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Posts Tagged ‘new mothers’

Paulo is wearing a zip hoodie and cargo pants set from rabbitmoon's Imagination collection.

I’m guilty! I am so guilty of not indulging my second child to the same enjoyable things as I did with my first. Miranda had playgroups, play dates, Mommy and Me classes, anything and everything that I could expose her to that would be fun, educational, and give us extra bonding/play time.

I remember someone telling me that having two kids is like having 10. I didn’t believe it! How can one little person make life complicated to the 10th degree? Well, let me tell you… Now that I have two kids, I AM A BELIEVER! I am so busy with the demands of motherhood, Miranda’s school, my freelance work, the housework, the grocery shopping (I have to go every week now because boys eat so much more than girls!) and all the voluntary roles I thought I would have time for (Classroom Mom, Yearbook Committee, Faith Formation Teacher, helping my parents). I’m lucky if I can keep my head above water. Poor Paulo! He gets whatever is left of my hectic schedule.

I jotted down my little guy’s schedule each day of the week:

  • Monday: take Miranda to school, eat, very short nap, pick up Miranda, play
  • Tuesday: take Miranda to school, eat, very short nap, pick up Miranda, play
  • Wednesday : take Miranda to school, eat, longer nap, pick up Miranda, play
  • Thursday: take Miranda to school, SWIM CLASS!!!, eat, longer nap, pick up Miranda, play
  • Friday: take Miranda to school, eat, longer nap, pick up Miranda, play

Pretty boring, huh? At least he has weekly swim classes. But any free time I get, I’m either working, doing chores or running errands just so I can survive the day and actually get to bed at a decent time (midnight would be early for me!) But never mind about me. This is precious Paulo time I’m wasting. So… I’ve decided that I NEED take charge of my schedule and plan recreational activities for my little guy. He shouldn’t be penalized for being Child No. 2. He needs to have his own schedule, his own friends, and make his own memories. This sad little dude rarely sees a playground that when he does see one, he pees his pants in excitement! So I’m bringing back weekly playgroups.

His first play date was with my friend’s daughter. This little girl’s big brother was Miranda’s first playgroup friend and they have been very good friends ever since. (Coincidentally, my friend and I had our two kids roughly at the same time so each of our two kids are about the same age.) We met at a nearby playground to enjoy the fresh air and some outdoor fun, but it started to drizzle. Luckily, there was Toddler Storytime at the museum across the way that was just about to start. PERFECT!

The kids had a good time, AND the moms did as well. We both reminisced about our lives five years ago when we were both new mothers and only had one child each. We talked about how much more relaxed we were back then, how busy our lives have become, and how we missed connecting with each other just to talk about life in general (husbands, in-laws, school, broken appliances, the laundry…). We vowed to have our play dates each week for the sake of our second children AND for the sake of our sanity! What a revelation… I NEED PLAYGROUP, TOO!!! This is going to be a good thing.

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Inside her Beautiful Store with her Lovely Family

Jackie and her Family inside Lily Pads & Lullabies

Jackie Frazier and her husband live in an area that is a virtual paradise for families – Centerville Utah, nestled up to the Wasatch foothills and a stone’s throw from the beautiful Great Salt Lake.  Skiing is heavenly during the winter, and summer brings recreation from water sports to hiking.  Jackie couldn’t wait to add a baby to her family!  After waiting far too long for the blessed event Jackie turned to every expectant mom’s favorite ‘sport’ – shopping!  Jackie was disappointed that she couldn’t find a children’s store in her area that provided the special experience she craved for her long awaited baby.  Once her beautiful daughter Alexa was born she couldn’t bear leaving her in day care – so she put 2 + 2 together and a very special children’s store was born – Lily Pads and Lullabies!

Full page fax print

Alexa, Jackie's Inspiration, Wearing Butterfly Wishes from Spring 2009

Jackie’s daughter Alexa spends her days with mommy, very fitting since the name of the store was inspired by one of her cute baby poses.  Jackie told us that “she always slept with her little bum in the air, sucking on her pink binky.”  The store logo was inspired by this sweet and innocent vision.  Jackie has created the atmosphere she herself dreamed of finding – the store is beautiful, warm and inviting.  Her customers love the exceptional customer service, the inviting ambiance and the large play area for children.

Jackie loves watching the reaction of new mothers who come into the store – “Aw!” –  their expression of excitement when they realize they have found that ‘special place’ that has everything to welcome their precious newcomer!  Jackie feels that her store is the perfect place for “everyone” – and through her website anyone can enjoy all the warmth that she has poured into this wonderful boutique.  One customer writes:

I love it! Warm, happy environment. Great play area for kids. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Finally, a baby store that makes me feel special! ‎”

LPL Store FrontIf you are fortunate enough to visit this beautiful area stop in and pay Jackie a visit!  Otherwise pay a ‘virtual’ visit at www.lilypadsandlullabies.com.

Lily Pads & Lullabies  
380 N. Main Street
Centerville, UT 84014
801-397-0305

 

 

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