Los Porchs

Being unemployed has given me time to enjoy my daughter in a way most working parents don't often encounter.  It has felt like an extension of maternity leave but rather than a crying infant whom I barely know, I have this energetic toddler who clings to my leg and now freely leans in to give me sloppy kisses (or melts her entire being on the floor when offering a tantrum).  This time has been frustrating, exhausting, and yet totally amazing. I've been interviewing for jobs and enjoying the chance to reflect deeply on what I'd like to do next.  I wasn't sure where my train was headed next and I even considered going back into the classroom as an infant teacher as the "easy" solution.  Nothing about being an infant teacher is easy.  And I'm not sure I could work in an environment where I don't have the authority to be an agent of change. I like being a leader.  I love working with teachers to help them grow as professionals.  There's nothing I l

Porch and I both went to college at UW-Platteville and we both spent time in Dubuque in our free time.  Dubuque was about 30 minutes from campus and had the closest mall.  We have friends who now live in the area and have a daughter about the same age as Charlotte.  We went to visit them this past weekend and we took the girls to the Dubuque Aquarium for an afternoon of fun & discovery. This aquarium was just the right size to allow for an afternoon visit and included an awesome outdoor area that would be a perfect opportunity for warmer weather visits.  The girls are such a fun age where we can explore and they interact with the exhibits.  "Oh WOW" was heard a few times from Ms. Charlie. Not only was she into it, she asked for MORE SNAKE. #notmykid Okay, maybe she is mine ;) We had a great time and I'd recommend a visit to anyone with a toddler (or older, obviously).  The Sherlock Holmes exhibit upstairs was a b

We got sunshine and warm-ish weather today so Charlotte and I had to take advantage!  She is happiest while playing outside and it breaks her heart every time I take her to the garage and she points at the little lawn mower yet I stuff her into the car seat. With no plans for the day, we loaded up the wagon and headed out for a morning walk.  We made it to the park without freezing so we spent some time playing on the swings and slide before retreating to the wagon for a snack date with Minnie and Daisy. We watched the ducks walk on water! GAH!  This kid. We made the same faces without prompting.  I could eat this girl's cheeks. After lunch, she took a 2 hour nap and then we quickly headed out again since the sun was shining and the skies were blue.  We can't just waste good weather like that!  We've been cooped up this winter with some super cold days and illnesses.  I've never seen my kid cooperate so quickly to get dressed for outside play. Twice.

I love the growth charts I've been seeing on Etsy and wondered if I could make one myself before I remembered I have no patience and would likely end up with half a sign stashed in the basement. A friend from college has opened a shop on Facebook selling some amazing pieces and I knew she was the gal for the job! It arrived today and I am SO in love with the finished product! Find her on Facebook and Instagram: Signs by Caitlin Swoon. Mama Porch Disclaimer: I was in no way paid to endorse Signs by Caitlin. The opinions expressed are my own.

I am by no means the most religious person you'll ever meet.  I cannot quote the Bible with you.  I was confirmed in the Catholic faith, married by a Lutheran minister, and seemingly lost my faith later down the road while I struggled with the loss of my cousin and my own health issues.  I started to find my way again when I started IVF.  I fell in love with the Pope's 5-finger prayer.  It calmed my nerves as I spent every quiet moment wondering if Charlotte was okay in there, if I would have a true success story, not wanting to jinx myself by being too happy. Lent is now upon us and while I very much struggle with the concept of giving up meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays during this season, I had a great conversation with my sister-in-law who pointed out that it's really more about the mindfulness.  That's a word I hear more and more in conversation lately and that was something that made sense to me.  Not that it made me want to give up meat or anything else.  

All at once, it would seem we no longer have a baby... at times, I feel even toddlerhood is fleeting.  Nothing is sacred.  Once this peanut strings together a few words, I think we can all agree that once she starts talking, she's not likely to stop.  She is fiercely independent and it's one of the things I admire the most about her.  She is strong-willed and determined.  I love to watch her problem solve. Stats: As of her 18 month well visit on the 10th, Charlotte is 34.5" tall (off the charts), 26 pounds & 12 oz (91%ile), and had a head circumference of 19.29" (98%ile).  Essentially, my child is the size of an average-sized 2.5 year old.  Seems about right, I've recently been blown away by her ability to reach everything on the counters. Sleep... Depends on the day!  Every now and then, we get a rare full night of sleep but for the most part, she's still up once or twice a night. Anyone who claims toddlers need to be forward-facing because