Day 363 | On Being a Stay at Home Mom: Point/Counterpoint

I've been thinking about writing this post for months and just never got motivated. Ever since recording this podcast with my friend and then listening to the second podcast in the series (in this one she interviewed a working mom), the topic has been ever-present in the back of my mind. So now, here it is: My first (but maybe not last!) point/counterpoint. I don't think this needs to be said but, as a disclaimer, this is just my perspective and everyone's decision about how to raise their child/ren is personal and I offer no judgement.

Being a Stay at Home Mom is the Best

1. I'm around for every moment. I haven't missed a milestone in either of the boys' lives and that's pretty amazing. Although, I will point out that Chris has also missed very few. I think the boys somehow withhold doing anything too awesome when it's just me. In fact, I think Robbe's first word might very well be "dadda," obviously.
2. We *usually* don't have to be anywhere. It's a lovely luxury to have calm, non-stressful mornings and peaceful, non-rushed evenings. Sometimes it's hard to be completely present for these moments, but it is one of my favorite things about staying home with these boys: this quiet, free time to just play or read and not be constantly doing.
3. I'm in control. As you might have gleaned by now, I'm a *bit* of a control freak. I need to know what's going on with my babies. I need to know what the schedule is going to look like. I need to know that expectations are being appropriately set and upheld. A little obsessive? Yes. But that's what keeps this ship afloat.
4. I accomplish a lot. I'm a really good multitasker so I do manage to get a lot done, even with two babies, during the waking and naptime hours. My ability to grocery shop, clean, cook meals, run errands, etc., means that the evening and weekend time we get with Chris can be a lot more focused family time. This is a huge deal.
5. I'm a teacher. I don't feel like I'm doing a very good job of instilling knowledge on a daily basis but one way or another I'm raising pretty intelligent little guys. Chase knows his alphabet, colors, and shapes. He's starting to spell and learning how to rhyme. He's very well mannered as well as patient and empathetic (seriously, you've never met a more empathetic three-year-old). Robbe, although he's not talking yet, can understand practically everything. He's starting to do baby sign language more and more every day (think: all done, more, thank you, dog, bird) and is a fun-loving, affectionate little guy with more of the world opening up to him every day. It's pretty inspiring to know that I did that. More accurately, Chris and I did that, but still. It's me a lot of the time. The boys don't watch tv and Chase's preschool does very little in terms of actual knowledge development (more focused on social development), so somehow I'm doing it.

Being a Stay at Home Mom is Definitely Not the Best

1. Every day is the same: no weekends, no vacations. Of course the days when Chris is home makes a world of difference, as does having family or visiting another place, but in reality the same challenges exist every day: same meal schedule, same nap schedule, same segmented day.
2. Isolation. Yes, I get to hang out with other mom friends but just in case you think we sit around gabbing and drinking wine while our children peacefully play together, let me just set the record straight: typically we get about one hour, maybe two hours if we're lucky, of social time before one of us has to leave for food, naps, bedtime, etc. And those one, maybe two hours, usually involve being in two different places (me following my baby, them following theirs) most of the time. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy these times with my friends, I just wish they weren't as crazy. And other than that, it's a lot of solo, one-on-two time with my boys.
3. Babies are exhausting. Not just chasing after them all the time (that's definitely part of it), but constantly negotiating, playing, making small talk, rearing, feeding, disciplining, cleaning up after, etc. You get the picture. And that's only part of the challenge. I'm always on. If it's not managing the kids, it's managing the house and I feel the need to be productive all the time. I could definitely check out during naptime or after bedtime but there's always something that needs to be done and since I'm home so much, it's hard to just ignore forever. 
4. Baby talk. Chatting with a three year old, although a full-time, non-stop job, is not the most fulfilling form of social interaction. I didn't know I could start to dislike a three letter word stretched into three syllables so much (w-h-y???). I long to use the other side of my brain: I used to be a problem-solver, negotiator, creative individual when the stakes were slightly different than how to get your babies to eat vegetables. I miss that.
5. Working seems like a luxury. The grass is always greener, right? Chris thinks I'm crazy for being jealous of his commute and work-life. Although he loves his job (yay!), he wants more than anything to be home with us. And although I love my job (babies!), I want pretty desperately to have the independence and responsibility of getting out of the house sans-babies and contributing to society. That would probably last one day, but from the outside looking in, it sure does seem lovely.

Day 362 | Balance Bike

Today was a rough one. Robbe caught the cold that Chase and I came down with over the weekend. Seems like no big deal, right? A little congestion isn't that big of a deal, right? Well, Robbe begs to differ. Apparently a little congestion combined with teething (two more are so close!) and a desire to suck your thumb makes for difficult sleeping situations. It does make sense.

Let's not dwell on the very limited naps he's had the last two days or the very very limited sleep either of us got last night. Instead, let's smile at the photos of Chase sporting his new [blue] helmet while working on his balance bike skills. He's going to have this thing down by the end of the summer. Mark my words.

Oh, and if it's not too much to ask, think happy thoughts for a better sleep for all of us tonight. I need all the help I can get.

Day 361 | Chicken-less Nuggets

I found the inspiration for this recipe when Chase was Robbe's age and have been making it sporadically (whenever I think of it) ever since. It does take a bit of extra prep time leading up to lunch so that's the main challenge for me. 

These are about the most simple chicken-less nugget imaginable. Two ingredients: tofu (I prefer the extra-firm organic variety in the square container) and whole wheat flour. Oh, and oil for the pan. 

Here's the scoop:

Cut the tofu into 1/2 by 1/2 inch strips. Once you have your strips,cut those into thirds (so they're about nugget-size).
Coat the tofu with the flour on all sides (you can add some seasoning, salt and pepper, if you prefer).
Heat oil in a pan on the stove over medium heat.
Cook until browned and turn as necessary.

There you go! Let 'em cool and feed them to the kiddos. Mine gobble them up. And I'll admit, with a little ketchup they do the trick for me, too.

Day 360 | Butterflies!

Today's outing has been on my DC to-do list since before I had babies. I finally finally got to see the butterflies at the National Museum of Natural History. We lucked out and got tickets by just walking in (I'm not sure if that's usually the case). You do have to pay for this exhibit but the $5 was totally worth it, in my opinion.

Chase was a little uncertain about these flying beauties (are you surprised?), but afterward they were his favorite part of the outing. Robbe, on the other hand, could not have been more excited. He squealed with excitement and pointed at all the butterflies the whole time. His reaction to the whole outing (we also watched the fishies for a bit and looked at some other animals) made me realize we need to do stuff like this more. He's really starting to take in and enjoy the world around him.

In other news, our month of visitors has come to an end. We dropped Grandma and Grandpa G. off at the airport this afternoon. In Chase's words, "I'm so sad." Back to the real world around here...

Day 359 | Checking It Off the List

Robbe impressed us all (and himself) by managing to walk with this giant box.

We continued the theme of being productive around the house and checking things off the list while my parents are here (I promise we're having fun, too!). Today's accomplishments? Cleaning windows, planting new plants, installing an opaque window cover, hanging our new birdhouse (I'll post a photo sometime soon), fixing a few of our bedroom doors (thanks, toothpicks!), and others that aren't popping into my head right now. Aren't we lucky to have so much help? And you can tell by the photo that the boys have been beyond helpful as well.

Day 358 | Happy for the Help

In true Grandma and Grandpa G fashion, they can't sit still for long. This weekend's project? Tidying up our yard and helping with some more spring planting.

We're beyond grateful for the help. And as you can see, it was a whole family affair. 

Day 357 | Day Out with Thomas

2015 is turning out to be quite a year for our little 3-year-old. Today's installment? A Day Out with Thomas.

Have we taken the train enthusiasm to the extreme? Maybe, but it was totally worth it! Chase had a blast on his first Mommy-Daddy-Chase-Grandpa Day (thanks, Mom, for hanging out with Robbe so we could go sans-baby). Oh, and Thomas being there didn't hurt.

Some of the highlights from the big event:

• Meeting the big guy: Thomas, that is (middle photo)
• Meeting Sir Topham Hat (top-left photo)
• Riding on one of Thomas's coaches (top-right and bottom-left photos)
• Train-themed crafts (stamps, coloring, necklace-making)
• A petting zoo (What? Who would have expected that?)
• Three train-themed kiddie rides (including a carousel)
• Tons of real trains to tour and look at (we'll be back to the B&O Railroad Museum)
• A toy wooden railway (like the one we have at home), which Chase proclaimed was his favorite part of the day, of course
• And so much more!

The event as busy but really well organized and really enjoyable. We were only there for about three hours but there was enough to do to keep the kiddos entertained for much, much longer. The train ride, itself, was about 20 minutes long which was perfect for Chase's attention span. And I'm glad we opted for a morning train ride (10:45am) which enabled us to do a lot of the activities before the bulk of the crowd showed up. 

Overall, a really wonderful morning. I would highly, highly recommend for any train-loving friends. 

Day 356 | Shotgun Lovesongs

With my cousin's new book coming out next month, we realized it was time for Robbe to read through Shotgun Lovesongs to get him prepared. 

If you haven't read it yet (why haven't you?!?), check it out asap. 

Day 355 | One Final Train Craft

Who am I kidding? There will definitely be future train crafts but I promise there will be a hiatus.

These are the party favors I made for Chase's friends. I bought standard train whistles and decided they needed some pizzazz so personalized them using the same method I did for the railroad crossing sign: Good old white glue and water.

The kiddos loved them!

Day 354 | Speaking Out

Before Mary Catherine headed back to Cape Cod (much to my dismay), we took a few minutes to record an episode on motherhood for her podcast Starr Struck Radio. I feel beyond honored to have been invited on the show and, I have to admit, I actually enjoyed myself.

If you're interested in my perspective on being a stay at home mom or if you just miss me and want to hear my voice (that one is geared towards you, Mom), take a listen. I think you'll enjoy it. And tune back in to listen to what Mary Catherine has to say every week. She'd be happy to be your friend, too!

You can listen by clicking the play button towards the middle of this page. Or click here to download the show (and all previous episodes) in iTunes.

Day 353 | Goodbye MC!

It was rough to say goodbye to my dear friend, Mary Catherine, this morning. Even Chase expressed his melancholy by saying, "I'm so sad Mary Catherine is leaving," right when he woke up.

We're grateful for all her help with the party but, more than that, her friendship. 

Day 352 | Sweet Moment

Look at these two. Just perfect. 

Day 351 | Birthday Express

Our sweet three year old had an absolutely terrific train party today. A little over the top with the train theme? Maybe. A little more of a time-suck than originally anticipated? Maybe. Totally worth all the time and energy for our train-obsessed toddler? Definitely!

A few of the highlights:

• a cupcake train (one of my favorite projects!)
• a train banner
• railroad tracks leading up to the front door
• a railroad crossing sign on the door
• a super-complex wooden train track for all of Chase's closest train friends
• the Thomas roller coaster, obviously
• food trains with all the fruits/veggies and taco fixings
• a special birthday mantle with representations of some of his favorite things
• a cardboard choo choo engine

Day 350 | Flower Arrangement

Chase decided he needed a last minute flower arrangement for the party. I think it's the perfect finishing touch.

Day 349 | Railroad Crossing

Today's craft: a railroad crossing sign. 

I got this wooden x as part of the packaging for new kitchen stools and decided it needed to be turned into the perfect railroad crossing sign. 

I just used printed computer paper, watered-down white glue, and a paint brush. Brought me back to my old collage-making days. 

Sign for the door? Check!

Day 348 | Lucky Boy

Can you believe how lucky this little guy is? His very own Thomas roller coaster! Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa M, we have the perfect toddler activity for Chase's birthday party. If the other kids enjoy the ride even a quarter as much as Chase, it'll be a huge hit.

And don't worry, it's not a permanent fixture in our basement. It'll be moving outdoors soon!

Day 347 | Cardboard Choo Choo

Another birthday party craft for our little train enthusiast: a giant cardboard train engine.

We used three boxes, one oatmeal canister, lots of tape, and paint. Ta-da! 

So far our testers have offered rave reviews. Hopefully it survives until the weekend. 

Day 346 | Birthday Prep: Take Four

We've moved onto the fourth and final birthday celebration. Next weekend is Chase's birthday party and boy oh boy is he excited!

The theme? Trains, obviously. 

Here's the first train-themed craft: a train track birthday banner. I'll take a photo of the final hanging version. It's really cute. 

Day 345 | Adulthood

You know you're an adult when...

A new garden shed is about the most exciting purchase ever! Our stroller has a new home (as does a bunch of other random stuff). I've been schlepping the double stroller up flights of stairs for over a year now and our single stroller before that for two years wasn't a picnic either. It now has a happy parking spot behind our house. Woohoo!

Special shoutouts:

-Chris for mastering the assembly. This thing was no joke. 

-Brian, a true friend, for offering up his vehicle and muscles for the pick up and delivery of the giant box. 

-Chase for offering quality control and supervisory assistance throughout the day. And for being the first item to happily reside in the new shed (for at least a few seconds). 

Day 344 | Spring Surrounds Us

Look at all these beautiful signs of spring in the block surrounding our house.

Today's warm temps and sunshine + spring blooms = farewell winter (finally)!

Day 343 | Cherry Blossoms

There are a large contingency of DC residents that strongly *strongly* dislike Cherry Blossom time in the District. True, traffic is a terror, the metro gets just a wee bit congested, and the Mall area (including the Tidal Basin) can be unnavigable at times.

Somehow all that disappears when you see the blossoms, though. They're just so pretty.

I won't say this year was an ideal cherry blossom visit, however. We were gone for a total of three hours and spent maybe 30 minutes on the Tidal Basin. The weather was a bit chilly and overcast. Chase, although super excited to go, was less-than-thrilled with the actual outing when we got down there. And Robbe, who still takes a morning nap, decided not to sleep in the stroller (not surprising since he's only done it once). He did sleep in the carrier, though, so it wasn't all bad. 

After all that, Chris and I still considered it a success. We made it down for the Cherry Blossoms! And they continue to be worth all the trouble.

Day 342 | The Great Snack Search

I'm always on the lookout for delicious, healthy, fairly-substantial, sugar-free snacks for my wee ones. The task is harder than it should be, in my opinion. And forget about finding something that fits the bill straight out of a box. 

I just remembered this yummy muffin recipe that I used to make for Chase when he was Robbe's age. These apple-banana-blueberry muffins check every box!

I had some big helpers for the baking adventure this morning. Chase continues to love to "dump" the ingredients and Robbe loves to "help" by emptying our cupboards.

Here's the recipe. For the record, I used whole wheat flour and water instead of apple juice, only because I didn't have any on hand. The muffins aren't all that sweet (even with all the fruit) but they are perfect for my little guys (and I think they're pretty satisfying, too).

Day 341 | Virgie's Chicken

One of my favorite comfort food recipes is, hands-down, Virgie's Chicken. My family has been making this chicken dish for as long as I can remember. I'm excited to report that my boys (all three of them) love this dish as much as I do. Chase even eats his stuffing before he finishes his fruit. That never happens.

Virgie's Chicken

• 6-8 boneless skinless chicken breasts (I prefer the thinner cutlets or smaller chicken breasts or will cut larger ones in half)
• Swiss cheese
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (I actually use cream of mushroom because the bits of chicken creep me out)
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 package seasoned croutons 
• 1 stick margarine (I use butter...never have margarine on hand)

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease bottom of 9x13 baking dish
• Place croutons on bottom of pan
• Mix milk, soup and margarine together and pour over croutons in pan. Stir to coat croutons.
• Lay chicken breasts on top of croutons and cover chicken with slices of cheese
• Bake one hour, cover during first half of baking

*Bonus: this dish takes fifteen minutes to prep and you can make the dish early and delay start the oven. My favorite types of recipes.

Day 340 | A Very Happy Birthday

Our sweet Chase turned three today!

We had a day full of his favorite things:

• oatmeal with cinnamon roll for breakfast
• presents galore
• lots of fun with trains
• playtime at the park
• tons of books
• a special trip to the toy store for two new engines
• sushi during a movie picnic for dinner

The perfect day for the perfect little guy.

Day 339 | A Little Excited Around Here

Can you tell we're a tad excited today? Not only is Chris home (took a mini spring break to celebrate Chase's birthday) but it's also amazingly gorgeous outside: 75+ degrees and sunny!

And did I mention there's a bit of excitement surrounding opening day for the Brewers and, oh yeah, the Badgers are playing in a little something called the National Championship Game tonight. We're all doing our part in our lucky Bucky shirts. Go Badgers!

Day 338 | Happy Easter

Sending love and sunshine to you on this happy Easter.

Day 337 | Egg Hunt

Since Chase and I had our mommy and me morning a couple of weeks ago, Chris and Chase took their turn today. Even though I wasn't present, I needed to highlight Chase's first real Easter egg hunt.

I got glowing reviews from the boys upon their return. The festivities at Saint Luke Lutheran Church were perfect for our little guy: songs, crafts, donut holes, and the egg hunt with a plethora of eggs. Sounds like Chase was pretty entertained by all of it. I'll look forward to going back with the whole family next year!

Day 336 | Daffodils

Aren't spring flowers the best? It seems as though I always need this sign to help me realize that we've made it through another winter and that there's hope for warm temperatures ahead.

This year has been even more enjoyable as our new house has blooming spring flowers! What a happy surprise.

Side note: Robbe was ok today. He still wasn't himself, but much better. Hopefully tomorrow will lead to further improvement for our little man.

Day 335 | Fifth Time's a Charm

We had some enjoyable lunchtime entertainment today. The dishwasher repairman was back (for the fifth time, if you're keeping track). And, for the moment, the appliance is working again (which was not the outcome after the last two visits).

This process could not be more frustrating (you'll notice I'm not confident enough in the fix to put that statement in past tense). Dealing with one incompetent and bureaucratic company(Samsung)for the warranty and an incompetent and unorganized company for the actual repair has been enough to drive me batty.

Here's a breakdown of what's been going on:

• 1 broken dishwasher 
• 6 weeks of minimal/non-functioning use 
• 5 five-hour appointment windows where the boys and I sit home and wait 
• 10+ calls to Samsung (all 20+ minutes, of course) 
• 2 homeowners sick of doing dishes 
• 1 toddler who now plays "doing the dishes because the dishwasher is broken". I couldn't make that up. 

Let's hope this saga is over

Side note: did you notice that I didn't post this yesterday? I had it mostly typed up and then went to finish it last night when a very sick baby (Robbe) changed my evening plans. After a ton of soothing, a call to the doctor, and a dose of Tylenol, he fell back asleep. As you might have guessed, the blog wasn't my priority at that point. He had a restful night, though, and is still sleeping now. Hopefully that's a good sign. I'll report back later today about how our peanut is doing. Poor guy. 

Day 334 | Expensive Play Equipment

The boys playing "row, row, row your boat" this afternoon.

Remember the loveseats we waited forever for? I was a little worried we wouldn't get much use out of them since they weren't going to be placed in the basement family area. Fast forward six months and these couches are the favorite attraction in our house. 

In the last couple of days, the couches have been transformed into a spaceship, a row boat, a train-viewing platform, and a jungle gym. And Robbe has successfully taught himself how to climb up and down from the couches. Quite an impressive accomplishment for a 12 month old, I have to say.