Toddler Tuesday

Do you make juice from concentrate?  Or do you buy it pre-made?

I used to be a pre-made momma until a few weeks ago.  Then I realized something.  I know it makes life a little easier to just have the jug of juice ready when you are...but hear me out.  I have two REALLY good reasons why you should take the extra time and make your toddler's juice from concentrate.

Reason #1:

It costs less money.  A 64 ounce bottle of pre-made, Langers Apple Juice costs $1.99 at the store I go to, which is $0.03 per ounce.  The frozen concentrate of the same brand of juice when made per directions, makes 42 ounces, costs $1.00, which is $0.02 per ounce.

Not a big savings, I know.  But, when you're on one income, every penny counts.

Reason #2:

I can make the juice as strong or as weak as I want.  Just because the instructions read, "mix with three containers of cold water," does not mean I have to agree.  I usually fill the concentrate container 3.5 to 4 times, depending on the type of juice I'm making.  I promise you, filing the container 3.5 times does not make a big taste difference - in fact, I'd bet your family won't even notice. :)

We really try to watch the sugar content that comes from the juice our goslings drink. We do not allow our goslings to drink soda (Brother Goose doesn't like them anyway and Lil' Miss has never had the opportunity.) and we limit the CapriSun type drinks.  By adding more water, I am able to better control how much empty calories and sugar they are drinking.

Good news:  Reason #2 gives me even more of a savings.  When diluting the apple juice by only mixing in an extra 1/2 container of water it makes the cost go down to $0.01 per ounce! Woo-hoo!!

So, there you have it...costs less AND dilutes the sugar!  Two great reasons to take that extra step and make your juice from concentrate.

Always ~ Momma Goose

We made it out alive...

I am so excited to report that all four of us happily survived a 16 hour road trip!

Don't you just love his fake smile! Silly boy!

We just got back last night from a 6 day trip to the state of Washington for a family reunion.  Not just any family reunion, but Lil' Miss's first reunion and our very first long road trip as a family!

I am also excited to report that my goslings did GREAT in the car.  Of course, we had a few, "Are we there yet?" and "How much longer?"  But that is to be expected.

You may have seen my post on Facebook last week about our hour chain...which helped Brother Goose to answer his own "How much longer?" questions.

I'm also very sure that the fact that we traveled with my parents on the way up helped out a lot, too.  In fact, I'm pretty sure Lil' Miss was only in our car for about two hours on the way to Washington.  Nana & Papa are waaaaay more fun than us. :)

I have so many things to share with you about our trip, but those will come later.  Today we've got a last minute doctor's appointment for Brother Goose and first day of school prepping to do!

I hope you'all had a great week...and I'll see ya soon!

Always ~ Momma Goose

What my Toddler Tuesday looked like

Yesterday was one of THOSE DAYS!  My beautiful, awesome, happy, amazing goslings and I went into town to have a little fun and run some errands.

We started the day with a visit to Chuck E Cheese...my favorite place on earth...NOT!!! That place has the right idea...waste spend a ton of cash on useless video games to get tickets so you can get useless awesome toys that will end up in my trash can within a week.  To top it off, their food is like cardboard....no, no...old cardboard.  AND...it costs a small fortune!  Double yuck!!  Yet, I find myself taking the goslings there every six months or so because $10 will buy us an hour or so of "fun" and they can't leave the building without me!  Brother Goose doesn't like their food either, so we get to eat somewhere else.

Our somewhere else yesterday was Subway.  While the food was better, the service was less than better.  In fact, I'm pretty sure the guy at Chuck E Cheese was fully trained in customer service and in kid language.  Back to Subway...as you know Lil' Miss is allergic to milk and even fake cheese, which sometimes is hard for an almost two year old to understand.  Brother Goose got Cheetos and Lil' Miss wanted some...can you see where this is going?  Screaming, crying sad, sad, sad Lil' Miss in Subway. Somehow she got a hold of one and in my mini-struggle to get it out of her hot little hands it bumped her face....annnnnd...now screaming, crying, sad Lil' Miss is now red faced and welted, screaming, crying, sad Lil' Miss. :(

Next visit was Verizon.  My cell phone was stolen last week and I had to return to the store to get my new one up and running.  What was I thinking towing along two hot and tired children?!?!  The poor guy that was helping me was a little clueless.  He must have been a "newer" employee, because he couldn't answer several of my questions, took 45 minutes to long to activate my phone AND was oblivious to my children - which is either good or bad.  Thankfully, there was a table with chairs in the store where we could sit and behave while the guy worked on my phone.

(P.S.  My phone still doesn't work right.  Hopefully, Daddy Goose can figure that out tonight.)

After Verizon was Costco.  A little glimmer of light thanks to a cart that seats two! LOL!  They treated each other with respect in the close proximity AND there were popsicle samples!  Costco must have known that crazy moms with their crazy kids would be coming in yesterday - a smart and successful marketing strategy.  Yes, I bought the popsicles! ;)  Half way through the warehouse, Brother says..."Mom, I'm starving!"  Whaaaatttt??  He ate an entire 6" turkey sub, half a bag of chips and a snack on the way to Costco!  This boy is definitely going through a growing spurt.  $1.50 hot dog to the rescue!

Finally, we were on our way home.  Chuck E Cheese crappy toys, activated cell phone, fed tummies and groceries.

I know this may all sound like not that big of a deal to some.  But...add in that it was 108 yesterday, we missed the friends we were supposed to meet at Chuck E Cheese and Daddy Goose wasn't with us, which we've become quite accustomed to.  Ooooo...and I wasn't mentally or toddler approved activity prepared to sit at Verizon for over an hour.

The silver lining = the day was not lost.  We got to have dinner with four of our favorite people, enjoyed watching Brother play football and then got a surprise visit from an old friend we really missed.

Here's a quick YouTube video of practice. :)

All in all it was just another glamorous day in the life of a momma.

How about you, what glamorous thing did you do yesterday?

Always ~ Momma Goose

Toddler Tuesday

With Brother Goose being on Spring break and Daddy Goose being home with a "broken back," we have a lot of time with our goslings this week.  Daddy is literally held up switching between ice and heat either on the floor or his chair, so we're trying our best to leave him alone or do things that involve him laying near us.

Enter my bright idea of a living room fort!  Brother and I have done them on many occasions, but last night I thought it would be fun for all four of us to get inside and read our bedtime stories.

Here's how I had pictured our fort...

Source: theelephantpress.tumblr.com viaLauren on Pinterest

And here's how things really went...

Lil' Miss refuses to keep her clothes on these days!

We grabbed a flashlight, crawled in (Daddy Goose painfully inched in) and we read 10 books!  Well, let me be honest, I read books, Daddy Goose layed next to me while Brother & Lil' Miss crawled in and out, up and down off the couch and all OVER the fort.  I'm pretty sure that our fort was only standing for a total of 15 minutes...and that includes a couple rebuilds.  After a while I was just reading books with a sheet hanging in my face.

It's always fun to see the difference between your visions and your reality.  Even though my reality wasn't as beautiful as that first picture...Daddy Goose and I had a great time.  Most importantly, I'm pretty sure Brother and Lil' Miss had a ton of fun.  They've already asked me to build another one. 
Do you build forts?  Got any construction suggestions for me?

What are you doing with your kids for Spring break?

Always ~ Momma Goose

Toddler Tuesday: A New Haircut

A couple days ago, I posted on Facebook this status:

"Sitting in the garage watching a timeless tradition, a dad giving his son a haircut.  We just add a lil' fire to the tradition...pictures to come."

As promised here are the pictures from that day.

It starts off very traditional...

Then things start warmin' up:

And the end result - a good lookin' flame haircut:

 

Brother LOVES it!  Daddy and I love it! Even 'Lil Miss has ran her hair over it a couple of times with a big grin.  Daddy has gotten several requests for more haircuts and I'm pretty sure Brother's entire baseball team wants their done, too.

The compliments and reactions have been fun and so far, my favorite comment has been:  "He was running so fast, his head caught on fire."

It was such a fun afternoon to be a part of and hey...you're only 4 once - might as well have flames in your hair!

Always ~ Momma Goose

Toddler Tuesday

Brother Goes to the Dentist

For some reason I thought all dentists were the same and that pediatric dentistry was just a term used when dentists "could" treat children.  Who knew there were dentists that cater soley to children? Well, I finally it out and was so very excited because going to the dentist with Brother Goose has always been "an adventure." To say the least.

Enter California Kidds Pediatric Dental Group.  Wow, they R.O.C.K.!

We started going to California Kidds because Brother had a giant piece of his molar missing.  Now, when I say giant, I mean more than half!  Apparently, the cavity had gotten so bad underneath that it eroded the tooth away.  Gross!  (The trooper never once complained about it unless there was something stuck in it.  Even then, it was just that he needed a tooth pick to get the stuck food out.)

The moment we walked through the door, I knew we had found our dental home.  There are toys to play with, movies to watch, pages of kid's picture books framed on the walls and the staff was super friendly to my kids in a way they understood.

Today was our second visit and Brother got his tooth fixed.  They had to cap the tooth.  After an internal delimma, I decided that sterling silver was the way to go.  (Why pay extra for the enamel color for a tooth that won't be there much longer, isn't going to be as strong and while I pay extra for now, will still be the same price for the Tooth Fairy!)  Plus, part of the attraction of going to the dentist today for Brother was that he was going to be getting a "chrome" tooth.  Which, he came up with all on his own.

Brother made me so proud this morning.  He did everything the dentist asked, laid completely still while they were working on his mouth (I'm sure the flat screen above his head playing Curious George helped a little) and he took the sedation medication like a champ!

It is so nice to feel welcome at a medical/dental office.  I've been to plenty where you feel like a number or a hassle in the staff's day.  I don't want that feeling for my goslings, it is scary enough for them to go to the doctor or dentist.

So for this afternoon, Brother is to lay on the couch, watch Curious George and cuddle with Momma...Doctor's orders. (Ok, I might have added that last one in.:)

A big thank you to the California Kidds staff and Dr. Kunkel!

Always ~ Momma Goose

Toddler Tuesday

We got a little bad, yet expected, news on Friday.  Lil' Miss is allergic to milk

It all started several months ago when I noticed that she would get a rash around her mouth every time she'd eat yogurt.  I'd take her off of it for a time and then try again.  We did this for a while and then she didn't get the rash anymore.  One time I gave her some mac-n-cheese (which she spilled all over herself) and it gave her a rash - so she didn't get any more of that kid staple.

More recently, we noticed eczema type rashes all over her body.  We (me, my family as well as her doctor) thought that it was probably due to the weather change.  I changed up our shower routine, a new specialty lotion and it went away.

Finally, last week she had a severe reaction to some cottage cheese.  I got REALLY nervous.  Hives, swollen eyes and all.  Thankfully, after a few minutes it subsided, but it was the sign I needed to push my doctor a little further into allergy testing.  Last Wednesday we went and got the allergy blood test to confirm what we already thought to be true, she is allergic to milk. (Which, by the way, is a whole other sob story. Ugh, holding your sweet innocent baby down while they stick needles into her...we were both crying!)
 
(Now funny enough, Lil' Miss will spit milk back out at you, so we never got a clue about her allergy from milk.  She just plain does not like it!  I've even tried all kinds of flavors:  chocolate, strawberry, almond (plain and flavored) and even soy (plain and flavored) all with the same results.)

From the beginning she's had other issues such as acid reflux, GERD, asthma and ear infections.  Now I am hoping and praying that they are all due to her allergy.  (Maybe we can finally get rid of her nebulizer!)

We are headed to the allergy doctor tomorrow in hopes of further diagnosis and explanation of life from here on out.

As usual, I got right on the internet and have found many milk-free resources online. Like this awesome one, GoDairyFree.com

Source

The website gave me the best news about her allergy yet:

Studies show that approximately 60% of infants allergic to cow’s milk will “outgrow” the allergy by the age of 4, 80% by the age of 6.

Let's just pray that Lil' Miss is one of the 80% that outgrows her allergy.

Do you know of any good resources or food substitutes for her allergy?

Let the milk-free fun begin!

Always ~ Momma Goose

Toddler Tuesday

A couple weeks ago, Brother and Lil' Miss and I had a great play-date that included a bounce session at our local Pump it Up, McDonald's lunch date AND a new haircut for Brother Goose.

Look at all that hair!  Boy, did he need a haircut!

A few years ago when he got his very first hair cut, Daddy Goose tried to convince me that he should have a mo-hawk as his first do.  I wasn't ready for my then one year old to be strutting around with such a crazy hair cut.  Almost four years later, the boy STILL wanted to get a mo-hawk   Between me becoming a much more laid back momma and him actually being able to verbalize his wants...I gave in!

You know what?  It isn't half bad!  The gal did an awesome job of making the hair long enough to look like a mo-hawk, but short enough to look like a "normal" hair cut when we don't spike it up.  She gave him a little more than a "fo-hawk."  The best part is - Brother Goose is happy!  There is nothing like that goofy smile on the face of my sweet boy!

Have you let your goslings have a crazy hair cut?

Always ~ Momma Goose

Toddler Tuesday: Thankful Turkeys

Today Brother Goose and I were gettin' in the groove for Thanksgiving.  I had already started decorating, but we hadn't yet done any crafting for the holiday.  So, when Lil' Miss went down for her afternoon nap we grabbed our glue, scissors and markers and went to town making our Thankful Turkeys.

A couple of weeks ago I picked up these foam turkeys from the dollar section at Target.

I had prepared them earlier by writing "I am thankful for..." on them.  I asked Brother for three things he was thankful for and naturally, grandparents came first.

Thankfully a close second came Momma, Daddy, Sissy AND football!  After writing on the turkeys, I handed it over to Brother and he added his own artwork.

When all the artwork was complete, we took brown crossgrain ribbon (that I got at the Dollar Store) and stretched out enough to fit all three thankful turkeys.  Brother squeezed out a line of glue...

...and made sure they would stick by pounding them on. (He is SUCH A BOY!:)  Using a bow to hide the thumb tack - voila!

Six thankful turkeys!  Daddy Goose is going to fill his out tonight and we'll hang them and make sure to post a picture.  Can you read mine?  I only had three turkeys, so in that little space I am thankful for "God's many blessings," "Hard Working Hubby," and "2 kids!"

Crafting with Brother is one of my favorite past times.  He is so creative and always has a fun story to tell me while we are being creative.

What are you thankful for this holiday season?

Always ~ Momma Goose

P.S.  Did you add up my total cost for this craft project?  Yup, that's right ONLY $2.00!  It may not be the most Martha Stewart looking craft...but it was fun, had little cost and I got to spend great quality time with Brother!

Toddler Tuesday: Lil' Miss Goose's 1st Birthday

On July 25, 2011 my life changed forever with the birth of my first baby girl!

You know how the story goes, you fall in love instantly with your baby and mine was no different.  It was love at first sight...

November 15, 2011

My sweet Samantha (aka: Lil' Miss Goose) has kept us on our toes since the beginning.  After three trips to the hospital, countless contractions and an absolutely horrible (yet hilarious now) experience with Ambien, Lil' Miss Goose was July 25, 2011 at 3:00 a.m.

And now...she is one!  We have had a great year, as you can see from this post.  We got to celebrate her birthday in August with friends and family!  It was an amazing time.

The food, weather, family/friends were all perfect!  Thank you all who came, pitched in and celebrated with us!

Luckily for Lil' Miss Goose, she got cake twice this year.  We were actually on our annual camping trip on July 25th and if you think this Momma Goose, Grammy Goose and Nana are going to let her big day go by without a bang...you're crazy!  This is how we actually spend her birthday.

Here's to another 100 years...or so....my sweet Samantha girl!

Always ~ Momma Goose

It's a Toddler Tuesday!

I got to spend my morning with my favorite toddler girl...Lil' Miss Goose!

Photo Courtesy of Jim Healy Photography

While Brother Goose was at school this morning, Lil' Miss Goose and I had a breakfast date, went to the salon, the grocery store, checked out the new store in town, filled up the tank with gas, went to Rite Aid and then ended the morning with a lunch date.

It was a great morning with my gal, she was an absolute doll to have with me.  She didn't ask for anything at the stores, she didn't cry when I told her it was time to go and she didn't even mind getting in and out of the car so many times.

I know these days won't last, it is the curse of time going by. I am enjoying each second with my goslings.  Well mostly each second. (Ha-ha!) With everything there are a few I wish I could take back or make different.

And with that...I'm going to finish the rest of my chores while my sweet goslings nap, so I can spend the rest of my afternoon playing with the two cutest goslings in the world!  You should do the same!

Always ~ Momma Goose

Toddler Tuesday

On July 25th, Baby Goose turned 1.  As with all one year olds, Baby Goose had no idea what the big deal was, however she was quite pleased with her little slice of cake.  We were camping on her birthday, which will probably (unfortunately for her) be the way we celebrate most of her birthdays.  We will be having a celebration with our family in the next couple of weeks, but we did not want the actual day to go by without having at least a little celebration.

A couple of days ago, I received one of those emails that tells you all about your child's development and where they should be in their growth.  It said, "Your toddler," should be...I about fell out of my chair.  My toddler???!!!  She's only 1, when did she become a toddler?!  But, I guess if she must grow up, she must grow up.  It just got me thinking, maybe she's not Baby Goose anymore.  Maybe she's Sister Goose?  Or maybe she's Lil' Miss Goose?  We are a family full of nicknames, and we call her:

• Sister
• Sissy
• Sis
• Lil' Miss
• Baby Girl (or as Brother Goose says, "Baby Gurl")
• Devushka, Doshka or doch (these are phonetics for Russian terms for daughter or girl)
• Or any variation of any of the above

Out of all of these, I think I like Lil' Miss Goose.  It is one of my favorites that Brother Goose says.  There is just something so cute and hilarious about a little boy calling a little girl Lil' Miss.  So from here on out, you'll see me refer to Baby Goose as Lil' Miss Goose.  A transformation I'm a lil' sad about, yet I'm excited for her next stage in life.

Here's a picture collage of Baby Goose becoming Lil' Miss Goose.

Happy 1st Birthday, Lil' Miss Goose!  Daddy, Brother and I love you lots!

Always ~ Momma Goose

Toddler Tuesday: Camping

Remember when you could throw a few things in a bag and run to the coast for the weekend? Or when you left for a week long vacation and all you needed was what you could fit in one bag?

I've blogged about how much stuff I take with me on a simple walk around the block...can you imagine how much stuff Daddy Goose and I pack for a two week camping trip??!!

The two week camping trip tradition dates farther back than me being a part of my in-laws family. In fact, it pre dates Daddy Goose. These geese have had a long standing date with the last 2 weeks of July and a certain lake in central California. We love it here and hate when "life" gets in the way of our trip.

So, last summer when Baby Goose was born, we were already planning to fit this trip into our vacation plans. And...finally...here we are!! Camping for two weeks with two toddlers!!

We practically brought EVERYTHING we own!!!! And Im still thinking of stuff I'd like to have here.

Yet, the best part of this trip is not all the stuff we brought, nor the stuff that we could have brought.

Its the dirt. Its the lake. Its all four of us sleeping on a queen size mattress. Its giggling with Daddy Goose by the fire after our goslings are asleep. Its the smell of fresh air. Its uninterrupted family time. Its teaching Brother Goose about what Daddy Goose did here as a kid. Its making awesome memories with our family and friends that come to visit.

Its camping!!

Always ~ Momma Goose

Toddler Tuesday: Self Soothing

A couple of months ago, Baby Goose started pinching me on the chest and neck.  I don't even think I noticed it at first, but then after a couple of days I started to get sore.  Now this has become Baby Goose's self-soothing mechanism and she cannot go to sleep without pinching.

It was funny at first...not funny, like "ha-ha," but funny like what a strange self-soothing mechanism.  I'd never heard of a baby pinching to feel better.  After a few weeks of a painful bedtime routine, I decided that it was time for some research and a change.  To my surprise, Baby Goose is not the only baby that pinches to self soothe.  In fact, I found a lot of mommas who had the same issue.

Don't get me wrong, I have tried a lot of things to get her to stop. I've introduced loveys, put on high neck shirts, placed a blanket in between her and I, held her hands down, placed my hand over the area as well as anything else I could think to do.  None of them have worked.  She either moves whatever is in her way of my chest/neck or she is unable to calm down and get comfortable.  I'm sure what I'm lacking is consistency in any of these methods.  If one of these substitutes doesn't work within a week, I try something else or I give in to her need. I have days when I'm at my whits end with the issue, mostly because my neck and chest are hurting so badly. Then there are other days, when I "suck it up" and think to myself that she will not do this forever and I will miss her needing me to soothe.

I try to be one of those mommas that believes that every stage of life will not last forever and I must enjoy each and every moment - even if it is a little annoying or in this case painful.   If and when this pinching becomes something other than soothing (like out of anger, frustration or to be hurtful), I will change my attitude and technique.  That type of behavior is unacceptable regardless of the stage of life. Thankfully, at this point, that is not Baby Goose's issue.  For now, I will keep trying new ways to help her learn to self soothe and I will enjoy each and every painful second.

Do you have a baby that had the same type of self soothing mechanism?  If you have any suggestions on helping Baby Goose find other ways to self soothe, I am happy and open to hearing them.

Momma Goose

Toddler Tuesday: 4th of July Craft Projects

Wow did I have big plans for today.  Between MOPS, crafting here with my goslings, blogging, finishing up my catch up cleaning and the town fireworks display tonight, it was going to be a non-stop day.  However, I should know that the only thing I should plan for as a parent is not to be to attached to one plan, because it doesn't always work out exactly how I'd planned.  Today's plan buster, Brother Goose is sick.  (Don't worry, I'm sure its nothing serious.  With a little extra snuggling, sleep and Tylenol I'm sure he'll be back to running me ragged tomorrow.)  To make things a little more interesting, both of my goslings were up at 6 a.m.!!!!  If you don't know this about Daddy Goose and I already...WE LOVE TO SLEEP!  Usually, so do my goslings.  It's generally pretty quiet around here until around 8 a.m. unless we have somewhere to be.  So, while I'm always planning and hoping for naps, I am sure they will be a little longer than normal today.

Even though WE may not be crafting, I didn't want you to be neglected.  Here are a few of the ideas I gathered for today:

A 4th of July Noise Maker from Toddler Craft.

Photo courtesy of: Toddler Craft

This flag color by number from Kids Soup.

Image courtesy of: Kids Soup

Or this Craft Stick Flag from Projects for Preschoolers.

Photo courtesy of: Projects for Preschoolers

Who knows, we might even still get to them.  Sometimes a little quiet crafting is a good way to pass the time when you're not feeling well.  I'm not planning anything for today, we'll just take it as it comes.  Good luck to you and your crafting today or whatever you have planned.

Momma Goose

Toddler Tuesday: For the Love of Food & Family

Baby Goose enjoying her dinner.

Just look at that sweet baby girl!  Somehow she might even be cuter with dinner all over her face.  Maybe its the mere fact that with her messy face, hands, bib, hair and sometimes even feet that I know she's thoroughly loved the meal I prepared for her.  (Anyone that loves my food gets a bonus star in my book.)

I remember the first messy face Brother Goose picture I took.  It was one of his first meals.

Awe...look at those chubby cheeks.

I'm sure we all have these pictures of our kids (or of ourselves) a mess from the days of learning how to eat.  They are classic moments of parenthood and a right of passage as children captured around a family meal.

I am one of those people that prefers and sometimes insists on family dinners.  Even before our goslings, I would wait for Daddy Goose to get home from work so that we could have our dinner together.  (He still won't eat without me.) Growing up, family dinners were a tradition.  While at the time I did not always enjoy it, I am very thankful for the time I spent with my parents and siblings around the dinner table.

These days it is a little harder to have a family meal every night. Daddy Goose works late during the week, so many times it is me and our goslings eating at the table.  However, Daddy Goose and I make it a priority to eat together on the weekends.  Family meals are something that we want to instill as important to our goslings.  I've read many studies that say that families that eat together communicate more, kids get better grades when their parents are involved in family activities (such as meals) and kids are more likely to stay out of trouble.  Besides, we wouldn't all be able to enjoy these messy faces if we didn't sit at the table together.

Do you eat as a family?  Why is it important to you?  It doesn't matter if its at the table, on TV trays, on a picnic bench or in your backyard on a blanket.  Make meals fun, meaningful and maybe a little messy and I guarantee you'll forget about how good or bad your food is and make awesome memories that will last your and your kids a lifetime.

Here are some other fun, messy face pictures of my goslings. Join me on Facebook for more pics of my goslings and make sure to share some of your messy cuties! I'd love to see them!

Momma Goose

Not much better than watermelon on a hot afternoon.

Homemade chocolate pudding Popsicle...yum!

Toddler Tuesday: Swim Lessons

Picture Courtesy of: 

 sapsmama.com

Geese are natural swimmers, right?  I want my goslings to be great swimmers.  Like geese in the wild, my goslings are drawn to the water.  With some of these hot summer days the only way to escape the heat is to lounge in the pool.  So, it is crucial that Brother and Baby Goose know how to swim.  Unlike the geese in the wild, my goslings need instruction in this area.  While I was a competitive swimmer from a very young age, I am not in any position to "teach" my goslings how to swim.  I love to hang with Brother Goose in the pool and practice his moves, but I'll leave the teaching to the pros.

We started swim lessons with Brother Goose pretty early, I think he was just two.  A good friend of our family has started teaching him, Ms. Jenny.  To be honest, I don't remember much about the lessons that year, other than there were a couple of tears the first few lessons, but by the end he and Ms. Jenny were bestest buddies.  Then last year, we took lessons again with Ms. Jenny and Ms. Ali.  Again, a few tears in the beginning, but towards the end he had two new best friends.

This year was a little different.  From about December until the end of May, Brother Goose had non-stop ear infections.  It has been a brutal battle.  My poor sweet boy has had every antibiotic out there and we've been to see the doctor enough that my health insurance probably owns an exam room in our name. (Maybe they should decorate it with geese!)  Finally a couple of weeks ago, he had tubes put in.  The surgery went well and if you didn't know he had surgery that morning, you would not have guessed it by his behavior in the afternoon.  His hearing is better, he hasn't had an infection since and we are all smiles!

You can imagine that at first we were a little tentative about even putting him in the pool this summer.  However, there is no keeping a very active four year old out of the pool or out of our boat.    Thankfully, Ms. Jenny was teaching at the right time that we could get it in before the tubes and then again after taking a break because of the tubes.

I am always amazed at what they accomplish in 45 short minutes.  Brother Goose is now doing his four year old version of butterfly, breast stroke and freestyle.  Not to mention, he's diving into the pool and "rocketing" up from the bottom.  It is so much fun to watch and I couldn't be prouder!

I don't envy swim teachers of little kids.  It's a daunting and important task with usually not much cooperation or gratitude from students.  Yet, year after year Ms. Jenny says "Yes, I'm doing swim lessons.  Come on over!" 

Thank you Ms. Jenny and Ms. Ali!  You have done an awesome job teaching Brother Goose and we truly appreciate your lifesaving lessons!  Now...Ms. Jenny, don't go getting a "real" job and move away! (Wink, wink!)

Momma Goose

Toddler Tuesday: A "Little" Goose Humor

(W9PDAXGQFA3X)


What do young geese suffer from?

Toddler Tuesday: Celebrations

My sweet Baby Goose (10 mos.) has learned how to clap! She usually misses the other hand and when she does make the connection there is no noise that results. But...there is THE BIGGEST smile on her face each and every time she claps. The cutest thing is, she claps for everything - she always has something to celebrate.
Which got me thinking, what muscles, thought processes and emotions go into clapping? As adults we often take the simple motion of clapping for granted. We don't even have to think twice about it, it just comes naturally. Give yourself a round of applause. Right now. See how easy that was? Now, ask your toddler to do the same and watch the concentration on their sweet face and the pure joy in achieving the task.
We've been celebrating everything around here lately with applause. From the egg yolks on her tray at breakfast to the toy that lights up when she pushes the button. All of us have joined in...Daddy Goose, Brother Goose and even big tough Uncle Goose.
They say you shouldn't sweat the small stuff. I've decided that not only am I NOT gonna sweat the small stuff, I'm going to celebrate all of our victories, especially the small ones. Without those small wins the big ones wouldn't feel as good. I challenge you to do the same. The next time your child eats all of their dinner, clap for them. The next time your spouse walks through the door after work, celebrate. I guarantee you and that someone will feel great.
Here is my first celebration: I got this post written before my appointment! (Applause!)
Momma Goose

Toddler Tuesday: Summertime

Kids are chomping at the bit and parents are holding their breath all because school is almost out!  This time of year always reminds me of that Alice Cooper song, "School's Out for Summer"...can't you just hear the lyrics?  As a student, I was always counting down the days until summer.  While I am still counting down the days with Brother Goose, I'm not so sure I'm as excited as I was as a student.  Brother Goose is still a new to the idea and hasn't really figured out what summer break is all about...and besides preschool is so much fun anyway why would he want to take a three month break!

However, I am thinking, what are we going to do with three months of no school or BSF?  I'm sure there will be plenty of days of doing nothing, but with a 4 year old, days of doing nothing are not always the best for behavior.  So, I'm beginning to plan out things for us to do.  Here's what I've got so far:

• Camping
• Train trip
• Boating
• Water park
• Swim lessons
• Movie Day
• Sleepover with grandparents
• Picnics in the park
• Karate lessons (possibly)
• Vacation Bible School
• Crafts
• Play dates with friends
• Cooking and baking

Doesn't all that sound fun? Actually, I'm getting more and more excited about summer break just writing this post.

I trying not to jam too much in, 'cause part of what summer is about is resting and relaxing and plus who knows how much of that list we'll actually get to.  

Getting to spend the extra quality time with my goslings doing these activities will be the best part of summertime.  Don't you agree?  What are you planning to do with your little ones this summer?  I'd love to hear about your plans, too!

Momma Goose