Monday, March 31, 2014

Traveling and Catching Up

Our travels went smoothly today and we arrived in NY safe and sound!







I stayed up late catching up with my sister so I'm not going to write too much tonight...  I will say that flying alone with a toddler is a different experience. I'll definitely write a post with tips and thoughts on it once we get back!  This was Ayden's first night sleeping away from home since we got him sleeping on his own and he didn't miss a beat. He's in a pack n' play, snoozing away and it was just as easy to put him to bed as it is at home. 

I forgot to get my sister's wifi password so I am publishing from my phone. I apologize if the pictures are huge or if anything else is kind of wonky. I'll come back and fix it when I get the chance. 

Have you ever traveled alone with a toddler?  Any tips or thoughts on the experience?

~Sarah

Flashback!  Here's what we were up to one year ago today: "Happy Easter 2012"
And two years ago today: "Final Four, Baby"

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Sunday, March 30, 2014

Packing Up

Ayden hung out with David for most of the day while I did some prep work and packing for a trip.  Ayden and I leave for New York tomorrow to go visit my oldest sister for a few days. The last time I was up there was on our baby moon to New England when we were 20 weeks pregnant with Ayden. It seems that mid-pregnancy is my time to visit my sister...  

Ayden gets to take his own little carry on this time which I think he'll be excited about.  Here's a little sneak peak at what I've packed for him:

The iPod has his favorite music along with a few of his favorite audio books.
I have also packed plenty of snacks, play-doh, a couple of movies, headphones for both of us (though I can't seem to find our headphone splitters so he may be watching movies on his own...) and a change of clothes in case he has an accident.  

We are going to miss David and I know he'll probably miss us even more but I am looking forward to traveling, seeing my sister and her family, seeing all of her baby goats, and spending lots of time with Ayden away from all of my normal daily to dos.  We should be getting plenty of quality time!  I'm also excited that this trip will make the time between now and our anatomy scan fly by since I get home Thursday and our ultrasound is on Friday.  

Here's hoping for smooth travels and a fun trip!

How often do you travel?  Since we started saving as much money as possible, we really dont' travel much.  It's worth it but I do miss the change of scenery!

~Sarah

Flashback!  Here's what we were up to one year ago today: "Alpacas, Rabbits and Chicks, Oh My!"
And two years ago today: "Weekend Night Owl"


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Saturday, March 29, 2014

Free Family Fun

We had so much fun today!  David's work donated some of their products to a new trampoline park in town.  



Anytime they do that, the special projects department usually sets up some sort of free family event with the venue.   It was from 8-11 this morning but since it was new and we'd never been, we weren't sure if Ayden would be big enough to do it or even if he'd have fun, so we didn't get there until 10:30. 


As it turns out, he LOVED it and we should have made it for the entire 3 hours!  It was SO much fun!  There was even a toddler area for kids 5 and under and that is where we spent most of our time.  The foam pits were Ayden's favorite.  He was brave and would belly flop right in over and over again.  


Our free family fun continued with a birthday party for one of Ayden's play group friends.  It was fun meeting all of the spouses and introducing my love to all of the ladies.  Ayden has had a rough couple of nights for some reason so David and I are tired tonight.  At least he waited until the weekend (always have to find that bright side!).  We are going to veg out and go to bed early.  

What is your favorite way to have some family fun? We decided then and there that Ayden's 3rd birthday will most likely be a trampoline party! We also felt like we needed to get our families there ASAP. 

Flashback! Here's what we were up to one year ago today: "Toddler Easter Basket"
And two years ago today: "Back To Civilization"

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Friday, March 28, 2014

Spring Time Relaxation

Today was cloudy and a little sprinkly but the temperature was right where it needed to be!  The high was in the upper 60's and it was WONDERFUL!  Ayden and I enjoyed our stay home day.  He helped me doctor up my Spring wreath.  I made it two years ago and wore him in the Moby while I was making it.  Needless to say, I kind of rushed through it and it needed a little something extra to make it meet its full potential.  He was such a good little helper, it made me think that maybe I can start doing a little more of my own crafting while he's awake and involve him more in making our handmade home.  

Enjoying his post-nap snack outside!
(with his buddy The Grinch, of course!)
Trampoline time!  He LOVES this thing.
We actually took Ayden to spend the evening at David's parents' house so we could have a date night!  David got me a couple's massage gift certificate for Christmas and we finally made an appointment.  I wanted to wait until I was in the second trimester because most massage therapy places won't do a prenatal massage on a preggo mama in her first trimester. We had our hour long massages then had dinner.  It was wonderful!  We both missed Ayden a lot and were happy to pick him up.  On the drive to our massages, we were talking about how neither of us feel like we need date nights like tonight to feel connected.  Of course we enjoy them, and Ayden LOVES spending time with both sets of grandparents, but they really aren't necessary for us as a couple.  We are just as content to stay home and watch a Redbox or Netflix after Ayden goes to bed.  Even when Ayden was younger and more high maintenance/time consuming, we  were always able to keep each other as #1 and we just found ways to stay connected even with him around.  We were wondering if that would change during the house construction and/or the arrival of Baby #2...  Only time will tell.  We are actually looking forward to how this baby is going to show us all of the things we think we know about parenting.  Just another chance to learn and evolve!

Did your second baby come along and throw you for a loop or did he/she just fit right in?  We figure we just have to get through the first transition month, when we will all just be functioning in survival mode, and then we'll begin to figure things out and find a new normal...

~Sarah

Flashback!  Here's what we were up to one year ago today: "Sensory Play"
And two years ago today: "Making Changes"


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Thursday, March 27, 2014

Picasso In the House!

Ayden had a vaccine appointment today.  He is getting all of the recommended vaccines but on a staggered schedule so he only gets 1 shot at a time.  Today he got his last of the MMR series.  We have a 30 minute drive to his doctor's office so he fell asleep on the way.

Soaking it in!
Luckily he was in a pretty good mood when he woke up.  We also talk to him a lot about things like doctor's appointments, dentist appointments, gym childcare, etc. before it happens so that he's not blindsided.  I told him we were going to the doctor and that he was going to get a shot in his leg.  I even told him that it would hurt a little bit but that it would be over fast and that I'd hold him the whole time.  He did really well with the shot.  The nurse told me that the MMR burns the most on the way in out of all of the vaccines.  When Ayden felt the burn he just turned his face into my chest and started crying quietly.  It took a few seconds for him to regain his composure but he did it.  He really took it like a champ.  I know there are parents who feel like it is best to sneak things in or catch kids off guard but I truly feel like full disclosure is the most respectful way to go.  It is what I would want for myself so it seems like the right thing to do for our kids too.  Since this appointment was for a vaccine only, we were not seeing Ayden's doctor and they were not going to weigh him but I asked the nurse if we could weigh him anyway.  At his 2 year appointment Ayden had grown an inch but lost a pound since his last visit (he was 20 lbs).  His doctor wasn't worried because Ayden has always been small and has always met his milestones by the time he was supposed to but as his mom, I just wanted to make sure he keeps making progress, however small.  Just since his appointment in early February, he has gained 3lbs!  The nurse said that he must have had the growth spurt right before his 2 year appointment because they always beef up a bit, then grow and lean out, then beef up and so on and so forth.  So at 2 years and 2 months old Ayden is a whopping 23lbs! 

After Ayden's appointment I ran a couple of errands so I won't have to leave the house tomorrow.  I am looking forward to a stay home day!  On the way home I stopped by our building site where they were just finishing up pouring our basement footers.  


Since Ayden napped so early and for such a short time, I put him down for one when we got home.  He tried to talk me out of it but ended up sleeping for an hour and I even snoozed a bit myself.  When he woke up we played in his playroom for a while which is currently his favorite thing to do.  I can't wait for it to get warm so that being outside is his favorite!!

Right now he is really into audio books, dancing and floor puzzles.  He also likes playing with his barn and farm animals and doing any form of art work.  Today he drew his very first representational drawing!!  I was pretty proud.

He showed me the back, the eyes,the "happy mouth," the legs and the tail (the long line on the right)
I suppose once they "master" the circle the rest just falls into place!  I realize it does not actually look like a dinosaur but hey, a kid's gotta start somewhere.  We'll just call him Picasso for now.  Haha.

He's also been getting more and more into dinosaurs lately and really likes trying to say their names. 


Once David got home we had dinner and then they went back up to the playroom while I cleaned up the kitchen.  I usually like to go up and play with them for some family time but today I felt like getting everything cleaned up early so I'd have more free time after Ayden went to bed.  It's nice to kind of take that sort of thing day by day depending on my mood or what needs to be done.

Do you like to prep your kids before doing something or do you take a more sneaky approach?  Every child is different so I'm sure there are some kiddos who actually handle the latter a bit better.

Flashback!  Here's what we were up to one year ago today: "The Gift Of An Ordinary Day"
And two years ago today: "What Did I Do Today?"


Thank you for stopping by Life With the Ladniers!
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Wednesday, March 26, 2014

18 Weeks Pregnant

Holy cow...


Size of a sweet potato?  That's pretty substantial!  And only 22 weeks left? Yikes!  Here's the bump: 


  • Everyone is telling me that I have officially "popped."
    I've included the next picture just to give perspective as to where Baby is sitting.  I am not experiencing any pregnancy related back pain so that's great since that seems to be normal right about now. 


  • Overall, I am feeling really great.  I have good energy, a normal appetite (though I can't always eat as much in one sitting as I used to) and I'm feeling Baby wiggle around in there more and more everyday. I have even felt it on the outside a couple of times.  David felt one tiny something but it was right when he put his hand on my belly so he wasn't sure if that's what it was or not until I confirmed it. It won't be long and he'll be enjoying the wiggles as much as me.  When you ask Ayden if he wants a baby brother or a baby sister he always says sister but if you ask if it is a boy or a girl in mommy's belly he always says boy.  Crazy kid!

     We are counting down the days to 2:00pm on April 4th when we'll have our anatomy scan.  I've actually had a few ladies around me who have received not so great news at their anatomy scans, or with their newborns, so even though I am so excited to find out what we are having, I am really just eager to hear that everything is healthy and on track!  

    This pregnancy is flying by and with all of the house excitement (they're pouring our basement footers tomorrow!) along with keeping up with Ayden we are well aware that 22 weeks are going to pass in the blink of an eye.  All we can do is just hold on for the ride.  I have been brain storming about what we might need baby-wise this time around so after our ultrasound, I'll write a post about it all.  If it is a boy, we're going to have pretty much everything we need. If it is a girl, it'll be a different story.  At least we purchased gender neutral gear for Ayden so that won't be an issue (not that we'd have a problem putting a girl in blue stuff...).  It is all very exciting and feeling more real everyday. 

    ~Sarah

    What were your must haves for baby #2?

    Flashback!  Here's what we were up to one year ago today: "Answer Me This"
    And two years ago today: "Goals"


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    Tuesday, March 25, 2014

    Old Man Winter

    Old Man Winter needs to take a hike!!!  It snowed all day today.  It wasn't as bad as it could have been since it never stuck to the roads or sidewalks but it really lowered my spirits. 


    I am so completely and utterly over this Winter and my clementine even agreed with me today:


    I decided I would need to get out of the house in order to make it through the day without completely wallowing in my Winter induced sorrows so we headed to the gym.  

    Preggo gym selfie. 18 weeks tomorrow!
    Not gonna lie... felt weird to take this pic.  Haha.
    I dropped Ayden off to play at the child care while I worked out a little and then we went for a swim.  We canceled our membership but we have until Apri 14th before we can't go anymore so we're going to make the most of it!  After the gym we stopped by the nearby library and the pet store before heading home for a late lunch and a nap.  I'm just glad that the temp is only going to be on the rise for the 10 day forecast.  My spirits really can't take many more cold and cloudy days.  Where are my rainbows and sunshine?!?

    David and I are having a veg out and watch Netflix date night.  We've started watching Hart of Dixie and are really enjoying it.  We needed a show with a little bit of a lighter feel this time around and this one is just right.  As far as my show goes, the one that I watch to make evening kitchen clean up more enjoyable, I've started Pretty Little Liars.  Talk about a show full of scandal and suspense!  The show is based on a book series and I started book one years ago but could never finish it for some reason.  Watching the show is making me want to start it back up again though I have heard it doesn't really follow the books very closely.  For those of you who have read the books and watched the show, will it ruin anything if I do both?  

    Speaking of kitchen clean up , it's calling my name.  Time to sign off so we can start date night!!

    Is it still miserably Winter where you are?  How are you keeping your spirits up while you wait for Spring to really begin?


    ~Sarah

    Flashback!  Here's what we were up to one year ago today: "Surprise!"
    And two years ago today: "Down On the Farm"



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    Monday, March 24, 2014

    When Time Stands Still

    Our baby is growing up.  He's actually getting further and further from being a baby each and every day.  He's sleeping well at night and for naps.  He's having at least one or two mornings a week where he does not have nursing on his mind first thing.  He's becoming more and more of a daddy's boy when daddy is home.  If he spills something or needs to wipe his mouth and hands, he'll go to our napkin drawer and get himself one.  He's becoming an independent individual who is thinking for himself and it is a wonderful thing to witness.  And for this mama who LOVES being the mommy of a BABY, it is a little sad too.

    Even though he is growing so fast and so quickly becoming his own person, we still have moments when time stands still.   When he is nursing and reaches up to caress my face, when he is a little sleepy and lays his head down on my shoulder, when he notices that I have a boo-boo and reaches down to give it a kiss without saying anything, and when he says, "I love you so much, Mommy." 

    Today after an hour long nap he woke up crying.  Our general rule is that he naps for at least an hour.  If he wakes happy after that hour we get him right up.  If he wakes crying, no matter how long he's been asleep, we encourage him to sleep a little more.  Usually if he wakes crying, he goes right back to sleep because it is what he needs.  Today he told me he was all done with nap and that he was ready to "be up."  I could tell that he was still tired so I took him to the glider and just held him and rocked him while he cried and cried.  I asked him if he had a bad dream and he said no.  Then I asked him why he was so sad and through his sobs he said, "I... don't... know..."  So there we sat while he got through his inexplicable emotions.  Once he had calmed down he yawned and asked, "What we do now, Mommy?" and I said, I'm just going to hold you and rock you for a little bit.  Maybe you could close your eyes and sleep a little more."  He said, "No, Mommy.  I not tired!" and then 2 minutes later he was out.  


    He slept on me for another half hour.  In the moment when you're feeling all warm and fuzzy with nothing to do but hold your baby, the thought crosses your mind that sleep training and good, independent sleep are overrated.  Then you come to your senses and remember that good sleep is best for everyone's health.  The beautiful thing is that you still get these moments, even if they are fleeting, where you can still snuggle your child while they sleep and it makes them that much more special.  


     As these moments become further and farther between, I am making sure I cherish every second as they are happening.  This is the way things are supposed to go.  You have your baby and Mommy is their whole world.  Then the time comes when their eyes are opened to a world much bigger than you.  You are still very much a HUGE part of their world, and their sense of security in that world, but every day they spread their wings a little further.  All of it is good but it doesn't make it any easier on us as parents.  We want to be needed.

    Here I am the mother of a two year old writing this.  I will be turning 30 in April and I can't imagine what it will feel like in another 28 years when Ayden is all grown up, probably with a family of his own.  It makes me want to call my mom right now at 11:00 at night and tell her that I need her in some way.  Ha, I'm sure she would actually really love that...  Some of my most fond childhood memories are of snuggling with and napping with my mom and now I know that she was getting just as much out of it as me if not more.  I hope that when Ayden is 30 he'll be able to look back and remember some of the moments we had together when time stood still. 

     What moments do you cherish most with your little ones?  

    ~Sarah

    PS - pregnancy hormones are in full swing tonight.  I think I cried 3 times writing this post...  I just love my little man so much I can hardly stand it.

    Flashback!  Here's what we were up to one year ago today: "Frame Party!"
    And two years ago today: "Playing Games"

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    Sunday, March 23, 2014

    Humpty Dumpty

    We decided to bring a little bit of Spring into our hose this morning!

    Cupcake liner flowers
    Glitter glue rain drops (it dries clear...)

    Floor puzzles!

    We also had our own little story time lead by Ayden himself:




    After a morning of playing, David to Ayden to his parents house with him for an afernoon of NCAA basketball. Not really being a huge fan of the game, I decided to stay home and cross a few items off of my to do list. I decorated our mantle for Spring (I'll write a post of that soon because there was some DIYing involved), painted my nails and did some cleaning. It was a nice and peaceful afternoon for me. Some sad news is that I watched the last episode of Call the Midwife that Netflix offers. Now I'll need to find a new show to make kitchen cleanup a rewarding and enjoyable experience... 

    We decided to go out to eat for dinner. We got Ayden a cup of chili and he sat like such a big boy and ate a TON. I knew I'd possibly regret the decision but he was a pretty tidy eater. He only dropped one little bit on his shirt just as he was finishing up (he did not want me to tuck a napkin into his collar.).  We came home and put him straight to bed. We are hosting play group in the morning. I always look forward to hanging out with those ladies. 

    What is your favorite Netflix show? I've considered Pretty Little Liars and Orange Is the New Black. Right now I am leaning towards the former because I think the latter might be something that David and I might both enjoy. I'd love suggestions!

    ~ Sarah

    Flashback!  Here's what we were up to one year ago today: "Mixing It Up"
    And two years ago today: "Our Big Boy"



    Saturday, March 22, 2014

    Gloriously Boring

    Today was a gloriously boring Saturday.  After a couple of weekends in a row of lots to do, boring was a welcome change.  Ayden and I went to the farmer's market and ran a few errands while David went to a local lumber supplier to get an estimate for the materials for building our house.  He came away with good news which was a bonus!  

    We got an old piece of barn wood and painted our new address on it.  We went to our new home place and hung it on a tree next to our driveway.  The big basement pit is already starting to feel like home.  Haha.


    We went to a park to play and go for a walk.  We are LOVING this Spring weather!!!!



    Playing in dirt!  The BEST way to strengthen immunities.

    When we got home I made cookies!  The recipe called for a room temperature egg and I have to say, it was pretty awesome to walk right out to the coop and get one without having to remember to set one out ahead of time.

    I used this recipe.
    Hands down the BEST grain free cookies we've had.
    The last thing I want to leave you with are a couple of links that I found recently.  As toddler parents, David and I need to be re-inspired to be the gentle parents that we want to be.  I don't think we stray too far but if Ayden is having a particularly toddler-like day and we are running on empty, it can be really hard to keep ourselves removed enough to handle his behaviors the way we set out to in the first place.  That is why I feel it is important to read blog posts and articles of folks who have similar parenting styles to ours so that we can regain perspective and find that inspiration to continue to be the gentle and understanding parents that we want to be.  

    Ah... There was one more but I can't find it.  Sorry.

    I realize that not everyone shares our views on parenting.  Our differences are what make the world go 'round!  If you do share our views, I hope you'll get something out of the articles like I did!

    ~Sarah

    Did you manage to have a gloriously boring Saturday today?? I feel like they are the best kind.

    Flashback!  Here's what we were up to one year ago today: "Toddler Land"
    And two years ago today: "Feeling Good"


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    Friday, March 21, 2014

    Stuck On Winter

    Even though it was a beautiful Spring morning, Ayden insisted on wearing his husky hat and vest out for our chicken chores.  He wanted to wear his mittens too but I was able to talk him out of those.

    The boy is stuck on Winter.
    (He just doesn't remember how much fun the warmer seasons are!)

    Holding his egg bowl.
    He can carry one egg in it without it rolling around.

    Speaking of being stuck on Winter...  We got Ayden the Frozen DVD!  David had some house design work to do (now that things are in motion it is crunch time!) so we set up a comfy place for us to watch on the lap top in the office so we could all still hang out as a family on family night.  We brought up Ayden's crib mattress along with a couple of couch cushions and throw pillows.  Ayden thought it was the most fun thing ever!


    Funny how something so small can seem like the coolest thing int he world to a kid.


    He likes to sit with his little hands clasped.
    Ayden didnt' get to bed until 9:30 but it was worth it!  I'm sure he will enjoy many more late nights this Summer.  It's kind of what it's all about, isn't it??

    Do you let your kiddos stay up late for some extra fun every now and then?

    ~Sarah

    Flashback!  Here's what we were up to one year ago today: "Toddler Land"
    And two years ago today: "2 Months Old"

    Thursday, March 20, 2014

    Hen Party!

    Happy first day of Spring! Someone with awesome bed head drew his first real circle today:


    Somehow we had a Mary Poppins chunk of time this morning.  We did everything we usually do and then some yet we were ready to leave the house for story time an hour early.  I'm not sure what the key was but I need to figure it out because it was AWESOME.  Ayden had another really good night's sleep again last night so perhaps that has something to do with it?  And another thing that was different is that he wasn't insistent on nursing first thing like he usually does.  He cuddled in bed with us for a bit, and he didn't ask to nurse until after breakfast.  I was able to unload the dishwasher and put in a load of laundry, without his "help" while breakfast cooked and those are usually things I do a little later in the morning.  I thought perhaps him waking up like that was a sign that meant we were a step closer to him being ready to wean but by the end of the day he had nursed 3 times and 1 is the norm these days.  

    Starting off the day on such a good foot put me in a great mood all day long.  Here are a couple more things that added to my happiness today:

    Post nap snuggles.
    (He's starting to rest on my bump.)
    Side porch hen party!
    Not sure why they all decided to hang out right there...
    It was also fun watching Ayden and David jumping on the trampoline and playing baseball outside while I got dinner ready.  I feel like Spring is definitely lifting all of our spirits.  Now that it is officially here I am letting myself get excited about it.  There are some daffodils in the field behind us that have bloomed recently and I have to say, they make me pretty happy too.

    Did something make your day extra great today?

    Flashback!  Here's what we were up to one year ago today: "Abstract Art"
    And two years ago today: "A Day of Firsts"



    Thank you for stopping by Life With the Ladniers!
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    Wednesday, March 19, 2014

    Easy DIY Bird Feeders

    Today was SO much better than yesterday for Ayden.  A complete 180 for sure.  He had been restless and waking up a lot while he was sick and last night he slept the whole night through.  I think the better rest and the reason for it (just feeling better overall) got him back to his old cheery self.  

    I had this post ready to go up yesterday for a Toddler Tuesday but the ground breaking for our new house definitely took precedence so I pushed it to today.  Last week, Ayden and I made bird feeders for all of our feathered friends that are moving back after a long, cold Winter.  I used to make these particular feeders with my students at school and they were always a big hit.


    The supplies you'll need:
    - bird seed
    - pine cones
    - peanut butter 
    - a spreader (kid knife, popsicle stick, etc.)
    - wire for hanging
    - if inside, a table cloth or drop cloth of some sort

    1) Spread your peanut butter onto your pine cone.
    Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies!

    2) Roll your pine cone in the bird seed
    (This is Ayden's little hand hard at work)

    3) Make sure all of your peanut butter is coated with seed
    (This one was mine)


    4) Wrap wire around the top row of scales and hang!

    We hung ours on a tree outside a side of the house where we could see them from windows in several rooms in the house.  We checked on them a few times a day and they were a hit!  We got to see all kinds of birds, our favorite being a little bluebird of happiness.

    My new favorite bird.  So cute!
    {via}

    Have you ever made homemade bird feeders?  We also made a couple of class sets of egg carton feeders to put out on our playground one year.  Those worked really well too!  I think we are going to try this one next:


    {via}
    *Small pregnancy update: I felt the baby more than ever today!  So exciting... *
    *House Progress: They finished digging our basement!*

    ~Sarah

    Flashback!  Here's what we were up to one year ago today: "Owning The Day"
    And two years ago today: "Three's Company"



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