raisingauggiejax-blog
Raising Auggie Jax
First time mom helping other moms in the St. Louis area
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This little boy is the best! His laughs keep me going. Even when he is sleepy we can still laugh together ! Check out my new blog post! Link in bio! #stlmom #happybaby #gingerbabies #tiredbaby #babylaughs #babylaugh #iliveforthis #firsttimemom #ilovemyson #stlouis (at Ballwin, Missouri)
#iliveforthis#happybaby#tiredbaby#ilovemyson#babylaughs#firsttimemom#babylaugh#gingerbabies#stlmom#stlouis
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Where Should We Go Today?
The Magic House
Inside or Outside: Inside
Baby Activities: There an area specific for babies! Auggie loved the ball pit and water table.
Stroller Friendly: No! It is extremely hard to navigate a stroller around the house. I would suggest baby wearing or carrying your little one.
Visit Length: You could spend all day here! It tends to start getting crowded around 11 am, so that may impact your baby’s mood
Parking: Parking is onsite. You can also park in the middle school parking lot which is right next door. Parking is free!
Grant’s Farm
Inside or Outside: Outside
Baby Activities: There is lots for your baby to look at! You can also touch some animals.
Stroller Friendly: Yes! I would recommend bringing one if you plan on staying for more than an hour. our arms were hurting after our visit.
Visit Length: The train ride up takes 20 minutes, so factor that into your visit length. You can look at animals all day! Be sure to check out the garden for lunch. Parents can get two free beer samples!
Parking: Parking cost $13 and there a short walk to get to the train that takes you top.
World Bird Sanctuary
Inside or Outside: Outside
Baby Activities: Similar to Grants Farm, there is lots to look at and listen to. There is a small playground at the sanctuary, but it was not baby appropriate
Stroller Friendly: Yes and I would recommend bringing one. I was sooo hot carrying Auggie around. Some paths are covered in wood chips, so make sure you bring a jogging stroller if you have one.
Visit Length: An hour max for the sanctuary. We drove through Lone Elk Park following our visit, which took about 15 more minutes.
Parking: Free parking on site!
The STL Zoo
Inside or Outside: Outside
Baby Activities: The children’s zoo is probably your best option if you are looking for actual activities. But all the animals are great to observe.
Stroller Friendly: Yes! and please bring one! The ground are hilly and your arms will get very tired. All paths are paved and wide. An umbrella stroller would work just fine.
Visit Length: As long as you can last! I found this trip to the hardest because by the time he was ready to go... we were far from our car. Made for a lovely walk back and car ride.
Parking: The lot is usually full, but if you can snag a spot, it cost $15. Other parking is available on the street in Forest Park
Grandma’s Playroom
Inside or Outside: Inside
Baby Activities: There is an area of the room just for babies, It is gated off and adults must remove shoes to enter. All toys are baby appropriate.
Stroller Friendly: The place is really small. About the size of a shop. No stroller is needed.
Visit Length: We stayed about 45 minutes. But you can always stay longer.
Parking: Parking is super close! It is located in a strip mall.
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Auggie loves reading! Even a magazine is interesting to him. We love looking at the real life pictures in the @moconservation Explor Magazine. If you dont already get this is your mailbox...you should sign up. It is free! #stlmom #babyreader #moconservation #magazinereader #earlyliteracy #freestuff #firsttimemom #nature #stlouis #nonfiction
#moconservation#babyreader#nonfiction#nature#earlyliteracy#stlouis#magazinereader#stlmom#freestuff#firsttimemom
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New Mom Must Haves!
HaloVa Diaper Bag
This diaper bag has so many compartments and is perfect for a day out. The backpack design makes it easy to carry baby and a side satchel purse! The insulated front pocked it great for carrying bottles or snacks.
Homeedics White Noise Machine
This machine is a miracle worker. My dog loves to bark at EVERTHING and this machine helps block on the noise so Auggie can get a good nights sleep.
Sophie The Giraffe
I have no idea why babies love this toy/teething, but they do! It is easy to hold and feels great on their teeth. We have three that we keep around the house and the car. Sophie also has a show on Hulu that Auggie loves.
Erin Condren Planner
Attention all type A mamas!!! This planner is for you!!! It is the perfect way to keep track of every event you have scheduled. The pouch in the back makes it easy to color code and keep everyone’s schedule in line.
Boon Flair Highchair
This is a product I wish I had registered for because our current highchair is really hard to clean. I remember a family I babysat for year ago had this chair and I remember how easy it was to clean.
Sleep Sac Swaddle
The velcro pieces make swaddling super easy for new moms. I could never get the swaddle right with a regular blanket! It come in cotton and fleece to keep your babe warm through all seasons.
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Summer Stay At Home Mom
I have been a summer stay at home mom for about 4 weeks. I love being with my son more than anything. He is just at the age where he is on a schedule (finally), sleeping through the night (FINALLY), and he is really fun (when he isn't tired or hungry). But honestly, this stay at home mom stuff is no joke! I am a teacher, so I will not be at home with him forever, but I am trying to enjoy the time with him that I have.
A friend of mine told me today, “You are a great mom. You take Auggie so many places!” While I will accept the compliment, the truth is.... we have to go places! If we don't go somewhere, I will go crazy and Auggie will get bored! Getting out of the house, even if that means your 9 months old is having a melt down in the library because he couldn’t eat a book, is critical! Just go out!
Summer stay at home mom appearance is important. Don't even bother putting on makeup, it will just get sweated off or smudged before breakfast. A clean face is best for the summer heat and will cut your getting ready time in half. Hair up... messy bun if your hair is long enough. It took me a few days to realize that my appearance was not a priority.
Also... athletic wear is a must. Have you tried picking a baby off the floor wearing jeans? Not gonna happen. Yoga pants, tennis skirts, all summer long! I have 4 outfits I wear on a rotation. No shame! My baby loves me regardless of what I wear!
Finally, remember to stay connected to your friends and to other moms... this is something I need to work on! During the school year, I am constantly interacting with adults at work. Honestly, my work friends are some of my very best friends! Aside from chatting with some other moms at the library, I haven't interacted much with my friends this summer. It is taking a toll on me! I will never take the adult interactions I have at work for granted.
Summer is short and time is a witched thief. I am just doing my best to make sure my son has a great summer. One we can look back on one day and smile about!
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Amazing morning at @themagichouse! It is always great when places have areas just for their litter visitors! Get there early if you can...it was getting super crowded as we were leaving #familytime #magichouse #stlmom #babyplay #firstvisit #babyscientist (at The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum)
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When I first found out Auggie would need a cranial helmet I was so upset. No one wants their child to be different. I was worried about the looks the questions, and my baby's comfort. Now that we are almost done with our helmet journey..I know it was the right choice. Do you all thinks he minds his space helmet? #plagiocephaly #babyhelmet #cranialhelmet #firsttimemom #cheesin #baby #stlmom
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Let’s Go To The Park
Let’s go to the park... easier said than done! Going anywhere with a baby, there is always so much to think about. Do I have everything? Is there somewhere for me to sit? Will the baby be entertained? I visited six area parks and collected some info to help you plan your visit.
Tilles Park
Parking: There is parking right by the playground, as well as in other areas of the park.
Baby Friendly Playground: They have a baby swing and the ground covering is soft so babies can crawl around. Musical instruments can also be fun for your little one to play with and observe.
Walking Trail: The park is huge and although I did not see an actual trail, you can walk around the paved road.
Pavilion: Several pavilions are around the park, but none are near the playground.
Picnic Tables/Bench: Like the pavilions, the picnic tables are not by the playground. However, several benches are available around the play structure.
Other: Bonus points for a pond where babies can look at little duckies, but again, like most things in Tilles, it is not near the playground. This park is fun but things are spread apart. The splash pad was closed when we went, but should be open now!
Queeny Park
Parking: Queeny has ample parking, but you have to cross the street and go down a hill to get to the playground. Make sure you bring your stroller, the hike back up can be hard.
Baby Friendly Playground: This playground is awesome for older kids, but not really for a baby. The gravel ground covering made me nervous, as Auggie is at the age where he puts EVERYTHING in his mouth. I did not see a baby swing. Under there toddler structure there was a spinning tic tac to that we enjoyed exploring.
Walking Trail: YES! So many trails! Make sure to stay on the pavement and follow the map. You can easily get lost! It is perfect though for long walks with your baby and there is a ton to look at!
Pavilion: I saw a pavilion, but it was not near the playground.
Picnic Tables/Benches: Picnic tables were close by in a shaded area and there are a few benches around.
Other: This was one of my favorite spots growing up. I know Auggie will enjoy to more in a few years, but for now, it just wasn’t baby appropriate.
Long View Farms
Parking: The lot is close by, but could be full if there is an event going on at the house.
Baby Friendly Playground: They have baby swings and soft ground covering. The playground is fairly small and not very popular with older children. It is usually very quite and peaceful.
Walking Trail: They have several trails, some in the shaded and wooded areas, and others in an open field. The trail also pasess by the horse field!
Pavilion: There is a small covered area by the stables, which is right next to the playground
Picnic Tables/Benches: There is some seating near the stables and a few benches near the playground.
Other: They have horses! Auggie was so excited to see live animals. You are able to watch the horse in the field and walk into the stables. Such an amazing experience! You do not need a stroller unless you plan on going for a walk. Everything is pretty close together.
Sugar Creek Park
Parking: The lot is close by, but can get very full on weekends or if there a party going on in the pavilion.
Baby Friendly Playground: This playground is my favorite! Not only does it have a baby swing, but it has tons of stuff for your babe to pull up on. Auggie loved crawling through the tunnels! Of course, they have a baby swing
Walking Trail: There is a small paved trail that goes through an open field and a wooded area. It is wide enough for one stroller and easy to access from the playground.
Pavilion: One pavilion is located right by the playground. It is usually occupied on the weekend.
Picnic Tables/Benches: There are picnic tables under the pavilion. However, as mentioned above, they are usually in use during the weekend. You can find several benches around the playground.
Other: A tall sprinkler is on during the summer months and sometimes there a baseball game on, on the ball fields. This park is very close, so we go there often!
Twin Oaks
Parking: This is so tricky! The park is tucked away. You can park at Twin Oaks Church and walk down the steps (no stroller), or if you can find the super hidden side street, you can walk down the path (stroller). Either way is a bit of a trek with baby in tow!
Baby Friendly Playground: The playground is really cute! It has a baby swing and other fun activities for your babe to observe. Ground covering is padded so crawl away!
Walking Trail: Around the pond is a really pretty walking path. The circle is short, but you can make as many laps as you want. I used to walk here often when Auggie was first born. I would just keep going round and round until he for fussy and then.. time to go!
Pavilion: Pavilion area is close to the playground and the pond. This park is small and compact.
Picnic Tables/Benches: Yes and yes! Both are all around the park. Even around the pond, there are spot to sit. rest, or eat.
Other: Volleyball courts are in the park! Also, there is a huge open field, perfect for running around and active toddler.
Schroeder Park:
Parking: Tons of parking in available, but things can get full in the summer when the pool is open.
Baby Friendly Playground: The one downfall of this playground is that ground covering.... Woods Chips! They went right into his mouth. Despite that, the park has baby swing and other things for the little ones to ride in and bounce. They also have a large sand box... Auggie was not into it!
Walking Trail: If you want to get a work out, this is your park. Although the trail is short, it is hilly! Your heart rate will be racing!
Pavilion: Several pavilions are available, but they are usually in use for a party.
Picnic Tables/Benches: There are some picnic tables by the playground, not the pavilions. It is easy to find a play to eat or rest near the playground.
Other: You can also find tennis courts, ball fields, and basketball courts in the park. The Manchester pool is also on the premises that has a great baby area.
#park#stlouis#stlouisbaby#tillespark#queenypark#sugarcreekpark#longviewfarms#twinoakspark#schroederpark#stlouismom#babyfriendly#trails#strollerwalk#playground#babyswing#firsttimemom#stlouiscounty#splashpad#stlouiscountyparks#playdate
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Art time is the best! This no messy project is super easy and fun. I am looking forward to hanging it in our play room. Thank you, @hobbylobby for all the supplies and @ziplock for helping us keep everything clean. #babyartist #stlmom #auggiejax #babypainting #babyart #fingerpaint
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Getting Out With Your Little One
Early on, I realized how important it it for mom’s and babies to get out of the house. If you stay in all day, you will go crazy. I mean it... CRAZY. There are several baby friendly programs that happen in St. Louis on a weekly basis. It is alway wonderful to take your baby to a place where they can socialize and learn in a safe environment. Seeing other adults is also great! Here are some free programs that I have found to be great for children 1 and under..
Laptime @ St. Louis County Library: Monday 9:30 St. Louis County Library Headquarters. The library has tons of free events but the one works best for our two nap a day schedule. Miss Lindsey leads a fun 30 minute class where you can read and sing with your baby. 15 minutes of play time happens with great toys following the class. https://www.slcl.org
Baby and Me @ Shirlee Green Preschool: 9:30 various Wednesdays throughout the summer. This is a great way for babies to interact with others and parents to chat together. Shirlee Green preschool is an amazing day care that has wonderful events and program for everyone. http://preschool.sestl.org
Books and Babies @ Kirkwood Public Library: 9:30 on Thursdays. Similar to lap time, this programs helps introduce early literacy skills to your baby. The Kirkwood library to super fun for your baby to explore... especially if they are train lovers! Everything is train themed to coordinate with the train station in Kirkwood, MO. https://kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org
These fun, educational programs are wonderful and free! What more could a new mom want?
#stl#stlbaby#free programs#stlouiscountylibrary#stlouis#firsttimemom#babynme#parentandchild#kirkwood#trainlover#library
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