Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Here in the Northeast, we’ve experienced some frigid temperatures as of late. The kids—and I—have had it with the cold weather. It wasn’t a difficult winter, but we’re sick of the constant colds, the inability to go outside and play for an extended period of time, and having to bundle up excessively. Even if it’s freezing in the morning, it’s hard to get Haley to put her gloves and hat on. For her, it’s just been too many days of the same. She’s ready for lighter attire.

I’m always conflicted when getting Haley dressed in the morning. I usually insist on a sweater. But sometimes the classroom is cranked with heat. Other times, the teacher responds to that by opening the window, and the room gets excessively chilly. It seem like a straightforward situation with a straightforward solution—wear layers and strip as necessary. Unfortunately, it’s not so simple for a kindergartener, especially one like Haley who is obsessed with rules and following directions. If her warm fleece is in the cubby by the backpacks? You better believe she’s not getting up and getting it. She doesn’t want to annoy her teacher and ask to retrieve it; she’d rather stay cold. It’s heartbreaking to think about as her parent. But it’s the reality. I’d rather be safe than sorry, so I always dress her warmly.

I’m sure as Haley ages, she’ll get the confidence to ask for what she needs. As for this year, only a few more weeks to go until we’re in true Spring. Hopefully March will go out like a lamb.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
We all know that predicting the weather is not an exact science. Last Friday, we were forecast to receive 1-4 inches of snow in suburban Atlanta. In typical southern form, the schools let out early. The local news teams went into special weather coverage mode, and the national weather service made up to the minute updates on the storm. The forecast of snow left the grocery stores wiped clean of the basics.

The “storm” was projected to hit during the night. At bed time, Jack and Tate were literally crossing their fingers and toes for snow. They even asked their magic 8 ball if it would snow. When it said “yes,” they got their winter coats and gloves ready for the morning. They had their entire day planned, to include sledding down our front yard and snowball fights with dad.

We awoke early the next morning to a cold, damp yard… and no snow. Only cold rain had fallen, then frozen overnight. The boys were extremely bummed, almost in tears. I had my doubts about the forecast, but I felt badly they were let down.

My husband and I took this situation and turned it into a learning experience for Jack and Tate. Some things in life, like the weather, are out of our control. There is nothing we can do about it. More importantly, there is no point wasting emotional energy over things we can’t control. Adapt to the challenge and overcome was our point.

Eventually, the boys got over their frustrations with the help of some pancakes and morning matinee of Star Wars. We’re still hopeful we’ll see snowflakes this winter, even if it means we travel north.

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
It’s always important to be prepared for inclement weather. You must winterize your home and car, have an emergency plan in place, and of course, stock up on the necessities. For most people this means two things: bread and milk. If you are the mother of a young child, let me add one thing: DIAPERS. I usually get big packages of diapers delivered to our home, as many families do. I take out one sleeve and put the rest in our utility closet. If I forget to restock—no problem—I just run to the drugstore for emergency supplies while I await the new package delivery.

As luck would have it, I ran out of diapers on Sunday morning. Not a great time for that to happen in snowy New York. The CVS around the corner—that’s usually open 24 hours—was closed. Luckily with a bit more trekking we found some. And the kids were delighted to be out in the snow and even procure some yummy fresh bagels.

We pretty much hunkered down at home for the rest of the weekend and didn’t run into too many problems. Even our car was in a lucky street parking spot that didn’t get covered in snow, and now that the streets are plowed, we can use it whenever we need to. Now that winter has kicked into high gear, I’m eager to see what else Mother Nature will throw our way.

Stay warm!

From Friday Mom – Erin:
We are sitting in the bulls-eye of this weekend’s “historic” blizzards.  While the snow isn’t slated to slide into the area until mid-day to early afternoon, the schools are closed, businesses are shuttered, and– to our frustration–the daycares are closed.  This week has been a hot-potato of family obligations.  Charlotte had a fever on Tuesday, but I had a presentation I couldn’t miss.  I came home mid-afternoon to try to backfill Blake, but spent the majority of the afternoon on conference calls.  Fortunately, Charlotte was much better on Wednesday, but I nevertheless had to spend the morning at home waiting on roofers to patch our leaking roof (a BIG must in advance of this weekend’s storm).  I tried to make up for the late arrival at the office, only to get stuck with the masses on a horribly snarled commute home that took nearly 3 hours.

Our to-do lists remain long, and the only truly available time is nap time and after dark.  Suffice it to say, it’s been quite a week.

Fortunately, Rory is SOOOO incredibly excited about the snow.  While snow as an adult means shoveling and trying to figure out how to respond to work demands that are not entirely eliminated by the influx of white stuff, snow as a parent means getting to see the true joy of your little ones as the big flakes come barreling down.  In one of Rory’s most frequently watched episodes of one of his favorite children’s shows, the main character and his little sister make a giant snow man.  Rory has been talking non-stop about making a snow man and going sledding since we first mentioned the possibility of snow.  I have a feeling it will be virtually impossible to contain his excitement when there is snow up to his waist outside.  Although, knowing him, he’ll end up too scared to play in it.

We have new boots, new snow suits, water proof gloves, and lots of energy to burn here.   As much as the elementary school kids are probably lamenting the fact that the storm is hitting over a weekend, I am thrilled that it is.  Because that means that I’ll get to set aside the computer for a good bit longer and go traipse about in the quite stillness of the snow with my son.  And I cannot wait.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Winter has arrived in the deep south, and and it has left us a little chilly. Although the afternoon temps creep up above the freezing mark, the morning temps are quite frigid. My kids, who have only lived in warmer weather climates, don’t like to wear winter attire. They prefer shorts, and rightfully so. However, I draw the line that long pants are a necessity when it’s 20 degrees outside.

Tate is sensitive to textures. When he was younger, I had to cut out tags from his clothes so they didn’t bother him. He still turns his nose up at the thought of wearing jeans. Some jeans are softer than others, he says. I laugh about his observation of jeans. He prefers a cotton t-shirt and shorts as his daily outfit. Jack doesn’t mind long pants, but feels it’s “cooler” or more of a fashion statement when he wears shorts.

Lately, mornings are a tussle to persuade Jack and Tate to wear appropriate clothing. I have to open our back door so they can feel the chilly air, and see the frost on the grass. Tate still thinks it’s okay to wear shorts and a t-shirt only.  Anyone else have children that agree with this?

I am always cold in the winter, and I wear a fleece jacket, slippers, and live under a thick blanket for most of the winter. Maybe my children will join me when they realize winter clothes were made for a reason. Until then, stay warm!

From Friday Mom – Erin:
Today is the second of two consecutive snow days that have caused Rory’s daycare to close.  Sometimes I feel guilty about the fact that Rory still attends daycare despite the fact that I am home all day with Charlotte.  However, I consistently remind myself that Rory received my undivided attention for his first five months and tell myself that Charlotte deserves that same attention, too.  Sending Rory to school each day helps me do that.

Until it snows.

Fortunately, the past few weekends have demonstrated to me the importance of introducing lots of variety to Rory’s day.  We filled yesterday with lots of arts and craft activities.  We glued cotton balls to a snow man, we made snow balls out of cotton balls, and we made bouquets of flowers out of used paper towel rolls.

We read books, played with puppets, watched some videos, sang LOTS of songs, and even played out in the snow for a few minutes.  Although I had pulled out a new sticker book early in the day in anticipation of needing a new distraction, I didn’t need to bring it out until shortly before dinner.

I am hoping that today goes just as smoothly, but I know that boredom and obstinance likely will be my worst enemies.  I’ll dig deep into the creative parts of my brain and try to outwit and entertain Rory while still being certain Charlotte’s needs are met.  And I’ll also cross my fingers that spring arrives soon.

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
It’s about that time of year—when I am so sick of cold weather that I just can’t take it anymore, despite that there are many, many more weeks to go. Luckily, I have a solution for winter grumpiness—planning for sunny days ahead.

My motto when it comes to vacations is to plan early and often. Looking forward to a trip is one of the best parts of travel. Never-ending days of the usual, humdrum activities are so much more bearable when you’re thinking that soon, you will have a break from it all. I had hoped we’d get away in early spring, but given Hudson’s recent illness I decided to put the brakes on air travel until flu season is completely over. But I still have plenty of plans from late spring into summer.

First up is a grad school reunion that I could not be more excited for. Grad school was one of the best experiences of my life and I can’t wait to see the friends I made there. I just can’t believe it’s been 10 years! But then I take a look at my kids and I’m quickly reminded how old I am. Next, I’ll be going to a dear, dear friend’s wedding. I’m so excited to celebrate with her and be there for her like she was for me when I got hitched. Lastly on deck is a trip down South to visit the grandparents, which is always tremendously fun for Haley and for us. I’m so excited to take Hudson to my husband’s hometown. All of his family friends are just going to go crazy for the baby!

Taking trips with the little ones can definitely be a challenge. But sometimes it’s necessary for everyone to have a little change of scenery.

Have a warm and cozy week!

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.

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
I can’t be the only one who has HAD IT with this winter. Here on the East Coast, it’s been utterly unrelenting. We haven’t even thawed out from one storm when another one blankets the area. The days it doesn’t precipitate, it’s incredibly cold. I know that the Midwest and the South have experienced similar lows in temperature, so at least we’re not alone!

I like a beautiful snowfall as much as the next girl. I don’t mind bundling up a few weeks a year. But it’s starting to get old. Haley is not a child who likes wearing layers, and unfortunately she has no choice. Frigid weather doesn’t stop her from tearing her mittens off on the sidewalk if she’s simply not in the mood to wear them. I can’t remember the last time we played at the park. Sometimes it’s too cold to even make it to our favorite indoor hangouts. Walking on icy paths with a little one can be scary. So can driving on dicey roads.

At first, it was fun experiencing winter through Haley’s eyes. But now it’s just getting old! Usually she loves getting out of the house, but there are times when she looks at her overcoat and boots and implores me to just let her stay in. She doesn’t even think it’s worth the hassle. She’s getting more TV time than I would like. Luckily, we are visiting family down south in a few short weeks. I’m hoping that the weather will be much warmer and we can remind Haley what outdoor fun is all about!

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
If you have set foot outside lately, you know that it is winter.  The entire country is covered in snow, ice, and/or extremely cold temperatures.  Unfortunately, winter in Mississippi only offers bitter cold rain and rarely any snow.  In a state where average summer high temps are in the upper nineties, a winter low even approaching freezing is front-page news.

Living in states with generally warmer climates over the last decade has made our family very “soft” when it comes to coping with winter weather.  We find ourselves shivering when it’s fifty degrees out.  Our kids do not own a true winter jacket.  They’ve never lived anywhere that required one.  They wear fleece pullovers or lined raincoats.  This week ‘s temperatures have made me reconsider. Even in the forty-degree weather we can barely stand getting to and from school, and any outside play is limited.

My husband laughs at the people around here that wear jackets, hats and gloves when the temperature is in the fifties.  But even he admits he is not as tough as he was when he lived in Syracuse, NY.  One day, our idea is to plan a family trip to the Rockies where the kids can get a feel for real winter and snow-sports.  This country has all kinds of climates to enjoy and we look forward to playing in the snow as a family. Who knows, maybe next Christmas will be a white Christmas by choice.  Stay warm, everyone!