Anxious Mommy Heart.

No one tells you how truly stressful parenting can be... 

You try to balance between discipline and teaching respect. You make sure he knows his ABCs, 123s, colors, shapes, etc. You read to him to encourage the love/habit. You have him unload the silverware from the dishwasher and help sort laundry to foster teamwork. You socialize with other parents who have kids his age to encourage friendship. You struggle with potty training, but push on. You make time for one-one-one outings to remind him he was your first baby. You love him unconditionally even on the days you want to pull your hair and hide in the closet.

And then he gets sick. His small pitiful 3yr old voice crying for “Mommy” breaks your heart. You want to cuddle with him and make it all better but the baby is screaming and now you’re terrified of her getting sick too. The nurse hotline gave great advice, but it didn’t quench my anxious mommy heart. This has been the scariest flu season I can remember in my 30yrs+ on earth... my husband had a co-worker die from it this week! That’s way too close to home. Way too close to my kids. Way too stressful for my anxiety-riddled mind to even comprehend right now... it’s 10:41pm and my alarm is going to go off in exactly 19min for me to check my son’s temperature for no less than the 10th time since this afternoon. If I wasn’t 3mo post partum and nursing the baby I would give anything for me to be the one sick and not him... but I cannot fathom being sick, nursing, and taking care of both of them as well. I know it’s possible. If it happens I will power through. But man. Parenting is hard. Body, soul, and mind.

Praying and clinging to these words tonight: 

“Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.”

Romans 12:12 GNT

Fit Friday! - Stroller Leg Workout

Thanks to a nasty stomach virus Friday was pretty much a blur... and I completely missed posting this (last) week's Fit Friday, I sincerely apologize (especially to Adrien!), but I promise it's still great! So... since today is a day off from work for many, if you can get outside or to an indoor track if it's raining/snowing like it is for me, this is going to be a fun workout for mom (or dad) and baby/toddler!
-Tay

As always, if you use Instagram don't forget to tag 

@thedaringdanedlion @active_freckals and this month #strollerlegworkout

----------------------------------------------------

Like many families out there, ours is a one-car family, and we simply cannot afford for me to have gym membership. So workouts have to either be quiet enough to happen during baby girls naps or they have to be baby friendly. Not to mention my husband and I also really missed being able to run with each other. So after much research and asking my fellow mom friends their thoughts on different types we decided to invest in a jogging stroller.

Best decision ever. I get to go running at least 2 times a week (more when we all go) and my daughter gets to see her parents stay healthy and active. Plus she loves being outside so she really enjoys the rides.
~Adrien

Freckled & Free

Below is a short stroller workout you can add to your walk or jog.
Take pictures of you working out with your little loves and tag us on Instagram
@active_freckals and @thedaringdandelion

 
Disclaimer: Adrien is a Beach Body Coach, however all the moves listed are done at your own risk. Please ensure that your baby can hold their head up on their own before attempting any of these moves. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting any exercise program. The Daring Dandelion along with Freckled & Free assume no responsibility for injuries that may occur while completing the moves utilized in this workout.

DIY Watercolor Prints

I'm going to come out and say it... Pinterest has made motherhood ridiculous.

Okay, now that that's off my shoulders I have an EASY toddler friendly craft for you. Just be smart and buy washable water colors and know that there will be paint on the baby, the floor, and possibly the wall next to the stairs (I still can't figure that one out, he's a magician I guess).

Here's what you need:

- Cardstock Paper (I actually used thick sketch paper)

- A white crayon

- Washable water color paints

- Thick paint brushes for little hands

Optional: newspaper in attempt to contain the mess!

Steps:

1) Draw your designs on the paper, make sure you have GOOD lighting, especially if you want to go over the same area a couple times to thicken up the design. I did this the night before after I put my son to bed.

2) Set-up your paint station.

3) Wet brush, and dip in paint.

4) Show toddler how to paint the paper.

5) Randomly trade out brushes with new colors.

6) Just go with the mess!

The beauty of these are that you can change the designs for any time of the year... Spring flowers, fall leaves, etc. 

Don't have kids? That just means your watercolor art can be "perfect." Think color gradients, even and matching strokes, non-soaking wet paper, haha!

These Valentine's are on their way to family all over the country (hopefully they already arrived so we don't blow the surprise!), if you make some please share with me either in the comments below or on Instagram by tagging @thedaringdandelion.

Happy painting!

-Tay

Toddler "Hulk" Muffins.

We'll be traveling soon and I bought WAY too much baby spinach and bananas... so I scoured the internet for a recipe I could doctor to my liking. I call these "Hulk Muffins" because of their ridiculous green color!

Things I've learned while making these muffins:

1. I really need a Ninja or Vitamix
2. I would like one of those huge mini muffin pans
3. Purplish-brown batter = green muffins?
4. While little man likes them as is... They are a bit bland, so I may up the spices/fruit next time. I guess you could also add a drizzle of honey, or slap some butter on!

Okay onto the recipe...

----------------------------------------------------------------

Toddler "Hulk" Muffins  
Dairy free, nut free 

• 2 bananas, mashed
• 2 cups PACKED baby spinach
• 1 cup frozen berries (I used blueberries, blackberries, cherries)
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup applesauce
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• couple twists on a sea salt grinder

1) Preheat oven to 350*
2) Blend bananas, spinach, frozen berries, applesauce, and egg in blender 
3) In a medium sized bowl combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt
4) Stir in mixture from blender
5) Fill muffin cups 2/3 full
6) Bake 20-25min until knife comes out clean

Yield: I got 12 regular sized muffins and 7 mini muffins

----------------------------------------------------------------

I told you... these things are GREEN!

Blend.

Stir.

Combine.

Marvel (haha, get it?) at the unique color!

Cool.

And because I'm guessing many of you are saying - "sure, like any kid would eat that" - here's proof of my little dude enjoying one!

 

Alright, so about that blender. Ninja or Vitamix? ...and go!

-Tay

Giving credit where credit is due: Original Recipe