Mom Jeans and Minivans

Lil' Mama-sode: Turning Two During the Pandemic, and What to do for the Birthday Celebrations

What a difference this 2nd birthday celebration will be for Charlie and Remi compared to their 1st birthdays. Not only did Morgen and Trisha want to tone it down for year two since they went big on the 1st birthday celebrations, but Covid has played a major role in their planning.

This time of year is the time to take advantage of the fall festivities and weather that the Northeast is known for. Both Morgen and Trisha have decided on small outdoor gatherings at their local orchards/farms. It's safer outdoors with the pandemic, plus there are a lot of activities and entertainment for the girls, and it is the most seasonally festive thing they could think of to do.

Despite this being a Lil' Mamasode, the momfessions are must hear. Think twice when you hear what you think is an acorn hitting the roof of your car, and honestly, what lengths will a mama go for her morning brew? 🤷🏻‍♀️
Thanks for tuning in!

Real Talk About the Infertility World

This week’s description has to start with the most obvious thing you will take away from this episode: Women are freaking rock stars!!!

Stacey joins Morgen & Trisha in this week’s episode as they discuss all things related to infertilty. We’re talking timed intercourse, IUI, and IVF. Hear Morgen and Stacey’s journey through the world of infertility and all that it encompasses.

It is one thing for a woman to go through the testing, probing, scraping, and pricking of fertility but couple that with the emotional toll of it all and you’ve got to be one tough mama.

Listen in as the women touch on some very sensitive and deeply personal aspects of their journey like miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, life-threatening medical conditions, and more.

For the women who have struggled with infertility, the women who are in the process, and the women who may have to in the future... this is more common than you think, and you’re not alone.

RESOLVE is the National infertility Association and is a wonderful resource for those who find themselves needing fertility support (link below).

To end this on a bright note. The pain, suffering, and heartache that Stacey and Morgen endured have happy endings, and both are currently expecting. YAAAAY!

 

Links:

 

https://resolve.org

Our Toddlers are Growing Up and Making Some Big Life Transitions

Ahhh, transitions. Life is full of them, and Morgen and Trisha are finding themselves in a pretty big one now. Charlie and Remi are transitioning from routines they’ve been in since they were born. Remi has her first overnight away from Mama, Papa, and home (spoiler alert: no tears and no issues whatsoever), and Charlie started preschool. Charlie’s transition into school was a little tougher for her but listen in on some things that Morgen did to ease the separation anxiety. Speaking of separation anxiety, who’s it harder for the parent or child? 

Communication is one of the most important aspects of a healthy relationship, no matter what the relationship is. Morgen and Trisha have found that talking with Charlie and Remi during transition times has greatly helped with their anxiety about us leaving. Trisha will ease Remi’s nighttime anxiety by letting her know some fun things planned the next day but then proceeds to tell her that first, she needs sleep, so she has the strength and energy to do all of those things. When Morgen drops Charlie off at school, she always makes sure she says goodbye and lets Charlie know that she’ll see her later, no matter how difficult a time Charlie and/or Morgen are having with the separation.

If you’re finding yourself in a transition, well, you’re clearly not alone, and hopefully, this episode helps. You can share your experience on how you managed your own transition at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com. We’d love to hear from you.

Until next time... have a great week!

Cooking Ideas in the Kitchen with the Kiddos

There are so many benefits to kids cooking in the kitchen. It is great for bonding, it creates independence, and it works on their fine motor skills, to name a few.

Morgen and Trisha share their ideas on how to get their almost 2-year-olds more involved in kitchen and cooking tasks. Let's just say it started with a lot of trial and error. We all know baking is a science, so when Remi slapped the pile of flour that her and Trisha had just added to the bowl and it went everywhere, or when she tried to eat the raw egg, that's when Trisha discovered that baking might not be the best route yet and perhaps she'd stick to less messy tasks.

Morgen started with Charlie adding cut potatoes to an empty pot, and she pridefully watched as Charlie learned to shell edamame. Then she got real brave and ordered a set of nylon junior knives (link below) for Charlie.

Morgen and Trisha have some new and exciting tasks they're going to try with the girls like peeling a hard-boiled egg or a clementine, spreading butter or jam onto toast, and tearing up lettuce for a salad. They're chock full of ideas, so listen in as they laugh and share the things that have worked and the things that haven't, inspiring them to challenge the girls to some new cooking in the kitchen activities.

 

Links:

 

Foldable Wooden toddler stool

YOUNIS Kids Kitchen Stool, Toddler Learning Stool Tower Folding Step Stool with Non-Slip Mat, Safety Cooking Standing Tower Stool for Kids with Solid Hardwood Construction - White

 

Junior child knives

Tovla Jr. Knives for Kids 3-Piece Nylon Kitchen Baking Knife Set: Children's Cooking Knives in 3 Sizes & Colors/Firm Grip, Serrated Edges, BPA-Free Kids' Knives (colors vary for each size knife)

Back to School and Daycare Searches During Covid-19

For every mama, parent, and caregiver out there, back to school during, a pandemic is new for us all. Whether it is virtual or hybrid, there are adjustments and transitions for every child, student, teacher, and parent. Some have been in school for years, while others are starting preschool. Either way, it seems we all have to get used to the new 'Covid-norm.'

Morgen and Trisha discuss the precautions that their high school and preschool take with Covid, yet very much a health risk and emotional decision for all.

Temperature checks, masks, social distancing, and hand washing are all musts but listen in on some of the additional ways schools are doing their part to be extra cautious and preventative. 

This is a very informative and interesting episode. You'll definitely not want to miss Morgen's checklist at the end, as it has made all the difference for Trisha while she seeks out a daycare for Remi.

Good luck to all this school year. We wish you and your families health and comfort as the world embarks on this new 'Covid-norm.' As always, please share your stories with us at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com.

 

Links: 

 

Daycare Checklist:

Quality Child Care Checklist - Quality First

 

 

Out with the Old and In with the New, Playroom Revamps to Stimulate the Kiddos

Morgen and Trisha felt that both Charlie and Remi were long over-do for a play space revamp. Morgen’s Montessori teaching played a big part in them feeling the urge to give the girl’s a new, uncluttered space with updated toys and activities. Since the revamps, Morgen and Trisha have noticed better concentration, focus, and time playing independently.

While both Trisha and Morgen wanted to make sure the girl’s rooms focused on developing fine motor and gross motor skills, Trisha went on more of a purchasing spree, while Morgen had a full-on arts and crafts session using materials she had in the home. We are talking about a fruits and vegetable cutting playset and the bravery of using popcorn kernels as a transfer work station. Transfer, as in spoon to bowl, bowl to bowl, or bowl to the floor. Keep your vacuum handy (ps. another fun tool for them to use and learn with)!

Check out the links section to see Morgen and Trisha’s favorite purchases, and please do share all your wonderful playroom activities and ideas with us at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com

 

Links:

 

Buckle Toys - Blizzard Penguin:

www.amazon.com/dp/B015HVTSA4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_eSUvFbMTKG2WE

 

Cutting Play Vegetables:

www.amazon.com/dp/B07BSTSMLR?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable:

www.amazon.com/dp/B005NF3R7U?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

Little Dynamo Balance Stepping:

www.amazon.com/dp/B07K3VPMSM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

Furinno 11048WH 7-Cube Reversible:

www.amazon.com/dp/B074NHZ61G?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

Zipper Dress Frame:

Montessori Dressing Frame Zipper Dressing Frame | Etsy

 

Montessori Zipper Dressing Frame - Toddlers Montessori Practical Life Learning Tools - DF102 Description: Mont...

 

Magnetic Animals:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y3V1WXG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

How to Discipline Your Toddler and Empower Them

Morgen and Trisha are finding themselves in a state of toddlerhood exhaustion, as they call it. Charlie and Remi are nonstop, and although this episode is about discipline, they realize it's more about communication. 

As the girls grow and develop more, Morgen and Trisha are discovering that how they communicate with Charlie and Remi can make all the difference. It takes a healthy dose of patience and practice, but it yields results that make everyone happy... usually. Haha!

Trisha has found it helpful to physically removing Remi from a situation when she is having a tantrum or meltdown. She gets down to her level to look her in the eyes, discusses what has happened and what Remi is feeling. It has helped a lot in stopping the tantrum or meltdown from escalating. 

Morgen is excellent at allowing Charlie to express herself but is teaching Charlie how to navigate her negative feelings. Another thing Morgen is trying to avoid is using 'No' and 'don't' and rewording what she would like Charlie to do with a more precise and positive spin. For example, "Charlie, don't spit your water" to "Charlie, water is for drinking, please keep it in your mouth." Now don't get the wrong idea, 'no' and 'don't' has by no means been eliminated from their vocabulary. Reminder: we are dealing with toddlers here!

Morgen and Trisha agree that at the heart of it all, repetition and consistency are essential... hence the exhaustion. They also feel that giving the girls choices allows them to feel empowered and involved in the process. They can exercise their newfound independence and have a sense of pride once they have chosen and accomplished particular tasks. 

On a real note, this has been a lot of trial and error. Morgen and Trisha are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, nor do they claim to know it all. This is just a way for them to share with one another what has worked, what hasn't worked, and what new approaches they are trying. 

So to all the mama's, papa's and caregivers of toddlers out there, you're doing great! Please do share your tricks, tips, and stories with us because we value your life experiences and learnings along the way! Thanks! momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com

Ciao!

 

Links:

 

5 Reasons to Stop Saying Good Job:

Five Reasons to Stop Saying "Good Job!" (**) - Alfie Kohn

Our Summer Break Rewind, New Years' Intention Check, and a Surprise Announcement

How did you spend your summer? Morgen and Trisha share their summer away from the mic and the creative things they did with Covid still lurking around. With the exception of many home activities, they spent a lot of time outdoors either on their bikes, hiking, or parks. Oh, and splashing around in their new blow-up pools, of course!
And since it's the halfway mark of the year and then some, Morgen and Trish check in on their New Years' intentions. How are they doing on them and has Covid played a role in whether they can work towards them? We'll give you a hint, Morgen not only has a surprise announcement (wink, wink) but she is killing it at her intentions... this mama needs an award for all she's done in the past 7-8 months. 
Thanks again for listening in and subscribing!  Please reach out anytime, as Morgen and Trisha love hearing from their listeners: momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com

Raising Kids in Blended Families

Morgen and Trisha welcome Lindsey, Morgen’s niece, and Melinda, Trisha’s step-son’s mom, to share their blended family stories. We’re talking ex-sister-in-laws as best friends and ex’s living across the street from one another. Yup, those kinds of blended families. Haha, the ones where people can’t understand how everyone gets along but also gets together for holidays and special occasions. 

As different and unique as their stories are, one thing they are all lucky enough to have had are amicable, uncontested divorces, and separations. That doesn’t take away from each of their struggles with getting remarried and the different people, emotions, feelings, and family dynamics that need to be dealt with and navigated throughout the process. Their situations are rare, and they speak about how grateful they are to fall on this end of the spectrum of divorce and separation, opposed to the ugliness that can come from it. 

Lindsey, Trisha, and  Melinda can all agree that communication is a major key to the amicable blending of families. However, the biggest factor is putting the child or children’s needs ahead of all else and always trying to see the bigger picture when times get rough.

Morgen comes in hot with the questions all outsiders wonder about, like how the mom’s did having to give up a portion of their time and holidays with their children, or how it felt to meet your ex’s significant other for the first time. You could always break the ice by accidentally friending your significant other’s ex on Facebook as Trisha did with Melinda. Whoops! 

Thanks for listening in and please share your stories with us, we love hearing from you. Until next time... ciao!

Weaning From Breastfeeding, the Stuff We Wish We Had Known

This episode is all about Morgen and Trisha's experiences with (and without) weaning Charlie & Remi from breastfeeding.

So many things factor in. IVF, trying to grow the family, age, lifestyle... whatever the reason they touch on most of them.

Morgen was blindsided when told by her doctor that she'd have to stop breastfeeding if she was going to start IVF. It was something she wasn't anticipating emotionally or physically. Still, her story is one of triumph and success, and this mama is sure to be relatable to so many other mamas out there.

Trisha's story is quite different. She hasn't fully weaned Remi, knowing that Remi is her one and only. She's not ready to say goodbye to breastfeeding altogether. Right now, her focus is reducing the number of nursing sessions she has with Remi, and having a consistent nursing schedule will be the key to her eventual weaning success, or at least she hopes!

Morgen and Trisha discuss the different challenges they encounter weaning a 13-month-old compared to a 22-month-old, and let's just say "NO" is spoken and understood a lot more at one age than another. Morgen's got the weaning tips and tricks that worked for Charlie, and dare we say that self-weaning is a total possibility?!

Listen in to hear their stories, and please share yours with us. Thanks, and if you're facing the weaning stage, we wish you, your heart, your littles, and your breasts the best of luck!

 

Links:

 

Kiinde system:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CXTWJAA/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00CXTWJAA&pd_rd_w=rw98x&pf_rd_p=a64be657-55f3-4b6a-91aa-17a31a8febb4&pd_rd_wg=rTjKO&pf_rd_r=2M9738FBF7A25PHBT90Y&pd_rd_r=e1d03cc1-487c-4c2b-8bb5-b459efdee0e5&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyV0VGUzVLR09NVFhNJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDE2MzkwMlVCMjBRNkcwTDQ1RiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDU3ODA5S0lGSzUwVTVEOEZZJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsX3RoZW1hdGljJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==