Wordless Wednesday - Adoptable

Click the photo to learn how to help this beauty!

Game: Ring Around the Rosies

Today I thought I would share with you a simple game most of you probably played when you were young. I had forgotten all about Ring Around the Rosies until our therapist introduced it to us as a therapy game with B.

B was, what am I say he still is, a very stubborn little boy. The final goal he needed to achieve before graduating from PT was to stand up in the middle of the floor without assistance. We tried everything to get him to do this but because we live in a small home he would simply crawl to the furniture and stand up using it. At one point we even tried taking him to an empty gym and playing in the middle of it but he still refused to stand up without using something for balance. Then one day his awesome therapist Ms. T. came with no tools other than this song. And guess what, it worked. It took a few times but soon enough B was so excited to be playing that he forgot all about crawling to the couch to stand up. We haven't had a problem since. It always amazes me how the simple games used with children, that we think nothing of, can be such a huge help in their development. Below are the words in case you've forgotten.

Ring around the rosies
A pocket full of posies;
Ashes, Ashes
We all fall down.

Cows are in the meadow

Eating butter cups;

Thunder, Lightning

We all stand up.

Tommee Tippee - Review

explora® truly spill proof drink cup x 2 - blue / green

• 2 x 9floz/266ml Cups
• Unique drinking spout for Kids on the Go
• Advance-flo™ technology for easy drinking
• BPA Free
• Insulated base, keeps drinks cooler for longer
• Stage 5 Cup
• BPA Free
• Truly non spill & leak proof

The Clever Bit

Unlike other valve systems our active sensor valve is designed by a physicist to be both so sensitive that liquid flows on demand, yet truly spill and leak proof

Our Thoughts:

The first thing the boys noticed about these cups was their cool Trucks and Airplanes. B wanted to use it "right now". So we washed them up and away we went. 

B caught on fairly quickly with the new cups. They are very different than the cups he is used to but it did not seem to cause any major problems for him.

C took a little longer to catch on. Let me state that C is not quite old enough for the cups (they say 24+ months) and that he is behind anyway due to his tongue tie issues. C got very frustrated at first because of course he wants to do everything Big Brother does. It took about 3 tries of using the cup, we would eventually take it away from him because he is not always nice when he is frustrated, but he did figure it out and now uses his cup like a pro. 

The biggest problem I have with the cups is that they are large. The amount they hold is not much more then the cups the boys usually use but because of the insulation it makes the cups larger for them to hold. This is not a bad thing but these cups are not the ones I keep in the diaper bag because having two of them takes up way too much room. You can see in the photos how big these cups are compared to B. 

I do however love these cups. They are very sturdy and have washed up wonderfully. It is also nice that the boys like the colors and pictures so much. 

If you are looking for a great set up cups make sure you check our Tommee Tippee HERE. I will be shopping Tommee Tippee again soon when I stock up on bottles before Baby D gets here.

***I was sent only the item(s) pictured above.
All opinions are my own and were 
not affected by receiving these products. Thanks!

Sunday Project: Spring Cleaning

As I'm working on getting my family ready to move I am trying to get the spring cleaning done at the same time. I found some tips for cleaning up the clutter over at SCJohnson. Trisha tells you the 5 things to remember are 

1. delete
2. deliver
3. dollar makers
4. donate
5. dispose

I loved here article so as you get ready for your Spring Cleaning make sure you check out her great ideas HERE.

nutella Party

This week we were able to share nutella with some of our friends.

I was one of the lucky mommy bloggers selected to be a host of MommyParties sponsored by Nutella® hazelnut spread. 

I have loved nutella for a long time. Thanks to my high school French teacher it is one of my favorite treats. In fact, during the first part of my pregnancy with D it was about all I could handle for breakfast. B & C also love "chocolate peanut butter" as they call it. 

We had a great time sharing one of our favorite treats with our friends. There are so many ways to enjoy nutella. Some of our favorites include:

• on bread/toast for breakfast.
• heated just a little and then dipping fresh fruit in it.
• Spread over warm sugar cookies.

Thank you MommyParties for letting us help share such a great product. Make sure you visit Nutella® hazelnut spread today and get a coupon to try Nutella today.

Winner...Birds & Bees & Kids

And the winner is

Congrats Yaya's Mommy!

Winner has been contacted and will be given 48 hours to respond.

Date Night: Dinner

So I know this week is going to be crazy. E has a huge report due on Tuesday so this week's date night is going to be simple and sweet. Here's one of our favorite meals. I love that I can put it in the Crockpot and we can eat when we're ready, probably once the kids are in bed. 

A. 

"COMPLETE MEAL" POT ROAST (CROCKPOT)

3 to 4 lb. beef roast (any cut), raw

3 thinly sliced potatoes

1 sm. chopped onion

2 thinly sliced carrots

1 stalk thinly sliced celery

1 can Campbells French Onion soup, undiluted

Salt and pepper

Layer vegetables in bottom of crock pot (Be sure they are all sliced thinly). Place roast on top of vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Pour can of soup over all. Cook on low 8 to 10 hours.

Wordless Wednesday - B's Boots

Tips & Tricks: NICU

For my Child Development class this semester we had to find information on a topic of our choice. As I look toward having Baby D I am concerned about spending time in NICU. Last time I did not handle it very well at all, mostly because I was not prepared. So, here are some tips I want to share with all of you. I hope none of you ever need to use them! At the bottom are some tips for those of you who have friends with children in NICU. I hope these are helpful!

A.

P.S. If you do know someone who has a baby in NICU or you have a baby in NICU make sure you check our our preemie blankets. They are sized to fit in your baby's NICU crib and I will personalize them with your baby's name if you ask. New colors are now in stock or if I don't have what you want I can get it, these blankets are priority and I try to ship them within 2 days.

Tips for Surviving NICU

• When your baby is in NICU:
  • Take pictures and video for family who can not visit.
  • Get to know the NICU staff.
    • The same nurses are usually assigned to your baby so get to know them. They are willing and wanting to help you in any way they can.
    • Talk to the Doctors. They are there to answer your questions.
  • Ask questions! The more you know about the care of your baby now the better prepared you will be to take them home.
  • Visit at least once a day.
    • Even when you are feeling at your worst it will help not hinder.
    • Try to create privacy for you and your baby.
    • Do as much for your baby during visits as you can.
    • Try to schedule your visits during feeding and bathing time if possible.
    • Hold your baby whenever possible. It is good for both of you.
  • Take care of yourself.
    • Act as if you have a new baby at home and let those around you provide meals, support and babysitters.
    • Watch for signs of PPD as it is more common in NICU moms.
    • Make sure you eat so you can care for your baby.
    • Find a support group if possible. Even if it is just one other NICU mom they can provide the most help and support because they really understand.
  • Celebrate when your baby comes home!
• If someone you know has a baby in NICU:
  • Do not compare their needs to a full term baby.
    • And do not compare experiences with other hospitalizations.
  • Do not judge the parents reactions.
  • Do not say call me. Find something to help with and do it.
    • Help right then if parents ask, that means they needed it a long time ago.
  • Do not initiate conversations about the what ifs.
    • Do not ask when the baby is coming home.
  • Support NICU moms who are pumping for their babies. This is much harder to maintain then actual breastfeeding.
  • Babysit older children free of charge so mom can visit her baby or nap.
  • Listen carefully when hearing about the babys progress so you can refer back in future conversations.
  • Offer encouragement.
  • Offer a hug.
  • Be aware of older siblings feelings. Know that they are suffering too.

Snuggy Baby Coupon Code - Last Day!

If you are a new mom or have a little one who loves to play mom then Snuggy Baby is the site for you.

About Snuggy Baby:

I am a work at home mom with a beautiful snuggy baby and one amazing preschooler.  When my first daughter was born, I could not find any place to buy a sling, so I learned how to make them.  I received so many comments and compliments about my slings that I decided that every mom needed to be able to get a sling. So I started Snuggy Baby to make it easier for moms to find beautiful, comfortable slings that they would love.

It didn't happen overnight, in fact, I changed the design of my Ring Sling many times before I came across the perfect balance of fashion and comfort.  This summer, I wore my 20 pound Snuggy Baby for 6 hours straight every week standing on concrete at a local outdoor market.  I still carry my 3 year old around in a sling.  No way I could do this without an extremely comfortable sling.  I built the perfect Ring Sling for myself, and I would love to share it with you.

What started as an idea to offer 6 different patterns of ring slings has grown into a large handmade business with several product lines.  Take a look around.  I hope that you find something that you love.

Snuggy Baby's Products:

Snuggy Baby carries Baby Wraps, Baby Slings, Child Doll Slings, and Wet Bags in many neat colors and designs. 

Disount Code:

Today is the last day to visit Snuggy Baby and use coupon code Kerrificonline for 10% off your entire order.

They have some adorable new products so make sure you check them out!

Pocket Dots: Review

Pocket Dots are a perfect compliment to your BellaBand, BeBand, Tummy Tube, Tummy Sleeve, Swelly Belly, or other belly band.

1.  Open one side of the clip by lifting the colored disc.
2.  Position the clip on your maternity band and push the disc back down to close.
3.  Open the other side of the clip and attach to the outer edge of your back  pocket.
4.  Repeat to attach the second clip to your other back pocket.

note: If there are flaps on your back pockets, tuck them in before attaching the clips.

My thoughts:

Pocket dots are a great idea. I did find however I liked using them on the front of my shirt rather than the back. One of the reasons was that every time I had to go to the restroom, which is all to frequently these days, I had to undo them if I used them in the back. Using them on the front of my shirt was awesome! My biggest problem is that every time I pick up B or C my shirt comes up too. That is a problem no more. I still don't usually wear them around the house but when we go out it's nice to know that I will stay covered and just not worry about it.

If you want to learn more about Pocket Dots head over to visit them at their website, on their blog, on Facebook, or on twitter.

If you want to see more great products for mom & baby make sure you check out our Ready 4 Baby D giveaway event happening May 2011. You will find daily reviews, giveaways & tips just for baby.

Purex Complete with Zout

What is it?

Purex Complete with Zout combines proven performance of Purex detergent with the triple-enzyme stain-fighting power of Zout stain remover.

You can try it by going HERE and requesting your free sample.

I am a Purex Insider. While I do receive complimentary sample products from the Purex® brand, my opinions are my own.

Sunday Project: St. Patrick's Day Food

There is no better way to celebrate a holiday then with good food. Check out these great ideas to help celebrate your St. Patrick's Day.

Cute Food For Kids posted these adorable Pizzas.

Or you can try the more traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage found at Mixed Greens.

For dessert how about these adorable Carmel Rice Krispy Treats from over at Wants and Wishes.

Do you have a favorite St. Patrick's Day recipe you'd like to share? Let us know. 

Chalkboard Tee - Winner

And the winner is...

Congrats Hannah!

Winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond.

Don't forget about the great discount going on. 

Get $9 off your Chalkboard Tee with code class83401

Free Gift from Edenfantasys *Adult*

Do you like Edenfantasys? If you don't now is the time to do so. Edenfantasys is currently offering a FREE gift to all their Facebook fans.

Once you are a fan all you need to do is click HERE and add the High Intensity Bullet to your cart. Then when you go to check out click the "check my discount"  button.

Don't stop there however. Edenfantasys is also offering a FREE gift with any purchase. Make sure before you check out that you click the "Free Gift with Any Order" button at the top of their page and add the FREE gift to your cart. 

Right now the FREE gift is this Shiny G.

That means you get the High Intensity Bullet (value $14.99) and the Shiny G (value $14.59) for FREE. 

You pay shipping ($5.95).

Or, add to your cart and stock up on gifts for this wedding season and get FREE shipping with orders over $59. 

Date Night: St. Patrick's Date

Today I want to send you to Love, Actually for a great St. Patrick's Date idea. Cher always has great ideas and has one of my favorite dating on a budget blogs. So, if you're looking for a great date night for this Hallmark holiday make sure you check out this idea HERE. 

Wordless Wednesday - Man's Best Friend

Discount Code & Shop for a Cause

Belli Skincare just sent me a coupon code to add to my review. To make sure you all get to see it I'm posting it here.

Use Code "VIPMOM" to get 15% off any purchase at any time.

Also know that when you shop Belli Skincare through March 21st a portion of the proceeds will go to the March of Dimes: March for Babies. When you spend $100, you can pick one of three complimentary Belli Duo sets (up to $38.50 value) as a token of their thanks for supporting the March of Dimes.

Toddler Tuesday: Shaker Bottles

I have decided that since this blog is about our life with our kids that one day a week should be dedicated to toddlers. I will try to post a mix of projects, crafts, tips, games, and reviews that you can use with your toddler or infant. Please let me know if you have any suggestions or would like to contribute!

This week the boys and I are going to try this awesome project from Quirky Momma.

I love the bright colors and awesome bottles she found for these Shaker Bottles. I know that B will love finding the objects we put in them and that C will love the bright colors. 

If you're looking for a great but easy project to try with your child this week head over to Quirky Momma and check these out HERE.

Belli: Safest Skincare for Expecting & New Moms and Babies - Review

Giving birth to your baby is so much more than a physical act. It's a life-altering experience, full of emotion, beauty and meaning. For expectant and new mothers, it's also a time of uncertainty, with a changing body, unique skin care issues, a new baby to care for, and heightened safety concerns.

At Belli, we support expectant and new mothers through this changing time by providing soothing, balanced skin products that pamper and protect. Our collections - Belli Pregnancy, Belli Motherhood and Belli Baby – address the specific needs of each stage, with thoughtful attention to the safest formulations.

Belli Pregnancy has set a higher standard for prenatal safety, as the only skin care line in the world that is teratology screened. We search through over 16 million medical research articles in over 5000 international journals, and use this information to exclude ingredients with even remote links to birth defects or other problems with pregnancy.  Belli Motherhood is LactMed screened to avoid ingredients linked to harmful effects during breastfeeding.  Belli Baby is screened for xenoestrogens—chemicals which can act like hormones that interfere with normal development of the reproductive system.  So no matter which Belli products you use, you can have peace of mind erring on the side of caution.

At Belli, our love of pregnancy and motherhood guides everything we do. Our goal is to support and encourage new mothers, inspiring self-confidence and greater safety in both pregnancy and parenting. 

My Thoughts:

I've been using Belli's facial wash for about a week and have throughly enjoyed the results. The cleanser itself is almost sweet smelling and has done a great job of cleaning my face. My skin is by no means perfect but I feel so much better than I did when using my prior cleanser. It is also very nice to know that what I am using to clean my face is not affecting my unborn child. If you have troublesome skin or have a child with skin problems I would highly recommend trying this product!

If you are interested in learning about more great products for mom and baby make sure you visit during our Ready 4 Baby D event taking place in May 2011. We will have reviews and giveaways daily with products and ideas to prepare you for your new baby.