Just stuff we did at home last week

There were a few rainy days this past week, so the kids enjoyed several indoor activities at home:

• We did a hand print painting this week using glitter finger paint to make a butterfly (I just added glitter to some regular finger paint). The top set of hands belong to Squish and the bottom set to Noodle. 

Butterfly hand prints

• Noodle painted a bird with the leftover paint and added a foam beak and googly eyes.

 

Glitter bird

• We baked a tasty chocolate cake. Nothing fancy, a box mix topped in caramel and sprinkles. Noodle did most of the decorating.

• We blew bubbles. 

Recipe for home made bubbles:

1/3 cup dishwashing liquid
1 1/4 cups water
2 teaspoons sugar

• We played I spy. For Noodle, I give her the sound the word begins with rather than the letter since she cannot really spell yet.

• We played (lots of) hide and seek. Squish is surprisingly good at this for a fourteen month old!

• We turned our lounge into a recording studio and had a sing-along, using the Yokee app, where the lyrics to practically any song are available.

Noodle says... Part 2

Here are the latest gems from my four year old Noodle. (For part 1 of 'Noodle says', please click here.)

 

 

You know that you are having a conversation with Noodle when the sentence starts with "I have a good idea". She has several good ideas each day. Here are some for this week:

 

She did not believe me when I told her that they are waterproof and wanted to know why they all stop working every time it rains. In Jozi,I guess this is a fair observation. 

 

Wishful thinking.

 
Yes, in Noodle land, Eskom and Google are both people. I found it interesting that Eskom is a 'he' and Google is a 'she'.

We love NUK {Product Review}

We have always used NUK products for Noodle and Squish and in my experience their products epitomise quality and great design. Noodle was addicted to her pacifier (the NUK Rose Soother to be precise) as a baby. They were my preferred choice too due to their orthodontic design and the fact that they did not cover Noodle's entire tiny face like some other brands.

You can see below that Squish's NUK bottles and dummy have been well used. He never actually sucked the dummy (he used it as a chew toy/ teether) but loved it nevertheless. 

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The old tested bottle and soother

We were excited to hear that NUK has expanded their range to not only cater for smaller babies but also active toddlers and pre-schoolers. We recently acquired a set of six BPA free NUK Food Pots, which are the perfect size to store kiddy sized portions of food in the fridge or freezer while taking up very little space (that is when Squish is not using them as toys- he is drawn to their bright colours). The food pots also work very well for making ice lollies (see the recipe for some delicious yoghurt ice lollies here).

NUK Food Pots

I felt like I had won the jackpot when I was sent this delightful hamper of Nuk toddler products to review.

Noodle literally squealed with excitement when she spotted the super cute pink ballerina NUK Sports Cup. The first thing I look for in bottles and sippy cups is that they are BPA free and the second thing I check is that they do not leak when I put them in her school bag. So far this one has passed the test. The Sports Cup is lightweight but big enough to fit lots of liquids (450 ml) to keep thirsty pre-schoolers well hydrated. It also has a clever design that allows it to be washed in the dishwasher without even having to disassemble it.

Squish tested out the NUK Weaning Set, which contains a non-slip divided plate (for fussy toddlers who do not like their spinach touching their carrots), a non-slip bowl and a knife and spoon set. I especially like the cutlery as they are just the right shape and size for tiny fingers to grip but also strong enough so that it does not bend while they are eating like some others that we have. Now if only NUK could invent something to stop toddlers from throwing their food!
 

Top: NUK Weaning Set | Bottom left: Fruit afternoon snack in divider plate | Bottom Right: Squish has fruity oats in NUK bowl

The NUK Training Toothbrush Set contains two massaging brushes with rubber bristles to polish those brand new pearly whites and massage itchy gums. It also comes with a ring which serves as both a stand and a guard to prevent your little ones from sticking the brushes too far. 

NUK Training Toothbrush Set

The NUK Breast Milk Storage Bags are BPA free, very thick and have a double seal, so you can be assured that your precious breast milk will be safe in the freezer. They are pre-sterilised and also have measurements along the side so that you can see how much is being defrosted at any given time.  

NUK Breast Milk Bags

**** Jozi WAHM will be giving away an awesome Nuk prize in the next few days. Keep your eyes peeled for further details.****

The Jozi WAHM's Directory of Mall Baby Rooms

Have I mentioned that I love shopping?  However, shopping with little ones, especially babies can be daunting and there are four golden rules to follow:

1. Keep it brief.
2. Make sure your nappy bag is stocked with the necessary artillery;
3. If you have a pram, know where the lifts are (if not, know which stores have those prams with the baby seat attachments); and MOST IMPORTANTLY
4. Know where the baby rooms are.

It is crucial for mommies to know where to run for that emergency nappy change or feed when out shopping. When you have a screaming newborn, the last thing you want to have to do is search high and low for the nearest baby room. While this list does not cover all shopping centres in Jozi, we hope the below will help you know where to look for nappy change and feeding facilities at some of the malls.

My own dress choice is to wear more modest clothes generally, so baring my breasts was never an option for me personally. I used to nurse Squish just about anywhere as a newborn (when I could just position a receiver or shawl discretely and feed without anybody noticing) but I find this impossible with fidgety older babies and toddlers. 

I suspect there may be moms that are about to tell me that it is their right to nurse in public wherever they want and that you do not eat in a bathroom, so why should baby etcetera.  Yes, I respect and support your right to nurse in public and also refuse to feed my baby anywhere that is dirty or smelly and would rather go back to my car and feed in such instances. However, there are more options these days than just smelly toilets.

Even for mothers who are comfortable nursing in public, there may be times when your outfit just will not allow you to nurse without practically stripping or times where baby may be over-stimulated by the mall hustle and bustle and just needs a quiet place- so it is always handy to know where feeding facilities can be found. Here is my directory of mall baby rooms, which I hope to add to in future:

SANDTON CITY

There are beautiful, very modern and clean new baby rooms in the newer section of the mall close to Mr Price. However, if you are breastfeeding and seek privacy, these rooms have semi-transparent glass, so the older one at the food court (to the right of Ocean Basket) might be a cosier option.

CRESTA SHOPPING CENTRE

The bathrooms upstairs close to Mugg and Bean, Croc and Identity has a newly revamped baby room with nappy change facilities and separate feeding area. The rest do not have baby facilities (the ones near Game definitely have no baby facilities and at the one downstairs opposite Boardmans the cleaning lady pointed me to the solid counter top in the ladies room and instructed me to change nappies there).

CLEARWATER MALL

This mall has two baby rooms, both in the corridors that lead off from the centre food court. While they are nice, whether or not they are clean and smell free is luck of the draw. However,  only the one that forks off from the corridor close to Spur has a feeding room while the other does not.

THE MALL OF ROSEBANK

After the recent revamps, this mall boasts beautiful and very clean nappy change facilities. Take note though, that only the one upstairs next to Jet has a chair for feeding. The Zone, adjacent to the Rosebank Mall has a nappy change room with a seperate feeding room at the baby rooms opposite Sowearto, while the bathrooms closer to Spur have no baby facilities. Spur itself has one of those little plastic change stations in the ladies room. Oh and the Rosebank Mall has a couple of special mommy parking bays.

Baby room at the Mall of Rosebank

CAMPUS SQUARE

Okay, this is not exactly a major mall but I am there frequently enough for it to warrant a mention. When the centre was recently revamped, I was thrilled to see that they finally incorporated a baby room. To my disappointment, the baby room just has a hard counter-top for nappy feeds and a basin, with nowhere to sit for feeds. Cleaning staff have decided that they would also use the tiny space to store mops and brooms, so it is impossible to squeeze a pram in there. You are better off going to the baby room at Pick 'n Pay, which is far better kitted and even sometimes has baby good samples.

Baby room at Campus Square

EASTGATE SHOPPING CENTRE

Changing and feeding facilities are located at the Food Court near Nando's and near entrance six.

TRADE ROUTE MALL

A baby room with changing and feeding facilities can be found at the bathrooms close to Milky Lane and Toys and Hobbies.

CRADLESTONE MALL

I was only ever here once and do not remember where the baby rooms are (sorry!), but I do remember being impressed by clean and pleasant nappy changing and breastfeeding facilities. They are there somewhere and there are definitely more than one. They also have mommy parking bays.

BABY CHANGING PODS

I have seen baby pods like the one in the picture below at a few of our malls (pretty much illuminated floating plastic containers with compact facilities for feeding and changing nappies). I have spotted these at Fourways Mall, the Glen, Trade Route Mall and Westgate Shopping Centre and I am told that Greenstone and Broadacres have them too. However, they do seem to come and go. While they are okay for nappy changes, some tend to be smelly (I guess this would depend on how well the relevant shopping centre maintains them). It is an improvement though, over malls that only have a change station inside the ladies bathrooms, which pose a problem for any daddies who find themselves alone with baby.

Baby pods found at certain malls

When there is no feeding room in site and you have a hungry, screaming baby, my suggestion would be to go to a change room clothing store, they are usually very accommodating.

We would love your feedback on the malls that we have left out so that we can update our list.

Frozen- The Gutter Version

Like many four year old girls (and boys), Noodle is slightly obsessed with the movie Frozen. She has watched the movie enough times for ME to know the lyrics to all the songs, had Frozen as the theme for her last birthday and has more than her fair share of the merchandise. 

Let's just say that we have gotten to the point where our DVD player mysteriously cannot play the Frozen movie anymore.

I am sure most are familiar with that  game where you make a chain story, with one person starting and the next continuing, with each taking turns. I introduced Noodle to this game and this is the grotesque story that she wove (with me putting in a word here and there, I tried to add the bear minimum and let her do most of the talking). Sadly, in the Noodle version, Anna and Elsa lack the etiquette and decorum befitting of princesses. Despite its grim nature, I thought the story was worth sharing.

The story (with sincerest apologies to Disney) goes as follows:

"Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, lived two beautiful princesses called Elsa and Anna. Elsa had magical powers to freeze things.

One day, both princesses needed the bathroom at the same time. The only problem was that they only had one bathroom in the whole castle.

They had a huge fight about who would go first. 

"I really need to go first"said Anna. 

"No, I do" said Elsa.

They could not decide what to do and kept fighting to go first. They tried to both go at once but they could not both fit on the toilet seat. They  They played rock, paper, scissors. That didn't work- that game is too difficult.

Then Elsa had a bright idea and used her magic powers to create a spectacular bathroom made entirely out of ice. Even the toilet was made out of ice. But nobody wanted to use it because they didn't want to get their bottoms frozen. They also did not know how it would flush because the water would just freeze.

They went to Prince Hans' house to see if one of them could use his bathroom but he didn't have one. Olaf didn't have a toilet either- he didn't even have a house. Neither did anyone else in the entire kingdom. Some people were not at home when they went so they don't know if those people had toilets.

By the time they got back home Anna could not hold it back any more. She had an accident. I guess she "let it go" and there was a big puddle on the palace floor. She started crying and felt very sad.

Elsa did not want to have an accident also so she ran to the bathroom and made a pee and a poo poo. Anna had a bath and put her clothes in the washing machine. She needed to put on other clothes. Anna put on a beautiful new sparkly purple dress with bows, diamonds, ribbons, flowers, lace and lots of pretty pictures drawn on it. Elsa put on her blue sparkly dress.

They both made their hair look pretty and went to the ball. Anna sprayed some perfume because she was still stinky. They danced, ate chocolate and had an amazing time. They lived happily ever after.

The End!"

The Jozi WAHM's Guide to Budget Outings with Kids in Jozi

As school holidays near, moms who are at home will be tasked with keeping children busy and stimulated. While there is plenty to do at home, cabin fever is likely to ensue at some point and a few outings are needed for your own sanity. Some fun places to take the kids can be found here (at a fee). Unfortunately, most of us cannot afford to splurge on expensive outings everyday, so here are some ideas on places to go with your kids without breaking the bank.

The park

It may be hard to believe, but there are a few nice FREE parks scattered around Johannesburg if you search hard enough.  Look out for those that have undergone the City of Joburg's Extreme Park Makeover challenge. We have a park within walking distance which is okay, but some of our favourites are Mushroom Park in the middle of Sandton (opposite the Radisson Hotel) and Rose Park in Lenasia.

The great outdoors

Jozi was once said to be the greenest city with the most open areas in the world (I am not sure if that record still stands) and we have plenty of nature in the city. 

The Zoo Lake, Delta Park (both of which have amazing play areas), Emmarentia Dam and accompanying botanical gardens, the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, the Melville Koppies (which has weekend tours), the Bunny Park in Benoni and Rietvlei Dam in the south of Johannesburg are some that come to mind. 

Note: some of these charge a nominal entrance fee, while most are completely free (save for maybe some stale bread to feed ducks with).

Play area at Delta Park

Zoo Lake play area

The library

There is no better gift to a child than instilling a love of reading and a membership at your local municipal library is absolutely free for children and no longer even requires payment of a membership fee and will allow little ones to take out three books. Despite many of the books showing their age, there is a great variety of books to choose from and children will be happy with the selection.

One proviso- if your child is not old enough to stay quiet for a few minutes, a trip to the library is likely to earn you the stare of death for anyone seeking solitude there. While Noodle eagerly looks forward to library trips, I think it will still be a while until I am ready to brave a trip to the library with Squish.

Kid's Section at Emmarentia Library

Your local public swimming pools

We are lucky enough to have a pool at home, but if you do not, a trip to the local public swimming pool can be great fun for kids.

Ice-cream

 An ice-cream cone at franchises like KFC, Steers or McDonald's is still under R5. For most kids, a trip to get ice-cream is a treat in itself. 

Volunteering

For older kids, it is a good idea to get them involved in some kind of volunteer work, whether it be on a formal basis or even just helping out a neighbour. 

P.S. Jozi WAHM would love to here some of your suggestions for budget trips in and around Johannesburg, so please do share some of these in the comments section.

We are also now on Bloglovin and would love if you would follow us there.

The Senses Game

Sometimes I run out of activities to do with the kids. Noodle was bored yesterday afternoon and this was what I came up with (I think I might have done this at some point as a child). My activities usually have some kind of theme and today it was using ones five senses (two of them anyway, taste and smell).

TASTING GAME

 

Sprinkles, chocolate chips, almond, custard tasters

I took an ice tray and put one item to taste in each hole. We had an almond, a chocolate chip, some cake sprinkles, lemon juice, coconut oil, an ice cube, a blob of plain yoghurt and a little custard. Then I put on a blindfold for Noodle. She was allowed to feel and taste each item but not see them. 

Noodle did remarkably well, having guessed all except the lemon juice (which she said was vinegar) and the cake sprinkles, which she said was sugar (technically correct I guess). For the almond, she said it was a nut and when I asked her what kind of nut, in typical Noodle style, she said 'a very hard one'. Squish also enjoyed tasting each item. 

For older kids, you could adapt this to show them how different parts of their tongues have different taste receptors (sweet, sour etc) and also ask them to block their noses to demonstrate how ones nose also plays a part in tasting.

SNIFFING GAME

The smelling part of the game lasted significantly longer than the tasting segment. I blindfolded her again and let her smell some perfume, the coconut oil she had tasted earlier, her own shoe, her shampoo, toothpaste, some baby lotion, some spices, peanut butter, raw onion, coffee beans and some mint leaves (but any non-toxic, strong smelling substance will do). Again, she did remarkably well and only faltered on the peanut butter.

I think it will be interesting to do the other senses as well, but that is an activity for another day.

Kitchen fun with Squish

There is not much that captures the attention of a thirteen month old for any length of time, but this very simple activity is one of my favourites with Squish.

 

Colourful plates, cups and bowls provide hours of stimulation for a toddler

I guess one could call it a simplistic Montessori type practical life exercise. I throw an assortment of plastic tupperwares, plates, bowls, spatulas, measuring cups etc. onto a large blanket and let him go wild. You will see that the food cups from our friends at Nuk made their way into the picture as well.

Most of the time, this activity is reserved for when I want Squish to entertain himself while I get some work done. In fact, he is playing with his plates and bowls as I type this (today, some different coloured golf balls were tossed into different coloured bowls, but sometimes a few large lego blocks or silicone muffin cups are added to the mix). I stick to large items with no possibility of being swallowed.

While he enjoys just jumbling them up or banging them together on his own, we also use them for more structured activities:

Colours

I help him to group items that are the same colour together and attempt to get him to repeat the colour names. So far we just have ehhhd (red) and boooo (blue).

Sorting

I get him to stack like objects together, eg. all the bowls or all the plates.

Counting

We count the objects as we go along. For now, his version goes "toooooo, teeeee, ten".

Language

As we go along, I name the objects, eg. plate or cup and ask him to pass me specific items.

Imagination

A thirteen month old does not engage in too much imaginative play yet, but Squish pretends to eat from the dishes or feed me and moves imaginary food from one container to the next.