Mommy FTW

I am a full time stay at home mom with a 9 month old girl, and a 3 year old boy.  My son was always an epic napper.  I was spoiled, and nap time was my favorite time of day – I could get things done around the house, and even have the chance to relax for a few minutes of my ‘work day.’  I was worried about juggling it all when my daughter was born, but I knew I would have my son’s nap time as the glue that would hold my day together.

When my son started to drop his nap time (first he would skip one day a week.. then it was three…) it really started to stress me out.  We would have fights about it every day.  I would give him toys I got at yard sales when he napped, and take toys or privileges away when he didn’t.  We were all pretty miserable!  I decided to bring up the topic at my son’s 3 year check up with his pediatrician.

During our discussion of Cameron’s sleep I mentioned that sometimes Cam wakes up with what I called ‘night terrors’ – he is sort of awake, but a bit delirious, and usually inconsolable and screaming.  The pediatrician asked me when Cam went to bed, to which I answered, on days he naps around 10pm, and on days he doesn’t around 7:30.  She noted that those 10 days must be “long days” – you got that right!  And then she made what was to me, an earth shattering suggestion: drop nap time.  She said that night terrors are often linked to over tired children, and with Cam going to bed so late, he wasn’t getting the solid chunk of night sleep he needed.  She said, still give him “rest time” (quiet time in his room for an hour or so) – if he falls asleep, fine, but take the pressure off and don’t stress over it.

Here’s how I made it happen – For Cameron, rest time is from 2 – 3:15.  2 is also when his sister goes down for his nap – so for my sanity I like to have them be in their rooms at the same time.  The reason I picked 3:15 as the end time is because it is very easy for Cameron to see on his clock – both hands point to the same spot.  We have a great clock from IKEA that is perfect for this.  Cameron’s door knob used to have a ’safety cover’ which we got from Amazon that keeps him from being able to let himself out – we don’t need this any more as he is with the program and knows that he has to stay in his room for the designated time period – but you might want to try something like that initially.  Finally, we have a video monitor in Cam’s room (honestly we bought it for Violet but we get a lot more use out of it with Cameron!)  I use it to make sure he isn’t getting into too much trouble up there.  It has a PA system so I can talk to him if I need to.

Cameron is allowed to play with toys (nothing electronic) and read books.  For now, the system is working great – Cam generally doesn’t give too much of a fight about staying up there the whole time.  In the evening, my husband has an alarm on his iPhone that signals that it’s time to get in the bath and then go to bed.  Cameron is usually quite happy to start his relaxing routine!  I think if you are getting to the point of stressing over and fighting with your child about nap time, it might be time to try switching to a ‘rest time’ or quiet time in the room.  It revolutionized the evening routine at my house and I couldn’t be happier!

Since Cameron started preschool he has been really into art.  For his 3rd Birthday a few weeks ago he got a lot of gifts to encourage his new creative streak.  Here are some of my favorites (and his too!)

Check out the MALA Easel from IKEA.  It’s only $14.99 – a great bargain!  On one side is a chalkboard, the other is a whiteboard.  There is a tray for supplies, and a spot for a roll of paper which fits nicely over the blackboard side.  Also check out the other MALA items (markers, chalk, rolls of paper) which are all VERY affordable.

Cameron has the Melissa and Doug spill proof paint cups.  Yesterday all four of these actually fell on the ground completely upside down and not a drop of paint spilled out.  I kid you not!  It was amazing.

Cameron also has Crayola Washable Paints which are indeed, very washable, and things you can add to the paint (“Mixing Medium“) which make the paints glittery, pearly, or give them texture.  I got that idea from his preschool and it makes the paint extra special.   Be sure to get lots of paint brushes, and a mister clean magic eraser which is great at removing marker or crayon that might happen to get somewhere it’s not supposed to.

Holiday photo cards, parties, family dinners – there’s a lot of reasons to have your little ones at optimal cuteness this time of year (not to mention looking your best too). So, I was excited when Tea Collection approached me and asked me to do a little post about their Children’s Clothes collection.  (And by the way, keep reading there’s a coupon code for you at the end of the post!)

I’m no stranger to Tea Collection – Cameron has been wearing their super soft cotton pajamas for a few years now, and some of his favorite (and most complimented) outfits are Tea.  I love the quality of their clothes, and the vibrant colorful prints and designs.  And I have to say I can’t wait to dress Violet up – their girls styles are a-dorable.  And I learned something new – they have women’s clothes!  Tea Collection gave me a gift certificate as thanks for highlighting them in this post, and I snapped up a few items for Violet and myself. Here are my picks:

I asked Tea Collection for something to give to you guys too – and they were kind enough to issue a special coupon code – MOMFORWIN10.  This code can only be used on a purchase over $50 and it cannot be combined with other coupon codes.  It expires 12/31/2011.  So go check out the Tea Collection website and shop Boys Clothes, Girls Clothes, Baby Boy Clothes, Baby Girl Clothes, and most importantly, don’t forget about yourself and check out the Womens Collection!

Please share a picture of your little one or yourself rocking their Tea Collection on the Mommy FTW facebook fan page.  And while you are on facebook, check out the Tea Collection page as well.  Happy shopping!

I love a good deal… especially when it comes to holiday shopping!  The Friends and Family sales are already starting – here’s a few I’ve found.  I’m sure there will be more to come so keep checking back!

EXPIRES TODAY! Banana Republic coupon – After 5 Event: $25 off $100 purchase
Coupon Code: BRAFTER5
Expiration Date: 11/10/11

Gap coupon – Friends & Family: 30% off entire purchase + free shipping offer
Coupon Code: GAPFRIENDS
Expiration Date: 11/13/11

Reebok coupon – Friends & Family: 30% off purchase + free shipping
Coupon Code: FRIEND
Expiration Date: 11/13/11

Clarins coupon – Friends & Family Sale: Save 20% off purchases + FS over $75 + 3 free samples
Coupon Code: CLARINSFF
Expiration Date: 11/15/2011

Ann Taylor coupon – Friends & Family Sale: Save 40% off an entire purchase
Coupon Code: FRIENDS
Expiration Date: 11/13/2011

Crocs coupon – $20 off orders of $100 or more
Coupon Code: FALL20
Expiration Date: 11/30/2011

Restoration Hardware Baby & Child coupon – Friends & Family: 20% off everything
Coupon Code: FFH2011
Expiration Date: 11/14/11

Carter’s coupons – 15% off $25+ or 25% off $50+
Coupon Code: GIFT15
Expiration Date: 11/14/2011

Land’s End Coupon – 25% off and free shipping (in store, or on line)
Follow this link
Expiration Date: 11/15/2011

Every year I get Cameron a new winter hat from Etsy, and during the search for the perfect hat I always come across so many super cute options that I like to share with my Mommy For the Win readers. This year is no exception!  The weather has turned and it’s time to get my Etsy on again.  Here are a few great options for boys and girls.  FYI I’m partial to fleece hats because I think they are less itchy – but I did include some other ones because I couldn’t resist:

Etsy seller SunnyMomo makes all kinds of adorable zombie hats – this is just one of them!  So be sure to check out the shop to see what else there is to offer.  These are perfect for your little monster especially around Halloween!

Oink Oink!  Etsy seller diddeedits makes lots of cute animal inspired hats – I love this little piggy.  Check out the shop to see the other options for your little animal lover.

I love the beautiful teal buttons and the plum of this felted wool hat made by Etsy seller SugarBlums.   Your little fashionista will look stunning in this cute hat!

This one might seem a little plain – but I think it’s totally classic and I’m pretty sure it will look down right adorable on your little one.  Who can resist a pom pom hat?!  This one is made by Etsy seller YouNeedMoreFiber.

This is another simple hat which I totally love.  It’s made by Etsy seller Ikuka – be sure to check out the shop for lots of super cute fleece hat options.  I had trouble choosing which one I wanted to post!

What a sophisticated hat your your little darling.  The subtle color really highlight the amazing textures in this hand knit beauty.  It’s made by Etsy seller effybags.

Finally, 3 hats from my favorite winter hat seller, katiesegel.  I’ve gotten Cameron a hat from her for the past two years, and I’m pretty sure she will get my business again!  Her hats are so adorable and comfy.  Cameron loves to wear them, and I can’t tell you how many compliments I get.

Meow! Cat Hat by KatieSegel

Roar! The dinosaur hat is prefect for your little natural historian

The Truck Hat is made for your transportation lover!

When I was growing up my mom always made my Halloween costume.  And as I got older, I really got into making my own.  I have to admit at this point in my life with an almost 3 year old and a 6 month old, I don’t have the time to make a crafty costume – thankfully there is Etsy!  With a little looking, you can find some incredibly adorable costumes at a wide range of prices.  Place your orders now to be sure you’re ready for Halloween!!  Here’s a rundown of my favorites:

I stumbled upon the shop of Etsy seller NotTheKitchenSink and I was totally blown away by the incredible costumes they had.  They are a little on the expensive side ($35 and up – more for twins costumes) but they are some of the cutest and most creative costumes I found.  Here’s a few:

Sushi and Soy Sauce. This almost made me wish I had twins.

Peas and Carrots - I'm sure you can get them seperate, or for twins

So sweet! What a tasty little cookie!

Do you have a little monkey on your hands?  Well Etsy seller MegSewCool has the costume for you priced at $55:

Chunky Monkey!

How about a cute little bumble bee costume, complete with cute flower headband?  Check out this one from Etsy seller PeaPodRay – $52 with headband, $36 without:

Buzzzz.... Love this cute and comfortable look!

I love the DinoCapes made by Etsy seller MaukyJo – I think they would be great for creative dress up play throughout the year, not just for Halloween – and only $28!

I have a feeling this cute DinoCape could get a lot of year-round use!

And another great dress up / costume option that is really affordable (only $14!) is this cute Robot costume from Kidatheart01 – don’t forget to check the store because there are lots of other affordable costumes too!

I'm pretty sure you can't beat the price on this Robot Costume - 14$!

Want some more choices?  There’s endless tutus, balarina costumes, cowboys, and princess dresses on Etsy too.  Just search and see what you can find!

I am excited to say that my almost 3 year old Cameron is doing great at his potty training (pee that is…. don’t get me started on poo) and he has begun leaving the house without a diaper on.  This made me really nervous because he isn’t comfortable peeing on a big potty yet, so I decided to look for a portable potty for him that I could fit in my diaper bag, or throw in the bottom of the stroller.  I found the Potette Plus on Amazon – it had great reviews, and sounded like a great solution.

I don't think Cameron would appreciate me posting pictures of him using his Potette, so here's a cute little girl I found via google.

The Potette Plus can be used as pictured above (set on the ground with an insert in, if you like – I just put mine on the grass) or you can fold the supports outward, and it fits on top of a big potty (pictured below).

Potette on the big potty

Cameron has used his both ways,  much to my delight.  He is extremely proud of himself when he is done – and so am I!  By the way, the reviewers on Amazon also said that instead of the inserts that they sell you can just put a diaper in the Potette to catch whatever falls if you are using it in the sitting position not on a regular potty.  This seems like a good idea so you don’t have to buy something specialized and extra.  The Potette does indeed fit easily in my bag.  Overall, I can’t be happier.  It gives both Cameron and I the confidence to leave the house without him wearing a diaper – and it’s so great to see him succeed and feel good about himself.

My husband and I are big fans of Chipotle, so I was super excited when I learned they had a kid’s menu…. and that Cameron loved eating their food!

Cameron is ready to dig in!

The kids meal comes on a super cute tray – you can get tacos or a quesadilla, it comes with beans, rice, a little bag of chips, and a drink (apple juice or milk).  Cameron likes the quesadilla – I get it with Carnitas (the shredded pork) because the chicken is a bit spicy for his taste.  It is extremely affordable (around 3$) and a heck of a lot more healthy than most fast food kid’s options.  So next time you go to Chipotle give the kid’s meal a try for the little one….  It’s a great option!

I’d like to start this post by saying I am still in the middle of Cameron’s potty training (my 2.5 year old boy,) so I am by no means an expert!  But obviously it’s a hot topic in our house, so I thought I would post what I’ve learned so far, and some of the advice I’ve gotten from other moms.

Potty training is tricky.  Lots of people say you don’t want to miss your chance otherwise your child will be in diapers forever.  Other people say it’s important not to push them too hard.  So apparently there’s some fine line in there we’re supposed to walk to get our sassy, opinionated, toddlers to reach this milestone.  I think our experience has been complicated by Violet’s arrival which happened right about when you are “supposed” to potty train a boy.  We definitely suffered some setbacks when the baby arrived at the house.  But now, I think we are back on track.

I could have used a picture of Cameron working on his potty training, but I didn't want to embarass him *too* much.

I started off by purchasing the book Potty Training Boys the Easy Way from Amazon.  I found it pretty useful – it’s not a very dense read, and I got through it quickly.  Basically the book promotes using “sessions” to help your son realize when he has to go to the bathroom.  For an hour or so at a time, you put underpants on your son, or let him go naked.  If he pees and has an accident, you clean it up and don’t make a big deal about it.  Eventually they will come to realize that they don’t like getting wet and will start to tell you when they have to pee.  This basically worked for Cameron.  He can hold his pee for hours and for the most part is pretty good and getting to the potty in time.  I will tell you we have to react fast – so far we only have about 30 seconds warning ’till the pee comes out.  I’m guessing this will improve with time.  We also have 2 potties (both exactly the same).  One near Cam’s playroom and the living room, and one up in his bedroom.  The book suggested this (multiple potties so they are near by, and the same so that your toddler doesn’t only want to go in the “red potty” for example).  Cam helped me pick the potty out – we went with the Baby Bjorn Potty.

I have also been bribing Cameron with stickers when he goes pee in the potty.  He seems to enjoy getting them and it was working well – for pee.  We had made zero progress in the poop on the potty department.  I reached out to my mom friends for some advice in this area, and basically it seemed that I needed to up my bribery game.  We promised Cameron a Thomas Train if he would poop on the potty.  Lo and behold, it worked!  Yes, that makes it an expensive poop – but if he makes it out of diapers, then it’s worth it.  We will downgrade to matchbox cars I’m sure, and then maybe back to stickers, but for now I’m fine with the trains!

I wanted to post some other advice and suggestions I got from other moms in case they seem like they might work for you:

No diapers in the house – cold turkey! (Except nap time and bed time, and eventually take them away when your little one seems to wake up dry more often than not).  This seems similar to the “sessions” approach that I used but more intense.

Get underpants that your toddler is really excited about – and shop for them together.  Cameron loves his Thomas undies, and he doesn’t want to get Thomas wet or dirty. Tell your son or daughter that they can wear them if they want to use the potty.

Put underwear under the pullups for overnight – this makes peeing really soggy and uncomfortable, while keeping the laundry situation under control.  Personally, I think this idea is genius and when we  start to tackle the night time issue, I may give it a try.

Bribery, bribery, bribery – Many moms suggested this in many forms.  M and M’s, stickers, matchbox cars, and one mom who gave her child a skateboard at 50 dry nights!  I think you just need to find that sweet spot of something your kid really wants and bribe them with it.  In a toddler’s world, it seems to go a long way.

Good luck everyone!  And please feel free to comment with your own ideas and suggestions.

Cameron has always loved swimming.  When we were still living in Brooklyn Cameron and I spent many an afternoon at Clermont Pool at PS 20 cooling off.  Now that we are in D.C. we get swim at Cam’s grandparents house.  The most shallow area of the pool is 4 feet deep (unlike the indoor pool at the Wilson Aquatic Center which has a beach pool that starts at zero depth).  So, I knew I needed to get Cam something to help him swim on his own since I was going to have my hands full with our newborn.  I asked around to my mom friends to see if anyone had a floatie (life jacket, flotation device, etc) they could recommend.  I heard great things about the Sterns Kids Puddle Jumper – and the price seemed right so I went ahead and ordered it from Amazon.

The first time Cam wore the Puddle Jumper in the pool he was a little nervous, still clinging to me.  But as the time went one he became more and more secure in it.  By the end of our hour in the pool he was swimming on his own and jumping in the water.  The next day we went swimming again and he quickly was up to speed and making his way all around the pool.

I love the Puddle Jumper because it’s comfortable for Cameron.  Because of the way it fits around him, it can’t ride up.  It’s very easy for him to move around on his own and work on his kicking and paddling.  I feel confident that he is safe in the water.  It’s easy for me to guide him around with one hand holding the clip at the back to help him work on his swimming.  Overall, I couldn’t be happier – and I think Cam feels the same way!