babysurvivalkit

[babysurvivalkit]

Glow Bracelet

While putting my six year old to bed I noticed the carpet in his room was glowing.  Not in one spot but in a few little spots.  Somehow the glow bracelets he turned into a headband leaked.  Now I have played with glow bracelets for a good amount during my childhood, and can honestly say they never leaked.  This was a first.

It's pretty easy to clean, you just need to turn off the lights.  

What I didn't realize is that in my panic when I saw the glowing carpet I told my son it was poison and I hope he didn't eat it.  We went through why you should tell Mommy or Daddy right away when things happen and to not hide things like this.  We said goodnight and left his room.

Twenty minutes later my son comes out of his room crying.  He was afraid to tell me before but he licked his hand when the glow stick leaked on him.  He was trying not to fall asleep because he had swallowed poison.  We assured him that the amount was small and he would be fine.  He asked that I come and check on him in a little to make sure he can wake up. 

My poor precious boy was scared by my reaction.  Not that I want him to eat things he shouldn't, but his face just now broke my heart.

But why are these things leaking in the first place!

[babysurvivalkit]

Feel like a sitting duck waiting for the power to go out in this hurricane.  Over 200 bags of frozen breast milk in the freezer.  We have a generator but not sure if we can make it through days of no electricity.  All those hours spent pumping - praying my milk is saved.

[babysurvivalkit]

We work so hard to help shape our kids into good people.  We want them to be smart and funny, be well liked, get a great education, etc.  I see my older son with others, and I feel that I am on the right path - but it wasn't until the birth of our second that I started to see the impact my husband and I have on him.  

We went to a pumpkin farm this past week and while I spent so much time trying to get them both to smile and look at the camera, I realized our best picture came from just snapping and letting Jake take the lead. 

Sometimes you just need to sit back and watch...

[babysurvivalkit]

Traveling as a working (breast feeding) mom is tough. Aside from being looked at like a terrorist for having a breast pump, it's a long day. And I miss my kids.

[babysurvivalkit]

Spinach Puree (that the baby will love)

We have been playing around with spinach and found a mix of fruits that work.  Mango, Pear or Apple all go really well.  Just make sure you find the right ratio so that the baby can still taste the spinach a little.

Steam Spinach and puree until desired consistency (no water should be necessary)

Steam or boil peeled Mango until very soft.  Puree until there are no strings

Steam or boil peeled Apple or Pear until very soft and Puree until desired consistency.

We usually put each puree into an ice cube tray so that you can mix at a later date.

Three spinach cubes plus two of desired fruit combo works really well!

#spinach puree #mango puree #pear puree #apple puree

[babysurvivalkit]

Romantic Morning

My husband and I recently renovated our home, and added a fireplace in our bedroom.  Now that it's getting colder we decided to put it on this morning.  The scene was not what I had imagined when we were shopping for a fireplace for our bedroom.  

I thought of us being cozy in bed watching the fire and drinking our coffee.

Instead we had Dora the Explorer on, the baby was talking (yelling), and I was pumping.  It was the opposite of the peace I had envisioned for the room.

Oh well... in another 18 years they will all be out of the house and we will (hopefully) have those initial moments.

It's been a lazy Sunday, but I will post recipes tomorrow.

[babysurvivalkit]

Surviving a baby shower

Every woman dreads the envelope in the mail just addressed to her (or at least at this point in my life I know for sure women do).  It signifies a shower.  Baby or Bridal doesn't really matter - it's the same format - the same amount of dread.

But why are they so dreaded?  Usually you are surrounded by family and friends.  If you have kids (especially small ones) it's a break.  There is usually some type of champagne punch and always an indulgence with dessert.

Maybe it's the good hour of watching someone open presents - all of which are not a surprise thanks to registries.  

Maybe it's the lack of music or dancing like a wedding.

Maybe it's that most of the games have been seen at the last ten showers you went to.

Or it could be that great aunt that corners you for half the party.  

That being said, here are my tips for how to survive at a shower:

1. Help- the more you can do with helping with the presents or clearing plates the faster the time will go.  It will also peel you away from getting stuck talking to someone for too long.

2. Drink - it's always more fun with a few responsible glasses of party punch.

3. Get picked up by your spouse... this is my favorite as you have a definitive end as well as an excuse to leave early if you need to.

In all fairness, the shower I went to today was a nice time.  Good food, friends and family I enjoy being around - and a really good napoleon cake.  Can't beat that.

#baby shower #bridal shower #shower #featured

[babysurvivalkit]

The Fist Fight

In addition to having a 7 month old, we also have a 6 year old.  He's a great kid.  He's smart, well behaved, pretty calm overall, and you can take him anywhere.  In fact, when we do people always comment on how good he is.

You could imagine my surprise when the school called this week to tell me he had been in a fist fight.  The message "Your son was in a fist fight, and met with the assistant principal.  She wanted me to tell you to have your son keep his hands off other children."  Surely this wasn't my son they were speaking of, and I know that's something that every parent thinks.  But really - not my son.  Turns out three 6 year old boys were playing a game about super powers and you punched each other to take it away.  Still doesn't make it right - but it certainly doesn't make it a fist fight.  Aside from the fact I didn't even know my son knew how to throw a punch, I was sure this game wasn't his idea...and it wasn't.  

It seems to me we have gotten a little sensitive to children playing.  Boys will be boys and should use their imaginations.  I am not condoning hitting each other, but none of them walked away with bruises or black eyes.  Personally I think the school overreacted.

Boys should be boys - and I was secretly proud that my son played along, rather than crying to the teacher about it.  

#fight #kids #school #boys

[babysurvivalkit]

Simple Purées

Simple Purées Boil or steam peeled and chopped vegetable of choice (Sweet Potato, Butternut Squash, or Carrots) After vegetable has cooled mix in blender with water or breast milk until puréed to desired consistency. Spoon into ice cube trays and freeze.

#Baby Food #babysurvivalkit #Puree

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Making your own baby food

My husband and I made the decision to make our own baby food.  We figured it would be healthier and cheaper after watching the Baby Bullet video at the place we registered.  We definitely made the right decision, as we have found the cost to be minimal as well as the time involved.  However, the one thing I didn't anticipate was the lack of guidance that came along with it.  For stage 1 it's pretty easy.  All of the orange vegetables get steamed and then you puree them with some water or breast milk.  After a few weeks of carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash you start to wonder what else you can make.  I have tried making creations based off the jars - but still feel that's limited as well.  Each week I will try to post a few recipes that have worked for us - and continue to create some new ones as we experiment with our little one.

One trick we learned is to use ice cube trays instead of the containers once you want to make combinations.  It's 1 oz per cube and you can then blend different veggies or fruits.  You can also toss them into a ziplock once they are frozen and save your freezer space.

Check back with us or let us know if you would like something in particular!

Carrot Puree

Peel and wash desired amount of carrots. (4-5 usually does well)

Steam or boil carrots until they are soft

Let cool and then puree in blender with water or breast milk* (you will need to adjust the water for consistency but start with 1/4 cup)

Freeze for 30 days or store in fridge for up to 5 days

* When using breast milk follow standard rules on storage

#Baby food #Carrot #Puree #baby bullet #featured #babysurvivalkit

[babysurvivalkit]

Breastfeeding Questions

We want to hear any questions you may have...

#Breastfeeding

[babysurvivalkit]

In the process of making all organic baby food for the little one

#Baby Bullet #Baby Food #Organic