ideas and creative imagination. And most of the time this results in a mess all over himself, the table, and even the floor much to my dismay.
His new thing is to pretend that food are some characters from a movie. We have a Winnie-the-Pooh noodle, a Piglet noodle, and a Tigger noodle. I am not sure if Kraft Macaroni (Cars) gave us this idea or not. One night we just could not get Judah to eat and so we said, let's pretend to find so and so and it worked. He played along and got the calories in him that he needed that day.
This imaginary meal play works well when you want to get him to eat as you can play along and concoct up ideas to stir the imagination. For instance, to get him to eat his peas we talk about using his spoon (the loader) to load up the dump truck in his mouth. Or try to munch his broccohli like Peter Rabbit. We even pretend that sweet potato is orange pie because it is sweet.
This does not work so well when they push the limits on creativity. When they know they are not supposed to do something, pretend suddenly becomes an alibi to get away with it. This would include splattering milk across the table at breakfast from the cereal bowl because it is snow or finger painting in the peanut butter making shapes.
So where do you draw the line. You want your kid to be creative. And you certainly want your kid to eat as in our case since Judah lost so much weight from being sick and needs to gain the calories. Yet, at what age do you implement table manners to include no playing with your food.
I guess we try to eat with our spoon. We say please and thank you and may I be excused. We wipe up and try to sit down to eat. And we always have to take at least a taste of what is on the table. I feel like that is a start until we are older even though my mom would have a fit. Still, kids have an imagination all their own.
From one mom to another, I would love to hear your stories and ideas.
Judah is definitely in that stage where food becomes center stage for all kinds of pretend ideas and creative imagination. And most of the time this results in a mess all over himself, the table, and even the floor much to my dismay.
His new thing is to pretend that food are some characters from a movie. We have a Winnie-the-Pooh noodle, a Piglet noodle, and a Tigger noodle. I am not sure if Kraft Macaroni (Cars) gave us this idea or not. One night we just could not get Judah to eat and so we said, let's pretend to find so and so and it worked. He played along and got the calories in him that he needed that day.
This imaginary meal play works well when you want to get him to eat as you can play along and concoct up ideas to stir the imagination. For instance, to get him to eat his peas we talk about using his spoon (the loader) to load up the dump truck in his mouth. Or try to munch his broccohli like Peter Rabbit. We even pretend that sweet potato is orange pie because it is sweet.
This does not work so well when they push the limits on creativity. When they know they are not supposed to do something, pretend suddenly becomes an alibi to get away with it. This would include splattering milk across the table at breakfast from the cereal bowl because it is snow or finger painting in the peanut butter making shapes.
So where do you draw the line. You want your kid to be creative. And you certainly want your kid to eat as in our case since Judah lost so much weight from being sick and needs to gain the calories. Yet, at what age do you implement table manners to include no playing with your food.
I guess we try to eat with our spoon. We say please and thank you and may I be excused. We wipe up and try to sit down to eat. And we always have to take at least a taste of what is on the table. I feel like that is a start until we are older even though my mom would have a fit. Still, kids have an imagination all their own.
From one mom to another, I would love to hear your stories and ideas.
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