New York Nanny Center » henry http://www.nynanny.com Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:40:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.2 Henry Goes to the Beach http://www.nynanny.com/travel-2/henry-goes-to-the-beach/ http://www.nynanny.com/travel-2/henry-goes-to-the-beach/#comments Wed, 23 Jul 2014 11:16:51 +0000 Lindsay Bell http://www.luckylildarlings.com/?p=1955   Read more (...)]]> Every summer for over twenty years I have gone “Up North” to Harbor Springs, Michigan. Spending summers there is something I am very grateful for. I’ve made new friends over the years, catch up with old friends, experience new things, and, in most recent years, spend extended time with my family. This experience has become even more special since Henry has come into the picture.

Our family (plus a little too much ice cream :) )

Our family.. plus a little too much ice cream :)

Living in Chicago comes with many advantages. There’s an abundance of culture, people, and endless amounts of “things to do.” However, it can also be very busy, overly structured, fast-paced, and stressful. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE CHICAGO, but taking a break every summer is awesome!
Henry relaxing and enjoying a nice snack on the beach

Henry relaxing and enjoying a nice snack on the beach

Last summer was the first summer Henry was exposed to parts of my childhood. It was fun–he learned to walk, ate sand for the first time, and dipped his toes in the Michigan side of Lake Michigan. This summer is even better! Henry is sturdy on his feet and has said new words like “beach”, “watermelon”, “boat”, and “bug-gy.” His eyes light up when he realizes he’s on his way to the beach. He’s not afraid of the water, loves to chase the birds, and has tripled his vocabulary since arriving. I’m thankful for this time and sharing these new experiences with him.
Our little man goes kayak shopping

Our little man goes kayak shopping

I am also grateful for my husband. Without his hard-work, understanding, and love for his wife and child, we would not be able to spend such a long period of time in Michigan. We are grateful when “dada” can be with us, but appreciate the sacrifices he makes so we can spend extensive time at the beach. We love you, Dada (Bob!). Henry is also lucky that he gets to spend a week in South Haven, Michigan with his Chicago family. He is surrounded by people who love him and want him to be part of old family traditions. Sharkball, Lobster Parties, and dipping your toes in the lake aren’t a bad way to spend your summer!
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We’re so blessed in our life and look forward to all the new experiences and memories we will create as he gets older.

Happy Summer!
-Maureen is a Sitter2Mom, a working woman (our Chicago City Coordinator), and mother of Henry! 
]]> http://www.nynanny.com/travel-2/henry-goes-to-the-beach/feed/ 0 Talking, Technology, and the Terrible Twos… http://www.nynanny.com/family-2/talking-technology-and-the-terrible-twos/ http://www.nynanny.com/family-2/talking-technology-and-the-terrible-twos/#comments Wed, 25 Jun 2014 13:03:17 +0000 Lindsay Bell http://www.luckylildarlings.com/?p=1910   Read more (...)]]> Three months ago my sweet Henry wasn’t saying much. These days he has a lot to say! Henry has a sound for almost every animal, names for his toys and objects around him, and will have in depth conversations with me about some very serious topics. I have NO IDEA what he’s saying, but I can tell from his hand gestures that he thinks it’s very important! He has recently become obsessed with Thomas the Train. Admittedly, Thomas is a hard word to say, so he has shortened it to Tom. Yesterday, I tried to get him to say, “mom” so I was saying, “This is Tom and this is Mom.” Today, Henry calls Thomas–”Tom-Mom.” No luck for me, but it’s pretty awesome to see how quickly he’s picking things up. I guess that means I better start watching what I say around him!

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These days Henry is extremely curious about everything I’m doing. He’s always been interested in new things, but now he wants to do what I’m doing. Sometimes it’s great, like when he wants to help me put things in the dryer, but other times it’s not so awesome. It’s not good when he wants to help me cook on the stove, or opening and shutting a hot oven. These are the times where I pull out my trusty friend, the iPad! The iPad is the most coveted and valuable thing in Mr. Henry’s life right now. He loves it so much that I have to hide it from him so he doesn’t spend all day on it! Finding the right balance with technology is key. Henry is very engaged with the ABC and 123 games, loves the Curious George App where he builds trains, rockets, and dinosaurs, and loves the animal flashcards. I’m actually impressed with how quickly he catches on to things and how well he can operate the iPad! Try taking it away….not a happy camper!
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They call them the Terrible Twos, but we’ve already entered this phase way before the 2nd birthday. With Henry’s newfound independence comes some strong opinions. What Henry wants to do is not always the safest, cleanest, or healthiest thing. Telling Henry that he can’t do something makes him very unhappy. I am a believer in positive discipline, but it’s hard to always remain calm and patient when your toddler throws a tantrum. I’ve found that it’s just better for me to walk away and let him sort it out! You can’t reason with a child who doesn’t know the concept. To him it is the end of the world that I put his goldfish crackers in the wrong cup. When he calms down, he goes about eating the crackers like there was nothing wrong in the first place! I don’t try to understand it!
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All these things are just part of the phase Henry is in. I love all the talking and think his little voice is the sweetest sound i’ve ever heard. I’m impressed with his knowledge of technology and how quickly he’s able to figure things out. And despite his tantrums, I still think he’s the most amazing, lovable, and funny kid I’ve ever met!
-Maureen
]]> http://www.nynanny.com/family-2/talking-technology-and-the-terrible-twos/feed/ 0 Spring: A Season of Change http://www.nynanny.com/family-2/spring-a-season-of-change/ http://www.nynanny.com/family-2/spring-a-season-of-change/#comments Wed, 23 Apr 2014 17:04:32 +0000 Lindsay Bell http://www.luckylildarlings.com/?p=1832   Read more (...)]]> With the changing of the seasons in Chicago comes many new milestones in our lives. Henry has hit the year and a half mark and with that comes many changes to his appearance, personality, physical abilities, and his language skills. He has sprouted like the flowers in the ground and now all his pants look like he’s ready to endure a massive flood at any moment. My baby has disappeared and in his place comes an independent, opinionated, goofball toddler.

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We were never worried about Henry’s mobility, as he walked at 8 1/2 months, but for the longest time he just babbled to himself and didn’t say any “real” words. I wasn’t worried, per say, but I yearned for him to say, “mama.” Well….he hasn’t mastered that word yet, unless he’s crying, but all of the sudden he is throwing out new words, animal sounds, and phrases like, “Uh-oh!” This is by far the best age because he’s very curious, responsive, and adventurous. He can stay up for longer periods of time and is engaged in music, zooming cars and airplanes around the house, and enjoys free time at the park. He loves to explore, finds himself to be very, very funny, and loves giving hugs to his family and the dog. It’s amazing how you can give him directions or show him how to do something and he immediately mimics you. With that, however, comes the urgency to watch what we say and do so we don’t have a kid running around repeating all the “grown up” words we use! We are loving life with our little boy.
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The other big change in our life is….a new address! (Nope, not a baby!!!!)—As our child grew bigger, our condo started to shrink! Our super chic, urban condo in the sky has been replaced by a bigger, kid-friendly condo in a much more family friendly neighborhood. While we are beyond excited for this change, surviving a move with a toddler was a tad chaotic (that’s putting it nicely!). My husband and I spent hours packing up all our belongings only to turn around and see that Henry had unpacked two boxes while we weren’t looking! Henry just loved climbing all over the boxes marked, “Fragile–crystal wine glasses”—Luckily both sets of grandparents helped entertain him while we packed without interruption.
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We already love our new neighborhood! The North Center area is full of activities for kids! Change is good!
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-Maureen is a sitter2mom, our Chicago City Coordinator, and proud mother of Henry!

 

]]> http://www.nynanny.com/family-2/spring-a-season-of-change/feed/ 0 How to Balance Motherhood with the Rest of Your Life http://www.nynanny.com/family-2/how-to-balance-motherhood-with-the-rest-of-your-life/ http://www.nynanny.com/family-2/how-to-balance-motherhood-with-the-rest-of-your-life/#comments Wed, 19 Mar 2014 15:15:27 +0000 Lindsay Bell http://www.luckylildarlings.com/?p=1787   Read more (...)]]> Undoubtedly motherhood is the most important and challenging job. Whether you stay-at-home or have returned to work, it’s a struggle to balance it all. Cue the mommy guilt. I have yet to meet a mother who hasn’t admitted that at some point she has felt overwhelmed, inadequate, or finds moments where she just wants to run screaming in the other direction!

How do I help my child become more independent without abandoning them? How do I support them without becoming a helicopter parent? How many books a day should I be reading them? Is that broccoli organic? Wait, your kid eats broccoli? Mine only eats granola bars or whatever else I can find at the bottom of my purse! Even when I appear to have my act together, my mind is constantly wondering and worrying about so many things. My goal at the end of each day is to get to dinnertime without opening (and finishing) a bottle of wine!
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Comparing myself to other mothers reminds me of the Dove commercial where women are asked to describe themselves to an artist. Then they compare their view with the view of other women around them. We’re always our toughest critics. I often find myself wondering how I could have made Henry’s day better–should I have done more arts and crafts with him? Should I have let him watch t.v.? Is it strange that he can maneuver an iPad better than his Granny? (no comment there…) Should I have not gone back to work? When is the last time he took a bath? (sniff under his armpit). Going to the grocery store has turned into an Olympic event. Have you ever tried to cook dinner, clean the house, wipe fingerprints off of every surface, and sing a song at the same time? The answer is probably YES!
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There are so many things I could find that I don’t do. What is most important is what I do for him each and every day. I love him. I make him laugh. I feed him better food than I feed myself. I dance with him. I’m there for him when he comes running up to give me a hug. I cheer him on while he tries to spoon feed himself. I wipe his tears when he’s hurt. I give him extra cuddles when he’s sick. At the end of the day, there’s only one opinion that matters, and that’s Henry’s. It appears that I’m doing an okay job because he still wants to hang out with me! (Check back in 13 years…)
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-Maureen is a sitter2mom, our Chicago City Coordinator, and proud mother of Henry!

 

]]> http://www.nynanny.com/family-2/how-to-balance-motherhood-with-the-rest-of-your-life/feed/ 0 Living in a Snow Globe http://www.nynanny.com/family-2/living-in-a-snow-globe/ http://www.nynanny.com/family-2/living-in-a-snow-globe/#comments Wed, 19 Feb 2014 19:44:48 +0000 Lindsay Bell http://www.luckylildarlings.com/?p=1748   Read more (...)]]> I’ve really tried to not complain about the weather this winter, but it’s getting harder and harder as winter stretches on and on. I’m from the midwest, I grew up in the harsh winters, but this has to be the worst one I’ve ever experienced. It literally feels like I’m living in a snow globe that someone keeps shaking up. It’s especially difficult when you have an anxious baby-toddler who is stuck inside! The sub-zero temperatures, icy sidewalks, and lack of human life (or so it seems) has made this winter seem never-ending. By mid-January I thought my brain was going to melt and I’d commit myself to the looney-bin because I was so bored. What do you do with a 15 month old when you can’t go outside because it’s negative 20 outside?

 

Henry sporting his winter hat

Henry sporting his winter hat

I sent out an S.O.S. on Facebook and asked all my mom friends, near and far, what they were doing to survive the winter. Finger painting with pudding, building forts, dance parties, arts and crafts, and day trips to museums topped the list. The next few weeks I was determined to try any or all of these things. Henry’s a little young for most of the stuff, but I thought MAYBE he’d be interested.

Our first attempt was finger painting with pudding—it turns out that my child would rather lick it off the tray than paint with it—oh well! Next, I attempted to have Henry use glitter glue (not sure how I thought that was a good idea!)–he was going to make Valentine’s for his grandparents. I mean it had to work—Pinterest made it look SO EASY! First he tried to eat the glue, then he rubbed it all in his hair, then he threw the paper with glitter glue on the carpet…I was the one who ended up doing the project and passing it off as his masterpiece :) —needless to say, arts and crafts are not Henry’s passion (yet!)

 

Henry and the glitter glue craft

Henry and the glitter glue craft

It turns out that he was fine just playing with the 1,000 small toys he has in the house and thought hiding the small pieces in every shoe in the house was plenty of entertainment—it was MOM who was bored. Only a few more weeks of winter and we’ll finally get the spring thaw—I can’t wait!!!!

Henry being silly with household objects

Henry being silly with household objects

 

-Maureen is a sitter2mom, our Chicago City Coordinator, and proud mother of Henry!

 

]]> http://www.nynanny.com/family-2/living-in-a-snow-globe/feed/ 0 Henry in Hawaii http://www.nynanny.com/sitter-diaries/henry-in-hawaii/ http://www.nynanny.com/sitter-diaries/henry-in-hawaii/#comments Wed, 08 Jan 2014 17:33:39 +0000 Lindsay Bell http://www.luckylildarlings.com/?p=1709   Read more (...)]]> When your parents offer to take you to Maui, you don’t turn it down, even if it you have to travel all that way with a very energetic 14-month old! Bob and I thought long and hard about how we were going to keep Henry happy, comfortable, and entertained for a 15 hour travel day. We purchased him his own seat, bought new toys and books for the airplane ride, planned our lunch/dinner breaks, and trained him to want to watch Bubble Guppies quietly on our iPads (even though I said I’d never be “that parent”!)—you’re welcome, fellow passengers. The anticipation for the trip was far worse than what actually transpired. The first half of the trip from Chicago to LA was the hardest part. Henry wanted to sleep but it was a daytime flight with a lot of announcements and movement in the plane. Oh well! We met up with my parents and brother and sister-in-law in LA and Henry was pumped to see his family! Everyone took a turn running with him around the airport and keeping him entertained. Bob and I appreciated the help! The second half he slept the whole way–way to go, Hank!

Henry on his first plane ride!

Henry on his first plane ride!

Henry surprisingly adjusted to the time difference with no problems. I think he knew that he had a fun day at the pool planned and didn’t want to miss it. Traveling with a child definitely changes the dynamic of a vacation, but it’s an entirely different kind of fun. Watching him splash around in the pool and play in the sand was awesome. He had a blast and never wanted to get out of the pool. The most challenging part was getting him to sit still long enough to lather him up with sunscreen! We visited the Maui Aquarium, took long walks on the beach, and went to some really cool parts of Maui–Henry loved it all! Especially all the whales jumping out of the water.
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Henry splish splashin’

Thanks to the concierge in Maui, we were hooked up with the Lucky Lil Darlings of Maui called The Nanny Connection. They provided us with two amazing sitters for our time in Hawaii. I was so thankful for Andrea and Audrey so that we could go out for dinner and have some child-free adult time! My uncle Bill came from Oahu to visit us in Maui. It was so great to see him after 3 years! Henry immediately bonded with him and the two formed a fast friendship. We can’t wait to go back and visit him again soon! Everyone in Hawaii was so friendly and accommodating to us. We LOVED it there and can’t believe the trip is over!
Henry soaking up the last bit of sun before heading back to chilly Chicago

Henry soaking up the last bit of sun before heading back to chilly Chicago

Getting back to Chicago in the middle of the “Polar Vortex” was challenging. Our flight from LA to Chicago was cancelled on Sunday and we had to find a hotel room in LA for the night. I’ve never been so thankful for having such a “chill” child. He handled the travel delays and change of plans/airlines like a champ. My husband wanted to get home but I enjoyed the extra day in the sun. We were able to meet up with an old friend in Manhattan Beach for lunch and enjoyed the unavoidable travel delay. Despite not having a good rest in over 15 hours, Henry enjoyed himself too! I’m so proud and thankful for his calm, happy demeanor. He made a really stressful, chaotic situation tolerable.
We’re back in cold Chicago and getting back into our regular routine! Aloha!
-Maureen is a sitter2mom, our Chicago City Coordinator, and proud mother of Henry!
P.S. Post-it Notes are an awesome quiet activity for a toddler. Henry stuck those things ALL OVER! (Mahalo, Cosette and all those who provided us with entertainment).
]]> http://www.nynanny.com/sitter-diaries/henry-in-hawaii/feed/ 0 You’ve Never Heard of a Cornbox?! http://www.nynanny.com/uncategorized/youve-never-heard-of-a-cornbox/ http://www.nynanny.com/uncategorized/youve-never-heard-of-a-cornbox/#comments Wed, 23 Oct 2013 18:44:59 +0000 Lindsay Bell http://www.luckylildarlings.com/?p=1615   Read more (...)]]> Fall is a great time of year. The trees are beautiful, the temperature is just right, and there are a lot of great outdoor activities to do. Having a child who is old enough to participate in the activities, is awesome. There are so many things that the city and surrounding areas have to offer that I never even knew about!

This year was especially great because we were able to take Henry to a pumpkin patch! We visited Kuiper’s Family Farm, which was quite a hike to get to, but worked because Henry got to nap on the way there and the way back. My only criteria for visiting a pumpkin patch was being able to take Henry on a hayride out to an ACTUAL pumpkin patch. There are so many places now where they pick the pumpkins for you and hand you one on the way out—I did not want that!

Kuiper’s was FANTASTIC! They had a ton of activities for kids of all ages. Henry loved the “corn box” a better version of a sandbox :) He also got to run through a corn maze tunnel, navigate through a straw maze, and got to pet a llama! It wasn’t super crowded and there were an abundance of pumpkins.

We had a great time on our first family trip to the pumpkin patch. I’m looking forward to all the “firsts” and “seconds” to come! Henry had a great time and so did his parents!

-Maureen is the Chicago City Coordinator and mom of Henry

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