Today's theme: “Don’t touch, say sorry, no biting!”
It has a nice rhythm to it-once repeated fifty times in short period.

I am thirty minutes past sending my nephew home and boy, did we have a full day. Here’s a little background. Our little ones, which made two in March & April,  have been annoying one another since birth. They must touch, harass, poke and push one another just to make sure we are paying attention. Or at least, that’s all I can determine.

My day started at 5:30am. I planned to start my day an hour prior to his arrival but couldn’t muster the energy to do so. I did the bare minimum – folded a load of laundry. He arrived at 7 with a loud cry. Poor little man, he loves his Aunt but doesn’t want to be left anywhere without Mom and Dad.

And so it began – a snuggle campaign to get him to calm down. I rocked and patted him like he was fresh out of the womb. Then, I realized I could use a Buzz Lightyear video to soothe his soul. And it worked!

The next 1.5 hours included video games, puzzles, flash cards and books. His attention span is shorter than my daughter so I had to keep moving to ensure I didn’t lose him.

My daughter wakes and immediately asked if her cousin arrived. We dress, do hair, have breakfast and make it to the park in record time. The rush? We live in Las Vegas and must beat the heat. Our preparation includes packing water, sun hats – putting on sunscreen and wearing sunglasses. Poor me, I had to push the 60+ pounds of double stroller with a b ackpack (travel potty, diapers, pull ups etc). I’m sure you get the point. So we swing, slide and pose for pictures –and start the journey home.

I had an AHA moment while pushing them up a rather steep hill. Why not re-create a water table? It worked – each child had one large tub, a medium bin and two small bowls to transfer water. They were thoroughly entertained. This led us to lunchtime and a three hour nap. My plan to tire them worked tremendously!

The pain in my back didn’t set in until they were both sleeping. It started in my ankle and made its way to my neck. So, when someone says, “Aren’t you ready for #2?” I will remember this day, this pain and reply, “Don’t touch, say sorry, no biting!” It will be confusing to most but amusing to the ones that have uttered the words for years.

How did you plan for child #2?

Alright.

No one told me not to spend so much time on my daughter's nursery, while pregnant. Time few and now I have to pick a new layout/color scheme.

Why? Because I caught her trying to escape, with her leg over the crib wall. Vet Mamas told me to wait as long as I could (just like potty training) and I did. Good news: we are doing a complete home renovation, which is gives me an opportunity to change her room up a bit.

Starting with the color. The current room alternates in color wall by wall. For the new room, I've decided to use a solid neutral color and accent with lavender (her favorite color). So far, I've found sheets, curtains and a decorative pillow for her chair.

Next, I'm searching for a toddler friendly reading nook, easy closet organizer with cubes and a rug.

As you can guess, I'm on Pinterest and created a Playroom & Nurseries by Mama board. I've added it below - check it out.

I'll keep you posted on my DIY adventures!

Mia, the Homemaker

This phrase sums up my last two months of Mamahood with my beautiful daughter. She turned two and things changed. Top three traits:

1. Opinionated - She has a opinion about everything. It's her way or else.
2. LOUD - She screams MAMA in stores when I'm in her eyesight.
   
3. Articulate - She speaks in full sentences and expects a response

How do you deal with a bold toddler when working, cleaning, cooking, driving & maintaining sanity?


I'm navigating through this stage with coffee. I ignore what I can and diffuse what I can't. We discuss options, which has bitten me in the butt. Especially at dinnertime. I'll ask if she wants chicken, expecting the one year old answer, and get "how about pasta, Mom." Or the popular, "maybe I'll have yogurt". I've added short order cook to my resume along with nurse and chauffeur.

Which brings me to the first insult I've received from my one and only. We were running errands in one hundred degree weather - and picked up my mother for lunch. My darling tot says "Mommy can't drive"  then proceeds with "Mima can't drive". Thus, insulting the entire car in 5 seconds.

I politely explained that she can't drive, which is why Mommy is driving. She apologized immediately (fantasy). She continued repeating "Mommy can't drive" (reality) - until we reached our destination.

Since that day, I've been physically pushed, slapped and kicked during tantrums and moments of anger. Poor Dad tries to save me but she ignores his demands like a teenage girl whose cell phone was taken. We sigh in unison. Then,  I read articles on how to manage toddler rage - while tweeting about her antics.

So the questions remains -

How do you deal with a bold toddler when working, cleaning, cooking, driving & maintaining sanity?