Toddler Tales: How to Remove Non-Washable Marker from Skin

A trial by error experiment.

So recently my daughter got a ton of markers for Christmas and her birthday. She had been pretty good with them, until we were looking through pictures together and she noticed the picture from Halloween where we used little face paint crayons to draw a kitty nose and whiskers on her face. She decided then and there she wanted to do that again - but not remembering where we put the face crayons, my husband suggested using a marker. Yup, we painted her up like a cat - then each of us got drawn up as well - all fun and games - all fun and games...till two days later when you suspect your toddler is quietly drawing with her art set (which includes markers - of course) - then she comes up to you (I was typing up a reference letter for our daycare provider) with an open marker in hand pointed at your face with full intention of drawing on your face too - dear goodness this child had her face all sorts of pretty. :)

Here's evidence.

And here is how we removed it...le sigh.
- Place child in the tub for a warm, sudsy bath.
- Put baby oil on a cotton ball and gently scrub the skin.
- Use Clearisol or any other brand you have on hand if you have any face wipes scrubber things to gently scrub the skin.
(only if your child's skin isn't terribly sensitive - would not recommend for ages younger than 2)
- Alcohol based anti-bacterial (no water) hand soap - pump a little onto your finger tips and scrub.
- If you can locate the rubbing alcohol in your home - put some on a cotton ball and scrub.

The marks were barely there after this! :)

The markers in question were not specifically labelled as being washable of course - I don't think any of the ones she has are - except some fun window ones - or it would have came off much easier with just soap and water I am sure.

What doesn't work suprisingly:
- make up remover
- exfoliating face scrub
- soap and water

What To Say

To follow up on my post about what NOT to say when someone you know is experiencing a miscarriage - here is a list of some things you CAN say...or least some things that helped comfort me. I am sure everyone is different, etc.

1. I'm here. (if you want to talk, if you need anything, etc.)

2. How are you doing? How is your family?

3. I wish I could take away your pain / my heart breaks for you
I don't know why but this feels good to hear - maybe it is because that person is actually acknowledging the pain...not dismissing it - they are reaching out and letting you know you are hurting - when life goes so fast it feels as if you are sitting still in pain and grief while everyone else is announcing pregnancies and enjoying life- you are hurting...and that hurts...so just acknowledgement helps. I guess...not good at this still. But trying.

4. Ps 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 

5. Want to talk?
Be available. Reach Out. Listing your phone number in an email or message - encouraging to call if they need to talk. Offers of meeting for coffee to talk etc.

6. Peace be with you.
 This one of the worst thing - it lies dormant for a bit - then something happens, like the holidays, or someone announcing a pregnancy or an email subscription announcing how far along you would have been you forgot to cancel. And it comes back...and you are left without peace...so wishes for peace, that you will find it, obtain it, etc.

7. You are not alone. (We/I are going/have went through this too) These stories that came pouring out to me from my friends on Facebook through private messages each were like a healing salve on my heart and soul. I am not alone...this happens...can happen...to anyone.

Here is one word for word - that helped so much - you know who you are:

"I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for your loss. I have been there and know how hard it is to manage, especially because many people don't recognize what a difficult situation it is.

I am sending you the warmest wishes of comfort and self-care during this time, along with hope for what comes next - next week, next month, next year."

 8. I can't even imagine.

9. Praying for you. Thinking of you. My thoughts are with you.

I'm an Auntie!

Technically I have been an auntie through my hubby's side of the family - but now I am a true blood auntie! :) My little sister had her baby Thanskgiving Day - November 22! She was due Nov. 12 and that was pushed back about a month from her original due date! Poor thing was waiting and waiting and waiting!

Miss Delaney and I checking out her new cousin - Abigail Lynn!

Delaney was so cute meeting her new cousin for the first time - even got a little upset when she started crying - like she was worried that something was wrong. So sweet. :) (as you can see she is still wearing her tutu - we do wash it I promise)

The Tree Is Up!

Little miss helped us hang ornaments this year...last year and the year before were more a spectator sport for her but now she is part of the hang and knew what to do! She catches on to things so fast! :)

Helping hang an ornament.

And of course playing in the tree box.

Sneaky Like That

Yes, I kinda snuck that news sort of in there in between regular ho-hum, normal, everyday posts. Because that is how it is it seems in real life. It happened. It's there. But life is moving forward at full-speed...so on we go with a few less thousand tears and a whole lot more pain and one more cutie to meet when we get to heaven.

We were not exactly planning baby #2 like we had been with Laney when I was mapping out ovulation dates and logging my basal temperature everyday but were not avoiding it either. We wanted it to happen - would joke and nudge each other with the idea of it. Another baby. And then it happened! The shock, the excitement and happiness - and scariness - yup even with #2 you have that "oh sh@#" moment of "what have we done??" thought. :)

Had plans on a Thanksgiving announcement to the world that our little one would be becomming a big sister. That would have been a little early still yet - 10-12 weeks. With Laney we didn't tell everyone until 16 weeks.

I was checking out pinterest and Etsy and crafting up a cute "Big Sister" shirt. :( The shirt is still there - in my sewing corner, along with the piles of fabric that would/will make up the letters once cut out - and then will be sewn on with cute button embellishments.

We started having some issues at 6-7 weeks. About 4 days before our first scheduled appointment at the OB. At first I thought it was nothing to worry about - but the doctor wanted to see me anyways. I still refused to believe it was bad news - even with all the "I'm sorry's" from the nurses and staff. I kept thinking there was a chance - maybe it was early yet - that was why there was no fetal pole - maybe if I take the progestrone tablets my levels will rise to where they should be and all will be fine. My first set of numbers were optimistic - I even heard a glimmer of hope in the nurses voice.

But the second test - which I took Saturday but didn't get back until Monday was the final close. The numbers were dropping, not increasing...so from there it was a series of blood draws and calls with the results until my numbers were back down where they wanted them to be. Such a painful, tortueous thing to have to go in every two days and relive it all over again and again - seeing happy, pregnant ladies in the hall - I was supposed to be one of them - and get stuck with a needle and just...ugh.

We were advised by the doctor to wait till I have one normal cycle before we attempt to try again...

Mommy and Daddy miss you very much little one!

What Not To Say

There are just things you don't way to people going through certain things...and maybe they don't know not to say it etc. So may this serve as a PSA of sorts.

What Not to Say to Someone Who Has or Is Experiencing a Miscarriage

1. What happened?
This is the #1 thing already haunting the person - "what did I do or not do that would of caused this??" and of course the very first thing out of the doctors mouth is "do not torment yourself with what you did or did not do...nothing you did or did not do could have prevented this, etc - it just happens...a genetic or chromosomal defect maybe but nothing you did" - there is no way of knowing what happened. And much of the emotional damage is from that very question already haunting every thought - was it because I didn't slow down enough, rest enough, because I drank too much pineapple juice, or forgot to take my prenatal?....please do not ask that question. It is the worst. It hurts. Because we don't know what happened, the doctor doesn't know what happened...it just happened....just do not ask that. Please. I have already had at least three people ask me that...

2. It didn't hurt did it?
Because the baby was so small...(holds up hands to indicate how big baby would have been at 6-7 weeks) Not a nice visual for a person going through it thanks...and yes it does hurt - physically, emotionally, mentally....anguish.I shouldn't have to tell you that or anyone that - to relive or account for how I felt physically during one of the most heartbreaking times in my life. Yes this did happen to me...f.o.r r.e.a.l.


2. It was all meant to be./God's plan./Etc
While it is the truth and I am sure God does have a plan for me, and my little ones here and in heaven, but the timing of it all - just hurts - and you are already running so many things through your head subconsciously that it is near torment - and to think that the pain is a part of God's plan can make you a little resentful at first...because we will never know the extent of God's plan while we are here on earth...we will never know why.....and that hurts as there is no closure...seemingly no reason.

4. How far along were you?
I know people want to know the story - and I want people to know - but this question makes me feel as if it doesn't matter as much - like the story is less painful if it happened earlier rather than later. It just left a bad taste in my mouth and hurt my heart...I was 7 weeks. But that doesn't make it any less painful or stressful. I still lost a child. My soul still aches at the loss.

Price Match Pledges

I am partially writing this so that I, myself will remember, and partially to get the word out so more people know. :)

Jo-Ann Fabric and Bed, Bath and Beyond both "gladly accept competitor's coupons for products also available at those competitors. If you find a lower price at any of our competitors, we will meet that price." (exceptions may apply - of course)

Little side notes to save in the memory bank when out shopping this holiday season and beyond.

Glasses

Ok, seriously, when did it become fashionable to wear "bling" - hearts, butterflies, flowers, sequins on the sides of glasses for  grown adult women?? I can see tweens/teens/college age - but to wear to work...I dunno? And I don't mind it as much on my sunglasses - but everyday frames? Maybe I am just an old fogie when it comes to glasses...

Finally deciding that it is time to buy another pair of frames and lenses after having my current pair since high school - 10-11 years ago we are talking. They are in decent shape but have seen better times - times before a toddler/baby manhandled them to the point where they no longer stay on my face or stay level across my face. Le sigh.

I have had them adjusted and refitted once since Laney was born and they asked what I did to them - they were so twisted at the oddest points. I have a toddler - no other explanation necessary. :)

My doctor has always said during an eye exam that my prescription hadn't changed enough to warrant buying new lenses, etc. So I took his word for it - heck contacts are expensive enough and the way insurance works it is typically an either or decision - use up your allowance towards contacts for the year or towards frames. But this year we are in a unique situation where we already got contacts in the summer/spring and then my husband got a new job and the new benefits for 2012 haven't been used yet.

And after our trip to North Carolina where I experienced dizziness from trying to drive at night with my glasses instead of my contacts - and could not see the road signs when I needed to etc to navigate through unfamiliar territory it became clear - new lenses are needed.

It doesn't bother me at all to wear them during the day or even driving at night in my regular stomping grounds where I don't need to try to read road signs quickly and from far away etc. I know where I am going here - and my prescription isn't very different still.

I was just so shocked at the selection - granted I am shopping at Target Optical - not Ossip. But nearly 90% of the frames were blinged out and bedazzled in some way...I found a pair though no worries! :) Just haven't got them yet - the whole new insurance thing is a bit more complicated as I have found out - of course our new one considered Target Optical an Out of Network Provider - goodness. So some research and calls are necessary and possibly a reimbursement application if we get that far - I hope we do because I did finally find the perfect pair! Here's hoping!

13,000

Wup Wup. I like to take pictures! :)  The numbers sometimes surprise me when I happen to look at them on my Facebook profile. 13,090 photos since I first started my page back in 2005.

Delaney's First Tutu

I will never forget how my little girl reacted when she opened and put on her tutu we got her for her second birthday in October. Precious. Absolutely precious. Melts my heart to look back and see the pictures and remember that moment.

She has been watching Angelina Ballerina on Netflix and loves to dance and spin and lifts her little leg while standing on one foot like a ballet move and moves her arms up like a ballerina dancer. Adorable. She loves frilly "pry" (pretty) tutu skirts and has a few now - but this was her very first tutu one piece and it has a ballerina on the front! :)

We have been on the hunt for a good pair warm of toddler ballerina slippers for Christmas but haven't had much luck - not impressed with what I have found on my usual go-to for that sort of item - Amazon.com. But still looking! :)

High Waters

Laney is currently in between sizes on blue jeans and pants. (Blue jeans on a toddler is the cutest thing ever!!) She is 27 months now and has the leg length of 24 months pants but the waist of 18 month clothes. Oy vey. Some lines do have 18-24 which is perfect right now. And some 24 months work ok but others are crazy baggie.

Baggie butt example: 24 months pants...they will fit eventually! :)

So for now we are sporting the occasional too baggy 24 months jeans or high water 18 months...with a few good fitting 18-24 in between! What's a girl to do?? :)

The Children's Place is one of the lines I know that has 18-24 jeans..and right now they are on sale for $10! They are usually $15-$16 - such good quality too.We snagged a pair a week or two ago and might grab another before the sale is over.

We also try to snag jeans and things at our local goodwills or through craigslist or our local Facebook garage sale groups (Have you joined any of those yet in your area?? They are addicting!) You can get such good deals on those sites! We snagged a pair of size 6 toddler sneakers that looked like they were worn once for $2. T.W.O. D.O.L.L.A.R.S. But lately any 24 or 2T girl clothes listings have been pretty non-existent.

And Goodwill? (I love browsing there for frames to repaint, and my white locus bowls or blue mason jars which I can sometimes find for .49 each - I once paid $15 for 3 at an antique store - haha!). Just snagged 5 pairs this weekend of mostly 24 month (there was one 18-24 month) jeans for $1.99 each. Plus saved 10% with my Goodwill saver card for spending $20 on an order...a little over $8 for 5 pairs of toddler jeans...that were all in excellent shape and were good brands - carters, etc. Kids grow so fast - and I don't like how the cheap walmart/target jeans are sometimes so thin etc. I had been meaning to hit up our local consignment baby-kid-maternity shops for some deals on 24 month pants, pjs, etc since her lengthy leg growth spurt - especially since I was not having any luck finding them at our closest Goodwill - those consignment shops are great places too for deals - I remember getting Old Navy maternity jeans for $5 a pair back when I was pregnant with miss Laney-roo. :)

Sorry - money-saving rant over! :)

Thinking of You

I think of you dear blog - often. I dream up little blog posts in my head at night or first thing in the morning. Things I want to post or want to say - little stories I want to share. But alas there is hardly time. And by morning time my mind is already off and busy for the upcoming day/week/months ahead. Toddler time is crazy! :)

: (

P.S. Happy Halloween!!

30

My husband is turning 30 this month -  this little ecard pretty much sums it all up.

 So much pressure! :)

Watermelon Slushies

My latest summer crush/addiction has been watermelon slushies! Oh yum! A lovely libation concocted after two too many over-wipe watermelons were purchased by yours truly and not wanting to throw them out or try to lug them back to the store to attempt to return them I turned to the internet for some recipe ideas and found this! Even my watermelon-hating husband loves these.

Such a pretty looking drink - though if you add too much ice - as it melts it will separate a bit, but trying to find a way to mix up a big batch of these fora party! Yum!

Here's the recipe!

Watermelon Slushy
-cubed watermelon
-juice of one lime
-sugar to taste (about a teaspooon or so)
-ice (if your watermelon isn't frozen)
-blend and enjoy!

I have since cubed up all the overripe watermelon we have and put it all in ziplock baggies and froze them in the freezer before they go bad - watermelon slushies for weeks to come! :)

 

P.S. This cinder block has been Laney and I's little hang out spot in the back yard here this dry, hot summer...it is in a shady spot and her and I take turns sitting on it and enjoying the coolness and the view of the flowers...she also likes to fully drench it with the hose when she is helping me water the plants. :)

What Not to Ask A Woman In An Elevator

So going to and from work everyday you tend to run into the same people who work in the area - bumping into each other in the parking lot elevator and building elevators etc.

Well a guy who works on the same floor in the same building as we do (in the office who sells snacks for 50 cents each actually - so they tend to see quite a lot of me) started chuckling in the elevator at me yesterday. :|

Not in the mood and being just a tad bit cranky - I geared myself up for whatever he was about to say. And oh yes, he asked it, "(chuckle, chuckle, chuckle)Why do you carry so many bags???(chuckle, chuckle, chuckle)" - whilst I am balancing everything rather awkwardly after walking two blocks to the parking garage.

Me: "Wwweeeelllllll.....I pump breastmilk...(paused just long enough to let that sink in fully)- SO this is my pump bag and this is the bag that carries my breastmilk, and this is my purse and this is my lunch bag. [awkward pause where he now looks embarrassed at the amount of times I said breast] Probably more than you wanted to know - but THAT is why I carry so many bags."

BOOYAH! Who's laughing now??! :)

Web Finds Wednesday

Meaningful Kitchen Art

Coast to Coast: Family-Friendly Beaches

Study: If Your 6-Year-Old Daughter Wants to Be ‘Sexy,’ It’s Your Fault


It's World Breastfeeding Week! Here's How to Get Your Breast Pump Covered by Insurance 

20 Tips for Potty Training

Cannot Get Enough of These Curls!

Our baby finally has some hair! I would hope so since she is now 22 months! But for the longest time she was pretty thin on top. Now the little ringlets keep getting longer and longer. She has some curls on her Daddy's side of the family (or so I hear :) ) so hopefully she gets to keep it!

My favorite is to put her hair in a pony tail - so sweet!

Random note for the day: Biscoff Spread.

Have you tried it yet?

OMG - seriously missing out if you haven't.

I have two words for you : "spreadable cookie."

Yup, like peanut butter but it takes like a cookie...in a spread form...as in eat the whole jar with a spoon without bothering to waste it by spreading in on a cracker or apple or something (which is exactly what my husband and I managed to do within 3 days of having a jar). Haha! :)

I have also managed to find some recipes using it - thinking of maybe doing Biscoff spread cupcakes with biscoff spread buttercream frosting. Oh yeah! :)

Web Finds Wednesday

I know you all have missed this type of posts! :) These used to be my way of kind of bookmarking interesting stories and things online for me to go back and read later when I have time...but then I discovered evernote and pinterest and that is now where I save all my recipes, tips and tricks, interesting articles etc. But I should still try to take some time to share with you all too!  :)

How to Balance Motherhood and Career (if You're Not Marissa Mayer)

Biscoff Cupcakes with Biscoff Buttercream

Biscoff Puppy Chow

(another variation) Biscoff Cupcakes with Biscoff Buttercream 

August Garden Chores

Kitty Crazy

My little Laney loves her kitties! (and puppies too) Such a little animal lover. Wonder who she gets that from?? :) Puppies have a soft spot in her heart but a kitty sends her into a whole new realm of cuddles...so soft! She was able to meet and snuggle with a cooperative little kitten this Father's Day weekend while we were visiting family. She was so thrilled! (the kitty not-so-much - but she didn't bite, hiss, scratch or freak out or anything- just tolerated but no purring and got away just about every chance she could get it).

Laney is used to our adult kitty - who isn't easy for her to pick up - though she tries sometimes...so she was very enamored with a this pint sized huggable kitty.