My Photo

Who I Am

  • Hi! I'm Ainsley, and I'm the mother of two adventurous little boys named Wyatt and Dylan. I'm here to blog about the joys of parenting and all the resources out there to help us. But most of all, I hope you'll come back here for a community of friends.

Recent Comments

Hoochee Moms

Currently Reading

Mr. Linky


« February 2007 | Main | April 2007 »

March 2007

A day in the park

We spent a good part of this beautiful afternoon at Great Falls Grange Park. The playground there is pretty cool in my opinion. Shady in the summer, slightly raised by the aid of a hill - it favors good breezes. There are numerous benches and picnic tables (as opposed to the seemingly standard single bench that is usually taken by the time I arrive anyway - not that you could see your kids from where it is placed besides) plus grassy areas if you prefer a picnic spread.

The playground is clean and features every item you could wish for - a faux rock-climb wall, swings - including a tire-style round swing, slides of various sizes and styles, several tunnels (which run not just parallel to the ground but offer some curvy fun), fire-man style ladder ascending through a hole in the center of the platform, bridges, and more... including and honest-to-goodness old-fashioned merry-go-round, something which I had not seen in years! It was just enough to keep the kids well entertained for a good while and not overwhelm them or me. I definitely recommend a visit.Park2 Park1 Park3 Park4  

March 31, 2007 at 02:50 PM in Places to Go | | Comments (0)

Move over, Netflix.

So normally, I get super disgusted when I go to my mailbox and it's filled with gobs of advertisements, mass mailers, credit card applications - junk, junk, and junk. I always do a quick scan to look for the hand-printed envelopes in fun colors (usually an indication of something fun and personal from a bud or fam member). Yesterday, there were no such envelopes. Film_reel_4 There was, however, a very large envelope from the Disney folks promoting their Disney Movie Club.

It perked my interest and didn't fly directly into my garbage can for 2 reasons: 1.) the allure of the big $1.99 on the front, and 2.) Disney movies make my family happy. So, after I handed it to Andrew to read the fine print, we decided to go online and check it out. Turns out, it was a great deal - initially, 4 movies for $1.99 (with the option of buying 2 more at lower-than-normal prices), and the only requirement being that you purchase 4 movies from the club over a year's time (not hard to do for my film-frenzied family). Then after a year, that's it; there's no further obligation on your part, just great monthly offers for timeless Disney flicks, if you so choose- or not.

So if your fam gets giddy for Toy Story, The Incredibles, Mulan, Mary Poppins, or the like, it might be worth a gander. There's a bunch of fun titles, and they have a little something for everyone: The Little Einsteins for Hugo (Reston's most flagrantly unmitigated Rocket fan), Hunchback of Notre Dame for Andrew (who's always had a teeny crush on Esmeralda), and even a few that remind me of my youth: The Rescuers, anyone? Yes, please! 

March 30, 2007 at 02:24 PM in Family, Media, Promotions | | Comments (2)

Family favorites

My family loves to dine outside when the weather is accomodating. Another thing my family loves is sweet corn-on-the-cob - well, what I love, is watching my kids happily munch this sunny summer veggie.  How can it be so cute to watch someone defy all table ettiquette - plump little drippy hands tightly gripping, mouths stretched wide - crunching, slurping, moist cheeks and chin dotted with loose kernels... mmmmmmmm delicious! Picture perfect... it's the good life.Hope_corn Maddie_corn

March 30, 2007 at 08:14 AM in Family, Food | | Comments (3)

Mama bear, scaredy cat

Recently Ben has been traveling a lot and has been gone for part of the week. Whenever he goes out of town, I act like I'm out in the wilderness for some reason - no bathing, quick meals, and always on the go. It's really unnecessary, but I go into a sort of survival-mode.

I also dread the nights. I never used to be this way- I always loved having the house all to myself and could have lived quite happily as a hermit. I like to think that it's more because Bear_cubs I'm a mother now than a scaredy cat, though=) I feel a huge responsibility as the protector of my family, especially when my husband is gone. I search the entire house when we come back home. I check every suspicious sound in the basement, look in all the bathrooms and closets, and check on the boys many times before going to bed.

Last night was no exception. I think I checked a noise (that I can still hear today!) in the basement a dozen times, and finally drifted off to sleep around midnight. Please tell me I'm not the only one who does this? Please?

March 29, 2007 at 02:33 PM in Parenting | | Comments (8)

Table for two

Table_4 With the onset of some truly Spring-tastic days, we have been taking advantage of time outside. At lunchtime yesterday, I pulled Hope's Little Tykes table into the front yard so that she and her friend could dine alfresco. I love that table - it isn't as cute and quaint as say... a painted wooden table set from Pottery Barn Kids, but it is just the right size, sturdy, plastic, easily cleaned, and totally durable!

Great for picnics, arts and crafts, and play - and light enough to carry from room to room (even Maddie can move one of the chairs by herself) plus rounded edges that keep kids (and walls) safe. Ours is an older version of the classic table, but Little Tykes makes all kinds of cute tables for kids including picnic tables and activity tables. 

March 29, 2007 at 08:04 AM in Activities, Baby gear, Products | | Comments (1)

Where did my beach bod go?

Visiting Florida recently, and being able to do a little basking in the sunshine in my oh-so-cute pink bikini gave me a sense of delight that summer was soon to come. And then it gave me a sense of fright when I peered upon the extra inches of oh-NOT-so-cute belly fat I've managed to pack away post-marathon. So, two nights ago I dusted off our treadmill and went for an easy 2 miler - with the fan blowing on me, and some steady JT tunes in my iPod about bringing sexy back- a mantra I'm taking very literally (yes, I'll admit to loving that song).

Jeans_3 The flab that has taken up residence around my belly button is a lot like that kooky neighbor in the apartment complex with all those crazy chimes, weird ferns, not-quite-identifiable smells, and lots of cats. Very unappealing, probably doesn't want to be bothered, but absolutely has got to go. The nice thing about belly chub is that I can actually make it leave - not so much with the bizarro neighbor downstairs.

So with the enlivening warm weather coming, I'm implementing a family walk after dinner, which also *bonus* doubles as bonding time (step 1). I'm rekindling my friendship with former BFF Mr. Treadmill to get back into running shape (step 2), and with summer fruits and veggies starting to appear in my grocery store, I'm gonna try to nosh on handfuls of raspberries instead of a fistfuls of Tostitos (step 3). Mmmm... Tostitos. Maybe. It'd be fantastic to have something like Hugo's metabolism or Andrew's naturally svelte quads - my boys who down gobs of Oreos like they get paid for it. I admit, I have a huge weakness for yummy fatty foods like cheese and mmm... Tostitos, thus prong 3 of my tri-membered plan to be flab-free will be the roughest.  Wish me luck!

March 29, 2007 at 06:59 AM in Health, Nutrition | | Comments (2)

The way moms see it

The other day, I was reading the back of my Starbucks cup, and I thought of fun idea for Restonbaby. In the comments section, give us your best mom quotes (something that originated with you) - it could be a profound thought, a quirky thing you say all the time, or a humorous take on parenting. We'd love to hear them, so go ahead and get creative. We'll pick our favorite and send the winner a free giftcard to Starbucks.

March 28, 2007 at 09:37 PM in Parenting | | Comments (6)

Secret singing lessons

Every night, after Ben reads Wyatt a book and then tells him a made-up story, he kisses him and says goodnight. Wyatt always asks me to stay behind and sing to him. My usual repatoire includes: Old MacDonald, Jesus loves the little children, This little light of mine, and the Little Mermaid song.

Two nights ago, when Ben was done with his story, he broke into a beautiful version of Jesus loves the little children (much better than mine) when Wyatt stopped him and told him to leave. When he left, Wyatt asked me to sing the same song, but this time he started singing along - "Yed and yellow, back and yight, dey press in site, hmmm hmmm dmmm ymmm wooorld!" Apparently he had been memorizing the song and wanted to show me that he knew it!

So last night after Ben said goodnight to Wyatt, he pretended to leave but crawled back in for the secret show. Wyatt sang louder as his confidence grew and he even held the last note extra long - "woooooooorld!" Ben couldn't help himself and started clapping and hooraying. Wyatt was surprised, but after he got over the embarrassment, he laughed and said "Again sing!" We sang it over and over until I was so tired that I told him we'd sing more tomorrow night. "Okay, Awright," he said. Later when I checked on him, I heard him still singing to himself.

March 28, 2007 at 03:11 PM in Parenting | | Comments (2)

Age-appropriate responsibilities, part 2

I had so many requests that I decided to post the rest of the age-appropriate lists. Don't forget that you will need to spend time teaching and mentoring your children around each of these new skills, especially the young ones!

Responsibilities for a five- to six-year-old:

  • Help with meal planning and grocery shopping.
  • Make own sandwich or simple breakfast, then clean up.
  • Pour own drink.
  • Tear up lettuce for a salad.
  • Put in certain ingredients in a recipe.
  • Make bed and clean room.
  • Dress self and choose outfit for the day.
  • Scrub the sink, toilet and bathtub.
  • Clean mirrors and windows.
  • Separate clothes for washing (whites/colors).
  • Fold clean clothes and put them away.
  • Answer the telephone and dial the phone for use.
  • Yard work.
  • Pay for small purchases.
  • Take out the garbage.
  • Feed pets and clean their living area.

Responsibilities for a seven-year-old:

  • Oil and care for bike, and lock it and put it away.
  • Take phone messages and write them down.
  • Run simple errands for parents.
  • Water the lawn.
  • Wash dog or cat.
  • Carry in the grocery bags.
  • Get self up in the morning with an alarm clock.
  • Learn to be polite, courteous, and to share; respect others.
  • Carry own lunch money and notes back and forth to school.
  • Leave the bathroom in order; hang up clean towels.

Responsibilities for an eight- to nine-year-old:

  • Fold napkins properly and set silverware properly.
  • Mop the floor.
  • Help rearrange furniture. Help plan the layout.
  • Run own bath water.
  • Help others with thheir work when asked.
  • Straighten own closet and drawers.
  • Shop for and select own clothing and shoes with parents.
  • Fold blankets.
  • Sew buttons.
  • Sew rips in seams.
  • Clean up animal "messes" in the yard and house.
  • Begin to read recipes and cook for the family.
  • Babysit for short periods of time with adults present.
  • Paint fence or shelves.
  • Help write simple letters.

March 28, 2007 at 01:59 PM in Activities, Books, Parenting, Resources, Tips | | Comments (1)

Destination: Florida

Last week, for my spring break, Hugo and I went on a little vacation to visit some family in Florida. Since Andrew can't always take off work and come along, Hugo's become my main travel bud over the past 2 years- with warm sunny Florida being one of our favorite destinations. Even though it's tough to be away from all the conveniences of home, we have so much irreplaceable mom-son bonding time that I wouldn't trade for all the home perks in the world. Here are some of my favorite pics from our recent travels:Gainesville_1 Gainesville_4 Gainesville_3 Gainesville_2

March 28, 2007 at 07:59 AM in Travel | | Comments (1)

Down on the farm

I blogged about Frying Pan Farm last year, but if you haven't been - you're definitely missing out. The park has a huge playground, every farm animal possible and it's perfect for picnicing. Best of all, it's FREE (but the wagon ride is $3 a person). There is even a Farm Preschool that meets in a hundred-year-old schoolhouse right on the farm.

This morning was a beautiful day, so we met our new friends Sunshine and son Jake, 2 1/2 for a picnic lunch and some fun on the farm (Kitty was there for a few minutes, too =). I captured a few shots before my camera battery died.Town_center_037 Town_center_039 Town_center_041_2 Town_center_032 Town_center_027 Town_center_044

March 27, 2007 at 02:33 PM in Places to Go | | Comments (0)

Teething

Teething_001_3 Dylan is getting his two upper front teeth. Lately we'll find him gnawing on anything and everything to help him with the pain.

March 24, 2007 at 02:53 PM in Babies | | Comments (3)

A little sentimentality

From time to time, Hope_matt2Matt takes Hope with him on jaunts to the grocery store, on daddy-daughter dates, or for various reasons, and I always find myself lingering in the doorway as they leave. I can't manage to pull my eyes away. Maybe the most beautiful and amazing thing I have ever had the privilege to view is my husband and my little girl walking hand in hand... a little bounce in Hope's step, the sway of blond curls, the slight stoop of her daddy as he tells her things, the upward turn of her face as she listens - snapshots of something truly good, I'm storing them away in my heart forever. 

March 24, 2007 at 02:39 PM in Parenting | | Comments (0)

Age-appropriate responsibilities

Alyson Schafer writes in her book, Breaking the Good Mom Myth, that "children feel their sense of connection and belonging as a result of participating and contributing to the family." She asks every mom to vow never to do for a child what a child can do for him or herself. Here is an undefinitive list of responsiblities that kids can do. If you want the lists for ages up to nine, buy the book (or email me =)

Responsibilities for a two- to three-year-old:

  • Sweep the floor.
  • Put toys in the proper place.
  • Place napkins, plates and silverware on the table.
  • Use the toilet.   
  • Simple hygiene - brush teeth, wash and dry hands, and brush hair.
  • Make simple decisions (e.g. as when given a choice of two foods for lunch).
  • Undress self, and dress with some help.
  • Clear own place at the table.
  • Unload some groceries that go on a lower shelf.
     

Responsibilites for a four-year-old:

  • Set the table.
  • Help put the groceries away.
  • Follow a schedule for feeding pets.
  • Help make the beds and vacuum.
  • Help do the dishes or fill the dishwasher.
  • Spread butter on sandwiches.
  • Prepare cold cereal.
  • Help parent prepare plates of food for the family dinner
  • Learn responsibilities by making a goal chart (with your help). Then if the work is done all week, the parents and child take part in an enjoyable activity.
  • Help do simple yard and garden work.
     

March 22, 2007 at 09:55 PM in Books, Parenting, Preschoolers, Toddlers | | Comments (1)

On being independent

Wyatt discovered his independence in utero, and he has been expressing it ever since - in both positive and not so positive ways. He is very confident and secure in himself and often tries to do things of which he is not quite capable, but most times he figures it out. If something is broken, he gets a screwdriver to fix it. If something is lost, he'll be the one to find it (probably because he put it there). When packages arrive he grabs our keys and opens them all by himself (he's obviously seen us do this once or twice =)

Sunny_week_022 We love this about him, but it is so frustrating at times, because his will is as strong as an ox. One small example is his absolute refusal to use the potty in a toilet instead of his diapers. Yet when he has to go (in his diaper), he goes into the bathroom and shuts the door, and when he's done he flushes the toilet. That's just a milestone he has yet to conquer, but sometimes he expresses his "independence" in more defiant ways. And often I can see he is just looking for some control over his life.

So recently I have been helping him discover his own ablities in some new areas. There are some things that I have been doing for Wyatt since he was a baby, that have just become a habit (e.g. like putting his shoes on for him). Things that he is cabable of doing on his own now, even if it means taking a few more minutes to get out the door. Later, I'll post some things we are doing to help Wyatt gain some constructive independence and responsibility. I know I may be slow on some of these, but maybe there's one your child has yet to tackle.

March 22, 2007 at 03:39 PM in Parenting, Preschoolers, Toddlers | | Comments (0)

Snack swapper

Craving potato chips, a muffin or some ice cream, but Donut_2 don't want to overload on the calories? You might want to check out ivillage's snack swapper. Just click on what you are craving and up pops a little note on a healthy alternative suggested by dietician Lynn Greiger. I thought it was an interesting idea, so of course I had to check it out for myself. 

Admittedly, the list right now is a bit on the shorter side for covering the broad range of crazy cravings that I experience, but the most common are definitely there. And even if you decide that the healthier alternative just won't cut it... perhaps by the time you've finished looking it up and reading the little blurb, that craving may just have passed. 

March 21, 2007 at 08:45 PM | | Comments (0)

How well do you know your friends?

I know we've done one of these silly things before, but this one is Gal_pals_for_galleria_sm "Ten Things Every Woman Should Know About Their Gal-Pals." If your good friend was ill, needed cheering up, or a little gal-pal lift, would you know what drink to grab for her at Starbucks, what pizza toppings she prefers, or what color to wrap her package in? If you don't, you might want to copy and send this to her and ask her to fill it out. There is definitely more you would want to know, but this covers the basics: (I filled mine out just for fun!)

  1. Her favorite color: pink
  2. Her favorite dessert: dark chocolate
  3. How she takes her coffee: black, unless I'm craving a particular specialty drink from Starbucks
  4. Her preferred pizza toppings: pineapple and jalapenos
  5. Her favorite ice cream: Ben and Jerry's Chocolate, Carl's (only in Fredericksburg) any flavor
  6. Her favorite beverage: sweet tea
  7. Her favorite movie: I don't know... I'd rather see something I haven't yet
  8. Month and day of her birth: October 20
  9. Her favorite flower: daisies
  10. What her kids are currently into: Hope: anything girly and pink, Maddie: going outside, coloring, balls

March 21, 2007 at 03:33 PM in Friends & Family | | Comments (1)

What's your dream job?

Stephanie has a post on why more moms are choosing to stay home, along with the poll results of women who were asked the question, Sixmonthnovel412 "What is your dream job?" Number one was Best-selling novelist. Hmmm... I wonder if it's the writing or the lifestyle (or both) that makes this such an appealing vocation? I might add, I wouldn't mind being one of those myself.

Out of curiosity, what is your dream job? Are you doing it?

March 20, 2007 at 04:40 PM in Media, Parenting | | Comments (4)

Mom My Ride

Check out this hilarious video on YouTube called "Mom My Ride," a spoof of MTV's "Pimp my ride." YouTube doesn't cater to Typepad yet, so I couldn't post it here. I'm happy to say my mini hasn't made it to this point... yet. [Thanks to Kitty for sending me this.]

March 20, 2007 at 04:10 PM in Parenting | | Comments (3)

Sink those germs!

If all of the campaigns run by the CDC, American Society for Microbiology, NFSMI, and other organizations have been successful, then you may already know that Wash_hands washing your hands in the number one way to prevent the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other disease causing micro-organisms. What you may not know is that there is a correct way to wash your hands for maximum benefit. Here are the steps:

  1. Wet your hands with clean running water that is warm - neither very cold or very hot.
  2. Apply soap - regular soap will actually work just as well as those which are "anti-bacterial"
  3. Rub your hands to create a good lather and scrub all surfaces - including the backs of your hands, between the fingers, around the nailbeds, and the wrists.
  4. Continue rubbing hands for about 20 seconds (roughly as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice. (this is a vital step often neglected)
  5. Rinse hands under running water and dry with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.  Use the paper towel, if possible, to turn off the faucet.

If clean running water is not available, the next best method for cleaning your hands is with an alcohol based sanitizer:

  1. Apply to the palm of one hand
  2. Rub hands together, covering all surfaces
  3. Continue to rub until hands are dry

While it is important to create habits of washing your hands especially in these instances: before tending a wound, before preparing food, after using the restroom or changing a diaper, after handling garbage or animals, after sneezing, coughing, blowing your nose or tending to a sick person... some mothers that I know have also instilled "house rules" such as having their children wash their hands first thing upon returning from school or play. Older children may not want to go to the restroom before lunch at school to wash their hands, but may be open to carrying their own little bottle of hand sanitizer. Even babies will enjoy splashing in the sink before meals as the beginning of building a life-long healthy habit. 

March 20, 2007 at 07:31 AM in Health | | Comments (1)

Next »

I'm a Blogher

Categories

Hoochee Reads

Archives

More...