MOMS Club at Belleview Park

Oliver and I don't make it out to MOMS Club activities very often. They tend to be scheduled at 10am and 11am, which is about when he starts his naps. One of the moms planned an outing at a park down south and mentioned it had a petting zoo. I've always wanted to take Oliver to a petting zoo, so I decided we'd go even though it would fall during Oliver's normal nap time.

Unfortunately, Oliver was crabby all day, and going out at nap time just made it worse. He wasn't interested in any of the kids, and he freaked out when I pulled him out of his stroller at the park. He continued to whine until we boarded a little train that goes around the park. It was free for him (under 2) but $1.50 for me. It was worth it. Oliver looked tired but happy. He liked seeing all the kids around the park waving as the train went by, and never once did he try to get out of his seat. I held his hand through the tunnel, but it didn't scare him one bit.

After the train ride, we went to the petting zoo. It was the same price as the train, and I thought it was OK. By that time, a bunch of day camps had arrived, and there were dozens of older kids playing with the animals. It was also getting hot. Oliver liked to see the goats and said, "Goat," and he really liked to see the cow. He said, "Moo!" to the cow. He wasn't interested in petting or touching the animals, though. He got rocks in his shoes and didn't want to put his shoes back on after I removed them. So, I was stuck carrying him around the petting zoo (no strollers). I decided it was time to leave the little zoo, so we got in line. There's a line to leave because they want everyone to wash their hands afterwards. It makes sense, but standing behind 20 kids from day camp just to leave meant we stood in the sun for 15 minutes. Oliver was angry that I was holding him; I was frustrated from the heat. I just wanted out.Finally, finally, we made our way out. I lost the other moms from MOMS Club and decided they must be down at the creek. There's a creek that runs through the large park. Some areas are very shallow and perfect for older babies and young toddlers. Other areas are deeper, and those areas have a lot of older kids jumping and splashing. It's nice that there are separate areas so everyone has a good place to play. Unfortunately, it was too hot and too late in the day for us to play down at the creek. We left, but I have every intention of taking him back another morning, maybe around 9am to avoid the big crowds and the hot sun. As we left, I noticed there were about a dozen cars circling the parking lots, trying to find spots to park. Yeah, 11am is definitely not a good time to go! It was busy, busy. I even think 10am was a late start time, but the train and zoo don't open until then.

I really want to take Oliver back. Maybe we'll go with Andrew this weekend to play in the creek and then do another ride in the train before leaving.

100 (Attempted) Ways to Entertain a Young Toddler, Day 23: Magnetic Magic

Oliver has been Mr. Cranky Pants all day today. There is nothing that seems to keep him happy. I took a shower; he threw a fit. I put his mattress on the floor to play Zoom, but he got upset that his mattress was out of his crib. We went out to join a MOMS club activity (post to follow), but Oliver got so upset when I took him out of his stroller. It's just been a difficult day.

I decided to find an activity in one of our activity books, 365 Games Smart Toddlers Play. Oliver was angry at me for looking at the book and threw it! Let's just say he's gotten a few lectures today.

I finally selected an activity called "Magnetic Magic." Oliver used to really enjoy playing with alphabet magnets on the fridge and dish machine, but it's fallen out of favor with him in the last few months. Sometimes, old is new again. I took the book's suggestion and pulled out a cookie sheet. It's never occurred to me that cookie sheets are magnetic. I also grabbed a selection of refrigerator magnets instead of limiting him to his alphabet letters.

Once I pulled out all of the materials, Oliver quieted. It was one of the first times he'd calmed down all day. To be honest, the game wasn't all that exciting and didn't last long, but it was such a relief to have something go well today. For about five minutes, we arranged magnets and flipped the cookie sheet around. Oliver decided that he was against the letter "V." He didn't want me to play with it, either, so he finally stuck it in a pot and found the appropriate lid to lock it away for good. Then, he was done with the game.

Assuming most households have cookie sheets and refrigerator magnets already, "Magnetic Magic" is a free activity. I think little ones like seeing magnets stick, but Oliver was already getting a little old to enjoy it for long. I'm going to guess that younger toddlers and toddlers that don't normally play with magnets will enjoy this activity. Based on Oliver's enjoyment of it, I give the activity the grade: B-. Good, easy, different, but not that interesting for him.

100 (Attempted) Ways to Entertain a Young Toddler, Day 22: If You're Happy and You Know It

I sing a lot to Oliver throughout the day. Sometimes, I find that easier than talking to him nonstop or narrating what I'm doing. I sing him songs instead! I've learned that the sillier and more interactive a song, the better.

Oliver went in on Friday to get his last Hep A vaccine. Andrew took him to the vaccination area with the nurse because I get too emotional. It's hard watching your little one get a shot, even when you know it's for the best. Andrew told me that Oliver recognized the vaccination area as soon as the nurse took him back. He started crying, and then his cries increased once the shot was administered. Andrew brought him back to me as he checked us out.

Oliver cried and cried in my arms. I started singing, "If You're Happy and You Know It." I made up a few verses to keep his attention, like "If you're happy and you know it, honk a nose. HONK!" Within minutes, he was laughing instead of crying.

That was Friday. Today, I was feeling exhausted, and I sat next to Oliver on the couch. I wanted to play and keep him engaged without having to get up. Pathetic, huh? I started singing, "If You're Happy and You Know It." I probably made up a dozen verses. Many made Oliver shriek with glee. His favorites are "...pop my cheeks," "...honk a nose," "...tickle a foot," "...find a belly button," and "pat your head." I sang and sang and sang, doing each verse two or three times. He was stomping his feet and having a great time. It kept him happy for at least 10 minutes! Every time I would end the song, he'd ask me to sing it again.

I love activities that take little (or, in this case, absolutely no) prep. It's nice to know that there are games to play at a moment's notice for those times we're stuck in lines or waiting at a doctor's office. Perfect! For the simplicity of this "activity" and because of Oliver's enjoyment, I give it an A.

Meatless Monday: Pico de Gallo Tacos

One of my best friend's mother is from the Dominican Republic. She taught my friend how to make pico de gallo, and she, in turn, taught me. It's simple and tastes so fresh. I've been making it for years now (usually as a mild salsa to eat with chips), but I also make a batch of it for when I'm in the mood for a veggie taco (as opposed to a tofu taco). To be honest, I can't remember if the original recipe she taught me called for garlic or not. I don't think it did; I think I added it later (I'm kind of a garlic fiend). So, feel free to omit the garlic to be a bit more authentic, if you prefer.

These tacos don't have any kick to them whatsoever. There's no chili powder or anything in the recipe. I recommend eating them with hot sauce. My favorite is the green Tabasco!

Here's my recipe:

Pico de Gallo Tacos (serves 4):

4 roma tomatoes, diced

1 small onion, diced
1 avocado, peeled and diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped finely
juice from 1 lime
salt to taste
8 corn tortillas
1/4-1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the roma tomatoes, onion, avocado, garlic and cilantro. Toss with the lime juice.

2. Heat oil in a deep saute pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the tortillas, two at a time, in the pan. Don't overlap the tortillas. Allow the tortillas to cook for a minute, and then use tongs to flip them. Cook tortillas for another minute for them to crisp up. Once cooked, remove the tortillas using the tongs, and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

3. Spoon 1/4 cup of rice onto each tortilla. Top the rice with the black beans, and then smother the rice & beans with the pico de gallo. Serve with hot sauce, if desired.


Per serving:
Calories: Approximately 500
Protein: Approximately 12 grams
Cost: Approximately $2.30

Bah Humbug

Andrew's camping for the night with his buddies, and his parents are watching Oliver to give me a night off. I stayed busy during the day (built some hand railings with my parents' help) and am looking forward to seeing friends in the morning. Still, I can't help but miss those guys like crazy.

I usually go to bed between 8pm and 9pm, but sleep hasn't hit me yet. I know my favorite fellas had a great day and are sleeping soundly, but I miss them incredibly. It's hard to sleep without them here.

Honestly, Oliver and I don't spend much time apart. Andrew dropped him off at Grandma & Grandpa's at 9am, and that seems like a ridiculously long time ago. I feel like we've been apart for weeks, and I can't wait to see him so he knows that I'm still here, that being apart is a good thing, and that we always come back. I feel a little heartbroken over silly things, like not being able to kiss him goodnight.

Before he left for the day, I sat him down and told him that he was going to visit his grandparents. I reminded him that they have two dogs, and I reminded him of the swing they have in their backyard. I told him he'd get to play and have fun, and I'd see him tomorrow. He ran and got my shoes, so I think he was excited to go. Honestly, I love that he loves his grandparents and likes visiting them. It makes life much easier to know we have help. All of his grandparents adore him, and I'm confident he's in good hands. But... it's still not easy to leave him.

It's silly, I know. It's only one day. I'm just not used to it. I'm not used to going to the bathroom without a little guy following me in to have me flush the potty. I'm not used to having nothing to do and watching TV. I feel sad and worry about silly things, like how Grandma & Grandpa don't know that Oliver likes for people to count to three for him before he does something (flush a toilet, push a button, etc). He even starts the count quietly, "Un, Tuh..." Is he confused when they don't understand and don't join in the counting? What about when they don't understand that "oos" means "juice," which means he's thirsty?

I feel so overprotective. I don't mean to be. I just am used to having my little guy around all the time. It's good for me (and him) to have time apart, but it's not easy. The funny thing is, I know I'll be exhausted come tomorrow evening. I'll be thinking, "I wish I could have a break to just sit and do nothing for just a few minutes!" I should enjoy the free time I have now. It's hard.

Maybe I'll try to get to sleep. I'm not looking forward to the empty bed upstairs.

Bah, Humbug! So much for a day off. I miss my family.

Oliver's Always Watching

I always thought I was so sneaky. Oliver's been on an anti-vegetable kick for a couple months, so I cleverly shove veggies into his PBJ sandwiches, into sauces, and into penne pasta noodles. For dinner last night, I started shoving cooked hunks of broccoli and carrot into Oliver's penna pasta before we sat down for dinner. I've done this dozens of times.

We sit down, and Oliver starts gobbling up his food. I feel proud and clever. Halfway through, Oliver grabs a piece of broccoli off of his plate and starts trying to shove it into his pasta! Apparently, the kid won't eat vegetables by themselves but doesn't mind a bit that it's hidden in the food he is eating.

Clever boy.

100 (Attempted) Ways to Entertain a Young Toddler, Day 21: Blanket Fort

Who hasn't built a blanket fort as a kid? My sister and I used to love draping blankets over the couches and onto chairs. It was our hideout.

A few months ago, some friends of mine posted pictures of a blanket fort that they'd built for their son, who's younger than Oliver by a few months. Before then, it hadn't occurred to me that little ones could enjoy an activity like this, too.

Today, I decided to build Oliver his first blanket fort. I was better at doing this when I was little. I ended up with a blanket draped from the couch to the coffee table, and it made a blanket tunnel. Oh, well! I showed Oliver his blanket tunnel, and he got really excited. He got down on all fours and crawled through it as fast as he could. He came out the other end, beaming, and yelled, "More!" He did it a few more times. Occasionally, I'd pop my head through and yell, "Boo!"

He tired of the game after about 5 minutes or so. That seems to be about average for him and new activities. I guess one can have just so much fun with a blanket fort by yourself. After he tired of it, I left the blankets up just in case he changed his mind. He climbed up onto the couch and almost climbed onto the blankets (which would have sent him crashing to the floor). Luckily, I stopped him in time. I realized that it wasn't safe for me to leave those blankets up!

This free activity earns a B in my book. I'll definitely play blanket fort with him again, and I'm sure it will turn into a game of pretend as the blanket forts become more fort-like and less tunnel-like. It's easy to set up, free, and fun for a short while. On the other hand, while Oliver had fun, his interest waned quickly.

Update: As it turns out, my husband is significantly better at building forts than me (here is a look at his fort). My blanket tunnel fort has been put to shame. Oliver loved watching it get built, but he didn't enjoy playing in it for long. I'm not going to change my B grade for this activity, but I can see how promising building a fort can be.

TWENTY-FOUR WEEKS!

We've made it to week 24! I'm so happy. I can remember those long days in May when I thought this day would never come (although I forced myself to think positively). Week 24 is the milestone of viability for most fetuses. Of course, it's not good to deliver this early, and babies this premature often suffer long-term health issues. No one wants to deliver this early, but it's such a good feeling to know that I can. Even if I start bleeding or my water breaks, life will go on. BIG sigh of relief.

All my bleeding has been stopped for weeks, but I sometimes get that mysterious pain in that same spot (only about two inches higher) that I'd felt spasms resembling kicking back in weeks 12-14 before my bleed. I'm not sure, but I think they're related to when I work and bend over while holding Oliver.

I wrote that my next goal is to make it to week 30 (September 2) because my midwife told me that week 30 is when preemies start to do fairly well. My aunt, an RN who works in the maternity ward at a hospital in Chicago, told me that they always shoot for 28 weeks. She told me that if my water breaks to ask for a hormone (I can't remember the name) that, if injected into the mother, helps the fetus's lung development. Anyway, week 28 is August 19. I know I'll feel good on August 19, but you can be certain that I'll be thrilled when I make it to September second. Six weeks to go!

100 (Attempted) Ways to Entertain a Young Toddler, Day 20: Cars and Cans

Today's activity is courtesy of my friend, Sam. She has two boys: Charlie is 2.5, and Jack is 6 months old. They all battled a virus last week, and Sam was desperate for indoor activities. Here's what she came up with: Cars & Cans. I love how creative she got using stuff from the kitchen to make tunnels for Charlie's cars!

I decided Oliver needed his own round of Cars & Cans. I used actual canned goods and set up my cooling rack on top. I got Oliver's car ready and showed him the fun of driving it through the tunnel. Oliver got really excited... but not about the car. Oliver was excited for the cans.

Oliver toppled my tunnel over and started playing with the cans. I tried to rebuild it a few times, but it was completely futile. Oliver wanted those cans! Finally, I decided to let him have the cans, and I got four identical mugs down from the cabinet to use as the support for the tunnel. Oliver found this acceptable.

He started stacking his cans on top of it. He had a blast, and I'd count each can for him: One, two, three! I was worried the whole thing would come crashing down on his toes, but he seemed to balance them well. He only liked stacking them directly on top of each other. I tried to stack them in a pyramid, but he never did that himself.

I started to see the wheels turning in Oliver's head as he realized the tunnel could hold weight. Sure enough, he walked up to it and sat down on it. It was strong enough to hold him up! I wouldn't let him stand on it, though (Yes, he tried).

Oliver continued stacking cans, and the activity kept him happy, smiley and occupied for twenty minutes!

About an hour later, I finally caught him playing with his car and the tunnel. He didn't drive the car through it, but instead enjoyed the sounds it made as he drove it on top of the tunnel. As soon as I came to join him, he stopped (of course). I left it set up for him to play with all afternoon. Then, Andrew came home and crashed into it. Oops.

This is a great activity to do with young toddlers, and it's perfect for a day indoors. Use whatever you have in the house to build it. If you use canned goods like I did, expect that your child will eventually drop them on his toes. Thankfully, Oliver didn't today, but I know it's just a matter of time. Ouch! In spite of that risk factor, I give this activity an A+. It's easy to do, and it was so much fun for my little guy, even if he didn't play it as I'd intended.

Potty Training Regression?

I was so excited to announce earlier this week that Oliver was pee trained! For over a week, he let me know when he had to pee. He'd walk up to me and tug on his undies, or he'd simply walk into the bathroom and set up his potty seat.

Starting Tuesday night, everything changed suddenly. First, he peed in the kitchen. It was no big deal. It was normal for him to have an accident about once a day, but he'd usually stop when he started and then run to the bathroom. This time, he peed everywhere! I told him it was a "sneaky pee-pee" and wasn't a big deal. We cleaned it up and all was well. Half an hour later, we were up in my bedroom reading books for bed time. Oliver peed on our bed. Hmmm.

Well, all day yesterday, I had to bug him to go on the potty. He'd hold it for three hours, and I'd say every 5 minutes or so, "Do you want to pee-pee on the potty?" He still doesn't say, "No," yet, but he'll look away instead of saying yes. If I try to force it and put him on there, he freaks out. That's not good, so I don't ever put him on there unless he says, "Yes." Once, I tried bribery and sat him up there with a cookie. He still freaked out at me. He went to the potty when I repeatedly asked him over and over, but he also had multiple accidents. I'd catch them as soon as they started and ran him over to the potty. I'd say he had three, which is way more than he had all week long!

Today, it's kind of the same thing. He'd gone all morning without peeing, so at 7:30am, I tried to convince him to go by asking him questions like, "Can you get on the potty all by yourself?" He didn't want to. I don't want to pressure him too much or make it a power thing, but he's also little and forgets, so I need to ask. Anyway, about ten minutes later, I catch him making his pee face. I ran him over to the potty, where he peed, and I made a big deal out of it. Still, I was concerned and thought, "Why didn't he want to go on the potty?" Half an hour later, he started to pee on the floor in front of my husband, who ran him over to the potty, where he finished.

We went to the coffee store today. Oliver seems to love public potties and figuring out how they work. He eagerly went pee-pee in there and flushed it.

I made a big deal out of it again, but I'm wondering about the regression. I definitely don't want to confuse him, so I want to continue with the training, but I also don't want to force him, and I don't want to plead with him to go to give him a power trip. I'm wondering if I should just let him have accidents, or if I should continue running him to the potty when he starts to go.

He definitely understands the concept of using the potty, and he's definitely able to hold it (like I said, he holds it long enough to set up his potty seat and everything). Honestly, I think it's just lost its novelty. I'm hoping being consistent will teach him that it's just a regular part of our daily routine, and it's not a big deal. I think I'm going to stop asking him if he has to go all the time, or at least not make a big deal out of it when I do ask him. Hmm, we'll see how this goes.

Update: Maybe I worried for nothing. All afternoon, Oliver has been willing to use the potty. He even sat down on it all by himself and pooped for the first time! This morning, I read about potty training regression, so I know it's a real thing. I guess we'll see what happens!