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I bought these boots two winters ago and they’re still going strong — and queued up for this upcoming one as well. During the cold weather, they basically never leave my feet — I wear them all weekend and then I commute in them during the week. In really bad weather when I decide I DGAF, I’ve even worn them to court and they pass. The inside is shearling, which keeps my feet warm, they’re completely waterproof, have non-slip bottoms, and they zip up the side for easy on and off. They’re available in the pictured black as well as chestnut for $159.95 at Zappos, where they have a 4-star rating from 483 reviews. UGG Kesey Winter BootSales of note for 4.18.24
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And — here are some of our latest threadjacks of interest – working mom questions asked by the commenters!
- If you’re a working parent of an infant with low sleep needs, how do you function at work when you’re in the throes of baby’s sleep regression?
- Should I cut my childcare down to 12 hours a month if I work from home?
- Will my baby have speech delays if we raise her bilingual?
- Has anyone given birth in a teaching hospital?
- My child eats everything, and my friends’ kids do not – how should I handle? In general, what is the best way to handle when your child has some skill/ability and your friend’s child doesn’t have that skill/ability?
- ADHD moms, give me your tips to help with things like behavior in the classroom, attention to detail, etc?
- I think I suffer from mom rage…
- My husband and kids are gone this weekend – how should I enjoy my free time?
- I’m struggling to be compassionate with a SAHM friend who complains she doesn’t have enough hours of childcare.
- If you exclusively formula fed, what tips do you have for in the hospital and coming home?
- Could I take my 4-yo and 8-yo on a 7-8 day trip to Paris, Lyon, and Madrid?
Anonymous says
Ooh I really like these.
AIMS says
I had a similar pair in my teen years and wore them with dresses and I do not say this as a bad thing at all. Cute pic.
EB0220 says
I like these too. And my toes are currently freezing, soooo…. probably buying them.
Anony says
I just got something very similar for my three year old. If you like these, you should see the toddler size 6 version. OMG Adorbs!
Cb says
I wonder how the grip is? I slipped and slid all over the city last year in my duck boots and Merrell smart boots.
Em says
A cobbler can add a better grip to boots if you otherwise like them. I bought a great pair of boots for a trip to Ireland that were water resistant, crazy comfortable, and looked nice, but had terrible traction. For less than $10 my cobbler sprayed a new grip on the bottom that gave them excellent traction (I walked all over Dublin and hiked the Cliffs of Moher in them). That was almost 5 years ago and they are still going strong.
Anonymous says
Sorels have the best grip. Better than Merrell and better than North Face.
Anon says
+1 – you can pry my sorels off of my (likely still warm) dead toes.
Anonymous says
I’m in Canada where we have very icy winters and I find my Sorels have terrible traction. In fact I was wearing them last winter when I slipped and fell on ice and sprained my knee.
Tetra says
I have these and can recommend them! The only downside is I find them fairly heavy, so not great for walking around all day. But very good for dealing with slush/snow/puddles.
Friday says
I solo parent a 3 year old and a 1 year old more evenings than not. It’s been A Week and I feel like I need something extra fun to do with them tonight that I can look forward to all day. Ideas? Or maybe I just look forward to bedtime and then a book for myself.
anon says
Make your own English muffin pizzas? These were a big hit with our 5 and 2 yos last week.
Friday says
That’s a good idea! That might be Solo Parenting Saturday’s dinner adventure so we can go out and get the ingredients tomorrow, too. Thanks!
Anonymous says
Painting pumpkins? Or a movie with special snacks. Adult beverage of choice after bedtime.
blueridge29 says
If you want to avoid paint, pick up plastic or fake pumpkins and a whole bunch of Halloween stickers. My kids had a blast decorating pumpkins with stickers when they were little.
mascot says
Tfor22’s ideas are cute. Basically anything that is out of the ordinary will be awesome for them. Make it as easy or as complicated as you want. Ice cream for dinner is a consistent hit in our house- you’ve got 20 other meals in a week to be balanced so don’t worry about veggies for this one. Also, eating a picnic dinner on the family room floor while watching a movie.
anne-on says
For really rough nights/weeks I say routine and routine treats save us – Thursdays oddly were a total meltdown night for the longest time (he’d just had enough of school by then) so we started making that a special dinner night. These days we also have Friday night ‘pizza and a movie’. Right after school we go to the library to get books for the weekend and pick out a movie. Then bathtime (pizza ordered before bath) and after dinner we all snuggle together to chill out and watch a movie. We sometimes (sorry teachers!) skip nighttime book to stay up ‘late’ and watch the very end which makes for a pretty chill night for all of you. If I’m feeling extra super duper fun I’ll throw a bath fizz or bubble bath in the tub for him too.
Friday says
Bubble bath! See, this is why I have to post things because I don’t think of cute, simple stuff like that. My kiddos have such sensitive skin that I have “don’t use soap in the water” ingrained in me, but bubbles would be a great, simple, occasional treat! Thanks!
Delta Dawn says
If you’re concerned about soap in the water (my LO has sensitive skin, too), I have bought a pack of glow sticks and sometimes throw a couple in the tub and turn the main light out. Disco bath!
We also have some Sesame Street “fizzy tub colors,” which are little tablets that turn the water red, blue, or yellow. I have not noticed any negative affects on my kids’ skin, and they love these.
Friday says
I never would have thought of that! That’s so neat about the glow sticks!
I ordered some “sensitive skin” bubble bath already, too. :)
Sarabeth says
Also literally just a few drops of food coloring in the bath. This is what we do with the leftover easter egg dye each year.
Anonymous says
Crayola also makes Color Bath Dropz that are also a big hit in my house. The kids like to pick 2 colors, drop one on each end once the bath is already filled, and swirl/splash the colors toward the middle to mix.
I love the glow sticks idea! We have a bunch of them ready for trick-or-treating, and will definitely do this with the leftovers.
EB0220 says
My go-to items are: pizza picnic in the living room while watching a movie (not sure if your kids are old enough) or Chick Fil A picnic at the playground after work/school.
Anonanonanon says
When I was a single parent, pizza fridays saved my life. I kept trader joe’s frozen organic pizza crusts in my freezer (they’re actual frozen crusts, not just frozen dough) and my son would put the sauce and cheese on the pizza and then we would do movie night. We’d spread comforters and blankets and pillows on the floor of the living room to lay on or, if I was feeling up to it, we’d break out an air mattress to lay on. It was nice :)
Anonymous says
Depends on your spending situation and toy outlook, but in times like that I find great joy in buying a new toy or book for my kid. I grew up in a very “toys are only for birthdays and christmas” household, so I also get a little thrill out of buying a random toy. Haha. I usually do books or a train for the train table so it is sure to be used.
Another idea is something that you’re not usually allowed to do. My SD lost her mind when we did ice cream for dinner once – she kept waiting for the punchline. I was like, Nope! We are just having ice cream for dinner! Or popcorn on the couch, or whatever is a little different and “naughty” for your kids.
JTX says
Lollipops in the bathtub keep my young kids busy for 30 minutes to an hour. Also +1 to stickers on pumpkins.
Or, get some glow sticks and go on a night walk.
SC says
We have pizza and movie night a lot of Fridays. They’re a life-saver. I’ve purchased a few favorite movies from Amazon, but I also check out movies at the library sometimes.
I’m a huge fan of bubble baths. We also use bathtub crayons or bathtub paint for special occasions.
For a fun activity that requires work, my kid loves “playing science,” which means we add food dye to vinegar in a plastic chemistry flask (and mix colors if we want to), then add baking soda so it fizzes over. He shrieks and squeals with delight every time.
anon says
Gah I’m so glad it is finally Friday. The day is just getting started and it’s already been so rough. This day can’t be over soon enough.
Tfor22 says
I think whatever sounds most fun and easy for you would work here. Pajama dance party? Make a blanket fort in the living room and have dinner there? A rainbow party? (Wear clothes in the colors of the rainbow, eat rainbow colored food. Fruit for dinner!) At my house it is usually pizza Friday, sometimes we eat while watching a movie (gasp!) or reading books. When the big guy was small at least once we ate it on the landing and acted like the landing was a pirate ship lookout (Ahoy, the neighbors! There may also have been costumes involved.) I hope you have a restorative weekend.
Tfor22 says
Sorry I did not thread this above.
Friday says
That is so, so cute.
GCA says
I was wondering, too! I will say the Sorel Winter Carnival boots work well for me in slush and Boston cold. Doesn’t stop me from coveting these cute ones.
GCA says
For Cb above.
Another great boot says
I got these Sorel’s last winter (in a different black color combo that isn’t listed right now), and love, love, love them. They’re very comfortable for walking. I don’t have a walking commute, but have definitely done a day’s worth of errands and shopping in them and had no complains. The reviews that they run small are correct. I normally wear an 8-8.5 and needed a 9 in these.
https://www.sorel.com/womens-slimpack-ii-lace-boot-1702251.html?dwvar_1702251_variationColor=282#pgsize=85&start=5
I still have a pair of the original tan-colored UGGS. I’d consider today’s pick in cognac for finally replacing those with something more sophisticated in a brown tone.
Anonymous says
Fun (for me at least) question:
We are getting ready to move into our new house and I want to spend some money to have areas (like the pantry, mud room etc) organized from the start. We are having custom closet organizers installed so they are pretty much taken care of. Please share if you have any favourite organizing/storing containers or hacks for these types of areas!
Anonymous says
This doesn’t exactly answer your question, but I always wish my master closet had more space for folded clothes.
Also, something to contain/organize mail.
I have no actual solutions. Just problems I know I face. Sorry…
anne-on says
I’d think very hard about how you use the space before you spend much money on it. Pinterest and blogs seem to always have lots of ‘can’ storage for pantries…we don’t eat an awful lot of canned food so that would be useless. We do cook an awful lot so I’d love dedicated space for baking sheets/spices/cuisinart/and our pans. I like a few blogs for this – the one below links to some great ideas and focuses a lot on easy/DIY/relatively inexpensive upgrades. Enjoy! I love organizing too!
http://www.iheartorganizing.com/
Anonymous says
In the kitchen, I would not do too much permanently installed customization. Your storage needs will evolve over time. Pull-out cabinet shelves, a tall narrow cabinet or drawer for sheet pans etc., and appliance storage are likely to remain useful over time. I would stay away from other specialized built-ins such as spice racks.
In the mudroom, don’t buy storage to fit the stuff you have now, but to fit a lot more stuff belonging to adult-sized people. If your kids are little now, you will be amazed at how much more room their shoes, coats, book bags, and sports equipment will take up in just a few years.
Anonymous says
What are the ethics of letting a nanny go for reasons that are in no way her fault? We had a nanny start last month. She’s terrific. But I’m growing increasingly dissatisfied with my job (which pays me less after taxes than her salary + taxes). I don’t want to get too specific, but there have been lots of changes lately that are affecting my quality of life, including lack of raises for the forseeable future (through no fault of my own) and working with some difficult people who treat me poorly. My employer also made huge changes to my health benefits, so it’s cheaper for me and DD to be on DH’s plan even if I work. My direct boss is terrific and supportive, but a lot of what’s going on is beyond her control. Plus as my daughter gets older (she’s 10 months now) I enjoy her so much more and find it harder and harder to leave the house in the mornings. My husband is absolutely supportive of whatever I want to do, but he personally views the nanny as a household expense that doesn’t come out of just my salary, so there’s no pressure in that regard. I get it, but it also sucks feeling like I’m paying to work at a job I hate. I don’t think I want to be a SAHM for life, but staying home for a year or two while she’s really little is very appealing. But at the same time, I know our nanny is depending on us for employment and I don’t want to treat her unfairly. (fwiw, I’m fairly sure I could legally fire her with two weeks notice – her employment is at will, which is standard in our area.)
Anonymous says
What’s your question? How to temeinate her kindly? Give her a month’s notice and then give her 2 weeks severance. Be very clear that you will be a reference. Try and get her another gig (post on local parenting sites etc).
Anonymous says
Yeah, I guess just can I terminate her and if so how to be fair about it.
Anonymous says
IMO, honesty is the best policy. Tell her that there have been some changes at your job such that you no longer wish to be there. And the option you have chosen is to stay home for a few years. Offer to do whatever you can to help her secure future employment (references, pass on her name to friends, etc.) She will be disappointed, but will understand.
On another note, if you don’t want to be a SAHM forever, you might find it beneficial to find a way or two to keep your foot in the door of your career.
Anon says
Just giver as much notice as you can and explain why. She’ll be fine – a great nanny is always in high demand. Write her a terrific letter of recommendation and offer to be a reference. You might even be able to give her a few leads on jobs.
Tougher question (in my opinion) is whether or not to stay in the (paid) workforce … we’ve discussed it a lot here over the years, and for me it always comes down to a discomfort about all of our financial / security eggs in a single income-earner’s basket. I have an irrational fear and loathing about financial dependency so I’d never be comfortable relying upon my spouse’s income, but others are less paranoid than I am.
Good luck with what you decide, but don’t sweat the nanny stuff.
Anonymous says
If you want to work, but don’t want to stay in your current job I would suggest that you explore new jobs including part time options before jumping to letting the nanny go.
It’s not easy to get back into the workforce (depending on industry of course) if you’ve opted out for a couple years so make sure you are walking towards being a SAHM not just walking away from an awful job.
Boston Legal Eagle says
This. Really think about the decision to quit work to stay home. It sounds like this job isn’t the best fit right now, so I’d really explore all of your options before quitting entirely, including going part-time here or finding a new job. Saying that you want to stay at home for a year or two is nice in theory, but you might not get back to your role in the foreseeable future. Are you ok with that? And ok with taking on the primary role of childcare and taking care of the home?
Your nanny will be fine if you decide to let her go, just give her enough time and a good reference.
So Anon says
DH has been struggling with MDD and OCD for several months. He went inpatient last week, so I have been coordinating his care, solo parenting and working full time for 10 days with more days to come. I’m exhausted in heart, body and mind. This is not his first inpatient stay.
I miss him, but honestly it’s easier with him inpatient because I know he is safe and I’m not also taking care of him. He really doesn’t do any parenting when he is home except make lunches, which admittedly are a serious pain (never ending…). I’m doing the best I can to keep the kids’ lives “normal” (except letting the 8 year old crawl into my bed in the wee hours and not walking him immediately back to his bed).
I have an evening to myself this evening (my mom is taking the kids for a night) and I can’t decide what to do with myself. Sappy movie where I can bawl my eyes out? Funny movie because I need to laugh? Both? Any suggestions on either category?
Anonymous says
Hugs! Glad you’re getting some time for yourself. One of my favorite movies that is both sappy and funny is Crazy Stupid Love, but that’s old and not in theaters – not sure if you wanted to go out to a theater since you don’t have the kids and Netflix is easier to do after they’re in bed. But, true story, I cried so hard watching that movie on a plane once that a flight attendant asked me if I was ok. And it was my third time watching it!
Been there says
I have been thinking of you and am so glad to hear that you are getting some time to yourself. In times of extreme stress, I find it comforting to rewatch my favorite old movies and TV shows. How about putting on your favorite PJs and binge-watching an old series you love with some fancy snacks or other treats? For extra relaxation, get a big pile of brain-candy magazines to page through.
I totally get you on the inpatient stay being a relief. Get all the rest you can, and remember that there are anonymous internet friends out there rooting for you and your family.
Artemis says
Thank goodness you get a night, you deserve it. You are amazing. Also, why does it seem like packing lunches is the worst chore ever for working parents?!?!?!
Try to plan your night so you don’t just end up doing nothing or spending too long doing one thing that you start and don’t stop because you’re so used to having to do so much. That’s what sometimes happens to me and then I regret that I didn’t do all the things that would have recharged me.
This does not mean overschedule your night! It just means–what is your favorite dinner to eat that you don’t usually get and someone else makes? Plan when you are going to pick it up or have it delivered. Do you want to watch one or two movies? Do you have a trashy magazine you want to read for an hour before you start your movie? Or a favorite novel to re-read for a bit? Do you want a bath in there?
I don’t really have much on movies, but there are GREAT stand-up comedy specials on Netflix right now if you want to laugh for a bit, and I’m a big Call the Midwife fan which is a great show for laughter, tears, and all the feels in almost every episode.
Enjoy.
Artemis says
Huh, I was reluctant to post but this is tangentially related to the nanny issue above so I’ll go for it.
I need some help with pep-talk/perspective re-framing. I’m just not able to buck myself up right now, and I just have . . . the blahs. And don’t know when the things I am trying to fix will be fixed. And it’s hard. I know people have talked about this before but . . . help welcome!
I have three great kids who are doing wonderfully in school socially and academically, and who are often praised by other adults for their manners, etc. Everyone needs to have a safe space to not hold their sh*t together, but my otherwise awesome kids are terrible at home. I am responsible for pickup and after-school time through until dinnertime every day. Picking them up is a battle. Getting them to stop fighting in the car is a battle. At home, they may play nicely for 20 minutes, and then scream at each other for 20 minutes. They are 8, 6, and 3. It’s really emotionally exhausting for me. I’m trying some new things, I have a new routine that I think will better serve them, it’s not awful all the time, but it’s awful enough that there is a decent chunk of time that I spend with my kids that I honestly don’t really enjoy. Is anyone out there having the same issues? I’m past the whole “not sleeping” and “not eating” and “potty training” phases and so now it’s just this constant battle to raise my kids with emotional, not physical, challenges. They are all different, but all super-demanding, high-energy, big personalities. Neither my husband nor I grew up in families with 3 kids so this is new to us.
Also, I work a job in local government that I left my last toxic law firm job for, it’s full-time with crummy pay but great benefits. It saved me when I was pregnant with my 3rd and my husband was still in biglaw. But I’ve been here a few years, there’s nowhere for me to go position-wise and I’m really tired of my paycheck . . . especially since my husband moved in-house and essentially now has much the same flexibility as I do, in slightly different ways, for over twice the pay. We’re both lawyers. I want to be paid what I’m worth. I want to be there for my kids, but there has got to be a job out there for me. I’ve been doing rounds of applications and working on my network and just . . . don’t know when I’m going to be able to get out. And my patience is running out. And we’re not really stressed financially, I just wish we were saving like we used to. Plus, I manage a team of great people who make really crummy pay and when I leave, I can promote most of them to get them better pay, which would feel awesome. I mean, my current salary would be life-changing for any of them, and yet here I am complaining.
TL;DR: my kids and my job are emotionally draining and I’m frustrated and doing what I can to fix these things but not getting results and it’s hard to not be in control.
anon says
Honestly, it sounds like you need something to look forward to. Could you plan a fall camping trip? A holiday vacation? A fun weekend away? Sometimes work and kids is drudgery.
I also often seem to enjoy my family more (get a temporary break? a change of pace?) when we have friends come over. I invite a family with kids the same age so the parents can chat and the kids can play. We all end up happier. I feel like I still get family time, but I’m not the 100% point person for occupying the kids. We’ll do a backyard bonfire or a chili cookout and just enjoy visiting. My kids almost always are in better moods with friends present.
Anonymous says
I did grow up in a family with 3 kids, and have 3 of my own, albeit a little younger than yours. Some of this is just 3 kids. If they’re not hurting each other, I try to just let them solve their own issues, and turn up the radio so I can’t hear them. I make sure they all have spaces they can escape to to be alone, and separate or refocus them if the screaming gets way out of hand or escalates to physical fighting, but siblings are gonna fight. I remember my siblings and I shifting alliances, occasionally all playing together, etc. Putting us all outside was my mom’s go-to, and based on my experiences so far with my kids, she was on to something!
What kind of car do you have? Yours are still a little too young for the front seat, but our typical riding positions were oldest in front passenger seat, one kid in middle row, one kid in back row of the minivan. Not saying you should go buy a new car, but maximizing physical distance is key there. Currently my kids’ minivan configuration is middle-row captains (the two with the 5 point harnesses and shorter arms, so they can’t touch each other) chairs and 1 in the back row.
your TL;DR covered it: You really need to just accept that you’re not in control and you might not get the results you want, and lower your standards. Sorry that’s not inspirational! I say it with all the love and wish you the best of luck, but 3 kids is controlled chaos, and the control is sometimes an illusion. FWIW, despite all the screaming we did at each other for the first 15 years of our lives, I love my siblings and we have a perfectly good relationship with each other and our parents.
EB0220 says
It may be kind of obvious, but I have to give my kids a snack and water the second they get in the car after school or they are just….terrors. Yesterday I brought something my 6 year old didn’t like and it was ugly. Have you tried any of the techniques in Siblings with Rivalry to encourage cooperation? I need to re-read it now that my kids are 4 and 6. I feel you, though. It’s a grind sometimes. Especially when your job isn’t rewarding and you just wonder what’s the point, anyway.
Anonymous says
Are you me? Also have three kids, work in govt, DH has a more flexible job with better opportunities to move up.
I started seeing a therapist to focus on strategies to manage my hectic life without feeling totally overwhelmed and ‘blah’. Found someone who is a woman around my age. Great to reset my expectations, develop strategies to deal and not worry about overburdening my friends with venting when they are also maxed out. And massage therapy biweekly.
anonagain says
I’m a government-attorney mom, and I also experience the negatives you mentioned. I really feel for you (been there, still sorta there), and I’m sorry you’re going through such a blah time. I hope you find some “pick-me-ups.” Mine are barre classes, work conferences, and time with college buddies. I’ve also tried to look at things differently (telling myself that it does no good to think about what it would be like if the kids were more content with no behavioral issues, etc). All I can do is provide them with a good environment and lots of support. Thinking of you!
ER says
My kids are a lot younger than yours, but I just read “Siblings Without Rivalry” and thought it was amazing. Just in case you haven’t already read it and are looking for some new ideas to try.
avocado says
I just found out that my kid’s BFF has gone from vegetarian to vegan. My plan to order pizza for their movie night is now a no-go. The Pirate’s Booty and cupcakes my kid wanted are also out. Any ideas for vegan takeout and treats that are safe for braces (no popcorn, carrots, nuts, etc.), that picky omnivore kids will also like, and that will be easy for this exhausted mom to put together? I am thinking maybe pad thai without fish sauce for dinner, but I’m drawing a blank on dessert and movie snacks.
Anonymous says
vegan ice cream would be easy. I honestly ate everything when I had braces (it was for 5 years), so I don’t get the problem with popcorn. But pretzels, potato chips, tortilla chips….most should be vegan.
Anonymous says
Snacks: veggies and hummus and chips and guacamole. Popcorn with no butter (skinny pop).
Dessert: do you have a vegan bakery nearby? Otherwise, fruit. You can have whipped cream or ice cream for non-vegans.
Anonymous says
some pizza places have a vegan option. Or just order an individual pizza with no cheese and whatever toppings she wants (mushrooms, green peppers etc). Or do a taco bar where the kids can make their own tacos.
Snacks – chips (ruffles all dressed are tasty and no egg/dairy), torilla chips with salsa and gucamole
Chapmans has a dairy/egg free sorbet and you can get coconut based ice creams that are really tasty.
Anonymous says
+1 – more pizza places do this than you may think. You could save yourself the legwork by having your daughter ask her friend.
Anonymous says
Pizza crust isn’t vegan though, so it’s not as simple as just “hold the cheese.”
Anonymous says
What’s in it? We homemake pizza crust every saturday and I can’t think what wouldn’t be vegan. There’s no dairy or egg.
anon says
You can sub hoisin sauce for the fish sauce.
Another meal idea if you want – Tacos – Corn tortillas, black beans, avocado slices, salsa, cilantro? You could also saute other vegetables if you want more than that. The non vegan kids can add cheese.
Snacks – veggies and hummus, chips and salsa/guacamole, fruit
Desserts – sorbet, fruit popsicles, hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks
Tfor22 says
My go-to recipe for cupcakes is great for vegans:
https://moosewoodcooks.com/2013/11/six-minute-vegan-chocolate-cake/
This suggestion is a little heavy on processed food, but you could have smartlife veg dogs and tater tots for dinner. Just make sure the rolls are vegan. I hope the movie night goes well!
avocado says
That cake recipe looks perfect—thank you!
Anonymous says
Going off of tacos, we also love build your own burrito bowls. You could have both beans and meat as options. Vegan BFF can avoid toppings like cheese and sour cream.
Pasta with marinara? Seems like at least some vegan pastas should be easy to find.
Anonymous says
I’m the one who asked about a picky infant rejecting veggie purees – well it turns out she loves whole peas! I think they’re soothing on sore gums and in general she just finds them way more interesting than purees because she can roll them around her tray and feed herself. I love that she’s finally eating veggies and is getting practice picking up relatively small things. Suggestions for other healthy-ish pea-sized things we could give? I have some puffs, but they’re super sugary so I would prefer to try to introduce other finger foods first. I’m really paranoid about choking and I feel more comfortable with peas because she can swallow them whole and they won’t hurt her (she seems to be chewing them pretty well though).
Anonymous says
Cheerios
Mine also like strips of veggies – like red peppers or cucumbers – they are easy to grip in their little fists and they can gnaw on them a bit.
Aly says
Beans (cooked or canned) worked well for us, as well as frozen edamame.
Anonymous says
Yep beans! We had to cut them in half for a little while. Chopped up well cooked green beans too. Grated cheese and cottage cheese, although obviously not vegetables. Cut up cooked squash, carrots, and sweet potato.
Em says
Corn kernels (or give her an entire cob to naw on) or diced peppers.
Anon says
Black beans are a favorite (rinse them first if you’re using canned). My grocery store sells frozen peas with pea-sized diced carrots – I often throw a handful of those in a small bowl with a little water and microwave for 1:30 and voila – steamed bite size kid veggies that are mushable (not chokable). Shredded meat (turkey, chicken, pork – cook in slow cooker and shred between forks) was popular, I would take cheese and finely dice it. Could also try orzo or mini shells cooked as well. Frankly, at that age I fed my LO anything we would eat and just cut it up to pea size.
Anon says
Flying Southwest with an infant. Do you have to call in advance to get the Boarding Verification Document or do you just get that when you show up at the airport?
Anonymous says
Just tell them you have a lap infant when you check in. They’ll ask for proof of age and then print out a boarding pass that they’ll staple to yours. You cant do self check in at the kiosks with a lap infant, so plan extra time to wait in line.
AnotherAnon says
We just showed up at the counter with the birth certificate and they printed the doc along with our boarding passes (we had to check baggage so we were going to the counter anyway).
ER says
You have to check in at the counter with a copy of the birth certificate in order to get the boarding pass.
Anon says
Southwest was a dream flying with an infant. We were on not full flights, so even though we only bought parent tickets, they let us bring our (FAA Approved) car seat on and we had a whole row to ourselves. With a carseat you can’t be in a row adjoining an exit row, and obviously not in the exit row itself. Carseats need to be in the window seat.
Remember to talk to the customer service people at the gate (but not the gate agent) to gate check a stroller.
Anonymous says
Late in the day for all of you east coasters, but anyone want to help me with vicarious shopping? I am looking for a full zip up solid color fleece hoodie size 4T or 4. Preferably orange, as heavy weight as possible. Why is this so hard??? We have a great Columbia one that is just about outgrown, and that’s basically the only option I can find on the market (but no orange). Almost nowhere is selling this product and definitely not for the price I was hoping for- have always been able to find used before but can’t find a used one this year.
Anon says
LL Bean Kid’s Mountain Classic Fleece (not orange though)
Land’s End Boys (or Girls) Fleece Jacket (again, no orange)
Anonymous says
Thanks! I should have noted I did see the LL Bean ones but they’re outside our price range for kids’ sweatshirts. I have come to terms with having to spend more than $5 this year (had such great luck with used in the past!) but he’s still growing like a weed…
Anonymous says
The Lands End will go on sale this weekend probably for 40% off (currently 30% but you can call to price match once they go on sale. And sometime soon they should have a 50% off one item deal.). LE jackets run soooo big yet somehow magically fit that you might consider it. We get 1 full year, sometimes 2, out of them so I don’t mind spending the $ but YMMV. I just got the orange “Toddler Boys Bonded Fleece Jacket” for my kiddo and we both love it.
Anonymous says
Is it soft/snuggly or more of an outerwear jacket? I’m debating it! There’s a 50% off one item right now!
Anonymous says
It’s soft and snuggly but extra warm (more than a regular sweatshirt hoodie). This is going to be perfect for our Bay Area winter…we don’t really do outerwear.
Anonymous says
Closest I could find was this Patagonia one in coral. https://www.rei.com/product/131103/patagonia-synchilla-fleece-cardigan-toddlers
Anonymous says
I also found one without a hood in orange. https://www.zappos.com/p/columbia-kids-steens-mt-ii-fleece-toddler-state-orange/product/8142263/color/199731
Anonymous says
Oh man, that coral one is the closest I’ve found! But too pricey unless I can catch a sale. The child in question will not wear a non-hooded sweatshirt, sadly.
AnotherAnon says
I’m seeing the orange Columbia one online. But you’re right – that’s basically all there is. Weird!
Here’s one that’s down, not fleece:
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/112822?page=boys-ultralight-down-sweater&bc=12-628-503369&feat=503369-GN2&csp=f&attrValue_0=Persimmon%20Orange&gnrefine=1*COLOR_FAMILY*Orange
EB0220 says
We like the LLBean Trail Model fleece…no orange (but orange stripes).
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63243?page=infants-and-toddlers-trail-model-fleece-hooded-jacket-print&bc=516720-515592&feat=515592-GN3&csp=a&attrValue_0=Feldspar%20Stripe&productId=1010168&gnrefine=1*SIZE_PROPORTION*Little%20Kids%5E1*SIZE_PROPORTION*Little%20Boys%5E1*SIZE_PROPORTION*Toddler
shortperson says
primary.com?
Anonymous says
Hard to tell if theirs is actually fleece or more of just a sweatshirt but yes maybe!