Watermelon Seed Counting

I'm trying my best to keep Henry entertained this summer as we adjust to baby Nora. So, we've still been doing Montessori inspired tot school as much as we can. One of the trays that we've been working on this summer has been watermelon seed counting. 

On this tray, the child is asked to count a specific number of seeds to place on the watermelon slice. The number depends on the number shown on the corresponding cards -- anywhere from 1 to 20. Henry has really enjoyed this activity and I wanted to share it with all of you! 

So, I created my very first clickable printable! While I used a felt watermelon, the cards and wooden beads as seeds, the printable contains everything you need to recreate this Montessori inspired counting tray -- the watermelon, the cards and seeds. 

Find Printable Here! 

I hope you enjoy this printable and that it's the first of many to come!

Nora -- 1 Month Old

I just can't believe that we are already here, 1-month-old. Wow, that went fast. It has seriously been the most joyous month of my life. It's been hard, it's been an adjustment, but there has been so much joy. 

Nora is the sweetest baby. I don't have official updated growth stats since there's  no doctors appointment this month. But she is growing. She is officially out of all newborn sized clothes and wearing size 1 diapers. She is rocking some serious old man hair right now and some serious baby acne. Nora's eyes are still blue -- much lighter than Hen's ever were. 

Personality-wise Nora has been really easy going so far. She lets us know if she needs something, but she's very easily calmed. She pretty much just eats, sleeps and poops (a lot!) Nora is nursing great, but is a constant snacker during the day -- eating every hour or more. I think I've finally figured out most of her cries and noises. She is cooing and chatting with us and is constantly on the verge of a big smile -- but we haven't had a true social smile yet. 

But, she's been taking good naps and sleeping really well at night, so I won't complain. She's usually been sleeping 2.5-3.5 hour stretches. Last night, she even did a 5 hour stretch! Nora sleeps in a Rock 'n Play in our room. 

Nora loves hanging out in her "happy place" -- her changing table -- and staring at the black and white images. She also loves staring into the mirror next to her floor bed. She also seems to enjoy being outside and taking baths. Nora tolerates her bouncy seat and sometimes a paci. She is not a fan of tummy time, and is starting to fuss now when Henry gets too close and loud. Nora is also a little diva about pooping -- she hates pooping in a wet diaper and will cry until a new one is put on and then immediately poop. 

But, full blown crying is not something we've heard a lot of. She is fussy in the evenings but still easily soothed. Once Nora gets what she wants, she is content. It's been a welcomed change from what we were used to. Although, I am starting to suspect that maybe she has a food allergy, but I'm not 100 percent on that yet. 

I'm sad that my tiny squishy newborn is quickly growing. She's no longer the newest of the new, but I'm so thrilled that she is here. Nora is wonderful and I can't wait to see what the next month holds. 

Montessori Inspired Baby Care Basket

Henry has been in love with babies for as long as I can remember. Real babies, baby dolls, he loves them all! In order to help him feel included after Nora's birth, I made him this Montessori inspired baby care basket. It allows him to safely use real baby care items and practice being a big brother. 

The baby care basket was really easy to pull together. The basket includes a baby doll, a swaddling blanket, a burp cloth, a set of mittens, a pair of socks, a onesie, a newborn diaper, and a hat. These items are placed in a large basket. Henry has access to the items whenever he wants. They are all real baby items, so he is using the exact same things I use with Nora. 

I try to encourage Henry to use his baby care basket when he is frustrated that I need to spend more of my time with Nora. It also helps Henry learn care of self skills, as he learns to put the socks, the mittens and other clothes on. 

Plus, it's a wonderful way for him to feel included during this time of transition. And, nothing makes me feel better than that! 

July 4, 2014

I love the 4th of July. It's one of those holidays that Morgan and I have been able to create our own traditions and spend time as a family. And that's exactly what we did!  For the past several years, we have gone on a trip to the Minnesota Zoo and then enjoy a backyard barbecue with friends. 

Henry loved the zoo and his reaction to the fireworks was priceless. And who can resist Henry is goggles and fancy shoes before swimming with friends? This year was extra special because we had Nora. Last year, we had just lost a baby before the 4th of July. This year, we had our rainbow baby and our first family outing. 

Even if Nora slept through most of the day, it was still amazing, and I'm looking forward to all the wonderful holidays and family outings ahead. 

Henry and Nora

On June 18th, my entire world was changed. Flipped upside down and inside out -- in the best way possible. The only other person who understands the change I've gone through is Henry. His world has flipped with mine -- he's no longer the baby, "my tiny tiny," but he's the "big brother" holding all the honor and responsibility that title has.

Henry met Nora in the late morning of her birth day. And I think the look on his face sums up how he feels about her. Henry physically loves Nora with every fiber of his being. He loves her in the "I'm going to squeeze you so hard in the most loving of way" way.

Since they met in that hospital room, Henry can't stop touching her. Seriously, not touching her is like a cruel form of torture for Henry. He wants to give her kisses, climb on her, rub his cheek against her soft hair, hold her hand, stick his fingers in her mouth, hug her. Every action is controlled and gentle but constant. Poor Nora cannot get a break from the loving grip of her brother.

Hen also talks to Nora in the highest pitch voice imaginable. It's a unique combination of really sweet and nails on a chalkboard. I don't know where he got the idea to talk to her like that, but it's stuck. 

For as much as Henry loves Nora, he is still having a tough adjustment period. It's not Nora he is having a problem with -- it's everyone else. He's become defiant and whiny. He says no to everything and everybody. He's throwing fits over things that would never have bothered him 2.5 weeks ago. He can't seem to listen to even the simplest requests. Every boundary must be tested. And, he's exerting more control over things like pottying. Even his visiting grandmas have felt the wrath.

But we are trying to be as understanding as possible while still holding him to the same rules and consequences he had before Nora was born. Henry seems to really need to make sure his boundaries are firm to feel some sense of order in the situation. And some extra one on one time and cuddles don't hurt either. 

I feel like with each passing day, glimpses of the true Henry are coming back. His adjustment has certainly been the hardest part about having a new baby. I feel guilty for creating so much stress in his life, but also so so happy watching Henry interact with Nora. I can only hope that as our new routine gets established he relaxes and I gain patience.

Really, I'm just so excited to see Henry and Nora grow up together. They are everything.