Posts Tagged: toddler
10 Summertime Outdoor Activities: Toddler & Baby Edition
I’m all about merging the age gap between my 11 month old and 2 1/12 year old. When it comes to activities that is. There are enough times that each of them have their own personal play, or activities just for them, specific to their stage in development and skill. That stuff is important. Fo the most part though, we try to blend. Things aren’t always harmonious, as those of you with toddlers and babies know.
Although I am sure the same could be said for most siblings, regardless of their age. However, the baby toddler times are succinct to that of pretty much constant surveillance. Until the object launching, pushing and other forms of bodily contact become less so. Those wily little bohemians!
The summer is such a carefree, luxurious time with little ones wherein you can get messy, creative and a tad bit wild. I mean, a water table in the house? Not so much. I’ve rounded up my favourite fun and inexpensive outdoor activities to engage your littles with, during the sweetness of summertime, what are yours?
A Toddler’s Fear of Water: Gentle Perseverance
When we first arrived in Mexico, we thought our young lad would be all about the water. Having experienced his fear of the water last summer season back home at our local beach, we were active in helping him overcome those fears, gently, without force. Our patience and calm nature seemed to work and by the end of the summer Wyndham was frolicking about in the waves without a care in the world.
Which is why we thought that this summer he’d be ready to attempt learning some swimming with us, use a paddle-board, maybe some head under water action. We especially thought he’d be stoked with all of the pools and miles of beach we are surrounded with here in Mexico.
First rule of parenting that we keep learning over and over again?
Never think you have it all figured out, or that you have a routine. Because little humans are just like us big ones who have the right to change our minds about what we fancy, when we want to sleep and eat, etc.
So.
No matter how much we may think he’d have a splendid time splashing about in the pool with us, his sister, his cousin, other family and friends – it was important for us to remember that we can’t push our own expectations onto our little guy. While there may be a large number of little ones who joyously take to the water, there are also a bunch of babies and toddlers who would rather be doing anything else. Anything. Which is completely normal.
My Top 10 Ways To Gently Help a Toddler Overcome Their Fear of the Water…
Magical Moments: Pictorial
It’s been 10 months since Wyndham became a big brother and what a joy it has been to watch them grow together, and discover their love for each-other. At times, stepping in as the referee is less enchanting – usually to keep Wyndham from launching blocks at his little sister’s head…but that all comes with the territory, right?
Being so close in age; 2 1/2 (Wyndham) and 10 months (Abby), I’m starting to hit a stride. One that savours all of the precious moments and pauses on being too reactionary when Wyndham gets physical with his little sister. We’re all just figuring this out together as a family, with as much love and positivity that we can muster. Which isn’t hard really – most of the time, except when it isn’t. Moms of littles close in age out there, I know ya feel me.
With my exciting new writing gig with Disney Baby (starts next month!) I wanted to provide some of the audience I’ll be connecting with there, a real, visual sense of who we are as a family and of our littles as siblings. The best part about all of this is, it doesn’t even feel like work! I mean, talking about my babies? Sharing tips with other Momma’s out there? Right up my alley. Without further ado, here are some of my favourite pictures of Abby and Wyndham over the past 10 months. Family pics up next week…enjoy!
Wee Wears
Big changes over here. Ones that I can’t share quite yet, as it involves other people we care about and delicate dicisions. Let’s just say we’re mixing things up over in our little world, to better suit our babies, our lifestyle and our careers.
I’ve much to catch up on…Blissdom, The One of a Kind Show and this nifty little blog collective I’m way behind is launching.
It’s just that life has gone and snatched me right up from thinking I can be such a busy-body. What’s most important – our family- they, we – are taken care of. Theere is joy in our home, stories being read, crafts being made, snuggles a constant, delicious spoonfuls being eaten and love just flowing. I’ve been taking time with my children. Hours of it. To the detriment of my business goals maybe – but for the better of our family.
In the meantime, let’s have a look-see at what Wyndham and Abigail are wearing today, because they look dang adorable. And that’s got to put a smile on your face. If you want to check out Lil’ Abner starring in her own fashion show, jaunt on over to the Babbles – that’s where she is.
There is a story to be told here. Of torture, complacency, love, joy and self-awareness.
On Being Grateful: The Daddy Files
I’m not gonna lie. The mister has been gone for going on 6 days now and I am in over my head. #SendHelpNow. He’s on a tour withNathan Rogers, playing all the songs he grew up with in his dad’s studio – from Nathan’s dad, the late great Stan Rogers.
Some of you may not know who that is, so Ima going to school you. Because Stan is a Canadian folk icon and you’ll be the better for knowing. He was a legend really, a voice of and for the people. He sang of ships and hard-working people, the Great Lakes and Ontario.
2 Years Old. A Letter to & Roundup of Wyndham (Image Heavy)
It is I. I who posts days late. Perhaps one day I will actually make the milestone posts on the day of, not anytime soon though. Nay. I suppose that’s just not how I roll.
My baby boy is now officially a toddler. Entering into boy-hood. My word but it has happened fast. The love I have for him is so intense. So overwhelmingly delicious and gratifying. Soul completion right there. This having children stuff. Two years ago this past Tuesday, November 15, our son Wyndham was born.
a day in the life [video & pictures]
Oh, my little guy. In no particular order, view the summer of our dear sweet baby boy. Yes. He’s still my baby.
*SPOILER ALERT* This post is image heavy with out of control cuteness. View at own discretion. Music in the video is, ‘One Drum’, by the incomparable Leela Gilday. Check her out and enjoy!
It’s a Girl! Introducing Abigail Mills. Blog Roundup & Pictures.
Middle name(s) to be established. You can read more about that here.
What an epic couple of weeks! It began with having a baby. A girl! Yay! Ruffles! Vintage dresses! Another female in the house.
Phew. Now we’re all on even playing ground, which, clearly – is necessary. For the sake of all boobs and neighbours involved.
It then continued with the WSL having the nastiest, most contagious virus ever. It was awesome. Yep.
I’m not going into a full tale of my Birth Story, as I’m saving that to pair with the video (it’s a documentary I said!) the BSM and I are working on.
What The Heck Yo!!!!!!!
CONNECT WITH JENNIFER
CONNECT WITH SELENA
