Pampers, Huggies and all Diaper Boxes

If you have a little one I'm sure you've noticed by now how many diapers you go through in a month day. So what do you do with all of those empty boxes? If you're crafty and even if you're not there are so many things that can be done with them. Here are a few ideas:

• Make a race car out of one and sit your little one in it and race around the house or yard.
• Cover them with paper and make them look like bricks. Then you can build a fort!
• Cover and decorate it with whatever your fancy and turn it into a toy bin or turn it over and it can be a small desk.
• Cover it with blank paper and let your little one decorate it.

Get the idea? Use your imagination and share your ideas! The diaper wipe containers are also handy for crayons. The little plastic containers the baby food comes in are great for taking crunchies (puffs or cheerios) with you on the go. It's funny but some of the best toys are things we would ordinarily throw away. So, keep an open mind the next time you head for the garbage and think..."what can I turn this gem into?!"

Stubborn Toddler

Have you ever said or thought that your toddler was stubborn?! I have and then I try to remind myself that she's not stubborn so much as just trying to find her way in the world. We so often forget with our children that the world is a big and sometimes overwhelming place - especially when you're new to it. The next time your little one starts to show their stubborn side remember that they are not trying to annoy you. Look at the world through their eyes and do your best to get what needs to be done in a fun way. Make a game out of things as it really makes life easier and a lot more fun.

Eating Fruits and Veggies the Easy Way!

My daughter used to be great at eating her fruits and vegetables. All I would have to do is give her a spoon and away she'd go! One day something happened that changed everything...she decided eating at the table was BORING! The good old days of having her eat and eat healthy were done unless I could come up with a new plan. Since she loves to drink from her sippie cups I decided to make her a veggie drink. The only pureed type vegetable I had on hand was carrots so that went into her sippie cup along with some apple juice. Unbelievable as it may be this was a big hit! The next mealtime consisted of a pureed pears and apple juice concoction... another huge hit! Now whenever I want to get some extra fruits or veggies into my toddler's diet I experiment with different drink combinations. It is so much easier for an active toddler on the run to drink up her vitamins and it sure makes this everyday mom happy. :)