Friday, October 31, 2008

Soothie Pacifiers




As you may have read, my son has recently given up his pacifiers (binkies). Since he is a "big boy" now, he no longer needs them, although mommy is still convincing him of that fact. It turns out that no "prize" will ever take the place of his binkie at bedtime... I digress. I wanted to tell you about the particular pacifiers that we used because they were such an important item in our house for so long!


Soothie Pacifiers, by The First Years, was the only pacifier that Brendan would take. We tried several other brands, shapes and sizes, but the Soothies were all that he liked. The shape of the nipple seemed much more natural to me even and the feel of the soft silicone against your mouth would be so much more comfortable than some of the others with their hard plastic exteriors.


Soothies are made with hospital grade silicone, not latex, so you'll never have to worry about your baby having a reaction to the material. They are also shaped and sized especially for baby's developing mouth.


After a few months of holding my son's pacifier in his mouth becuase he just couldn't get the proper suction to hold it in himself, I was told about the Wubbanub. I know you're thinking, the Wubba what? At least that's what I was thinking when it was recommended to me! When I googled it, I found this and instantly ordered one! The extra weight of this helped us at night time and the added "bulk" of the frog gave my baby something to hold onto when he was new to the whole grasping thing and wasn't able to hold the small pacifier himself. It was a perfect fit for me and my binky dependant son!






It's been almost three years now, and we're finally binky free in the house. We both miss them, sometimes I think I miss them more than my son does... oh the peace! but he's my "big boy" and I couldn't be more proud of him!






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A Thousand Words Thursday!









Peek a boo! Wanna play with me in my fort?

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Thursday, October 30, 2008

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen types of candy that I might find in my sons trick or treat bag tomorrow:

1. Tootsie Rolls
2. Snickers
3. 3 Muskateers
4. Reese's
5. M & M's
6. Bubble Gum
7. Dots
8. Smarties
9. Twix
10. Mounds
11. Almond Joy
12. Candy Corn
13. Laffy Taffy


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Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Pumpkin Carving

Today we went to our friend's house to carve pumpkins! The boys all had a great time cleaning the seeds out of the middle... but that is about all they had the patience for. Lisa and I did all of the actual carving. Here are some pictures of our pumpkins!




















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Wordless Wednesday! Like my punkin?





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Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Gotta love Giveaways!

If you love giveaways like I do, then check this out!

Leelou

Our trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Tonight we went to our local pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect pumpkins! The boys had a riot running around looking at all of the different sized and shaped pumpkins. Keegan was getting into EVERYTHING... as usual! LOL! All in all, we had a really good time and can't wait to carve them tomorrow night! Here are some pictures:







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Monday, October 27, 2008

Bye Bye Binky...







My older son Brendan has been dependant on his binky since day 1. He had reflux issues as an infant and the binky helped soothe his tummy aches. Now, at almost 3 years old, he is still waking almost every night looking for his binky and waking the whole household in the process. I've been talking to him for a little while about how it's time for him to start thinking about packaging up his binkys and letting the mailman take them to the babies. I told him that if he was brave enough to do that, that I would take him shopping and let him pick out a prize. Yesterday he decided that he was ready and he knew exactly what prize he wanted too. I really think he had thought this through! (Well... almost) So, we get all of the binkys together and put them in the mailbox. Luckily, we have a special mailman that does pick-ups and deliveries on Sundays (wink wink)! Shortly after that, it was nap time. That didn't happen... he just laid in bed. After nap time, we had a birthday party to go to. After the party, we went shopping for his prize at our favorite store, Target! He picked out a set of flashlights and a new soccer ball. We came home and played with the new toys and everything was great! ..... until bedtime.






My poor baby just couldn't do it. He couldn't even lay down. He sat down on the edge of his bed and just cried. He was exhausted, but just couldn't lay down. Every other second, he was calling for me and in between those calls he was crying for binky. It was so sad. I've never felt more sorry for anyone. Finally, I told him to come lay on the couch with me and he was out like a light in less than a minute. I picked him up and carried him to his bed on my way to bed and about an hour later he was up crying again. Poor baby. He slept the rest of the night in my bed while I tossed and turned trying to get comfortable with a toddler wedged between me and my husband.






Tonight is the second night without binky and it's been 20 minutes, a cup of juice, and two M&M's since Brendan was put to bed. I've gone in to cover him twice (per his request) and I've answered about 16 calls of "Mama?". It has to get easier... for both of us. I hate to see him in so much pain over this and I'm just exhausted!












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Friday, October 24, 2008

What are your children's favorite books?

Do your children have a favorite book(s)? My older son, Brendan, LOVES books. He loves all kinds of books really and we have several. We have so many actually that I need to go shopping for a new bookshelf. Anyway, I thought I would share a few of our favorites!



1. If You Give A Mouse A Cookie - This is a cute story about an energetic and demanding little mouse that is sure to make your child (and you) giggle! If you enjoy that story by Laura Joffe Numeroff, check out her other silly stories like "If You Give A Pig A Pancake" or "If You Give A Moose A Muffin". We read these stories over and over in our house.








2. Goodnight Moon - Both of my sons love this bedtime story. We read this one almost every night and say goodnight to everything before bed. " Goodnight moon, goodnight room, goodnight cow jumping over the moon... "








3. Love You Forever - This book was given to me by a dear friend of mine while I was pregnant with Brendan. I read it and teared up. It is the most beautiful book about a mother's unconditional love for her son. " A mother held her new baby and very slowly rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she held him she sang: I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living, My baby you'll be. "








We're always in the market for a new great book to add to our collection. I would love to know what some of your favorites are. Please comment!








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Thursday, October 23, 2008

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things that need to be done or bought to complete my home renovations:

1. New carpet
2. Paint the living room
3. Hang pictures
4. Backsplash in kitchen
5. New tile in kitchen
6. New tile in bathroom
7. New vanity for bathroom
8. New tub for bathroom
9. Repair the walls in the bathroom (can you tell the bathroom needs some work?)
10. Paint the master bedroom
11. Paint the hallway
12. New deck on the back
13. New mailbox


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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Another Great Giveaway - Pearl Girl Tags



Lets admit, most women love certain nice things. Amongst these things are jewelry, pearls, and imspiring words and phrases. If you are one of these women, you have to check out http://www.pearlgirltags.com/. I have my eye on a few of the items there (hint hint to hubby... my birthday is Friday! LOL!). These pieces are handmade, personalized, and beautiful!


http://www.momdot.com/ is hosting a giveaway for the new Circle of Motherhood necklace. This prize is valued at $120.00! Check out her website for official entry rules.


His first pony ride!

Look at my big boy! We went to Yates Cider Mill this past weekend. Brendan say the ponies and right away wanted to go for a ride. We got in line and he watched and waited patiently and when it was his turn, he knew exactly which pony he wanted to ride.


I lifted him up and set him on the saddle. Then I heard it.. what every mom dreads hearing. "Mom, don't hold onto me!". It took everything I had not to keep my hand right there around his waist. I was so afraid that he would fall and hurt himself. But, he was determined to ride this pony all by himself, and so I let him. Ok... I held onto a tiny piece of his sweatshirt in the back. Don't tell him! LOL!


Has anyone started Christmas shopping?

I have started looking at different items that I think my boys will like for Christmas already. I suppose it's not that early, but for me shopping before December will be a BIG improvement to my normal last minute panic! For mom's of boys, have you checked out GeoTrax trains or GeoTrax Air toys? This looks like a perfect gift for my oldest son who is really into trains and tracks and putting things together. I love that there are so many different add-on pieces so that this set can grow and grow. It really seems like something my sons will play with for years to come! Here are some of the items I plan to purchase. I would love to hear from anyone who has this product!


Monday, October 20, 2008

Potty training friend!


Since my oldest son is potty training (pretty much trained now) I don't leave home without this lifesaver!


The First Years Soft Potty Seat with Handles is really a great seat for him. It stays put when placed on any toilet seat and the handles provide him with some extra stability when climbing up and sitting down. Brendan is so proud of his new accomplishment and I am extremely proud of him! We take this potty seat everywhere we go. It fits right into my diaper bag and onto any public toilet. Another plus to traveling with this is knowing that my son will never have to sit on a dirty potty seat. I HIGHLY recommend this product!


Another great giveaway! See Kai Run


Tanya at http://www.mommygoggles.com/ has started another great giveaway! For all you mommies out there who love cute shoes, you have to check this out. See Kai Run offers some really great and unique styles and their shoes look really comfortable! I'm getting ready to order my first pair for my son Keegan.


A little bit about See Kai Run, from their website www.seekairun.com

"See Kai Run was inspired by the need for comfortable shoes with flexible soles for my little Kai to wear outdoors. I wanted to create a line of shoes that was as happening as Kai - bold, hip, fun, with an urban sensibility. Something entirely different than what was offered."
If you would like to try to win a pair of these fabulous shoes, head over to Tanya's blog and complete the requirements that she has listed.
Or you can just go straight to www.seekairun.com and order a pair if you don't want to wait!
I'd love to hear from people that have had experience with this product as well.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

A Thousand Words Thursday!



This is me and my best friend Lisa. I can't even begin to tell you how much this girl means to me! She is always there to support me and offer help when needed. I couldn't imagine not having her in my life. Thanks Lisa for being there for me!




Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Our photographer is "My Photographer"


Let me tell you about my favorite local photographers. My Photographer has been my photographer for almost three years now. Ever since I took my son Brendan there for his first pictures at 3 months old, I have been a return customer. My heart just melted at the sight of those first pictures. They were truely better than I could have ever imagined them to ever turn out.





A couple of weeks ago, My Photographer called to tell me that they were offering their favorite customers a free sitting at a local park. Well, who can pass that up? So, I scheduled my two boys along with my 8 month old nephew and off to the store I went with my sister-in-law to buy the three boys new clothes for their photo-shoot! The day came around for their pictures in the park and we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day! The sun was shining and it was about 72 degrees, and even better, the leaves were changing color which meant for some really great natural backdrops.




Today, I finally got to view and order the pictures. My Photographer never lets me down! The pictures turned out stunning! If there is a location in your area, you should definitely try them out! http://www.myphotographer.net/

Pediped Giveaway!

I just entered another great giveaway! Thrifty & Chic Mom (www.thriftyandchicmom.com) is giving away 2 pairs of Pediped shoes, one from the Original line and one from the Flex line. There isn't much time left to enter though, you only have until midnight! Hurry over there and get your entry in for this great giveaway!

Pediped shoes were designed to be the "next best thing to bare feet". Pediatricians recommend that children learn to walk in their bare feet or in shoes with soft flexible soles. We know that our kids love to go bare footed, but sometimes that is just not appropriate! So, when your child is just learning to walk and still devoloping, pedipeds are GREAT!

Check out www.pediped.com to see all of the great styles that they have to offer!

Peace Love Mom Giveaway!

Rachel over at http://www.followinginmyshoes.blogspot.com/ is hosting an awesome giveaway!

From the Peace Love Mom Website:
THE LANGUAGE OF PEACELOVEMOM
We believe in motherhood.
Mothers have a unique style.
We believe that motherhood does not define us, but that we define it.
Mothers are heart and soul.
We believe that motherhood is life’s most precious work.
Mothers are rewarded with the love and respect of their children.
We believe in celebrating this meaningful and challenging job.
Mothers are lucky 24/7.
We believe in our children’s future.
Mothers are passionate about that future.
We believe that our world’s future is our children.
Mothers are insightful and wise.
We believe in the bond of motherhood.
Motherhood is uniting.
We believe in communicating that bond through messages of love and happiness.
Mothers are tried and true.
We believe that motherhood is empowering.
Motherhood is inspiring.
We believe in a true collaboration and celebration of motherhood.
Mothers are proud to be mom.
Welcome to the Celebration!
Check out this clothing line at http://www.peacelovemom.com/ and you will see that these moms know what women like. From comfort to style, they've definitely hit the mark! If you would like to win one of their items, you need to head over to Rachels blog and enter! Rachel has also posted a great discount codes for free shipping in case you don't want to wait for the contest to be over and are ready to just order your favorite item today!
My favorite tee is the Black Peace Heart Mom long sleeved tee. What's yours? Good luck!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Menu Planning Monday

So, I decided to start planning menus for the week, thus making my grocery shopping trips and evenings much easier. I've tried this before, but haven't stuck with it. So, wish me luck! Here is what I have planned this week:

Monday: Out to dinner - then to the grocery store!
Tuesday: Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes
Wednesday: Roast Beef & veggies (made in the crock pot)
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: Lasagna & Garden salad
Saturday: leftovers
Sunday: Cheeseburgers & baked potato fries

I'm always getting bored with the same meals over and over again. I've started asking friends for some suggestions and have been looking online for others. One of my favorite websites for recipes is www.kraftfoods.com. They have some great and simple recipes that use items that are already in my cupboards. Whenever I am at a loss, this website will always have something quick and easy that I can put together after I get home from work.

I would love to hear some suggestions from my readers! Please post comments with your favorite "staple" recipe.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Congratulations to Hippos Toes!



Today is the launch of a brand new childrens wear line called Hippos Toes! Carole has designed some really cute items! Check out her website at http://www.hippostoes.com/.


If you like Carole's stuff you need to head on over to http://www.thenotsoblog.blogspot.com/ for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Hippos Toes! I entered to win today! This is giveaway #9 in Bridgette's Spook-tacular Sweepstakes!