Season Survival

This blog is dedicated to the Moms of babies and children everywhere who are frantically wrapping, baking, cleaning, and, well, doing anything but sleeping in anticipation of Santa...err.. Jesus' arrival this weekend! Here are a few things that help me get through the holidays with an energetic, busy, loud, and happy toddler!



A large canvas tote and moccasins. It is SO much easier to carry one bag instead of a purse AND a diaper bag when you are traveling, shopping, and spending time at other people's homes for the holidays! Some of the contents of this bag include diapers, wipes ( I use a Ziploc bag ),  lipgloss, a small clutch for easy access to debit cards or keys (so I don't have to take the whole bag into the store or restaurant every time), small toys for Calvin, Sippy Cup with water, snacks such as Cheerios and Cheddar Bunnies. This bag could seriously save a life. ;) Oh and the moccasins..yea they're pretty great as slippers or for running errands!




Ahh, the Sippy. I don't give Calvin juice very much (sugar high, no thank you) so I try to have one Sippy in the car, and one at home. It gives Calvin something to do in the car, and this cup in particular is great! It's spillproof and BPA free. The soft tip is easy for Calvin to drink out of. The brand is Munchkin.




Organization is key to maintaining my sanity! I love this little coat hook for Calvin's hoodies. It's secondhand, and I'm sure you could find one at Goodwill or Walmart. I prefer to layer Calvin because he sweats inside stores, and it's so much easier to remove layers to make him more comfortable!




Moms need love, too! I love Mary Kay Timewise foundation. I use the Matte option, and I don't leave the house without it on. Let's be honest, no one gets much accomplished when they feel frazzled. Take the extra 10 minutes to smooth your hair and slap on some makeup. You'll feel better, and so will everyone around you. ;)


 


We have had quite the struggle beating a nasty fungal rash that Calvin developed a few months ago. We tried EVERY cream imaginable, went through 2 prescription creams (totaling up to 100 dollars, thankyouverymuch) tried every homeopathic remedy I could find (Lavender oil did help somewhat), and FINALLY I found Triple Paste. This stuff is golden. This size tub costs 17.99 but believe me when I say all you need is a fingertip. (And if you've met my child, you know his bottom is not small) They also sell smaller sizes; I've seen the smaller tubes at Walmart. Trust me when I say this saved my baby's bottom! I will never use another cream.



Happy Toddler, Happy Mommy!





One final tip for surviving the holidays with babies and kids. ENJOY IT. Before you know it, your nephew will be 13 like mine is and you will miss the days when an Elmo toy did the job. Calvin is already changing in little ways each day, and I cannot wait to see the joy on his face on Christmas morning! Cherish these moments and truly remember the reason we celebrate. I know I am.

Holidaze.

Well, the holiday season is upon us!  I absolutely love Christmas time!  It truly is the celebration of our Saviour's birth with the added benefit of quality time with loved ones. It is so easy to get caught up in the crazy whirlwind of holiday shopping, baking, decorating, not to mention still going about a regular routine. Although I love this time of year, I do feel the stress and always wish I had more time! Calvin has been such a joy this season so far. He is noticing all the decorations, lights and loves our tree.  He stands in front of it and says "pretty, pretty!"  He is almost 14 months old and growing so fast. It seems like he does something new each day! His birthday party was a blast, and we've been busy bees ever since. I often miss my friends lately and wish I could just stop everything (work, kids, bills, chores) for a girls night filled with laughs. I'm grateful for real friends who understand the responsibilities I have and are there for me no matter what. Just a phone call or text is so needed sometimes.
Our family had a great Thanksgiving, but poor Calvin had a cough and cold so he was pretty miserable. I baked pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, and the day after Thanksgiving I cooked a whole feast for my in laws and Elio's grandparents. I love cooking and baking...my Dad is an excellent cook and I've learned from watching him and reading recipes. I love providing people I care about with food...it's one of ways I show my love. It's also very therapeutic for me. Life is hectic but I love the peace of mind cooking brings...unless your meat thermometer breaks and you are holding your breath hoping the turkey isn't raw.  (It wasn't, by the way)
So although I haven't blogged in a while, please know its not due to lack of the desire to. I've been feeling stretched pretty thin lately and have found myself crashing into bed wondering when the room will stop spinning. And no, that's not due to any kind of beverage ;) Life is crazy busy for me, it always has been but much more so lately. I'm trying to get better about letting go and follow my motto "Do what you can, with what you have" Our family dynamic now has a sometimes-living-us 13 year old. So a 13 month old, a 13 year old, a few pets (I've lost count), full time high stress career, and a husband whose work schedule changes seemingly every other week. But God is ALWAYS good. I'll have my time someday. Maybe a few girlfriends or a good book will be there, and I'll close my eyes and miss this. So for now, I am going to go back to my list and check it twice. Then I'm going to soak up some much needed family time!


Some updates on our toddler:
-He's walking!! He's doing so well and walks all over the house. This comes with bumps and bruises, but so far so good!
-He is learning new words and has his own "language" it's so adorable and hilarious.
-He responds to verbal commands like "turn off the light", or "put that lid on", "pick up your toys", "brush your hair", etc. Today he even took some tissues off the ground and threw them in the trash!
-He claps...the right way!
-Sings and dances
-Enjoys bigger boy toys like blocks, trains, and cars
-"Reads" books by turning the pages and looking at the pictures
-Is eating much better. But don't ask what his favorite food is...This"all natural"  Mom is embarrassed by my son's love of french fries! Oh well, I'll pick my battles on that one.
-He's still nursing. I'm leaning towards the self weaning route, and he's still getting his primary nutrition from breast milk. I am grateful for this blog where I can share the facts behind my decision...even though I don't have to. So get ready for a possible blog on this subject. ;)
-Calvin sleeps really well...with us. Another one that I know will change with time. If not, that's ok too. Our bed may be small, but our hearts are big!


Peace & love this Christmas. Remember that there is always someone fighting a harder battle than yours.