UltimateMama wants you to never forget to engage your child (newborn on up) when you are out and about – shopping, driving, walking, inside, outside, etc.  A few tips:

– Always point out interesting sites (buildings, objects, architecture, colors, shapes).  For example, if you see a "star" shape on a building show it to your child and talk about the shape, color, and more. 

– Talk to your child and teach your child while grocery shopping.  Be a Sneaky Teacher and point out the colors and textures of various food items.  For example, show your baby the yellow banana, the red apple, the purple grapes, the orange cheese, the white milk, etc.  Smell the various breads together and discuss the differences.  Encourage your child to use all of their senses!

– Smell the outdoors with your child.  Let your child smell the pretty flowers outside the Doctor's office.  Encourage them to talk about the various textures, colors, and scents of flowers or trees in your yard.  Explore parks with them in a fun manner by taking a drawing pad and letting them sketch their surroundings.

UltimateMama does not believe in taking young children to overpriced prix-fixe dinners for Valentine's Day.  Not only does it ruin the atmosphere for other patrons but it is also expensive to bring your children to such venues. 

UltimateMama is a fan of taking children out to eat for Valentine's Day at nice restaurants that offer brunch or lunch options at realistic prices. 

For example, UltimateMama's family will be treated to a Bobby Flay Valentine's Day at Mesa Grill (perhaps without Bobby actually present).  Although Mesa Grillhas a special Valentine's Day dinner menu, the restaurant is serving the regular brunch menu on Valentine's Day at regular prices (read:  not set or prix-fixe). UltimateMama's family will dine in style without worrying about the wallet!

UltimateMama loves to help her kids give Valentine's Day gifts to their father that are thoughtful yet practical and not loaded with SUGAR.  

Here are a few of UltimateMama's favorite Valentine's Day gifts from kids to mommy or daddy:

– Homemade Valentine's Day card (using construction paper, markers or paint, stickers) — a lot less expensive than buying a card!

– Socks (not necessarily with hearts!)

– Underwear with hearts or other fun designs

– Red sweater (good for Valentine's Day and December holidays)

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

– Red scarves, ties, hats

– Tennis or golf balls (just to say "I love you"!)

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