Wishes do come true...: October 2015

Morning Chore List

8:35:00 PM

Porter had been struggling with morning routines since I went back to work, after summer break. Every morning was a battle to get him out of bed, get his clothes on and brush his teeth. I found a variety of charts on Pinterest that could have worked, but I wanted it to be more specific to our needs. Here is a digital copy of what we made. MORNING CHORES Feel free to make a copy and adjust it to your child's needs.

After two weeks of completing the checklist everyday we have seen a major improvement in Porters attitude and willingness to do what is expected.

I know some people will ask what reward does he get for getting all checks but I am a strong believer in NOT rewarding what is expected. For now, the reward is marking the check ;), getting places on time in the morning, and everyone being happy.

birthday

Porter's Third Birthday

10:37:00 PM

This year we decided to kick all of the Pinterest expectations for Porters Birthday party and just have FUN! We rented a local splash park out for the night with my brother and had a joint Birthday party. Ironically Hope (my niece) and Porter share the same Birthday August 14. These two are best friends and wanted a Pirate and Princess themed party. The invitations were bought on Etsy. https://www.etsy.com/shop/SuperMomsDesigns Unfortunately, I only have these few pictures from the night because we spent most of our time enjoying the kids and not worrying about taking photos.

Aldi

Brats and Fries

10:17:00 PM

Ingredients:

Cheddar or Smoked Brats

Hot dog buns

French Fries

Steps:

1. The package has multiple ways to cook the brats. I choose to cook them on our George Foreman. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Turn throughout.

2. Serve on buns with optional toppings.

Smoked brats are dairy free. Obviously cheddar brats are not. I personally prefer the smoked brats.

Aldi

Hamburgers and Onion Rings

6:34:00 PM

Ingredients:

Buns

Ground Beef

Hamburger Press (They do sell these at Aldi's but this one is not from there.)

Onion rings

(Not pictured: ketchup, mustard, onions)

Steps:

1. Place meat, diced onions and your choice of seasoning into a bowl and mix.

2. Place desired amount of meat into hamburger press.

3. There are multiple ways to cook the hamburgers from this point but we prefer cooking them on the skillet. We cook them on medium high for about 5 minutes on each side. (Add cheese if you would like.)

4. Place hamburgers on a paper towel to drain the grease.

5. Serve on buns with ketchup and mustard.

Bear Hunt

8:57:00 PM

My mom is one of the most creative people I have ever met. Last week she sent all of her grandkids (who could walk and were potty trained) invitations to a bear hunt.

I searched Pinterest for what to wear at a Bear Hunt and surprisingly this is a common party theme. Who knew? Here's what we came up with.

When we arrived at GiGi's (my moms) house the table was set for all of the little kids.

Each kid had their own vest made out of a paper bag. They had binoculars, a hat and a flashlight.

All of the kids got dressed and we took a picture at the photo booth.

Parents were NOT allowed so we all left and the kids decorated their hats and their vests.

Each kid had two "stuffed" bears that they were to look for. They were given a certain ribbon color this is how they would identify whose bear they had found.

This book was the theme of the party.

They ended the night with roasting marshmallows by the camp fire.

6 months

Parker Anne Six months

9:01:00 PM

Parker is half a year old! It is crazy to think how fast time goes.

Feeding: We are still feeding the same bottle schedule 7:30, 10:30, 1, 4, 6 and 8. Each feeding had been 5 oz per bottle but lately Parker has had a dip in her appetite. She does not want to be on a schedule and she does not want to eat her entire bottle at once. This could be from being ill for the past few weeks. She is also easily distracted so feeding has become a difficult task especially when having to feed in public under the breastfeeding cover,

We started puréed food at night. Currently her favorite food is apples. We have tried green beans, corn, sweet potatoes, apples, and bananas.

Sleep: Our sleep length has changed since I went back to work. At one time she was sleeping 12 hours straight. Currently she is sleeping from 8-3:30 then eating and back to sleep until 6am when we go to work.

Likes: Playing with toys in the bathtub, sitting at the dinner table in her high chair, reading books (or chewing on them), chewing on everything, placing everything in her mouth, watching Porter

Dislikes: Getting into the car seat, taking her toys away, getting out of the bathtub

Parker said her first word and it was Momma!