Toddler haircuts

So this happened on Saturday...

I was out for a quick run on Saturday morning.  Bry was on the treadmill.  There was about 10 minutes of unsupervised time.  The girls took it upon themselves to line up two chairs, train style.  But instead of "Choo-Choo", it was "chop-chop".  I came in from my run to see T's giant grin and K right behind her, scissors in hand aiming at T's hair.  Immediately, my eyes went to T's head as I ran through the list of photo opportunities quickly approaching, Easter, birthday party, DANCE RECITAL!  Luckily, Kenley's handiwork wasn't obvious.  But then I noticed the piles of hair on the floor and I finally registered K's hair.

Bangs - gone.  Beautiful golden locks - hacked.  I tried to even it out as much as I could.  There were so many lonely chunks.  I tried to keep myself together too.  I know this is a rite of passage.  All girls cut hair at some point.  I know I did.  Hopefully this is the last time.  To that effect, I had T recite the following many times this weekend, "Only Mummy and Miss Annie cut hair".  Hopefully, that sticks.  In the meantime, Kenley has been trying to encourage me by singing her favorite song, "Let it go".  Over, and over, and over.  Just that one line.

Even crazy, short hair can't stop this one from being adorable!

And as for T, I brushed out many, many clumps of loose hair that K had indeed cut, but I did notice more around T's face that she had to have cut herself.  Thankfully, there is hair gel and hairspray to keep these chunks in place for her recital.

Juggling Act

As a post-doc and a mother of two (2.5 years old and 9 months old), I’m often asked “How do you do it?”

The truthful answer is – barely.

I’m certainly not excelling in any area of my life, whether as a post-doc, wife, or mother.  I’m really just getting by in each area. On top of that, I have no life.  Seriously, if you asked me today what I do for fun, I would have no idea how to answer you.  I used to do lots of things – go out with friends, go running or hiking, read a book, sew, go shopping, go to the movies, etc.  My weekends are now filled with laundry, errands, and wiping bums.

I love it.

You might not have expected that, right?  How could that be fun?  If not fun, it is incredibly fulfilling.  I have a job I love, a supportive husband, two beautiful girls, what more could I ask for?  Ok, maybe more sleep.

10 years ago, when I was struggling with the decision to go back to school or not, the lingering doubt in my mind was whether there would ever be a “good” time to have a family and would I be willing to make sacrifices in order to “have it all”.  Luckily, a good friend and colleague of mine had just finished her post-doc, was just starting her family, and wished she hadn’t waited, telling me that grad school was the most flexible time of her life.  I took her advice and experiences to heart and had my first daughter a few months after proposing my thesis research and my second just one month after defending that research.

In order to make it all work, I need support in every aspect of my life.  I need a husband that is willing to step in and assume some of my roles/duties when I need to go to work at midnight for growth curve media collection, and I need a boss that understands that daycare closes at 5:30 and I need to be out of here in time to pick up my littles.  It’s definitely a juggling act and one slip could cause everything to crash.  I live in a constant state of anxiety and guilt, feeling that I’m not living up to expectations.  But those expectations are only imposed by me.  If I stop to listen to the people around me, asking how I do it, it’s because we’re succeeding, somehow. 

Somehow, my experiments get done. 

Somehow, my children are clean, fed, and well behaved.  

Somehow, my husband and I have 30 minutes each night to crash on the couch together and just catch our breath.

I tell myself, over and over, that all things are temporary and this crazy phase of life will soon pass…, only to be replaced by new kinds of crazy (think ballet lessons, grant deadlines, etc.).  But it’s working, and I have so much to be proud of.  So, while I may not be winning prestigious awards or getting nominated for Mommy-of-the-Year anytime soon, I am awarded with happy kids and a husband that love me, and slow-but-steady progression of research.

Also posted on my nerdy blog at http://postdocexperience.scienceblog.com/2013/01/08/juggling-act/

Hoarders 2032

"On the next episode of "Hoarders", season 26, episode3:
Meet T, young, bright, talented, and beautiful.  But her secret is going to bury her alive..."


My current, irrational fear for my daughter's future - hoarding.  She has been very attached to a few items recently and there are others that she rotates in and out, but wherever she goes, she is burdened with all the things she feels compelled to carry with her.  The regular items include Mimi&Binky (when we let her, trying to keep these for bedtime only), drumsticks, and Teddy.  Other items have included DVD cases, purses, new Mimi, Baby Doll, and a weird play mobile attachment part that resembles a question mark two feet long that T calls her "umbrella".  She even insists on sleeping with these items, as uncomfortable as they may be.

I've tried to suggest that she has too many things to carry and offer to help.  This is met with responses like "No, that's mines," or "I had it first".  Apparently, she is already prepared to her younger sister to start stealing her clothes.

"Where my DVD case?" says K.

In this picture, I really wanted to get a cute shot of my coordinating girls and tried to pry away the DVD case, Teddy, and High School Musical purse (filled with an assortment of items), but she refused. At least I got the smile!

So, I don't know if this is normal 2.5 year old behavior (I'm sure it is).  I'm watching closely though.  I've had first hand experience with cleaning up after a hoarder and it was horrifying.  Excuse me now, as I purge four trash bags full of clothes to donate...

On a side note, the other day, T said, "Look Mummy, there are three many birds!"  Puzzled, I asker her to repeat what she said, and again she stated "three many birds."  It took me a couple of minutes to figure out she hears me say "too many" (as in she is carrying too many things) and assumes I say "two many".  Thus, the logical toddler interpretation for even more of something would be "three many".  I need to figure out how to clarify that for her, right after I explain one snowman, two snowmen.  :)

Hang on a sec...

So, the other day, I was sitting in a cafe and you'll never believe who walked in-

What T? You're hungry? Ok. Hang on.

Where was I? Right. So they sat down at the table right next to me and asked me-

Oh wait. K is up.

Ok, I'm back. So then we just started talking about-

Sigh. Yes T? You pooped? It was big? Great. Ok, let me clean you up.

Sorry. I'm bac- T! Get off the dog! He is not a pony!

Any wonder why I can't have have an adult conversation lately? Between wiping bums, nursing, putting the girls down for naps, and tubby time, I'm lucky if I can spell my name. But, I can sing 3 different versions of ABCs.

Can't complain though. I have two beautiful, healthy, well adjusted little girls. I'm a lucky mummy! I have the best life- CRASH!

Um, got to run...

Ribbon edged tutu tutorial

This year, T decided she wanted to be a "Princess Ballerina" for Halloween.  Who knew 2-year olds could be so opinionated!?  I've made the no-sew tutus before, but I thought the ribbon edged ones looked just a bit more "princessy". I purchased yellow, pink, and purple tulle, but in the end, just made a purple tutu. 

Materials needed:

1-2 yards of tulle (depending on size and how many layers you want)

1-2 spools of coordinating 1/2 inch satin ribbon

3/4 inch elastic for waistband

thread

scissors/rotary cutting materials

sewing machine (serger not necessary)

First, I took her measurements and figured out what size to cut the tulle. 

Length (waist to knee) 8".

Waist 20"

I planned to fold over the tulle to create a casing for the elastic, with this in mind, I doubled the length measurement and added 2 inches for the casing.

To get a full skirt, you generally double the waist measurement.  I wanted to get the most out of my tulle, and since I bought a yard, I used the 36" as my width.

So, I cut three layers at 18" x 36". Then, cut the ribbon to the width measurement, here 36".

You will be attaching ribbon to both long edges of the tulle such that, when folded in half, the right sides are facing the same way.  Placing the ribbon down first, I sewed the tulle using a straight stitch down the middle of the ribbon.

 Then, making sure when folded in half, the right sides face the same way, attach ribbon to the other long side of the tulle.

With right sides of the ribbon facing in, fold the tulle into a tube (with ribbon at the top and bottom edge) and sew up the side.  I used a serger here (mostly because I love using it and try to find ways to incorporate it any way I can, but don't be like me, use a coordinating thread if you do this), but a straight stitch is perfectly fine since tulle won't unravel.

 (I just love when the trimmed edges collect from my serger.  See, I'm obsessed with it!)

Repeat with all your layers, whether of the same or different colors.  Take all your tubes and insert one into another.  From here, find the middle of the tube and mark the center.  I used pins here, feel free to use those fancy fading markers.  However, tulle loves to shift on you and I found I had to pin like crazy (I hate pinning!), so I definitely recommend pinning the tulle.

 I found that if I rolled up the edges in toward that center, the tulle shifted less and was easier to manage.

 Sew through all layers along that center line, being careful to keep the tube of tulle open.

 Use that sewn center line as a guide and fold the tube into itself so that the right sides of the ribbon are now facing out.  Create a casing by sewing 3/8" from the center sew line all around, and then 1" from that stitched line, leaving a one inch opening to insert your waistband.  This makes a little ruffle around the top of the waistband as an additional detail, very cute over a leotard.

Cut your elastic waistband 2 inches smaller than the waist measurement.  Using a safety pin, feed it through the casing, and using a boxed-X pattern, sew the two ends together.

And you're done!  The proof that my daughter loves it?  She wore it all night (even to sleep), and then the next day!  I'd love to show it to you on her, but that is another post in our Halloween costume wrap-up!

Halloween 2012

I love Halloween.  It's my favorite holiday, as evidenced by last year's posts here and here.  While the only thing scary in my life right now are car and student loan payments, I like the idea of being spooked by something that I know is just pretend.  I also love an excuse as an adult to dress up.  I figured, T being 2, I had one last year to decide what we would be and I had a great one planned, a whole family group costume.  We were going to be the Mario Bros.!  Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach (T) and Toad (K).

Sigh.  Unfortunately, T is 2 going on 12 and she definitely has an opinion of her own.  She told me last week that she wanted to be a ballerina princess.  While I could squeeze this into my orginal plan, I had promised a long time ago that once she could choose for herself, she would decide her Halloween costume. And, side note, she wants her costume to be yellow, pink, and purple.  Ok, darling, whatever you want.

So, I searched the web, looking for inspiration, from none other than my favorite idea website, Pinterest.  (p.s. Are you following me there yet? It's http://pinterest.com/melissa_w_hayes)

Here's some ideas I found:

Source: zulily.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: nancytoussaint.org via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: 50.28.10.151 via Anna on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Christie on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Carolyn on Pinterest

I really like the ribbon edged tutu look, but I didn't find any "how-to's", so I think I should get to work and make my own, don't you?  Well, I've got less than two months so I best get to work!

Imagination station

This past Christmas, I tried to focus on gifts for T that would encourage imaginary play: play foods, Little People zoos, etc.  For a brief initial burst, she played with all these things and since they have been accumulating dust.  Recently however, T's imagination has undergone a growth spurt.  I think these pictures say it all:

She spent a solid two hours preparing a meal for us, offering us bites, and feeding us.  She insisted on putting on the oven mitt and apron too!I've been catching her having private conversations with her little characters.  She has also started saying prayers with her Praying Bear, Hope (something, something, something, AMEN!).  It is so sweet to see and hear all this develop!

Along with the fun though, she has also started having some nightmares.  A couple times a week, she'll wake up crying.  Luckily, it has coincided with K's nighttime feedings, so we're already awake!  Poor girl, though, she insists on everything being removed from her bed and lots of snuggles to settle down again.  It's been happening enough that I felt like I should do some research to make sure we're addressing it properly.  They all mostly say the same thing, offer comfort, lots of love and reassurance, but saying things like "It's just a dream" is unlikely to help since toddlers don't understand the difference between reality and imaginary.  Look below for some of the advice I found.


Here's what I found on BabyCenter.com

How to help your toddler after a nightmare

Go to your toddler when she cries out. Physical reassurance is important, so hold her or rub her back until she calms down. You may also want to make sure her favorite stuffed animal or toy is tucked in with her and double-check that the night-light is on. If you bring your toddler into your bed to comfort her, be aware you could be creating a habit that's hard to reverse.

Talk to her about the nightmare if she's old enough to understand what you're saying. But keep in mind that "it's only a dream" won't be much consolation, since at this age she doesn't grasp the difference between reality and dreams.

Preventing nightmares

It's certainly not foolproof, but a peaceful bedtime routine — a warm bath, an upbeat story, a song, and a night-light — can help ward off nightmares. Try reading bedtime books that link sleep with cozy, happy situations, such as Margaret Wise Brown's classic Goodnight Moon.

If the nightmares persist and your child is extremely afraid of going to bed, bring up the subject with her doctor — the bad dreams might signal there's something going on in her waking life that needs addressing.

This article was reviewed by pediatric sleep expert Judy Owens.



From family.go.com

What to Do

If your toddler awakens scared from a nightmare:

• Be understanding and patient.
• Bring her a glass of water or try wiping a cool washcloth across her brow.
• Give her lots of hugs, kisses, and reassurance.
• Let her tell you all about her dream if she wants to talk about it though chances are she might not remember it.

And from Yahoo

How to Help Your Toddler When He or She Has a Nightmare If you suspect your child is having nightmares, don't hesitate to comfort them. Your child is scared, and because of their young age, they may not be able to communicate their fears. Rubbing them gently on the back, tucking them in, making sure the nightlight is still on, and giving them their favorite stuffed animal may help comfort your child after a nightmare.
Don't punish or yell at your child for having a nightmare. Although it can be stressful for parents to wake up at 2:00am to a whimpering, crying and scared child, they are not doing this to be annoying or defiant. Your child is afraid and they need comfort. Don't punish them for communicating in the only way they know how. Lecturing or scolding your toddler for reaching out to you when they feel fearful will not help ease their fears and will only create more stress.
Although it might be tempting to tell your toddler, "It was just a dream," odds are they won't understand what this means. To your child, reality and fantasy are not separate, so the concept of dreaming doesn't make sense to them. Instead, reassure your child that you are there for them and they're safe.
If you're comfortable with it, you might allow your child to spend the remainder of the night in bed with you. This decision may not be advisable if you're afraid of your child making sleeping with you a habit. If you don't mind it, then it may help to comfort your child.
How Can I Prevent Nightmares?
There is no sure-fire way to prevent your toddler from having nightmares, but creating a more peaceful bed time routine may help. Try giving your child a warm bath before bed, and reading a story to them before tucking them in. A peaceful routine may help keep them calm and relaxed, while reading them a positive children's book may prevent any negativity or scary things from during the day from transferring into nightmares!