Toddler wearing....

Yesterday, I did a Quilt Shop hop with my mom and 19 month old son. We drove to South Bend, Wakarusa, and Goshen. I have been baby wearing since I brought Max home from the Hospital. I would have never been able to do what we did yesterday trying to use a stroller. It would have never worked. Max slept though the whole first store in a Maya Wrap ring sling. Maya again in the next over stuffed store. By the time we made it to Wakarusa he was awake and onto my back he went in the Babyhawk OhSnap. At the final store for the day there was a toy area surrounded by a 4 foot gate. At first Max was interested in playing but not alone. So after my mom checked out she played with him so I could wrap up my purchase.

Fabric stores are wonderful magical places where imaginations can run wild. So much to see, touch, and explore. I can explore that with my little guy. Only with baby wearing can I let my child explore with me.

Babywearing is normal. Natural. Safe. A daily way of life. I would never change any part of it.

Viva la Babywearing!

more time

I wish there was more hours in the day. More time to spend with my family all together before the sun sets at night. I am sure someday in the not too distant future, when Max is old enough to be in school, I will wonder how to fill my day.

the day in the life of my 18 month old.

Wake up around 8 a.m.

nurse.

demand to watch plowing/steam traction engine videos.

eat a ton for breakfast. usually fruit and rice chex.

play.

hang out with mom.

nurse, eat lunch.

play.

fall sleep at some point.

nurse.

nap some more.

play with everything in the house that is NOT a baby toy.

have some dinner.

play.

nurse.

sleep around 10 p.m.

Fair time 2010

Mom, Max, and I. It was unbelievably hot. Hopefully next summer will not be as bad. :-) But as you can see it is still easy with a sling.

Baby carrier conundrum

I love my Maya Wraps. I own 3. One in the house, and two in the car. I also have a Sleepy Wrap and a hand made Mai Tei. We also have 3 strollers. One umbrella stroller from my cousin (also lives in my car), one graco stroller that matches Max's original car seat (although I never used them together), and one very expensive Burley Bike trailer (that can hold up to 2 kids or 100 lbs). Max being 16 months old now I need to carry him safely and securely, but out of my way sometimes, as in on my back.

My husband thinks I am crazy. Especially in wanting another type of carrier. I wish money was not a concern.

I will find a way. It will be mine. I end carrying Max everyday. I will make it easier on me. :-)

Long time gone...

Sorry, I have been busy chasing a 15 month around and it is hard to type more than a sentence when he is awake.

So I have had some observations recently on eating out with a toddler.

Kids meals vary wildly from place to place! It is crazy!

Ok so most restaurants base kids menus for 12 years old and younger but how much will a 15 month old toddler eat? And how much should that cost?

If anything hopefully less than $3 or so, although I think many places realize how much mac and cheese costs.

So far for the best or healthiest options are usually at chain restaurants that do not hate having kids there in the first place.

Our best choices are Steak N Shake (reasonably priced and meal comes with fries or apple sauce and Kids eat free on weekends), Bob Evans (good variety and all priced under $3 or so), & Round the Clock (same as Bobs).

Pricier and therefore non toddler friendly places: Chili's & T.G.I. Fridays ($1.99 for a half a cup of Mandarin oranges or $4.50 for mac and cheese!).

Fast food choices are some times alright as long as they are not the norm.

If anyone else has any other places that are toddler friendly let me know!

ebay

Oh how I love and hate thee-

I love buy it now prices especially if I am buying, otherwise I want people to buy my stuff at the buy it now price so I can get some things out of my house and the $ into my account. I just hope my stuff sells by auction end date.