Adventures in Motherhood: The Magic of 1, 2, 3

We have a child who is fiercely independent, strong-willed and stubborn. When Olivia doesn't want to do something she is very quick to let us know it. At our last paediatrician visit, I was introduced to an idea that is magic in our house. Enter the simple concept of 1, 2, 3. Our paediatrician told us that whenever Olivia is being disobedient, we ask her to stop. If she doesn't stop, then I say to her, "I'm going to count to three and I need you to stop", and here is the key, if she still hasn't stopped we follow through by making her. For example, if Olivia doesn't want to leave the playground, I say "it's time to go home now, let's get in the stroller." If she refuses, then I tell her that I am going to count to three and then we are leaving. Once I get to three, if Olivia is still refusing, then I simply put her in the stroller (even if it's a battle).

Rocket science I know! But it works, and after two weeks of using this approach, I rarely get to three. I think it comes down to the fact that by allowing Olivia the time it takes to count to three, she is getting to make her own decision to stop doing something. Rather than us jumping straight in and taking that decision away from her. This has been a game changer for us in how we approach discipline with a toddler who has plenty of spunk. Boy do we adore her!

Do you have any other genius ideas for dealing with toddlers?

PS. Who else can't believe that it is May already!

Clean Skin....Baby

Just as I try to use the most natural and gentle products on myself, I also look for natural and gentle products for Olivia. Some of my tried and true favourite products for babies include:

Babyganics Thick & Kleen baby wipes. I also really like their sunscreen.

California Baby Shampoo & Body Wash in the Calming scent. This has a very subtle lavender smell, perfect for bedtime baths.

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Nourishing Baby Oil, this smells divine and isn't too greasy.

Earth Mama Angel Baby Angel Baby Lotion, a faint citrus smelling lightweight lotion, perfect for baby massages.

Bambo Nature Nappies/Diapers, I love love love these. I tested SO many of the chemical free and natural nappies and this one is my favourite by a long shot. Super absorbent, soft and thin, these really are the perfect nappy.

Honest Healing Balm has been what I've used at the first sign of nappy rash since Olivia was brand new. It has always healed straight away.

I also love Honest Bubble Bath. We've only recently started adding bubbles to the bath, and they make bath time so much more fun!

This v. That

 Lonny // Mimou

Madeline Weinrib // Shoppe Amber Interiors

A House in the Hills // Sacramento Street

Blueprint Modern // Project Decor

Pinterest // Blue Print Blog

Things I Love About Spring

Images from Pinterest

1. Busting out bare legs for the first time.

2. Summery pasta dishes.

3. Flowers of all kinds (how gorgeous are these dahlias?).

4. Bye bye socks, hello bright flats.

5. Sangria, refreshing and delicious.

Mini & Me

MINI: Zara Hat, J.Crew Shirt, Gap Shorts, Saltwater Sandals // ME: J.Crew Shirt, Lovers+Friends Shorts, 

Zara Tote, Zara Sandals

Sorry for the silence last week, we had a rough one around here. Olivia, Michael and I have all had colds and I know I felt lousy so can only imagine how my poor little chicken felt. It's really the first time that she's ever had a true fever too, so the poor little thing hasn't been herself. We had some cooler weather again (it even snowed), so at least when we stayed in I didn't feel like our days were wasted.

I am really hoping that summer is just around the corner though. So much so that summer clothes are all I can think about...even if I can't wear them just yet!

Have a great week.

Friday Favourites: Storage Ideas

1. Pantry without clutter // 2. Drawers where everything has a place // 3. An organised fridge // 4. A snack pantry // 

5. Under stair linen storage

Images from Pinterest

Adventures in Motherhood: Highs & Lows

If there is one thing I have learnt about motherhood, it is that there are good days and bad days. Sure you love your child overwhelmingly, but boy are there some days where I wish I could take a day off (or just runaway and not come back!). I think it must be an age thing, but Olivia is going through such a grumpy little phase at the moment. I keep reminding myself of my favourite parenting mantra, "This too shall pass", but things are rough and the days are feeling endless around here.

The poor little muffin has a lot going on to be fair. There a molars coming ever so slowly, growth spurts happening and naps to be dropped. It's a lot, I get it. So while we are in a low point it is always nice to remind myself of all the joy that Olivia brings into our lives....

...She is talking more and more each day, and my heart melts every time I hear her call me "Mama"....

...or when says "waa-tah" (water) / "boo-bree" (blueberry) / "wower" (shower)....

...or when I ask for a kiss and she leans into me and then says "awwww"....

...or when she is holding a captive audience with the big kids at the playground, because she loves them so much, and they are so nice to her...

Olivia really is such a sweet, smart and funny little girl. I just hope this particular funk we are in right now passes sooner rather than later! It will right?!

EDIT: Just after I finished this post it is like we turned the corner (finally) and I have my happy girl back. It's funny really, just when you think you can't take much more, it's all over and you forget why you were so frustrated in the first place!