Bedtime Tape

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Back in the day, this activity would have required a tape recorder and cassette player. Now all you need is the voice recorder on your smart phone, and you can make recordings for your baby – songs, books, favorite nursery rhymes, you name it.

These little audio clips are great to have on hand when you can’t be there for bedtime. Pass along the files to grandparents or other caretakers, and your little one can hear your voice even when you’re gone!

First, I read through one of Veronika’s favorite bedtime books. As I recorded, she sat in my lap and looked at the pictures, cooing and gurgling.

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It makes the audio even more special that she’s on it!

Next I recorded a short lullaby, while she listened with wonder.

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She seemed to be asking why I was singing the song during the day!

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In fact, don’t feel like you need to save these clips for babysitting nights; Veronika liked listening to the book recording while she played.

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The clips are also great for car trips – it’s exactly like having a book on tape, except one that you made, instead of one you need to purchase.

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Pesto Chick’n Pizza

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This pizza recipe looks gourmet, so shh! Don’t tell the kids that it’s ridiculously easy to put together.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound whole wheat pizza dough
  • 1/3 cup vegan pesto
  • 1 cup shredded Daiya mozzarella
  • 1 package Gardein chick’n strips, cooked and shredded
  • 2 plum tomatoes, sliced
  1. Pat the pizza dough to the edges of a pizza pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 450 degrees F for 10 minutes.
  2. Pat the dough with a spatula anywhere it has puffed up, then spread with the pesto and sprinkle with the cheese.
  3. Top evenly with the chick’n and sliced tomatoes. Return to the oven and bake a final 7 minutes.

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Exercise Outdoors

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Veronika was born just before the cold of winter set in, and all winter I couldn’t wait for fresh, spring weather. Not just so my baby girl could feel warm sun on her skin, but also because it means I get to exercise outdoors!

There’s no need to do anything fancy, but today, make a point of getting some exercise in the fresh air. You can find an easy walking or running trail near you – just make sure you have a true running stroller, if you’re going to be moving fast. Veronika loves the change of scenery when I do my power walks around the lake in our park, including a chance to see ducks and geese.

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For something a bit more organized, check out your local Stroller Strides. Veronika gets to check out the silly moves that mom does from nestled in her stroller, plus interact with the other babies! Our class has been indoors all winter, but I can’t wait for it to move out to the park once May rolls around.

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What’s your favorite way to exercise with baby outside? Please share in the comments.

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