becoming FAMILY Summer 2015

Summer 2015

becoming F A M I L Y 32 NEEDS

What Every Diaper Bag

The Summer’s BEST Maternity Swimwear

Tips for New Moms

plus!

Summer reading

becoming FA MILY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Janette Osemwota

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Eghe Lenze

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mark Voelker

PUBLISHER Becoming Family

Connect with us!

@becomingfamily www.becoming-family.com

Join our community for

FA M I LY

hello@theexpectingmamasnetwork.com 9801 FallCreek Rd #221 Indianapolis, IN 46236

becoming family • Summer 2015 •

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Contents Becoming Mama

Maternity Swimsuits pg. 18

Wine Review pg. 9 Tips for New Moms pg 13 Bathing Suite Beauty pg 18 Mom Who Has It Together pg 24

Becoming Dad Making Time Count pg. 28 Our Favorite Dad pg. 31 Becoming Couple

Moms who have it together pg. 24

Finding a Great Babysitter pg 34 Around Indy Calendar pg. 36 Becoming Baby Beach Baby pg 44

BabySitter pg. 34

Becoming Toddler Busy Bags pg. 50 Toddler Travel pg. 52 Toddler Crafts pg. 55 Becoming Preschooler

Around Indy Calendar pg. 36

Kid Eats Restaurant Review pg. 60 Summer Reading pg. 62 Summer Movies pg. 64

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Let’s Socialize! what’s trendy right now

MomCo helps connect moms with other moms in their community based on proximity and commonalities for all the friendship and support they need. Moms can interact by messaging each other and through the forum section. In the forum section, moms can share pictures, funny moments, ask questions, and get the support they need. Through the MomCo App, moms are able to arrange playdates, keep current with events in their community, be alerted of product recalls, and save money through exclusive deals.

Pin It! Looking for help with all things pregnancy?

Look no further. We love Pride and Joy Baby Planners, a premier inclusive baby planning consulting and concierge company. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, lost at what you need, or just need some advice, then check out their website.

Follow us at... pinterest.com/expectingmamas

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Twitter Poll Do you change your children’s bedtime routine during the summer?

Yes 75%

No 25%

Letter from the Editor Goodness knows, no one is more excited to see

summer than this Mama! I adore having my children home with me. I’ve always been into crafts and doing hands-on things with my kids, so having the extra time with them brings a little bit of joy to my life. My family and I love to travel, so being able to go see the grandparents or have a weekend getaway to go camping is alright in my book.

This edition is probably one of my favorites!

Summer means I can make cool lemonade, let the kids play in the backyard sprinklers with their cousins, and relax. Poolside tanning and sandcastle making gives me an excuse to find the perfect bathing suite for my body.

In this issue, we’ve brought you some of our favorite maternity swimwear, fun things to do with your kids this summer, and a whole lot more. I’m pleased that some of our seasoned moms will be giving their best travel tips and perfect diapers bag goodies. Don’t forget about reading up on some of the fun local things to do with your kids in our Indy with Kids sponsored calendar. Not to mention meeting a few moms who just have it together. I hope you enjoy this time with your kids and get out there and play!

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We Want to Know...

What can you say to a mom who needs a pick up?

“I have a baby in the hospital right now. It was a big deal for my mom to take two weeks off work, but I’d definitely be feeling overwhelmed if I didn’t have her here, taking care of the big kids.” -Cara E. “This parenting gig is like your first job, you had to learn what you were doing and it’s okay if you make mistakes.” -Diane C.

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“Relax and take time for yourself; it’s ok to leave the dishes for a while, and the laundry can wait too” -Ashley P. “Remember that you can’t do it all. Set priorities and let go of feeling bad when lower priority items don’t happen.” -Laura O. From www.daybydayinourworld.com

Interested in contacting us? Email us at hello@theexpectingmamasnetwork.com Or follow us at @becomingfamily for the latest info!

becoming MAMAS

Wine Reviews!

Reviews by Pam Greer at www.sidewalkshoes.com No longer will you need to guess whether you will enjoy a good wine. Here is the skinny on some of our favorite wines.

Let us celebrate with wine and sweet words!

Milton Park Shiraz, 2008, South Australia, $9.99.

They say: The wine features appealing, spicy characters and rich, plummy fruit flavors. We say: soft, berry, fruity, slightly spicy, medium body, creamy. Buy again: Yes!

Downton Abbey Bordeaux, 2012, France.

(In my excitement at discovering Dowton Abbey wine – I completely forgot to save my receipt so I don’t know where I purchased it or how much I paid.) They say: This elegant win is light, crisp, and refreshing. We say: We agree with everything they say. Crisp apple and pear, sweet up front and finishes a little tart. Nicely complex for a white wine. Buy again: Yes! becoming family • Summer 2015 •

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becoming MAMAS A bottle of wine contains more philosophy than all the books in the world

Casal Garcia Vinho Verde, Portugal, Vine and Barrel, $10.00.

We say: Crisp and refreshing, citrus notes and melon. Very nice. A perfect wine for sitting out on the back porch. Buy again: yes!

T-Vine Syrah, 2011, Calistoga, Napa Valley, California. $42.00.

They say: Jammy, rich and vibrant fruit. Layered in this inky wine are exotic flavors of blueberries and cherries, followed by a supple, velvety, soft lingering finish. We say: jammy, fruit, rich and succulent. Deep red, hint of vanilla, long finish. Excellent! Buy again: yes!

We purchased this wine while having a wonderful experience in the T-Vine Tasting Room. I’ll be doing a review of the actual tasting at a later date!

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Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things in the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection

Woop Woop Shiraz, 2012, Australia. Costco, $9.69.

They say: full and flavorsome wine, deep hued with richly scented aromatics and a soft juicy palate. We say: jammy fruit, leather, creamy, earthy, yummy.

Very nice. Buy again: Yes!

Lazy Bones Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles, California, Trader Joes, $6.99.

Maryhill Winemaker’s White, 2010, Vine and Barrel, $8.00.

They say: Ripe cherries, spiced blackberries, aromas of sweet wood and fresh herbs. We say: cherries and berries, some spice. A lot going on, a nice complexity.

Buy again: yes.

They say: This wine is compromised of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Viognier. We say: very nice, apricot with a little tropical fruit, a little hint of butter at the end. Buy again: Yes!

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More than just a Mom’s Group, but a place where community and families connect.

Meet up with other moms and sit back, drink some coffee, and let the little ones play.

To find out more, visit our calendar of events at www.TheExpectingMamasNetwork.com/calendar

becoming MAMAS If you are a mom or a nanny/babysitter who cares for children, you know how difficult it can be to get babies and toddlers into their car seats after they have been sitting in the sun. Whether it is running into the store for just a few minutes or being at church for three hours, the car seats get hot SO quickly. I have heard of babies being accidentally burned because of the heat. It is so dangerous and so sad for these precious little ones.

I am honored to be friends with a wonderful mom, Danielle Malaska. Danielle blogs over at Momma Whatcha Doin and is seriously SO creative, has amazing recipes and knows all about DIY projects. She literally does it ALL. In fact, she makes the COOLEST Car Seat Cooler’s that I am VERY excited to introduce you to today!

I had NEVER heard of such a thing until Danielle brought one over to my house a few weeks ago. I immediately started using it and it has been with us at ALL times ever since! I have never had a happier baby and Laila doesn’t even fight me to get into her car seat anymore.

Here is how it works: This incredible piece of fabric may look simple, but is a life saver. As you can see, it has little holes in the sides, where you slip ice packs in. She made this specifically to fit the ice packs you can by at Target. {My fave store!} You put the ice packs in the holes, roll it up and place in the freezer overnight.

Car Seat Cooler Review

by Danielle Davis From www.todaysthebestday.com

L

iving in the desert, we get HOT! I seriously LOVE Summer, but oh my goodness! Running errands outside, with a baby, when it is 110 degrees, is the toughest thing EVER! Getting in the car after being away for even just a few minutes, can be miserable.

When you leave to run errands for the day, bring it with you and place it over your car seat while in the store, at the park or in church. The ice packs protect your car seat from the sun and heat. When you come out – the car seat will be cool! No more burns, no more tears, no more heat!

This is THE best thing that ever happened to us. I highly suggest EVERY mom to have one of these this season. All of our babies need to be protected!

If you know how to sew, Danielle has a tutorial on DIY Car Sear Cooler so you can make one yourself for your littles! Or follow her blog, as she will be opening up an Etsy shop and selling them very soon!

This is just one way to make sure our babies stay cool this Summer. Other things to keep in mind for our families with this heat:

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5 Ways To Stay Cool This Summer

by Danielle Davis

1. DRESS LIGHTLY: Make sure you dress your babies and children appropriately. Keep them light and cool. I love accessories, but in the Summer it is so important to make sure they are as comfortable as possible.

2. STAY HYDRATED: Every time we leave the house, I always make sure I have a water bottle for EACH of us! You can buy super cute water bottles for little kids.

Fill them with ice and water and put them in your purse. Make sure you as the mom AND your babies drink plenty of water.

3. LOOK FOR SHADE:

the AC on and make sure the air is making its way to the back of the car!

5. STAY INSIDE: We LOVE to get out of the house. We try to go somewhere every day, for heavens sakes! :) BUT – if it is too hot, stay inside. OR try to go from one air conditioned place to another. Rather than the park, go to an indoor play place. Rather than going to the outdoor shopping center, go to an indoor mall. Always remember these babies are our priorities, so we should always try to make them as comfy as possible.

I hope these little tricks help you and your family as the weather is getting so HOT! What do you do to stay cool in the Summer? I would LOVE to hear!

Often times when we are running errands, I try to find a parking spot under a tree. It may sound a little silly, but it does keep the car at least a LITTLE cooler. When you are out in the park, set up an umbrella or sit under a shaded area.

4. GET THE AIR FLOWING: Make sure your baby receives enough air ventilation. Last Summer, I remember it was SO hot, I turned my car in and let Laila just sit up front with me for a minutes before I put her in her car seat, so she could feel the cool air on her. Turn becoming family • Summer 2015 •

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Are you a confident, charismatic, and commited connector?

We’re looking for ambassadors to help create connections for families!

Contact us Today! www.becoming-family.com

Ambassador Spotlight Meet Cassie!

What is the hardest part of being a mom?

The hardest part about being a mom is the guilt.

The guilt of not spending enough time with your kids, of not feeding them the right foods, of not making sure they can sleep in their own bed, and all of the other pressures from society and people around you who think they know your situation. You have to learn to remember that it’s your choice and no one loves your child like you do, and it’s okay if you aren’t perfect because in reality there is no perfect. You have to figure out what works best for your family and your kids.

Who is your biggest influence and why?

My biggest influence has always been my Grandma Andie. She was always there at every event any of us grandkids had, she didn’t miss a birthday or any special occasion, she made you feel loved no matter what. She taught me that the best thing you can give your child is love and to be there for them no matter what.

What is your favorite summer activity to do with your child/children?

Our favorite summer activity is to go to the lake and spend time with family and going for walks, I have a feeling swinging will be on that list this year as my daughter just turned 1 and loves to swing outside!

Favorite summer vacation spot?

In the summer we go to Lake Freeman where my grandparents have a cottage, we go about every weekend and it’s full of family, food, and fun times.

What is your parenting style?

My parenting style would be authoritative. I want my daughter to listen and respect what I say, but I also want to teach her to make her own decisions and be confident and understand that there are consequences to your choices and actions.

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becoming MAMAS

Bathing Beauties: Our favorite Maternity swimwear

Brought to you by The Pregnant Chicken

Women’s Two Piece Swimsuit from Target: I liked this one because it isn’t too tight around your belly. The two pieces give you a little more room so if you’re long waisted like me, you aren’t going to get that crotch grab.

Around $35

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Halter Tankini Two Piece Swimsuit: I like the pattern on this because it breaks up the area without looking like Walt Disney vomited all over you. The halter cut is nice to show off any pregnancy boobs you’re rocking and you can’t beat the price at $29.

ASOS Maternity Suit: When I first saw this I was all “wow, 25 bucks!!!” Then I realized that it was in pounds which roughly translates to 8 billion dollars (okay, about $40) but it’s still such a pretty suit and I think it’s just “brilliant”.

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becoming MAMAS

Evymama: Here’s another pretty , little number that can be used for both maternity and nursing from Evymama. For the record, I would kill to look like this now, let alone when I was pregnant or nursing.

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Maternal America Jenni Tankini: Okay, this one breaks my $100 rule, but isn’t it pretty? Wouldn’t you feel like a bohemian princess with an aura of awesome in this thing? If price isn’t an issue or your have to go to a destination wedding where you’re dealing with a everyone-butme-will-be-drinking-so-I’m-getting-a-nice-bathing-suit-dammit situation, then this site has some gorgeous suits.

Mom Who Has it Together

Everyone knows the moms who seems to have everything together. Whether they are the best dressed mom at the bus stop, or the mom who always brings amazing food to a pot luck, we all know that mom. Here are a few of our favorite moms who just seem to have it all together.

Bettney Henderson Mom Who Has This Workout Thing Together

1. Parenting style Attachment parent

2. Your guilty pleasure Dove chocolate

3. Favorite drink Shakeology!

4. Favorite exercise routine 21 Day Fix

5. Favorite thing to do with the kids Dance parties around the house

6. Favorite outdoor activity with your kiddos Swings and playing with chickens

Hediyah

Working Mom Who Has It Together 1. Parenting style We are very lenient with discipline, we give many chances. We listen and guide and nurture whenever possible. Every moment can be a teaching moment; it’s exhausting but we hope will be worth it at the end.

2. Guilty pleasure I love to eat hazelnut cocoa spread! I just eat it out of the jar. No crackers or fruit needed, although it’s good with that too. I do try to be healthy, but I can’t live life too strictly, where’s the fun in that?

3. Favorite coffee

5. What to do with kids to make time extra special

The darker the better, I do love coffee with a little cream and sugar. I like to get down with my Pepsi too.

We love playing sports together. My husband will create an outdoor obstacle course and we will time each other going through the course.

4. Favorite downtime activity I like to relax after a hard day by catching up and hanging out with my wonderful husband.

We like to have “deep” conversations about politics and world events. It’s nice speaking with someone with no judgement and someone that can relate and also except you the way you are.

We don’t always agree with one another but we listen and reply with respect. I also like watching my favorite shows on t.v.

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6. What would you do with extra 5 min. of time in the morning I’ve been waking up an hour and 20 minutes early lately; it allows me to pray, work out for an hour and then start breakfast for the family and start lunch, sometimes even get dinner started before dropping the kids off at school and rushing to work. It makes me feel so productive when I wake up early and have all that time to myself.

Lindsay Blythe

Mom who has this reading thing down 1. Parenting style I’m a pretty laid back parent; I save the time outs for things like hitting or running in the parking lot.

2. Your guilty pleasure Reality TV - especially The Bachelor and Project Runway!

3. Favorite coffee I actually don’t like coffee or wine, but I could drink a gallon of Coke a day!

4. Favorite book My recent favorite book is probably Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty; my all time favorite is Gone With the Wind.

5. Favorite book to read to the kids My two year old, Linc, currently loooves I’m a Dirty Dinosaur, and 100 Things to Spot.

6. How many books do you read at bed time Depending on how tired our guys are, we read anywhere from 5-15 books at bedtime. It’s a lot, but we love it!

Julie Okotie

Mom who has this cooking thing down 1. Parenting style Involved! I’m a stay at home mom so get to be pretty involved in most of there activities.

2. Your guilty pleasure French fries topped with melted cheese and bacon.

3. Favorite coffee or wine or drink Starbucks dark roast.

Pinto Grigio.

4. Favorite recipe Huevos rancheros casserole.

It’s always a big hit. http://www.alaskafromscratch. com/2012/06/25/huevos-rancheroscasserole/

5. Favorite thing to make for the kids Anything sweet but the one thing they can’t get enough of is lemon pound cake.

6. Do you let your kids cook?

What kinds of food?

Yes, I let my 14 year cook. She can make a few simple things on the stove top. The 8 year old loves to bake. She enjoys adding the ingredients together, cracking eggs and reading the directions. My 3 year old loves to join the fun so I always give him a small mixing bowl and stirrer with a few ingredients of his own.

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becoming DAD

becoming DAD

Making Time Count

by Rod Ellington

After a long day at work, there is nothing I look forward to more than spending time with my kids. I leave the house before they wake up and I come home just in time for dinner and a little bit of time before bed. I enjoy my time with them, even if it is limited. One of my favorite things to do with my kids is to get down on their level. I crawl on the floor and wrestle with my older boys and let the little ones climb on my back for a ride. My wife homeschools my children and by the end of the day I like to let her take a break to get some one-on-one time.

Sometimes we do homework, sometimes we cook, but every night I tell them a bedtime story. I’ve come up with this idea of creating a pair of characters a lot like my older boys. They go on adventures both extravagant and mediocre, always learning life lesson on the way. Not only is this fun for the boys, but I am able to help they think about situations that they otherwise could only imagine. My toddler is wild, and demands a lot of attention, specifically from my wife, who he favors. I like to run around, play pretend, and let him wear my work tie and glasses. He enjoys the attention and I can help him know that I love him as much as my wife does. My youngest, my princess, is always the first person to meet me at the door. She is my number 1 fan and I like sitting with her

but it takes someone special “Any man canto bebe aa Father, Dad. - Anne Geddes ”

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and playing a silly sound games. I make a silly sound and she will make it back to me. We both laugh and it is really a really good time.

On the weekends, we try to get out of the house as a family. That means we go to the zoo, museum, or go to our favorite park. I spend a few extra moments reminding my kids that I am emotionally and physically available for them. That sometimes means I might miss out on a few minutes of watching my favorite show, or not getting to relax as much as I want, but it is important for me that my kids know that although I am gone throughout the day, sometimes working past their bedtime, I am still their dad.

Taking a few minutes to show your kids that your time with them is special will boost their confidence and enhance your relationship with them. Even infants can begin to create bonds with their dads. If your infant bottlefeeds, try taking a turn, creating a wonderful bonding. Don’t forget to talk to you kids. Infants love the sound of your voice, they’ve been hearing it since before they were born. As children get older, this simple act of communication can strengthen your relationship.

Even though I can’t spend all day with my kids, I can make sure that we create lasting memories. What they say is true: it’s quality not quantity. Make the time with your kids count.

a study examining father involvement with 134 children “ofInadolescent mothers over the first 10 years of life, researchers

found that father-child contact was associated with better socioemotional and academic functioning. The results indicated that children with more involved fathers experienced fewer behavioral problems and scored higher on reading achievement. This study showed the significance of the role of fathers in the lives of at-risk children, even in case of nonresident fathers.

”

Info provided by http://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistics

“Connecting fathers in and around the Indianapolis area through meetups, blogs, podcasts, workshops, and more.”

The Indy Dads Group is a diverse community of fathers who take an active role in our children’s lives. We meet several times a month; with out kids at parks, playgrounds, museums, parent-and-me classes, and living rooms across the Indy area. We’ll also organize parenting workshops and “Dad’s Night Out” events to give our members an opportunity to socialize, learn, and support each other as we navigate parenthood. www.citydadsgroup.com/cities/

Favorite thing about being a dad?

Other than the tax deductions...I’d say my favorite thing about being a dad is playings sports and games with my kids.

What are some of the fondest memories of your dad that you share with your kids?

Fishing. Playing catch.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grewup?

Professional baseball player and a teacher. I sort of met my goals, I ended up teaching and coaching before eventually becoming a full-time stayat-home dad

What is one piece of advice you can share with a new father?

Don’t be nervous that you have NO CLUE what you’re supposed to do with that new baby you bring home from the hospital, no one does. Oh, and write stuff down. There will be so many fun and funny things your kids do, that you will forget if you don’t.

What do you enjoy most about being a dad?

Playing with my kids. Watching them play together. Watching them learn something new. Teaching them new things, whether it’s cooking, using a screwdriver or riding a bike. They’re just so eager to learn.

What is the hardest moment about being a dad?

Seeing them get rejected by others. Watching your kids struggle to do something knowing they may fail, but also knowing it’s better to let it happen so they can learn from it.

Our Favorite Dad: Pete What are your 3 happiest moments so far?

The happiest times I have with my family aren’t the big family trips we take together. It’s always something small, like family movie night, a trip to a local restaurant, or a weekend with friends and their kids that are always the most memorable.

What about yourself do you want to pass on to your children?

I want my kids to be kind and respectful to other people. I do my best at this, and hope my kids will do the same.

becoming COUPLE

becoming COUPLE

By Julie

from the Dating Divas Trying to find a babysitter each time you want to go out on a date can be SUPER stressful! You have to worry about who to call, then when you do think of someone that seems trustworthy enough, you have to worry if they will even be available! It’s almost like dating all over again!! ;) I am SO jealous of all you lucky ladies who have family in town that beg to have the grandkids or cousins over – you are so lucky!! Take advantage!!

The Dating Divas know that one of the biggest reasons couples don’t go out on Date Night is because they don’t have anyone to babysit their children.

It can be super stressful trying to find the perfect babysitter to watch your kiddos, especially if they are really young.

So to help you all out a little, the Divas put our heads together and came up with 10 fantastic tips to find and keep a great babysitter.

1. Get Recommendations:

The Diva’s all agreed that recommended babysitters are one of the best way to find a fabulous sitter. Talk with your close friends for babysitters they have used and liked. Ask around at your church, community center, neighborhood

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park, or at any clubs you are in. Make sure you ask specific questions about them, i.e. if they are comfortable with watching infants, or highenergy kids – anything that would be important for your situation.

2. Start A Babysitting Co-op: If you want to have

your children tended by experienced parents, then you will LOVE the idea of a babysitting co-op! A co-op is a great way to save money AND have your kids in responsible hands.

What is the definition of a babysitting co-op? Basically, a babysitting co-op is a group of parents who agree to trade babysitting hours, using a ticket system. When you bring your child to another family’s home, you pay tickets. When you sit for other family’s children, you earn tickets! We have a whole post all about starting your own babysitting co-op that you should check out. The best part is that if you are the one organizing it, then YOU can hand-pick the families you want to swap with! :)

3. Get to Know Your Sitter: Take the time to get to

know your sitter. What’s their family like? What are their hobbies, extra-curricular activities, and favorite things to do? I always loved it when the families I babysat for took an interest in me. If your babysit-

ter feels like you care about them, they are more likely to be more interested in your children. One of the Divas makes a point to send her favorite babysitter texts saying how awesome she is and giving her a birthday gift to let her sitter know how much they like her! You can get your kids involved in this too. They will love ‘surprising’ their favorite babysitter with a special gift.

4. Be A Tour Guide: When

your sitter is new to your home, you will want to make sure they are comfortable with where everything important is located. Give your sitter a little tour when they first arrive.

Make sure they know where diapers, wipes, and jammies are. Make sure all your contact info is current, is written down, and is in an obvious place. If you don’t have a landline and your sitter doesn’t have their own cell phone, make sure you have a way for them to communicate with you in case of an emergency.

Diva Candice had a “Baby 101” sheet that had all the details about their 4-month-old for their sitter. It included when she needed her bottle and how to prepare it, her napping schedule, favorite things, and other details that would be helpful for their babysitter.

This was also a fun memory for them to put in their daughter’s baby book showing a ‘snapshot’ of her at 4 months old.

5. Snacks Bring Them Back: Have specific treats

set out just for your sitter.

This is a great way to make them feel special and it keeps them going through all your cupboards when they want a snack. If you know your kiddos are going to be up for a while, you will probably want to include a special snack for them too. Your date night could be a great night to have a special movie theater night in your own home and have concession snacks for everyone. You can modify our fun Double Feature Date Night to make it kid and babysitter approved!

6. Feed Your Kids Before You Leave: Or at least have

a simple meal ready for your kids to eat. It can be busy enough for a young babysitter to watch your little darlings without adding on the extra stress of meal preparation. You may think a box of macaroni and cheese will be simple for them to whip up, but if they are not used to your stove or haven’t cooked much, it could spell disaster! This could be the night to order in pizza, or have cheese, crackers, yogurt, and fruit set out- anything to keep a meal easy.

7. Have Special Games:

Some of you might have those little ones who cry and cry when you leave the house. The quickest way to solve this is to give your kids something to look forward to when the babysitter comes. If you have a game or two that ONLY come out when they have a sitter, it will give the kiddos something fun to look forward to and also ensure your kids look forward to having a sitter. They will be BEGGING you to go on a date!

We have some great ideas on our site that you can quickly print out. Our Babysitter in A Bag is great for young kids and includes music, Play Doh, crayons, and fun! We also have some fun Date Night Envelope games that young and older kids will really look forward to… especially since they involve a little bit of a treat {wink!} The First Date Night Envelope has a “Don’t Eat Pete” game, as well as “The Kit Kat Game”. Date Night Envelope Part Two contains a fun and re-useable treasure hunt, we also have one more that is a crazy Skittles Game with a free printable too!

To read the other tips of this list and find great atricles for couples, please visit

http://www.thedatingdivas.com/tips-from-thedivas/10-tips-find-greatbabysitter/

becoming COUPLE

Calender for the Whole Family

Friday May 1, 2015

Saturday May 9, 2015

All Day FREE Family Movies in the Park | Nickel Plate, Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, Fishers IN

All Day Inside Hollywood Film & TV: You’re on the Set at The Children’s Museum Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

All Day Sesame Street Live | Let’s Dance Old National Centre, Indianapolis IN 10:00 am - 11:00 am Toddler Jump Hour at Sky Zone Trampoline Park Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park – Fishers, Fishers IN 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Toddler Jump Hour at Sky Zone Trampoline Park Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park – Fishers, Fishers IN & Plainfield IN 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm SESAME STREET LIVE – LET’S DANCE Murat Theatre @ Old National Centre, Indianapolis IN. 7:30 pm Indianapolis Alley Cats | Pro Frisbee/Disc Team Roncalli High School, Indianapolis IN 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm Friday Night Hoots | Owl Discovery Hikes Eagle Creek Ornithology Center and Earth Discovery Center, Indianapolis IN 9:00 pm - 10:30 pm Friday Night FrogWatch Eagle Creek Ornithology Center and Earth Discovery Center, Indianapolis IN May 9, 2015

All Day Transformers: Robots in Disguise Exhibit | Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

Saturday May 16,2015 All Day Inside Hollywood Film & TV: You’re on the Set at The Children’s Museum Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN All Day Transformers: Robots in Disguise Exhibit | Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Family Learn to Fish Workshop (FREE) Krannert Park, Indianapolis IN 9:30 am - 10:30 am Jr. Chef Children’s Cooking Class (FREE) Willams-Sonoma, Indianapolis IN 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Cars and Coffee Cars and Coffee Indianapolis Location | Saturdays, Indianapolis IN

9:00 am - 12:00 pm March for Babies White River State Park, Indianapolis IN

10:00 am - 5:00 pm Indianapolis Bump to Baby Expo Ritz Charles, Carmel IN

9:30 am - 11:00 am Cavas Paintings By Katie - Kids Cake and Canvas Painting Party Rockstar Pizza, BROWNSBURG IN

10:00 am - 4:00 pm Mr. Muffin’s Trains Mr. Muffin’s Trains, Carmel IN

9:30 am - 10:30 am Jr. Chef Children’s Cooking Class (FREE) Willams-Sonoma, Indianapolis IN 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 500 Festival Kids’ Day & Rookie Run | FREE* Monument Circle, Indianapolis IN 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Cars and Coffee Cars and Coffee Indianapolis Location | Saturdays, Indianapolis IN 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Mr. Muffin’s Trains Mr. Muffin’s Trains, Carmel IN 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Free Crafts at Lakeshore Learning Store Lakeshore Learning Store & Crafts, Indianapolis IN 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Family Make and Take at the IMA (Free) Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Hold It! Family Activity at the IMA Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Kid Activity Night | Parent’s Night Out Hamilton County Sports Complex, Noblesville IN

36 • Summer 2015 • becoming family

11:00 am - 3:00 pm Free Crafts at Lakeshore Learning Store Lakeshore Learning Store & Crafts, Indianapolis IN 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Hamilton County Fun Fair Hamilton County Sports Complex, Noblesville IN 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Family Make and Take at the IMA (Free) Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Dawg Gone Walk & Fiesta Deer Run Park, Nashville IN 7:30 pm Indianapolis Alley Cats | Pro Frisbee/Disc Team Roncalli High School, Indianapolis IN 7:30 pm Indy Eleven Soccer Game | Tickets $10+ Indy Eleven |Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium IUPUI, Indianapolis IN

Saturday May 23,2015 Saturday June 6,2015

Friday June 12,2015

All Day Inside Hollywood Film & TV: You’re on the Set at The Children’s Museum Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

All Day Inside Hollywood Film & TV: You’re on the Set at The Children’s Museum Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

All Day Inside Hollywood Film & TV: You’re on the Set at The Children’s Museum Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

All Day Transformers: Robots in Disguise Exhibit | Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

All Day Transformers: Robots in Disguise Exhibit | Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

All Day Transformers: Robots in Disguise Exhibit | Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

9:30 am - 10:30 am Jr. Chef Children’s Cooking Class (FREE) Willams-Sonoma, Indianapolis IN

9:00 am - 12:00 pm Home Depot Kids Workshops (FREE) |

10:00 am - 11:00 am Toddler Jump Hour at Sky Zone Trampoline Park Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park – Fishers, Fishers IN

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Cars and Coffee Cars and Coffee Indianapolis Location | Saturdays, Indianapolis IN

Carmel Home Depot Carmel, Carmel IN Castleton Home Depot Castleton, Indianapolis IN

10:00 am - 4:00 pm Mr. Muffin’s Trains Mr. Muffin’s Trains, Carmel IN

Eagle Creek Home Depot Eagle Creek, Indianapolis IN

11:00 am - 3:00 pm Free Crafts at Lakeshore Learning Store Lakeshore Learning Store & Crafts, Indianapolis IN

Greenfield Home Depot Greenfield, Indianapolis IN

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm 500 Festival Parade in Indianapolis | 2015 Monument Circle, Indianapolis IN 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Family Make and Take at the IMA (Free) Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Hold It! Family Activity at the IMA Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN

Sunday May 24,2015 All Day Indy 500 2015 | Kids Are FREE Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis IN All Day Inside Hollywood Film & TV: You’re on the Set at The Children’s Museum Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN All Day Transformers: Robots in Disguise Exhibit | Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm IMA Meet the Artist: Family Activity Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN

11:00 am - 12:00 pm Toddler Jump Hour at Sky Zone Trampoline Park Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park – Fishers, Fishers IN 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Toddler Jump Hour at Sky Zone Trampoline Park Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park – Plainfield, Plainfield IN

Greenwood Home Depot Greenwood, Greenwood IN

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Children’s Story Time at Books & Brews Books and Brews, Indianapolis IN

Noblesville Home Depot Noblesville, Noblesville IN

Saturday June 13,2015

Post Road Home Depot Post Road, Indianapolis IN

All Day Inside Hollywood Film & TV: You’re on the Set at The Children’s Museum Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

Southport Home Depot Southport, Indianapolis IN 9:30 am - 10:30 am Jr. Chef Children’s Cooking Class (FREE) Willams-Sonoma, Indianapolis IN

All Day Transformers: Robots in Disguise Exhibit | Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Cars and Coffee Cars and Coffee Indianapolis Location | Saturdays, Indianapolis IN

9:30 am - 11:00 am Cavas Paintings By Katie Kids Cake and Canvas Painting Party Rockstar Pizza, Brownsburg, IN

10:00 am - 3:00 pm Family Days at the Indianapolis Museum of Art Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN

9:30 am - 10:30 am Jr. Chef Children’s Cooking Class (FREE) Willams-Sonoma, Indianapolis IN

10:00 am - 4:00 pm Mr. Muffin’s Trains Mr. Muffin’s Trains, Carmel IN

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Cars and Coffee Cars and Coffee Indianapolis Location | Saturdays, Indianapolis IN

11:00 am - 3:00 pm Free Crafts at Lakeshore Learning Store Lakeshore Learning Store & Crafts, Indianapolis IN

10:00 am - 4:00 pm Mr. Muffin’s Trains Mr. Muffin’s Trains, Carmel IN

11:30 am - 12:30 pm Paws to Read Story Time Indy Reads Books | Used Bookstore, Indianapolis IN

10:00 am - 4:00 pm PBS Kids in the Park | FREE Military Park at White River State Park, Indianapolis IN

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Family Make and Take at the IMA (Free) Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN

11:00 am - 3:00 pm Free Crafts at Lakeshore Learning Store Lakeshore Learning Store & Crafts, Indianapolis IN

7:30 pm Indianapolis Alley Cats | Pro Frisbee/Disc Team Roncalli High School, Indianapolis IN

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Family Make and Take at the IMA (Free) Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Hold It! Family Activity at the IMA Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN

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becoming COUPLE Friday June 19, 2015

Saturday June 27, 2015 Saturday July 4, 2015

All Day Inside Hollywood Film & TV: You’re on the Set at The Children’s Museum Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

All Day Indian Market & Festival Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art, Indianapolis IN

All Day Transformers: Robots in Disguise Exhibit | Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

All Day Inside Hollywood Film & TV: You’re on the Set at The Children’s Museum Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

All Day Transformers: Robots in Disguise Exhibit | Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Home Depot Kids Workshops (FREE) | Carmel Home Depot Carmel, Carmel IN

10:00 am - 11:00 am Toddler Jump Hour at Sky Zone Trampoline Park Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park – Fishers, Fishers IN

All Day Transformers: Robots in Disguise Exhibit | Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

11:00 am - 12:00 pm Toddler Jump Hour at Sky Zone Trampoline Park Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park – Fishers, Fishers IN

9:30 am - 10:30 am Jr. Chef Children’s Cooking Class (FREE) Willams-Sonoma, Indianapolis IN

11:00 am - 12:00 pm Toddler Jump Hour at Sky Zone Trampoline Park Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park – Plainfield, Plainfield IN

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Cars and Coffee Cars and Coffee Indianapolis Location | Saturdays, Indianapolis IN

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Children’s Story Time at Books & Brews Books and Brews, Indianapolis IN

10:00 am - 4:00 pm Mr. Muffin’s Trains Mr. Muffin’s Trains, Carmel IN

Noblesville Home Depot Noblesville, Noblesville IN

11:00 am - 3:00 pm Free Crafts at Lakeshore Learning Store Lakeshore Learning Store & Crafts, Indianapolis IN

Post Road Home Depot Post Road, Indianapolis IN

Saturday June 20, 2015 All Day Inside Hollywood Film & TV: You’re on the Set at The Children’s Museum Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN All Day Transformers: Robots in Disguise Exhibit | Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 9:30 am - 10:30 am Jr. Chef Children’s Cooking Class (FREE) Willams-Sonoma, Indianapolis IN 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Cars and Coffee Cars and Coffee Indianapolis Location | Saturdays, Indianapolis IN 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Chalk Art Festival | FREE Hamilton Town Center, Noblesville IN 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Mr. Muffin’s Trains Mr. Muffin’s Trains, Carmel IN 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Free Crafts at Lakeshore Learning Store Lakeshore Learning Store & Crafts, Indianapolis IN

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Family Make and Take at the IMA (Free) Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Hold It! Family Activity at the IMA Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN

Sunday June 28, 2015 All Day Indian Market & Festival Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art, Indianapolis IN 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Manthan International Food Market Manthan International Market, Indianapolis IN 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm IMA Meet the Artist: Family Activity Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Girl Power Club!

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Carmel IN 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Monthly Kids’ Day at Indy CD & Vinyl Indy CD & Vinyl, Indianapolis IN

38 • Summer 2015 • becoming family

Castleton Home Depot Castleton, Indianapolis IN Eagle Creek Home Depot Eagle Creek, Indianapolis IN Greenfield Home Depot Greenfield, Indianapolis IN Greenwood Home Depot Greenwood, Greenwood IN

Southport Home Depot Southport, Indianapolis IN 9:30 am - 10:30 am Jr. Chef Children’s Cooking Class (FREE) Willams-Sonoma, Indianapolis IN 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Family Days at the Indianapolis Museum of Art Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Free Crafts at Lakeshore Learning Store Lakeshore Learning Store & Crafts, Indianapolis IN 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Paws to Read Story Time Indy Reads Books | Used Bookstore, Indianapolis IN

Saturday July 11, 2015

Friday July 17, 2015

Saturday July 25, 2015

12:00 am Becoming a College Student Athlete University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

10:00 am - 11:00 am Toddler Jump Hour at Sky Zone Trampoline Park Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park – Fishers, Fishers IN

All Day Inside Hollywood Film & TV: You’re on the Set at The Children’s Museum Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

9:30 am - 11:00 am Cavas Paintings By Katie Kids Cake and Canvas Painting Party Rockstar Pizza, Brownsburg IN 9:30 am - 10:30 am Jr. Chef Children’s Cooking Class (FREE) Willams-Sonoma, Indianapolis IN 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Cars and Coffee Cars and Coffee Indianapolis Location | Saturdays, Indianapolis IN 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Mr. Muffin’s Trains Mr. Muffin’s Trains, Carmel IN 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Free Crafts at Lakeshore Learning Store Lakeshore Learning Store & Crafts, Indianapolis IN

11:00 am - 2:00 pm The Ronald McDonald House of Indiana Annual Pop Tab Drop Monument Circle, Indianapolis IN 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Toddler Jump Hour at Sky Zone Trampoline Park Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park – Fishers, Fishers IN 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Toddler Jump Hour at Sky Zone Trampoline Park Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park – Plainfield, Plainfield IN 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Children’s Story Time at Books & Brews Books and Brews, Indianapolis IN

All Day Transformers: Robots in Disguise Exhibit | Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 9:00 am - 12:30 pm Paul George Basketball ProCamp Avon High School, Avon IN 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm IMA Meet the Artist: Family Activity Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN

10:00 am - 4:00 pm Mr. Muffin’s Trains Mr. Muffin’s Trains, Carmel IN

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Hold It! Family Activity at the IMA Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Kid Activity Night | Parent’s Night Out Hamilton County Sports Complex, Noblesville IN

All Day Inside Hollywood Film & TV: You’re on the Set at The Children’s Museum Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Cars and Coffee Cars and Coffee Indianapolis Location | Saturdays, Indianapolis IN

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Family Make and Take at the IMA (Free) Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Hold It! Family Activity at the IMA Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN

Sunday July 12, 2015

9:30 am - 10:30 am Jr. Chef Children’s Cooking Class (FREE) Willams-Sonoma, Indianapolis IN

11:00 am - 3:00 pm Free Crafts at Lakeshore Learning Store Lakeshore Learning Store & Crafts, Indianapolis IN

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Family Make and Take at the IMA (Free) Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN

7:30 pm Indy Eleven Soccer Game | Tickets $10+ Indy Eleven |Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium IUPUI, Indianapolis IN

All Day Transformers: Robots in Disguise Exhibit | Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

Saturday July 18, 2015 All Day Inside Hollywood Film & TV: You’re on the Set at The Children’s Museum Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

7:30 pm Indy Eleven Soccer Game | Tickets $10+ Indy Eleven |Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium IUPUI, Indianapolis IN

Brought to you by

All Day Transformers: Robots in Disguise Exhibit | Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 8:30 am - 12:00 pm 10th Annual Indianapolis Walk For Wishes Fort Harrison State Park, Indianapolis IN 9:30 am - 10:30 am Jr. Chef Children’s Cooking Class (FREE) Willams-Sonoma, Indianapolis IN 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Cars and Coffee Cars and Coffee Indianapolis Location | Saturdays, Indianapolis IN 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Mr. Muffin’s Trains Mr. Muffin’s Trains, Carmel IN

\

For more family fun events, visit their website: www.IndyWithKids.com

11:00 am - 3:00 pm Free Crafts at Lakeshore Learning Store Lakeshore Learning Store & Crafts, Indianapolis IN 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Family Make and Take at the IMA (Free) Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis IN

becoming family • Summer 2015 •

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.becoming-family.com

becoming BABY

Top 15 MUST-PACK Items for Taking a Baby to the Beach

1. Baby Beach Tent 2. Hat/Cover Up/Rash Guard 3. Spray bottle with fresh water 2

4. Flipple 5. Munchkin Click Lock Food Pouch Spoon Tips 6. Mini Inflatable Baby Pool and Bath Toys

1

6

7. Stroller or wagon with allterrain/off-road wheels 8. Mesh Baby Carrier 9. Water-Resistant Blanket 10. Powder

5

11. Sunscreen 12. Diaper Essentials 13. Snacks and water 7

8

14. Ziploc bags 15. Mesh Bags For more tips, advice and info, please visit:

10

44 • Summer 2015 • becoming family

11

9

http://www.mamacheaps.com/

Diaper Bag Must Haves Moms tell us the one thing they couldn’t leave the house without “Can’t leave the house without diapers.”

Cary E.

“Baby Wipes!”

Lindsey B. “Paci is a close second” Alexandra K.

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JOsemwota@becoming-family.com

becoming TODDLER

Large Wooden Nuts and Bolts with Two Boards - for Toddlers 18M and up - $9.00

Tangram Blocks and Pattern Cards - $17.00

Pipe Block Patterns - WITH BOTH 2D or 3D Pattern Cards - $20.50

Pizza Table Blocks Pattern Match Busy Bag - $12.50

Come and visit our website for playdates and view our calender for fun family activities!

50 • Summer 2015 • becoming family

is often talked about as “if Play it were a relief from serious

learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.

”

-Fred Rogers

Busy Bags for your Toddler brought to you by Angie Leslie from www.CuriousMindsBusyBags.com

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becoming TODDLER

Tips for Tot Travel We ask our seasoned traveling moms to put together some tips for making traveling with a toddler a little easier

“On short trips, usually I just make sure to have a full sippy cup of water and a couple of her favorite snacks, her favorite toy, and her blankie.”

“We did a 14 hr car ride with our son. We packed stickers, lots of pouches, my mom to ride beside him, lift the flap board books, and lots of stops!!”

Heidi D. Mom of 3 girls

Lindsey B. Mom of 2 boys

“Patience is key to successful travel with toddlers! Plan for lots of breaks and always have lollipops. My toddler can sit still for a consecutive 20 minutes as long as he had a good lollipop!”

Jessica B. Mom of 3 boys and a girl

“We flew with our toddler and we took our carrier and left the stroller.

It worked well because he was close to me and my hands were free to hold something else. We had lots of his favorite snacks, his blankie and his favorite tv shows. He rarely plays with toys, but we packed some for the hotel room which he didnt touch. We packed a lot of patience! On our last flight home he cried for 10mins until he was out of his car seat running around the terminal.”

Candice L. Mom of 2 boys and a girl

52 • Summer 2015 • becoming family

Summer Crafts on a Dollar

by Jill Wilcox

Jill Wilcox Mom, teacher, crafting extraordinaire!

School’s out!

The sun is shining and the kids are home (and bored!) What should you do? Round up the kids and pick up these super affordable supplies to keep your kiddos happily creating and having fun! All of these crafts were made using things purchased from our local dollar store. p Flops Balloon Fli

ve Rocks Painted Lo

What you’ll need: Flip flops Bag of multicolored balloons (I used around 20 balloons for my daughter’s size 1 flip flops) Scissors

What you’ll need: Bag of rocks (look in the floral decorating department Acrylic paint (the little pots are perfect, and most kits come with a brush) Clear nail polish (to seal the paint if placing rocks outside)

Flip flops – kids love them, and they are perfect for summertime. To make this super simple craft you only need to do three steps! Arrange balloons in the desired color pattern. Tie balloons one at a time in an overhand knot to the flip flop straps (leave the part that goes between the toes empty). Trim the ends of the balloons to make them into “ruffles”. Enjoy your new flip-flops!

These little love rocks are so fun to paint and will be a sweet surprise to anyone who may discover one outside in their garden!

All you need to do is find a small rock with a flat surface, and paint your chosen design (we used a lot of hearts to represent love). Let the paint dry and the seal with a coat of clear nail polish. Now it is time to spread the love! Go outside and place the rocks anywhere you think someone might need some extra love. Be creative! Flowerpots, gardens, paths or even on a neighbor’s doorstep – they would be a welcome addition in any of these places.

Approximate Cost: $2.00 per pair

Approximate Cost: $3.00

56 • Summer 2015 • becoming family

ck Toy Ice Blo

le Super Simp e c a r lets Stretchy B

What you’ll need: Bag of assorted plastic beads Stretchy elastic lace (ours came with four different colors) Scissors What you’ll need: Small toys (I purchased up dinosaurs, bracelets and bouncy balls) A square plastic container (I used a disposable one I already had on hand) Water Blue food coloring (optional, but makes the toys harder to see as they are chipping away at the ice – more fun for the kids!)

Something to chip the ice away (we used a long metal pick) To begin, fill your plastic container halfway with water and a few drops of food coloring. Arrange some toys in the container and place in freezer. When frozen, add more water and food coloring and fill with more toys. Put container back into freezer. When block is frozen, take it outside, turn it upside down and tap it lightly on the ground. It should slide out easily and is ready for chipping! My daughter had so much fun finding all of the toys in the block of ice.

This is a great activity for a hot summer day!

Kids love stringing beads. It’s a fun activity that helps with hand/ eye coordination as well as creating something beautiful they can wear or share with friends. These bracelets are very easy to make.

Simply select the number of beads you would like on your bracelet (ours ranged from one big focal bead to several smaller beads), string them, fit the elastic to your wrist and tie a double overhand knot. Trim the excess elastic lacing to finish. They are stretchy and comfortable and super fun to wear! How many bracelets can your kids create in one afternoon?

Approximate Cost: $2.00

Approximate Cost: $3.00

ints Popsicle Pa

What you’ll need: Plastic popsicle molds (the ones with the handles work best) Water Food Coloring Paper or a white sheet to paint on Fill the popsicle molds with water and food coloring. I used four to five drops of food coloring per popsicle mold. Place in freezer.

When frozen, take outside with paper or a white sheet and start painting! As the popsicle paint melts, it creates beautiful mixed colors on the canvas. Both paper and fabric work well for this craft!

After you are finished, hang your masterpieces up to dry and marvel at the beautiful, swirling colors you’ve created!

Approximate Cost: $1.00

“I’m hot!” “I’m bored!” You hear these phrases often during summer break. These popsicle paints are a surefire cure for summertime blues!

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becoming PRESCHOOLER

Restaurant Review

60 • Summer 2015 • becoming family

On the weekends, we have the luxury of going

out to eat for breakfast (if I am not in the mood to cook). There are only a few places in the area that have good breakfast, great prices and great family atmosphere. One of those places we love to go to is Cracker Barrel.

We went late Friday morning, so the wait was not crazy. However, if it was busy, there is the lovely country store where the kids can entertain themselves for hours if we let them. Cracker Barrel has great customer service and we were greeted promptly at the door, at the hostess podium, and shown promptly to our seats.

Our waitress showed up and took our order. She was excited to help out our not so small crew. I went with my sister and her children and so we had 6 kids in tow. I think we are regulars at this put though, and we already know what we want to order. “Pancakes!” Each one of our 6 shouted out. “With no butter!” Our waitress was very sweet about the specificity of our orders and didn’t miss a beat. She wished away and quickly put our orders in.

While waiting, we got a chance to entertain the kids with the Peg game, which can be played

multiple ways and the kids can even make up their own rules to play. The kids menu has coloring pages, puzzles and searches. Crayons are provided for everyone and for the more part, our 6 kids were entertained.

Once the food arrived, we wasted no time to eat since the food is yummy and smells so good. Our waitress is awesome, stopping by a few times to make sure everything is okay and asked if we need anything else. Now, if your kids are like mine, once they are done they know they can play checkers by the fireplace.

Besides the delicious food, Cracker Barrel offers entertainment for the kids when they get there and the staff is great to us and our kids. When I asked the kids how they liked the food, I got a whole lots of thumbs up. “Amazing!” One of them shouted. “Awesome!” The others chimed in.

Cracker Barrel is definitely a great place for families. When asked if they would like to come back to eat, each and every one of our kids agreed. Cracker Barrel is a wonderful place for families.

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Reading and Your Kids

by Lindsay Blythe

Google “Why is reading important for kids” and hundreds of websites come up with hundreds of reasons. Reading fosters language skills, critical thinking skills, and of course, imagination. Books can help kids learn how to use the potty, how to count to ten, and to learn their colors. They can help kids cope with grief, learn to share, and reinforce that teeth are not for biting. Kids can visit Paris through books, fly to outer space, and meet exotic animals. The best part about reading to your child? It’s easy, low-cost (even free if you have a library card) and can be done from the comfort of your own home.

To learn more about why reading with your child is so important, visit the Children’s Reading Foundation website http://readingfoundation.org/. I took the pledge to read at least twenty minutes a day to my kids. Check out a few of the benefits of reading just ten minutes in the morning and ten minutes in the evening to your kids, and you’ll want to take the pledge too! · Read aloud 20 minutes a day with your child. From birth to age five, this enjoyable activity provides 600 hours of essential pre-literacy preparation before entering school. Once in school, it’s essential to continue the read-aloud habit throughout the elementary school years.

For every year you read with your child, average lifetime earnings increase by $50,000. By the time your child starts kindergarten, you make a $250,000 gift to your child by reading aloud just 20 minutes a day! · Creating a habit of 20 minutes of daily reading with your child increases the quality one-on-one time you spend with your child. This important bonding time shows your child you’re there for them on a regular basis and many times leads to wonderful conversations after the reading is finished. Your enthusiasm and commitment to reading will be contagious.

Do you want to take the pledge also? Visit here to do so!

62 • Summer 2015 • becoming family

If you’re looking for a few new books to add to your library, check out these great suggestions for preschoolers: All Better: Dog hurt his foot, Sheep scratched her tummy and Bear sat on a splinter! What will make everything all better? Clean it, kiss it and put a bandage on it! Young readers will delight in the five animal friends’ misadventures and be eager to help make things “all better” with the five reusable and repositionable stickers.

Bears Don’t Read: Once upon a time, there was a large brown bear who found a book lying under a tree… This exquisite new picture book from renowned creator, Emma Chichester Clark, is a magical story of friendship to power the imagination and encourage children (and bears!) towards a lifelong love of reading.

How Big is a Million?: A million is a very big number. But exactly how big? Pipkin the penguin wants to know just that. Come with him on a journey of discovery and you can see for yourself.

Ted and Friends: Created in consultation with a language expert, the stories have been especially written to help your child learn to read. The stories not only take into account recent research on the most effective ways of teaching reading, but are also great fun.

There’s also a listen-along CD that brings the stories to life through charming readings.

This exciting edition contains twelve titles from the popular Phonics Readers series.

To find more educational and exciting book titles for your kids, visit f4847.myubam.com. Usborne Books & More has books and learning activities for kids from birth to early high school. The best part, of their nearly 2,000 products, 75% of them cost ten dollars or less!

Movies Coming Soon!

Tomorrowland

Pan

(2015)

(2015)

PG | Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi 22 May 2015 (USA)

Adventure, Family, Fantasy 9 October 2015 (USA)

Bound by a shared destiny, a teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boy-genius inventor embark on a mission to unearth the secrets of a place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory.

The story of an orphan who is spirited away to the magical Neverland. There, he finds both fun and dangers, and ultimately discovers his destiny -- to become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan.

64 • Summer 2015 • becoming family

Minions (2015)

PG | Animation, Comedy, Family |10 July 2015 (USA) Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a super-villain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to take over the world.

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Inside Out

(2015)

PG | 102 min | Animation, Comedy, Family | 19 June 2015 (USA)

PG-13 | 141 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi | 1 May 2015 (USA) When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and it is up to the Avengers to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plans.

(2015)

After a girl moves to a new home, her emotions are plunged into chaos as they compete for control of her mind.

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Look out for our next issue this Fall

“Where community and family connect!�