My husband was away this week, so I had the week with the kids. As with all parenting, there were moments of pure joy and others that were really challenging.
During an IG Q&A this week, someone asked how to handle a solo week of parenting, which was very timely. The first thing I do when my husband and I discuss his trips is secure a sitter. We're fortunate to have some amazing caregivers whom we trust and who the kids love. I don’t hesitate to schedule 1-2 nights of support from these wonderful women. Sometimes I stay home and use their help to cook, other times I take the opportunity to go to tennis or out to dinner with a friend.
I also ensure I have a solid plan for meals, focusing on keeping myself well-fed and having plenty of lunch options. I dislike making the kids' lunches (this is firmly my husband’s domain), so I try to simplify this task as much as possible.
Despite some tough moments this week—like my dog finally catching a bunny after 8 years of chasing them, though no bunnies were harmed—I want to share some of the super fun things that happened: my kids played together a lot (which I thought might never happen with their 3-year age gap), we went for a morning walk with both kids on scooters, took a family bike ride in the bike lane, and I went on a solo bike ride with my son where he was proud to try a new route. My daughter might be ready to start potty training, my son made cards for his best friend and family, and we got to visit my son's kindergarten, which thrilled him. Also, thank goodness for mom friends and texts that help us get through it all.
This week’s favorites are related to the activities that brought us so much joy this week: scooting and biking!
Five Friday Favorites:
Guardian Bike - We got my son a bike for Christmas when he turned four, and I did a lot of research and landed on Guardian. We bought the bike without training wheels, and it took a few tries, but eventually he took off and never looked back. I would absolutely recommend doing this without training wheels! He’s going to need the next size soon, and I will absolutely purchase another Guardian bike.
Thousand Helmet - These are so cute, and met all safety standards. My son decorated his thoroughly and loves it.
Micro Scooter - These things are INCREDIBLE. My son has been flying around on this since he was little, and my daughter was scooting at 16mo because of watching him. I even traveled with ours to California! I only wish that we’d gotten my son the foldable one, when we sized up.
Scooter Handle Streamers - My daughter got my son’s hand-me-down scooter so I got these fun streamers and new handles and it looked brand new!
Replacement Scooter Wheels - My kids use and abuse their scooters, and I have bought a few sets of these replacement wheels, and they love them because they light up!
Retrospec Bike and Trailer - This was a favorite earlier in the year, but I wanted an aesthetically pleasing bike, and I love how cute this bike is! I got the trailer for my daughter, and she loves riding in it!
Your favorite thing from last week - Makeup by Mario
What’s for Dinner
My husband was out of town this week, so my go-to is EASE.
Monday - Honey Chipotle Chicken - This has been on repeat in our house, and I often double or 1.5 it because it’s easy, and then I use the leftovers during the week. I also use the InstantPot, and cook for SIX minutes (it’s INSANE how fast the InstantPot can cook things!). This week I 1.5-ed the recipe and then used the chicken and beans for burritos for lunch throughout the week.
Tuesday - Defined Dish Mexican Chicken and Rice - If I could pick my son’s favorite recipe, I think this would be it. He loves it. We had a sitter, so I used their interest in her to allow myself time to cook, which I needed. This recipe is so good.
Wednesday - Out - Kids had pasta and leftover chicken and rice.
Thursday - Out
More A Day In Her Life:
ICYMI this week’s episode with Cooper McManus was so much fun! Cooper is the Creative Director of Hat Attack, and mom to four girls! I love her Instagram @captainplanner and she also has a new substack!
Elizabeth Rees from Chasing Paper (Episode 45) just released a new set of the magical Chappy Wrap blankets! Check out their partnership here!
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