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  • 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.

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February 2008

Sneakiness: Common side effect of 3-year-olds

I bought a new snack bar for Wyatt and he loves them. Unfortunately, as gluten-free food goes, they are expensive so I limit his intake. This afternoon, I let him eat 2 but told him no more. I put the box down on the table and went up to dry my hair. Later when I went to put the box away I noticed another bar missing. The individual packaging is impossible to open so I knew he hadn't eaten it, but I still approached him about it.

Me: Wyatt, did you take another bar after I left?

Wyatt: No. (Big smile. Hands behind his back.)

Me: Think about it Wyatt. I want you to tell the truth. I don't get mad when you tell the truth. Did you take another bar?

Wyatt: I don't have a bar, Mommy.

Me: Are you sure? What's behind your back?

Wyatt: (Holding his hands out in front of him) See Mommy? There's nothing in my hands.

Me: I see. But what is behind your back?

Wyatt: Just say the magic word, Mommy!

Me: What?

Wyatt: Say Abracadabra.

Me: Abracadabra.

Wyatt: (Happily tosses me the bar) See, Mommy? I was just doing a magic trick.

February 29, 2008 at 06:22 PM in Preschoolers, Wyattisms | | Comments (3)

The Baby Business

I've had a head cold that has been kicking my butt this week. You wouldn't think a little cold could make me so miserable, but between the sinus pressure and the eternal headache I just sort of shut down.

Natural_childbirth_2 However, I am very excited about seeing The Business of Being Born, now available on Netflix. It's no secret that I am a huge proponent of natural childbirth, and so this documentary about the miracle of birth is right up my alley.

Has anyone seen it yet? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

February 29, 2008 at 11:51 AM in Childbirth, Media, Pregnancy | | Comments (6)

The Nanny Diaries

Over the weekend, Ben and I watchedNanny_diaries_7 The Nanny Diaries with Scarlett Johansson. It was a fun flick, but as usual the book was by far more entertaining and clever.

I read it a few years ago on a plane ride, and definitely enjoyed reliving the experiences of Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus - the authors and former nannies of NYC. It's a light and mindless (albeit heartwrenching) read that gives a glimpse into the lives of children growing up in certain upper Manhattan families.

February 27, 2008 at 02:48 PM in Media | | Comments (2)

Raising Boys

I won't go into details, but I just have to say... I didn't know what I was signing up for when I decided to have 2 boys. Let's just say my life is going to be interesting. Very. Interesting. 

February 26, 2008 at 09:33 PM in Parenting | | Comments (7)

A Crazy Kid Moment

Yesterday driving home from the pediatrician, the boys were eating Sunbutter sandwiches that I had packed for the car.

Me: Wyatt, you were very brave today when the doctor did that test on you.

Wyatt: Mommy! My sunbutter is talking to me!

Me: Honey, I am talking to you.

Wyatt: Oh! I just thought my sunbutter was talking to me.

February 26, 2008 at 12:33 PM in Wyattisms | | Comments (3)

Irresponsible

Toys are scattered on the floor. Dishes are piled high in the sink. Laundry baskets are overflowing. And I'm off to take a long hot bath.

This naughty Hausfrau will catchya on the flip side. Happy Friday!

February 22, 2008 at 02:10 PM in Parenting | | Comments (2)

Word to the Wise (and Pregnant)

When I was pregnant with Wyatt, I had morning sickness pretty much all day for the first 13 weeks. Seasbands_4 Although I did convince my boss to let me come in at 9 instead of 7:30 each morning, my sickness lasted well into the evening. I can't remember who, but someone suggested that I try Sea-Bands, and they totally worked!

They look like exercise bands but they have a little ball that you apply to pressure points on your wrists. They didn't demolish every ounce of nausea but I was definitely able to cope much better, eat healthy snacks and function at my job.

I highly recommend them if you're suffering through your first trimester. You might look slightly silly, but it's worth it. =)

February 21, 2008 at 03:02 PM in Pregnancy, Tips | | Comments (3)

Thankful Thursday

Sun_013 Today I'm grateful for:

  1. How much fun I have with my boys
  2. Panera's pumpkin muffins
  3. The Ikea commercial where the mom puts herself in a time-out
  4. The way Wyatt and Dylan like to "get all warm" when they get up from their naps
  5. Catching up with good friends this week
  6. The roses and spa mani/pedi Ben gave me for Valentine's day
  7. God's love and provision for my family
  8. Heat in my home
  9. The case of Aquafina in my garage
  10. Having energy despite very little sleep last night

February 21, 2008 at 02:16 PM in Thankful Thursday | | Comments (2)

Motherhood Surprises

Parents has an entertaining article about the things no one tells you about motherhood. I especially concur with #3 and #12. =)

February 20, 2008 at 06:39 PM in Media, Parenting | | Comments (1)

A No-Jacket Day

Monday was a glorious sunny day... until the cold front moved in. The boys and I spent the morning at Reston Town Center and the "Home Depot Playground." It was refreshing to be in the warm sunshine, and the boys were so wiped from running around outside that they slept for hours that afternoon.

Sun_014 Sun_011Sun_007 Sun_004 Sun_009 Sun_003

February 20, 2008 at 07:48 AM in Activities, Family | | Comments (3)

Water-licious

It seems ironic that I should readWater_2 this article the very day after our water purifier shattered on our tile floor in a freak arm swinging incident (I should mention the kids were asleep).

I love water and still find it hard to get enough throughout the day. But in case you don't, here are 10 reasons to change your mind.

February 19, 2008 at 01:42 PM in Health | | Comments (2)

Overheard at the Animal Hospital

Wyatt's class took a trip to the vet today. The parents were responsible for driving their own child, so here's what I caught in the waiting room before heading over to Starbucks.

Nurse: Who has a pet, like a dog or cat, at home?
(Shy kids = blank stares)
Wyatt: I do!
Nurse: Good! What kind of pet do you have?
Wyatt: I just have a pretend dog and a pretend cat.
Nurse: Oh, okay. Does any...
Wyatt: And my dog's name is Baby Carl and my kitty is orange.
Nurse: Oh? Okay, who wants to see some animals?

February 19, 2008 at 12:48 PM in Wyattisms | | Comments (2)

The Quirks of Toddlerdom

Before having kids, I witnessed other moms dealing with the little quirks of their 2-, 3- and beyond-year-olds. Things like Suzie always has to have her hair done up in 2 braids. Or Mikey won't wear red because it makes him think of Santa and he's deathly afraid of Santa. You get the picture.

Wyatt_crop Well, now I have the privilege of raising my own quirky kids. The most recent one is that Wyatt refuses to wear any outer garment other than his green winter coat. This is no biggy on most northern Virginian days. But occasionally it's just sweatshirt weather, or no jacket weather... or other times I just really want him to wear his other coat because it's just so darn cute! But he is emphatic, and so I relent because of that whole 'choosing your battles' nonsense. Spring should be fun... =)

Do your kids have any funny little quirks you want to share? It really does help to get it off your chest. (Or you could just make up something to help me feel better.)

February 18, 2008 at 07:37 AM in Parenting, Preschoolers, Toddlers | | Comments (4)

Weekend Photos

Cold_sunny_day_036 Cold_sunny_day_029_3 Cold_sunny_day_039 Cold_sunny_day_038 Cold_sunny_day_043

February 16, 2008 at 07:00 AM in Family | | Comments (2)

This will totally make your day

February 15, 2008 at 05:22 PM in Media, Toddlers | | Comments (1)

Thankful Thursday

Cold_sunny_day_004_3 Things that make me happy on this Valentine's Day:

  1. Gluten/casein-free frosted cookies for Wyatt
  2. Dylan saying "wub yoo" when he hugs me
  3. The sun is shining today
  4. Getting to eat at Sweetwater Monday night
  5. Having  a wonderful pediatrician
  6. Everyone's mostly healthy
  7. Project Runway
  8. Surprise Valentine goody box arriving in the mail yesterday
  9. Sharing life with my Sweetheart
  10. My two little Sweetpeas

February 14, 2008 at 09:34 AM in Thankful Thursday | | Comments (5)

Ice. Bad. Fort. Good.

So all my plans to hit the pavement running today after being cooped up indoors with the flu for the past 2 weeks were put to rest when we woke up to the entire outside world encased in a layer of ice.

It couldn't have been a better gift. The boys and I stayed in our pjs until noon, I made a pot of coffee and the boys made a fort - by themselves, I might add!
Img_3542_2

Img_3546

February 13, 2008 at 03:30 PM in Activities, Family | | Comments (1)

New Kicks on the Block

Kicks I loved Robeez for both of my boys. But I've had this dilemma with Dylan - I can't find a shoe that is comfortable for car rides and Target runs, but also can be worn at the park or chasing his brother down the sidewalk. The pavement kills the upper soles and his little tootsies freeze to death.

Why can't there be something equally comfortable but designed for the outdoors? And then there was Tredz line...

Robeez just launched their very own soft leather shoe with a harder but flexible sole. There are 16 adorable designs.

(ht: Design Mom)

February 13, 2008 at 07:36 AM in Fashion, Toddlers | | Comments (3)

I want my sticker

I just got back from Ivotedsticker voting. The high school where we vote is literally in our back yard, but I drove over because I'm a wimp when it comes to freezing rain. =)

They ran out of stickers, so it almost feels like my vote didn't count without one. Anyone have a spare? Oh well.

February 12, 2008 at 03:53 PM in Politics | | Comments (2)

A Family Update

Hey folks, thanks for your concern over my absence. I really appreciate all the e-mails! I've just been exhausted from caring for all the sickies in my house last week, and I've been taking the evenings to rest rather than blog (in between caring for some recovering sickies =).

On a personal note, many of you know that my husband Ben founded and has pastored Reston Community Church for the past 6 years. However, this past Sunday he stepped down from this position to follow the Lord's leading, both for his life and the church. (If interested, you can read Ben's formal announcement HERE.)

Being at RCC has been the most incredible experience for our family, and the church will remain in our hearts forever. It truly is an amazing community of friends that meets right in the heart of Reston each Sunday, and we are blessed to have been a part of it for all these years.

Thank you for all your support and prayers through our transition.

February 12, 2008 at 01:43 PM in Personal stories | | Comments (2)

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