Adventures in Potty training

Hey Guys!

So for almost a month I have been potty training Kayden. I decided to discuss the whole process with all of you, and hopefully share some of my insight.

How to know when they are ready

Kayden started verbalizing a lot more. Everytime I changed his diaper I would say whether he peed or took a poo. This help familiarize him with the differences between the two. We were also going through less wet diapers. It would be lunchtime and I often wouldn't have changed it unless he took a poo. This meant his bladder was growing and he was able to hold his pee for longer which was great. Kayden would also tell me when he peed. He would grab the front his diaper and wouldn't like how it felt. I knew it was time to get things started.

What you need

Pull ups and diapers (30$ for size 2T-3T and you get 74 in a box)

Potty seat ( We got ours online for about $14)

Wipes for the toilet (when you child poo's, they work great for toilets because they wont clog them) $3

Underwear (pack of 4 for $10)

Treat/reward

What I did

We started on a weekend because his dad was home and was able to help out. At first Kayden freaked out whenever we put him on the toilet. He didn't understand what was happening, but we continued to reassure him. We started using pull ups unless we were going out or Kayden was napping. We refer to them as underwear, and started saying that we don't pee/poo in them. The weekend was hard, he didn't actually pee in the toilet until atleast 3 days later. I was frustrated as well. The first week we put him on the toilet every 20 minutes, then 30 minutes the next week and so on. This allowed for a natural increase in the amount of time in between bathroom visits and he hasn't noticed that he needs to hold for a longer amount. Some people use stickers then give their child a reward after they get a certain amount. We chose to give kayden a small treat. Right now we are using skittles, 1 skittles when he pee's and 2 when he poo's. It has worked wonders for us. He is so motivated to use the toilet and runs to the bathroom when I tell him it's time to pee. It is true what you hear, you need to cheer loudly an make it seem like they did the greatest thing ever. Now I've toned it down it down quite a bit, I still cheer when Kayden does go to the bathroom but now he knows that he's done a good job so he does a thumbs up and he gets excited himself. The great thing is on the weekend his dad's home so his dad makes a really big deal out of it because he's not here during the weekdays to celebrate those moments so there's still a lot of excitement for Kayden.

Review on products

The first brand of training pants we bought was pampers and I will tell you I do not care for their version of it at all. One of the biggest things we did not like was we had trouble knowing which was the front and which was the back. On the box there was no clear distinction of how to put them on, I actually had to google it myself. I then found out the pattern that does need to remain at the front because that will fade once your child has soiled the diaper. Another thing I did not care for was the sides of the training pants. One of the things that Parents will find when they are potty trained their child is the ease of opening the sides if they do happen to make a mistake and go to the bathroom in a training pants. Kayden is amazing at peeing in the toilet, the one thing that I am trying to get him comfortable with is pooping in the toilet. He has expressed to me that he is scared, I don't know exactly what he is scared of but that is something I am working with him on. As a result he does still poop in his training pants and I did find when opening the side you really have to pull on them and you really do see a clear distinction between training pants and diapers and it is so difficult to open up the side you almost yanking it. And once you have opened up the sides you cannot close it back up it's basically opened it and then you gotta throw it out so that part was not a plus in my box.

I personally do not have a preference when it comes to diapers. I bought Huggies because it was on sale and it was something that I was able to easily find in my local Walmart. I was under the impression before purchasing Huggies that the pampers style was the style of training pants everywhere. I was so relieved to find out that Huggies was a million times better then pampers. One of the major pluses was a clear distinction with the front and the back of the training pants. Huggies clearly stated back on the training pants are there was no confusion. The pattern for the front of the training pants was bigger and it was more clear when it comes to your child to soiling the training pants. there was a picture within a circle and it was so much easier and quicker to read whether not the child has soiled the training pants then peppers. Also the sides of the training pants were quite similar to a diaper. If I would compare it to anything I would probably say it's almost like a Velcro and the great thing about it was if you did open it as a diaper you could quite easily close it back up and you would feel confident that it was still secure on your child.

Because we live in an apartment buying something for kayden to train on was difficult. Experts say it's important for toddlers to only use the potty in the bathroom so they associate going to the bathroom with that room. Also, once you take the toilet out of the room, and place it in the kitchen, bedroom, hallway etc for instance it can become a toy. We decided to get the seats that fit on top of the toilet. It helped save on space and Kayden loves it. There are two handles on the side for kayden to hold onto, and we can tuck it away nicely when he is not using it. With a tiny bathroom it such been such a relief that it doesn't clutter up the space.

My thoughts

Potty training is exhausting. You are constantly getting up and sometimes chasing after your toddler because they think it's a game. Sometimes you think they are never going to catch on, and yes, I have a few days where kayden rarely pees in the toilet and I feel like I'm back peddling. You honestly need to take it one day at a time and im just focusing on Kayden staying dry in the daytime. I don't want to overwhelm anyone. I keep it short and sweet on the toilet. I don't force him to sit if he's fussing because it's counterproductive. He knows there's an incentive if he goes and that's enough.

Latest Obsession

As a mom, getting 'glam' everyday isn't an option. I hate to say it, but no makeup, comfy clothes with my hair up is my daily look. I know I know, I've heard it all before, I'm letting myself go, I'm not taking care of myself etc. But to be honest, since my son was born, my boyfriend has had a hectic and abnormal work schedule. His schedule changes every week, which means some weeks I'm with kayden all day and other weeks for half the day. Running after a toddler and a Maltese while maintaining a household isn't the easiest.

Nevertheless, like any girl, I like to get out of my sweats/workout clothes and enjoy a good pair of heels and having my hair done. One of the things I've gotten reintroduced to is lashes. The past few months I've really taken the time to update my makeup collection and buy things for myself and not feel guilty about it. My boyfriend urged me to buy lashes, and try them out.

Since I have made this purchase, I look forward to special occasions. I am not a super glam person while running errands so I leave my lashes for those times when I want to dress up, for instance, thanksgiving, anniversaries, birthdays etc.

My go to lashes are the individuals. The reason I love them is because I already have long lashes, and after applying mascara it takes my lashes to another level. I use 3-4 individual lashes to fill in the gaps, and my lashes instantly look full, stand out more, and look fluffy. It doesnt take much for my lashes to go to another level so this is perfect. For myself personally, I find individual lashes easier to apply, as it takes less time and requires less concentration. I personally love my lashes standing out more on the edges where my lashes tend to not stand out as much.

One of the main things I love is how natural they look. Because I use them to fill in the gaps to give a cohesive look, they blend in seamlessly, and look like they are part of my own lashes.

Individual lashes are also much cheaper then regular lashes. Regular lashes run for about $10-15$ whereas I can get a pack of individuals for about $6.

I have seen people say that individual lashes are much more difficult to apply then a strip but I feel the opposite! A few lashes go a long way (for me atleast) and I have had a better experience overall with individuals.

Dole Chopped Salad Kit

Hey Guys!!

You all know I love YouTube videos. I was watching a vlog and Jenn Brooks was raving about Dole Salad Kits. I normally don't rush out to buy things, but her comments convinced me this is something I needed to try. I am not the biggest fan of pre-packaged salad kits as I feel they taste wilted, lack flavor and are over priced.

Dole Salad Kits proved me wrong. Firstly, the packaging is so simple and compact. You open the bag just like a chip bag, there is separate packaging for the added ingredients( in my case it was tortilla chips and dressing).

I will say, the chopped up salad wasn't my cup of tea. You couldn't poke your fork in it, you had to scoop it up.

There is so much flavor packed into this little salad. I added the smallest amount of chicken, but you could quite easily omit protein and not miss it.

The great thing about the salads is that they taste delicious, and you can quite easily get full with them. I know for myself personally, these salads will come in handy on those busy hectic days. There are tons of times when Kayden is acting up, and this is a quick and easy meal..

The salad is also low in calories for half the bag it's 150 cal of course if you add some protein to it the calorie count will go up I'm sure, they do give you tons of dressing your salad is easily quite coated in the dressing.

The only negative about these solid kits, is how expensive they are. I don't know what the prices in the USA, but the price here in Canada is about five dollars for a bag. Finding a variety of flavors isn't easy either.

I am sure this will be a staple in my fridge and be a life saver during those crazy moments!

I did find another brand, that is similar to these kits called Fresh Express and they had an asian inspired salad which was delicious! I wish they had more flavors in Canada, but so far I havent gotten tired of my bbq ranch salad. I did find if you shop around a little, you can get them for about $3.99 in canada, which is the lowest I have seen it.

Just a tip ladies, guys love this as well! My boyfriend took a bite and loved it as well. My boyfriend isn't a big salad guy ( what guy is?) and only gravitates towards cesar salad's, but I am sure, if I added chicken to this and gave it to him for dinner, he would love it!

How to get through Toddler sick days

This past week Kayden got sick for the first time since he was one month old. As a mother, this was the first time he was sick, so I was worried. He didn't sleep much and didn't have much appetite. The medicine Curtis got, wasn't Kayden's cup of tea. They were nose drops that did help, but Kayden refused to take them again, so that didn't help. The next day he got a bit of a cough so I got some children's Tylenol in banana berry flavor, and I saw an improvement, thank you Tylenol!!

I decided to compile a list of things to get through a toddlers sickness, because it's not easy.

1. Be prepared to be tired

I am utterly exhausted as I write this. Kayden didn't sleep at all last night, and his naps have been all over the place. I napped when I could last night (4 hours of sleep) and today Starbucks was needed. Being a toddler he needed extra attention and cuddles.

2. Medicine

Have the basic medication in your cabinet, this will be a time saver. Since kayden turned 2 a few days ago, infant Tylenol wasn't going to cut it. I ran over to the pharmacy an picked up children's tylenol. We usually have tylenol stocked in our cabinet, which has come in handy a few times when he was teething. When kayden came down with a cold, he literally woke up from a nap and and had a runny nose. If you have certain things in your cabinet it'll be easier to tackle it from the begining. Try to also get a medicine that has a flavor that your child does enjoy, it'll make it so much easier for your child to take that medicine. Tylenol for infants it was white grape flavor and Kayden couldn't stand it but unfortunately it was all that we could buy so it made it difficult for him to take it. This time I got banana berry and Kayden is obsessed with bananas if you put banana and anything he will gobble it up and I didn't have to fight him at all he took the medicine so easily.

3. Prepare for anything

When kayden gets sick (it's only happened twice) he doesn't have much appetite and all he wants to do is sleep. The only time he is fussy is when he is exhausted and needs a nap. Sometimes you get a whole new personality when your child is sick, so be prepared for anything, diarrhea, vomiting, only wanting certain foods etc. Today I was lucky that kayden ate a cookie, that's about all he ate. He was very quiet, but despite everything, he wanted to be outside constantly.

4. Tv/Movies

As a child I remember the best thing about being sick was being able to lay in front of the TV and just watch endless amounts. That is the exact same thing I have done with Kayden because honestly it has calmed him down and he is just relaxed. Cadence favorite show is curious George, so we always have those on the PBR and we have a few curious George movies. We have put them on the coach with his favorite stuffed animal, which is a monkey no surprise, and he's also late up in our bed. We have a blanket for him And he just loves being close to either his dad for me, his dad was working last night so it was just me and him cuddling in the bed. I had Curious George on and I mustve played the movie at least three times in the past 24 hours and the day is not even done, but he just sits there and he laughed and he has a good time and he totally forgot that he is sick. So one of the greatest things is for him to sit down and just enjoy himself and he will stand been like dancing play a little bit as well when he seems to have the energy.

I will tell you from experience, regardless of any tips that anyone gives you it will always be difficult when your child is sick. To see your child in pain to see you child crying and you not being able to ease the pain as easily as if they had fallen is very difficult. It's also hard for the child themselves because sometimes they don't even understand this concept of being sick. Kayden hates getting his nose wiped right now because he's been getting it done since last night and he is just absolutely over it all he wants to do is be outside playing but he doesn't understand why is energy level is so low. To see you child's personality change can sometimes also be hard to come on located is extremely lazy doing certain point of the day he breaks down and cries a lot when he is extremely tired and he's also fighting trying to sleep thinking that he can stay up. You need to just fight through this as and if you are able to switch over to your partner and let them take over or call the family member or friend and allow yourself just to recuperate. When your child is sick You need to work harder and there so much more that you were doing and trying to balance. A lot of times Parents thing because you talk to sick your child to stop being lazy and sleeping in that's not the case I dog is so much more effort that goes into it when you tell this feeling under the weather.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Foundation

Hey Guys!

So my birthday is coming up at the end of September, and for the first time in awhile, I have the opportunity to spoil myself a little. I have heard a lot about Estee Lauder's double wear foundation, and have been curious to try it. I will admit, the price point made me think twice, to be honest I spent 45 minutes debating whether or not to put the order in. Part of why I wanted to purchase this foundation is because I wanted a foundation that was a better coverage then my clinique foundation for those special occasions.

Claims
stays on for 15 hours
flawless & natural looking
lasts in the heat, humidity and activity
doesn't change color once it is on your face
doesn't come off on clothes
lightweight & comfortable
Lasts all day without touch ups

Price- $45

My Review
I absolutely love this foundation, to the point where I have said good bye to my clinique foundation. I purchased the shade 'wheat' and it matches me perfectly. I purchased this product through the Sephora website, and I matched my shade through an online foundation finder. The second I put this on my skin, it blended flawlessly, and a little bit truly goes a long way. Every single time I put an amount on the back of my hand, I put about 50% back ( and I don't pour to much out). I have applied this with a primer, and I set it with a setting spray. It does stay on for 15 hours, but I do notice that my nose and forehead does get a little oily, (8 hours after application) so I would need to do a minor touchup in those areas during the day. For the most part, it did stay flawless on my face. The one thing I do love, it doesn't oxidize, it is true, the color you get on your face, is the color that will stay. I had a few people tell me, that my face looked amazing with this foundation, and I have gotten a consistent look with this product. It blends seamlessly with your skin, and you can't even feel it on your face. The price point is high, but after using it, I can see what it is so pricey, and didn't think twice about it. Also, this foundation is going to last me forever, which is a pro seeing how high the price is. This is has now become my day to day foundation and I have now said goodbye to clinique.

Kayden's daytime 2 year old schedule

Hey Guys!

A few days ago, Kayden turned 2! I can't believe I am saying that. I knew once he turned two a few things were going to change, so im excited to bring you all along for the journey. One of the first things is his daily schedule. If he was in daycare, he would now enter preschool. In order to prepare him for JK, I want to ensure that he has all the necessary skills, so I wanted to structure his day, as though he was in preschool. I researched the key skills that Kayden should know by the time he reaches 3 years old. We also have tons of activities to do. Keep in mind he doesn't sit down for the full time. It is a lot of getting up getting distracted but I get in what I can.

7am- kayden wakes up, has breakfast and doe independent play. Kayden usually pulls out all his toys while I do some dishes and do a little bit of tidying up. His dad leaves for work at 7:30 so Kayden often follows him around trying to get some extra time with him.

8:30- Snack time

9am- Language skills

9:30am- Math

10am-Go Outside

10:30am- art activity

11:15 am- wash hands, eat lunch and get a diaper change

Noon- nap time

2:30- snack time

3pm-Music

3:30 PM - free time

Kayden's structured day is done around the time that school would be done, which works great. We also work on gross and fine motor skills throughout the day. 

How to survive when your partner works long hours

Hey Guys!

It's been awhile since my boyfriend has been working nights, and also a day job. As tough as its been, I feel as though I am able to pass my wisdom on, about surviving with a spouse working long hours. I found these tips helped me stay sane, and also kept my days busy.

1. Do things for yourself

I am such a big believer in taking time for yourself. My "me time" is when Kayden is sleeping. Whether he is taking a nap or is down for the night, it is all about me. If you read my post from long time ago, I talked about how every mom needs something that will keep them sane. For me it is taking a peaceful shower and working out. During his morning nap I shower and when he goes down for the night I work out. Those moments where I focus on me, and do something for myself I feel Refreshed.

2. Go out!!

I am lucky enough to have a dog. Which forces me to get out of the house.For those that don't have a dog find something you can do which allows you to get out of the house . For me I sometimes will run errands with just Kayden. we have also gone to the park for some mommy and sometimes we were just going down to the local dollar store. it is so great for Kayden to get out of the house and it breaks up the day as well because we do have a schedule which does help me and Kayden as well but it is also fun just to break out of that day to day schedule and do something different. Now that Kayden can walk so much better, he doesn't last in the stroller for to long. A few times on our walks, I let him out, and he discovers nature! There is so much you can do in your backyard or just around the corner. Our regular 20 minute walk turned in 40, but it was well worth it.

3. Spend time with family/friends

Because Curtis works such long and crazy hours it has been a lot easier for me to spend time with my family and thankfully they are free on weekdays and mostly busy on the weekends which works great for my schedule because usually on the weekend or on the weekend Curtis will work on Sunday, so on Saturday will run errands and then spend Sunday just lazing around having really good family time. it is great when we can all go over by all I mean Kayden and Buddy (which is our dog) and I can go over to my parents house for the day, which means a lot of spoiling and time outside playing. I can put my feet up for a little bit and just relax. Another great thing is going and spending time with friends even when Curtis wasn't working his two jobs or I would have friends come over or I would go out with friends and he would take care of Kayden and it was such a great bonding time for those two and it gave me a break allowing me to have girl time.

4. Let your partner take over

I had to have a Little talk with Curtis in order for this to happen because of course he's a man and he doesn't always realize that if he takes Kayden for 20 to 30 minutes when he's running a quick errand, it gives me a break. It is always the smallest things that make the biggest difference. There have been times when we have split up when doing groceries, so I don't have to tend to a toddler and I can just do it in piece, or Curtis will just take care of Kayden while I shop. I always emphasized to Curtis that he is the biggest male influence in Kayden's life., disciplining him, or even correcting his behaviour plays a major role. Often times Kayden wants attention and will do extreme things to try to achieve it. Often times I find myself repeating a lot, and when curtis takes over, it helps keep me calm. It's nic when curtis steps up after working long hours, and the great thing, I know he enjoys it. He spends so much time apart from Kayden, just playing with him, being around during meal time or just a movie is amazing.

I am not going to denie it, it is exhausting, being a parent in general is exhausting. Throw in a partner not always being around puts you on double duty. The older your kid(s) are the more on your toes one needs to be. I hope these tips add some sanity to your life!