Morning sickness decided to kick in full force last night–apparently, #4 didn’t agree with dinner, and thought I should know very clearly starting at about 8pm. And today, my kiddos are not a big fan of me doing anything other than paying attention to them, so I’m currently being pelted with couch cushions and shrieked at while I tap away on my iPad Mini… This should be interesting. Lol.
One thing that is keeping us all moderately sane today, though, is having all the windows open in the sunroom (a.k.a. playroom). Fresh air moving through always seems to do us good. Since we live minutes from the beach, there’s almost always a good breeze–and with summer on the way, the weather has been just gorgeous.
I have a hard time getting motivated to get all 3 out of the house these days. I know that a change of scenery is sometimes all that everyone needs, but it is just so much work–especially with morning sickness and significantly diminished energy. But there are a few things that I can do almost any day–no matter how bad I’m feeling–that get everyone some fresh air and stimulation without much effort on my part. I’ll list those below for mommies like me who need some ideas. :)
– Take everyone on a “walk” out to the mailbox. This doesn’t seem like much, but with toddlers and preschoolers, even something this simple can be a mini adventure. Point out colors or types of vehicles, big trees, bugs… Count steps… The possibilities are endless.
– Venture out into the backyard (if you have one) to look at some bugs or other critters, dig a hole, rake, weed, run in circles, play tag, etc. My kids (especially #1–and then, by default, #2, since anything he does she has to do too) LOVE getting out a few of Daddy’s tools that he doesn’t mind them using, and pretending to build or fix stuff. Recently he even got them each one of the 99¢ Home Depot “tool belts” and a small shovel, and they were just over the MOON.
– Chalk on the driveway/porch is fun too (though requires a little more cleanup). This can be another educational activity as well–drawing shapes, learning colors, counting chalk pieces… Etc. #3 even gets in on this one–though she doesn’t quite understand the concept yet, she thinks holding a piece of chalk in her hand is the best thing ever… And always wants to wear the glasses that came with the 3D chalk. Silly baby. #1’s favorite part of this activity is the end where we spray it all off (and then each other) with the hose. Cheap, “clean” fun. Haha.
– Or, for those days when you just can’t do anything else, open the window(s) for a bit, inhale some fresh air, and have your kiddos identify outside noises or birds/planes/insects flying by, cats/dogs in the yard or across the street, etc. Just getting their focus on something else and getting fresh air in their little heads (and yours) will help all of you think more clearly, and get a “refresh” on the day. :)
Do you have other simple outdoor activities you like to do with your littles? I’d love to hear what they are! Post your ideas below :)
Spread out an old bedsheet on the lawn in the backyard, lie down on your back and announce very theatrically, “Ooooh, I see a cloud in the shape of a __________.” Then a minute later, “And THERE’S a cloud in the shape of a _______.” You’ll have company on your bedsheet in no time flat. =) Don’t expect it to last more than a few minutes with really little ones, but it’s good training to lengthen their attention span if implemented regularly. By the way, have you ever personally watched a cloud form — or disappear — right in front of your very eyes? Pretty cool! A great introduction to science, as all science starts with observation.
Then you can put a favorite teddy bear in the middle of the sheet, spread the kids out to hold each of the sheet’s corners (with your help), and give teddy a few big heaves into the air. (“Everybody raise your arms when we count to three!”) What giggles as they watch Teddy on the “trampoline” … and more experimenting — with physics this time.
Great ideas! I totally feel your pain regarding the morning sickness. My “MORNIING” sickness lasted everyday, all day for 6 months. It went away for month 7 and came back with a vengeance months 8-9. Sucking on lemons or eating anything with lemon worked but not for very long.
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