What is Montessori? Maria Montessori created a framework for education which focuses on independence and freedom within boundaries, “following the child” (respecting the child as an individual, with unique personality, strengths, and preferences), and a carefully prepared environment. Classrooms are mixed-age, so that children can teach and learn from each other, and teaching younger children… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Family Life
Confession: My Babywearing Stash
This is my babywearing “stash” as of the beginning of October, 2012. It took a lot of work to get it all in one place, and I even missed one carrier, my Boba Air, which is in my stroller as backup. Why would someone “need” so many carriers? Let me explain. Top row: Boba 3G… Continue Reading
10+ Tips for Foolproof Baby-proofing
When I was pregnant with Anneliese, I redecorated my living room. We got a less oppressive coffee table, new wonderful couches that were exactly what I had in mind, and a pretty rug and curtains. I posted a picture on my facebook page, and got a horrified comment from a friend of a friend: Aren’t… Continue Reading
Joey’s First Foods
Joey has been 6 months old for just over a week now, and I wanted to share the things that he’s been tasting. Really not much eating happening, but lots of tasting. Anneliese’s first food was egg yolks, from local “happy chickens,” mashed with olive oil and a little sea salt. Joey’s was the same,… Continue Reading
How to EASILY Drain a Toddler Pool
We’ve really enjoyed splashing in the toddler pool in the evenings this summer. I know I mentioned it before, but I had thought we were going to go to the community pool a lot… not so. It’s so much easier to stay close to the house, in case someone needs a diaper or a bathroom… Continue Reading
Super-Duper Glow Stick Bath!–Toddler Tub Fun
Sometimes, my toddler doesn’t want to take a bath. She LIKES baths, but she knows I’m going to wash her hair, which she isn’t a really big fan of. So sometimes I have to pull out some “tricks” to get her (happily) into the tub. Sometimes it’s bubbles. Or new letters/numbers. A new toy. A… Continue Reading
Bringing Baby Home
There’s a lot of ceremony in bringing just-born babies home from the hospital. If you have other kids, or visiting family, there might be banners and balloons waiting for you at home, maybe a designated photographer, or even a birthday cake. And no doubt baby has a special outfit to come home in. Right? When… Continue Reading
Operation Grow Joey: Part 5
Before our trip to South Carolina, we went to see a pediatric gastroenterologist. We wanted to rule out anything ELSE physical that might be going on… oral motor dysfunction, liver issues, gut/digestive things. She didn’t notice anything obvious, and sent us to get a blood sample. She also gave me stool sample collection cards, and… Continue Reading
13 Truths About Airline Travel With Kids
Traveling with two kids two and under is definitely a challenge. Here are some things I learned or observed during my trip. I wrote these on the way to South Carolina, and I’m editing to add a bit of return-trip wisdom. 1)Snack Attack I planned ahead and packed a cooler-lunchbox full of healthy snacks for… Continue Reading
Operation Grow Joey: Part 4
All week, we’ve been nursing. No more pump. Joey has seemed to nurse better, but he still seems confused about what to do with his tongue some of the time. I stretch his frenotomy incision so that it will heal “opened” instead of closing back up and limiting his tongue again, several times a day.… Continue Reading
Operation Grow Joey: Part 3 – Post-Frenotomy
Joey’s frenulum, right before his frenotomy, Friday. I nursed him, and swaddled him in one of his blankets from home… I wanted to go with him but the doctor really didn’t want me to. I know I could’ve pushed it and gone, but I didn’t want the doctor to be nervous or anything, and I… Continue Reading
Sibling Pictures
A couple of weeks ago, I decided to try to get some pictures of Anneliese and Joey together, with my real camera. I have a bunch of phone pictures but not a lot of the two of them together, and not really good quality pictures. First of all? This guy. His hair. It kills me.… Continue Reading
Hi! I'm Emily. I'm a Navy wife and stay at home mom of two beautiful children. I cook simple, delicious, grain-free recipes, do crafts, decorate my home on a budget, and keep a happy household. I tandem breastfeed, babywear, cloth diaper, practice elimination communication, homebirth, and co-sleep, but I'm not a hippie.
Want to know more?
