Little Otters Swim Lessons

This little otter went to Florida! 

A couple months ago, our family decided we would spend Spring Break in Florida this year, and growing up in Fort Lauderdale I've always known the importance of water safety.

As a little girl, we had a pool that my parents couldn't keep us out of, and I wanted Cashton to know that same joy! However, Cash is only 18 months old and has had no prior swim experience. Sure, last summer we did the "lazy float" just to warm up but this year I wanted to make sure Cash had the tools to truly enjoy his time in the pool. 

Cashton started in Little Otter's Swim Lessons about a month ago on an Instagram recommendation. I posted a poll on my Insta Stories and asked my local followers who they loved in the field of swim. 

Little Otters has two locations here in Charlotte. (Huntersville & Matthews) We opted to take lessons at the Matthews location as it is pretty close to our house! The pool is an indoor facility and is heated to a comfortable temperature for parents and children. It was easy to register online and far more affordable than I had anticipated; four classes for $78 a month.

The facility is great! They have a large pool for the bigger kids to take their lessons and a smaller baby pool off to the side, shielded from the hustle and bustle of the big kids so that the babies and toddlers are not distracted. 

Looking back I wish I had started Cash in these lessons sooner (they take little otters as young as 6 months) After just 2 classes he was jumping into the pool and splashing around with ease. We are still working on holding our breath and the back float but to see Cashton excited about class and eager to play fun water games gives me the reassurance that he will be a strong swimmer one day. 

Cash has already learned to find the edge of the pool and climb out on his own which is a big weight off my shoulders. We have signed up for two months of lessons which should take us to the beginning of June. I can't wait to see how much farther he will come in the next few weeks and I will be sure to keep you posted on our progress! 

If you have any questions about our experience or the facility please feel free to email me.

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Family Meeting

Okay! Family Meeting! 

You guys know I like to catch up with you all from time to time and check in on my personal life. Things have been a little crazy around here since before the holidays. As some of you know Dallas's company downsized late last year and he has been on the job hunt since October. He has had some great opportunities so far but we are still waiting for one of them to pan out. This has been especially tough on us as we adjust to our new rolls around the house. 

Dallas is taking his Mr. Mom roll like a champ and it has allowed him to spend more time with Cashton throughout the day. For me, however, it has been a little harder to swallow knowing that Dal is getting more daddy and me time. Yes, a part of it is jealousy especially because Cash is already saying "Dada" and has no use for the word "Mama".  

Being a full-time working Mom is definitely harder than I thought it was going to be if I'm being honest. Don't get me wrong I absolutely LOVE my job and wouldn't change being a working mom for the world. Working outside of our home gives me a sense of self-purpose and allows me to be creative on a daily basis and I know that will be great for Cash and I long term. However, it's just different than I imagined. 

Sometimes I feel like I am spreading myself so thin and other times I think to myself, "I've got this." It's a rollercoaster of emotions trying to balance radio life, appearances, being a mom and blogging.  Sometimes you wonder if you are doing any of it right. There is no manual, no handbook, and no cheerleaders when it comes to life, so you just gotta do you and hope someone likes your blog and your kid starts to say "Mama."

Radio wise, we have had a lot of success this year and that has been my one constant in this crazy world. I can't tell you how thankful I am for my radio family. I love going to work every day and sharing my life with our listeners. I just wish there were maybe 2 more hours in the day? 

I guess that's what I signed up for though when I wanted to be a Mom ... Everyone kept telling me " You're gonna be tired for 18 years so buckle up!" And you know what they are right! I wanted to be a Mom more than anything in this world so I will grin and bear it and try to be Super Mom until then. 

Anyway, the moral of the story is being a Mom is sometimes tough and thankless. Although my family does a great job of telling me that they are proud, everyone's story is different, so today tell the Mom in your life that you love and appreciate them for all they do. They may need to hear it just one more time.  

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Cashton's New Britax Boulevard Car Seat

As a parent, I know I'm not alone when I say safety is my number one priority when it comes to my son. Which is why I did a TON of research when Cashton was born. I wanted to make sure we were using the best from high chairs to car seats, and there is one company that not only stands out in my mind but a company I trusted in many areas.

Britax, which just happens to be local to the Charlotte area, was by far my favorite in many areas when I was putting together my registry for baby Cash. Their products are designed, tested and assembled right here in the USA. I trusted them with my B-Safe infant car seat and my B-Ready stroller system, both of which we loved.

Britax continues to receive some of the highest accolades in safety and usability, so it's no surprise when Cash was ready to graduate to a "big boy" car seat I was doing my research on them once again.

The convertible car seat we ended up going with is from their new Spark fashion collection and it boasts the ClickTight installation system and their Click and Safe Snug Harness Adjuster. These are just some of my favorite features of the seat.

The ClickTight installation system makes moving the car seat between vehicles a breeze. Just unlock the ClickTight compartment and thread the seat belt through the designated slots. Once you're done close ClickTightuntil you hear the "click" and you're finished! This, by far, has to be the easiest car seat installation I have ever seen.

The Click and Safe Snug Harness Adjuster is great for a first-time mom like myself. I feel like I always second guessed myself when it came to how tight Cash's car seat harness should be. This seat tells you! Once you have your child buckled up in the seat, you simply pull the harness adjuster at the bottom of the seat until you hear a "click". Britax has made it so easy!

Of course, Cashton continues to be rear facing, as he is five times safer that way, but now he can sit up and we can choose the angle he is most comfortable with. (another great attribute of this seat)

The final feature I love is the no-rethread harness and adjustable headrest. Cash is growing like a weed and he is tall for his age, so this feature is great for us. I mean who wants to buy a new car seat every time your child has a growth spurt.

It really does seem like Britax has thought of everything, but if you are still thinking I just want to be sure I am installing everything properly, I totally understand and so do they. That is why Britax offers a FREE car seat and installation check! Ain't no shame in the game... I did it myself! That is precious cargo you are hauling around lady!

If you are interested in their FREE safety check I have attached the schedule and appointment pages here. 

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