Month #12 | Minneapolis Baby Photographer

Has it been a year already? My baby girl is growing up so fast! She is almost running and has, in just the last few days, been trying to jump (a skill that takes an incredibly long time to learn, but is a process that is thoroughly entertaining to watch). She spends her days playing in the dirt, eating sand, meowing at the kitties, climbing, "chasing" with Daddy, and studying everything her brothers do. She loves to give kisses, wave "goodbye", spot airplanes in the sky, and point at things.

She is a girl who has places to go, knows what she wants and don't try to stand in her way! I recently realized that I haven't really taught her any baby sign language. I haven't felt the need. She is so very clear about her needs and desires (ex. leaning in and pointing, going to her highchair when she is hungry, etc.). We could have some major power struggles ahead of us.... ;-)

I am completely smitten with this age but, seeing how fast she is growing and learning, I am constantly reminded that motherhood is chalk-full of bittersweetness. The excitement of watching your baby take their first steps is tainted by the realization that they are moving out of the baby phase. The thrill of hearing "mama" for the first time is swiftly followed by the desire not to hear "mama" every five seconds. The satisfaction of seeing them become more independent is filled with the all the worries that that very independence brings. But, as sad as it is to know that my baby isn't going to be a baby much longer, I can't wait to see what lie ahead of us. 

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

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Month #4

How did I get here? I have somehow become the mother of 2.5 year old twin boys and a 4 month old girl. It doesn't seem like that long ago that I was too young to get married and WAY too young to even THINK about having kids. Makes me think of that saying "Who are these kids and why are they calling me Mom?" I totally feel like that some days.

That being said, I take great joy (and frustration) in my role as "Mom". I am endlessly awed at how these little people grow and change on a daily basis. The boys are amazing me everyday with their language skills and their newly discovered world of imaginative play. Genevieve continues to be an easy-going baby. As my mom says, she "eats, sleeps, and smiles." She is incredibly strong for her age. She rolls both ways with ease, loves anything that she can stand or jump in, and can get up on all fours with her belly off the ground. I seriously wouldn't be surprised if she started crawling tomorrow.

I may not know exactly how I ended up here, but I'm glad that I did (most of the time anyway. ;)
-Gretchen

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Mommy Guilt

Okay, what is the DEAL with "mommy guilt" anyway? We mothers seem to question every little thing we do, day in and day out. We are constantly wondering if we are doing "enough", if we're doing the "right" thing for our kids, our family, and ourselves (if we are even able to factor ourselves into the equation at all!). We beat ourselves up over the tiniest things and our heads are spinning with questions about what we are doing or not doing every second of the day. Am I a bad mom because I let them watch an extra half hour tv show today so I could finish cleaning the kitchen? Did I forget to wash their hands before they had lunch? Was I too harsh or not harsh enough when he threw that toy across the room? 

In the midst of it all I realize the little that I do will scar my children forever....but what are the things that will? 

How is it that we do everything "wrong" (or at least that's what it seems like we're always telling ourselves) and our children still continue to grow into the amazing little people that they are? Maybe its time that us mommies cut ourselves (and each other) some slack and realize that we're not so bad at this parent thing after all. 

Early childhood experts tell us that we should reinforce positive behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. I say its time to test that theory out on ourselves for a while and see if we don't feel a little better and enjoy our kids a little more.

Have a great day!

Gretchen

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Daily Dilemma

Kids are draining - always curious and full of energy. It seems like they have the most energy on the days their parents have the least. I awake everyday to the same dilemma: take them out and spend the day chasing after them and barking commands (“Stay close to Mommy!”, “Hold hands.”, “Don’t touch that.” ...) or stay home and face a day of irritable, cooped up kids. My fenced backyard is a godsend...or it was until my husband decided to remove a small piece of the fence, allowing the boys (who of course have super-human radar for the smallest of holes) to escape into the front yard and head straight for the street.

So, what’s a parent to do with these rambunctious little rascals? Luckily, we live in an area that has a long list of great places for kids. Here are a few of our favorites:

Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store (great storytimes on most Tuesday mornings - 10am) 

Courage Center warm water pool (open swim on Wednesday evenings - 6:30-8pm)

Como Zoo/Conservatory (Lil’ Explorer Thursdays at the visitor center - 10am-12am)

Creative Kidstuff (fun store w/lots for kids to play with. I probably should buy something every once in a while too...)

Wild Rumpus Bookstore (storytimes on Monday mornings - 10:30am)

ECFE playtime/open gym (Riverview site in Brooklyn Park - Fridays 9:30-12pm; Sign-up for summer classes on May 14th!)

Eagle’s Nest Indoor Playground

Minnesota Children’s Museum (get a membership if you plan to go often - its a little spendy!)

Twin City Model Railroad Museum (toy train division, train tables for kids to play with)

Hennepin County Libraries (most have story times that are great for kids of various ages)

Other places I have heard are good, but haven’t been to yet:

Midtown Global Market (Wee Wednesdays - activities for young children on Wednesday mornings)

Red Balloon Bookshop (toddler storytime on Thursdays - 10:30am)

Edinborough Park Indoor Playground

Anoka Aquatic Center (outdoor pool/splash pad)

We're always looking for new places to go, so if you have one that's not listed here, please share it in a comment below or on our Facebook page. Desperate parents around the metro will thank you! 

Gretchen

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