Active Triangle

Each weekend our family likes to get outside and do something active.  With the arrival of the Boof, typically that’s been a family walk or hike.  Each week we like to find some new place to go or occasionally return to a tried and true favorite.

Pre-Boof, Luke & I would spend most of our weekends in downtown Raleigh… working, exploring, and drinking coffee.  Since Boofie was born we really haven’t ventured downtown too much!  Yesterday, on a whim we decided to change that and packed up the stroller to head downtown.

For us, downtown is a quick ten minute trip to the parking garage.  We arrived, got out the stroller, and headed to Morning Times.  Boofie and I hung out as Luke got our (much needed) coffee.  Boof was enthralled with all there was to see… trucks, busses, puppies, and other kiddos.  Afterward we went for a walk downtown, hanging out and enjoying each other’s company.  As we were walking I was making some mental notes of places I’d like to explore further with the Boof… Marbles (of course :)), Read With Me Bookstore, Moore Square (when it reopens), as well as many other places.

With Boofie being just 7 months, I’ve found it’s challenging to find places that both he and we will enjoy.  Do you have any great places to suggest for us to check out downtown?  Let us know in the comments!

Let me start by saying that #FedIsBest… 

However, if you are a Mama who breastfeeds her little… my Brest Friend is what you need in your life!  Recovering from a C-Section and struggling to begin Breastfeeding, I began in the hospital with the Boppy Pillow.  After struggling to feed Boof with the Boppy (and the continuous help of lactation consultants), I broke down and ordered My Brest Friend while still in the hospital recovering.

The day we arrived home as a family of three the My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow was sitting on our doorstep. Bloated, recovering from childbirth, and with a baby learning how to feed… My Brest Friend was so supportive in helping to find the perfect position. Not only was it comfortable on me, but had a little cushion for Boof’s head… not to mention what we’ve coined a “Snack Pocket!!!”

Although my Breastfeeding Journey was cut short due to an allergy, I couldn’t imagine feeding without the support of this pillow for the first three months of our Breastfeeding journey.  If you’re a pregnant or new Mama who is looking for the perfect Breastfeeding pillow, check out My Brest Friend and let me know what you think!

WAKE COUNTY FOLKS!!!  Have you ever heard of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library?  With the support of Wake County Smart Start, this program sends a FREE book to your child in the mail each month (thus building a library of books) for children 5 and under.  Books are age-appropriate and help to foster a love of reading in young children.  Littles can enroll via Wake County Smart Start.

Part of our bedtime (and everytime) routine is reading together.  As a teacher I have TONS and TONS of books.  However, with the help of the Imagination Library we have more developmentally appropriate books for little Boof.

Know of any other great resources out there?  Let us know in the comments!

Parents!!!  How did I not understand the awesomeness of Walmart Grocery Pick-Up and Delivery?  Since Boof has been born, Luke & I have been scheduling weekly grocery pickups from Walmart.  Something out of stock?  BAM!  They have a replacement ready!  Each Saturday, our favorite grocery pickup worker (Anna) has our order ready and checks in on Boofie to see how he is growing.  The past few weeks as a special treat to myself, we have scheduled grocery delivery… which, as you can imagine is GLORIOUS.  Want to try it out for yourself?  Enjoy $10.00 off your first order from Walmart Grocery:  http://r.wmt.co/lIDDo

What delivery services does your family utilize?  Let us know if the comments below.

In the midst of colic, my husband and I would spend our nights (awake of course) researching what we could possibly buy to make the sleep happen and the incesant screaming cease (we are still unsure as to how one can scream for 9 hours straight).  The next day the doorstep would be piled high with Amazon Prime boxes that contained products that promised to help our little boy sleep and heal.  However, night after night we struggled… each night ordering more products that promised to be the solution.  This cycle repeated itself for a good few months.

As someone who has cried in both her OBGYN and Pediatricians office more than she’s willing to admit, I can attest… new motherhood is tough.  Once you think you have it all together… WHAM something new comes out of nowhere… some new problem to fix or some new thing to worry about.  It is a cycle that many new and experienced mothers struggle get out of.

Anyone who has been reading my blog recently knows that I’ve talked about Kayce Hodos (TAPS Group Leader Extraordinaire) before.  I was fortunate enough to meet Kayce and experience first-hand what an amazing and thoughtful leader she is.  Truth betold, her support and kindness was critical as I ventured into new motherhood.

And that’s where a Six Week Group to Rewire Your Anxious (New Mom) Brain comes in!  Kayce is currently registering for a group that IMHO all New (and Experienced Mama’s) should sign up for.  According to Kayce “The class is based on the book, Rewire Your Anxious Brain.  The group will educate you about where anxiety starts and then teach you practical strategies for putting your brain to work so you can get a grip on the over-worrying, intrusive thoughts, and panic once and for all.” The group meets every Wednesday evening (beginning in March) from 6-7:30pm in her office (Wake Forest area) and will have snacks!!!  There is a small investment for the resources and support Kayce will provide to you.

Check out Kayce’s (Hodos) website for more information and to sign up today.  You’ve got this Mama’s, stay strong!!!

Okay, I’ll be honest… I found out about Wake County Library Baby Storytime wayyy too late!  Boof and I discovered this activity by the time he was about two months old.  This activity is at Wake County Public Libraries, is FREE, and a hidden gem in our area.

Boofie and I attend Baby Storytime at East Regional Library in Knightdale (which currently has Baby Storytime on Tuesday & Wednesday).  The session is a 20 minute baby in lap program that has singing, movement, rhymes, books, and BUBBLES.  Kids love the bubbles… haha.  I may be biased (living in Knightdale), but I have to say that the East Regional Library has the best storytime hosted by a fantastic Childrens’ Librarian.  The session is always fun and exciting and afterward the babies are free to roam as you get to have Mom (or Dad) time with the other parents.

Little Boof at East Regional Library waiting his turn for the Bubbles!

Not only is Baby Storytime a great place for babies and parents alike to socialize and engage, but it’s also based early several early literacy skills to support your littles in prereading skills.  Plus, afterward it’s fun to go and pick out new books to read together!  🙂

Have another library you recommend for Baby and/or Family Storytime?  Let us know in the comments!

One of the first Mom & Baby activities I thought about doing with little Boof was Parent & Tot swimming.  I literally counted down the days until he was old enough to sign up.  Although I grew up in Michigan, I spent my summers either working on or swimming in our backyard pool.  During the months of June-August most days we swam, raced, and invented silly games to keep ourselves busy and cool.  I couldn’t wait to have these days with Boof.

Looking for Parent & Tot swim classes in the Triangle, I wanted to find something safe, non-threatening, inexpensive, and one where I could enjoy time with him, learning how to best support him in the water.  After much researching, we decided to sign up for the Rex Parent & Tot Swim lessons in Knightdale.  Living in Knightdale, the Rex swim complex is a short 5 minute drive away (which is great for early morning swim lessons ;)).  The class Boofie & I signed up for runs from January 19th-February 23rd.

As a new mom with a squirmy little one I can’t say that I was jumping for joy about putting on a bathing suit post C-Section and jumping into the water for 30 minutes.  However, in the two classes we’ve had thus far I can say it’s been an amazing experience and Boofie (and I) have acclimated quickly.  In the class thus far we’ve worked on extending our arms (reaching for swim toys :)), kicking our feet, blowing bubbles (just Mama so far), floating on our back, and as of today going under water!  I’ve been so impressed with how Boof has taken to the water and have learned so many skills to best support him in the water.

If you’re thinking about signing up for a non-threatening swim class, I encourage you to get your little ones started early with water safety!  Our instructor at Rex is awesome and motivates and encourages the littles with songs, toys, and a calm demeanor.

Have any recommendations for Boofie & I?  Let us know!  

One of my favorite parts about being a Mom is sharing everything I love with my little one.  I like seeing what he takes to and enjoys.  I can’t wait to learn more about who he will grow up to be.  Growing up, I had many fond memories with my family.  Many of those memories involved swimming, hiking, cycling, and playing sports.  That’s why I was so excited to take Boofie to My Gym over my break.

Boof & I attended the Tiny Tykes/Waddlers class.  Before class we had an opportunity to explore and he was mezmorized by the people, colors, and activities.  We explored a little before class began, checking out the trampoline, ball pit, slide, and mats.  As you can tell, he was right at home (haha)!

I can’t say enough great things about this class.  There were so many developmental activites to support Boofie’s gross (and some fine) motor skills.  The activities were well-structured and constantly changing.  While Boof was there he stretched, worked on pulling up, crawling, worked his abdominal muscles, and grip.  Ms. Kara was so sweet and caring.  She was incredibly accomodating and took lots of time with all the littles, meeting their needs.

Oh, and I cannot forget abou the awesome swings!!!   

My Gym is off of Lead Mine and currently offers classes for kiddos 6 months through 10 years.  The first class is free so sign up, try it out, and let us know what you think!

It’s no secret that I absolutely love living in Knightdale.  We’re close enough to be anywhere in approximately 15-20 minutes, but far enough out to feel just a little bit of that small town living.

One of the best updates to Knightdale in the past few years has been Knightdale Station Park.  Before Boof, Luke & I would visit, walk the trails, and typically visit for music or their Food Truck Thursdays.  After Boofie was born, Knightdale Station Park has developed into even more awesomeness.

During maternity leave I was desperate for activity and a change of scenery.  Knightdale Station Park was a perfect balance for me.  The paved trails make it easy to push a stroller while the trees and greenery are perfect for that outdoor feel without getting too far out.  The park includes several restroom stops (with diaper changing area) as well as water fountains and picnic tables that were perfect for quick pitstops.  Additionally, as a female out and about with a new baby, the park was always well-populated with friendly locals.

With Boofie getting a little bit older now, Knightdale Station Park has become even more fun.  Not only can we enjoy the trails as a family (and stop for emergency pitstops), we can also visit the playground.  The playground is EPIC!  Truth betold, it makes me want to become a kid again and play.  Currently, our favorite playground equipment is the parent/tot swing.  This was our little Boof’s first outdoor swing… and I seriously could’ve cried.  He absolutely LOVED it!

Love Knightdale Station Park?  What do you think our little Boofie will enjoy next?  Let us know!