Learning Colors While Handprint Painting

Try painting handprints while learning colours and do one for each colour. (These make great gifts for grandparents and such.)

Baby #4: 30 Weeks Pregnant

Only 10 weeks left to go! My kids are very excited for the baby to come out. They ask to see him and give him a kiss. Ultrasound says it's another boy so we'll have 4 boys!

Potty Training

I am in the midst of daytime potty training with my 2 year old (4 days in and it's going pretty well) so wanted to write a post about some of what we've tried with potty training.

Anemia (Iron Deficiency) in Pregnancy

I found out today that I am iron deficient! I'm actually relieved to know that with the start of some supplements, I'll probably be less exhausted and irritable. Did you know those are symptoms of iron deficiency? 

Apparently, it is common for a person to develop anemia during pregnancy. The baby is, of course, taking his share of iron. Plus, the blood in a woman's body increases in pregnancy to "almost 50 percent more than usual." (source) Sometimes, the iron nutrients in her diet just can't keep up with that. Besides that, having 2 or more pregnancies close together can make it more likely. (This will be my fourth baby in a row.) That all makes me a very likely candidate. 

I also developed anemia when I was pregnant with my third. Hopefully with the start of some iron supplements, I'll get a good portion of my energy back and be a much happier person to be around. :)

One other thing I learned is that calcium hinders iron absorption while Vitamin C supports it. So I'll be avoiding drinking milk with my supplement and maybe go for a fruit smoothie instead. 

Learning Colours While Parking Toy Cars

For my oldest, who delights in lining up and parking his cars, this was a great activity. My second also enjoyed it.

Having a Cheerful Countenance as a Mom

I am realizing that a mom's attitude really affects the atmosphere of the whole house. If mom is cranky and irritable then everyone becomes cranky and irritable.

Learning Colours While Sorting Candy

Here's an idea your kids are guaranteed to love! Try sorting coloured candy!