ONE: The weather decided to warm up again this week, which made it official, it’s maxi dress season!! Maxi dresses are totally my thing, I own way more than one person ever should but I am addicted to how carefree & easy they are. My mom found Waverly Maye one of her own at Target this week, I can’t even handle how much I love it & her it in, of course.
THREE: I was sad taking all my Easter decorations down the other day, so to cheer myself up (& cheer the house up), I ordered this colorful garland. I can’t wait to hang it on our new fireplace & think the bright colors will make it perfect until the end of summer!
FOUR: Waverly’s love of puzzles is at an all-time high, she is obsessed! We got her this ABC puzzle for Christmas, but it was a little advanced for her until the last few weeks. She can now do it pretty much on her own, which amazes me everytime! I love watching her learn & progress lately, this age really is the best.
FIVE: We have spent many afternoons outside this week, making up for all the lost time over my coldest spring break ever. We brought back out the bubbles from last year, Waverly still loves them just as much but now, prefers to do it all on her own. She’s got the wand motion down, but we are still working on the “blowing” part. Instead, she just puts her mouth right on the wand & gets extremely frustrated when no bubbles magically appear. It’s a tough life being a toddler.


Speaking of toddlers, we have officially moved into the time-out phase of parenting (not my favorite or my strongest point). I have been putting Waverly in her crib (I think that’s where I failed) & walking out for a minute or two after these real deal tantrums we have been seeing lately. During our outside time this week, I was so excited to treat her with her first popsicle of the season. She loved it, so much so that she walked right back inside to the fridge to get another. When I didn’t let her, she naturally fell to the ground screaming & kicking, which I then followed with kneeling down to ask her if she needed a time-out. She quickly responded with the happiest yes, & went running upstairs to her crib still covered in the red popsicle juice from her treat. I didn’t want to back down then, so there she was, happy as a clam “bump”-ing up & down in her crib. Obviously getting red stains all over that beautiful Pottery Barn bedding. I showed her. 😉 Advice is welcome, I love this “spirited” girl so much yet she definitely keeps me on my toes!!

Happiest weekend to you all!!!
XOXO
Oh dear, we are in that phase of frustrations too. I am reading a book called Positive Parenting which is actually really helping me out a lot. I tried the time out with Madeleine and it achieved absolutely nothing! Apparently some kids respond well to it and others don't, or not this young at least. I've managed to cut her tantrums way down these days, which makes outings far happier again. Positive Parenting is all about autonomy and discipline rather than punishment, and so far, it seems to be a style that is helping me through this frustrating patch. Its worth a read anyway!!
And oh my goodness, is this officially Puzzle Age or what!?! Maddie can't get enough of them!!
Have a wonderful weekend ladies xxx
The book is called Positive Discipline: The First Three Years xx
I've been having a problem with Noah pulling my hair and throwing things at me. I too have done the time out in the crib and while he does cry in there instead of bounce around happy, it doesn't seem to be helping. I should probably read that book mentioned above too!
I might have to check out the book posted in the first comment, Savanna isn't pitching fits yet, but I wanna be prepared for those things!
I love bubbles, who doesn't?!!
Oh my gosh a tiny maxi dress! Love it! They are the best for Spring and Summer. My son Cole was actually born on Cinco de Mayo! Lol I guess he will be celebrating his 21st with a Margarita. XO
Yay for maxi dress season! And is it bad that I want your daughter's sweatshirt in my size!
Oh Waverly…"yes" to timeout…haha (that last pic of her is totally frame-worthy though) I agree with you on Maxi's- can't wait to break them out! Thanks for sharing the link to that garland too- super cute!! xoxo Happy weekend!
Lol. This is just too funny! We used to put Sydney in time out in her room, but she always found a way to play with something. So we found a spot, or a corner, in the house where she can't get to anything and make her sit there. She HATES it, but it works now, and she avoids time out if she can.
Most things I've read say to do time out somewhere that isn't associated with anything fun. We've only done it once here so I can't tell you if it works, but we chose a stair in the house that doesn't have anything stimulating or fun around it. The. I talked to her why she was in time out. It was really nerve wracking because she kept getting up, but I just kept setting her back down until she calmed down and then we went and played something else. Do you ever watch super nanny? That lady is like the dog whisperer of kids, lol! I hope it works out for you and you find something she responds to. Sometimes I just walk away and change the subject and that works better at this age. Mostly though I just feel lost and confused by what to do…they will survive either way!! 🙂
Waverly in a maxi — so, so cute!!!
Liam insists upon doing bubbles by himself now too, he also can't quite blow them yet. Instead he ends up walking around spilling the container everywhere.
As far as tantrums go, I still use distraction and it works most of the time. Or asking him to use his words. He hasn't done anything timeout worthy yet.
That maxi dress…. DYING! So stinking cute!!
I've heard that their crib/bed should be their safe place so avoid having that be their time out spot, and have a specified chair or corner be the designated time out spot. BUT! How do you keep them contained in just a chair? We aren't quite to the point where Mia understands time out so I have a lot to learn in the coming months! But obviously Waverly's crib IS her safe spot and it cheered her right up! What more can you ask for when getting over a tantrum? Ha!
Oh girl I am in that same phase with my little one and wow does it really suck!! I think its worse on us the parent then it is on the little ones. I deal with the kicking and screaming tantrums and even been to the point of tears when my Hubby comes home because I feel like I've "failed" as a parent. Guess what I didn't fail its life and the phase the kiddos go thru will end sooner or later. We put her in time out in the corner and when she calms down we talk to her and explain to the best of our ability as to why she is on time out. She says sorry and we say we love her etc and hug it out and go about our day. Honestly sometimes I feel like both the parent and kiddo need a little break and have "quiet" time. But most importantly don't ever let it get to you and make you feel like your not being a great parent that was the hardest part for me. Good luck girl 🙂
LOVE your 5 this week! First, I need to find some maxi dresses for Scarlett they are seriously my favorite!! Two, I love that pom pom garland, so fun and colorful and three we love bubbles too! Wishing you and your sweet family a wonderful weekend!! xoxo
Aw, I love Waverly's little maxi 🙂 I have no tantrum advice, but I hope you'll keep us updated with results from whatever you decide to do — because it'll be nice to reference when I get to this stage.
So cute! You just reminded me to bring out the bubbles for Marli and yes yes yes…LOVING maxi dresses/skirts season 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Linh
http://abeautifulrawr.com
Omg, I love that look on Waverly's face as she is playing with the bubbles. Sooooo cute!!!!
A mini maxi!? LOVE!!
Thanks for sharing. So sweet 🙂 I heard a suggestion to not do time outs in cribs/beds because then they can associate time outs with being sleepy or playful and it can even cause confusion when naptime/bedtime comes, as they no longer are going 'to bed' but are ok staying awake, since that's what they do at time out. The person who said this said to "do someplace boring" in a hallway or next to the stair case etc. I've begun time outs with my daughter as well and just try to be calm, consistent and follow through with 1-verbal warning, 2-discipline action, 3-restoration w/grace and an explanation. Soon enough they will be able to verbalize and communicate more which should hopefully help manage tantrums! Ah, toddlers.
Haha the bubbles!! Abigail is 3.5 and is just now figuring out the bubble blowing thing. It's still not stellar and holy mess. Annnnd I'm pretty sure she eats more than she plays with lol.
Cutest pictures of you baby! You make me so #babygirl hungry! Those bubble pictures kill me.
oh man…those dreaded timeouts. We sit Elyse in the entryway hallway on the floor, with her back against the wall. She does surprising well at staying there until we go get her….and if she gets up, we promptly put her right back and tell her to sit utnil Mommy or Daddy come get her. Whoever puts her there always goes and get her and of course we have an "I'm sorry, give mommy/daddy a hug & kiss" session once she's calmed down! This has worked surprising well and I've only had her volunteer for timeout a couple of times since.
oh man…those dreaded timeouts. We sit Elyse in the entryway hallway on the floor, with her back against the wall. She does surprising well at staying there until we go get her….and if she gets up, we promptly put her right back and tell her to sit utnil Mommy or Daddy come get her. Whoever puts her there always goes and get her and of course we have an "I'm sorry, give mommy/daddy a hug & kiss" session once she's calmed down! This has worked surprising well and I've only had her volunteer for timeout a couple of times since.
Adorable pictures!! So glad the weather is finally starting to warm up!!! Makes for fun outside with beautiful photos!!
visiting from the 5 on friday linkup
stop by: mitchalycia.blogspot.ca
Love your blog too! I teach high school students as well 🙂 So much fun!
What a beautiful little girl you have! Love her name. You have a really cool profession!! Loved looking around your blog.
Ugh tantrums…NOT FUN! I usually just let C do his thing, get upset and PO'd. I don't pay any attention to him when he's being unreasonable, but once he's done I give him a big hug and explain to him there is no need to get so upset and why. We're about to start hallway timeouts I think…yikes.
Oh gosh, I am not looking forward to the disciplining days. I know they're coming, and I am NOT ready. I wish my sweet boy would just stay a sweet boy forever. Hey, I can hope, right? Then maybe I'll never have to do time out, lol!:) Have a great weekend!
Found your cute blog through the link-up!
a] waverly is adorable!
b] we are entering the tantrum phase too – it is not fun! good luck!
she has the best outfits!!
joanna-dan.blogspot.com
We are in full blown tantrum stage around here times two. My almost 2 year old has now started taking screaming fits. I've been trying to ignore them but know eventually we will have to use some sort of punishment. I guess I let it go a little more than I should but that is because I have an almost 4 year old who takes the worst fits EVER! He has SPD so some of it isn't his fault. It's very hard to correct him though because no matter what I do, say or try, he doesn't respond. I wish you loads of luck!!!
I LOVE that little dress Waverly is wearing. Oh my she looks like a little princess!!!
How stinkin' cute is she in that maxi dress?! Raya has lots of maxi's but I'm not sure I have any in Brielle's size…she needs one!
Love that maxi dress!! Too funny about to bubbles!! Peyton tries to blow the bubbles herself, too – but she more like eats them for now 😉
Waverly, I too am excited about maxi dress season… just ordered one on sale on Gap's website last night! 🙂 And I am also having the problem with the tantrums. Usually he's ok but whenever my husband and I both work at 7am, its meltdown central. For. no. reason. We get him dressed, bring him downstairs, put him down and boom…CRYING. He's totally fine, we offer him juice, food, toys, anything. Nothing works. So (I'm doubting this is actually good parenting advice so forgive me) but I just try to ignore it. I offer him everything I can think of and nothing works and we need to get out the door, so we finish getting ready, I cut up his waffles and put them in a to go container for my husband, we head out the door, my husband puts him in the car, and he is happy as a clam eating his waffles. Toddlers. I will NEVER understand!
Love that sweater your daughter is wearing in the last photo – I'd actually wear that myself it's so cute! 😀
She looks adorable in her new dress! My 7 year old is all about maxi dresses. She can't get enough!
Waverly in the maxi is just ADORABLE!!!
We are in the tantrum stage too. No fun. Try to be as consistent as you can with how you respond. My little guy sometimes just does it for attention. You know, he'll like stop to make sure I'm looking then continue to cry on the floor. Oh toddlers are crazy creatures! 🙂 Happy Saturday!
Love the face she makes while trying to blow the bubbles! Lily makes the same face. Hooray for maxi season! Totally my go-to for the warmer season. As far as tantrum taming, I've found that validation cuts them in half drastically since communication is usually the reason. For example, "you want another Popsicle? (To which she would acknowledge) I understand you want another Popsicle but mommy said no. You can have another one tomorrow". Also, we do timeout too but for repeat offenses. Like if we've told her no she can't hit the dog and she continues to do so. Sucks that there isn't a streamlined works for everyone tactic, huh? -hugs!
Plumtickledpink.blogspot.com
Your puzzle links to an hm blouse, ha. I was like wait what..
Loooove the maxi, omg. A baby maxi! Can't get any cuter.
Kids trying to blow bubbles is too funny. Aria can blow but not enough or in the right direction. She likes dipping the wand and putting it up to my mouth, but her dips are not so great at getting a film so not much happens with that either.
Toddler maxi dresses!!!! CUTE!!!! 🙂