Little Smiling Man cut his first tooth yesterday! Amazingly, he remained his usual smiling self throughout the process, with perhaps only slightly more disrupted sleep than normal, and a few extra cuddles. He's such an amazing little guy!
Sleep, however has been at a premium lately. Little Smiling Man being up an extra time each night was just the tip of the iceberg. Mini Muffin has been struggling with a cough and cold which has been keeping her up, waking her frequently, and causing very early risings. Everyone is sleep deprived!
But last night, in and amongst the fatigue, I had a truly blissful moment. Little Smiling Man got up for his usual one o'clock nurse, and then less than an hour later there were squeaks and squeals coming from his nursery. Groaning and bleary eyed, I rolled out of bed once again. When I approached his crib, he smiled at me, and as soon as I picked him up he burrowed into my shoulder. He had no interest in nursing, he was just looking for a cuddle! We settled into the glider and I got to hold my peaceful, happy baby while he settled back to sleep, content with the world. We rocked and cuddled, for what I can still only describe as a blissful time. I watched him as he slept in my arms, and felt an overwhelming sense of peace and calm. The fatigue even slipped away! After a time, he was happy to settle back into his crib, and I got to sleep undisturbed for three-ish hours until Mini Muffin was up for the day.
Babies are little for such a short time. He's already so big - as of last week, he's 2.5 times his birth weight and well and truly into 9 month sized clothing at just six months old! As exciting as it is, I've also been a bit sad about his first tooth coming through. It really is an undeniable sign that time is passing and he's not my little newborn anymore. But, last night I could clearly see that he's still my little baby, cuddled up in my arms and finding comfort there. And, it reminds me that even on difficult days, I really am the happiest I've ever been with these two little blossoms!
Monday 28 September 2015
Saturday 26 September 2015
Good Morning!
I love singing. Mini Muffin loves singing. Even my husband gets in on the action! We love songs with actions, songs with funny rhymes, songs to help distract the littles while we're waiting, songs to bring a smile to the face, songs to get the sillies out - the list is endless.
When Mini Muffin was born I knew very minimal kids songs. As in, basics like Bingo, Isty Bitsy Spider and just a handful of others. Through mothers groups, both my and Mini Muffin's repertoires expanded, and happily Little Smiling Man is now also being exposed to some pretty fun songs.
One time we always sing is in the morning. I greet each child in the morning with a good morning song; basically to the tune of Happy Birthday, just like my mom used to sing to me. My husband has his own good morning song that his dad used to sing when he was a kid. Mini Muffin has started singing a version of my good morning song to Little Smiling Man as well - heart warming to say the least!
However, lately yet another good morning song has emerged in our home. And, it's so popular we've been singing it morning, noon, and... well... not night since we're (hopefully) all fast asleep in our beds. It's called the Good Morning Train, and is far and away Mini Muffin's favourite song at the moment. You can hear a rendition of it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8_CCseQW7c
We have lots of fun with all the "choo choo" sound effects, especially since Mini Muffin is a huge train fan these days. We also make a point of naming people in our extended family and friends that we don't see too often as a way to think of them and include them in our day. It's fantastic when Mini Muffin stops me to inform me that she will be singing it, and proceeds to name anyone that's on her mind - each with a VERY enthusiastic "choo choo!" afterwards.
What's your favourite song to start off the day?
When Mini Muffin was born I knew very minimal kids songs. As in, basics like Bingo, Isty Bitsy Spider and just a handful of others. Through mothers groups, both my and Mini Muffin's repertoires expanded, and happily Little Smiling Man is now also being exposed to some pretty fun songs.
One time we always sing is in the morning. I greet each child in the morning with a good morning song; basically to the tune of Happy Birthday, just like my mom used to sing to me. My husband has his own good morning song that his dad used to sing when he was a kid. Mini Muffin has started singing a version of my good morning song to Little Smiling Man as well - heart warming to say the least!
However, lately yet another good morning song has emerged in our home. And, it's so popular we've been singing it morning, noon, and... well... not night since we're (hopefully) all fast asleep in our beds. It's called the Good Morning Train, and is far and away Mini Muffin's favourite song at the moment. You can hear a rendition of it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8_CCseQW7c
We have lots of fun with all the "choo choo" sound effects, especially since Mini Muffin is a huge train fan these days. We also make a point of naming people in our extended family and friends that we don't see too often as a way to think of them and include them in our day. It's fantastic when Mini Muffin stops me to inform me that she will be singing it, and proceeds to name anyone that's on her mind - each with a VERY enthusiastic "choo choo!" afterwards.
What's your favourite song to start off the day?
Tuesday 22 September 2015
"Two Minutes!"
"Two minutes" is a phrase we now hear often in our house... very often. Neither hubby, nor I, realised that we said it. Then, this fabulous little mirror who regularly lets us know what we really look and sound like (aka Mini Muffin) picked it up. All of a sudden, she started telling us "I be right be back... two minutes!" (only to pop back around the corner ten seconds later, loudly announcing that she'd returned - love her!). At first we were confused; where on earth did that come from? Then, I started noticing myself telling her we would be leaving in two minutes, or that I'd be back in two minutes from a run to basement pantry, etc. Then, I started noticing my husband using similar phrases. I guess we just live in a two minute household.
And that, I think, is partly why an article I recently read on decluttering stuck with me. Sadly, I forgot to bookmark it and it seems to be lost forever. However, amongst all the usual stuff (make your bed, mess attracts mess, etc), was a little gem that I've been putting to the test with pretty solid results. This article proposed that if a task would take two minutes or less, do it immediately; if it will take more than two minutes you can put it off if you want to.
When I read it, I thought "Hmmm... interesting..." and promptly moved on. The next day, as I put a broken down box into a pile on the counter to later go out to the recycling bin, it popped into my head. The twenty steps or so would definitely take less than two minutes, so I took it straight to the bin. One less thing on the counter. I caught myself the same way, putting some rogue barrettes in a pile on the table to be taken upstairs later. Approximately 30 seconds later they were away and not causing clutter on the table.
It's also worked to help push me to complete every day tasks when I see they need doing as opposed to the dreaded "later". After all, it only takes two minutes, so why wait? Corralling shoes at the front door, making the bed, straightening up Little Smiling Man's diaper changing stuff, putting away the shirt that was hanging to dry, and the list goes on. Each thing in itself is small, yet those two minutes give a small sense of accomplishment and spur on more two minute projects. Bit by bit, I can honestly say that I've noticed a difference... even if it is just the lack of recycling items accumulating on the kitchen counter!
And that, I think, is partly why an article I recently read on decluttering stuck with me. Sadly, I forgot to bookmark it and it seems to be lost forever. However, amongst all the usual stuff (make your bed, mess attracts mess, etc), was a little gem that I've been putting to the test with pretty solid results. This article proposed that if a task would take two minutes or less, do it immediately; if it will take more than two minutes you can put it off if you want to.
When I read it, I thought "Hmmm... interesting..." and promptly moved on. The next day, as I put a broken down box into a pile on the counter to later go out to the recycling bin, it popped into my head. The twenty steps or so would definitely take less than two minutes, so I took it straight to the bin. One less thing on the counter. I caught myself the same way, putting some rogue barrettes in a pile on the table to be taken upstairs later. Approximately 30 seconds later they were away and not causing clutter on the table.
It's also worked to help push me to complete every day tasks when I see they need doing as opposed to the dreaded "later". After all, it only takes two minutes, so why wait? Corralling shoes at the front door, making the bed, straightening up Little Smiling Man's diaper changing stuff, putting away the shirt that was hanging to dry, and the list goes on. Each thing in itself is small, yet those two minutes give a small sense of accomplishment and spur on more two minute projects. Bit by bit, I can honestly say that I've noticed a difference... even if it is just the lack of recycling items accumulating on the kitchen counter!
Sunday 20 September 2015
DIY - Cozy Baby Blanket
Sweater season is officially back, and with it comes the need to make sure Little Smiling Man is as cozy as can be. This week, I found myself pulling out the receiving blankets I made for him before birth more often. I'm so glad I took the time - they truly are my go-to blanket!
Let me tell you a bit about them, because these aren't any old receiving blankets. These are a) made with love, b) extra cozy without being too bulky, and c) perfect for someone (like me) just learning how to sew. In fact, this blanket pattern was my very first sewing project, and the prototype was quickly claimed by Mini Muffin. It continues to be her comfort item at bedtime, I love that she's comforted by something I made!
It all started a couple of years ago, with a very experienced quilter from work telling me about making receiving blankets for a colleague that was expecting. It sounded so simple - one yard each of two complementary flannels. Cut one 30" square and one 40" square from each, and through some sewing magic create two beautiful blankets that are a cross between a basic receiving blanket and a simple quilt. Sounds interesting, right? She called them "twenty minute receiving blankets", but ascertained that even with her experience it took her a bit longer. Fast forward to my expecting Little Smiling Man, and several others in my social set also expecting babies around the same time. I thought it would be lovely for Little Smiling Man to have something made especially for him, and to give these as gifts to some of the other new arrivals. I literally googled twenty minute receiving blanket and came across a free online tutorial from the Missouri Star Quilt Company (here: http://shops.missouriquiltco.com/product/self-binding-baby-blanket-pattern/). It turns out that it's the same tutorial my coworker had used! What took her an hour or so, took me longer. The first one took two evenings. The second one took a single evening, and eventually I got it down to a couple of hours during which I could escape from the outside world and focus on a simple, enjoyable project.
With hindsight, the time spent on these blankets was very well spent! I find them so versatile. Being about three feet square, they're great for carseats, swaddling newborns, rolling on when we're out and about, can still be used as receiving blankets and to clean up messes, are thick enough to be perfect for spring and fall weather, and are both soft and durable. Since Little Smiling Man was a March baby, we used them often over the first few months, and I suspect I'll also be using them frequently over the coming months as well.
At this point I've made a half dozen or so, so here are my tips (to supplement the fantastic tutorial above) -
1. Don't skip the prewashing... or the ironing.
Flannel shrinks. A lot. Putting your uncut flannel through the wash means that it won't go all wonky on you later. After it comes out of the dryer, ironing will make cutting so much easier!
2. Perfect squares do matter.
I'm pretty sure it takes me about as long to cut the fabric as it does to pin and sew. But, if you're not square, it's definitely a problem, so it's worth the time.
3. Exact measurements, however, don't matter.
If one of your squares is slightly bigger or smaller, it really doesn't matter, it just changes the width of the border and the overall size of the blanket.
4. Sometimes, if you're new to sewing, the top stitching goes a bit funny in places.
Don't sweat it, no one will notice (and if they do, they won't say anything!). When I made my first blanket, I was very caught up in it being perfect. It wasn't. And, it's still very well loved. Just enjoy the process, and it'll all work out in the end. And, I find that each subsequent blanket gets a little bit closer to perfect.
5. Thread a new bobbin before starting the top stitching.
If you want to go start to finish without stopping, you'll need a full bobbin. Trust me.
6. If you plan to use these for yourself, make several.
In the spring, these were literally the only blanket we used for swaddling due to the chilly weather (and their perfect size). Plus they were used for going out, snuggling, etc. We loved using them so much that they always seemed to be in the wash! Having several meant that we were rarely caught without one.
And, that's my little summary and review of one fantastically simple, handmade baby blanket, that I adore.
Enjoy!!
Let me tell you a bit about them, because these aren't any old receiving blankets. These are a) made with love, b) extra cozy without being too bulky, and c) perfect for someone (like me) just learning how to sew. In fact, this blanket pattern was my very first sewing project, and the prototype was quickly claimed by Mini Muffin. It continues to be her comfort item at bedtime, I love that she's comforted by something I made!
It all started a couple of years ago, with a very experienced quilter from work telling me about making receiving blankets for a colleague that was expecting. It sounded so simple - one yard each of two complementary flannels. Cut one 30" square and one 40" square from each, and through some sewing magic create two beautiful blankets that are a cross between a basic receiving blanket and a simple quilt. Sounds interesting, right? She called them "twenty minute receiving blankets", but ascertained that even with her experience it took her a bit longer. Fast forward to my expecting Little Smiling Man, and several others in my social set also expecting babies around the same time. I thought it would be lovely for Little Smiling Man to have something made especially for him, and to give these as gifts to some of the other new arrivals. I literally googled twenty minute receiving blanket and came across a free online tutorial from the Missouri Star Quilt Company (here: http://shops.missouriquiltco.com/product/self-binding-baby-blanket-pattern/). It turns out that it's the same tutorial my coworker had used! What took her an hour or so, took me longer. The first one took two evenings. The second one took a single evening, and eventually I got it down to a couple of hours during which I could escape from the outside world and focus on a simple, enjoyable project.
With hindsight, the time spent on these blankets was very well spent! I find them so versatile. Being about three feet square, they're great for carseats, swaddling newborns, rolling on when we're out and about, can still be used as receiving blankets and to clean up messes, are thick enough to be perfect for spring and fall weather, and are both soft and durable. Since Little Smiling Man was a March baby, we used them often over the first few months, and I suspect I'll also be using them frequently over the coming months as well.
At this point I've made a half dozen or so, so here are my tips (to supplement the fantastic tutorial above) - 1. Don't skip the prewashing... or the ironing.
Flannel shrinks. A lot. Putting your uncut flannel through the wash means that it won't go all wonky on you later. After it comes out of the dryer, ironing will make cutting so much easier!
2. Perfect squares do matter.
I'm pretty sure it takes me about as long to cut the fabric as it does to pin and sew. But, if you're not square, it's definitely a problem, so it's worth the time.
3. Exact measurements, however, don't matter.
If one of your squares is slightly bigger or smaller, it really doesn't matter, it just changes the width of the border and the overall size of the blanket.
4. Sometimes, if you're new to sewing, the top stitching goes a bit funny in places.
Don't sweat it, no one will notice (and if they do, they won't say anything!). When I made my first blanket, I was very caught up in it being perfect. It wasn't. And, it's still very well loved. Just enjoy the process, and it'll all work out in the end. And, I find that each subsequent blanket gets a little bit closer to perfect.
5. Thread a new bobbin before starting the top stitching.
If you want to go start to finish without stopping, you'll need a full bobbin. Trust me.
6. If you plan to use these for yourself, make several.
In the spring, these were literally the only blanket we used for swaddling due to the chilly weather (and their perfect size). Plus they were used for going out, snuggling, etc. We loved using them so much that they always seemed to be in the wash! Having several meant that we were rarely caught without one.
And, that's my little summary and review of one fantastically simple, handmade baby blanket, that I adore.
Enjoy!!
Friday 18 September 2015
Perfect Homemade Peanut Butter and Other Good Stuff Granola Bars
In our house, we love granola bars as a quick and convenient snack. Hubby takes them to work, I use them as energy boosts when I'm on the go (which seems to be most of the time!), and Mini Muffin enjoys them as an occasional treat. I've been trying to find a delicious, simple and relatively healthy recipe for a homemade version. It's harder than you might think! Some were too heavy, some too sweet, and don't get me started on problems getting some of them to bind...
The closest recipe to 'just right' that I've found is from Super Healthy Kids (here: http://www.superhealthykids.com/peanut-butter-chocolate-trail-mix-granola-bars/). I really enjoyed them as they were, but thought they could be even better. So, using it as a guideline, I incorporated my favourite aspects of all the other recipes to create my own "perfect", simple, no-bake recipe. I hope you enjoy it!
Perfect Homemade Peanut Butter and Other Good Stuff Granola Bars
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
2/3 cup roughly chopped raw almonds
2/3 cup Rice Krispies cereal
1/3 cup ground flax seed
1 1/2 cups "other good stuff"
1 cup natural peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
pinch of salt
Directions
1. Line a 8x8 (or similar) pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. "Other Good Stuff" includes things like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, etc. I used 1/4 cup each of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, mini chocolate chips and craisins, as well as 1/2 cup raisins. By mixing it up, and using what you have on hand, these bars can be different every time. Try a few salted nuts to get a sweet and salty combo, or banana chips with coconut to give a tropical flare. Your imagination (and the contents of your pantry) are the limit!
3. Warm peanut butter until it pours easily (~45 seconds in my microwave), then stir in honey and salt. If you want to reduce the amount of honey, just compensate with peanut butter so there's still enough moisture to bind the bars.
4. Mix wet and dry ingredients; I found using my hands was most effective.
5. Transfer to parchment lined pan. Using another piece of parchment paper firmly press down into an even and well compacted layer.
6. Refrigerate and cut into bars when well chilled. Store covered in refrigerator.
The final step, of course, is to enjoy them. Mini Muffin's verdict? "There's chocolate in there... more treat, please!".
The closest recipe to 'just right' that I've found is from Super Healthy Kids (here: http://www.superhealthykids.com/peanut-butter-chocolate-trail-mix-granola-bars/). I really enjoyed them as they were, but thought they could be even better. So, using it as a guideline, I incorporated my favourite aspects of all the other recipes to create my own "perfect", simple, no-bake recipe. I hope you enjoy it!
Perfect Homemade Peanut Butter and Other Good Stuff Granola Bars
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
2/3 cup roughly chopped raw almonds
2/3 cup Rice Krispies cereal
1/3 cup ground flax seed
1 1/2 cups "other good stuff"
1 cup natural peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
pinch of salt
Directions
1. Line a 8x8 (or similar) pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. "Other Good Stuff" includes things like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, etc. I used 1/4 cup each of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, mini chocolate chips and craisins, as well as 1/2 cup raisins. By mixing it up, and using what you have on hand, these bars can be different every time. Try a few salted nuts to get a sweet and salty combo, or banana chips with coconut to give a tropical flare. Your imagination (and the contents of your pantry) are the limit!
3. Warm peanut butter until it pours easily (~45 seconds in my microwave), then stir in honey and salt. If you want to reduce the amount of honey, just compensate with peanut butter so there's still enough moisture to bind the bars.
4. Mix wet and dry ingredients; I found using my hands was most effective.
5. Transfer to parchment lined pan. Using another piece of parchment paper firmly press down into an even and well compacted layer.
6. Refrigerate and cut into bars when well chilled. Store covered in refrigerator.
The final step, of course, is to enjoy them. Mini Muffin's verdict? "There's chocolate in there... more treat, please!".
Thursday 17 September 2015
Mothering Blossoms - An Introduction
And, here we go...
I suppose it makes sense to mark my entrance into the world of blogging with an introduction of sorts - both for myself and this blog.
I'm Marie, and I have the privilege of raising two young children with my amazing husband. I'm currently on maternity leave, and loving even the most challenging of days!
This blog has been a bud in the back of my mind for quite some time. I have no doubt that it will evolve over time, but at present my vision for it is simple. This is a place to capture and share some of my discoveries in motherhood. So far, they've been varied - from foods my picky toddler will actually eat, to activity ideas, to general realisations about my kidlets.
So, much of this will revolve around said kidlets. Mini Muffin is rapidly coming up on two and a half. She's happy, articulate, strong willed, busy, affectionate, strong willed... did I mention strong willed? She currently loves reading, soccer, singing, anything involving paint, going to the park, and paying close attention to her baby brother. Her brother, Little Smiling Man, is now six months. He's incredibly happy, laid back, and loves to screech! He's recently started solids and sits unsupported, so it's a pretty exciting time developmentally. All in all, I'm one lucky mama!
And, I'll leave it there for now. I've much more to write about in time!
I suppose it makes sense to mark my entrance into the world of blogging with an introduction of sorts - both for myself and this blog.
I'm Marie, and I have the privilege of raising two young children with my amazing husband. I'm currently on maternity leave, and loving even the most challenging of days!
This blog has been a bud in the back of my mind for quite some time. I have no doubt that it will evolve over time, but at present my vision for it is simple. This is a place to capture and share some of my discoveries in motherhood. So far, they've been varied - from foods my picky toddler will actually eat, to activity ideas, to general realisations about my kidlets.
So, much of this will revolve around said kidlets. Mini Muffin is rapidly coming up on two and a half. She's happy, articulate, strong willed, busy, affectionate, strong willed... did I mention strong willed? She currently loves reading, soccer, singing, anything involving paint, going to the park, and paying close attention to her baby brother. Her brother, Little Smiling Man, is now six months. He's incredibly happy, laid back, and loves to screech! He's recently started solids and sits unsupported, so it's a pretty exciting time developmentally. All in all, I'm one lucky mama!
And, I'll leave it there for now. I've much more to write about in time!
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