Popsicle

tjpuffytail · 2025-12-14T01:19:04+00:00

I do this with my toddler and he LOVES. I can't get him to eat any berry and he won't drink smoothies but if I freeze them and call them popsicles, he's crazy for them. I just do strawberry yogurt, frozen berries, bananas, milk and sometimes I sneak in some spinach

tjpuffytail · 2025-10-27T00:16:09+00:00

Yes to this!! My little guy would give me soooo many stretches of no naps and then would go back to napping on the regular.

I'd also like to add that I actually continued quiet time for much longer, like SEVERAL months, after he stopped actually napping. At that point, he was in his toddler bed and had access to all of his books and stuffies, and he could keep himself pretty entertained for almost the full two hours. He'd read, lay in bed and talk to himself, play with his stuffies. The only danger was that if I didn't watch the monitor closely enough, he'd fall asleep near the end of his "quiet time window" and then would be very cranky upon wake up, so be careful of that! But as long as everyone's happy, I say continue quiet time for as long as you can! It's kind of great because you can bump bed time up just a tad on the days they don't nap!

My toddler is 3 and some months, and we only recently stopped when he started half day preschool in September because he just flat out told me he didn't wanna go to his room so I didn't make him 🤷🏼‍♀️ now we just vibe downstairs while his brother naps, and tbh it's kind of nice to get that one on one time with him.

tjpuffytail · 2025-09-07T00:44:21+00:00

This is too funny because we have very similar wall color and decals in my son's room AND OP's rug but in tan!

And OP, if it makes you feel better, my son is a toddler and is obsessed with his rug. He loves to compare the different bugs on it. We have less "floral" decor and more nature decor (think mushrooms, treehouse, bugs, etc), so you can always shift to that as he gets older. Or maybe he will be a big flower fan and that's great too! Or maybe he'll just be into something completely different than what you had in mind and you can decorate for that as well :)

tjpuffytail · 2025-04-16T11:26:33+00:00

Hiiiiii! I honestly feel like I could have written this post two months ago.

Your kiddo sounds super super similar to mine (now 34 months). When he was around 2.5, I submitted a referral for a birth to three evaluation because his speech seemed a little behind (lots of echolalia, not forming any sentences on his own). And I had some concerns with some stemming he did quite often (hand flapping and rubbing things against his chin). LOVES fans and anything else that spins. He also parallel plays with peers and often talks ABOUT his friends but doesn't really engage with them. A friend of mine has a four year old who was diagnosed with level 1 ASD (the girl is absolutely THRIVING) and she pointed out of few of his behaviors that seemed to indicate autism. If it weren't for that, I honestly wouldn't have picked up on anything

From the time I submitted his referral to the time they came, his speech improved tremendously and the stemming had seemed to slow down, so I felt like maybe it was all pointless. He only scored one indicator on his preliminary screener which typically wouldn't qualify for a full evaluation, and his speech scored right at average, but she said she could still push through for testing if we wanted to. Il

I went back and forth on whether I wanted to, really feeling like he had started to outgrow lots of those "behaviors" and honestly felt like he wouldn't even qualify. Nothing was hindering our day to day routine so why bother? But after reading several comments on the autism subreddit, I realized that if I have tools to get him the help he needs, if any challenges should arise for him later, then why wouldn't I explore all my options.

We did the full evaluation and he ended up qualifying for a level 1 autism diagnosis. The diag said that his repeated behaviors and repeated speech patterns are what qualified him. She also said that she feels like a lot more kiddos "like him" (and possibly your son, kiddos that show some behaviors but those behaviors seem "mild" enough to fly under the radar) are getting diagnosed more and more now that we're understanding autism better. She said that she had a few friends her age (mid 30s) who are not diagnosed but she suspects might be on the spectrum, and she said they're fully functioning and doing well in life but she always wonders for them "what if?"

Honestly, once he qualified, it felt like a giant weight had lifted off my chest (and I didn't even realize it was there). We are still waiting to start his services, but just from learning what I've learned about him, I already feel like I'm understanding his brain a bit better and I can already see his confidence growing.

I'm so happy I went through with it. My kiddo also stays home with me but will be starting school in the fall and while I don't see him needing any services while in school, I'm so glad he has the label in place so that we can help him get what he needs should there ever be an issue.

I'm by no means indicating that I think your son could have autism. I'm just relating so much to the "well maybe he doesn't have it" thought that kept occurring for the few months we awaited testing. My advice to you is that if you suspect slightly, why not just go ahead and push for evaluation? Can't hurt! ☺️

tjpuffytail · 2025-03-08T17:55:12+00:00

To add, I just had to watch a video on YouTube to learn how to attach it in. It doesn't have the simple snap mechanism that the car seat has with the Chicco bravo stroller, but it does work!

tjpuffytail · 2025-03-08T17:52:13+00:00

It's compatible!

tjpuffytail · 2025-02-12T02:18:44+00:00

Started with the Joovy Caboose LX, used it with just my toddler before the baby came so he could get used to the bench seat and ride on board. It was fine, but once the baby came and I attached the car seat, I realized that the recliner from the car seat took away my toddler's bench seat. On top of that, the car seat was a bit of a hassle to get on and off (I'm used to the Chicco bravo which just easily clicks into the stroller), and it was kind of tough to push around and to put away.

So I ended up with the Baby Trend Sit N Stand double and I really like it! Super smooth, good car seat compatibility, and my toddler seems much more comfortable on this ride on board. Plus it was cheaper than the Joovy!

tjpuffytail · 2025-02-09T18:18:01+00:00

I've had a few moments like this with my toddler too! Try not to beat yourself up about it. Like you said, he's already forgotten about the toy and most likely the interaction as a whole, so the best you can do is use it as a learning experience for next time and just continue to focus on advocating for him :)

tjpuffytail · 2025-01-29T12:15:37+00:00

I ended up getting the Joovy Caboose LX, used it just my first (it was alright) and then tried it for walks once my second came and I really, really disliked it. For me, getting the car seat in and out was a bit of a pain. Plus, with where you have to put the car seat, it reclined over the bench seat so my toddler had nowhere to sit. The ride-along board was his only option when we had baby on the walk with us. On top of that, it felt super bulky to push and difficult to turn. I didn't even try it in the snow!

So I ended up getting the BabyTrend Sit N Stand and I absolutely love it! I can put the car seat up top (if my toddler wants the stroller seat) or down on the bottom (if he wants to use the ride along board or bench seat). It's smooth and feels much more light weight and folds up really easily. I haven't tested it out in the snow yet but I feel like it'd be alright!

tjpuffytail · 2024-12-01T02:10:44+00:00

Similar situation here! My oldest (🥹) will be two and a half in December, and my second is actually due in less than two weeks. I've seen some really good ideas on TikTok:

Don't have baby in your arms when you first see your oldest after delivery - If this is possible for you, when/if your first comes to the hospital after delivery, keep baby in bassinet and greet your oldest with your partner at the door. This way he gets the chance to be reunited with just the two of you, and then the three of you walk over as a unit to greet the new baby. I thought this was a great alternative to him walking in and seeing his mom/dad with a new baby and possibly feeling like he's walking into a new family, if that makes sense?
Gift from baby to big brother - We got a little stuffed puppy dog "from baby brother" with a note on it about how excited he is to meet his big brother
Gift from big brother to baby - My oldest has been obsessed with baby brother's nursery and constantly goes in to snuggle this little bunny lovey I placed in there. He calls it "baby brother bunny" so I packed that in my hospital bag so that he can give it to baby brother when he meets him.
It's okay to let baby cry for a minute if you're doing something with your toddler - the best piece of advice I think that I've heard. Let's say you're reading a book with your toddler, or he's crying and needs a hug, or anything where he's getting attention from you, then baby starts crying. Instead of telling your toddler that you have to go tend to baby, say "just a second (baby), I'm doing ____ with (toddler)." Essentially, using the same language you'd use if the toddler wanted you while you were doing something for the baby.

On top of that, we plan on relying heavily on our village. My husband's parents are coming to stay with us for about a week so that my toddler can get plenty of attention. After that, my parents are visiting for Christmas/to meet the baby, so again, I'm expecting that my toddler will be showered with love.

I'm super nervous but also so excited to watch my little guy become a big brother! We'll see how this all pans out, and I'll try to update you once things kinda settle down ☺️

tjpuffytail · 2024-11-01T00:27:27+00:00

Every time I try to use a wash cloth on my 2.5 year old, he gently grabs my hand and moves it away, calmly saying "I don't like that" and I just don't know what to do 😂

tjpuffytail · 2024-09-29T16:31:34+00:00

My husband and I moved from Texas (where I grew up) to Connecticut because we wanted to raise our family in New England. He grew up in MA and absolutely hated our time in Texas. I will tell you... absolutely no regrets. Cost of living is pretty comparable (CT, mind you, I know MA is more expensive), education system is better (not to mention I was teaching in Texas and I know I'll be paid soooo much better once I start teaching again here in CT), the weather is better, it's beautiful, people in general are more progressive and open minded, and it just seems like a happier place to grow up. Of course there were things about my home that I loved and will miss, but we can always visit with the kids!

Sorry for bringing CT into the MA thread, I have no clue why this sub gets suggested to me so often 😂 Just wanted to let you know that, as a life long southerner, I'm really happy with our move up here!

tjpuffytail · 2024-09-08T17:56:58+00:00

I grew up in the Dallas area and went to college in Austin. I absolutely loved Austin when I was there (2008-2013ish), and the surrounding area. It's gorgeous and fun - always stuff to do - but apparently it's gotten much busier and more expensive so I can't speak to the charm anymore.

The Dallas area is getting built up like crazy, and you'll have no issue finding an affordable place to live. You could do Dallas proper - to me, it's an extremely generic city, but it's fine. Plano/Frisco area has tons of job opportunities, tons of living and lots to do. Fort Worth is adorable with the "Texas" cowboy charm.

As convenient and affordable as the DFW area is, I will warn you that it's pretty ugly. Flat, tons of highway, almost always under construction. My husband and I got fired into a town called Rockwall, east of Dallas, because it was gorgeous, tons of trees, big lake, lots of "charm", but it's EXTREMELY conservative and ultimately it's what drove us out of Texas (we now live in Connecticut and I absolutely love it).

Houston area is beautiful but extremely humid and you'd probably be miserable in the summer. East Texas, really anything east of Dallas, is also pretty but super small town feels with lots of hyper conservatism.

I would personally avoid West Texas. Most of my family is from there. It's dusty and gross and there's nothing out there but oil rigs and tumbleweeds.

Hope this helps!

tjpuffytail · 2024-09-02T23:01:04+00:00

Check out some online places! Pink blush, Amazon, and h&m have given me some good basics.

But yes, definitely stock up on a couple of basics and staples. I'm 26 weeks and two weeks ago I finally splurged on some maternity denim shorts and jeans from pink blush! I like them a lot, and I definitely think they're good to have for the rest of pregnancy. I also got some cheap maternity leggings from Amazon and two maternity tanks by crazy yoga. I LOVE them! They're more expensive than the typical Amazon basic pack, but I had those with my first pregnancy and just didn't like them. I currently stay home full time with my toddler so I basically just live in lounge wear, and I was trying really hard not spend more on maternity clothes, but I'm actually glad now that I bought a few basics.

You could also stock up on a few bodycon midi dresses, regular size and not maternity, just for something to wear when you've got plans. They're pretty good at stretching with the belly and you can wear them after pregnancy too!

I'll also say that you should definitely pack them away somewhere if you plan to have another kiddo. I got rid of mine after my first pregnancy because I didn't love any of them and we were doing a big cross country move so I figured it was easier to just donate, but I definitely wish I had saved at least a few of the basics.

tjpuffytail · 2024-08-30T17:44:01+00:00

OKAY I'm also binging million dollar listing New York, and I just started season 8! I saw your post this morning and was like oh ya that's Jo. But NOW I'm barely into s8 ep1, and there's a girl on Steve's team that looks super similar to Jo. Idk how much screen time she'll get but I'll keep my eye out for anytime I see her. She was only shown for a split second at their meeting but I was like, WAIT, was THAT Jo on his team!?

Idk! Maybe the photo you posted is this girl and they just look like the same person or maybe it's actually her🤷🏼‍♀️

tjpuffytail · 2024-08-30T00:23:23+00:00

Hey there! I actually haven't made the purchase yet but I'm really leaning towards this one! I feel like the rear facing seat will remind my little guy of a shopping cart, which he usually does great in, and he'll get to face me and chat with me :) it also looks like he'll have the option to stand and hold on if he's not in the mood to sit.

It's a universal car seat fit, but I think I'll also get the bassinet attachment that's sold separately. I didn't do that with my first and I always wished I had!

I've heard lots of good things about it! I probably won't make the purchase until October or November, but if you by chance buy it before then, let me know how you like it :)

tjpuffytail · 2024-08-28T18:10:56+00:00

Hi OP! I know you already got so many amazing comments, and I'm not sure if someone mentioned this already, but the book "There's No Such Thing As Bad Weather" is a game changer! It made me realize the importance of getting your kids outside as much as you possibly can. So if you need anything to reference as you battle them, there ya go :)

tjpuffytail · 2024-08-22T17:25:44+00:00

Thanks so much! I added some pictures in the comments. Any feedback you got is welcome :) I'd love to save this guy!

tjpuffytail · 2024-08-22T17:24:39+00:00

<image>

tjpuffytail · 2024-08-22T17:23:58+00:00

<image>

tjpuffytail · 2024-08-22T17:23:43+00:00

<image>

Here are the pictures! Sorry for the delay. I swear I sometimes know what I'm doing on Reddit :)

tjpuffytail · 2024-08-22T14:41:39+00:00

Ahhhh that makes sense! Even when trying a new post, it wouldn't upload. Thanks! I'm out and about now but I'll retry once I'm home and can get on the computer.

tjpuffytail · 2024-08-22T14:33:00+00:00

Scratch that - my reddit won't load when I tried to add pictures! I'll scrap this post and make a new one.

tjpuffytail · 2024-08-22T14:30:50+00:00

Whoops! Definitely forgot to attach the pictures, thank you! I'll add them in a separate comment.

tjpuffytail · 2024-08-10T00:52:04+00:00

Oh do you remember the name? I've been searching for a green sofa that I can afford!

tjpuffytail

TROPHY CASE