Toddle Along Tuesday: Things My Kid Says

Its a well known fact that when toddlers learn to talk, they are hysterical, embarrassing, and sometimes completely frustrating. This week's Toddle Along Tuesday is, "Things My Kid Says." Whether they're cute, funny, or just ridiculous, this is the place for them. In no particular order, here are my most recent favorite Charlie-isms.

• How he says "banana," adding in extra L sounds and sticking out his tongue. I'm going to be slightly sad when he figures out how to say it correctly.

 

• Telling G, "no biting!" while she's nursing. I try to explain that she's not biting, but he insists on trying to protect me.
• Along the same lines, telling G, "It's okay, it's okay." when she's upset and crying. Melts my heart.
• "Reading" his favorite book, "Russell the Sheep" with an emphasis on the "What's a sheep to do?!" and "Not tired!" parts.
• When he wishes to express his disagreement with a request or situation, he simply says, "Nope!" with a cheeky facial expression to match.
• He adds "Look! A..." in front of everything and shrieks with excitement. "Look! A Mommy!" "Look! A baby!" "Look! A Daddy!"
• The second we drive into the shopping center where Target is, he immediately begins asking for popcorn or "copcorn" and he says.

All of his little words crack us up. We can't wait for him to start with silly sentences, jokes, and other toddler antics!


What does your kid say that makes you laugh or go aww? Link up with Toddle Along Tuesday over at Growing Up Geeky and share!

Toddle Along Tuesday: Baby Bloopers

This week's topic for Toddle Along Tuesday is Baby Bloopers!! Some of my favorite Charlie bloopers have been part of his monthly Mickey Mouse pictures. It cracks me up to look back at pictures and see how he grows increasingly aware and interested in the gigantic stuffed mouse sitting next to him. The mouse abuse grows as the months wear on...

What....is....this....thing?!

 

 I'll be nice this month, mouse.

Got your nose!

My mouse!

Join the blooper fun with Growing Up Geeky and Toddle Along Tuesday!

Toddle Along Tuesday: Rockin' Out!

It is no secret that C loves music - especially the guitar. One of his favorite bits on Disney Jr. is the Jake and the Neverland Pirate band music videos - he jumps up to dance/rock every time one comes on. At first, we weren't sure what he was doing since he'd "strum" on a long plastic sand shovel. It became pretty evident that this kid needed some kind of toy guitar.

He makes his own music videos in the reflection of the stove.

For Christmas this year, C finally got one! I wrote about the LeapFrog Touch Magic Rockin' Guitar here in my Christmas toy review. Well, a few weeks after Christmas and its still definitely a favorite. Whenever the Pirate Band comes on TV (or any other music, for that matter) he runs to get his "tar" and follow along. He also has a Little Tikes drum and will hand it to J or me to accompany him. We absolutely love LeapFrog toys and there's no question why!

Want to share your kid(s) favorite gift from this season? Link up over at Growing Up Geeky this week's Toddle Along Tuesday topic - Favorite Gift!

Toddle Along Tuesday: Holiday Wish List

C's 1st Christmas Present

When originally faced with the task of choosing Christmas presents for C two years ago, it was pretty easy. Lets face it, the kid didn't have anything at that point! Now, however, he's got plenty of toys and buying presents has gotten a bit more difficult. With a late October birthday, Christmas comes at a time when he especially doesn't "need" anything else, but of course Santa needs to bring him something.

Growing up, my parents did an amazing job stretching a very small budget to make for a very big Christmas for my siblings and I. Something I realized growing up was that we didn't realize a) how fortunate we were to be getting a large number of things and b) didn't have a good grasp on the fact that there was a budget and my Mom was really good at stretching it. Despite their efforts, I think we felt (and sometimes acted) a bit spoiled -- until we got older and truly understood how much things cost, that is.

The sibs and I circa 1994 (I'm in the white)

In preparation for the holidays this year, J and I were talking about what kind of traditions we wanted to start since we are quickly running out of years that C won't really remember. We decided that we wanted to focus on quality over quantity and most of all appreciation and gratefulness.

Each year, we're going to try and stick to a four present per person maximum; something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read. There isn't a cost maximum on each gift and it isn't a contest to spent the most or the least. Its about finding meaningful gifts that fit into these categories so its not all frivolous "want" things.

When C is old enough to understand, we also want to start doing a Santa swap. When Santa comes to drop off your gifts, you need to leave four things you don't use anymore under the tree for him to bring back to the North Pole, fix up, and give to other boys and girls. Eventually, the kids will understand that things just get donated, but we think its a good message to send about giving back (not to mention keeping the house slightly less cluttered).

Anyway, for C this year we're still trying to figure out what he's getting. So far, I'm thinking...

Something You Want
Help! Yes, I seriously have no idea what my toddler "wants" for Christmas. Does a toddler really "want" for something? Toy commercials are lost on him (thankfully) and he hardly eyes up toys as we pass them in the store. I'll think of something. I promise.

Something You Need
A toy box and new toy storage. To be honest, he's getting this early. He has a lot of things that he actively plays with, but they end up all over the house because they don't have a home. Between a toy box and cube storage unit from Target, hopefully we can tame the mess.

Something to Wear
To further encourage his complete obsession with Mickey Mouse, I found this adorable fuzzy bathrobe at Kohl's. Hopefully it fits him for a while, but with how this kid has been growing. Who knows!

Something to Read
C has taken a much bigger interest in books lately and reading before naps and bedtime has become a staple in this house. We are still perusing titles, but we're going to get him one or two books about being a big brother and a first 100 words type picture book. He loves pointing out pictures in books and the few picture books we have are, well, getting old.


Hopefully, we can get a few more ideas down pat before too long. I don't like being stuck on present ideas! Want to share your little one's Christmas list? Swing by Growing Up Geeky and link up with Toddle Along Tuesday!

Toddle Along Tuesday: Wedding Flashback

With our third wedding anniversary around the corner, its perfect timing that its this week's Toddle Along Tuesday topic! Warning: get ready for a serious photo bomb.

We were married on our favorite holiday in one of our favorite places; October 31st, 2009 at West River Center in West River, Maryland. Yes, we were married on Halloween. We love fall, plus Halloween was a Saturday that year, so why not? And yes, C was born on Halloween (our first anniversary), but that's a whole other story!

 Walking with the two greatest men in my life.

Yes, I wore sneakers to my wedding. I was comfy all night and didn't need to run around barefoot or change shoes. Score.

 The treats! Our "Trick or Treat" bar and the cake, complete with a jack o' lantern cake topper. See the cake melting? That particular Halloween was not the weather we'd banked on - it was 75 degrees with 100% humidity!

 Cake time with my crazy, loveable bridesmaids. :)

The grand exit.

And of course, pictures from the sweet couple themed costume party we had after the reception!

What an amazing day, from start to finish. Though it had its stressful moments (like the downpour and awful weather), it made it memorable none the less.



Share your wedding story and link up with Toddle Along Tuesday! This week's cohost is Amber from Blissful and Wishful.

Toddle Along Tuesday: Favorite Toddler Toys

With all this growing up he's been doing, we've been changing out his toys; packing up the baby toys and moving onto big boy toys. Here are some of C's favorites as we venture into the realm of toddler toys!


LeapFrog My Own Story Time Pad
He got this toy for Christmas last year from Grandma, but didn't quite get the concept of pushing buttons yet. Now, its definitely a favorite and while he doesn't know exactly how to interact with it, he loves pressing the letter buttons and hearing Scout talk about letters and sounds. Its perfect for car rides and, as with all LeapFrog toys, has a wonderful sound level switch on the side.



My First Look and Find: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
This is hands down his favorite book. He points out the characters, talks to them, turns pages, and can literally be entertained for a good 40 minutes. I'm not even kidding. Its a huge book making it absolutely adorable when he reads it and its almost bigger than him. The look and find games have different levels of difficulty, ranging from identifying common characters to distinguishing between opposites, colors, and shapes, making it good for a few years of reading.



Little Tikes Tap A Tune Xylophone
This is another toy that we have had for a while, but has only recently broken onto the favorite toy scene. C loves anything music related and between this xylophone, the drum, and his ability to make anything into an air guitar, he is often found rocking out. He has a box of musical toys in his bedroom and sometimes you can hear him playing banging away on something after we put him to bed. Whatever makes him happy!

Now, for an equally important section...

Favorite Mommy Weapon Against Toy Mess

You know when you have a ton of little toys in one room and try to carry them in awkward arm loads back to their home?

We bought C a mini utility bin from My 31 and it is PERFECT for collecting up toys and moving them from room to room. There is nothing "mini" about this bin (10"H x 8"W x 8"D) and it can fit quite a few board books, blocks, cars, etc. We got it embroidered with C's name (his is black with red lettering) and it travels from room to room in our house transporting mess back where it belongs.



With C's birthday coming up, our family keep asking what to get him. Honestly? We're not sure! We're slowly discovering what toys hold his interest while being at least semi-education and not completely annoying.

Check out this week's Toddle Along Tuesday, co-hosted by Kami from The Momma Diaries, for more fun toddler toy favorites - I know I'll be on the hunt for ideas!

Toddle Along Tuesay: Open Letter to Myself

What would you tell yourself if you could send a letter to your pre-baby self?

Dear Self,

Before I get into the nitty gritty, there is one important thing you need to know. You are going to have an amazing, funny, sweet little boy that is going to simultaneously give you gray hair and melt your heart. Sound confusing? Welcome to parenthood. While adding details will ruin all the excitement, I can give you a few hints to help you along the way.

Surprises are around every corner; learn to laugh and roll with them. Despite how it may feel, pregnancy and labor are worth every single heart burny, bloated, uncomfortable second. Everyone around you, whether they have children or not, will try to give you parenting advice. Smile and nod, but don't feel like you need to listen to any of it.

Be prepared to put your patient pants on and keep them on. You will be tested in ways like never before, but will be a better person for it.

Sleep is overrated and cuddling is underrated. An afternoon on the couch with a squishy baby is the best medicine. Always follow your Mommy instincts. Don't fall into the "I can't wait until..." trap; the future is coming fast enough. Celebrate the littlest of milestones for YOUR kid; there is no need to compare.

Do everything you can to remember the small details. The way he folds his hands when he sleeps, his bright soft skin, the way he grips your shirt when you hold him, the fine curls of hair at the back of his head, the way his deep brown eyes light up when he smiles, how he says Mommy when you come home, everything.

Not everyone is good at every age. You'll be an ace at some ages and stages and feel completely inadequate during others. It will happen over and over again, but its okay. You still love him dearly. (Thanks to my friend, Lisa, for that one!)

The house can be cleaned up later. When he wants to play and bang and sing and dance, join in. Do everything you can to say yes! He will do adorable things that will make you feel like your heart is going to burst. Don't worry, it won't.

There aren't enough words to explain or express what parenthood is truly like. All you can do is strap in and enjoy the wonderful, scary, hysterical, magical, messy, and entirely-too-short ride of a lifetime.

Good luck, Self. :-)

---------------------------------------------------------------

For fun, I asked J what he would tell his pre-baby self...

• Sleep now.
• Don't worry, you won't drop him even though you think you will. 
• He will eventually walk. Don't worry and hang in there.
• He will eventually sleep. Don't worry and drink lots of coffee. 
• Changing diapers isn't actually all that bad. 
• Learn some nursery rhymes, but when in doubt free style beat boxing works just as well.
• Don't get too attached to the red Lay Z Boy - he comes with a lot of stuff and it will eventually go in lieu of a ball pit. 
• A jumping toddler will land on your crotch 99.9% of the time. 
• He's the best jogging, gardening, and reading buddy a guy could have.  

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This week's Toddle Along Tuesday topic is letter to your pre-baby self! What do you wish that you-now could tell yourself from years past? There are no rules here, except that you link up a relevant post (old or new) rather than your whole blog.

Toddle Along Tuesday: I'll Never...

This week's Toddle Along Tuesday topic is "Things You Never Thought You'd Do" co hosted by Growing Up Geeky and Letters to Mo. Early on in my pregnancy, I was told by some very wise Moms that you should never promise yourself set expectations about parenting because you never know what will happen and who your child will be. No reason to set yourself up for guilt over some TV watching, sweets, and sleep habits. There's enough guilt to go around without looking for it. While I held firm to my values as a Mom, I went into parenthood with a clean slate of expectations and with full intention to roll with the punches. And roll we have!

We feed him what works for him, we cloth diaper, but use disposables when we need to, I breast fed until it wasn't working anymore, he sleeps with us when he's sick, watches TV now and then....and so on.

I know its not exactly today's topic, but lets just say I took some creative liberties. Instead of talking about the pre-baby things I promised I'd do or not do, these are the things, pre-growing up, that I will never let C do as he gets older.

I will never let C...

Say he can't do something.
Give up without trying.
Speak ill of his classmates, friends, family, and neighbors.
Go a day without a hug, kiss, and reminder that we love him.
Grow up without responsibility and accountability.
Feel worthless or undervalued because of my words or actions.
Use the word hate.
Be left out of a decision that impact him directly.

I can't control his experiences with peers, I can't control his perceptions of the world, and I can't control his perceptions of himself, but I can make sure he feels unconditionally loved and supported, while making sure to hold him to high standards of character. At the end of the day, that's all that matters to me. I don't care if he's an athlete or mathelete, but if he has character, he has everything.

“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats 

those who can do nothing for him.”—Malcolm S. Forbes.

Link up with Toddle Along Tuesday and check out the other "I'd Never" lists!

Toddle Along Tuesday: Bedtime Routine

This week the post theme for Toddle Along Tuesday is bedtime routine! A big thanks to Melissa at Growing Up Geeky and her co-host this week, Samantha from On Pink Bears and Pacifiers.
 
At the moment, C doesn't have a set bedtime though he usually goes to bed anywhere between 7pm and 8:30pm. We know we are getting dangerously close to the edge of meltdown gorge when he starts getting really quiet and lays his head down on anything soft around him - the couch, a pillow, my lap, etc.

First comes a fresh diaper (a double stuffed bumGenius 4.0), then pajamas and teeth brushing - courtesy of J, who has mastered the toddler teeth brushing hold. Next, one of us reads him a story; usually whoever got to spend the least amount of time with him that due to work or errands or what have you.

Here is C with his favorite book, "Peek a Who?" Every night that gets read at least once twice, but we usually throw in a longer book as well since that one is about 30 seconds long.

Some of my favorite books to read him are anything by Dr. Seuss, Skippy John Jones, Where Ever You Are My Love Will Find You, and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

Skippy John Jones is especially fun - its full of silly words and lots of onomatopoeia. He gets a good laugh out of it!

After a story, its off to bed! As I mentioned in his 18 month update post, we're on to a big boy bed, so we're trying to teach him to climb up in there himself instead of being laid down. He's getting it...sort of. He sleeps with a full sized pillow (he's like me and needs to snuggle to sleep), a crocheted blanket, the Sleep Sheep, and his monkey from Build a Bear. Last night was night #3 in the toddler bed and he's doing great! Nothing has really changed in his routine or how long he sleeps.

This picture was taken the first night we took off the crib side. Since then, we've added a toddler rail to the side to keep him from rolling off.

Though we occasionally get the midnight wake up call, he's been sleeping through the night for well over a year now (*knocks on wood*)

His diaper stays leak proof through his 10-ish hour slumber and he gets up starving and raring to go at round 6am everyday.

Stop by Growing Up Geeky to join the Toddle Along Tuesday blog hop!