Children's Discovery Museum - Augusta

Eva & Braden

This year we decided to buy a pass to the Children's museum as an (early) Christmas gift for Braden.  We thought it would be a great place to go during the winter months - as a nice change of scenery.  We went with the Passport option, so we could try museums in different locations (Bangor, Dover, Acton, Boston, etc).  

It had been a while since we had spent time with auntie Ashlea & cousin Eva, so we decided to meet them in Augusta to try the Children's Discovery Museum.  Mimi was able to join us as well!

Playing the Piano with Mimi

Little Musicians

It was a very small museum, but Eva & Braden were able to entertain themselves for about 2 hours before it was time to break for lunch!  

"Ball!"

Loved Pushing the Carts Around

Interested in the Touch Tank

Love the Face Eva!

Climbing in the Playhouse

Eva Loved Playing Dress Up!

Nice Face Auntie Ashlea 

Braden Did Not Enjoy Dress Up!

Sixteen Months

A little summary:

* drinks from a non spouted sippy cup

* likes to put things together: lids on bowls, cups, puzzles, stackers

* two more molars popped through top left 10/8, bottom right  10/21

* finally says & identifies "momma" 10/14

* identifies nose, head, belly and is working on eyes & ears

* loves to bring books over to be read or explores them on his own

* says "belly", "shoes", "thank you", "no", "boom" (when falls), "uh oh", "go" 

    "two" when stating "one, two, three" and "keys"
* first earthquake 10/16/12

* moves pillows & objects around so he can climb onto the couch
* loves to point out ball or dog in a story
* hurricane Sandy 10/28/12
* pointing out dadda in pictures or when he comes home

* wants to walk up the stairs now (holding hands or railing)

* loves turning the oven light on 

* loves to imitate the wind 

* says "vroom" when playing with his cars

* enjoys spinning in circles

* follows simple commands: go get your shoes, let's go upstairs, go give daddy kisses goodnight, sit down, turn around (to go down stairs).

Couldn't Have Done It Without You!

I am not a runner.  I have said this before - it is not something I enjoy doing nor do I feel am very good at.  But, I like to set goals and push myself to reach them.

A year ago September, I set a goal to finish a 5k race.  This was only 10 weeks after Braden was born, so I knew that I would have to walk some.  I prepared myself as much as possible, and it was difficult, but finishing and celebrating the accomplishment with family and friends was amazing!  

The following spring my mom and I set out to tackle another 5k race on Mother's Day - the goal this time was to run the entire way!  We were both very proud of achieving that goal & improving our times.  

Unfortunately, I did not keep up with the training through out the summer.  So, when Katie asked me to run two races with her in the Fall I was a little worried.  I did as much training as I could and set a secret goal of trying to finish in under 30 minutes.  The first race I came so close, but I just slowed down too much in the last mile and couldn't reach my goal!  Quite frustrating - I had given up on myself.  

1. Race For The Cure -  34-35 minutes (B-tag didn't register the info)

2. Mother's Day 5k - 31.46

3. Great Island 5k - 30.46

For the last race Braden ended up joining us, so knowing that we would have to push the stroller along I had given up hope of reaching my goal.  But I should not have!  

We started off really strong - Katie pushed Braden for pretty much the entire race (thank you!).  We some how weaved the stroller through the beginning crowds, waited in line for the water, dealt with a wobbly stroller wheel & barely survived a huge hill towards the end!  When the last 1/2 mile came up and I wanted to slow down (give up) Katie was right there encouraging me and breaking down the minutes - telling me I could do this!  I really could not have reached my goal with out her support both in pushing Braden and encouraging me to keep up the pace.  

Of course the only photo they had was taken in the 1-2 minutes that I was pushing Braden.  Katie did all of the hard work!  I couldn't have done it without you - THANK YOU!

4. Great Bay 5k - 29.42

I am proud to say that I have continued running (although it is getting colder out, so may not last much longer).  I have begun the Bridge to 10K, so we'll see what goals will be set for the Spring!  

Monthly Meals {November}

On to the second month of meal planning and so far it worked out really well.
The POSITIVES:
* Did not have to think about what to make for dinner
* The flexibility in moving meal/leftover nights to work around our schedule
* There are still at least 8 dinners left in the freezer for future months
* Mike loved the ease of breakfast & lunch wraps when getting ready for work
* Plenty of room in the freezer for everything (so far)

The NEGATIVES:
* I still ended up at the grocery store 6 times (a few things came up - back to no dairy, a tastefully simple party, stocking up on rice milk & a crockpot swap)
* Finding out that Braden is back to no dairy - so trying to find meals that would work for him
* Ran out of a few key items - bread, peanut butter, paper towels, eggs, etc.  So, next month I will really make sure to get more than enough

Grand Total for October - 515.45 (approx.)

November Meal Plan - mostly for myself to help with prep and for anyone that is looking for a new recipe to try.  There are a few things we'll be trying this month from the crockpot swap, so excited about that!!

In red I have included B's dairy free meal for the night!  Some provided through an Allergy Friendly Cookbook.

1 - Haddock & Spinach*
2 - Ribs, Coleslaw & sweet potato
3 - Meatball subs    Leftovers
4 - Leftovers
5 - Clam Chowder & Grilled Cheese
6 - BBQ Chicken & Potato
7 - Stromboli*  DF pizza
8 - Leftovers
9 - Chicken, Broccoli Alfredo   Mini Meatloaf & Sweet Potato
10 - Quiche    Scrambled Eggs & Broccoli
11 - Chicken Parmesan   DF version
12 - Leftovers
13 - Ranch Chicken (crockpot swap) & Green Beans   Mini Meatloaf
14 - Taco Chili (crockpot swap) & Cornbread
15 - Leftovers
16 - Breakfast Bake   DF version
17 - Mac N Cheese w/ peas & carrots (crockpot swap)  DF mac-n-cheeze
18 - Leftovers
19 - Homemade Pizza*  DF version
20 - Omlettes   Scrambled eggs & broccoli
21-23rd  Thanksgiving stuff
24 - Out to Eat
25 - Ziti*     DF version
26 - Dijon Chicken & Rice (crockpot swap)
27 - Leftovers
28 - Cilantro Lime Chicken
29 - Corn Pancakes   DF version
30 - Leftovers


Again I will be making the breakfast wraps & will double the batch of Buffalo Chicken wraps for lunches.  Also, for Braden I will be trying a few dairy free versions of smoothie recipes to see if I can get him to eat more veggies!!

I will also stock up on extra baking items with the holidays coming up!

Fifteen Months

A little summary:

* scoots backwards on his belly

* goes down the steps on his own (on his belly)

* took his first steps 9/12 back and forth to mommy & daddy

* two molars popped through bottom left 9/14, bottom right 9/ 28

* more interested in reading books - sitting still, turning pages & pointing at objects

* signing "up" and "please" 

* says "ball", "bat"
* loves to share handing objects back and forth with someone

* started going to music class: Little Music Makers 

* using a fork and spoon more regularly
* loves to feed others
* LOVES lights and playing with light switches
* more consistent nap schedule 12-2 or 3
* says "bite" when he wants some of your food
* puts cellphone up to his ear & sometimes says "hi"

* visited Great Grampy Ireland in Mars Hill 9/26

* started walking more frequently than crawling 

* has started trying to climb up on to things/furniture

* back to no dairy until his rash/hives go away

* has weaned and enjoys either whole milk or almond milk

* will throw little tantrums when frustrated or angry

* will sometimes correctly respond to "where is your nose?"

* 15 month check-up:  Height - 33.5 in (100%), Weight - 24 lbs, 1 oz (67%) Head - 19 in (87%)

Fall Decor

Over the last three years I have been slowly collecting holiday pieces to eventually put together as decoration on the mantle.  This Fall I finally had some things I could put up for fall/halloween decoration.  

One of the last pieces I added to the collection was a Subway Art project that I found through Pinterest.  It was really simple to put together and I think it looks great.  All I had to do was print the sign off on card stock and then I used Mod Podge to glue it onto an 8x10 canvas.  I also printed off a Fall bucket list and framed it, so we can check the items off as we complete them.       

Braden and I hosted an apple play date, so the apple art project was a nice added touch to the mantle.  The tutorial for the apple artwork can be found here.  

DIY Pillow Pad

When I was visiting my mom's last week Braden loved my niece's mini Mickey Mouse couch.  He was constantly sitting in it, lying back to relax in it and of course using it to climb up onto the big couch.

Instead of buying one, I thought I could make something similar.  So, I made him his very own own pillow pad.  On Pinterest, I found this tutorial that used a twin sheet.  I was able to complete the entire project during his nap.

 With the wrong side folded over sew the end to make a clean hem.

Turn the sheet right side out and measure/pin the divisions for each pillow.

Then sew across the fabric.

Fold over the end piece to make a nice clean, even hem for the top.  

When Braden woke up from his nap we tested it out.  I think he liked it!