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1. Baking with a baby is REALLY fun. Also messy. Sophie LOOOOOOVES to be in the kitchen working on a project. Especially if that project involves tasting of any kind. Never fear, she’s not eating raw eggs in this photo. When we had to do all her allergy testing, we found a powdered egg substitute (made by Bob’s Red Mill) that we used in baking. Even after she grew out of her egg sensitivity, we had lots of the egg powder leftover, so we keep using it–no fear of raw eggs! See also: I can eat cookie dough when pregnant. Totally worth every penny.
2. When do babies get trustworthy standing on chairs? We have very little counter space, so for now, that means I have to hold her when she wants to see what’s going on. Usually that’s okay (other than when I need to knead bread or move a hot pan), but as my pregnant self gets bigger, I’m thinking it would be really great if she could stand on a chair… am I dreaming? She can’t climb onto/off of the couch yet safely and is still a nightmare on stairs (we don’t have any for her to practice with). Any suggestions or tips?
3. I’m flying solo with Sophie next week to visit 2 of my 3 sisters and my mom. Our flight is pretty short, but I’m also going to be in the car for 5-6 hours. Any fun or fancy ideas for flying with an almost 16 month old? I have lots of treats, a few dollar store toys, a coloring book, etc.
4. My biggest concern is managing the luggage and Sophie, so my next question is should I bring an umbrella stroller? We’ll be checking our suitcase and car seat (which has a backpack carrier), so it’ll just be me, Sophie, and our diaper bag on the plane. With only one hand to steer it (the other will be pulling a suitcase) and a giant car seat backpack on my back (and a pregnant tummy in front), will I be able to manage an umbrella stroller in the airport from baggage claim to my sister’s car? My sister will be traveling with 2 kiddos of her own (a 2 year old and a 9 month old), so we’ll all just have our hands full period. I’m clueless.
5. Does anyone have any favorite kids music that doesn’t make you want to burn your ears off? Let’s be honest here, lots of the kids music is so sickeningly sweet or cheesy, it’s just hard to listen to. I’m on the hunt for something new (and not nausea-inducing)… Suggestions? Also keep in mind that Sophie loves to dance, so upbeat is fine too.
p.s. I CAN FEEL MY BABY MOVING!
{ 38 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t have answers to ANY of your questions, but I AM SO EXCITED TO SQUISH THAT SOPHIE GIRL!!!! I will be praying for you in the airport, that’s for sure
And I still can’t get enough of her in the minion shirt. See you in a week!!!
Are you sitting down? I don’t have any answers, either! Wait. Okay, I have one answer. I would most definitely take the umbrella stroller–if she’ll happily sit in it, it’s so much easier to get through a busy airport pushing a stroller than holding (or walking with) a toddler.
Sounds like you’re well prepared for the trip with lots of fun things to keep that babygirl entertained! So wishing I could squeeze you both and horray for babies moving!!!
Hooray. Hooray for babies moving!!
That first photo is amazing! I love how you’re getting on with the important things and she’s just sitting there digging in haha. Caught in the act!
take the stroller! it will still be easier than trying to keep track of a busy 15 1/2 month old! do the cookie pan/magnet thing kristin was telling us about for on the plane. that will even be great in the car too! yay for baby moving….i soooo love that feeling!
Your photos made me feel HAPPY this morning. Precious!! I may not ever see you again in person but, I still feel as if I know you! I’m adopting you and your family in my heart. Is that OK? ha
Janet – I LOVE it! I’m glad to know you!
Maybe you could sprain your leg just before your flight, so that you could be pushed around in a wheelchair legitimately, by a kind airport wheelchair pusher, and Sophie could just ride in your lap.
I’d want you to have a miraculous healing the minute you climb into Elisabeth’s car however…
Hi Emily! I don’t know if you remember me, but I was in your married student ward at the Lilac Apartment. We lived two floors above you. I love your blog. It is so cute! Anyway, we have a 15 month old boy. We recently flew on a plane with him, and I am going to be flying solo with him tomorrow. I am in the similar situation as you trying to figure out what will keep our little boy happy and busy for the few hour flight. Our last flight with him was kind of rough. All he wanted to do was open and close the window shade, rip apart the in-flight magazines, and move the tray up and down. I guess it didn’t help that we were flying around his bed time. The best distractor we have is food. We bring as many Kix (do you know that cereal?) as we can and feed them to him as long as we can. It sounds silly, but our boy loves his food and it distracts him from screaming. New toys are also good too. It sounds like you are pretty prepared for the flight though.
I would highly recommend bringing Sophie’s umbrella stroller if you are by yourself. They will let you take the stroller all the way to the gate, and then you can gate check it. I have flown by myself with Cole several times now, and for me, taking the stroller is a necessity. I don’t know if Sophie is like Cole at all, but he is just so curious and independent. If he’s not in a stroller, he wants to walk around by himself, which is tough when you are trying to get to your gate. It might be a little hassle trying to get all your stuff from baggage claim to your sister’s car with the stroller, but having the stroller will make getting through the airport SO much easier.
Well, I basically wrote a book here, but I know how you’re feeling. Flying with a toddler is difficult. For me, we have flown have a dozen times since Cole was born, and I feel like as soon as I get comfortable flying with him, he goes through another stage where I have no idea what to expect. Anyway, that’s my advice. Take it with a grain of salt. Good luck. I’m sure you and Sophie will do great.
Haley – of COURSE I remember you! Thank you for your great advice. It sounds like your a seasoned professional
In my experience flying alone, you absolutely want to bring an umbrella stroller. If you decide not to, I’m sure you’ll be much better off than I would have been. Sophie stays closer and listens better than the little person I travel with
Also, I’ve found people are SO sweet when they see someone travelling with kids. I had a guy carry Luke’s carseat all the way to baggage claim for me, even though he was sitting at the gate waiting for a plane. And that was when I flew WITH Ty. You’ll be surprised.. people are kind. I hope they’re extra kind to you!
I don’t know that kids are ever completely trustworthy on chairs
At least, mine aren’t.
Love all these pictures!! Sophie is still the happiest, most darling and best-dressed baby around! Can’t wait to squish her!! Also, I’m DYING over the cuteness of your apron and outfit in that 15 week shot! Sooooooooooooooooo cute!
Hooray for a dancing babe you can feel!!
And by 15 week shot (which WAS adorable).. I meant 16 week shot!!! Love the colors!
Hi! You don’t know me but I love your blog, especially the recipes. You’re little Sophie is a doll, and I love that you include her in your cooking.
My first suggestion is borderline ridiculous since it’s so expensive, but it’s called the Learning Tower. I first saw it on Pinterest and thought it looked kind of cool. Here’s the link: http://www.littlepartners.com/products/The-Learning-Tower.html
As for music, the kids I nanny for love anything from a movie they’ve seen. I also remember listening to John Lithgow’s “Singing in the Bathtub” when I was a kid, and even my parents enjoyed that one.
Good luck in the airport! I’m always impressed when a parent is alone!
Shelly – I’ve seen those towers! Aren’t they the coolest? Also, I’ll be sure to check out your music suggestion. Thank you!
I HIGHLY recommend the Learning Tower. We’ve had one since my son was about two, after several near-misses with chairs slipping away from the counter. At four, he still uses it multiple times a day, and I wouldn’t be without it. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s so much safer than a chair, and we’ve gotten constant use out of it.
I have not been brave enough to cook with my two-year-old, but that first picture makes me want to go for it!
We’ve yet to fly with our toddler, but we have done a bunch of long car rides. Coloring books, magnetic dolls, and her favorite stories all help, but the fail safe toy is her iPod (my old iTouch). We hold off giving it to her until everything else has been tossed aside, but it keeps her entertained for quite a while. We have a few games on it and stories, but mostly I’ve loaded it up with pictures and videos of her – my little narcissist loves looking at herself! We bought this case (http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Laugh-Learn-Apptivity-Case/dp/B004UU9W78/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344006846&sr=8-1&keywords=fisher+price+ipod) for it so that she can’t destroy it.
Bug loves music! Have you listened to Frances England or Elizabeth Mitchell? Both of their CD’s are really nice. England’s “You and Me” might make you tear up, though – I know it does it to me. We also turn on a lot of Motown when we just want to get down and boogie.
Alysson – I LOVE Elizabeth Mitchell! I can’t wait to see if I love Frances England just as much. Thanks for the suggestions!
You could try Laurie Berkner… She has a few songs we like: Goldfish, Dinosaurs, Moon Moon Moon…. I’d also probably take the stroller
Adele – Bless you. I totally trust you as A) You’re one of the most on-top-of-it moms I know and B) If I remember right, you’re a great musician. Thank you for the suggestions!
Adorable pictures! So my absolute favorite kids music is a cd by Sharon, Lois, and Bram called One Elephant, Deux Elephant. They are a canadian group that I grew up listening to and I never get tired of that cd. I bought it for my daughter’s first christmas and I was more excited for me than for her.
Maybe its just because it takes me back to my childhood, but I really do think their songs are awesome. Here’s a link if you are interested: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000068QQ0
Gina- I totally get being more excited than your baby about something! I can’t wait to give them a listen. Thanks for the suggestion!
We don’t usually let our son watch tv, but an episode of sesame steer downloaded in our phones goes a long way on flights. Or a cute app called I hear ewe which has
Animal sounds- free! Also if you have a widow seat, opening and closing the window shade offers endless entertainment. For aisle seats: walk up and down the aisle greeting other passengers (they’re usually nice at least the first 12 times my child yells HI!)
I say skip the umbrella stroller and go with a larger one of you have it. They check for free at the gate no matter the size, and if it had storage underneath, it is
SUCH a blessing when only have two hands. Also, ours has a tray which is great if we are feeding him in the airport.
Inside Out, their album Primary Colors is awesome! They are an a cappella group who do super fun arrangements of some well known nursery and primary songs as well as a few of their own.
Elizabeth – I haven’t thought of Inside Out forever! I used to listen to some of their CDs in junior high school when I especially loved a cappella music. Thanks for the reminder!
I’ve read that some people like to use toddler harnesses like this one when going through an airport: http://www.target.com/p/eddie-bauer-harness-buddy-monkey/-/A-11119070
They have different animal-versions you could buy, or a regular backpack style.
You look so cute! Okay, first of all, you’re right on in thinking that snacks will help. No better way to keep a kid happy in a confined space. Besides what you’ve listed, I also like to have a little hand-held magnadoodle (which we also use in the car and at church) and stickers can be lots of fun too.
The stroller thing is hard to say. We brought ours up until recently. It helped to move things along and you could even put your bags in the stroller if she wants to walk. And, actually, it was a real life saver when venturing between car and check-in. You can get your kid secure and then be able to manage all your stuff. You can hang your bag from the stroller handle, wear the car seat (I’ve done it too and you will get sooo many looks), and it’s not too bad to pull a suitcase with a hand that’s simultaneously pushing a stroller. It really made me feel safer to know my boys were safe in the stroller. But we just got to the point where the boys liked walking a whole lot more than being pushed, so the stroller became more of a hassle.
Good luck!
Katie – If you can do it (well, let’s be honest, you can do anything), I have courage that I might be able to manage with just one! Thank you for the suggestions friend!
Yes, bring the stroller. They can stash it at the gate for you and get it when you are ready to get on/off (right at the plane). Also I have had the experience of the airport people allowing me a little extra time to get on the plane so we could get roughly ‘situated’ before take off. Bring a 2nd favorite animal so Sophie can snuggle with it during take off/landing (why 2nd favorite…so if it gets lost it won’t be TOO sad, though it will be sad too).
When I was little my siblings and I loved this (I now need to get it for my boys to listen to): http://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Peace-Red-Grammer/dp/B000009NGF/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1344029710&sr=1-1&keywords=red+grammer+teaching+peace
Another idea is to record yourself reading some of her favorite books on to a CD then you can play that why she flips through the book (if she is good with pages).
Get a mini-magnadoodle. Great fun for hours. (Bonus the ‘pen’ is attached) I have seen ones that are about as big as the large index cards.
I have something similar to this for my 20 month old. He loves it. (and loves that he can run within mom’s reach and still be down.) You could use that with the stroller.
http://www.amazon.com/Bear-Backpack-Harness-12-Fiesta/dp/B003B6E7G8/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1344030036&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=teddy+bear+back+pack+harness+kid
Happy Traveling!
Ali – GREAT suggestions. Thank you!
I can’t help with the flying, never did when my kids were little. As for kids music, try choo choo soul ( Disney channel R & B group), Laurie Berkner band, and They Might Be Giants has several kid albums. All were more tolerable than the standard Raffi or Barney, though my kids loved them too.
Where did you get the fab apron in the pictures? It’s lovely!
Juliann – Thanks for the suggestions. My sister-in-law made the apron for me for Christmas last year. I love it and wear it daily. I want to make Sophie one for Christmas this year!
I love your pictures of Sophie and your recaps – they make me smile. She’s so adorable and hilarious! The first 2 pictures cracked me up
have a fun trip next week!
Use a luggage trolley. they usually have a kid spot at the front.
Hi Emily! First of all, I would take the stroller. Seems like it would make it easier for you. I am sure you will have a blast! Second, I just love the pics of you and your little girl ( swoon )!! So precious! Third, where did you get the minion t-shirt for your little one? I love it! You look absolutely gorgeous with your pregnant belly! Have a sweet Sunday! xoxo
Anna – Thanks for the advice (and your compliments!). I LOVED the minion shirt and HAD to have it for her to sleep in, even though it’s technically a boy shirt. I found it at Target in the baby boy tee shirt section. I think it was only about $5. We love it!
She is getting so cute! My Ladybug has what is called a Learning Tower (http://www.littlepartners.com, but there are different brands). She LOVES it! In fact, I can barely get a spoon out of the drawer without her insisting that we use it. It makes baking so much more fun with her because I don’t have to hold her. As for car rides and flights, just bring an assortment of stuff. Books and toys, maybe a new ap on your phone? We also really like Raffi! Have fun on your trip!
Music you can both dance to…
http://www.putumayo.com/kids/putumayo_kids_catalog/kidscds
I love their Jazz Playground and Caribbean Playground. There’s a good chance you can find them at your local library.
Have a great time on your trip!
Hi Emily,
We recently flew with our son when he was 17 months old. He sat on my lap do we didn’t need our car seat at the gate so we were able to check it with our other luggage. They let you either gate check or regular check kids carseats and strollers for free. So as long as you don’t need it on the plane and can get your husband or someone to come in and help you check your car seat you might not even really have to worry about carrying it all that much. And then you can drop off and pick up the stroller at the gate.
I’d definitely recommend lots of snacks. We also let him watch movies on the plane and bought some new books just for the plane. I had originally gotten us the aisle because I thought he might want to get up, but he loved the window. On the way back we switched and he was so happy to just sit and look out the window, especially while we were waiting to take off and waiting to get off the plane.
The last thing that worked really well for our trip home was we held off on nap time and brought him to the playground right before heading to the airport. He was nice and tired and slept 3 hours of the 3.5 hour flight.