Good morning, friends! How are you doing today? All is well over here! The past couple of days have passed by in a whirlwind of preschool tours, play dates, internet issues and all that jazz.
As a first-time mom, I had NO idea preschool for the fall was something I apparently should be looking into now if I hope to get Chase into one of the smaller local preschools that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Thank goodness for my girlfriends because I’m now feeling fully immersed in the preschool search and crossing my fingers we’ll get into one we like this fall. Chase and I met up with some friends to tour one preschool that seems like a great fit yesterday morning so now we just have to wait until the end of February to see if Chase gets in for the fall. Right now the options we’re considering only meet twice a week for half-days (usually around 9 a.m. to noon) and it’s crazy to think Chase is already ready for preschool! Where did my baby go!?
Okay, enough of the preschool talk! Let’s dive into a recap of yesterday, shall we?
Breakfast
The start of my day probably sounds quite familiar… 5 a.m. alarm + breakfast 1.0 (an egg white oatmeal protein pancake + coffee with whole milk and collagen) + work on the computer!
Once Chase was up for the day about 90 minutes later, I made my way upstairs and the madness began! I proceeded to dress the world’s wiggliest toddler and then we headed downstairs to say goodbye to Ryan as he headed off to work before it was breakfast time!
I sipped on a siggi’s strawberry drinkable yogurt while Chase ate one of the muffins I baked for him yesterday. (I followed my go-to recipe for whole wheat pumpkin muffins but since we didn’t have any canned pumpkin on hand I substituted fruit and sweet potato-based baby food pouches in its place and it still worked well! Success!)
While Chase ate, I took advantage of his muffin-induced distraction and unloaded the dishwasher before prepping dinner for the night. I chopped onions and peppers, tossed them in olive oil, salt and pepper and topped them with chicken sausage before covering the dish with saran wrap and placing it in the fridge.
Workout + Story Time
Before too long it was time to head off to boot camp for a cardio workout. While Chase played in childcare, my friend Lauren and I sweat up a storm together and I looked like a strawberry by time 45 minutes was up.
The core of our workout included three 90-second rounds of the following exercises:
- Run around the building
- Barrel rolls
- High knees through the ladder
- Glider mountain climbers
- Pick ups
Once our workout was done, I scooped Chase up and we headed out to meet up with my friend Carrie and her daughter Lilly for story time at our local library. We haven’t been to story time in ages and it felt almost nostalgic to be back! We went all the time before Chase was crawling and walking so singing “Open Shut Them” took me back to the cuddly baby days!
We made it back home around lunchtime so after some running around the house and a quick afternoon meal, Chase went down for his nap and I hopped in the shower. Then it was time to work! Our internet ended up being down which put a damper on my work time, but what are you going to do?
After troubleshooting internet issues on the phone for more than an hour, it was determined our modem is broken and a new one will be delivered today. (I brought my laptop to a local coffee shop to quickly publish this drafted blog post this morning.) Once I realized I’d be working internet-free for the day, I spent what ended up being the remaining 45 minutes of Chase’s nap drafting this blog post using Windows Live Writer (the software I use for all of my blog posts) and I got a jump start on a future blog post I have planned for next week that didn’t require internet.
Lunch
When I was talking to the internet customer service people, I multitasked during various holding periods and made myself lunch. I have been on a huge egg/tuna/salmon salad kick lately and threw together an egg salad sandwich with hard boiled eggs, carrots, avocado mayo (I buy this through Thrive Market), sweet relish, dijon mustard and pepper.
I served my sandwich with a side of cucumber slices and a cup of yogurt that I topped with sliced almonds for crunch and healthy fats.
Lunch fueled me through internet frustrations and a brief period of work before Chase told me work time was o-v-e-r and he was up and ready for action. After a quick snack of homemade granola bars for both of us, we leashed Sadie up for a walk because it was sunny and absolutely gorgeous outside!
The fresh air felt amazing and I was determined to spend as much time as possible outside for the rest of the day. It was in the low 70s and unseasonably warm and just too pretty to stay inside!
We walked around the neighborhood and played in the yard for a bit before I had a dentist appointment on my calendar. I actually chipped my front right tooth on Friday afternoon and have been feeling a bit self-conscious about it ever since so I was grateful Ryan could meet me at the dentist at the end of the day and pick up Chase so I could have m tooth repaired.
I was in and out of the dentist within 30 minutes and met up with Ryan at a local park where we ran into a bunch of our friends who were also there with their little ones.
Apparently everyone wanted to take advantage of the gorgeous sunny day! We played at the park for an hour or so and had fun watching Chase run around like crazy before our stomachs told us it was time to head home. Once we walked through the door, I threw my pre-prepped dinner in the oven to cook while we took Sadie out for an evening walk. We also decided to take Chase for a spin on his Christmas trike toy which I’m happy to report is now a HUGE hit.
Once we got it outside and out of our living room, it was a total game changer and now Chase absolutely loves it. Phew!
By the time we made it home, dinner was ready and I quickly plated our chicken sausage, peppers and onions with two roasted sweet potatoes and we dug in!
After dinner, we spent a little more time outside in our backyard before my sweet tooth told me to come inside for dessert. I’ve been back on my Yasso frozen Greek yogurt ice cream bars kick and the cookie dough flavor absolutely hit the spot last night.
Chase went to bed not long after dinner and once he was snuggled up in his nursery, Ryan and I went to town on a bag of white cheddar popcorn (opened it and finished it in one sitting because we’re champs) and I wrapped up this blog post on the couch before we watched an episode of Modern Family, headed upstairs to read and called it a night.
I hope you guys have a great Thursday and that the weather is nice and sunny for ya wherever you are today!
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Hi Julie! Quick nap related question for you. My lo is around the same age as Chase and has recently dropped to one nap a day. How long does Chases’ nap last? My daughter finally dropped to one nap a couple of weeks ago but only seems to go down for 1 hr and 15min which happens quite early in the day (10:30/11sih). This leaves her a little loopy at bedtime, which we had to bring forward. If we try and push it any later it tends to be a short crap nap. Thanks so much for any input.
That trike was a big hit in our house. We gave it to our daughter for her 1st birthday and she didn’t want to go for a stroll in anything else. We need all this snow to melt so we can break it out again. It’s crazy to think about pre school starting looming in the future. In Canada, or at least Alberta, preschool doesn’t start until at least 3 but I already have my eye on our neighbourhood one within an easy 5 min walk.
Oh honey, you know “preschool” for 2 year olds is just daycare right?
Yes but I’d love for him to start to be around other kids with some structure, too!
As a preschool teacher (with a Master’s degree in Early Childhood), please know Kate that there are A LOT of “daycare” programs that are just that – babysitting. But also know that there are high quality early childhood settings as well, and educational research shows that when your child attends a high quality program, you are setting themselves up for a lifetime of success. I’m not saying all parents “have” to put their child in preschool, but if they do choose to, they should look for a high quality setting.
Thanks so much for your insight, Laura! I was honestly REALLY impressed by some of the preschools we’ve looked into. Some of them had a curriculum, music classes, etc. I know Chase will prob learn the most through play at 2 but I think some of the more structured preschools seem amazing!
Our son attended preschool at 2.5 years and learnt so much, did loads of crafts and definitely benefited from the social interaction (without mom being around). I think Chase will love it.
Oh my gosh I can’t believe that Chase is almost ready for preschool! Fingers crossed that he gets into one that you like. (Side note- I am SO jealous of that 70 degree weather. We’ve been lucky to hit the 50s in PA, but I could go for a little more warmth!)
Sounds like a great day!! We’re in Charlotte also and spent the majority of the day outside!! Too good to pass up!
My little ones started preschool at ages 2 1/2 and 1 1/2. Now that I work, our third little baby goes one day per week now and she’s just three months. We LOVE our preschool though and know our babies are in fantastic hands!!
Love that you share your food haha! You eat so healthy and it’s a good inspiration for me!!
Hope you enjoy your day! Looks like it might be another warm one, woot!!
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
I’m glad your dentist appointment was quick – I hate going to the dentist!
I’m jealous of the beautiful weather you have right now. It’s been warm here the last few days, so now the snow is slowly melting and it’s so wet and slushy outside.
I feel like we have experienced all four seasons inside of one week. The weather is so crazy here right now!
Yes! The weather is nuts! I live in Alabama and we had 9 degrees, snow, 75 degrees, and a small earthquake all in a span of 5 days! I love the warmer weather right now! I am sure it is to end soon.
Love these posts! Also, I felt the same way about sending my daughter to preschool and it has been wonderful! For her and I! ?
In the northeast, kids can’t start preschool until 2.9. Is it different in Charlotte? Do you mean you will put Chase in daycare/drop off group/mom’s morning out groups?
Interesting! Nope many of the preschools around here begin at two years old and do seem to have structured programs!
That picture looking back from the trike is just precious!
I’m interested in more info about your preschool search/enrollment too – I live in Massachusetts, and preschools start at 2.9 years old here (and I think the kids have to be potty trained too?) My son is just a few days older than Chase, so we’ve got more time until we have to look into preschools – but if you feel like expanding on your search, I’m curious to know what factors you’re considering in preschools, how early someone should start looking (maybe we don’t have more time?!), and just generally how you’ll know you’ve found the right one.
Hey Julie! Can you share the recipe for the peppers/onions and chicken sausage. Mainly just the temp you put them in the oven for? I assume you just season the peppers/onions and then throw it all in together? How long? Thanks!
Hi Julie! Where do you buy that Ice Cream? Never heard about it and now I want to try it out.
Hope you’re having a wonderful day:)
Publix!!
Looks like a fun day! My little guy is only four and a half months old, but I can’t wait to start taking him to story times at the library and other activities like that. I love how many fun things you do with Chase! Hope you have a great Thursday!
The daycare/preschool world is like college admissions… We have a daycare/school at my work that ONLY children of employees can attend… and even then…. I just paid $100 to get on a wait list for SEPTEMBER. I get a kick out of the unborn being put on a wait list….Who knew?!?!
Sorry about your tooth!
We have had amazing weather in Dallas the last couple of weeks.. besides the rain the past few days.
All of your food always looks soo good!! Have a great day!
Could you share the details of how you cooked your dinner? Thanks!
350 degrees for about 35 minutes… or until the sausage was a little brown on the outside and the onions/peppers were soft! This is definitely a “recipe” that allows for lots of wiggle room!!
How did you cook your sausage, peppers, and onions? Were the sausages pre-cooked?
Thank you!
The sausages were precooked but I just put them in the oven at 350 for around 30-35 min until they were a little brown on the outside and the peppers and onions were soft!
Hi Julie! I have to say this post felt reminiscent of your pre-Chase blogging days, especially with pictures of an egg salad for lunch 🙂 It was a fun post and I always appreciate seeing a snapshot of your life.
I’m also interested in your cooking time for your sausage & peppers recipe.
Have a wonderful Thursday!
Thank you!! <3 I just put it in the oven at 350 for 35 min. (basically whenever the chicken sausage cooks through)!
How does Chase do when you drop him off at the gym childcare? My girl is 12 months and has not loved when we drop her off at our church nursery for a few months now 🙁
Your lunch looks delightful! Yay for preschool! Chase is just adorable.
Hi Sam!! He’s been going for so long so regularly that now it’s really no big deal and I honestly think he loves it! Depending on the day sometimes he’ll be a little clingy/cry for a minute after I leave but they’ve told me that he bounces back fast once I’m out of sight! I also think 10-12 months was a clingier stage for Chase so hopefully it will improve for you!
Here, you have to be 3 by August 1 to start preschool, so that’s kind of nice that you have that option at a younger age! They do have a moms day out program for younger kids at a lot of churches, but I think it’s structured more like a daycare. I hope that he gets into the one you’re interested in!
I’m not a mom but the preschool search in NYC (where I live) is absurd. I think you need to try a full year out, and they test the kids. On top of that, its expensive and there are long wait lists. OY!
Honestly, the debate about calling it preschool versus daycare drives me crazy. my 19 month old goes to a high quality structured mixed-ages daycare. I fought to call it “daycare” in our home for a long time (because I don’t feel guilty about working and sending him to daycare, and I feel like sometimes we use the word “school” to alleviate guilt) but the teachers call it “school” so that’s the language we adopted at home. It’s the world’s stupidest battle, and it’s rooted in the mommy-wars.
Seriously! My almost-2-year-old son is in daycare, but I tell him we’re going to school because (gasp) he learns while he’s there! People are just being weirdly nit-picky.
I love reading about your days! You’re so organized and efficient! I hope I’m like you when I become a mom!
Chicken Sausage is so good – I am realizing from your post that I haven’t bought a package in years!
I can’t believe Chase is going to be starting preschool soon!!! He’s growing so fast! 🙂
Oh man, talking on the phone to tech support about internet connectivity is the worst! You’re such a trooper for getting out to the coffee shop and banging out this (great!!!!) post! Glad your tooth is fixed too, I had no idea! Not fun!
Loved this post (and it’s always great to see what you’ve been eating lately, it gives me inspiration/reminds me of things I want to eat but may have forgotten about).
It was my birthday last weekend too (Sunday), so happy belated birthday to your Father-in-law! I’ve been super busy so I’ve read everything, but didn’t have time to comment in the moment. But know that I’ve loved all your posts over the last several days (like always). Thanks for entertaining and inspiring us!
Thank you so much Kim!!! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!!! <3
I might be in the minority here but I say this respectfully, you should keep your baby home as long as you can! Two is SO young for preschool. I work in a school as a counselor and preschool is absolutely not necessary to have lifelong academic success. You are doing so much with him already and who better for him to spend his early years with than, YOU, his wonderful mama. Chase will spend 18 years plus in school, these early years should be time for he and you to continue bonding. You will never get this time back and you and Ryan will teach him morals, values, and character traits. Most moms don’t have the option to be home and you are so blessed to have this time. Knowing how to read and write is not necessary to start Kindergarten. Your child’s teacher will do that part. Our kindergarten teachers tell parents at our K registration that the academic skills are not important to start school. They want kids to be able to sit, tie shoes, listen, be kind and be present. In preschool you won’t have control of who the other children are and what they could potentially be teaching Chase (aggression, etc.). Chase gets plenty of social interaction in your gym childcare plus you have an incredible network of moms and baby friends. I love preschool teachers by the way, this is not an insult to them. I just wanted to give you some food for thought. I never went to preschool (was born in 1978) and I am a successful adult! Good luck with your decision. You and Ryan make a great team. Chase is such a lucky boy.
So well written! I have a 2 year old and this was so great to hear.
lol. I couldn’t wait to send my 2 year old! Mama needed some “me” time 🙂 To each their own.
This. ? Let’s not pretend 2 year olds NEED to go to school. When I hear a SAHM sending her younger-than-three-year-old to “school,” all I hear is that the parent needs a break and doesn’t want to call it what it is. This is coming from a working mom of 2 who is extremely grateful for my toddler’s Montessori program as I do feel it has enriched her life. I But before she turned 3, I called it what it is: daycare.
I don’t know anyone who sends their child to a 2’s program so that they learn to read and write. 2’s programs are typically play based programs. My 2 year old daughter absolutely LOVES it. She has become an amazing friend to her friends at school, she shows compassion when they are sad, she hugs them goodbye, she shares and waits her turn like it’s nobody’s business. She talks about her friends, teachers, snack, activities they did, books they read, etc. the whole way home. Personally, I think children (just like adults) need a break, a couple days a week, for a few hours.
Hi Julie –
I love those Yasso bars too. Do you do a treat every night or is it a special occassion thing? I noticed your posts that go through what you ate during the day typically don’t have dessert at the end.
Also, this dinner looks amazing. I’m just learning how to cook and would love to recreate it. Would you provide more details, like how much olive oil, how you cooked it and for how long? YUM 🙂
Aren’t they delicious!? I do feel like I have some kind of a treat every single day. Even during recaps like this some things I eat don’t make the blog and I’ll forget to whip out my camera to snap a picture of the two cookies I ate at a play date, the dessert I ate after dinner, etc. It totally depends but with my sweet tooth, I do feel like sweet treats make their way into my diet quite often.
I’m excited for your son to start school! I had to start taking my son to daycare at 3 months and I cried so much the first time dropping him off, but now he’s almost 2 and he loves going. He has little friends and has learned so much about structure and what will be expected once he does enter kindergarten. Also, how the heck did you chip your tooth?! That sounds painful!
Wow preschool?! Wasnt your little man just born?! Crazy how time flies when you’re an adult, isnt it?!
such an easy & quick dinner idea!! thanks 🙂
If you have Netflix you should rent Nursery University. It follows several parents who go through the applying to preschool process in Manhattan.
What is the recipe for your homemade granola bars! They look amazing!
Hi Julie…I hope you are doing well! Can you help a sista out and write a post about transitioning to a sippy cup or any tips you may have. I seem to be at a lost and can’t remove the bottle in fear he’s not getting enough milk. Thanks so much!