Who Has Time to Journal?

Hi everyone, hope spring is treating you well! Even though it's still chilly, it seems as though warmer weather is on the horizon. I've been feeling the "mom" guilt about journaling, or rather the abscence of journaling, particularly about those "cute", or "never want to forget" comments/moments etc. I just can't seem to find the time or energy at the end of the day to sit down with pen in hand to jot down all the happenings that I want to capture. For 2 years I've been telling myself that I would NEVER forget all of the endearing things my kids say or do. But I have; the memories have been trampled down by work, activities, sleep deprivation, busy schedules and more.

 I actually was experiencing some anxiety around it, as I realized fast time goes and how blurry my memory has become. And then... I went to a meeting a couple of months ago and learned from a colleague that she had created an email address to quickly record those precious, "unforgettable" peices of her daughter's childhood. I thought this was a great idea and quickly set up an email account for my boys, each child has a folder and as I move through my day, if I think of a funny moment or story, I just email it to that account! It is a great, easy, and quick way to make sure the most important memories are captured and can be shared or revisited over time!

Cabin Fever

Hi all,
Not sure if you are experiencing cabin fever too, but I am (and my kids) are SO ready for reasonable temperatures on a consistent basis! For those of you who feel like you and are your family are "hold up" inside, consider visiting the play areas in our local shopping malls, Playplace inside select McDonalds', and indoor activity/inflatable facilities (most of these have fees associated but they are usually nominal) around town. You can also try the indoor exibits at the zoo if you don't mind bundling up!! Good luck and hopefully warmer weather in on the way.

If you have other ideas about ways kids and burn some energy while we're awaiting spring, please post!

Spring Break is Around the Corner

Hey everyone, I've been hearing lots about where families are going for spring break and am realizing that Disney, the beach, and skiing in Aspen are all way beyond my budget. Does anyone have good ideas for inexpensive spring break trips, (even day trips)? I'm looking to do some fun and hopefully outdoor things with my family and I don't want to break the bank.

Thanks

Middle Child

My middle son is 3 years old, very verbal and pretty bright (from my perspective). However, he is MUCH, MUCH less focused than my older son was at his age. This is totally okay, I don't expect or even want them to be carbon copies of each other, but some span of attention would be good. He starts preschool soon, and he's very excited, so I've been working with him at recognizing his name, some letters etc. And even though I know he knows the answers, he won't cooperate. Can anyone give me advice about how to engage a bright, unfocused, curious little boy about something other than robots, rockets and Batman?

Lactation Spaces around main campus

Hi,
I know this post won't apply to you all but for those of you who are new moms, or just returning to work after having your baby, or have a colleague needing a clean, private, safe space to pump, I just wanted to remind you that we have several (24 to be exact) lactation spaces here on OSU's main campus. To view the list, you can visit http://hr.osu.edu/worklife/lactationrooms.pdf and if you would like to establish a lactation space in your building, don't hesitate to contact me and we can work through the details!!

thanks,
Katie

Kid's With Learning Disabilities

Hello Fellow OSU Mom's :)

Is anyone else out there dealing with a child with dyslexia? I recently found out that my eight year old daughter has this diagnosis.

This entire process of educational testing and setting up an IEP with the school has been emotional & trying for my family.

When my daughter becomes frustrated she has an emotional response or she completely shuts down and wont try.

Is anyone else going through this and what has worked?

I look forward to your feedback & suggestions.

Summer Nanny?

I work part-time and am looking to hire a nanny to cover the summer months.  I figure my six year old is not going to want to return to daycare and I can withdraw my younger son (who will be two) for the summer while paying a small holding fee.

I plan to enroll the six year old in a few weeks of camp so that he can have some structured, enriching experiences, but mostly, I'd like him to experience a bit of the "lazy summer" I have such fond memories -- sleeping in, riding bikes, going to the pool.

Ideally, I would love to hire part-time (three days a week).  Does anyone have any suggestions on how to hire a sitter?

Summer Camps for Kids

Hi all if you are looking for "camp" options for kids this summer, my work life website is a good place to look! Just go to http://hr.osu.edu/worklife/children.aspx

Have a great day and stay warm!

Camp Recky

Have any of you out there used Camp Recky as a summer care/camp alternative! I'm looking for some camp type options for my 5 year old son and have heard good things about Camp Recky but would love more feedback! Anyone??

Any other moms of twins out there on campus?

Hi ladies. I am a mom of a 2 year old girl and am expecting twins (girl/boy) in May. I am a member of the Columbus Mother of Twins Club already but wondered if there were any others in this group and/or around campus with twins. I will need to continue working at least 75% after the babies arrive (with a few months of time "off" of course) and was curious if there were others who survived/are surviving it! I'd love to chat and get any tips or advice on how to make this work.

Thanks!
Stephanie

Anti-Princess Reading List

Hi, ladies, and thanks to Katie for setting us up!

I was just talking about RAISING GIRLS with a fellow OSU soon-to-be working mom. She is determined not to raise any prissy, ready-for-princely-rescue offspring, and I remembered the "Anti-Princess Reading List." I'm posting it for all, courtesy Mommy Tracked.
(this is my first blog post ever, so I hope the link comes through...)

Laura

Hot Topics

Hey all, I have 3 boys ages 4, 3, and 2. So I  know the hot topics surrounding those ages, but I'd like to hear feedback from you all about the hot topics facing your children based on their age, grade, interest, educational needs. Please comment back about the issues you would like to discuss on this blog!