The Krazy Kirklands: Hands Free Momma

Hello! So onto another one of my new years resolutions- spending less time on my iPhone, iPad, mac book, etc while Ella is awake! I named yesterday "Text Free Tuesday" and put away all of my devices while Ella was awake & only checked email, Pintrest, Houzz, Facebook & text while she was napping! (I'm pretty into the internet world unfortunately) At first I was kinda nervous.... as I have gotten in the habit of checking these "outlets" on a routine/hourly basis! It's my way of staying in contact with the outside world & other adults while Jon is at work! I know I shouldn't, but it's so easy that I can't seem to help myself!~ Plus Ell doesn't mind right?! Wrong- she now knows exactly what the iPad and iPhone do and constantly wants to play with them (or eat them)! Her obsessive iPad/iPhone behavior made me realize that maybe I shouldn't always be on them in front of her- maybe I should spend my time acutally interacting with her- teaching her a few things. Genius idea right?! Not really! What did moms do before apple products, blogs, and texts? They played with their children! So I'm going to play with Ella more!

At 8am as Ella awoke I turned my Iphone on "Do Not Disturb" mode (allowing emergency phone calls) and placed my iPad up on a shelf! I was ready to play with Ella! Our day was great! In the morning we went to the indoor playground at the mall where she climbed stairs, went down the slide, walked around everywhere and smiled at everyone! Our afternoon was spend reading books, learning new "tricks," getting a few snuggles in, and eating yummy food! While I was so nervous I would feel like I was missing out on things, in actuality I wasn't missing out on anything at all. The world didn't end, Facebook didn't crash & my friends were still there to text after she went to bed! Plus I got to spend all day with my little girl! Something not every mom gets to do! I'm a lucky lady with a very amazing daughter! Maybe it took my a whole year to realize that I need a "Text Free Tuesday" every once in a while!

Pretty Blue Eyes

Always smiling

Gimme some more milk!

Wild hair! But still smiling :)

I must also brag again about my MN friends- they truly are amazing! The support they give me & Ella has been unbelievable! Before I had Ella I remember reading a blog about how the first year of your child's life is a roller-coaster and about how important support from friends & family really is! I remember thinking "eh" I'm sure I can handle it! Wrong! Boy oh boy did I need some friends when we moved here! And I found the perfect ones! "It takes a village to raise a child" is a very accurate statement! And these women have helped raise Miss Ella into the fun little thing she is and helped keep her momma sane! So if you know of anyone who's having a baby or just had one- go out of your way to touch there lives! Whether is friendly emails, texts, or phone calls- to bringing meals or just meeting them out for coffee..... it can really make a difference!