Near May Be Better Than Far, But it Still Isn't There

I am so excited! Lydia took two steps today - on her own! She's very good at standing unassisted (she can't get up on her own, she has to pull up or be pulled up). Today she was even standing, wobbled a bit, and steadied herself! I had her standing in front of me and she took a step toward me! Then, I moved her back a bit farther and she took two steps toward me! After that, she thought it was more fun to just stand and then fall forward toward me. But, we will definitely work on this and I am so excited!

We made the coolest cupcakes today! They're called Rainbow Cupcakes! I had them as one of our February activities, since rainbows = leprechauns = St. Patrick's Day. We'll be making "pots of gold" with yellow jell-o next week.

Anyway, to make Rainbow Cupcakes, you just buy a box of white/vanilla cupcake mix (or make your own from scratch, I guess). After you follow the directions on the box, separate the cupcake mix into four (or however many you want; it depends on how many colors you want) containers. Then, add a different color food dye to each container. We just used pink, blue, orange (we mixed yellow and pink/red), and green. Of course, you can get more creative and make lots of different colors by mixing them. Then, one by one, put the different colored cupcake mixes into the cupcake pan. Put the mix into the oven, bake, and ta-da - a rainbow in a cupcake pan!

We had the kiddos pour the ingredients and then stir. Toddlers love to bake! The other week we made home-made playdough (very fun!) and banana bread. Now that the kiddos are between 17 and 22 months, they can do and understand so much! We just have to constantly say, "Don't touch it, yet"...or they'll put their hands into everything! I only had one kiddo who immediately reached out and touched the cupcake mix, but only after a few reminders, he left it alone. It's always important to explain exactly what we're doing as we do a cooking activity. Saying, "Okay, now it's A's turns to stir, then it will be B's turn." Or, "Now it's time to pour in the water, who wants to carefully pour the water?" I give each ingredient a name, instead of just handing each item to the child. I also try to get the kiddos involved as much as possible. I always let them stir everything together, but I usually end up making sure it's thoroughly stirred after they each have a turn.

Cooking introduces sensory (touch of the batter, the spoon, the color of the mixture, what an egg feels like), fine motor (pouring in the ingredients, stirring the batter), and science (what happens when you crack open an egg or stir in food coloring?). Also, the end product tastes yummy, and the kiddos are very pleased with themselves when they get to taste what they made! Cooking is a fun, easy project to do with your child, at any age!

Giants Never Strike the Same House Twice

Spring Break is pretty much over - just Saturday and Sunday left. Of course, it wasn't a real Spring Break for me...I worked full time this week. The kiddos' parents didn't get Spring Break (supposedly...we figured out that a few didn't work), so we didn't get one either. Luckily, we only had all 5 kiddos on Monday. Tuesday we had 4, all but one was gone by 4:30...the one stayed until after 6. Wednesday we were supposed to have 4, but ended up with 3, so Leah took the afternoon off. Thursday we only had 3, so I took part of the day off (I worked about 1.5 hours in the morning, and 2 in the afternoon. Today, we thought we'd end up with all 5, but managed to only have 4...although all were gone by 4:30, except one...who stayed until after 6.

Brian and Lydia were able to enjoy their Spring Break! I was very happy to see how much Lydia enjoyed being with her Daddy. Brian and Lydia don't have much time to spend one-on-one. On the weekends, we like to do things all together, as a family. It was nice that Brian got to have a chance to take care of Lydia, making sure she had everything she needed. Being the controlling, crazy mother that I am, I wrote out directions for Brian the first two days. I wrote out the times that she needed to eat, and the exact foods she needed to eat. I also wrote out to change her diaper and not to give her milk or strawberries! The first day, Brian didn't follow the instructions. I knew Lydia was fine, but I'm always worried that she doesn't get enough to eat or drink. The second day, Brian followed all the instructions! And by the third day, he didn't need written instructions anymore! I asked Brian if he enjoyed watching Lydia and he said "Yes" with a big smile on his face. He loves being the person Lydia wants and being in charge of her needs. Of course, he had lots of help from my family, but he did a great job on his own!

Spring Break Day 1 - Cave Without a Name

The group - my parents, little brother, cousin, nephew, grandfather, husband and baby - left around 9:00 to head off to Boerne and go spelunking in the Cave Without a Name. We bought Lydia a backpack for Brian to carry her in. She loves it! And, Brian loved it too. It was much easier carrying her around on his back than just carrying her. She was also able to nap in the backpack!

The cave explorers had a lot of fun walking around the cave. They then went to Uncle Bernies ice cream place to enjoy ice cream and relax after their exploring. They came back home around 5:00ish. Lydia had a great time!

Spring Break Day 2 - Enchanted Rock

The main reason we purchased the backpack for Lydia was for hiking up Enchanted Rock. Just about every summer we visited Texas, my family always went up Enchanted Rock. My mom can remember my dad and her carrying Leah and me up Enchanted Rock in backpacks! Enchanted Rock was the place to be on Tuesday of Spring Break! Everyone waited in line for 2 hours in order to get into the park! They had a 2 hour delayed start, but still ate lunch and then hiked up Enchanted Rock.

I was worried about the hot weather, the sun, and needing water for Lydia. But, after telling Brian over and over to give her water and put sunscreen on her, she had a great time. Brian said Lydia preferred to drink out of his Nalgene than to drink from her sippy cup! She even wore her hat the whole time! They hiked all the way up to the top, stayed for a few hours, and then hiked over to the Rooster's Rock (or whatever it's called). They were definitely gone much longer than I had thought.

I got off work at 6:00, ran, took a shower, ate dinner, watched WAR AND PEACE (with Audrey Hepburn - didn't finish it), and then finally my baby and my husband came home! At 9:00!! Lydia is always in bed by 6:00! Luckily, even though she slept all the way from Fredericksburg, she was able to go right to sleep and slept most of the night. Of course, despite going to bed 3 hours later than usual (and hiking), she still woke up at 6:00 in the morning!

Spring Break Day 3 - Downtown

Day 3 didn't start until after 2:00. My parents volunteered at BSF Headquarters, ran a few errands, and then were ready to head downtown to the Pearl Brewery for a tour. I let Leah get off work at 11:30 to get ready to head out. She also went to get her haircut at La Cantera. I only had 3 kiddos until 2:30, then I only had 2. It was an easy day.

Lydia headed off with Aunt Leah, Uncle Jessie and my parents around 3:00. They toured the Pearl Brewery, then walked all the way to Schilo's to drink Root Beer and eat sausage, then walked all the way back! Leah said it was a lot of walking!

I got off work at 5:30, ran, took a shower, went to Walgreens to pick up photos, then waited for the family to get back. We had dinner of Schlotzkys and Whataburger on our back porch. Lydia went to bed at almost 8:00 that night!

Spring Break Day 4 - Aquarena Springs

Finally I got to join in on some Spring Break fun! I went to work from 6:45 to about 8:45. Leah came out around 8:00, but I had to wait until my parents came to pick us up. Brian hung out with us while we waited. Leah ended up only have 2 kiddos that day!

We headed out at 8:45 for San Marcos! Brian and I were able to think back about our times at Texas State. We enjoyed pointing things out to people, and marveled at the changes! We went to the Phoenix Rising bakery to pick up some yummy bread, then to the Wood Castle Park (that's what I call it) to play and eat. We were also waiting for the clouds to go away - they didn't.

We then headed off to Aquarena Springs to go on the glass bottom boats! Unfortunately, mom and dad's Groupons didn't work over Spring Break, but they still gave them a deal. We were able to look at the aquarium while we waited, then got to enjoy to the boat ride. Brian and I have been on the boats several times, but it was Lydia's first time (and Katie's and Chris'). Lydia was very busy the whole ride. She wanted to look down at the water, then out the window, then play with Katie's coffee mug, then play with grandma's camera, then back at the water.... She's a very busy girl! We weren't able to walk up behind the springs, because it was closed, but we walked the marsh area and had a good time.

We went to KFC for lunch, and brought it to the San Marcos river to have a picnic - yummy! The sun, of course, finally came out! We then went to Tanger Outlets and braved the crowds to go shopping. I, of course, went to the Carter's store and bought Lydia an Easter dress and a cute day outfit. I could have shopped in that store a long time! We headed home at 2:30.

I got back to work before 4:00 and stayed until 6:00, when our last kiddo left. Lydia finally went to bed on time!

Spring Break Day 5 - Magnolia House and Putt-Putt

Brian was able to get some chores done this morning before heading off to brunch at the Magnolia House. They had to wait an hour to get in, but managed to eat some yummy pancakes! Lydia has recently started eating pancakes and loves them..although more usually ends up on the floor.than in her tummy.

After brunch, the group went Putt-Putting! Brian said that Lydia loved watching everyone and held onto the club! Even though he didn't win, Brian had a good time. They were back by 3:30 and Lydia was in a great mood. AND, guess what?! Today Lydia's right top tooth has finally broken through!! Very exciting!

Daddy took Lydia home at 5:45 to give her a bath and put her in bed. I got off work at 6:00 and was able to run before dinner and catching up on our TV shows (Community, Glee and Bones!).

Tomorrow Leah, mom and I head off to Austin to go to Jodi Picoult's book signing. Leah is a huge fan. I have read MY SISTER'S KEEPER (the movie is definitely not as good as the book!) and the one about the girl with brittle bone disease. Jodi Picoult isn't my favorite author, but I love hearing authors talk about their books! A few years ago, I got to see Jasper Fforde speak and it was awesome!

Brian and my dad are watching Lydia while I'm gone. We also get to pick up Lydia's "old fashioned" photos tomorrow - very excited!

Opportunity Is Not a Lengthy Visitor

As a first time mom, I love getting advice from just about everyone. My sister, Leah, had worked with infants for about 5 years by the time Lydia was born. She was chock full of information on how to feed, diaper, and make a schedule for your infant. My mom, a mother of 6 kids, knew a lot about babies, as well. Although, she claims, she forgot how "tough" they are...she only remembers the good parts. I read up about babies in What To Expect books, I bought Suppernanny's baby how-to book, I am constantly on babycenter.com reading how other moms are dealing with their babies.  So, despite being a first time mom, I was, I thought, a prepared first time mom. I had tons of support from my family on how to deal with anything from crying, nursing, diapering, the proper way to hold a baby - everything. Leah had her opinions on how to handle a fussy baby, while my mom had hers. 

It's been a little over 9 months since Lydia was born. Despite my ability to allow Lydia to suck on a pacifier that fell on the floor (without cleaning it first) and allowing her to try all types of table foods (from pancakes to French Fries), I still find myself a "paranoid", "controlling" first time mom. When I send Lydia off to BSF, I pack a list of instructions for her teachers and my mom on when to feed her, how much, and any other specific directions I have. When I leave her with my mom for a few hours, I always give detailed instructions on what Lydia needs and when she needs it, and how to go about giving it to her. I stress about her getting enough food now that she's refusing to nurse and refuses most formula bottles. I get upset when she gets hurt. I still immediately pick her up if she starts fussing. When Lydia's not with me, I stress about how she's doing and if she's behaving. And recently, I'm stressing about her diaper rash (something she never had when she was younger).

I'm proud of myself, as a first time mom, for not stressing too much about the little things - such as, I buy used clothes, use hand-me-downs, buy used toys and strollers, etc. I let Lydia eat Sherbet, French Fries, Cinnamon graham crackers, etc. But, at the same time, I'm still your typical first time mom. The other day, Lydia was being fussy and making me frustrated. Leah took her from me, which caused Lydia to scream. I tried taking her from Leah, but Leah said "She's okay"....and, of course, eventually got Lydia settled down. Hearing her fuss and cry still makes me upset. I can't go to sleep without checking on Lydia several times first. I constantly turn the monitor up a little louder, so I can hear Lydia. I pull the car over to get Lydia her pacifier when she starts screaming in the car and we're by ourselves.

I love mommy-hood. I just wonder if I'll be this paranoid and stressed over my next child, or children. Will I always be worried about my "babies", does that ever go away? How will I react when Lydia goes to Kindergarten? When she starts driving?! Mommy-hood has it's wonderful benefits, but also it's downside - stress and worry!

If The End is Right, It Justifies the Beans!

It has almost been one month since Lydia last nursed. It's been one day since Lydia last had her taste of breast milk. Part of me is relieved - I feel free. I have my body back to myself, Lydia is independent of me (partly), she can eat jarred food and snacks to sustain her (mostly). But part of me is sad - my baby no longer "needs" me. I so enjoyed nursing Lydia and am glad I lasted so long - many women don't. I wanted to be able to pump enough for her, but then I'd be pumping all the time. I rarely got more than 4oz at a time, when I only pumped 4 or 5 hours apart. When I pumped only 1 or 2 hours apart, I got only 1 or 2oz. 

I slowly weaned Lydia off the breast milk, just as I slowly weaned my body to produce no more milk. I added more and more formula and less and less breast milk to her bottles. I went from pumping 4 times a day, to 3, to 2, to 1. This morning I didn't pump - and I survived! She drinks about three bottles a day - at 7:00, 12:30, and 6:00. Today she didn't want her morning bottle, and only drank 1oz of her afternoon bottle. She drank about 3oz of her night time bottle, and I will give the rest to her in a "dream feed".

It's been a little over a week since I started the Special K diet. I had to "modify" the diet, though. I couldn't stand starving myself during the day. Lydia wasn't nursing so I was stressed, the kiddos are stressful, my life is buy and I was HUNGRY! I have the Special K cereal in the morning, a Special K snack at 9:00, a somewhat light lunch at 11:00, a Special K snack at 2:00, an apple at 4:00, and dinner at 6:30 or 7:00. I don't snack in between like I used to, I don't have ice cream or chocolate like I used to. I have already lost a little over 2 pounds! I run/walk for 20 minutes still. I need to try to go a bit longer, but I'm usually hungry since it's so late at night. But, that's the only time I have to exercise - after Lydia's in bed.

Lydia fell and got her first bloody nose this morning. She can stand up on her own from sitting in the little blue chair - she thinks she's so funny and big! She was standing and I was rather far away, but clapped my hands and told her "good job!" She got so excited, she wanted to come to me. I started walking toward her, but she went forward before I could get to her. She hit her face on the floor. I hurried to her and picked her up. She was quite upset. At first, I didn't notice the bloody nose, until I saw it on my shirt. I tried to clean it up on my own (without Leah's help - she was in the bathroom with one of the kiddos, potty training). I saw the blood and my upset baby and knew I needed Leah's help. I hurried her to the bathroom and told Leah what happened. Leah immediately took the paper towel from me, tipped Lydia's head back a bit and held the tower to her nose. Lydia screamed and screamed while I held her. We got the blood to stop flowing and I calmed Lydia down. I was very thankful to have Leah around. I have a hard time dealing with my baby getting hurt - it makes me upset, as well.

C'est Moi! C'est Moi, I Blush to Disclose

Today is Day #1 of my Special K diet. So far, I've eaten one bowl of Granola cereal (didn't care for it) at 6:45am, a yummy snack bar at 10:00am, a bowl of Original cereal at 11:00am, and an apple at 11:45am. And...I'm still hungry. 

The Special K challenge is to lose up to 6lbs in 2 weeks. I have to replace two meals with cereal (I don't care for the meal shakes or the protein bars) and only have 2 of their Special K snacks a day (these include cereal bars or crackers). My 3rd meal is a regular meal, which will be my dinner (I just have to remember portion control!). I can drink whatever I want throughout the day and have as much fruit and veggies as I want. I do this for two weeks and hopefully lose 6lbs and get down to my ideal weight.

We'll see how this goes. I'm also running/walking for 20-25 minutes a day, hopefully getting up to 30 minutes. I will continue to run/walk after the diet, which will hopefully keep the weight off, as well as smart eating and snacking. Before I got pregnant, I was down to my ideal weight and I loved it. Working at Bright Horizons helped me lose the weight I gained from working at a movie theater. I was constantly up and down, picking up kids, and had no time during the day to snack. I also didn't have big lunches. I gained almost 40lbs while pregnant, lost it all about 6 months later, but since Lydia has stopped nursing, I've started gaining some back.

Today is Day #17 of Lydia's "nursing strike". At first she would drink 4oz of breast milk from a sippy cup in the mornings and 6oz from a bottle at bedtime, with 4oz if she woke up. Now, she refuses to drink breast milk in the morning or any other time during the day! She will drink about 4oz at bedtime, then I dream feed her the other 2-3oz around 8:30pm. She hasn't been waking up at all during the night. In the morning, I put about 2.5oz of breast milk in with her oatmeal, since she won't drink it. She's still eating really well. I make sure I feed her about every 1.5 to 2 hours, either a snack or a meal. She is not much of a drinker, only sipping at her milk or juice. Usually at dinner time she will drink a lot of milk. She still has wet diapers (we have to use the special night time ones at night) and poops a lot, so I'm pretty sure she's good. She's in a great mood. She naps just fine and sleeps all night. I now pump 3 times a day (6, 12, 6) and get about 2.5 to 3oz each time. We will see what the doctor has to say next week at her 9-month check up.

Today is President's Day and I have off of work. Brian had to work today, since they had that Snow Day a few weeks ago. So, I was stuck bringing in the Escape to get LoJack put on it. I had to drive all the way to Carmax (about 35 minutes) with Lydia. She started crying when we got on the highway, so I had to get off, give her her pacifier and then she was fine. We made it there by 8:00, but our appointment wasn't until 9:00 (we got confused). We drove around looking for something to do. Lydia was screaming and I was getting frustrated, since I don't know that area. We finally found a Subway so I could give Lydia her yogurt for snack. We then walked around Lowe's and Lydia had a great time! She loved looking at the kitchens (and trying out the sinks) and feeling the carpets. Everything is a learning experience and an adventure for her! At Carmax, she had a great time playing with the few toys they had there, then we had a snack, and she played some more. After an hour and a half, we were done and could head home. She dozed in the car, but was still too tired to eat her lunch when we got home. I put her down for a nap and will try to give her more lunch when she wakes up. We will then head to a kid's consignment store to look for shorts, new shoes, and a little car to ride on. We miss Daddy, but will still have fun!

Well...Actually...There's Not Much Going on Today

Today is Day #7 of Lydia's "Nursing Strike". I don't know if I can still call it that...I don't think she's striking anymore - she's completely stopped. I get very sad every time I offer her to nurse and she turns her head and starts to cry. And now she gets excited when I get her bottle ready at night. Oh well, she thinks she's a big girl.

I called the pediatrician, wondering if I should bring her in for the doctor to check her out. The nurse suggested that I just keep my eye on her and look for signs of Lydia losing weight, sleeping all the time, etc. I told the nurse that Lydia has been acting perfectly happy and normal. I also told the nurse that she only drinks 4oz in the morning, 4oz at night and 3-4oz if she wakes up at night. That is not enough, the nurse said. I have to supplement with formula. There is nothing wrong with formula, I just thought I would never have to use it. It was never in my feeding plan for Lydia. But, I want to do what is best for her.

So, Lydia's feeding schedule:

7:00am - breast milk (I can usually pump 3-4oz each morning). She usually doesn't drink it all, so I add it to her oatmeal.

7:30am - breakfast.

9:30am - snack.

11:00am - lunch. I give her 2oz formula and 2oz whole milk mixed together. She wasted my breast milk the other day, so I don't want to give her that. She doesn't want to drink anything but whole milk at lunch, but I want to be able to tell the doctor I've tried.

2:00pm - snack.

3:00pm - light snack (she likes to eat every hour in the afternoon...).

4:00pm - fruit jar.

5:00pm - dinner.

6:00pm - 6oz bottle of breast milk mixed with formula.

That's a total of 14oz offered to her during the day, plus 3-4oz if she wakes up at night, which equals 18oz - the minimum requirement for an 8 month old. For her 9-month checkup, I'm going to ask the doctor if I can get rid of the lunch time formula, since she doesn't really want it then. Hopefully he'll see that she's gaining enough weight and is happy and healthy.

It's very sad for me that she wanted to give up breastfeeding so quickly. I thought that I was in charge, weaning her when I wanted to. Lydia has proven me wrong. She doesn't even ask to be nursed, or ask for milk. In the afternoons when she wants to snack, I give her crackers or yogurt and a cup of whole milk, that she downs. I still believe she does need breast milk in the mornings and at night, but probably not during the day.

The only good thing about giving her a bottle at night (the only time she gets a bottle)? Brian can put her to bed! He gave her a bottle and rocked her last night and she went right to sleep with no problems! We recently bought a treadmill, so I was able to pump and exercise without having to put Lydia down first. That saved a lot of time for me in the evening! I'm glad that she let Daddy put her to bed, instead of just depending on me. I miss my teeny baby, but I love the big girl she's growing into!

Plus, she's started pulling up to standing on her own!

The Best Thing For Being Sad is to Learn Something

Today was Day #3 of Lydia's "Nursing Strike". She has not nursed since Saturday at 5:30 in the morning! Her 3:00 weaning had been going so well. She had still wanted to nurse at 6am, 8:30am, 12pm and 6pm with no problems. 

Friday afternoon we headed to Austin to visit Lydia's Pfeiffer grandparents. She nursed at bedtime at 6:00, I dreamfed her at 9:30, again at 2:30am and then at 5:30am. At 5:30, I brought her into our bed and nursed her. She bit me on after we switched sides and I told her "no", we tried nursing again and she bit again and I said "no" and said we're finished. It didn't seem to bother her much, since she soon fell back to sleep until 6:45. After that, no more nursing. When I tried nursing her before her morning nap at 9:00, she started screaming at me and pulling away. I tried to nurse every time we normally do, but she screamed each time. By 5:00pm, I was dying and had to go out and get a pump from Wal-Mart. I put the breast milk in a sippy cup and Lydia downed it! So, obviously, she still likes my milk!

I tried dreamfeeding her Saturday night, but even though she was fast asleep, she still refused to nurse. The nights have been the hardest. Without nursing to go to sleep, she doesn't want to sleep! We were up over an hour trying to put her back to sleep. Last night (Sunday night) was the worse night in a long time. She woke up at 9:30 and didn't got back down until 11:15. Despite rocking her for 1/2 hour straight, she wouldn't go to sleep. I tried giving her a bottle of breast milk and a sippy cup, but nothing worked. I tried letting her crying it out, but I couldn't handle the screaming. Her crying caused me to cry and I didn't know what to do to help her. Finally, by 11:15, she was exhausted enough to fall asleep.

Today, she refused to nurse several times, so I pumped instead. She downed her milk in a sippy cup this morning, and snacked on 3oz throughout the day. She had 2oz in a bottle to go to bed. Hopefully, tonight she will either take breast milk in a bottle or sleep really well...or I can handle her crying.

I'm worried that my milk supply will go down. I don't want to give up nursing quite yet - I wanted her to at least nurse once a day until 12 months. I don't really think she wants to give up nursing, but I haven't figured out why she isn't nursing. She doesn't have an ear infection, she's not teething, she's eating everything else so it's not her tummy. Hopefully this "strike" will end soon and we'll get back to normal.

Don't Let It Be Forgot

Day #4 of Lydia's 3:00pm weaning and it's going great! I don't think she really misses it. She gets a bit fussy around 3:30 and I give her a sippy cup of whole milk and she just drinks it down and she's fine!

The only bad thing about weaning is that I think I'm going to miss it. This is probably why many breastfeeding women don't wean until after 12 months! I love the quiet times we have sitting in her room in the glider, especially at bed time. But, we have other times when we cuddle and play, that are still special, too.

Lydia's schedule has changed (as has mine) since I first started posting. Here's are current daily (Mon.-Fri.) schedule - careful, it's a busy one!

6:00 - my alarm goes off. Usually Lydia is awake by now, talking in her crib. She is rarely still asleep. Recently, she has started screaming at 5:45, but I don't get her out of her crib until 6:00.

6:00-6:45 - I get Lydia up, her diaper changed, and nursed. I then get ready for the day while Brian gets her dressed (in clothes I pick out). Brian also gets my lunch ready and in Lydia's bag. Brian leaves at 6:30 and we head out the door at 6:45.

6:45-7:00 - Lydia plays on her own while I set up the center. I check e-mail and facebook on my iPhone.

7:00-7:30 - the children arrive. We usually have 3 or 4 by 7:30. I get breakfast ready and Leah comes out at 7:30. Lydia now eats oatmeal with banana for breakfast and a bit of whole milk in a sippy cup.

7:30-8:30 - play time. Our 5th kiddo usually arrives around this time.

8:30-9:30 - Lydia nurses and falls asleep. She usually sleeps about a half hour to an hour (depending on how loud the kiddos are). They kids have snack at 9:00, while Lydia has snack when she wakes up from nap. I usually give her Lil' Crunchies, a cracker or a jar of fruit. 

9:30-10:00 - play time.

10:00-10:45 - we usually go outside, weather permitting. Lydia loves playing outside! If it is too cold, or rainy, we do a directed activity. Lydia participates in everything. She has painted, colored with crayons, played in the water table, popped bubble wrap, danced, watched bubbles - everything!

10:45-11:00 - we read books. I have recently started letting the kids take turns picking out books. They love deciding what book to read. Lydia sits with us, although she isn't too interested in books, yet.

11:00-11:20 - lunch time. The kiddos are all sitting at the table eating "real" food. Lydia sits in the highchair and has a veggie or fruit, and sometimes a meat. She isn't a fan of the jarred meats, so I'm just going to stick with the veggies and fruit. She can eat a whole jar of 2nd foods, sometimes a whole jar and a 1/2 of something else. She has some whole milk with lunch.

11:20-12:00 - Leah and I eat lunch while the kids play. They are always in a good mood after a yummy meal! Lydia loves watching the kids play, although sometimes I have to save her, since they have started pushing her, sitting on her, or just getting up in her face too much.

12:00-12:15 - circle time. Lydia loves the songs we sing (Jesus Loves Me, Wheels on the Bus, Itsy Bitsy Spider, etc). We also go over where our eyes, ears, nose and mouth are. We do Ring Around the Rosy, The Duke of York, stomp our feet, turn around and wiggle! Then, we read a book. I nurse Lydia while Leah reads to the kids.

12:15-12:30 - I pat the boys down for nap. Lydia plays quietly (sometimes) while I pat the boys down.

12:30-2:00 - I rock Lydia to sleep and put her in the crib in the back room. She is good at sleeping an hour and a half. The boys are real good sleepers, so I get about an hour nap in, as well!

2:00-2:30 - the kids wake up and we give snack. Lydia gets a yogurt and water. 

2:30-3:15 - we go outside, weather permitting. If we don't get to go out, we do a directed activity around 3:00. Today we did dancing, bubbles, and then stacking blocks.

3:15-4:00 - play time. This is the time Lydia starts getting fussy for her nursing. I sit her in the highchair and give her a sippy of milk. This usually makes her happy and she plays until 4:00.

4:00-4:30 - snack time and more play. Lydia has a cracker or two for snack. The kids play again and some are picked up.

4:30-5:00 - Lydia starts getting fussy and I try to put her down for a nap. She usually doesn't go because the kids are being noisy and she wants to join in. I want her to rest so she can be happier when she gets home, but oh well.

5:00-5:30 - Brian comes between these times to give Lydia dinner (usually a veggie or fruit and milk). He then plays with her (Mon, Thurs and Fri). The other kids love to watch Brian play and he has fun with them. Usually Lydia is in a good enough mood to laugh and play with him. Sometimes, not so much. I use this time to start cleaning the toys and the center.

5:30-6:00 - I play with Brian and Lydia. I get to leave at 6:00, since I came in at 6:45. Leah stays until the last kiddo leaves (usually before 6:30).

6:00-6:30 - Lydia sometimes gets a bath. She is changed and gets ready for bed. I nurse her and she falls fast asleep. Brian is making dinner while I put Lydia to bed.

It's definitely a busy day, but everything usually goes smoothly. The kiddos usually don't drive us too crazy and we get some breaks when they play independently well. Sometimes there are fights that we have to break up, sometimes we have to put a child in time out. But, most days are good ones. Lydia loves watching her friends play. She has started crawling around (pulling herself on her tummy) after them and laughing. She likes to join in on their playtime and activities. She loves to stand at the shelves and cruise. She has started getting upset when a friend takes her toys, but she has also started taking toys!

The weekends are quieter, but we still like to go on adventures to keep Lydia busy. Brian and I still switch days on who gets to wake up at 6:00 with Lydia. I love it when I get to sleep in until 8:30 or 9:00! Brian is so good with her in the mornings. She loves playing with him!

Lydia, November 2010.

Lydia, February 2011