It can be overwhelming being home alone with your baby for three days while your husband travels for work (even when you have babysitting help). Entertaining Gracie at this age is a challenge, she is so active and so curious but just below the age where zoo trips and Children’s Museums etc are a hit (we have tried). And if any of you have tips on fun things to do with an almost 1 year old, leave em. So sometimes you just fill up the baby pool with kitchen utensils and plop her in the yard.
Something daddy would not approve of, but whatever, it gets you through the witching hour.
And then when that loses it’s sparkle, you dry her off and put her in a fresh diaper to let her crawl around because who has the energy to pick out a new baby outfit at 5:00, right as you are about to make dinner, and especially when you yourself are wearing mens boxers and a t shirt.
So then you start to make dinner (spinach basil pesto from scratch, thank you very much) and you notice that one of your puppies is looking a little worse for the wear.
Laying there like a tipped over baby cow toy. You realize he has been acting a little weird for a few days now so you go over to give him a little belly rub and a whats-for. And see that he is foaming at the mouth. You call your vet and since Bernie, the animal in question, has a colorful medical history (4 previous emergency surgeries to remove undies, sponges, socks, and stuffed animals from his colon) they suggest you bring him in immediately.
And let’s not forget you are home alone with a baby, who is naked except for a diaper. You yourself look like Britney on vacation in Kentwood, LA except not as physically fit, and it is dinner time.
So you haul your motley crew over to the Doctor, and several hundred dollars later, Bernie is in a jail of his own creation.
Locked in a steal cage of emotions.
His 5th surgery, this time the culprit was a baby sock with a little pink bow on the tow. So poor Bernie will be in the hospital for a few days now.
What I am not mentioning in all of this is that we have a major photo shoot at the house this week, and then two VERY big things going on that I will tell you about in a month and you all will be like, this chick is legitimately insane.
So let’s all say a little prayer for my sanity, and Bernie’s full recovery.
And please leave me tips and toys to entertain my almost 1 year old who is not walking but very active.
Two things? Twins??
Aw, good luck, Bailey! I hope Bernie makes a full and speedy recovery … and maybe learns his lesson (5th time’s the charm, as no one says). If anyone can handle this, it’s you!
Does she like books? I read an insane amount to my four starting when they were around 7-8 months. They loved the snugly time and we continued until they were independent readers. I’m talking about 30 minues before nap time and about 45-60 min at bedtime. Those are some of my favorite memories, and theirs, too. And the cool thing is, this will instill a love for reading that benefits them immensely in school and thru their lifetime!
We didn’t have all the new toys, but usually they just wanted to be near Mom. So wherever I went, I’d plop them down (usually in kitchen) and let them play with pots and pans and utensils; whatever chore I was doing, I would try to incorporate them into it, talking to them, letting them hold a sock if I was folding clothes, play with a paper towel if I was cleaning, etc. They loved it. I think they want to see, touch, do what they see Mom doing. Thats why pots and pans are so much more mesmerizing to them at this age than the $60 play mobile we bought at Toys r Us. Ironic, no? When they were a little older (2ish?) I’d make a sink full if bubbles and let them “wash” dishes (plastic, of course). Another thing they loved doing.
Enjoy your sweet Gracie (I have a Gracie, too, but she’s 20 and too big to rock anymore). I love reading your blog- thanks for the inspiration and the chuckles!! Cheers!
Oh my – are you seriously going to have twins?
I went with my girlfriends to those indoor play places alot when my kids were that age. I also did alot of classes. Like gymboree. I had a music class for babies that I loved! But honestly I spent most of my time hanging out with my friends with babies the same age. Are you in a play group?
But alot of it is a blue to me now… I honestly can hardly remember that age!!
Music class is a great fun activity to do with your babe and meet other moms. We have done a Music Together class, which are nationwide. I’m sure if you google it – you can find Texas locations.
I find myself in these situations all too frequently (minus the baby). My dog has eaten a tide-to-go pen, chapstick, and the first 30 pages or so of a book. P.S. Totally wish you still lived in Chicago. We could be buddies. But not in a creepy way. More of a listen to Britney and hang out.
Hi! I hardly ever comment (sorry) but love your blog. anyway I’m a vet so felt sorry for your poor pup, we have a collie that’s on his seventh op and has a love of baby things…somehow a muzzle isn’t very appealing
I hope he learns and makes a full recovery. What about plastic bottles with coins/corn inside xxx
Aw Bailey! I’m so sorry your dog went nuts and caused you to leave the house looking like Britney. I totally laughed out loud reading this! No bambino for us yet so I’m no help in that department… but it looks like the pool and kitchen utensils works?
music DVD…totally saved me at this age.
RAFFI is a really good one. it’s educational & interactive & holds their attention…i know she loves music from your previous post. try it out on you tube first & then get the DVD if she digs it.
I’m hoping one (or two!) of the upcoming big announcements is a baby…a sibling is a great help in keeping a wee one occupied
We are big fans of the baby pool at our house. What about some scheduled activities? It’s not too early for swim lessons or Little Gym. Finger painting is another big hit at our house. If liitle Gracie is a climber a small indoor slide (ikea has one) can provide countless minutes of entertainment. If all else fails, a little tv won’t hurt
Don’t underestimate the fun that can be had with a stack of Solo Cups! Also, buy some Slinky Pop Toobes—great for that age! They got us through a thousand restaurant meals. The biggest key is to keep taking toys away and presenting new ones—stay one step ahead of her boredom!
You may be anti-TV, but you might also look into the Your Baby Can Read videos. I’m not sure they are magic, but they’re entertaining and educational. Way better than anything you’ll find on PBS. Our kids loved them and had word recognition really early on. They’re short, so they can buy you a half an hour of peace now and again. Check them out!
few things that have helped me…
- anything with water, tub, pool, etc.
- baking, have her help pour ingredients, etc.
- walks, long, long walks
- swinging at the park
- pulling out plastics tubs and making music
- someone else mentioned put beans in tupperware = music
i find/found (on 2nd baby) that if we get outside of the house/yard i have a better perspective. even if that only means driving through to get coffee.
good luck. it’s hard some days.
Oh no! I am so sorry about your pup. I wish him a speedy recovery. Hang in there – life with an almost 1-yr-old is a huge challenge. My son is 2.5 and it got so much easier when we could do those activities like zoo, museum, etc. You’re doing everything right, though. Pool time with kitchen utensils sounds great! Late afternoon sun is good for them, helps regulate their internal clocks and signal to the brain that bedtime is soon. The mall is also a fun outing – lots of stimulation. Anyway, good luck while your man is out of town! And hope pup is better SOON!
My girl is almost 1 and she will play with my tupperware drawer for the longest time. She also will watch the heck out of a Bubble Guppies show (great when you need to finish dinner) and in the afternoons I’ve been laying a blanket in the yard and her new favorite thing is picking bark off our big tree. We just bought a tree swing too which I think will be a hit. My sister used to sit her son on the counter and run the sink water while he played in it – she got a whole meal prepared! I’ll be trying that soon…
That is overwhelming. I don’t have kids yet, but when I used to babysit in college we would go on LOTS of walks, especially if you can walk to a park (or drive to a park.) Poor pup – my dog has been to the vet more times than I can count, so I feel your pain on that front!
Oh poor Bernie! Oh poor bailey! Glad that he is ok. As for entertaining a 1 year old… I am at a loss. When my nephews (2 and 11 mo) are driving me crazy,I put hem it heir seats and go to the car wash and the McDonald’s drive thru for a diet coke for me. Terrible I know… But it works on a week like yours! As for your news… Where are you moving to, bailey?! Ps… It’s almost Friday which likely means Pete will be home!
Poor Bernie!! When it rains, it pours right? You clearly have your sense of humor and that is the best way I can think of to prevent total melt down. Can’t wait for announcements!!
Hang in there! Almost one is kind of a weird age. Your baby pool, bowl, spoon idea was totally legit. They love tupperware and water and simple things. My son loved his music table too. Also, I try to get outside at least once a day. So sorry about your pup! Hope he’s better soon! Excited for your announcements.
Poor puppy! Hopefully he recovers quickly and doesn’t vomit on any of your gorgeous floors.
As for activities- she’s at a great age to start swim lessons which doubles as a break from the heat and will wear her out. Indoor playgrounds and mommy and me classes are also great and will expose her to kids her own age (read- entertainment you don’t have to provide). Surprisingly aquariums are awesome at this age. A lot of wee ones are very captivated by the fish, colors, movement, etc plus bonus points for air conditioning. Or try strapping her in the high chair and give her those jumbo toddler crayons and some paper.
I’m pretty anti-tv but Baby Einstein dvd’s are like baby crack and can provide some much needed chill time and keep her focus for a bit.
Also, try rotating out her toys and moving them to different locations. I know it sounds stupid but sometimes too many toys can be overwhelming and they’re actually more interested in playing when they have a few choices and they keep changing.
Poor pup!! Grace sounds like a wild lady
I’m excited for your announcements… the suspense!
I totally hear where you are coming from! I have a 6 year old, a 3 year old, a full time job, a husband who travels every week, no family in town, and a 4 month old puppy we have had since May! Fortunately, my job allows me to work virtually so I have an office in my house. This is the first summer I’ve had a child “at home” since the older one is between K and 1st. He is with a nanny for a good part of the day and the little one is at a pre-school. BUT – I know what you mean, it is YOU to do EVERYTHING!
I will say the Baby Einstein DVDs are really good for that age – my older one loved them more than my little one. There’s so much in your house that can entertain them, often times more than toys! A muffin tin and a bunch of tennis balls, a drawer full of dish towels, Color Wonder markers are good too – they only work on the right kind of paper. I hope things start getting better for you! I love your blog by the way! I read it all of the time!
I TOTALLY hear where you are coming from! I have a 6 year old, a 3 year old, a FT job, a blog I started in January (for fun of course!), a 4 month old puppy we have had since May, no family in town, and a husband who travels each week! It’s on YOU to do EVERYTHING! I do have a great job where I can work virtually out of my home. This is the first summer my oldest has been home (between K and 1st) and he does have a nanny with him for most of the day – and the little one is in a preschool all day. But, it can be VERY overwhelming!
As far as entertaining your little one, I will agree that the Baby Einstein DVDs are good – my older one loved them, the little one sort of did. But at least it is nice music and images for them to watch! Other suggestions – a muffin tin and a few tennis balls, a drawer full of dish towels, (a low one where she can sit down and pull them all out, put them back in), Color Wonder markers are great too since they only work on the special paper.
I hope you start feeling less overwhelmed! I love your blog by the way! I check it out all of the time!
My daughter is the same age and G and I’m in the same situation! We go to music once a week, and gymboree (which is cheesy – but she likes it, and I like that she’s entertained and I don’t have to think aboout it). I try to leave the house once a day to do something, so it forces me out of my PJs and makes me feel normal. I know it’s painfully hot in Austin, so being outside isn’t an option really. But there’s always the mall if you just want to walk around in the AC. It’s the only thing I could do in Houston when I was very pregnant last summer. Hope Bernie feels better, the cone is never fun!
Try a Johnny Jump Up!!
i have no tips, i have no tricks, i just have a big bowl full of piping hot l-o-v-e for you because the entire post was so well written that i could practically feel the side-pony kind of falling out and the baby booty on your hip and the a/c in the car over just not blasting out cold enough… that’s a feeling we all know and you wrote it WELL! and now please excuse me to go say a proper prayer for Mr. B and Madame B too.
hi bailey! your poor pup. i love the dog cow picture. hope he is better soon.
i have a baby girl who is 10.5 months and i just bought a water table – she played with one at a neighbors and absolutely loved it (cried when had to leave). she loves to splash, and i think it will be a good alternative to a kiddie pool. planning to bring the bath toys outside to play in it. i hear you can also fill the water table with rice, sand, beans, etc.
also, i was recently given a cozy coupe (one with a removable floor and a handle at the back for parents to push), and when she gets cranky, i put her in it and drive her around the house (through different rooms). she’s totally entertained and i can sometimes even get things done while i push her – like read/respond to emails. good luck!
I empathize. I hope your pup is doing better. Man, when it hits…it really hits.
Usually after the zillionth walk, pool time and bath…we’ve found that “touch and feel” books happen to be her new passion. That and Tinkerbell the movie as well as The Jungle Book. And yes, I resort to TV when I am desparate. I am that mom. Also, try late play dates over dinner!
The door!! The Fisher Price learning house is the best toy for this age. All three of mine loved this thing as soon as they could crawl…it is a big plastic “door” that you can crawl through, ring the door bell, open/shut the window, check the mail. I have never commented before…but I feel like “the door” (as my husband and I call it) could really help you and Gracie!
Awww, poor Momma (and pup!) I babysat my 2 nieces (baby toddler) M-F for a year, and my best trick for days like that was to invite someone over to hang for a few hours. A girlfriend to chat with can do wonders for your sanity, and pre-teen relatives are awesome at occupying bebes for a little while without needing too much supervision.
As far as splish-splashing goes, do you have any generous, understanding friends/neighbors with a real pool? My nieces and I were in ours almost every day, and I swear it made EVERYTHING easier. No worrying about outfits for kiddos or adults, no messes to clean up, picky eaters were less picky, and (best of all) they were out in a flash at nap time and slept twice as long. Anyway, hope things get better!
Ahhhh…sounds like the million dollar baby, AKA Coco the cockapoo.
Sorry you’re having a rough day/week.
This, too, shall pass. With the exception of the baby sock.
Sorry about the other day! Couldn’t imagine! But I have a lil feeling its 1. a baby and 2. y’all are moving again? haha
Oh bailey. I feel your pain with the one year old dilemma. Pool time is a great idea. So is Tupperware all over the kitchen floor. Baby Einstein made my son so happy at that age. What mostly thrilled him, and still does at 2.5 years old is kitchen stuff. Go figure. This too shall pass. (I say this for me as my newborn screams in the next room). Best wishes. I know it’s super difficult when husbands are out of town.
If you are moving AGAIN, I will flip!! But if you are, can I PLEASE have Mr. Banks??!!! Fully furnished, of course.
Oh noes. One of my dogs has had 2 sock surgeries. Hang in there. And you are on the right track with the kitchen utensils… I remember that was all my daughter would play with around that age.
I have a son about the same age – we have a water play table and he liked it but then we got a little pool (similar to yours) and he likes that better because he can crawl in and out of it. So I wouldn’t waste your $$ on the water play table if I were you.
We also have the The Fisher Price learning house (Amazon) —- I HIGHLY recommend it. My son loves it. He loves opening and closing doors and all the stuff it does, it really keeps him busy. FYI – you can watch most of the Baby Einstein videos on utube for free. They are typically 10-15 minute clips (not the whole dvd) but it seems to be just the right amount of downtime with Ipad (in addition to books, etc) for our little guy.
Another thing you can do – order a bag of plastic balls (like the kind in ball pits at kid arcade places) and put them in your blow up pool or even in a pack-n-play. It makes a home (1 year old) version of those ball pits.
I remember those days – summertime with young kids and babies is HARD! My youngest is now 9, and things are quite different now – I actually had 2 weeks when all of my kids were at sleep away camp!
What I am trying to say is that although the days are very long right now, with your baby and your puppy, the years are truly very short. They pass by in the blink of an eye!
As far as activities, I used to take the kids to the botanical garden and zoo a lot when they were that ate – anywhere I could contain them in a stroller and walk around.
Hope your puppy recovers quickly!
Holly
Oh dear! Poor you. Poor pup. I agree with others who commented on the pool and the tupperware drawer. My kids also loved playing with containers of decorator sugars and sprinkles(w/screw on tops). They would shake, stack and put them in a box and dump them out again. I have three daughters. Don’t give yourself a hard time about choosing other forms of entertainment for her. It’s important that she learn to entertain herself. I had a flashback when I was reading your post…When my oldest daughter was two, the daycare called and said that she had fallen off of a jungle gym and was bleeding from her head. In my panic and haste to get there, I completely forgot that I couldn’t use the driver’s side car door because the latch was broken. So I had to drive holding the door shut with one hand! To make it more dramatic, it was a standard– every time I shifted, the car backfired! I was crying and laughing. It was such a scene. I do stupid stuff almost every single day. I have a great sense of humor. You do too. You will get through all of this.
Poor Bernie! At least it was a soft sock instead of, say, a set of keys. My friend’s lab puppy ate the spare keys to her in-laws’ Hilton Head house and had to have emergency surgery to keep the keys from perforating her intestines. If it makes you feel any better, my Boxer puppy ate my Coach glasses while I was in the bathtub last Thursday. TWO MINUTES unattended and the lad destroyed them. I looove Cockers and have had them my entire life. They are such adorable monsters. I wish I had advice on the baby front, but I am a single dog mommy without any nieces or nephews. I hope Bernie gets better soon! He’s a doll. (And so is Gracie!) I love your blog, by the way!
I’m sorry you’re so stressed out.
You also said something a few posts back that had me thinking you were in the family way so now I’m eagerly waiting…
Our baby who is your baby’s age actually does not have a witching hour. She is that perfect. Her brother, however, spent the first 6 months of his life with colic, and continues to hold us hostage on a near-daily basis.
When he was 1, we’d also put him in the baby pool. Sometimes with water, sometimes without. He was obsessed with holding a piece of the garden hose. We’d blow bubbles all over the yard for the dog to chase. We had a swing hanging from the patio, too. We’d do 10 minutes of each activity and then move it along.
When he was a super grump we’d sit and watch videos of him on the computer. I compile video and photos and set it to music in iMovie and when he woke up grumpy from his last nap, that was the only thing that would stop the crying– watching videos of himself for about a half hour.
I second the water table. A sand and water table is awesome fun but under the age of 2 they’re going to be crunching on sand.
There is also a splash pad that I’m going to order and I guess this is my reminder to do it. I remember it being in the $30 range but now it’s way expensive since it’s sold out. http://www.amazon.com/One-Step-Ahead-Squirt-Baby/dp/B005G10DAU
Hang in there.
I second the Fisher Price house – it’s awesome. Music classes are great.
Do you have a playpen for her? Some people don’t like them but I wanted a safe place for my daughter to roll/surf around – we used 2 of the metal North States Super Yards (amazon). They are expensive but very sturdy. We put a foam mat underneath it. I hung the Fisher Price rainforest noise thing on one panel and she loved hitting the button and watching the animals move.
My dog used to eat baby socks ALL the time. Gobbled them up like they were candy. He grew out of it, though! Hope your pup is feeling better soon!
I second the Fisher Price house – it’s awesome. Music classes are great.
Do you have a playpen for her? Some people don’t like them but I wanted a safe place for my daughter to roll/surf around – we used 2 of the metal North States Super Yards (amazon). They are expensive but very sturdy. We put a foam mat underneath it. I hung the Fisher Price rainforest noise thing on one panel and she loved hitting the button and watching the animals move.
My dog used to eat baby socks ALL the time. Gobbled them up like they were candy. He grew out of it, though! Hope your pup is feeling better soon!
I second the Fisher Price house – it’s awesome. Music classes are great.
Do you have a playpen? Some people don’t like them but I wanted a safe place for my daughter to roll/surf around – we used 2 of the metal North States Super Yards (amazon) w/ a foam mat underneath. I hung the Fisher Price rainforest noise thing on one panel and she loved hitting the button and watching the animals move.
My dog used to gobble baby socks ALL the time. He grew out of it, though! Hope your pup is feeling better soon!
I second the Fisher Price house – it’s awesome.
Do you have a playpen? Some people don’t like them but I wanted a safe place for my daughter to roll/surf around – we used 2 of the metal North States Super Yards (amazon) w/ a foam mat underneath.
My dog used to gobble baby socks ALL the time. He grew out of it, though! Hope your pup is feeling better soon!
Awwe poor Bernie! Praying for him. I am a pet lover myself and I hate to see them sick or down. Keep us posted on Bernie.
Hi Bailey!
I know it can be crazy with a little one who has a dad who travels. My girl is 20 months. All of the other suggestions are great, and I just had two other ones. First, ELMO. My busy, busy bee will stop in her tracks at the sound of the Sesame Street theme song. She will usually watch at least 30 minutes. You can put her in her highchair to watch if you have to do something where you need to be running around your house.
Also, I take her to a gym that has childcare. It so amazing. She gets excited just walking through the doors and has an opportunity to play and interact with other kids. And I have two hours to work out and shower. Alone. (Or sit in the steam room-whatevs.)
Hope this helps for the next time it’s just the two of you girls!
Our library does a storytime once a week broken into age groups. They do a lot more than read, we sing songs, dance, etc… Also, we did swim lessons when our girl was 11 mo. old – you both get to get in the water. We also started taking her to the park before she could run around. She got to swing, see kids walking/running, and there were always other babies there for her to sit with. Start going to play dates/play groups. Though she’s too little to play with anyone yet, you’ll get a semi break from kid duty with more eyes to watch the little ones. Good luck!
It’s sad, but I think animals look so cute in their cones! Poor babies.