Let me just first say that I read this piece over at Cup of Jo awhile back, and I both completely adored it (as this is the parent I so desperately want to be),
and also instantly felt terrible (as I am constantly the one telling my kids to "hurry up"). Ugh. I'm the worst.
I was especially moved by this snippet from a related article in the Boston Globe:
This thought alone makes me want to sloooooooow down and just let my kids do "their thing" at their own pace while I just sit back and drink in their adorableness. From putting on their own shoes to exploring the back yard....time goes by way to quickly as it is, why hurry them along even more?!
This theory is not easy for an anally punctual person like me, but it is my motherly goal to try this so-called slow parenting this summer.
And what better time to start than summer,
where life is naturally at a slower, more leisurely pace...
Do you embrace slow parenting?
If so, what are your tips in letting go of control?
I'd much rather be on my lake floatie with a drink in hand under the hot summer sun (a.k.a. my new happy place), but alas, I'm back at dreaded work.
Vacay photos to come, I swear.
Meanwhile, I finished reading this on our trip:
A love story between two "cancer kids" which is so romantic and ever so sad.
If you don't mind having a Kleenex box at the ready for a good wholesome dose of "life's not fair", then I definitely recommend this one. It's just so very sweet.
OMG, how is it freaking Friday already?!
This week has just zipped right by.
We've been busy with zoo camp, ice cream socials, preschool field trips and summer library programs, tending to the garden (a.k.a. the current bane of my existence) and planning for a relaxing week up north (followed immediately by my not-so-relaxing return to work)....hence, the lack of blogging.
But in the words of Olaf, "all good things, all good things."
Regardless, I'm looking forward to all the R&R that next week will bring.
Moreover, here's what's making me smile this week...
1.
Heard this little tune at the end of "This is Where I Leave You".
(Fact: Sometimes novels on your reading list become movies movies on HBO before you actually get around to reading them.)
3. Mortified, the podcast.
If you haven't checked this out, do so immediately.
Adults reading embarrassing things they wrote as kids - from diaries to fan letters to song lyrics. Freaking hilarious! And definitely makes my morning commute a wee bit better.
{HERE}
4. Zoo camp @ the Milwaukee County Zoo
Local parents, worth the ~$20/class!
Well, let me re-phrase that.
If your child is at least 3 (or maybe the later half of 2), it's worth the money!
My 3 year old had a blast learning all about his favorite zoo animal - the hippo. The classroom was full of different crafting stations (including the making of a full hippo costume) followed by pretending to be hippos. The hour-and-a-half class also included "circle time" learning, a short movie while munching on a hippo-like snack, along with a variety of books & puzzles (for the tikes who can't sit still that long). The class ended by walking to see the real hippos and talking to their zookeeper. So fun! Even I learned some cool facts.
Still a few open classes left! {HERE}
5. All things "Father's Day"
My little ones have been busy crafting away at preschool/day care in preparation. And I've been busy assembling treat bags myself!
I'd tell you more, but of course, it's a surprise.
Since I've been a major slacker on gift guides this year,
I will at least share this adorable piece on fatherly advice...
{HERE}
And a few more links, just because... Fun earrings - and currently 30% off!
Side note: J. Crew is about to become even more rad.
Last week, I mentioned how ecstatic I am that West Elm has opened a store in Milwaukee's historic third ward. Tuesday night, I had the pleasure of shopping after-hours at a special opening week event!
Here are some of my favorites...
(I would actually like them to style my mid-century ranch from top to bottom. Okay? Thanks.)
Loving this mix of throw pillows, the light pendants,
the pops of color, and that couch!
Up to 30% off rugs!
This little cluster of light fixtures is like the glass equivalent
of Nelson bubble lamps and I am in love.
Adorable little mercury glass tea light votives!
How perfect for your summery evening tablescapes...
I'm not sure how, but I managed to escape
with only a throw pillow and hand towel.
(Probably because I was shopping here moments before.)
They are so incredibly lucky to have such a gorgeous store space
(that natural light! swooning!)
in an ideal downtown location, just across from the Public Market.
When can I move in?
Check out their facebook page to claim a 15% off your entire purchase coupon through June 21st!
(Or, 20% off your entire purchase if you open a credit card.)
You're welcome.
~ photos by bits of breezy / image of votives via west elm ~
Put this book on your summer reading list immediately:
I literally read it within one week!
(If you are a mom of two,
you will know that this means it was good because
who. has. the. time.)
An intertwining story of a letter from a husband that was never meant to be found or read, and has the potential to change the lives of everyone. Suspense! A little romance! Definitely a "summer read" you won't want to put down.
A 24-hour stomach bug usually hits your poor little babes when least expected. As in, you sleepily walk into a crying babe's room only to be immediately awoken accosted by the sour smell of vomit and the next thing you know, you and your spouse are thrown into a relentless cycle of middle-of-the-night bathing/laundering/linen changing/comforting. Parenting Olympics!
But, you can feel a little more prepared with a few simple steps...
Having a bottle of Pedialyte (electrolyte replenishment)
on hand is essential - you can even get a generic version at the $1 store!
While unopened Pedialyte has a long shelf life,
once opened, you have to use it up within days, and
I always seem to have a bunch left!
What to do?
Enter: Mama Life Hack - Pedialyte Ice Cubes!
All you need is an ice cube tray.
Simply freeze, place the frozen cubes in a labeled ziplock bag,
and store in your freezer.
Not only will half the bottle not go to waste,
but the next time the diarrhea or vomit monster comes a knockin',
all you have to do is pop in a few cubes to your babe's water.
Voila!
