Category: toddler

September 20, 2011

Peanut Picnics #3

This week I chose a local school ground for our picnic. Behind the school is one of the best playgrounds in town. But you can’t see any of it from the road, so you’d never know. Behind the playground is a humongous open field for soccer, frolicking and other games. Then, behind that, is a chunk of woods with well-managed trails.

However, the boys were not convinced. They saw playground toys and only wanted toys. With a little “we’ll go home if you’re not going to listen,” I got them to indulge me (mwahaha) and follow me to the opening. When they saw the mysterious pathways and beautiful meadow grasses and flowers, they got excited, like I knew they would. We came upon a shelter filled with picnic tables nestled in a corner of the woods. Perfect!

We spread out our food and got to work on supper. This is one of the hardest parts of our picnics. With so much anticipation for what they’re going to see and where they’re going to play, it takes quite a lot of willpower and self-control to actually eat.

See what I mean? But those goofy goons finally finished and we made our way through some of the trails. The boys just had to carry their own lunch boxes. Grandma made sure they each had their own brand new lunch box for these weekly trips. Grandma’s the best.

The ambiance was complete with the smell from the wildfires happening hundreds of miles away in Minnesota. The autumn winds brought the campfire smell and a faint haze to our corner of Wisconsin that day.

We were almost to the end of the trail when my son said, “there’s a deer.” He sometimes points out pretend deer when we’re in the woods just for fun, so I kept going. Then, I looked back and had to look again. Well, I’ll be… There stood a beautiful doe. She must be well-adapted to humans, because she stood in the same spot while we talked to her and took pictures.

Then, of course, we had to hit up the playground. I had one little Spider Monkey climbing a web-like rope contraption and another checking out each and every slide. I took a moment to get “up to the sky” on a swing. My stomach had a lot more butterflies in it than I ever remember having.

I was busy reflecting on these great experiences we are having every week. Being outdoors away from TV, steeping ourselves in nature, spending quality time with the kiddos, being active, exploring new territory, and spending very little moola…it feels like an adventure in happiness every week. And it’s just as simple as carving out one night a week, when my husband is away, to visit a different park. Magnificent! Give it a try!

September 14, 2011

Peanut Picnics #2

Last Tuesday we geared up for a picnic on a little island. The island is connected to the mainland by a little bridge. There’s still a beautiful lighthouse situated on said island.

We laid out our “new” vintage quilt and cracked open the Yoo-hoo milk.

After a little while, the boys spotted an airplane. My nephew got all excited and said, “They can see Jesus up there!” My favorite moment so far!

Disclaimer: this shot was totally not staged! Ha! My explorers went to scout out the island and stood side-by-side with hands on hips surveying the new territory.

While we were eating, we were graced by the company of this beauty. Something you don’t see around the kitchen table or noshing in front of the tube.

When they were done eating–a task that took quite awhile with all the beautiful distractions–we took an adventure exploring the rest of the island. On the opposite end is a little pool of still water. So, the boys picked up a few sticks and got to work “fishing.” The seaweed is a beautiful fish, isn’t it?

We found holes…

…and mountains.

Then, we took a walk to another section of the mainland park. There’s an open field next to a wooded area that I was going to let the Peanuts run around. When I was little, our family would bring our dogs here to run. I’ve been coming to this part of the park since I was tiny.

I noticed a little opening at one end of the wooded area, so we walked toward it. There was a sign. I assumed it would say “no trespassing.” It did not. It said the trail was meant for hiking and cross-country skiing.

How did I not know about this trail all these 20-something years of frequenting the place!?!?!

We started walking and came upon a fork in the road. Taking the path on the right, we found a huge open field. And then we entered fricken’ Narnia! Or the Secret Garden! One of those magnificent secret places you always hoped you’d stumble upon as a kid but never found. Really, I was THAT excited about it. I have dreams about such adventures as this. There was a locked up little campground with about four cabins and a main building. We found a picnic table with a grill and a volleyball net. And even a set of well-kept swings!!!

We left the other fork yet undiscovered for another time. We’ll definitely be back to see where that one leads.

August 31, 2011

Peanut Picnics #1

As long as the weather remains bearable, I will be taking my two favorite little Peanuts on a picnic every Tuesday night. My husband went back to school and has a night class that leaves us apart from the time I get home from work to the time I drop into bed. I thought it would be a fun idea to take my son and nephew to a new localle around town for each picnic. I’ve been making a mental checklist of places for awhile now. Last night, we hit the gazebo at a local park because it was on the verge of raining. See, I have a few “backup” places in mind too so the rain can’t stop us.

I threw a few Lunchables in the bag for the kiddos and a sandwich for me and off we went.

These two kids have such extremes in the hair department. One gets comments for his near-white albino-like hair and one gets compliments for his shiny copper top.

After they were done eating, and we had shoo’d away the lone bee that wanted our juice, we made our way over to the nearby playground. Climbing the trees seemed like more fun than the slides!

And blowing dandelions. I love how kids pick up on simple things like this. You show them once and they remember it for a lifetime. I mean, he had no idea about this simple childhood pleasure of dandelion-blowing until one day we were stuck in the backyard one day with nothing to do. Instant entertainment. Makes me think about all the wonderful I’d like to teach him.

My basic requirements as a mother: keep those babies well-fed and happy. Here’s the evidence that I’m doing a fine job.

Mental notes for next time:

1. Find a nice reusable tablecloth for the questionable picnic tables around town. This time, we made sure we kept everything on top of plastic baggies and Lunchable trays.

2. I’m still trying to find a cute old quilt to throw on the ground anywhere we decide to munch or hang out. We have an old off-white blanket that we use for the dog in the car, but I think I’d like something a little more memorable or whimsical.

3. Juice=Bee Catcher. Lets try chocolate milk or airtight water bottles next time.

August 17, 2011

Birthday Boys

Two weeks ago, my in-laws from Florida stayed with us for a week. It was so hard to see them go after my son became so close to both of them, especially his grandpa. With them being so far away, and our budget being constrained by tuition and other normal things, we don’t get to see them but maybe once a year. But we have some photos to hold us over until then. The best thing I can do for my son is to make him copies of these pictures and put together his very own picture album. We’ll go over the pictures from time to time and relive the moments so those memories don’t fade and he can hang onto that beautiful, sweet connection he had with his family.

Here he is being checked by Doctor Grandpa. We know their hearts are definitely dearly connected.

He and his grandma also shared special moments filled with teasing, goofing and laughter.

Until next time, we miss you deeply!

August 10, 2011

Voting is Just What We Do

In history-making fashion, my husband and I headed to the polls last night for the Wisconsin recall elections. According to an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal, there have been only 20 recalls like this since 1908 in the entire US. Wisconsin is holding 9 in just one month, fueled in part by a vote to strip government workers of their collective bargaining rights. There have been more campaigners at my door every single day this past month than there were for the last presidential election–and kind, non-pushy, polite ones at that. I am more than proud to say that I was a participant in this unprecedented event.

But more importantly, we took our three-year-old son along. He took in the scene from the school gymnasium with wide eyes and followed along with us so obediently, as if he knew something important was happening here necessitating his best behavior. The fact that there were only two people on the ballot made the voting process painless, but still… He was absorbing an event that was completely new to him, but something that we, as his parents, are determined to instill as completely normal activity. Voting is just what we do.

I grew up in a politically-apathetic house, where no one really voted or paid attention to elections until we were in high school and urged our mom to vote just so we could get extra credit points in social studies. The concepts of “the structure of the government” and “how a bill becomes a law” were foreign to me in school. And now, though I wouldn’t really call myself completely politically-inclined, I still take my right to vote very seriously and do what research I can at election time. I firmly believe that the actions of one person are crucial. And just like with working out, I want my son to see voting as something routine, just a natural thing, so he might be more inclined to take a proactive role in his own life and that of his country when he’s all grown up.

Wait, I didn’t say that. He’s going to be my little baby forever!

June 29, 2011

Babygazing has got to be located somewhere in the realm of the divine. An evening spent burying our feet in the sandbox, playing “fish” in the bathtub, and lap-reading for an extended time felt so great it was almost spiritual. Peering in at the little boy asleep in stillness topped the experience with pure bliss. Could it be that the free ‘Yoga in the Gardens” session that I went to last night carried over into my parenting?

Could be.

At this very time, I’ve also been reading a soulful book titled “The Creative Family” by Amanda Blake Soule. The book is filled with gentle reminders about the intricacy and delicacy of childhood. How it’s important to engage your children in meaningful activities, especially natural and artistic pursuits. How you should appreciate the sensitivities of a child. The passage that I remember the most was about how it’s essential to appreciate when your child goes jumping in puddles and playing in the mud because of the crucial learning opportunities they provide. These are natural, tactile adventures. It’s all about exploration and spontaneity and experimentation. You could get mad, or you could get mindful.

Soule points to mindful parenting in the resources section of the book. Interested in learning more about where Soule may have learned some of her own unique parenting skills, I did a little research about it. Bingo! Just what I needed.

When I was a brand-new first-time mother of a newborn, the most grounding habit I took up was my yoga hour on Saturday mornings. Afterwords, I approached my son much more gently and the intimidation of new motherhood seemed a little more surmountable. But I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.

Now I see that the connection between yoga and mindful parenting is phenomenal. Last night, while I was slowing down my breath and thoughts on that beautiful manicured lawn, moving my body gently on all different planes, and being reminded to feel the earth beneath my feet, my patience was restored and “hurry up” was eliminated from my routine. My relationship with my son last night was all the better for it as I was being mindful of the sand shoes on my feet and being sensitive to my son’s whims and curiosities.

I can feel what nurturing myself and slowing down does for my own body, and now I clearly and firmly recognize what it does for my child.

May 27, 2011

What Not To Do When You Work Out

Every once in awhile I face an exercise obstacle that I didn’t anticipate. Like any learning opportunity, these little snafus give me ideas for doing things better and encourage a good cathartic laugh.

Rule #1: Never try to rollerblade while pulling a child in a wagon. I mean, I was pretty sure this wasn’t going to work anyway. But my husband insisted that changing the bike seat back into a running stroller was no simple task. So we tried the next best thing: the wagon. Impossible! By the way, even if you hook a dog leash to the handle, you’ll still be panting and swerving all over the sidewalk. Oh my gosh, think of what we looked like to onlookers. Ha! We originally wanted to bring our son along on this “family outing,” but ended up finding a sitter for a good 30 minute ride.

Rule #2: Don’t rollerblade anywhere near the lake when the lakeflies are in season. We had no idea they were swarming until we were eating them in the thicks of their buzzing. Our city has a problem with this breed of buzzers for about two weeks every spring and they literally form a black wall for a good block all around the lake. Honey quick! Turn around! Cover your face and nose! Yes, they are that bad! People from around here know exactly what I mean. People from anywhere else will not believe me.

Rule #3: Do not talk to me while I’m on the treadmill. I’m not trying to be rude or antisocial or callous or disconnected when I say this. I’m just not well-equipped to keep up with myself and carry on conversation at the same time. I am a master multi-tasker, and I don’t normally get very moody, but try talking to me while I’m running. I just can’t do it. I have a one-track mind on the treadmill. I can read magazines on there, but I just can’t talk.

Rule #4: Don’t close your eyes and jam out to your music on the treadmill. It’s a little funny, but potentially very dangerous. I watched as my mom edged toward the back of the treadmill and slid right off the back before I even had a chance to warn her. We both laughed really hard, but it definitely could’ve turned out much worse.

Rule #5: Never try to go for a run with the jogging stroller AND the dog. I always feel guilty when I go out running without bringing one or the other. The dog never really gets enough exercise and the baby will throw himself on the floor crying if I leave without him. So one time, like a good mommy, I thought I’d try bringing both. Wrong move. First of all, good running form is completely impossible. Both hands are tied up so you can’t swing them. You’re hunched over the stroller while one arm is being tugged. You can’t concentrate and enjoy your run when you have the baby asking to get out and walk and the dog is trying to chase a squirrel on the other side. Just don’t do it!

Be careful out there. There are so many ways to bang oneself up in and outside a gym. Some of them, you’ll just never see coming though.

May 3, 2011

Exercise Role Models

I can’t tell you how pleased I was when I saw my son incorporating a “workout” into his imaginary play. I grew up in a household where no one moved. Taking the dog around the block caused quite the groaning and griping. I didn’t have a real role model for exercise. Or healthy eating, for that matter. To say the least, it was grueling work to train myself to be the active person I am today. To watch my son pretending to do pushups is so rewarding, it’s unbelievable. He will never have to retrain his whole body and pattern of thought into an active way of life–it will be natural.

My husband has been participating in a Biggest Loser contest at his workplace as well. Our son is seeing him working up a sweat, running on the treadmill and weight training on my step bench. The first time the little man saw him, he pulled my arm with eyes wide: “Look momma, look. Look at Da!” It was something my son wasn’t used to seeing from my other half.

And recently, the little man has been doing some of the moves with me. When I’m doing easy stuff like walking in place or jumping, he’ll stand next to me and pull his best pose. He always has to do a minute of walking on the treadmill before I’m allowed to use it too. It’s comical. But it’s also gratifying to know that I can be a good role model for him. And it doesn’t take much. It just takes him watching me make exercise a normal part of my life. He won’t know any other way.

This is the best way for momma to lose too! With my husband working out and crunching calories and losing weight at the bat of an eye, I, who am already a fitness buff, am making strides. I lost 2 lbs just this week. And while that doesn’t sound like much, it’s a huge feat when you’re way closer to your healthy weight. I’ve been trying to lose those 2 pesky pounds for four months.

April 25, 2011

I want to go there too!

We were visiting my grandma when it happened. From the bookshelf at the assisted living facility where she lives, I pulled a book with breathtaking photographs of wild animals in their natural habitats. My almost-3-year-old was mesmerized by the book for a good 15 minutes–which is quite amazing in itself, considering he isn’t inclined to sit still for an entire minute at a time. I was having fun explaining where the animals lived, making up stories about what they were doing and even counting “heads.” Grandma was just beaming watching her great-grandson delight in the images.

Then, the blue-eyed boy looked at me with the deepest, most pure longing and said “I go this place?” He wanted with all his heart to visit the places in the book. Those stark majestic mountains, crystal-blue untouched waters, and wild animal-populated grasslands. This brings back memories of the binder I kept as a young girl with all the collectible wildlife information cards. I can clearly see the attic door that I decorated with pictures of decadent waterfalls, stark cabins and lush rainforests cut from National Geographic. And I get a little lighthearted thinking about the longings I had to join Swiss Family Robinson or Hatchet on their wilderness quests. Oh honey, I want to go there too!

In the meantime, I might have to find him some National Geographics, buy him a “Nature Songs” CD or subscribe him to Ranger Rick. But that will have to be after I put together a “penny jar” for our dream vacation in the wilderness. And maybe we can kidnap grandma for awhile to take her there too. She would just love it!

January 14, 2011

What a Nightmare

My little bambino has been mighty sick lately. He’s on his way to the doc right now. But the thing that concerns me most is his apparent nightmare two nights ago. I mean, the Lion King hyenas are a little scary and sometimes daddy watches something questionable, but it seems odd that a child with a pretty limited vocabulary and teeny tiny set of experiences could have such a harrowing nightmare that he picked his way in complete darkness to our bedside. He usually doesn’t leave his bed until someone goes to get him. Finding him whimpering next to my bed was probably just as scary to me as it was to him to have such a nightmare, because it just kills me when he experiences such angst. Poor little guy.

So, knowing me, I had to Google “toddler nightmares” the next day because I had no idea how to approach this uncharted territory. I don’t like to just ignore seemingly arbitrary things like this and I’m all about making things better for my family. The best advice I found is to ask your toddler briefly what’s going on, and then change their thoughts. Go downstairs and get a glass of milk and read them another story. I like to check for monsters and pretend to eat them if the little guy suspects there are any lurking under his bed. This seems to reassure him. But there’s nothing worse than being short with a toddler, so a little empathy and back-stroking go a long way. We now have a night light for his room and leave his door open so that he feels more secure.

There’s a lot of irony with being a parent. While we’re busy reassuring our little people that everything is OK, we’re secretly worrying about upcoming bills, strange vehicle sputters, the health of our elders, our work relationships, and then some. Those petty nightmares seem to pale in comparison to real encounters with death and poverty. However, it is because of a toddler’s lack of experience that those worries derived from nightmares feel just as potent as our biggest adult fears. It really puts things into perspective, as they say.

This incident also provides a lesson in thought re-patterning. I like the idea of acknowledging bad feelings and then redirecting thoughts to other more pleasant and productive things. In the real world, empathy and active listening go a long way too. It’s amazing what you can learn from raising a child. More and more, these experiences reiterate the things I’ve learned in my own life.

This is also a lesson in the active imaginations of children. When we think they’re not looking or paying attention, they’re really actively absorbing more than we realize. We’re going to have to be much more proactive about screening our television and word choices. My husband and I might just have to start playing the quarter game pretty soon too. Our potty mouths might get us into trouble one of these days…