Monday, August 25, 2014

An Unexpected Stay in the NICU (Part II)



Four days after having my second child, I took my son into the doctor because he seemed unusually tired and lethargic. I realize newborn babies sleep a lot but this was different. Something just wasn't right. It turns out his body temperature was extremely low and we were sent to the NICU via ambulance. You can read more about this in Part I of our NICU story.  

As the doctors ran tests on my son, M, my family and I occupied a room for families with babies in the NICU.   I was happy to have a place to sleep and be close to M.  However, the room didn’t have windows that could be opened.   I felt as if I were suffocating, physically and emotionally.  

On our second night in the NICU, I woke up in the middle of the night, shivering and not feeling well.  The uncomfortable air mattress, coupled with a lack of sleep and a clogged milk duct had led to a breast infection (even though I didn’t realize it at the time).  

That morning, I brought some milk I had pumped to the NICU.   M was sleeping and still hooked up to oxygen.  He looked so small and fragile.  I couldn’t wait to hold him again.   At this point, I was eager to talk to the doctor and learn about any test results.  The day before the doctors had given him a spinal tap and run several blood panels.  

It was the waiting that was the hardest.  

Yet, on that day, we received some good news.  M did not have meningitis or any infection.  His oxygen levels were good too. The doctors attributed his low body temperature to dehydration.   Although I was feeding him around the clock, late premature babies sometimes have trouble latching and feeding well.  When you are breastfeeding, it can be hard to see exactly how much food your child is intaking.  The day before he went to the NICU, I had even gone to the lactation specialist to see how well he had been feeding.   Although he had lost a little weight after leaving the hospital, the nurse wasn’t worried.  M had reflux too and had a hard time keeping his food down.  Later we found out he had GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and a sliding hiatal hernia (but that’s a whole other story).  

On my second visit to the NICU that day, M’s eyes were open, bright and eager to see the world.   I was able to hold him, nurse him and touch his soft skin.

The next day, M was ready to go home.  I was excited but, at the same time, scared.  What would have happened if I hadn’t taken him to the doctor that day?  After all, he had gone from thriving to dehydrated in less than a day. I worried it might happen again.

I supposed I was just going to have to trust my motherly instincts.  And I did. I rented a pump and brought it home. This way I could try to bottle feed him so I could more accurately measure his milk intake. A few days later I took him to his pediatrician, just to make sure everything was okay. 

And, they were.  M is now a healthy two and a half year old, enjoying life to the fullest!






Sunday, August 24, 2014

An Unexpected Trip to the NICU (Part I)


The ride to the hospital was bumpy and uncomfortable. Four days earlier, I had delivered a baby. Riding in that ambulance, I was suddenly aware that my body was far from recovering from my recent delivery. With each bump, my stitches felt even more pronounced….my uterus, tender and swollen. Shouldn’t I be at home?  Shouldn’t I be watching my newborn sleeping blissfully in his bassinet.  

But I wasn’t.  

Instead, I was in route to the NICU with a newborn that, for some reason, had an alarmingly low body temperature. 

That morning, M had slept longer than normal. At first, I thought he was just a good sleeper. However, something seemed off.  Even for a newborn, he seemed too sleepy. Although I thought I was being paranoid, I took him in to see his pediatrician, for reassurance. I assumed I would be back home in no time.

But I wasn’t.

As the nurse took my son’s vitals, a perplexed look came over her face. His body temperature wasn’t registering on the thermometer.  When a number finally did pop up, she said “that can’t be right” and tried again.The thermometer began “searching” for temperature again. When it appeared, the number was dangerously low.  After seeing a pediatrician, she said M would need to go to the hospital. 

We were moved into a holding room and given a big blanket. I was instructed to practice kangaroo care, aka skin to skin contact, with M. As I held him close, he became increasingly unresponsive.   He didn’t budge, even when he was pricked with needles for various tests.  

I tried to keep it together.  However, sleep deprivation and stress isn’t a good combination.  The tears began slowly drifting down my cheeks and then more rapidly, until I could no longer simply brush them away.  An attendant assured me that if the doctors were really worried they would have had him airlifted to a special hospital.  This made me feel a bit better.

But not really. 

After what seemed like ages, the ambulance came.  Since M was a baby, he had to ride in his carseat.  And, then began the long, bumpy ride to the NICU.  

Having already had a premature child, I was familiar with the NICU. However, this was different. When my first child, my daughter, had stayed in the NICU, it was merely as a precaution. Like my daughter, M was a late preterm child.  Since he was six pounds and appeared to be thriving, the doctors didn’t put him in the NICU. Looking back now, I wish I would have pushed for him to stay a night for observation because now, this was serious.

M was hooked up on oxygen and a bunch of other little devices, tubes and wires. When we eventually talked to the doctor, he began listing possible reasons our little guy was struggling. Words such as meningitis, spinal tap and blood infection were being thrown at me and I wondered how I went from holding my sweet baby at home to this…..

Did your child ever have to stay in the NICU?

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Tuesday, August 19, 2014

10 Fairies Parents Wish Existed


When I was a child, I remember the excitement of losing a tooth. Having a tooth fall out meant a little surprise under my pillow in the morning. Now that I'm older, the allure of the tooth fairy is completely gone. However, since my daughter has been reading The Never Girls series by Kiki Thorpe (some great books about adventures in Pixie Hollow in Never Land), I have been thinking more about these magical creatures. Indeed, there are some fairies that I, along with many other parents I know, wish existed.
1. The house cleaning fairy
One thing many of my "mom friends" long for is a house cleaning service. The closest thing I've had to a maid is when my dogs lick some of the crumbs off my floor. Anyone who has kids knows the cleaning never ends. I definitely wouldn't mind if my house sparkled a little more frequently.
2. The laundry fairy
I only have two kids. However, the pile of laundry simply doesn't go away. Sometimes, I wish I were Mary Poppins and could just say "snap, the job's a game." Yet, finding fun in laundry has become difficult.
3. The sick fairy
Remember the days when you were sick and could just watch movies and drink fluids? Now, there are work commitments, children to care for and a house to clean. My dream sick fairy would make me chicken soup, mind the kids and fluff the pillows.
4. The potty training fairy
Potty training can be a frustrating task. Messy accidents and power struggles often characterize the process. The potty training fairy knows what makes your toddler tick. She'll have your little one out of diapers in no time.
5. The personal chef fairy
I like to cook. However, some nights I wish a delicious, balanced meal would be sitting out on the table. Of course, this fairy would do all the dishes, too.
6. The mediator fairy
The mediator fairy is perfect for those of us with more than one child. This fairy can help sort out any sibling rivalry issues including hair-pulling, name-calling and toy-grabbing.
7. The baby sitting fairy
Don't you miss the days when you could go out to dinner on a moment's notice? With the snap of your fingers, the baby sitting fairy would be at parents' service. You won't have to worry about being late for a movie again.
8. The 'middle of the night' fairy
The middle of the night fairy is there to help with the midnight diaper changes, the 4 a.m. "I need water" call and the dreaded puke catastrophe.
9. The grocery fairy
I actually enjoy going to the grocery store. However, when it's raining and I've got sick kiddos, I'd rather have someone deliver me the food. I suppose they have delivery services for this kind of thing. However, having Tinkerbell deliver my groceries sounds so much more fun. In addition, the grocery fairy ensures that parents have someone to turn to when they realize they forgot to buy snacks for tomorrow's soccer game.
10. The curfew fairy
When kids enter the teen years, there is bound to be some that try to break curfew. Yet, never fear, the curfew fairy will find your rule-breaking teenager and bring them home safely. You can still come up with a punishment.

In the end, it's best for the parenting to be left up to the parents. However, every once in a while, don't we all wish we could have a little help? Having a fairy godmother at my disposal would be nice too.

What fairy do you wish you had to help around the house?


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Thursday, August 14, 2014

How to Make Going Back to School A Little Less Painful


Amazing!

That was my daughter’s response for when I asked her how her first day of school went. 

I breathed a sigh of relief.  I was pretty sure everything would go fine.  However, in the back of my mind, I had typical mom fears that someone would bully her, that she would fall in a big puddle (in Southern California drought-land, I realize that sounds ridiculous) or have a mean teacher.   

My daughter enjoys school. Thus, so far, the transition from summer to school has been seamless. However, I know this isn’t the case for everyone.  Some children, especially those going to school for the first time, can shed a lot of tears.  Some have back to school anxiety.  For whatever reason, some just don’t like school.

I’ll be honest.  Even though I like the structure back-to-school brings, I’m not a fan of waking up early.  I’m not a fan of school traffic.  And, keeping the homework and PTA notes away from my dog (yes, she will eat your homework) and my toddler is a whole other issue.  The first day of school can be seamless or a struggle. Here are a few ways I have made going back to school pain-free.

Get Back on Schedule

Even after having two babies and many 4:00 am wake up calls, I have never gotten used to waking up early.  If you’ve managed to keep your children on the same schedule as the school year, I say bravo.  However, if you have strayed a little, if your kids' bedtime (and your own) has gradually inched up over the summer, it’s best to get your kids back on schedule.  You could go with the old rip-off-the-bandaid method,  but I’m a fan of easing into a new routine.  For instance, a few days before school starts, I begin putting my kids to bed 15-20 minutes earlier each night, until they are at the desired school bedtime.  

Grab The School Supplies Early

Prior to having children, I made the mistake of wandering into a big box store on the night of the first day of school.  At the time, I was a teacher, so you would think I would have been more aware.  As I came to the school supply section, I was shocked.  Kids (and their parents) were ransacking the near empty shelves like ravenous zombies looking for their next meal. When I made my way to the checkout, the long lines were full of tired and angry people. Needless to say, now I get my school supplies several weeks in advance.  I’m lucky that the school supplies most of the items for my daughter.  However, I know as kids get older the supply list becomes increasingly longer and more expensive.  

Help Ease Anxiety

Many children experience back to school anxiety.  It makes sense.  There are unfamiliar faces, new routines to learn and a new teacher.  If you have an elementary-aged child, there are so many funny back-to-school and first day of school books out there.  When my daughter entered kindergarten, we read a cute rhyming story called The Night Before Kindergarten by D.J. Steinberg.  This funny story talks about things like the first day of school, lunch time, line leaders and the 100th day of school. Another favorite of mine is First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg.

A Healthy Breakfast

A breakfast high in protein will help give your child, enough energy to make it to lunchtime. Toast with nut butter (or soy butter) is a good choice.  I often make scrambled eggs because it’s quick and easy.  This year, I even pre-made some french toast sticks on multigrain bread.  These are not as high in protein as eggs or nut butter. However, in case I have a "case of the Mondays," I put these in the freezer for future use.  

Get To School Early  

I don’t like being that parent who is running-while-trying-to-put-on-her-toddler’s-socks-and-dragging-her-other-child/ren-behind-her.  I like being punctual.  Even better, I like being early. The first day of school can be chaotic. Being early helps take away the stress and give your child some time to adjust to their surroundings. Make sure your child knows where to line up or where there classroom is located.  These things are especially important if your child is in kindergarten.  

Prevent Summer Slide

During the summer, it’s a good idea to keep your children in the learning routine. As a credentialed teacher, I know reading is a great way to prevent summer slide.  Doing things like reviewing addition, subtraction, multiplication facts along with sight words can help your child keep up their skills from the previous year.  It can also make homework less of a shock to the system. If you didn’t do this this year, don’t worry, but do keep these tips in mind over winter break.  

I’m excited that the school year is underway.  How about you? Has your child gone back to school yet?

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Monday, August 11, 2014

6 Inexpensive Activities to Put on Your Family’s Summer Bucket List


I can’t believe it’s time for my daughter to go back to school.   In just a few days, I will drop her off and she’ll wander into a classroom full of new faces and experiences.  Yet, even though school is starting for many of our children, summer is far from over.  In fact, fall doesn’t begin until September 29.  Until then, I’m going to hang on to every last shred of summer….because it reminds me of being together with the ones who matter most.   Before saying goodbye to summer, consider putting one of these inexpensive activities on your family’s summer bucket list.  

*Note: This post contains affiliate links
Backyard Campout

Last year, our air conditioner broke.  It wailed and shuddered so loudly, I couldn’t turn it on because my neighbors would have hated me. Plus, it scared my toddler.  So, we turned it off and let spring pass us by.  We debated on paying to have it fixed or getting an entire new system.  While we mulled over our decision, and saved our money, it got hotter and hotter.  One day it was so sweltering, we decided to camp outside.  We have a nice six-man tent and, even though my back hurt a little in the morning, the backyard campout was loads of fun.  The kids loved it too.  We had s’mores, read stories, played with flashlights and star-gazed.  When the forecast said it would be over 100 degrees, we had another backyard campout, and then another.   When August hit, we decided to get a new air conditioner.  I don’t miss the sweat rolling down my legs.  However, I’m glad we created a lot of family memories during our campouts.   Going without air conditioning in Southern California during the summer forces you to get creative.  


Water Balloon Toss

When I was a kid, my street had an annual Fourth of July Block party.  The parents would haul out their barbecues and chairs.  We would all play a very unskilled game of street volleyball.  And, we always had a water balloon toss.  This might be why I feel a wave of nostalgia when I fill up water balloons.  My kids enjoy playing with water balloons.  And, even though they are a pain to fill up, I like having a water balloon toss too.  Toddlers aren't the most skilled at water balloon tosses.  However, I figured out that if I took regular balloons and filled them up just a little bit with water, the balloons wouldn’t burst open as easily.   This enabled us to do a few more tosses before getting drenched with water.  


Photo credit: morguefile.com/creative/jdurham
Splash Pad

I love splash pads.  There is one not too far from me.  It took me until almost the end of the summer break to take the kids over there.  I expected there to be a ton of kids in an overly-chlorinated watering hole.  However, it wasn’t very crowded at all; in fact, to the naked eye, it was clean; and it was FREE (a mother’s dream).   Splash pads are great because the water is very shallow.  While you always have to keep a close eye on your kids around water, a splash pad gives toddlers a little more room to, well, splash and practice their swimming skills. 



New Ice Cream Flavors

Ice Cream is synonymous with summer right?   An easy way to try some new ice cream flavors is to purchase some vanilla ice cream and flavored syrups.   Add a few drops to your ice cream and mix it in.  You can also mix in some toppings.  One of my favorite combinations is amaretto flavored ice cream with brownie and caramel all mixed up.

Solar Beads

Solar beads are a fun way to get kids thinking about the power of the sun. I suppose you don't have to do this in the summer. It works well on any summer day. However, I like to take advantage of those longer days. To do this activity, first, you'll need some solar beads. Next, give kids the beads and elastic or leather string. They can choose to make a necklace, bracelet, or key chain. Finally, go out in the sun and watch the beads change colors. You can also do science experiments with the beads. For instance, see what happens when you put sunscreen on the beads.


Solar Beads (pink, purple and yellow) Mixed with Pearls
Make a "Sun Catcher"

This simple craft looks lovely taped to a window.  All you need is a paper plate, oil pastels, some tissue squares, a glue stick and tape.  You can't get much cheaper than that! First, have your kids take a paper plate and fold it slightly so they can make a cut into the center.  Then, they should cut a round circle out of the center of your plate.  Next, have them cut some sun “rays” into the outer portion of the plate.  You should have a thin one to two centimeter ring.  Next, have kids take one of their oil pastels and color the paper plate sun.  We used yellow but you could really use any color you wanted.  After that, create your tissue paper center.  Using a glue stick, place a small amount of glue onto the edge of a tissue paper square.  Glue the squares onto the back of paper plate sun.   Continue gluing tissue paper squares, until you reach the center.  Try to barely overlap the tissue squares so it is opaque as possible.  Finally, hang the finished product in the window and watch the sun “catch” all the pretty colors.


I'm not planning on allowing the carefree nature of summer to slip through my fingers. What’s on your summer bucket list?




Thursday, August 7, 2014

Got Kids? 5 Ways to Appreciate Them



Sometimes, I will peek in on my kids while they are sleeping and marvel at the fact that these little sleeping angels are my children. It's during this quiet time at night when I can step back and forget about the messes, the crying and the lack of me time. I remind myself to appreciate my kids each and every day. After all, it won't be long before they are grown and going off to college. If you have kids, here are five ways to appreciate them.
# 1 Show Them Affection
I always give my kids a kiss on the cheek and a hug before leaving. A hug can go a long way to show kids that you love and appreciate them. If you have raised your voice once too much, a hug can make things better. Affection benefits the entire family. If you have a baby, research shows "that children who get more positive touch and affection during infancy turn out to be kinder, more intelligent" individuals. So, snuggle up and don't worry about spoiling your baby.
# 2 Watch and Listen
My daughter loves an audience. Nothing is more frustrating to her than when people aren't listening to her. If you think about it, no one likes to be ignored. Little kids may say silly things. However, if you listen closely they say plenty of important things too. I think listening to kids really makes them feel valued.
# 3 Spend More Time with Them
There's a parenting quote from Abigail Van Buren, the late, orginal ‘Dear Abby’ columnist, that says, "If you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as much time with them, and half as much money on them." While we like to go places like Disneyland, some of my favorite memories with my kids are when we are just hanging out at our house.
# 4 Set Boundaries
At the moment, children, especially teenagers, may not want to have any boundaries. However, if I were to let my kids eat candy every morning for breakfast, I really wouldn't be appreciating them. I would be making them unhealthy. By giving rules and setting boundaries, we show children that we care about their well-being.
# 5 Acknowledge Their Successes
It's easy to focus on the negative. However, although my kids still need plenty of reminders to clean up after themselves, they often put their plates in the sink without me asking.  Likewise, my daughter has been putting her clothes away and pitching in with more housework. I appreciate this and I let her know it.
I appreciate my kids when they are awake. I also appreciate it when they sleep.

photo credit: morguefile.com/creative/PhotogLife

Monday, August 4, 2014

I Have a Love-Hate Relationship with Playdates

When I was growing up, I’d walk outside and see one of the neighbor kids and say “Hey do you want to play hand ball” or “ride bikes.”  When I got a little older, I’d pick up my piano phone (yes, I had one of those and it was awesome) and see if one of my friends wanted to walk with me to get some candy.  The word playdate was never used.

However nowadays, at least in the suburbs of Southern California, it’s all parents ever hear.    

Mom can we have a playdate with ___________!
Let’s get the kids together for a playdate. 
Do you want to join our playdate group?

Now, don’t get me wrong.  I’d love to have a playdate with you.  I just think playdate is a loaded word.  For me, a playdate means I spend an hour cleaning my house and then an hour cleaning it up after the playdate.  I usually make a special trip to the store to purchase snacks for the playdate.  I plan on the snacks looking something like this:

Photo credit: .morguefile.com/creative/mconnors


However, usually, they look something like this:

Image credit:  morguefile.com/creative/xandert

I suppose  part of the problem with playdates is that I put too much pressure on myself.  I feel like I have to do x,y and z.  However, I think there are a lot of other moms out there who do the same thing.  You see, I’d like to take it down a notch because the word playdate has become too big of an event for me.  Perhaps, we could just go back to saying, Hey do you want to come over or let’s meet at the park.  We can talk and the kids can make mud pies and look for roly polies.  As for my involvement, I’ll come along because my kids are still little.  Heck, I’ll even bring a box of crackers and some juice boxes, in case anyone gets hungry.

I actually love it when the kids across the street are home because they usually come out and play.  Unfortunately, they are quite a bit older than my kids and busy with sports and homework.  However, when they do come out and play, it reminds me a bit of my childhood, the good ole’ days.  Yet, in a few years, the youngest neighbor boy, the one my daughter enjoys playing with, will be moving on to junior high.  I have a feeling he might not be riding his bike around the cul-de-sac as frequently.

I’m not willing to ban playdates from my social agenda.  My daughter craves social interaction, and my son likes playing too.  And, I love a change of setting. After all, there are new toys and fun friends to play with.   I can talk about potty training woes and anything with my mommy friends.   I notice that I become less frustrated with my children when I’m in the company of others.  This has to be good for my blood pressure.  

I wonder if there is anyone else out there who has a love-hate relationship with playdates?  Maybe we could start a support group.  

Before school starts, I’m planning on having a playdate or two. However, I’m not going to call it that….I hope my friends understand.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

The Liebster Award: My First Nomination

I’m thrilled to be nominated for The Liebster Award! Liebster is German for beloved.


Lewis Lane Designs

My blog is coming up on its two month anniversary.  I’m still learning a lot about the blogging world and I’m happy to be connecting with other bloggers.  The Liebster award is a way to appreciate the blogs you enjoy reading.  Thank you to Katie from Views From The Stepstool for the nomination.  


Here’s how The Liebster Award works:

1. Each person who is nominated should post 11 things about themselves.

2. You must also answer the questions that the tagger set for you in addition to creating 11 questions for the individuals you nominate to answer.

3. Nominate 5 – 11 of your favorite bloggers and link them in your post.  I don’t know a lot about the qualifications for The Liebster award.  However, I  have read that nominees are supposed to have no more than 200 followers. 

4. Visit  your nominees’ pages and inform them of your nomination.

5. Thank and link back to the person’s blog who nominated you.

So here are 11 interesting things about myself:

1.  Before becoming a mom, I was a teacher.  I taught mostly upper grade elementary students.  I also taught a beginning English college class.  I was very young and half of my students were older than me.  

2.  Two years after I was married, my husband and I went to Italy for a two-week tour.  We saw Rome, Sorrento, the Island of Capri, Lake Como and many more places.  I ate gelato everyday!  

3.   I have a personal relationship with Jesus!  Horrible things happen in the world everyday but Jesus is my rock.

4.  Both of my children were late preterm.  In both situations my water broke a little over a month early.  I had to be induced.  Luckily, both kids didn’t have to stay in the NICU too long.

5.  I have four animals, two cats and two dogs.   One of my dogs has three legs.  As a tripod, she gets a lot of attention when we are out and about.   

6.   I went to UCSD in La Jolla, California.  I became accustomed to foggy sunsets, runs along the beach and wearing flip flops 364 out of 365 days of the year.  

7.  My husband and I met on a blind date.  My good friend from high school set us up.  The funny thing is, he went to college in my hometown.   I always wondered if our paths crossed, before we knew each other, and we didn’t even know it.

8.  I am not a morning person.  I love staying up late.  My family knows not to mess with me when I’m tired. 

9.  In college, I majored in Writing and Literature.  I had an internship at a San Diego based magazine.   However, I got pneumonia and had to give my internship up.   When I had kids, I started writing online freelance articles. I have published over 2000 articles.  

10.  I enjoy running...but not too far.  In high school, I was on the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams.  The last race I ran was the Coronado Bridge Race.  I really want to do a mud run but need to do some serious training.

11. I love sharks. I find them fascinating and hope to see a Great White up close one day.

Here are my answers to Katie’s questions:
1.  How do you decide what to write about?

I write about daily events that inspire me, touch my heart, or make me feel frustrated!   I keep a journal about topics that interest me.  

2. What inspired your blog name?

It was very hard for me to pick a name.  However, since I live in Southern California, I’m often at the beach.   The beach is somewhat of a symbol for my life as a mom and how I’m Wading through Motherhood.  

3. What was the best present ever given to you?

My children.  I consider them a gift from God.  Children truly are precious and should be appreciated.  I wish all children were considered gifts.

4. Where is the most beautiful place you have ever been?

The Island of Capri in Italy.  The also have lemon chocolate, lemon doughnuts. In other words, the food is beautiful too.

5. What is the best job you've ever had?

I used to be a teacher.  That was pretty great.  However, when my kids were born, I became a freelance writer.  Now, I have a hard time thinking about going days without writing.  I love it and I think it’s wonderful to be paid for something you love to do.   As a mom, even though I have deadlines, I enjoy the flexibility of the schedule and being able to take my daughter to school.
6. Where would you like to vacation next?

I love Salt Creek in Dana Point.  I honeymooned there.  It’s not terribly far away but California has so many beautiful beaches, I don’t have to travel far to experience breathtaking sites.  

7. Favorite social media platform?

I enjoy the interaction on Facebook.  It was the first social media platform I became involved with so I’m familiar with it.  

8. What is something as a parent that you do/will do different than your parents did?

My parents were/are awesome.   I suppose I’ll have to be more vigilant about social media/cell phone use.   My parents didn’t have to deal with that when we were growing up.

9. What is your favorite family tradition?

I like going to look at Christmas lights as a family.   There are some amazing displays where I live.

10. What is your favorite Disney movie/character?

Olaf from "Frozen."   He is cute and lovable.   I’m pretty sure my kids would approve of my choice.

11. What is your favorite blog post you have written?

My favorite blog post is Five Reasons Parents Stay Up Too Late.

I am nominating these awesome mom bloggers. Drum roll please!

Jaya from IQ Mom
Valerie from Atlanta Mom of Three
Lis from Lifeblooming

Now nominees, here are your 11 questions to answer:

1. Why did you start a blog?

2. What is your favorite family activity?

3. What is your biggest parenting fear?

4. What is your most popular blog post?

5. If you could travel anywhere, all expenses paid, where would you go?

6. What is your favorite season?

7. What is your favorite book to read to your children?

8. What is the best part about blogging?

9. ….And the worst?

10. Where is your favorite kid-friendly recreational spot to go (amusement park, park, etc)?

11. What is your favorite television program or movie?


Thanks again Katie for the nomination!