Day3: "The Toddler Bed"

Last night was nothing short of a disaster. Honestly, I should say a large portion of the afternoon was. My oldest son fell down and busted open his chin. It was awful! Because of this, Hayden's nap was very late in the day resulting in a weird night for him. He was hard to keep asleep all night long. Even in my bed. That's right folks, I said my bed.

He started off in his own bed doing fabulous but that was extremely short lived. It was most likely the nap and the fact that he is coming down with his brothers cold.

I told my husband I figured it would be a hard night and sure enough as we were making a list of Christmas stuff to still buy, I heard the cries of little Hayden.

Today we are playing very safe so nobody gets hurt and we are striving for a more successful night in the toddler bed.

Day2: "The Toddler Bed"

Last night was fantastic! There was no resistance when I laid Hayden down at all. I did lay with him to help him fall asleep but that is ok. It is only day two. We will work on him falling asleep on his own in the next few days.

The best part of last night was that he stayed in his bed without waking up until 1am. This was a whopping 2 hours more than the previous night! I am impressed at the quick progress.

When I went to get him at 1am, he was nlot even crying. I had heard some rustling so I went to check on him and he was standing there by his door being so patient and waiting for mommy to come get him.

The failing part of last night was me. I did bring him to my bed at 1am. I know... I know....

Recipie Thursday: Tomatoe Soup



Image courtesy of peppercornpress.com



Ingredients:

2 (28 oz. ) cans crushed tomatoes

1 (14.5) can chicken broth

18 fresh basil leaves, minced

1 tsp sugar

1 cup whipping cream

½ cup butter

Directions:

In a large sauce pan, bring the tomatoes and broth to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add basil and sugar. Reduce heat to low; stir in cream and butter. Cook until butter is melted.

Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches or some French bread.

*Recipe courtesy Allrecipies.com

Day1: "The Toddler Bed"

Well, I hope you were not hoping to hear about a night of great success because it surely was not that. However, I am happy with the start of it all given the circumstances.
Hayden has been in my bed now for a year and a half, so this is significant progress in my book.
I have been a little under the weather so, I was not totally excited when Hayden woke up at 11pm. I was so super tired that I did not put in as much effort as I had planned.
The night started off OK. He was a little resistant about falling asleep in his toddler bed, so I laid there with him and he was out within ten minutes. I even snapped a photo of his fast asleep. I then had a quick bite to eat. I expected him to wake withing thirty minutes but he was still fast asleep when I was ready to fall asleep. I checked on both my boys and I was out like a light. However at 11 he was up. I was so tired... to my bed he came. This might send him a mixed message so I need to get better about this. Less than an hour later my oldest was up and sick! I was glad at this point I had decided to bring little Hayden in my bed. That left me free to deal with Gabe, who also ended up in my bed.
I am feeling a little better today so I hope to put a little more effort into this challenge and achieve success.

I wonder if any of my readers have dealt with this issue or a similar one?

Invitation To "The Toddler Bed"

Image courtesy of mygiftedchild.com

It is time for another one of Melomomma's famous challenges.Join me on a sleepless adventure for the next 5 days as I attempt to get my little one to sleep in his toddler bed. It shall be an exhausting journey and it all starts tonight! Check in tomorrow for a full update. I'm not going to lie; I am nervous! Please wish me luck! I am going to need it and a lot of coffee too!

Christmas Tree Art, Christmas Tree Magnet, Christmas Tree Advent Calendar Craft-Kid Friendly

What you will need:
Scissors
Pen
Felt
Glue (fabric glue works best)
Glitter
Magnets (optional)

Directions:
Draw a tree onto the felt and cut it out.

Cut out 25 circles (various sizes and colors)
Glue on the circles. These are your Christmas bulbs.
Cut out a star for the top and glue it on.
Add glitter for the finishing touches.

Variations:
Advent Calendar: Glue om one ball a day until Christmas to help your child count down to the big day!

Magnet: Follow the above directions but when the tree is all dry add small magnets to the back and hang on the fridge for a beautiful decoration. You can do this for the advent calendar too.

Kid friendly and fun to make!

A FREE Personalized Story From Santa- Super Hot Freebie

Image courtesy of.arcticboy.com

This is one of the best freebies I have seen! Sign up here to have Santa read your child a personalized story, "A Story Before Bed".

I contacted the company directly to ask a few questions about hidden fees and they assured me this is no gimmick. It is totally free! It is a limited time offer so hurry!

Thanks Freebies 4 Mom

A Very Cheap Way To Get A Personalized Letter From Santa

Image courtesy of treehugger.com

I have seen these web sites offering a "letter from Santa". It is a super idea but they also want $19.95.

Why not ask a friend or neighbor to write your kids a letter? It won't be post marked from the North Pole but does that matter? If your child is old enough or detail oriented enough to catch this then it is time to whip out the mom magic.

Why not tell them Santa has his own postal staff working all over the world? Or, Santa sends his mail with Elf magic and not through the post office?

With a little imagination you can make it special for your little ones!

Paper Plate Snowman-Very Kid Friendly Craft

What you will need:

3 paper plates

Construction paper

Scissors

Glue or tape

Directions:

Glue or tape the paper plates together.

Cut out several circles.

Glue two onto the snowman for eyes.

Cut out a carrot shape for the nose and glue it on.

Use the remainder of the circles to make a mouth for the snowman and buttons.

Cut out the hat and the flower.

Glue the flower onto the hat and then onto the snowman.

Cut out two stick arms and glue them to the back of the paper plate to make arms.

Bam! There is a paper plate snow man. Now hang him up and show off your great art work!

Beautiful Kid Friendly Glitter Pine Cone Centerpiece

What you will need:

Glue

Glitter

Pinecones

Tree greens

Towel or washable tablecloth

Directions:

1. Lay a pine cone on the covered surface.

2. Apply glue to the tips of the pine cone.

3. Sprinkle with glitter.

4. Repeat to as many pine cones as desired.

5. Lay tree greens flat.

6. Apply glue and glitter.

7. Repeat to as many greens as desired.

8. Allow all to dry.

9. Arrange as desired to create your holiday centerpiece.

I added a candle, beads, and a napkin holder to our centerpiece for finishing touches.

Sometimes in the chaos of shopping and cooking for the holidays makes the little ones get bored. This elegant craft was created by my 4 year old. I displayed it but he made it all. So... while you are getting business done, set your kiddo up with this craft and get yourself a beautiful centerpiece too. Don't forget to enjoy that quality time while on the nature walk for the pine cones and tree greens!

Happy Holidays!

Super HOT Giveaway

Freebies 4 Mom has two Hot Giveaways going on right now!

Currently going on in the giveaway is a Melissa and Doug Standing Wooden Easel, I Pad, and ACustom Calendar!

These are some really fun giveaways and it is super easy to enter.