Being a parent isn't easy. But here are ten simple rules we've been following to help us have a bit more fun with our dynamic duo at their early ages.
1. Make them laugh
2. Hold them (which can be tough at times....but often, it is what they need).
3. Ask questions. You're bound to get some type of answer. It is okay if they don't make sense.
4. Eat with your children (not necessarily all the time, but find time to do this).
5. Remember some TV is okay. This is how Bri learned her ABCs and 123s by the time she was 18 months.
6. Create a bed time routine. We didn't do this with Bri and had some problemas at first, trying to get her to sleep. It was a war....but now, it is working fine.
7. Take rides. There is a lot to do and see.
8. Encourage them to take small risks that are safe.
9. Give them chances to meet kids. They may not always like it, but they will always be happy you did.
10. Love unconditionally.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Hockey Night
Tonight is the night....
And, finally, it is on. We know what we will be watching at home.
GO BRUINS
And, finally, it is on. We know what we will be watching at home.
GO BRUINS
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Dad's Here is a Great Lullaby to Try
One of the honors of being a dad is putting your children to bed. It is one of those moments where you get to play an important role in helping your children off to a peaceful sleep.
Here is a fun lullaby we made up at home to try with your kiddoes. It goes to the Friere Jacques tune (now, how is that for spelling).
Hello starlight, hello startlight
In the sky, in the sky
How are you tonight stars, how are you tonight stars
We are tired, we are tired.
Hello green stars, hello green stars
Glowing bright, glowing bright
How are you tonight stars, how are you tonight stars
We are tired, we are tired.
Hello red star, hello red stars
Rising high, rising high
How are you tonight stars, how are you tonight stars
We are tired, we are tired.
Hello yellow stars, hello yellow stars
Yodeling loud, yodeling loud
How are you tonight stars, how are you tonight stars
We are tired, we are tired.
Hello blue stars, hello blue stars
Bold and bright, bold and bright
How are you tonight stars, how are you tonight stars
We are tired, we are tired.
Hello all stars, hello all stars
In the sky, in the sky
How are you tonight stars, how are you tonight stars
We are tired, we are tired.
Sure. I know stars cannot yodel...but who cares. Have fun with the song....it has its own sign songy beat that'll put your kiddos to sleep....and maybe you, too.
Here is a fun lullaby we made up at home to try with your kiddoes. It goes to the Friere Jacques tune (now, how is that for spelling).
Hello starlight, hello startlight
In the sky, in the sky
How are you tonight stars, how are you tonight stars
We are tired, we are tired.
Hello green stars, hello green stars
Glowing bright, glowing bright
How are you tonight stars, how are you tonight stars
We are tired, we are tired.
Hello red star, hello red stars
Rising high, rising high
How are you tonight stars, how are you tonight stars
We are tired, we are tired.
Hello yellow stars, hello yellow stars
Yodeling loud, yodeling loud
How are you tonight stars, how are you tonight stars
We are tired, we are tired.
Hello blue stars, hello blue stars
Bold and bright, bold and bright
How are you tonight stars, how are you tonight stars
We are tired, we are tired.
Hello all stars, hello all stars
In the sky, in the sky
How are you tonight stars, how are you tonight stars
We are tired, we are tired.
Sure. I know stars cannot yodel...but who cares. Have fun with the song....it has its own sign songy beat that'll put your kiddos to sleep....and maybe you, too.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Acid Reflux and children
You've probably heard about it. Perhaps you lived it. The life of a parent with an infant with acid reflux.
Acid reflux? In kids? Yup, it exists. In fact, it appears to be the condition du jour. For one generation, colic seemed to be the condition children had...but now, its good ol' reflux. And, if you pay attention, it does sound a lot like colic.
Now, we're not doctors....but we definitely have some experience with acid reflux babies. Because, both Bri and CJ have had acid reflux...and both showed different symptoms.
In the weeks ahead, we'll narrate a bit of our journey with reflux. While we reiterate that we are not doctors or medical experts, we want to share with you what we learned in the process
Acid reflux? In kids? Yup, it exists. In fact, it appears to be the condition du jour. For one generation, colic seemed to be the condition children had...but now, its good ol' reflux. And, if you pay attention, it does sound a lot like colic.
Now, we're not doctors....but we definitely have some experience with acid reflux babies. Because, both Bri and CJ have had acid reflux...and both showed different symptoms.
In the weeks ahead, we'll narrate a bit of our journey with reflux. While we reiterate that we are not doctors or medical experts, we want to share with you what we learned in the process
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter
Hey, today is Easter. You should be enjoying you family and friends. No need to check out this blog.
Have a great easter. And, in the immortal words of the Cadbury cream egg commercial - "Thanks easter bunny.....bawk, bawk!"
Have a great easter. And, in the immortal words of the Cadbury cream egg commercial - "Thanks easter bunny.....bawk, bawk!"
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Great Ideas for Fathers- Easter Eggs
Figured I would pass this idea along. It is wonderful for Easter and a fun tradition that I started years ago with my nephews and neice.
The next time you are coloring and decorating eggs, don't let the fun end when the eggs are sitting their drying on the rack. While it may seem like the wrap up is anti-climatic, here is a tip to extend the fun.
Together, share the cups of vinegar and dye you have. Bring them over to the sink and, on the count of three, slowly pour them out. Make sure to pour them into different parts of the sink. As your pour, you'll notice a wonderful rainbow effect forms in your sink momentarily (make sure to rinse at the end).
It is a fu - and bright way - to end your easter egg decorating...and it is a great tradition. After all, we have been doing it for 15 years!!
The next time you are coloring and decorating eggs, don't let the fun end when the eggs are sitting their drying on the rack. While it may seem like the wrap up is anti-climatic, here is a tip to extend the fun.
Together, share the cups of vinegar and dye you have. Bring them over to the sink and, on the count of three, slowly pour them out. Make sure to pour them into different parts of the sink. As your pour, you'll notice a wonderful rainbow effect forms in your sink momentarily (make sure to rinse at the end).
It is a fu - and bright way - to end your easter egg decorating...and it is a great tradition. After all, we have been doing it for 15 years!!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Urban Legend Number 1
Hey did you ever here of this one.
Someone told me this today - if you eat too many sunflower seeds, something might happen to you.
Of course, the person did not know what it was...but they asked me if it was true.
I have no idea. But, does anyone know if it is true???
Someone told me this today - if you eat too many sunflower seeds, something might happen to you.
Of course, the person did not know what it was...but they asked me if it was true.
I have no idea. But, does anyone know if it is true???
We're off to see the Easter Bunny
Yesterday was a right of passage in our house. Emmie took our two kids to see the Easter Bunny at a local store. Right away, I knew she needed a red badge of courage. For, strange but true, I am one of those phobics who can't stand to wait in line to see the good ol' bunny or even Santa for that matter.
I am not sure what it is. Perhaps it is those dark, round eyes that seem to penetrate your. Or, maybe its those lop-sided ears with one that is always slightly folded down. Or, perhaps its just the fact that a tall bunny always looks creeepy. But, for whatever reason, I have not been into the bunny thing. In fact, I think if I ever did go see one as a kid - I was way too afraid to try - I would have been like that kid from The Christmas Story (you know the one...with the goggles) who can't wait to see Santa and then, once he gets there, screams his head off for hours. I am sure that would have happened to me.
I am wondering if the same thing would happen to our son and daughter. To be truthful, before we had kids, I always felt that it would be a crime to have them see one of those figures. But, now that we have our dynamic duo, I realize that persuading them to take a risk is a great idea.
And, for the most part, Em said that it went well yesterday. The kiddos liked the bunny from a distance. And, there may haven been good reason. He wasn't one of those creepadelic looking rodents, but he was sort of grandfatherly; like the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.
According to Em, all was well until they inched closer. Then, they had all they could do to hold it together. The picture they got says it all. Em is in the background, smiling outwardly, but inward saying "I can't wait to get out of here." Bea is saying - "Who is this guy behind me?" and CJ is saying "Where the heck am I?"
Ahhh, those precious moments. SO fleeting. But it is great to have a picture that will last a lifetime.
I am not sure what it is. Perhaps it is those dark, round eyes that seem to penetrate your. Or, maybe its those lop-sided ears with one that is always slightly folded down. Or, perhaps its just the fact that a tall bunny always looks creeepy. But, for whatever reason, I have not been into the bunny thing. In fact, I think if I ever did go see one as a kid - I was way too afraid to try - I would have been like that kid from The Christmas Story (you know the one...with the goggles) who can't wait to see Santa and then, once he gets there, screams his head off for hours. I am sure that would have happened to me.
I am wondering if the same thing would happen to our son and daughter. To be truthful, before we had kids, I always felt that it would be a crime to have them see one of those figures. But, now that we have our dynamic duo, I realize that persuading them to take a risk is a great idea.
And, for the most part, Em said that it went well yesterday. The kiddos liked the bunny from a distance. And, there may haven been good reason. He wasn't one of those creepadelic looking rodents, but he was sort of grandfatherly; like the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.
According to Em, all was well until they inched closer. Then, they had all they could do to hold it together. The picture they got says it all. Em is in the background, smiling outwardly, but inward saying "I can't wait to get out of here." Bea is saying - "Who is this guy behind me?" and CJ is saying "Where the heck am I?"
Ahhh, those precious moments. SO fleeting. But it is great to have a picture that will last a lifetime.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Word of the Day
Got to love it when you learn a new word.
Today, I learned the a new term - pyrrhic victory..... While I knew what the term pyrrhic meant, the whole victory part was new to me.
A pyrrhic victory is one in which there is a great cost, despite the victory. In our neck of the woods, the battle of Bunker Hill would be such a victory. The British won the hill, but lost 40 percent of their men.
Yeah, I know what you thinking.....why I am writing this stuff. Good point. But, I love learning a new word and sharing it....so here is to you pyrrhic victory....May I never have one.
Today, I learned the a new term - pyrrhic victory..... While I knew what the term pyrrhic meant, the whole victory part was new to me.
A pyrrhic victory is one in which there is a great cost, despite the victory. In our neck of the woods, the battle of Bunker Hill would be such a victory. The British won the hill, but lost 40 percent of their men.
Yeah, I know what you thinking.....why I am writing this stuff. Good point. But, I love learning a new word and sharing it....so here is to you pyrrhic victory....May I never have one.
Opening Day, Hooray
Ah, at last.
Yesterday arrived
Amid the gloom of a chilly day in New England
The Red Sox - the sports gods gift to summer
Now, I have to admit, that I love all the sports, but, in our house, Opening Day brings its own sense of excitement and hype. For one, it is a sport we all enjoy watching...even our daughter, who is nearly two years old. Of course, she thinks they are (and any other sports team for that matter) the Celtics. And, whoa to the person who tries to stop them from saying other wise.
It was great to see the boys of summer back. It is a wonderful thing. Living in Boston. With all four sports teams doing so well.
As for the Sox, well they looked good. A 5-3 win over a potent division rival should make everyone feel pretty good. And, Josh Beckett looked like he was back on a roll.
Nice!
Go Sox
Yesterday arrived
Amid the gloom of a chilly day in New England
The Red Sox - the sports gods gift to summer
Now, I have to admit, that I love all the sports, but, in our house, Opening Day brings its own sense of excitement and hype. For one, it is a sport we all enjoy watching...even our daughter, who is nearly two years old. Of course, she thinks they are (and any other sports team for that matter) the Celtics. And, whoa to the person who tries to stop them from saying other wise.
It was great to see the boys of summer back. It is a wonderful thing. Living in Boston. With all four sports teams doing so well.
As for the Sox, well they looked good. A 5-3 win over a potent division rival should make everyone feel pretty good. And, Josh Beckett looked like he was back on a roll.
Nice!
Go Sox
Hello
Greetings one and all. This is our first test post to see how this works. Sounds scary...but if true we are off on an evolving family adventure
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