UltimateMama loves to give Valentine's Day gifts to her children that are fun yet affordable.  One does not need to load their kids up on sweets to express unconditional love. 

Here are a few of UltimateMama's favorite Valentine's Day gifts for kids:

– Heart stickers

– Valentine's Day books ("Elmo Loves You" board book,  There Is a Bird On Your Head! (An Elephant and Piggie Book) by Mo Willems, "Corduroy's Valentine's Day" by Lisa McCue)

– Socks with hearts

– Underwear with hearts

– Pajamas with hearts

– Hair accessories with hearts (for girls)

– Art project revolving around Valentine's Day

– Valentine's Day brunch with heart-shaped waffles or fruit

UltimateMama is a strong believer of democracy in the home.  Moreover, UltimateMama tries to give her toddler choices whenever possible…albeit limited choices at times.  The toddler who is given choices feels a sense of pride when his voice is heard.  Building self-confidence in our children is critical and it doesn't cost a thing! 

For example, ask your toddler the following:

– Cereal:  Do you want Cheerios or Raisin Bran?

– Sweater:  Do you want to wear white or red?

– Books:  Do you want to read "Green Eggs and Ham" or "Kitten's First Full Moon" tonight?

We have a snow day so no school in NYC today!  This is what UltimateMama fed her children ages one and three for breakfast today:

Three year old:  Pancakes (with a hint if maple syrup), watermelon, milk, and water

One year old:  Raspberries, Cheerios, milk, and water

**I would note that I attempted to feed both of them an egg but it was an ill-fated attempt at best! That sometimes happens…we shall try again another day!

UltimateMama wants to give all of you a nice, big HEADS UP that Patagonia will host its Winterfest sale February 11-16, 2010.  Get ready to stock up on fleece jackets and vests and other fine outerwear!  Shop in stores or online. UltimateMama loves Patagonia and will definitely be online Feb 11th!  

A little parenting advice for you…this is what UltimateMama fed her children (ages 1 and 3) for lunch on Sunday:

Three year old: Turkey Meatloaf with ketchup, boiled sweet potatoes, cucumber, Stoneyfield Farm yogurt, thin slice of wheat bread, milk, water

One year old:  Turkey Meatloaf, boiled sweet potatoes diced, cucumber pieces diced, Stoneyfield Farm yogurt, thin slice of wheat bread, milk, water

UltimateMama's Easy Turkey Meatloaf recipe is as follows –

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 cup diced onion or green onion

1 cup of diced celery

1 cup diced carrot

2 egg whites

1/2 cup ketchup

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 cup bread crumbs (can be seasoned)

1 pound lean ground turkey

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Take a little olive oil and grease a loaf pan.  Pour olive oil in a skillet or pan over medium heat than add onion, celery, and carrots.  Saute for 8 minutes, then remove from heat. In a large bowl, mix egg whites, ketchup, oregano, and pepper.  Then add ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and the vegetables.  Mix everything. Pour mixture into loaf pan for baking.  Brush a little ketchup on top.  Bake in oven for 40-50 minutes.

(Sometimes sneaky chef UltimateMama finely dices some zucchini and adds that to the vegetables as well!)

A little parenting advice for you….this is what UltimateMama fed her children (ages 1 and 3) on Sunday morning for breakfast:

Three year old: Bagel, hard boiled egg, pineapple, milk, water

One year old:  Bagel (cut up into small pieces), hard boiled egg, blueberries and strawberries, milk, water

UltimateMama knows that switching to solid food from a diet of pure breast-milk or formula can be hard for babies tummies.  Watch out for signs of baby constipation such as:

– infrequent bowel movements

– grunting baby or crying baby without bowel movements

– stools that seem very hard, sometimes pebble shaped

– blood in stools

Certain foods are constipation culprits for babies (and even some adults), including:

– Rice

– Rice cereal (often a baby's "first food" – UltimateMama started solids with oatmeal cereal)

– Pasta

– Bananas

– Applesauce

– Cheese

– Yogurt

If you feel that your baby is constipated you should consult with a medical doctor to get their advice.  UltimateMama's constipation remedies include:

– baby massage

– bathing the baby

– One ounce of prune juice diluted with one ounce of water (ask your medical doctor first)

– feeding baby prunes, plums, pears, peas, peaches. and oatmeal cereal

This is what UltimateMama fed her children today for breakfast since she had more time to make a proper meal. UltimateMama's children are one and three years old.

3 year old: Almost two waffles with a sprinkle of maple syrup, one egg, strawberries, water, milk

1 year old: Almost one whole waffle, one egg (she ate mostly the yolk), strawberries, water, milk

This is what UltimateMama fed her children (ages one and three) for dinner:

Three year old: Lemon Sole, Steamed Sweet Potatoes with Smart Balance spread, Broccoli (she didn't eat much of it tonight), applesauce, breadsticks, milk, water 

One year old: Lemon Sole, Steamed Sweet Potatoes, peas, applesauce, thin slice of whole wheat bread, strawberries, milk, water 

UltimateMama loves to make Lemon Sole. Do not be afraid, it is simple!

 Easy Baked Lemon Sole recipe:

Heat oven to 420-425 degrees. Sprinkle olive oil in a large glass baking dish.  Place Lemon Sole on top of the olive oil, Put 6-12 cherry tomatoes halved on top of the fish.  Add 1/4 cup of lemon juice on top of the fish. Bake Lemon Sole for 20-25 minutes (covered in foil if you wish).

This is what UltimateMama fed her kids (ages one and three) today for lunch:

Three year old:  Hamburger (broiled ground chuck), Guacamole and Gluten-free Rice Crackers, pineapple, Stoneyfield Farm organic Peach yogurt, milk, water

One year old: Hamburger (broiled ground chuck), Guacamole and Gluten-free Rice Crackers, blueberries, Stoneyfield Farm organic Plain whole-milk yogurt, milk, water

Guacamole is a great way to get nutrients into your child's body!  Quick and Easy Guacamole recipe as follows:

Quick and Easy Guacamole Recipe

Combine three-four peeled, pitted and mashed avocados with five diced cherry tomatoes (or 1/3 of one large tomato, a small onion chopped finely, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon of cilantro. Mix it all together and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Quick and Easy Hamburger Recipe

Make 4-6 small patties from 1/4 to 1/2 pound of ground chuck. Broil on each side for 4-5 minutes.