Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Friday Mom – Erin:
As we prepare to move our clocks an hour ahead this weekend, I am preparing myself for what the shift in time will do to Rory’s schedule. He consistently goes to bed in the same thirty minute window each night. Likewise, he wakes up in the same thirty minute window each morning.

If I had been thinking about it, I would have tried to start stretching him a bit more each day this week so that the weekend’s transition wouldn’t be as abrupt. Unfortunately, I didn’t even think of it until yesterday, at which point that tactic was already too late.

So, rather than worry about how long it will take for all of us to adjust to our shifted schedules, I am trying to focus, instead, on what more daylight hours each day will mean: longer trips to the park; playing outside after dinner; enjoying the warming (I hope) weather on our family’s deck; coming home from daycare in daylight. As Rory becomes more and more mobile, I know having a little extra light outside while burning off his excess energy will be a welcomed change. As long as I remember to actually change the clocks…

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Before I moved to Mississippi, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) was just a giant party on Bourbon Street full of debauchery.  I didn’t know a whole lot about the celebration, but what I did know wasn’t very suitable for young children.

Living in the south for over six years now, I finally learned what Mardi Gras is all about.  It’s a carnival celebration prior to the fasting season of Lent.  It’s about celebratory events such as parades, dancing, music, sporting events, and of course, collecting beads, candy and other favors.  This celebration dates back hundreds of years and landed in the United States in the early 17^th century.

We attended our town’s Mardi Gras parade a week ago and really enjoyed the festivities that went with it.  The boys had a blast watching the dog parade and seeing all the pups dressed up in their costumes.  There were also live bands, a gumbo cook-off competition, and many fun activities for the kids.  We all enjoyed some delicious King cake.  This popular cake is a large cinnamon roll iced with the traditional Mardi Gras colored sprinkles, purple, green and gold.  For fun, the cakes have a small plastic baby inside.  If you end up with the baby, you are the lucky King/Queen for the day.  Jack was the lucky one.

Tate’s preschool celebrated Mardi Gras with their own little celebration.  Each student was asked to make a themed float out of a shoebox to walk with in the parade they put on for the parents and other members of the church. It was great seeing all the creativity these little children put into their float.  Tate’s float was decked out in shiny streamers, beads and masks where other children chose, Batman, ponies, the popular characters of the movie Frozen, etc.  The children were very proud to show off their own float creation as they walked all over their school.  The kids were dressed in the traditional colors as well as masks and beads they put together earlier in the week.

I’m glad my children will have a better understanding of this celebration and know a little history behind it.  Who knows maybe someday we’ll make it to New Orleans to see their fabulous parades and celebrations.

Laissez les bons temps rouler! ~ Let the good times roll!

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Happy March! I have made the concerted decision to be really excited about this month. Here’s my logic—March can’t stay cold. It just can’t! I have many memories from childhood of my hometown’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run—and it was downright balmy sometimes! So I am enacting the power of positive thinking to bring those temperatures up. Who’s with me?

Luckily, even though we are still thawing out from winter weather in the Northeast (as of this post’s publication we are probably battling yet another storm), I am heading to a warmer climate for a vacation. We are taking a greatly needed break from New York to head to the Deep South. It’s supposed to be a “bit cold” the first few days; translation: low 60’s. I’ll take it!

I am in the midst of figuring out if I can fold up Haley’s prized scooter and pack it with our luggage. Since getting it for Christmas, she’s hardly had a chance to ride it outside. Between that, her convertible car seat for the plane and rental car, and her umbrella stroller for the airport, we have quite the collection of gear to tote. I thought we’d be done schlepping stuff after the baby stage—not so! But children require what they require, and you have to carry it.

I really hope that Haley travels well on this go around, but I do believe that’s one thing that gets better with age. She listens, sometimes, and has a few videos she likes to watch. I’m packing surprise toys and snacks as well. Between my husband and myself I think we can keep her sufficiently entertained.

But as I said, what I’m anticipating more than anything is the warm weather. I can’t wait for Haley to step off the plane and feel the air. No jackets necessary! It would be nice if the weather also becomes more temperate when we return home, but at the moment I’m just appreciating the short respite.