Tuesdays Tip: Beat the Heat!

                As summer progresses I hope everyone stays cool!  I have poste tips about the sun and protecting your body but I wanted to take the time to post about keeping cool on those summer days and nights.  If you don’t have A/C in the house put in window fans and use them at night when it cools down.  Bringing in cool air at night will help you sleep better and keep the room as cool as it can before it heats up tomorrow.  I live in a cape, so the upstairs can get very hot fast.  Keeping windows open and light sheets on your bed will also help.  Sometimes during the day when the house heats up its cooler outside because of the breeze that maybe going on. 

                When it comes to heat unless you live down south just know it usually passes.  A few days and it is usually over.  The first day is the worst because your body has to adapt to the hot weather.   After a day or so you will adjust.  Drink a lot of cool water and for your little ones, make sure they are hydrated and their rooms are cool for sleeping.  Enjoy the sun but make sure you spend time in the shade and inside because it is dangerous outside all day.  Sometimes we don’t know when we’re dehydrated until it’s too late so always drink lots of water.  Since winter is over we are very excited to be outside again but remember it’s been a while so don’t overdo it.  You can get over heated and sunburned faster than you think.  Take advantage of the cool nights and bring your home temperature down.   Make sure there is plenty of circulation and if you have a finished basement, it makes a good area to relax in. 

                Enjoy the summer as it comes into full swing!  Be safe and be happy…

Always remember,

You are never alone…

Love,

Christopher  

My Little Dancers!

     I wanted to wish all the Dad's out there a happy Fathers day one more time!  Last weekend We had a great weekend Quinn and I.  We hung out with my parents on Friday and then Saturday my aunt stopped over, one of her friends had an old bike and she was so kind to give it to my Aunt to give to Quinn!  She is now on a two wheeler!  We rode all the way to the park, which was great, but then we had to ride back!  She had such a good time though.  That night we hung out and just relaxed.  Sunday Quinn and I took the day to just hang out, we made breakfast and got ready for the dance recital she had!  We went over to Courtney and Vinny's place.  Courtney helped me with her hair and makeup.

     Later that day we just took it easy and relaxed before lunch.  Later that day we headed to my parents and had lunch.  My Aunt, brother, and Hughey was over!  We had lunch and got ready for the big dance!  At the show my little one was so amazing, she was just brilliant.   It was very nice and both families were there to support her.  She danced and danced, I sat and watched and saw my little one just  growing up before my eyes.  I was so proud that day, after the show we hugged and kissed and then I saw her go home.  I went back to my rents house to just spend some time with them and my brother and Hughey.  The weekend was just amazing and I can't wait to show you my little dancer!

Enjoy the pics,

And always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

Hanging out with Courtney and Vinny!

Just messing around...

Quinns new bike!

Look at her go!

Here we are at the park!

We got there and she needed a break from Biking!

Getting ready for the big dance!

She's so cute!

Here we are at dinner!

My little girl...

She's just fixing Dads tie.

Here we are with Popi

Here we are!

My rents, uncle ken and I with Quinn.

Aunt Ro, Hughey got in the pics too!

   

Sometimes Pick up can be hard...

     Every once and a while Quinn doesn't want to come when I pick her up.  I have blogged about this before.  I picked up Quinn about a week ago she didn't want to go.  She said she was going to miss her Mom to much.  I understand how close they are.  I told her we would have fun tonight and I waited for her and got ready.  I haven't seen her in a about a week so I understand.  She showed me some drawings she made and I just talked to her and told her we would have so much fun.

     We got in the car and left and when we got home we had dinner and just did some TV watching.  I got the house cleaned a little.  Usually when Quinn is ready for pick up she is very excited, but sometimes this does happen.  Just always know that you need to be patient and and just let them get settled.  It sometimes is hard because you have things to do and you are on a tight schedule, but you just  remind them you have to get going.  Always remember some days for pick up are easier than others.

     It doesn't make it easy to hear they don't want to go but you just try not to think about it, when Quinn got home she was so excited to just be with me and have dinner.  She got settled like I know she would and we got back on track.  Sometimes after not seeing her it just takes some time to get back into the swing of things.  

     I hope everyone has a great weekend!  I can't wait to post our adventures!

Always remember,

You are never alone.

Love,

Christopher

A Midweek Break

I haven't posted the weekend update yet, however I just had to post this cute one...  

Sometimes she doesn't let me take pics and sometimes like this she'll pose for me.  She is so cute...

Tuesday's Tip: Keeping Naptime on time...

                So I have posted a lot about nap time, and you are probably wondering what could I post next.  Well to give one additional tip make sure your child naps on time!  Last weekend we had a last day on Saturday and she went down about an hour later than usual.  She slept great but then she couldn’t really sleep at night.  We rocked and listened to music but she was up.  She finally fell asleep but not until after she got up and snuck around the upstairs!  I know what it’s like to be a night owl.   

                So my tip is to make sure to get the kids down for their nap on time, or just have them push through.  They maybe a little cranky but it beats them not sleeping till later.  The hardest thing about the nap is that it’s usually after lunch and that’s when you’re out and about doing things.  You have to be home for the middle of the day.  Now I think her Mom doesn’t give her a nap still, that’s what I believe as she told me.  I think she still needs one just because of how tired she can get throughout the day and how early she gets up.  I always ask her after her nap how she feels.  She always say’s “good”.  I think we as people do so much that a nap every once and a while is good for us.  Europeans take them daily, and adults still take them so don’t say you grow out of them. 

                We live in a world where we get up early and go to bed late.  Work one or two, or even more jobs and just over use our mind and body till we go home and just crash for a few hours.  Then we have to go shopping, clean the house, do laundry, work out and other odds and ends to keep life moving.  There are some days I cram all my chores in one day and get everything done, I am exhausted but, life of a single Dad I guess….  So on top of your child napping, make sure you law down on the couch for a minute and rest.  Give your body and mind the break it deserves. 

                Remember as well  don’t take your nap to late either or you will be counting sheep!  Raising kids just takes good old time and patients.  You live and learn and then move forward…

Always Remember,

You are never alone…

Love,

Christoher

Happy Fathers Day!

     I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Fathers Day!  This weekend I had Quinn and I can't wait to upload pics as well as go over what we did.  I just wanted to wish everyone a very happy day.  To all the fathers out there.  You help your kids grow and guide them, fathers do so much and ask for so little.      I can't wait to upload the pics of this weekend and share my fathers day with you all.  I have to get the pics loaded!

     I wanted to take the time to tell everyone how special my dad is.  He has been such a big part of my life and has always been there for me.  Growing up he was always there for my brother an I my father took us camping and took me to different events as I grew up to see what different paths I would enjoy.  My father never raised his voice to us, but there was one or two times I got him upset and boy I never did that again... lol  He has such a kind heart and when I moved into my new home he was here helping me fix all different kinds of problems that came around.  He never complained or gave me a hard time.  He just was there for me with out question.  My dad's so good to his family, he and my mom have been married for, well i should know this but its over 37 years?  Well he loves her so much and his family.  He taught me the value of the dollar and how important it is to earn it.  He also played referee when my mom and i argued... lol  He is still involved in scouting and volunteers all over from helping with Church and the community.  He's one of my hero's and I always try to make him proud.  I know I do though.

     Being a father takes isn't easy, there are good times and hard ones.  You need to be patient with your children and just  take your time as they grow.  When I have Quinn I think about what my dad would do and look back at how he handled me.  It helps a lot because he did such a good job.  So I hope all the dad's out there got to put their feet up and even watch some golf.  Or do what ever it is they like, because today was their day!

     I love you Dad....
This ones for you...

Always remember,

You are never alone...

Love,

Christopher

 

A Mid Week Break

Here we are at the American Legion, my dad got an award for scouting!

Aunt Ro, Quinn, Mom, Dad and I.

My Dad and the Mitchell's.  Very good friends from Church.

Tuesday's Tip: Hang it all up!

                 Not very long ago Quinn came in my room as I was waking up and brought me some pictures she colored.  I was so happy because she did it just for me.  She then colored me two more!  She colored 3 all together and I will be hanging them up soon.  My hallway is filled with her artwork and every time we go upstairs we get to admire her work.  Hanging up our kids work shows them we love what they make us, even if it’s the simplest of pieces.  Flooding my home with her work lets her know whatever she makes I will put on display for everyone to see.   Some of her bigger crafts I leave out for a few months then put away.  Quinn loves when we hang her artwork; she helps me pick the spot where I hang it.  I have some smaller things on the fridge and we have pictures all over the house but that one area is just dedicated to her work. 

                Now there are things we don’t get up on the wall but then again there is only so much room.  Also as she grows I take things down and replace them with new items.  I love walking down my hall and just seeing the cute things she has made, some from different seasons or times of her childhood.  We always want our children to know how special and important they are.  As she gets older I can’t wait to hang up more and more of her projects.  If your child feels special about what they make you, they are more likely to be creative and make more things for you.  Quinn now loves making me drawings and surprising me with them in the morning.  She gets so excited and even lets me pick out the drawings I like, and then she colors them for me.   

                As time goes on I am excited to see what comes our way and what I get to display for my family and friends.  So remember take the time to hang things up and show off your child’s work!

Always remember,

You are never alone…

Love,

Christopher

A new week begins

     As the new week begins I am full of excitement, Fathers day weekend is approaching the weather is getting warmer and summer is right around the bend...  The weekends have been busy and this week will go by fast.  Quinn will be with me this weekend and its fathers day weekend!  I can't wait, I'm excited to just hang out and catch up.  Watch a little TV, go to the park, take a walk just chill father and daughter...

     I think about all the fathers over sea's fighting for us that can't see their kids and my heart goes out to them.  As fathers day approaches remember what your little ones do to bring joy to your life, yes they are expensive. (ask my poor dad)  In the end how ever a hug is priceless, and when your child say's they love you it just adds to that.  I kept busy this week and weekend by cleaning and getting ready for Quinn.  My parents came over and helped me weed the front walk and get some cleaning up done.  I have to get the bushes cut and mow the lawn again but thats about it.  Ohh i have some plants to move around too..  Don't let me forget!  The beginning of the week will be busy, I have a tip to put together and some pics to post. Then we have our adventure to go on.  This fathers day Quinn has her dance recital!  It's her second one!!!  I am very excited and will give you the full report...

     Friday Hughey and my Aunt and I went tot he East Rochester Italian Festival.  I didn't bring my camera but it was very rainy.  We had a lot of fun, the food was great, the entertainment was amazing!  Our cousin Tina played, her band is called Me and the boys.  Her husband is in it as well and they are so talented!  It was just over all a great night to be Italian!

     Well I know my blogs have been distant so I plan to work on that!  I also still have yet to update my site! I know.. I have to get to my IT guy.  This year is almost half over, really??? Really? Can you believe it?  Honestly I feel it was just new years!!!

Well I look forward to posting more and updating this site!!!

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher

A Mid Week Break

     I know I skipped the tip this week, and my pics are late! Im sorry everyone!  Well here are some pics from the weekend.  I can't believe how awesome she is.  She was so cute, she would say "Daddy, take my picture!"  She is just growing up so fast.  This weekend I don't have my little one but it's okay, I look forward to our next adventure!

Just playing around...

The bunny needed his checkup!

She is just so cute...

Always remember,

You are never alone...

Love,

Christopher

The Weekend Update!

     This past weekend was great I picked up Quinn and we headed out to dinner.  We had our Fish Fry that Quinn waits so patiently for and after just took it easy  We didn't have any plans after so we just took it easy.  Saturday we got up and stayed in most of the early afternoon.  It was very hot out and with Quinn being so young I didn't want to get her to much exposure.  I asked her as well and she was happy staying safe inside.  Later that night I had a dinner to go to and my Aunt got to watch her, it was good she hasn't seen Quinn in a while and the dinner was for a very dear friend at church, she retired this year.

    Sunday I will admit we slept in a little and just hung out.  I did a lot of cleaning and Quinn helped as well as just watched a cute movie.  The day was a lot cooler and that made things so much better.  Sundays I usually also try to just relax with her and get ready for the week.  We played with our toys, got a little nap in and just hug out.  Later we took a drive to the park and played around.  We had so much fun and Quinn had fun the sun was lower so it wasn't as hot and with sun screen on it was a perfect evening.

     The weekend was really nice, I took a few photos that I will post later but sometimes weekends even in the summer don't have to be fully filled with things to do.  Remember when your child is little they need lots of rest and they shouldn't be in the sun to long.  We have a lot of time for adventures and so remember not to tire your little one out early.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

I look forward to getting some more post out there!

Always remember,
You are never alone...

Love,
Christopher