Day 153: motivation for my daughter

Dear Sam,

   You WILL learn to like the cold.  We live in Wisconsin and you have outdoor loving parents, so we will be spending time outside every month of the year.  Okay, maybe you won't learn to like the cold but you will learn to tolerate it.  To be outside for more than 5 minutes without breaking into a complete and utter meltdown.  I am convinced that I can show you how to handle and enjoy the cold. I have only lived this far North for six years but I have figured it out and I will help you do the same.  We will get through this phase. 

Did I baby you too much when you were younger and not take you outside enough?  Did I not dress you warm enough at some point in the past so that you are scarred and can't handle it now?  Or do you just like to whine? 

When I first moved to Wisconsin someone told me that the way to deal with the winter was to find some way to enjoy the cold.  You had to have something about the long winter that you looked forward to and could keep you active or the short days, lack of sun and cold temps would drive you crazy.  Even though your dad and I have not really picked up any one winter sport in particular we do enjoy getting out in the snow, going for winter walks and attempting every winter sport that we get access to. We find things to keep us going, to make us happy and to be able to enjoy the outdoors despite of the cold. And I hope you do too. 

Our walk today was pretty miserable. You cried A LOT and we walked really slow.  I know its hard to walk with all those layers on.  But it is something that we need to do.  Just get outside, get some fresh air and some exercise.  We need that. So get ready, because I will continue to spend the 45 minutes it takes to bundle you and Avery up, get you all ready and then head outside.  Some days we will play in the snow, or refill our bird feeders or maybe even build a snowman.  But other days we will just go for a walk. 

We will learn to enjoy the cold!

I love you.

-Mom

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The Nitty Gritty!

Looking for suggestions on good quality, heavy duty and NOT itchy hats, gloves and scarves for babies and toddlers.  If you have any brands that you love please leave me a comment!

Thanks.

Comments

[Tami S]

Generally anything fleece or microfleece is not really itchy. Also anything knit or crochet with "baby" yarn is gentle on little ones. I'm excited to see what December's challenge is...!

[Angela]

Pobrecita! She'll get used to it. She is still young and cold can kind of hurt. My oldest daughter hates long sleeves. We had more issues with that when she was in preschool. Now she is getting used to it and I let her choose (within reason) whether to wear long or short things. Those layers are tough. I find myself getting irritated with my own winterwear. ;) xo Angela

[welcome to our wonderland]

aww cute letter to your daughter :) sometimes it is miserable to be outside. but once they get out and have fun they are fine. Usually that is because sometimes us girls just like to whine :)

[Jessica]

I find that after you have them outside, their cheeks can stay red for days. Just put a little aquafor on them at night and they are good as new in the morning! Then you never have to deal with the whining about dry, sensitive cheeks and noses. Good luck!

[Baby Girl]

Awww. She's such a cute looking kid. I dont follow any particular brand.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpV5bFP657I I knit dresses for my kid with baby yarn and at times i get them out i search if it's made of this yarn.