around the clock: 22 month old schedule

okay i'm a few months behind on these.

LO has been a super busy boy. he doesn't stop...EVER! i love how he finds fun and excitement in everything. rocks, sticks, dirt, bugs...it's all things outdoors for him. it's a good thing this kid likes to read, because it's the only chance i get to sit down!

he still has a good appetite, but he definitely has a sweet tooth. without fail, he always asks for chocolate before every meal. if he's lucky, he gets a few dark chocolate chips! he really likes his eggs over medium. popping the yolk and then slurping it up makes breakfast fun and delicious.

naptime is still on schedule, especially on preschool days. i can count on him sleeping a good 3 hours...that's when i can get some painting done in the kitchen (i'm not sure this remodel will ever be complete).

now that LO's getting a little older, going out to events or dinner is a little easier. we've got a solid 30 minutes before he wants to bolt. that's just enough time to inhale food and gulp a drink (a margarita if i'm lucky)!

discipline is now something we're all working on. LO's learning about rules and we're learning how to enforce them. we have a meltdown here and there, but they don't last long. distracting and redirecting usually works. but, sometimes i find myself bickering with him like he's my little brother.

what can i say, we're all growing up!

7:00a: wake up, brush teeth, sit on potty, play a bit (wants to play more in the morning)

7:30a: breakfast (5 oz of whole milk, 1/2 banana, 1 egg, and bacon or sausage patty)

8:00a: if preschool day, get dressed for preschool and head out the door

8:30a: preschool/playgroup/outing/park

10:00a: if home, get ready for the day (get dressed and pack a snack)

12:00p: preschool pickup and head home for lunch (4 ounces of protein [1 egg, beef, turkey, or chicken], 4 ounces of veggies)

12:30p: play with cars, trains, and trucks, and more cars

1:00p: sit on potty, read books, then take a nap

4:00p: have a snack...peanut butter, fruit, and cheese

4:30p: swim lessons

5:30p: play in kitchen while i clean up a bit and get dinner ready (coloring book, scooter, or bang bowls)

6:00p: bike ride with mama and daddy

6:30p: dinner (4 ounces of poultry, fish or beef, 4 ounces of veggies, and fruit for dessert)

7:00p: sit on potty, then bath time

7:30p: get dressed for bed, brush teeth, cuddle up, and read books

8:00p: bedtime

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around the clock: 21 month old schedule

this month has been all about adjusting to preschool. waking him up earlier, making sure he eats breakfast, and getting him dressed by 8am was a challenge...for me! time, appointments, calendars, they are all so secondary. if i need to be somewhere at 9am, i don't start getting ready until 9am. but, i swore i wouldn't do that to my LO. i made sure he was on time every morning, and i was there to pick him up when the bell rang! i had no idea that being timely felt so good! there's just no sense in rushing around and not allowing him to enjoy his mornings with time to play and eat.

he LOVES school! i'm so proud of him. he handled car-line drop-off like a champ. there were a few sniffles, but no real tears. and, as soon as he entered the classroom, he totally forgot about me and was all about playing with his classmates. in no time, he was hopping out of the car (with help) and waving bye like it was no big deal. and boy, do they wear him out. once he gets home and eats lunch, he crashes for nap and sleeps for 3 hours. he'd probably sleep longer, but i have to get him up for swim lessons. he's a busy boy!

language is exploding. every few days, he learns a new word. sometimes i get it right away, and sometimes i have no idea what he's talking about. there must be a song he sings at school that he likes, because at bedtime my songs just don't cut it. he requests some other song and even hums it and gets so mad when i don't sing it with him. it's so funny!

OMG, he's is OBSESSED with cars...race cars to be specific! he gets so excited when he sees a sports car on the road. i'm talking loud shrieks, hands waving, and feet kicking. it's so cute. i even made up a race car song and we wants to sing ALL THE TIME!

oh, and he's all about "Daddy"! everyday after school he says, "i wanna see Daddy"! he wants to held by him, play with him, wrestle with him, and eat with him. now, if only he'd let Daddy put him to bed.

7:00a: wake up, brush teeth, sit on potty, play a bit (wants to play more in the morning)

7:30a: breakfast (5 oz of whole milk, 1/2 banana, 1 egg omelet, and a slice of bacon or sausage patty)

8:00a: get dressed for preschool and head out the door

8:30a: preschool/playgroup/outing/park

10:00a: get ready for the day (get dressed and pack a snack)

12:00p: preschool pickup and eat lunch (4 ounces of protein [1 egg, beef, turkey, or chicken], 4 ounces of veggies)

12:30p: play with cars, trains, and trucks, and more cars (he's definitely a boy)

1:00p: sit on potty, read books, then take a nap

4:00p: have a snack...peanut butter and cheese

4:30p: swim lessons

5:30p: play in kitchen while i clean up a bit and get dinner ready (coloring book, scooter, or bang bowls)

6:00p: bike ride with mama and daddy

6:30p: dinner (4 ounces of poultry, fish or beef, 4 ounces of veggies, and fruit for dessert)

7:00p: sit on potty, then bath time

7:30p: get dressed for bed, brush teeth, cuddle up, and read books

8:00p: bedtime

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how to remove gum from clothing (aka husband's expensive dress shirt)

okay, this tip isn't all-natural, it just works!

the other day, i was doing laundry...whites. i didn't bother checking the pockets, because there were no shorts or pants in the load. i DID shake everything before i put it in the washer....just to make sure a red sock wasn't trying to sneak in there. i shut the door and turned the washing machine on.

once the load was done washing, i grabbed a handful of clothes and threw it into the dryer. i'd be lying if i said i shook everything to get the wrinkles out. as soon as i reached for the next handful, i got a whiff of something suspicious. it smelled a little minty, but i just blew it off. i shoved everything in the dryer, threw in a softener sheet, and pressed start.

the next morning, i remembered the whites were in the dryer. so, as usual, i gave them a fluff on high heat. when they were wrinkle-free and hot, i pulled them out and starting folding the pile of mostly t-shirts.

to my surprise, Mr. Fit's expensive dress shirt was mixed in the bunch. i flattened it out, before i hung it on the back of a chair. and, there was that delicious, minty smell! then, i noticed a big, greasy spot (the size of a silver dollar) on the pocket. i opened the pocket, and what do you know...it was gum!

this isn't the first time i've dealt with double-mint. i've tried baking soda, ice, vinegar, the freezer, and hairspray to get rid of gum. none of which worked particularly well. i'd also heard of using lighter fluid and gasoline, but that just didn't seem smart. this was not ordinary gum. this gum had been put threw the spin cycle, then had the wonderful opportunity to melt not once but twice! seriously, a sticky situation!

i had and idea. Goo Gone! it's great for removing adhesives, stickers, and label off of ceramics and glass, but it leaves a greasy residue. i knew i'd have to use a stain remover afterwards. so, i skipped the Goo Gone and went straight for the Resolve stain remover. not because i'm lazy, but because i'm efficient!

i sprayed the gum spot until it was soaked and let it sit for a few minutes. then, i began scratching the gum off with my nails. i even scrubbed each side of the fabric which helped get out the melted candy shell. after about fifteen minutes, the gum was all gone and no sign of a grease spot!

i gave it another go in the washer and dryer. and, voila...no sign of a sticky mess and no grease spot! it was good as new!

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things i love!

music - The Concretes (self title debut)
it's perfect pop! a little haze, a little 60s vibe, a little distortion, and a kick-butt girl on the mic. i love bands that have girls as frontman lead. think Mazzy Star and Broken Social Scene (my all-time fav) all mashed up into a juicy meatball and covered in gravy. did i mention they're from Sweeden? they're a troupe band, like BSS, that's gone through some changes over the years and but got some flack for it. like when Victoria Bergsman left the group and was replaced with a new lady. if i change my hair or pickup a new hobby, i'm still me, right? Pink Floyd got away with it. this troupe band will always be on my playlist. because, i love their sound. and, troupe bands are just cool. they make me feel like we're friends, and i could just join them for a night on stage when they swing by my town for a show. then, afterwards, they come by my place to chill and play a little music while we all sing and drink brannvin and eat pickled fish. okay, so i got carried away...i wouldn't eat pickled fish.

food - Pizza (mostly Grimaldi's)
why? i was forced. no, really, i was forced! i mean, i totally love pizza. but, i never eat it. well, i've had so much pizza (like 12 slices in the last week), at the request of my parents and friends. i did enjoy it. and, i think i can see it on my thighs already. good thing is that i got my fill, and have been eating clean like nobody's business!

reading - FitSugar
just because i don't flip or swipe my way through an ebook doesn't mean i don't read. FitSugar, a fit and health focused blogzine, has some awesome articles and tips. from how-to perfect a crunch to how-to cut an onion, FitSugar always has something for everyone.

shoes - [pink] vibram fivefingers
do you hate running because you get shin splints or have knee pain? i know i did. it's probably due to your running shoes...not your body. most people choose running shoes with the support they think they need or because they like the way they look. chances are, you're not wearing the right shoes for your feet. have you seen those people running around or working out with funny looking toe shoes? well, don't laugh, they're freaking awesome! i'm not a runner, but i run like 3 miles in 20 minutes, and it's no big deal. i do it in my fivefingers. this "barefoot" running craze...it's the shiz! i've got them in black and, i really want a pink pair!

hat - green military hat
we spend a lot of time outdoors...running, body bootcamp, swim lessons, garden work, and park play. it's so hot out, so i always wear my hair in a ponytail. but, my poor little scalp is getting sunburned. this military hat will protect my head and give me some style too! it's looks fierce with my aviator sunglasses!

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round the clock: 20 month old schedule

patience is a virtue? okay, i've got to work on that one. because he is so curious and notices everything, it takes FOREVER to do ANYTHING. which is cool, but sometimes we have to just get out the door. and, when we finally do get out, we have to be sure to pack books and cars to keep LO entertained.

and, i can forget about eating out...for a while at least. sitting in a chair for more than 5 minutes is painful for him. he'd prefer to be under the table. is it terrible that i let him eat off the floor? at least i've limited it to fresh food. that should count for something, right?

he makes more and more choices each day. before, he just did whatever i asked. now, he does what he wants to do and gets confused when i want him to do something else. so far, it's been a smooth ride...just a few bumps along the way. but, i know i need to fasten my seat belt...next stop, trantrumville.

all kidding aside, this boy makes my heart glow. times are a changin'! but, it's all good in the toddlerhood. i love that he can communicate with me. he puts together these two (and sometimes three) word sentences. and, i know what he's saying...most of the time.

i'm super nervous about what next month brings. he'll be starting a part-time preschool program. i'm thrilled about the school we chose and all the fun he'll having with the other kids.

here's what we've been doing lately:

he wears sunglasses!

he pushes his own cart at the grocery store!

he shares his cranberries, and shows all the mama's at a CPR class exactly why life saving skills are important!

he falls asleep in his clothes hamper!

he likes the layered look, and his clothes must have cars all over them!

he's learning to share [his food with the dog]!

8:00a: wake up, brush teeth, sit on potty, and play (wants to play more in the morning)

9:00a: breakfast (5 oz of whole milk, 1/2 banana, 1 egg omelet, and a slice of bacon or sausage patty)

9:30a: play outside in the garden (obsessed with going out)

10:00a: get ready for the day (get dressed and pack a snack)

10:30a: go on an outing (playgroup, swim lessons/pool/splash pad, or run errands)

12:00p: eat lunch (4 ounces of protein [1 egg, beef, turkey, or chicken], 4 ounces of veggies)

12:30p: play with cars, trains, and trucks, and more cars (he's definitely a boy)

1:00p: sit on potty, read books, then take a nap

3:30p: have a snack...a sippy cup (5 oz) of whole milk, fruit, and cheese

4:00p: go on an outing (run errands; too hot for the park these days)

5:00p: play in kitchen while i clean up a bit and get dinner ready (coloring book, scooter, or bang bowls)

6:00p: bike ride with mama and daddy

6:30p: dinner (4 ounces of poultry, fish or beef, 4 ounces of veggies, and fruit for dessert)

7:00p: sit on potty, then bath time

7:30p: get dressed for bed, brush teeth, cuddle up, and read books

8:00p: bedtime

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round the clock: 19 month old schedule

we're busy these days! mostly, because this little boy can't sit still. i thank my lucky stars i created a schedule and stuck to it, because it makes life so much easier if i know what we're going to do with our time. not to mention what it does for his development. i find when i deviate from it, we end up shopping and running around town. and, spending the day in a car seat and in a stroller is really no fun for a toddler!

he's still an awesome eater! this kid will choose cauliflower and blueberries over candy!

i love hearing words coming out of his mouth. his new one is "bye". he tells everyone bye. and, if he's ready to leave, i'll hear it a thousand times until we make an exit.

LO wants to explore and use his hands. so, we hang out in the garden. of course, he loves playing with dirt, and he loves watering the plants!

the grocery store is a haven. he can't resist the samples!

he tells me "no" when i pull the camera out.

he still loves his daily bike rides. LO pats his cute little head and says, "hat, mama, hat", and i know he wants to hop on the "bithe-kool"!

he begs to ride on "dada's" shoulders.

being able to reach the counter changes everything! this was as much my fault.

we chill at the park.

not only is he taller, but he can climb!

and, he loves his "dada"!

8:00a: wake up, brush teeth, sit on potty, and play a bit

8:30a: breakfast (5 oz of whole milk, 1/2 banana, 1 egg omelet, and a slice of bacon or sausage patty)

9:00a: read books/development activity/play

10:00a: have a snack (fruit and cheese)

10:30a: go on an outing (playgroup, swim lessons/pool/splash pad, or run errands)

12:00p: eat lunch (4 ounces of protein [1 egg, beef, turkey, or chicken], 4 ounces of veggies)

12:30p: play with blocks, puzzles, sing songs

1:00p: sit on potty, read books, then take a nap

3:30p: have a snack...a sippy cup (5 oz) of whole milk, fruit, and cheese

4:00p: go on an outing (park and run errands)

5:00p: play in kitchen (coloring book, scooter, or bang bowls) while i clean up a bit and get dinner ready

6:00p: bike ride with mama and daddy

6:30p: dinner (4 ounces of poultry, fish or beef, 4 ounces of veggies, and fruit for dessert)

7:00p: sit on potty, then bath time

7:30p: get dressed for bed, brush teeth, cuddle up, and read books

8:00p: bedtime

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when you put all your eggs in one basket, just get more eggs!

i was picking up our breakfast plates from the dining room, which is just around the corner, when i heard this loud and messy sounding crash. when i discovered LO sitting on the floor crying next to the eggs, i knew that he knew he did something wrong. besides the fact that i was running late for a FitMoms walk, it was no big deal. i mean, who's going to get mad over something as simple as 22 busted eggs. besides, no one ever shows up to those Thursday walks which i so proudly organize...haha!

round the clock: 18 months old schedule

you guys, my baby is growing up. i usually don't post on Tuesday, but lots has been happening in the world of Liam Oliver (LO).

this little boy has put me to tears twice in the last two weeks. well, technically, his Daddy put me to tears by making simple observations regarding LO's development. and, i was surprised by these observations even though i spend all day with him. DENIAL...you think?

first, LO was super sick for about a week. it sucked the joy out of my little sunshine boy. one night after LO was all better, his Daddy turned to me and said, "he's changed, he's not a baby anymore." in an instant, my lips quivered and my eyes filled with tears. i sobbed. i blame the virus for making my baby a boy!

then, last night, well after we put LO to bed, we kept hearing him kick the door. so, his Daddy checked the monitor and cracked up laughing. i snatched it out his hands to see what was so funny. he said, "is he wearing shoes? he put his shoes on so he could kick the door even harder." i took a look, and immediately began sobbing. Daddy asked why i crying. hello! LO has never put on his own shoes. that's like a big deal...like milestone stuff.

he's also eating less. i'm not sure if it's a little phase or if the picky eater stage is creeping up on us. regardless, i'm going to keep serving him what we eat. eventually, he'll get hungry, right? the funny thing is he won't skip out on the fancy stuff like creamed spinach and crab cakes. 

and he loves cooking with mama!

the summer heat is crazy! so, we've been swimming a lot. his swimming lessons are so much fun! we'll be in the water all summer.

it seems like bedtime keeps getting later and later. i'm going to keep putting him to bed between 7:30 and 8:00pm, but he doesn't actually fall asleep until 9p.

8:00a: wake up, brush teeth, sit on potty, and play a bit

8:30a: breakfast (5 oz of whole milk, 1/2 banana, 1 egg omelet, and a slice of bacon or sausage patty)

9:00a: read books/development activity/play

10:00a: have a snack (fruit and cheese)

10:30a: go on an outing (playgroup, pool/splash pad, or run errands)

12:00p: eat lunch (4 ounces of protein [1 egg, beef, turkey, or chicken], 4 ounces of veggies)

12:30p: play with blocks, puzzles, sing songs

1:30p: sit on potty, read books, then take a nap

3:30p: have a snack...a sippy cup (5 oz) of whole milk, fruit, and cheese

4:00p: go on an outing (park and run errands)

5:00p: play in kitchen (coloring book, scooter, or bang bowls) while i clean up a bit and get dinner ready

6:00p: bike ride with mama and daddy

6:30p: dinner (4 ounces of poultry, fish or beef, 4 ounces of veggies)

7:00p: sit on potty, then bath time

7:30p: get dressed for bed, brush teeth, cuddle up, and read books

8:00p: bedtime

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