Point it down, son
Squeak will be three years old next month, and he’s nowhere near potty trained. I might have conceived both my kids at the same time, from the same set of eggs and sperm, but when it comes to potty time, they couldn’t be more different.
To the mom in the trenches: it gets easier
When you feel like you cannot go on another minute, because it’s all just too much, remember this: you’re in the trenches right now. You won’t stay there. And it does get better. Here’s a story to explain how it did so for me.
![My new gym routine: an update [with pictures!]](https://www.peanutmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cover-photo-ba-400x250.jpg)
My new gym routine: an update [with pictures!]
It’s been four and a half months since I started a new workout regimen, and a lot has changed. My moods, my sleep, my mental state, my weight, and most definitely my confidence. At the risk of being “that girl who won’t shut up about working out,” here’s what’s happened since I kicked off a re-dedication to my own health.
![A sheltered [food] life](https://www.peanutmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/brusselsprouts.jpg)
A sheltered [food] life
I made it 37 years before trying a brussel sprout. It was easy to avoid them. The first 19 years of my life, a brussel sprout never once entered the doors of my childhood home. My sheltered childhood diet is at the root of many of my food aversions (and I have lots). But I’m determined to break the cycle, right here and now.
Air travel with babies & toddlers: car seats and the CARES harness
When it comes to airplane travel with kids, there are two options: Take the easy way out with lap-baby or no car seat (and take your chances with your child’s life and safety), OR do it the hard way, even though it’s a bit more inconvenient, and take along a car seat or harness. For the parents who choose the no-brainer “keep my kid alive” option, here are some tips to survive a flight when your kiddo needs a few more buckles.
World War Food: An Update
We’re one year into Operation Picky-Eatin’ Toddlers. Using strategies from the feeding specialist, we’ve made huge strides over the last year. But not without some major roadblocks along the way.
My four-and-a-half-year gym hiatus
From 2011 through 2015, I paid almost no attention to my physical health. I was completely absorbed in the task of making and raising tiny humans. It’s time to rebalance and find some semblance of fitness again.
Hard-working, picturesque, racist rural America
After the stunning election results came in, analysts mentioned “racist rural America” over and over again. Equally, rural America (people I knew growing up) insisted that rural does not equal racist. My own experience shows that it’s not quite that black and white.
Mom’s a hardass: 10 times I don’t give in
I’ve reneged on lots of “I’ll never do that when I have kids!” statements. But I’m still fully capable of being a hardass when it’s warranted. Like these 10 situations.
The redshirt conundrum
Everyone has an opinion. But one thing is clear: when to send your kid is a decision parents should make with each individual kiddo’s unique situation in mind.
I’m done having kids… or am I?
How can your head be so certain of something while your illogical emotions (or maybe your hormones) are fighting you every step of the way?
What women *really* want
Spoiler alert: It’s not diamonds, or foot massages, or fancy purses (though we wouldn’t say no if you tried). It’s something every husband can do. Including yours.
Iowa State Fair Survival
How does a mom survive 12 hours of the Iowa State Fair with two toddlers? I’ll tell ya, it’s not easy. But a little preparation plus a great plan for once you get there are key to success. Here’s how we get through three days of the fair and come out the other end with a barrel full of great memories.
Dear Pre-Kid Lydia…
As Squeak’s second birthday approaches, I’m thinking about what I wish I’d known when I started this parenting gig. No-Kids Lydia needs to drop some preconceived notions.
Everybody Hates You
I have an inner voice, and she’s a Mean Girl. She tells me lies, makes claims without proof, and seems to know everything. I call her Regina George. Here’s some of the bullshit she whispers in my ear.
DIY adjustable waist toddler pants
Skinny Squeak can’t even fill out the waist of 18-month pants. This creates a dilemma, but luckily, a little DIY elbow grease solves this problem and keeps Squeak’s pants up, too!
World War Food, Squeak Edition
I was so traumatized by Peanut’s chaotic visit to the feeding specialist, I had prepared myself for the worst when it was time for Squeak to go. How would the feeding specialist’s strategies work on Squeak, who was too young to be bribed with screen time and dessert? As it turns out, my little guy surprised us all.
I’m your friend, not your customer
You’re welcome to [try to] sell your wares to me, but remember that I’m your friend first. That relationship is at risk when all you do is talk to me like I’m a customer.
The five most terrifying words I’ve ever spoken
At 6:00am on February 3rd, Squeak woke up unable to breathe normally, his heart racing so fast I couldn’t even count the beats.
World War Food, Part Three
Our first visit with renowned pediatric feeding specialist Dr. C was an emotionally (and physically) trying day. We’re taking a completely new approach to my incredibly picky eaters.