Motherhood Monday: 'Tis the Season

...to be snotty??

Ugh.

The most wonderful time of the year.  The time of year where it will take an act of God to keep your family well.  With Amelia's asthma it's stressful anytime she gets a bit of a runny nose or cough.  We break out the nebulizer as soon as we hear her wheeze.  She's a good sport most of the time, so I'm thankful for that.

See the purple canister in the background?  That's my giant, mother-load, canister of Boogie Wipes.  I love those things!  Saline wipes for runny, raw noses.  Check here to get a coupon and give them a try :)

I'm just hoping to get us through the holidays without any more illness.  Santa, all I want is to be healthy this year!

P.S. - Be sure to like She Lives on Less on Facebook and Twitter to get more deals, coupons, and frugal living link-ups!  I only post what I love and use. Promise.

Motherhood Mondays: Lovey Loves

Cup of Joe was asking readers about how long they had a lovey.  Or if their children were attached to one.  Or four.

We have entered into lovey stage around here.

Meet Piglet.

Well, actually, he's just called "pig" or "piiiiggy".  She will call him Piglet, but she doesn't know much about Winnie-the-Pooh yet outside of a couple of books floating around the house.

She just loves pigs.

It got to the point, that we had to get a back up because I was getting anxiety about losing this precious pig.

I still get a bit nervous when she totes it around in public.  I kind of wish it was contained to the crib (along with the pacifier), but we're just not there yet.

I'm learning to be patient with this small, piggy friend.  It could be worse.  She could take her singing baby-doll to bed with her.  Hearing that thing squeal and giggle on the monitor would be terrifying.

No thank you.  I'll stick with pig.


What about you?  Does your child have a special lovey?

Motherhood Monday: A Simple Note

My dear sister sent me a sweet card the other day that I have been wanting to share.

It came just when I needed it - does that ever happen to you?

Anyway, I adore this new line of "mom cards" that Target is carrying now.  They are so touching, poignant, and hysterical all at the same time.  That's talent! The brand is Carlton cards, so keep a look out for them next time you're out shopping.

Every Mother needs a reminder sometimes that they are normal in their madness.  Anyone who says otherwise is just flat out lying.  

Happy Monday, Mommas!

Motherhood Monday: Toddler Chases

Amelia is 17 months old today, and I find myself just staring at her in complete wonderment.

She is such a baby still, but so much a wild-hearted toddler.  We had a lovely family weekend, and I was able to have some much needed alone Mommy time.  Meaning, I ran errands, got a haircut, and recharged my batteries.

It's necessary and very appreciated.

Makes me grateful to have such a supportive spouse.  I can't imagine being on this path with anyone else.  I ache for military families or single parents who must put on a brave face and carry on alone.  Counting my blessings lately, one high speed chase after another.

Did you do anything for just you this weekend?  I hope so.  Happy Labor Day!

Motherhood Monday: Bedtime Books

Taking a note from A Cup of Jo and thinking about all of Amelia's favorite bedtime books.  She is already a voracious reader (much like her Momma) and has been using the sign for "book" since she was about 8 or 9 months old.  She's now (almost) 17 months and asks for some by name.  I narrowed it down to her top three choices.

Upon bedtime and waking she asks for "alldawul".  Which is...

For this book, she hops up and down on the bed like a bunny.  She also stretches her arms wides, grabs her toes, and kisses goodnight at all the appropriate parts.  I cannot tell you how it tickles me.

For this next one, she smacks her head and says "HAT!"  She is a big fan of this Dr. Seuss classic, I think I need to find more.  We don't even have the original yet!

I was really blessed to be gifted a great deal of children's books at my baby shower.  Instead of cards, my friend and family filled Amelia's bookshelves.  I've had to buy very few yet, but am always on the lookout for inexpensive ways to build her budding library.  

Here is a short list of places I've had good luck at finding cheapo kiddo books:

• Discount/closeout stores like TJMaxx/HomeGoods (they have all the hot titles for less)
• Neighborhood yard sales
• Scholastic Book club (teacher perk!)
• Goodwill
• Target $1 bins (durable board books for lil droolers)
• Play group book swaps (fun!)

Where have you had luck?

Motherhood Monday ~ Baby Kryptonite

I feel like my daughter's first year went by in a blink, and the second year is warp speed.  She became a real toddler before I knew it, and is busy with a side of sassy.  I love the daily chase, as exhausting as it is, but I'm amazed at her energy.  I wish I could bottle it!

I find myself thankful for how affectionate she still is, even though she can hardly sit still.  Ever.

Last week, she was being a bit aggressive while playing.  Nothing major, just getting a kick out of throwing her toys and tackling me.  I think she poked or scratched me, and I reminded her to "be gentle".

I made it into a little song to lighten the moment and calm her down.  She thought it was hysterical, and I cuddled her and stroked her cheek.  She stopped moving all together and just stared at me.

I had done it!  I'd found her kryptonite for calming.  Isn't it funny how we adapt at each stage with kids?  The "be gentle" song is our new swaddle.

(Don't worry, her reaction was way cuter with better animation.)

I let my husband in on the song that night, and he had to control his laughter when she nearly passed out while reading her book.  She was so relaxed by it.  Went right to sleep with no complaint.

The next night, he tried his luck with the song.  I think he was nervous it might be a "mommy only" deal, but not so.  She was hypnotized and nearly conked out again.

Tonight we both cuddled and sang to her before bed, and she almost face planted in her copy of Corduroy.  It was adorable, but completely hysterical.  We tried to hold back the snorting giggles, but she just stared at us and rolled her eyes.  It was too much.

I'm sure next week I'll be hopping on one foot and quoting The Cat in the Hat.  Is there anything we won't do?

Amazon Baby

I'm sure the title of this post is no surprise to you.  Here is a typical convo in any given day out of my life.

Mom at Mall play area:  (motions to Amelia) How old is she?

Me:  15 months.

Mom:  Wow, she's tall!

Me:  Yes, she is.  (smile)