100 boxes of diapers, 1,000 bunches of bananas, 1 ER visit (cashews are a no-go,) countless kisses, (are these things supposed to go in order of quantity?) 1,000,000 giggles, and 1 red balloon (minus the great green room) later, Lincoln turned 18 months old this week. My perfect, precious peanut.
I now understand what everyone meant when they said you snap your fingers and your baby is off to college. Those early days are so long and hard, and sometimes it feels like you’ll never make it out the other side, then you wake up one day and all of the sudden your newborn is eating a ham sandwich, saying puppy, throwing things away in the trash can, and is signed up for “school” in the fall. It hit me as I was doing the laundry the other day that I am literally powerless to stop him from growing up. What a scary and honestly gut-wrenching feeling as a mother. No matter what I do, some day he won’t be at home and with me all the time. I know I’m getting ahead of myself to the tune of 17 years, but I don’t think there’s a mother on the planet who doesn’t hurt about that.
On a lighter note, while there’s nothing cuter than a newborn, these last few months with a toddler have felt the sweetest. It’s such a game changer when they can finally walk and engage in outside activities, and Ben and I have loved taking Lincoln everywhere from the zoo, to the Botanical Center, river walk, library, community center, gym play place, and traveling with him to Savannah and Virginia over the past 6 months. It’s such a joy to see your child having fun!
Working from home with a toddler continues to be extremely difficult, though our twice a week sitter is a Godsend. She and Lincoln have a blast together and by now she knows him as well as any family member. On the days when she isn’t here, and I need to steal 10-15 minutes to check email or make a quick dish for the blog, I usually give Lincoln free reign on the pantry and a few select cupboards filled with pre-approved toddler-friendly items like bowls, funnels (my God does that child love funnels,) and strainers. Anything for a little break!
Other than that we fill our days with playtime at home, trips to see Grammie and Dada at work, errands, and at least one “Lincoln-centered” activity whether that be a trip to the library, community center for the play place/open gym, or mall so he can run around. We’re recently down to one nap in the afternoon, so we’re still figuring out the new timing of our day. I continue to get the bulk of my work done during nap time, nights, and weekends.
Lincoln is pretty shy around other little kids (although thankfully he’s getting better,) but he loves flirting with older ladies at the grocery store and restaurants, and makes me laugh at least 100 times a day. He’s a total goofball!
Eating is going great! We introduced utensils around 13 months or so after seeing babies L’s age using them (I texted my SIL asking if I was a terrible mother because I didn’t think kids learned how to use spoons and forks until they were like, I don’t know, 2?) Anyway he’s slowly picked it up over the past couple of months and is now using them pretty consistently. Like I mentioned, the kid eats like a horse. Here’s a typical day’s menu:
Breakfast: banana, slice of bread with peanut butter, mandarin orange, and maybe some Cheerios.
Lunch: Some type of meat/protein (meatballs, salmon, chicken, eggs, deli meat sandwich) green beans, strawberries, peanut butter crackers.
Afternoon snack: Apple Pie Larabar
Dinner: Spaghetti with Vegetable Ragu (I like the Barilla pasta that’s made with vegetables – HyVee has a version too,) peas, applesauce, butternut squash.
Evening snack: a few whole wheat crackers
(Look at that determination!) ;)
Likes: playing in his tunnel, HIS DAD (or more accurately dada! dada! dada!) books, his vitamins, Larabars, watching me do the laundry, chips and salsa, knocking on doors, being outside, walking backwards, the E! News theme song, watching videos of himself, the community center, Taylor Swift, getting his teeth brushed, puppies, and kisses from Mom (ok I put that in there for myself.)
Dislikes: sun in his eyes, when Dad hangs up the phone after talking over the speaker, not being the center of attention for more than 10 seconds, and wearing his winter coat in the car seat. Oh, and socks.
Around the time Lincoln turned one the questions started rolling in – when are you going to have another?! The answer is, I don’t know! We’re in such a great place right now with finally being able to communicate well, feeling comfortable and excited to travel as a family, going out to dinner whenever we want, etc. Life finally feels “normal” so it’s hard thinking about going back to the chaotic world of having a newborn. (I’m not saying everyone’s life with a newborn is chaotic, but for us it sure felt like it!) There’s something to be said about getting the really difficult years over and done with all at once, but there’s also nothing wrong with like, taking a minute. That said, I do want Lincoln to have a brother or sister in the future so that chapter in our lives is still TBD!
Right now I’m enjoying every moment, adventure, and sweet snuggle from my bubba, my baby, my heart and soul. Can’t wait to see what life has in store for our little family next.
Jennifer Thompson 03.16.2015
Hello Kristin/Iowa Girl! My co-workers started following you pre-baby, so love your FB Page and blogs!
I really enjoy following your info on your son, as my daughter is a month behind him. And although we as Moms shouldn’t “compare,” I still do!
I have 2 questions for you, if you could find the time to answer, I’d appreciate it.
1) You mentioned you have him signed up for school in the fall – what kind of schooling are you sending him to, and how often is it? I haven’t found anything that starts before age 3, so I am very interested that maybe I’m overlooking something.
2) I think I saw that you give your little guy a vitamin, can you tell me what kind?
Thank You in advance for answering me, I know the hectic chaos of being a toddler-Mom!
xoxo,
Jen and Lil Lydia
Rachel 03.10.2015
You mentioned Lincoln likes his vitamins and I am curious to know what vitamins you use? I have a 16 mo old that is not dairy-free but I am trying to do my research and totally respect your opinion! Thanks!
Barkley 03.02.2015
I saw that your son is allergic to cashews. I’ve also heard that pink peppercorns will give the same response as cashews (so be careful with peppercorn blends). My nephews are allergic to nuts , soy and tree nuts so I like to pass on any info I can:)
Sarah @ RunningChickago.com 03.01.2015
omg – he is too cute!!!
Kathrine 02.17.2015
Hi. Been reading you blog for a very long time but have never commented. My kiddos are Ana to peanuts and tree nuts. All three of em! Just wanted to mention to you that pink peppercorns are related to cashews. Just a little FYI. It’s strange but I know people have had cross reactions. Allergies are a scary thing , but it does become second nature! My kiddos are 9, almost. 8 and 6. Definitely keeps you on your toes!
Adrienne 02.16.2015
I don’t blame you for waiting to have your second. My son is 18mo and due with the 2nd in June, but I am 37 so its now or never.
I have a question about traveling with a toddler, specifically flying. We have family in Denver, but have held off taking him on a plane because of all the things we would have to take like a pack ‘n play, car seat, stroller. I get a little anxiety thinking of everything. Also scared about being one of those parents incase he cries or has a fit. All my friends that have been on vacation with their kids have driven. Since you have flown do you take everything with you or is there places in each city to rent things like that? Also any tips on traveling with a toddler. I don’t want to feel like we can’t take him places until he is like 9.
Kristin 02.17.2015
Hey Adrienne! I know – it’s definitely takes a lot of coordinating to travel with a toddler, but it can be done. Here are my tips:
1. You can check the pack ‘n’ play, stroller, car seat, car seat base, etc – plus most airlines will check the car seat and base for free. If your car seat clips into your stroller, you can wheel the whole thing up to the gate then they’ll gate check it there for free.
2. I know you said you were staying with family, but when you travel and are staying at a hotel in the future, most if not all will have pack ‘n’ plays that you can request to be put in your room. Just bring a mattress pad cover and sheet from home.
3. Tips for flying with a toddler – lots of ipad/phone videos, books, and little foods like cheerios or popcorn that you can give to them one at a time to stretch it out, vs a sandwich or something they can quickly eat. And, yes, sometimes they do cry and there’s really nothing that can be done about it. I have yet to have anyone get annoyed with us – it’s actually been the opposite – people saying “been there, done that!” or “we totally understand!” And remember, at some point the flight will end – it doesn’t last forever!
june 02.12.2015
love reading these posts. i have a 12 yo, 10 yo, and now a 14 monther. i had forgotten all these stages with that decade long gap, so these posts are great reminders about milestones!
when did you introduce the larabar? does he eat the bar in bites, or are you breaking it up for him?
enjoy your time with the little man. the age span between kids is all up to you. as i can attest, having them close in age is great, but also waiting between ages has its own wonderful aspects too. (AND i found out this past weekend that #4 will be arriving in september. what a surprise!!!)
Kristin 02.17.2015
I think we first gave him Larabars around 15 months or so? I usually break the big bars into 4 chunks or so, because they occasionally have full nuts that haven’t been fully chopped, so I like to make sure I catch them all before giving him the bar.
Jade 02.09.2015
Love it! He’s so stinking cute. Don’t you love the demands to have another as soon as they turn one! Dylan just turned one on January 24th and I’m already getting the questions. I’m with you though. Life is just finally starting to get easier, I am in no hurry to return to the baby phase! Maybe in another year, but for now I’m just going to enjoy my little girl.
Losing Lindy 02.08.2015
I thought my Mr. 7.5 to eat his raspberries on the tips of his fingers, aka slide them over their finger tips and let them suck them off. My Mr. 7.5 still does this. Another thing he loved at L’s age was avocado, chunked up and eaten with a fork or fingers
Gina 02.08.2015
Lincoln is so adorable and getting SO big!! Mine is almost two and I have no idea where the time went.
We had our first ER trip for my son at 18 months due to cashews as well, but because he inhaled pieces of one. :( Thank goodness he was fine, but you haven’t lived until you’ve held a toddler down for x-rays. Ugh.
Kerrin 02.06.2015
oh and I agree with the other poster about pistachios – they are related to the cashew, as are mangos (!?) which I learned from my allergist. Also, by 20 months at his challenge test, my son had outgrown the milk allergy, but not the cashew
Kerrin 02.06.2015
Such a great post – I love that toddler stage 18 months, when they’re still mostly so agreeable. My 3rd is 4 months now and I have to say, it got easier each time around w/ the newborn phase. (maybe more confidence on my part? I don’t know)
Also, my son (middle child) was born allergic to dairy and cashews as well (just cashews, no other nut, he loves his peanut butter and almond milk) I wonder if there’s a dairy allergy / cashew link??
Tracy 02.06.2015
My oldest is turning 19 years today and started college last fall so all the things you said above are so so true!! This is the first birthday of his that I haven’t been able to give him a hug :( I feel like he should still be 19 months not years! That being said it has been such a joy to watch him (and his bros & sis) become the teens that they are :) Enjoy your time with Lincoln. He’s a doll!
Tanah 02.06.2015
Lincoln is adorable! I’ve always wanted little girls when I have kids but I think he’s changing my mind!
heather 02.06.2015
Love reading these posts. Sounds like someone is dropping hints to his Mom and Dad that he wants a dog…! Blessings and best wishes to all.
Erin 02.06.2015
Such a beautiful post and so well written! I have a a 6 month old baby boy and have really enjoyed reading your family posts as sort of “glimpses into the future”. I hope you keep them coming!
Dena 02.06.2015
I had 3 babies in 3.5 years and I LOVED IT. Yes, it was tough in the beginning, but everyone pretty much always had a playmate so that helped (and hindered, sometimes!) Vacations were easier because everyone was close in age so they all enjoyed same activities (no having a pre-teen AND a stroller…ugh). However, on the flip side, my good friend waited 4 years between each of her 3 kids and she says it is PERFECT and would never want it any other way. Bottom line….whatever you decide for your family will be PERFECT for your family :) I can’t believe how long your hair is!
Barb Rice 02.05.2015
It was so fun to hear about your little guy!! My best to you and Ben and little Lincoln. Finally subscribing to your blog. No clue why I haven’t done it before!! So impressed with all you are doing!!
Sue 02.05.2015
Lincoln is just precious. I enjoy your blog, hearing about your family, food and fun in general. Enjoy your family as they grow up and change so fast. XO
Erin 02.05.2015
Lincoln is so darn cute! He has such a joyful smile, I can almost imagine his giggle. I found the early years to be the hardest (so far). Carter is 6 and we’d still like to have another. It gets even harder to imagine going back to the newborn days ;). Only you can know the right time for your family – although everyone has an opinion!