tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11509624386498081852024-03-12T19:31:51.107-07:00Coffee Mugsand Sippy Cups<br>
A blog written by a mommy with a love for all things children, fashion, crafting, and home decor. Discussing issues on parenting,<br> home decor ideas, diying, and the overall craziness of being a mommy.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-81676781512568409032013-10-15T07:43:00.002-07:002013-10-15T07:43:28.306-07:00Baby Girl is Here, So It Is Time for Some ShoppingBaby K arrived August 6th and has been a joy ever since. That is if you consider the screams that only a child with reflux could produce. I never understood the dire need for bibs until my third child came around. She is as adorable as I could have imagined any child of mine to be and I am so happy to have a little girl to spoil with the cutest clothes money can buy (or most cute of the time can't buy).<br />
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Her brothers are keen to spoil her along with me and can't get enough of all the added accessories that come with a baby girl. Headbands--each has tried on numerous ones while being given the shake of the finger by mom and dad alike.<br />
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Well, with a baby comes the lack of time to get anything done...along with being a stay at home mom and freelance editor--nothing goes by the wayside. That is what I get for trying to start back up my blog right before having a tiny, new little bundle.<br />
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Well, I do have time for one thing...to bring you the cutest fashions for this winter. <br />
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How adorable is this little reversible swing dress by Right Bank Babies. You can find it on <a href="http://www.zulily.com/invite/coffeeandsippy" target="_blank">Zulily</a>.<br />
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And you have probably heard that Crew Cuts is now selling baby clothing! A little expensive, but adorable.<br />
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<br />My one splurge for the season, these adorable sleepers from Hanna Andersson.</div>
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They can double as not only a sleeper but going out gear...because hey, they are way too adorable.</div>
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<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-26743949728695648142013-06-14T10:53:00.001-07:002013-06-14T10:56:13.077-07:00Summer Kid's StyleThis is always one of my favorite kinds of posts, especially now that I know I am expecting a little girl in the next few weeks. I always loved all the little boy's clothes, but I am obsessed with baby girl clothes! There are just so many options to choose from. You can go the cute and pretty little princess route, the sophisticate toddler route, or even dab into some shabby chic style so popular these days!<br />
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Here is a bunch of options I have scoured around to find for both the boys and girls as my inspiration.<br />
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I have been super into vintage style baby clothes and I fell in love when I saw this one from ZoesBoutique2013 on Etsy<br />
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or how about this sun hat by SewCuteQuilts<br />
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As always, I could always enjoy some cute Mini Boden attire:<br />
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Who could forget Gap. The styles this summer are so bright and retro. Loving all of them.<br />
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Can't forget the boys!<br />
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I always love the Crew Cuts Tees. They are so creative. This little Jedi one is adorable. <br />
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Are stripes ever not in? This ones from Mini Boden<br />
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Here are some summer classics from Gap. Brights are great, even for the lads.<br />
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<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-45731445787651580962013-06-03T11:26:00.000-07:002013-06-03T11:31:38.272-07:00Summer Time Kids Activities: Baked Cotton BallsWe all know how long the days can be when all the children are home -- for the whole summer. We all know it can be great fun filled with tons of beach and park days, ice pops, pools, and tired boys and girls at the end of the day; but we could also use a little advice. What else do we do with them?<br />
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I have two boys four and two. So, for the most part I am home with them everyday, all day. My older one is in school two mornings a week which does switch things up a little. Last summer was our first summer in our new house, but also our first summer away from our old beach house. We had some adjusting to do. We did manage to keep our days busy with the help of some of these summer crafts and activities. I hope to update these activities regularly, I sure will be needing some new ones myself!<br />
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Here was one of my favorites:<br />
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Baked Cotton Balls<br />
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This was so simple and fun. <br />
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All you need are cotton balls, 1 cup of water, 1 cup of flour, and food coloring<br />
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1. Mix the flour and water.<br />
2. Pour the mixture into separate bowls. I used muffin tins and it worked well.<br />
3. Make the individual bowls different colors.<br />
4. Let the kids dunk the cotton balls in the colors and make a "cake" once all dipped. Put them on a greased surface in any shape or design you want. You can do letters, make a car pattern.<br />
5. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour.<br />
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You want to make sure the balls are dipped very well, don't leave any white spots! You want them nice and moist! Afterwards you can even let your kids go to town with a hammer, or just sit back and admire.<br />
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<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-21288429334440601452013-02-12T10:55:00.001-08:002013-02-12T10:55:40.573-08:00My Funny Valentine: A Tribute to Preschool ValentinesSince the introduction of Pinterest a few years back moms everywhere have felt inspired in all areas of life. One of these areas is school valentines. Unfortunately, my child started preschool right at the start of this, last year. I couldn't let him go to his preschool Valentine's Day Party without a cute and clever Valentine. I was able to find the cutest and simplest valentine card. <br />
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All that it required was cutting a sponge into the shape of a heart, dabbing it in some paint, and voila! It was easy and fun for my son. <br />
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I would love to get a little more creative this time around, but I do like the simplicity of last year's card. I may just do it again.<br />
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Here are some super cute ideas that I was able to track down on Pinterest. What will you be doing for your child's class?<br />
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Heart Crayons<br />
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"I'm glad we are in the same school."<br />
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"Owl always love you!"Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-42820234777892500072013-02-12T10:11:00.000-08:002013-02-12T10:11:35.261-08:00A New BeginningI've been here before. Determined to continue on a new journey with this blog. Feeling energized as ever and ready to take on the blogosphere. Well, here it goes again. I remember a time when I just had one child. I was convinced that I knew everything there was to know about babies. So, I started a blog. Why not share my ever growing knowledge with the rest of the world. Or at least those who were willing to listen? <br />
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That was until child number two made his appearance. I couldn't keep up with the real world anymore, and everything I thought I knew about babies went out the window with that one. I don't think I got more than four hours of sleep at a time with the second one. It took it's toll and things I loved like sharing on this blog fell behind.<br />
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I wish I had stuck with it. It took a little nudging from my husband to remind me to find something for myself. Here I am, 4 months into my THIRD pregnancy finding myself without a passion. Sure, my kids are my passion. I love reading. But there needs to be more. I want somewhere to go that is my own. Something to do while the kids are napping to save a little piece of me. Hence, why I come back to this blog.<br />
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It has been about four years since I started it. I have learned a lot and grown even more as a person and a parent. I hope I can make this new journey and continue with more than before. I could always use some advice, though. Are blogs better when they keep on tune with only one aspect of life, say for instance, children. Or is it okay to talk about everything of interest? I sure do love interior design and fashion just as much as I love Kids. So, what do you all think?<br />
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<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-78414851342848989632012-04-11T10:21:00.000-07:002012-04-11T10:21:05.055-07:00Holidays and Birthdays GaloreAhh, being a mom of two young ones. Nothing is the same these days. I used to tackle spring cleaning in one week. After the first born it turned into one month. It's going a little longer these days. This is the first year that I don't exactly have a plan in place. I do what I can when I can. So far I have organized a few cabinets, dusted a few baseboards, and even cleaned the bathroom! Spring cleaning has been put on hold this past week, though. It was finally time to decorate some Easter eggs this past weekend. We also celebrated my husband's grandmother's 83rd birthday. This of course led to some Pinterest love where I finally got to use some of the children's crafts projects!<br />
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Here is the cutest art project to keep some amazing memories of your little one's hands and feet. Who would ever want to forget how tiny they once were? Of course, my three year old's feet are beginning to look like grown man's feet and I think we may need to stop this soon!<br />
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And who could resist, I had to post some pictures of the little ones on Easter! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHK6QL1i1lR2HK4evzGQDhBntQ-b7CRjGNsH2aHTcyyNsDfbVrDqbA1KFKBslWAc8BBAVmUppjvMnrnfVWTXVsvNMovbJEDJHk7H5Te6_Poar8yqBHvSDMWznRxkp5yCJl21XvWZi8yEI/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHK6QL1i1lR2HK4evzGQDhBntQ-b7CRjGNsH2aHTcyyNsDfbVrDqbA1KFKBslWAc8BBAVmUppjvMnrnfVWTXVsvNMovbJEDJHk7H5Te6_Poar8yqBHvSDMWznRxkp5yCJl21XvWZi8yEI/s320/053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-86825509999979704402012-04-02T19:50:00.000-07:002012-04-02T19:50:13.909-07:00My Journey With Photo EditingAbout a year ago I found a great photo editing site named Picnik. Many of you have heard of it and surely fell in love with it as well. Unfortunately, Picnik is closing it's doors. The creator is going to be putting his time working more with Google Plus and Picassa. I am sure I will fall equally in love with Picassa...but I sure will miss the ease of Picnik. I am especially getting spoiled now with having FREE access to all premium features. Be sure to check Picnik out. It is closing on April 19th...but until then you will have free access to all premium features. Needless to say I have had a blast the past few days editing some of my favorite pictures. Here are just a few.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQUBI7wKt8faVrzEk3IUyDKF0xmr8CgeEE1IU3-VKJAopkIN2VV8sMKGBP43FYjWzVNgUPGLk_dcwJPAEV4iWuyx9x3Cr5kHYVXCsz9EsHoSBzzs8RTFRpa966656KcYXC_a8hZ9Xsuio/s1600/babyblues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQUBI7wKt8faVrzEk3IUyDKF0xmr8CgeEE1IU3-VKJAopkIN2VV8sMKGBP43FYjWzVNgUPGLk_dcwJPAEV4iWuyx9x3Cr5kHYVXCsz9EsHoSBzzs8RTFRpa966656KcYXC_a8hZ9Xsuio/s320/babyblues.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Photography is one of my passions, and being able to take two things I already love (photography and my kids) and mix them together...nothing is better!Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-43916788388236508962012-04-01T12:16:00.000-07:002012-04-01T12:16:37.804-07:00My New Fascination: H & M KidsI don't know what it was that kept me away from checking out this store recently. Before they got a kids section I was a little hesitant of their women's clothing because sometimes to me, cheap prices = cheap clothes. I have to say though I have been presently surprised. I have still steered away from the women's clothing because I feel the clothes are a little too snug fitting...but this does inspire me to get more toned. The kid's clothes....too die for. You can't beat the prices and some of the designs are so original. So although N hasn't outgrown his summer clothes from last year, L could use a few outfits that aren't hand me downs. So, out shopping I went. Here are some of the finds on my trip.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmjZA7wZP8TPKP5fKmyu5IafcucMhUaEfPewv-HdJ3y4EkmYAd89DLKeCYZge41AjTOjQ-21il0msqpp2h2zbZMmlS2-5Q68lKs95CYfvtYFaiEc1tRQ4AZinU4jJL1VGRWOXmK4WX1oW/s1600/Herecomestrouble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmjZA7wZP8TPKP5fKmyu5IafcucMhUaEfPewv-HdJ3y4EkmYAd89DLKeCYZge41AjTOjQ-21il0msqpp2h2zbZMmlS2-5Q68lKs95CYfvtYFaiEc1tRQ4AZinU4jJL1VGRWOXmK4WX1oW/s320/Herecomestrouble.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrkOnK48SyFx8KOyVJOICB3dV5NtLD9sePm1QvNC0SSw1RUt8gtDLknrjxBGINHE6opMaYOUhZW6qLDEs5JPLHAVLffVLbVNCDh1lDkhM11KqQ_W2tMadQTZakCxbg2B_46vrPpVxVjI8/s1600/mini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrkOnK48SyFx8KOyVJOICB3dV5NtLD9sePm1QvNC0SSw1RUt8gtDLknrjxBGINHE6opMaYOUhZW6qLDEs5JPLHAVLffVLbVNCDh1lDkhM11KqQ_W2tMadQTZakCxbg2B_46vrPpVxVjI8/s320/mini.jpg" width="273" /></a></div> This top reminds me of a top I saw at Mini Boden for 24.99. This one here, 6.95!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqcLGZ_W56F76MPs2_-i_uKC3Oq7pCIkHqQLLbgwF-lyakliFb9YlZTVGeeXx1krO3Glfxct2Yr2ACvdoqVJPNq69_i1_jT108pg5DtbNMtgjRQcmyfxnvLQMKuiF1jEhnYYXWPqED_T4/s1600/shorts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqcLGZ_W56F76MPs2_-i_uKC3Oq7pCIkHqQLLbgwF-lyakliFb9YlZTVGeeXx1krO3Glfxct2Yr2ACvdoqVJPNq69_i1_jT108pg5DtbNMtgjRQcmyfxnvLQMKuiF1jEhnYYXWPqED_T4/s320/shorts.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-48683066747094566602012-03-03T18:09:00.002-08:002012-03-03T18:11:34.326-08:00Spring In the AirWhere did the winter go? I remember late October coming and thinking I sure don't want winter. We had the most amazing summer and the thought of snow, and staying indoors just wasn't sitting well with me. To be honest, I can't tell you where the winter went...and I am sure happy about that. I walked outside today, our daffodils are blooming, it was moist and beautiful out...and it is time for spring! My favorite part about spring is the new flowers blooming, the crisp smell of the air, getting outside more, and of course getting ready to clothes shop for the boys! I am so excited. Stay tuned int he next few weeks for any sales that I can track down. I don't like to buy anything for the boys that is not on sale. There are always such great sales, why not wait for the perfect chance?? Here are some of the cutest things that i plan on picking up for the boys:<br />
Children's Place: They are having a 25 percent off sale now...These shorts you can snatch up for about 9 dollars. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGdWzXBz9FN-E2Ue779ICMqWaAlYKAuVCEyzXtUrYdyLbXySjYj_Hv5XLtMzlOYFxIDOO1Sd5v2PCxF2wEdWfLjroBWukMw4q0MC-BU120ezBMZKKqtks7JJSUFXbEIVsEqGLVWmubBO6/s1600/chino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGdWzXBz9FN-E2Ue779ICMqWaAlYKAuVCEyzXtUrYdyLbXySjYj_Hv5XLtMzlOYFxIDOO1Sd5v2PCxF2wEdWfLjroBWukMw4q0MC-BU120ezBMZKKqtks7JJSUFXbEIVsEqGLVWmubBO6/s1600/chino.jpg" /></a></div> Gap<br />
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JCrew<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsltobfxGvYDMxYsLEkiii7BJc2nPnR4N31XKOrCqE8BfuhCyQz_-roer7-oL2RCdL7GZahlY8VGgyEIsnjUJC1H41zKsDzoCmfJ9UTJzXnHovmj2RPxeHKW32TQXwFzz00IZZuonu3_56/s1600/heartbreaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsltobfxGvYDMxYsLEkiii7BJc2nPnR4N31XKOrCqE8BfuhCyQz_-roer7-oL2RCdL7GZahlY8VGgyEIsnjUJC1H41zKsDzoCmfJ9UTJzXnHovmj2RPxeHKW32TQXwFzz00IZZuonu3_56/s1600/heartbreaker.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-O5V8WwuX1D2qfK3cB8sbqmw_IFuNHefok2UOI_e-HbHu0Zp1zsKCcAbeS8mC21f2avuCSWv05hjleWfRoFlAsk8AInHiO_DG4sc2pTvMzovpWjEpNgJb4icJvTRGAFJ5VDzw54Je8th/s1600/firstmatey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-O5V8WwuX1D2qfK3cB8sbqmw_IFuNHefok2UOI_e-HbHu0Zp1zsKCcAbeS8mC21f2avuCSWv05hjleWfRoFlAsk8AInHiO_DG4sc2pTvMzovpWjEpNgJb4icJvTRGAFJ5VDzw54Je8th/s1600/firstmatey.jpg" /></a></div>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-18877410270911815562012-02-23T12:10:00.000-08:002012-02-23T12:10:59.212-08:00Requirements to be a Stay at Home Mom: Fitness RequiredWhen I first started this blog when my oldest was about a year old I don't think I quite understod how much coffee would play a part in my life. I mean, I sort of knew. Thus, why I picked the title for this blog. Bud did I really know? Not really. Not until I had my second...and actually not until my second started walking. Sure, the job got a little easier, I no longer had to lug my child around like a sack of potatoes (oh wait, is this really true because I'm pretty sure L doesn't like being put down). Really, though, it got way more physical. From putting one up in the high chair, chasing the other one to get him in the kitchen to eat, running up and down the stairs when the little guy wakes up from his nap way too early. Man, it's exhausting. I honestly believe unless I was a physical trainer or something along those lines...no one requires more physical fitness then a mom to two young children.<br />
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I sat down to write this after one of the most exhausting weeks. It feels like Friday but it is still only Thursday. I finally got N down for his nap for the first time this week, right after getting L down. I decided that I really needed a nap myself. Of course, this ended up feeling a little bit more like the torture treatment I saw on an episode of Homeland. Everytime I dozed...I was awoken by a screaming baby. I eventually gave up, and here I am. I finally realized that the poor little guy is getting a molar, but still! Come on little one...don't you know momma needs a break too!<br />
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So now onto search other blogs on quiet time activities for N because at a little over 3 I think he is outgrowing his nap...it's been great.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-41458372242837407302012-02-21T12:16:00.000-08:002012-02-21T12:16:10.798-08:00At Home Classroom: Winter WonderlandWhen N was little, before I had L, N and I used to do every kind of activity imaginable. The first year of L's life though wiped me clean. I finally feel like a human. N is in his first year of preschool so I didn't feel so horrible laying off the learning activities but lately since L has become more manageable I've made it a goal to start doing more lessons at home. I am a big follower of the play to learn approach. Even Nick's preschool is play based. At this age I feel that is the best way to approach learning. The near mention of teaching something to N scares him off...so I have to disquise it. I can see I am going to struggle with him in school! <br />
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This week we are working with a theme. I figured I should start with this before it is too late! Our poor daffodils have already been fooled into thinking it's spring! Our focus is on the letter W and the number 2.<br />
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Our first big activity for the week was our winter sensory table. I used cotton balls and twigs...I sprinkled some cinnamon and ginger in there to make it smell nice and kind of bring in more of the senses. The kids, especially the little guy, are having a blast. We also went went on to making a snowman out of cotton balls, singing some snow flake songs, and today, tracing the letter W and the number 2.<br />
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We have a chalkboard wall in our kitchen where I wrote the letter and the number and I have N trace it using a wet paint brush. He enjoys watching the paint turn to water...and then disappear. <br />
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In the end, my play based approach is paying off! Nick was able to spot the letter W in the alphabet today! He calls it the triangle letter! It's a start!<br />
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Here are some pictures.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxj1epRLLZV0vb4DlSv5aQqpzzPOtwao9RLfK3LAExy0msrZsupMTsxdLY28P4OG1XOw-31DYJNrfxfnLRvxoe6M7KBNW1hz_YIdtC0PsCo8EB6ZHGYXnlEAYr7-YJqQsbUoX8H5KpiUp/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxj1epRLLZV0vb4DlSv5aQqpzzPOtwao9RLfK3LAExy0msrZsupMTsxdLY28P4OG1XOw-31DYJNrfxfnLRvxoe6M7KBNW1hz_YIdtC0PsCo8EB6ZHGYXnlEAYr7-YJqQsbUoX8H5KpiUp/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORCiIZ5lkeUppf8nCTrHMc_ja7wwko5xdGTOh4vQqtPksTNFx9t7CEDm35h0Rrcf14Jeopkf_2HCU8C6Duv9FuWJimw1lOiuQUk3wRGIfHig9GjyrywE3b5RfNFOV94lwLfOt6jw_MeqZ/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORCiIZ5lkeUppf8nCTrHMc_ja7wwko5xdGTOh4vQqtPksTNFx9t7CEDm35h0Rrcf14Jeopkf_2HCU8C6Duv9FuWJimw1lOiuQUk3wRGIfHig9GjyrywE3b5RfNFOV94lwLfOt6jw_MeqZ/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I've also included an idea I got from Pinterest. We made a roadway/town(with a land for dinosaurs) on craft paper. It was a big hit!Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-45394909419820548452012-02-19T07:39:00.000-08:002012-02-19T07:39:03.347-08:00Planning a PlayroomYou don't actually need space in order to plan a playroom, right? Unfortunately I don't foresee a playroom in our near future. I've asked my husband if we could maybe move our dining room set into the basement and replace the dining room with a play room...but that didn't go over so well.<br />
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It's okay to dream though. Here are some amazing ideas I have found around the web. I hope to incorporate a few of these ideas when I eventually get my kids their playroom!<br />
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These three I found over at Apartment Therapy. I especially love the firestation/kitchen under the stairs! So creative! There is also nothing wrong with making an office into a playroom/office. Nothing better than being able to have your little ones playing while you are getting to work...or playing yourself! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVJ-1fcZqCir9jUGS6w6zMwLqUhqPEWylCXJVm21cMSRKtJIInyQbhSvmU7s-9-ggCu85fCw9bFYumkKMimq2i5B4Kg-bmVdV-IJ4iiFGJspZeNY6V4vzBnfAlumCk74IMIOfqweCbl5A/s1600/bedroomandplayroomallinone.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVJ-1fcZqCir9jUGS6w6zMwLqUhqPEWylCXJVm21cMSRKtJIInyQbhSvmU7s-9-ggCu85fCw9bFYumkKMimq2i5B4Kg-bmVdV-IJ4iiFGJspZeNY6V4vzBnfAlumCk74IMIOfqweCbl5A/s320/bedroomandplayroomallinone.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwFm46qkH1d5fMIlB30Rdi6nhsV9KQ_TGFW1LY4yu8cRPdMFwoOmt1B66WeJtSDO_Eum-0FkyRlhuaWZfNt6Ka14-bYyyVE-XWNAxwERO50VerZv7HDoZ8-7NGP4PJ4prfYF8PE-EKh7u/s1600/firestation+and+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwFm46qkH1d5fMIlB30Rdi6nhsV9KQ_TGFW1LY4yu8cRPdMFwoOmt1B66WeJtSDO_Eum-0FkyRlhuaWZfNt6Ka14-bYyyVE-XWNAxwERO50VerZv7HDoZ8-7NGP4PJ4prfYF8PE-EKh7u/s320/firestation+and+kitchen.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAgEhAR2vQcQIKYuuFCJjMa2_2o_FPyTrFQEC5gG1QDwO5eWqvP1zrFEl5m8wlLxDkRr4GVqQdHbto1EpYi6bFxWf6Oagf06J2RjCk9a3i5pAYJJ3r8Bo-jIhB5A3HLgai1X1bLEouTQP/s1600/sharedspace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAgEhAR2vQcQIKYuuFCJjMa2_2o_FPyTrFQEC5gG1QDwO5eWqvP1zrFEl5m8wlLxDkRr4GVqQdHbto1EpYi6bFxWf6Oagf06J2RjCk9a3i5pAYJJ3r8Bo-jIhB5A3HLgai1X1bLEouTQP/s320/sharedspace.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>This amazing pirate playroom is from Luxury Property. I don't think I will ever be having something like this...but again, it's okay to dream<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCctvrKGzhXFmzgtIL1KEJxX8V-CL5nKLvQr3q1K7zTD5DRsCgI3dmR-Wth24ptGyeSboZ2cjC2tRM2eL111xXNq_fcs6NxsVJiEOYDBnLwJolinFW0EcHwHYlTjnXAcRc7pRQjmqab1j/s1600/pirateplayroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCctvrKGzhXFmzgtIL1KEJxX8V-CL5nKLvQr3q1K7zTD5DRsCgI3dmR-Wth24ptGyeSboZ2cjC2tRM2eL111xXNq_fcs6NxsVJiEOYDBnLwJolinFW0EcHwHYlTjnXAcRc7pRQjmqab1j/s320/pirateplayroom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTCgQQ11VdNO0CK2srHUxL3Tv7IYj6cxeYw7LUJdBKimv-7-RSO416DQMNn6Hgiw0rlhlzRWmC80hcC2CajpNbPyqH_-O8YWtfrOrqykTx9uwhgEalbGANqT6zu9St5r4YVmCvCHn7FLq/s1600/playroom+elle+decor_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTCgQQ11VdNO0CK2srHUxL3Tv7IYj6cxeYw7LUJdBKimv-7-RSO416DQMNn6Hgiw0rlhlzRWmC80hcC2CajpNbPyqH_-O8YWtfrOrqykTx9uwhgEalbGANqT6zu9St5r4YVmCvCHn7FLq/s320/playroom+elle+decor_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>This playroom from Elle Decor is just simply amazing. I love the big ceilings, and the art on the wall.<br />
And finally, via OhDeedoh...my kids would LOVE slide like this in their playroom...it would provide endless hours of play!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv53Jb_CUhozejFVWqR_Mz8o8DEwknTWw-Mfj7ijEK9y0l9ID0ERKHisbxVizD6n5zdgL1jKJbt4xZv9HwZcKQ7O86R23futtuCwGIBx2_KyayBjtAC5yUcK-jNcb5B3oWTAH9_0tK5IoI/s1600/ohdeedoh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv53Jb_CUhozejFVWqR_Mz8o8DEwknTWw-Mfj7ijEK9y0l9ID0ERKHisbxVizD6n5zdgL1jKJbt4xZv9HwZcKQ7O86R23futtuCwGIBx2_KyayBjtAC5yUcK-jNcb5B3oWTAH9_0tK5IoI/s320/ohdeedoh.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-79172532729751940442012-02-17T12:42:00.000-08:002012-02-17T12:42:58.433-08:00Visions of Stripes in My HeadI have always had a keen liking for stripes, but this year has seen a leap in the stripe trend. It seems like it started this past spring and summer with clothing and has now moved onto home decor. A mixture of pure sailor stripes, to bold stripes, and even to zig zag stripes (chevron). Well, needless to say, I am quite obsessed. If you know me, you have probably seen me with one of my many striped shirts. I just love it. Two of my favorite stores, Jcrew and Gap have their fair share of gap pieces...even for the little ones. Here are some of my favorite stripe pieces. You can never have enough!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqdp3PRzMB6b4sOiS_GNR4XZYvUwxhFWHx4pETI5q6GWDBmZUiDVfUZfjxAIjgunw3AmIzPnLFtmKvoLrczB9EZawvMYTMJaPc5it7AICkkHzXxAYcLdFQ3WSuzpyrIujn2c7cgNVo3J2/s1600/stripes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqdp3PRzMB6b4sOiS_GNR4XZYvUwxhFWHx4pETI5q6GWDBmZUiDVfUZfjxAIjgunw3AmIzPnLFtmKvoLrczB9EZawvMYTMJaPc5it7AICkkHzXxAYcLdFQ3WSuzpyrIujn2c7cgNVo3J2/s1600/stripes1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXchRj84nkPBa1At1Jbu3yvk8Jyuic4Mq96-y0lMjcsn6bTxBWte9_C2XQmB6REYki5XN1hH0TihZKTSwh3ACoxtcVAgchx9d5qg25AW6_kqTyEgodXssJB-Xm53ioXmxjwlPXDamQC6Xu/s1600/stripes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXchRj84nkPBa1At1Jbu3yvk8Jyuic4Mq96-y0lMjcsn6bTxBWte9_C2XQmB6REYki5XN1hH0TihZKTSwh3ACoxtcVAgchx9d5qg25AW6_kqTyEgodXssJB-Xm53ioXmxjwlPXDamQC6Xu/s320/stripes2.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiI-eYuY7gw4BdtzYZSHrMzxJuriSbja4rBNKfA6Rsu-KrKVVzDM8pG_3y_5Vm6jO-mwPl-aMwpZWWE4rNUn0l7R5Xy9J2xhxBGpCsoeP8ILon6XKpnQpjrzkxy89Pg6KR_Vc25U39I61/s1600/stripes3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiI-eYuY7gw4BdtzYZSHrMzxJuriSbja4rBNKfA6Rsu-KrKVVzDM8pG_3y_5Vm6jO-mwPl-aMwpZWWE4rNUn0l7R5Xy9J2xhxBGpCsoeP8ILon6XKpnQpjrzkxy89Pg6KR_Vc25U39I61/s320/stripes3.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblgG51tp_pSoegR7SqtqP8TwrEynaVKecMV0VADczE6In5tQKMXtPU2HVU4F0RiynpPnS8hlT5PoFT59qlqPVFOXfhl7N1M8plPCr-s2Ip6QRiqzW8bfOkaXMYZZvVQi0lbhTVBCEjTS9/s1600/stripes4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblgG51tp_pSoegR7SqtqP8TwrEynaVKecMV0VADczE6In5tQKMXtPU2HVU4F0RiynpPnS8hlT5PoFT59qlqPVFOXfhl7N1M8plPCr-s2Ip6QRiqzW8bfOkaXMYZZvVQi0lbhTVBCEjTS9/s320/stripes4.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpi3Vqm7IdYUhLqO9TSeIEoon2wyb3vJk_tF4FfvqcRxBgmdov_lfjHWX8Z_-flSaEmaSDtUQulylssFm0jI0-t8AfD-T5doyhCYKlD9dtK7RUbIvm9D5RnI0YIy3aRxahdz7pkcDjVcDg/s1600/stripes5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpi3Vqm7IdYUhLqO9TSeIEoon2wyb3vJk_tF4FfvqcRxBgmdov_lfjHWX8Z_-flSaEmaSDtUQulylssFm0jI0-t8AfD-T5doyhCYKlD9dtK7RUbIvm9D5RnI0YIy3aRxahdz7pkcDjVcDg/s1600/stripes5.jpg" /></a></div> West Elm has some great pieces worth looking into. I could literally spend all of our money at that store!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVFnOOXPOoK_uR4Cl_Rg7yPUK5-_NrhVloOlOtq9Le36vC1Z6zynMdhUeeC6EDWMSHPNx0kCqIDGurX0TUIDjwljPxka2AWAuVoJ7YyDkBbyH5-jBZloqhmFdJ3-XrPobBtnMvoltdBR4/s1600/stripes6handtowels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVFnOOXPOoK_uR4Cl_Rg7yPUK5-_NrhVloOlOtq9Le36vC1Z6zynMdhUeeC6EDWMSHPNx0kCqIDGurX0TUIDjwljPxka2AWAuVoJ7YyDkBbyH5-jBZloqhmFdJ3-XrPobBtnMvoltdBR4/s1600/stripes6handtowels.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwX85srtshBZI7bhIQWMp-1GvLrXDwDzlPi3kOf9vGfX_pdhoWH9jX-COsinCPaKGoa5j_0Fh6YKKb-qNAhHoGRSIioIdiQhWOeLknIlkXYLAwnq1o0itzVbBd_j43K9Bs3AJ-vEtqpui/s1600/stripesrug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwX85srtshBZI7bhIQWMp-1GvLrXDwDzlPi3kOf9vGfX_pdhoWH9jX-COsinCPaKGoa5j_0Fh6YKKb-qNAhHoGRSIioIdiQhWOeLknIlkXYLAwnq1o0itzVbBd_j43K9Bs3AJ-vEtqpui/s1600/stripesrug.jpg" /></a></div>Here's a mood board that I put together that was inspired by the striped rug. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxxESowiS8Dma-GK5NaqN6PoykqGI0OojIVx3SYyPPoTT_fMg4PL_6S_jSVzV-KXs7ND9GYbhs2GEGupeVOKuq3YnE3cK1sFyi8ioylvXfTUki55Erf0csDiu4RThbGn-LB4P9A42zjcj/s1600/peoniescovershot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxxESowiS8Dma-GK5NaqN6PoykqGI0OojIVx3SYyPPoTT_fMg4PL_6S_jSVzV-KXs7ND9GYbhs2GEGupeVOKuq3YnE3cK1sFyi8ioylvXfTUki55Erf0csDiu4RThbGn-LB4P9A42zjcj/s200/peoniescovershot.jpg" width="142" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHVTEZvGKdr8KkE9IWX0nAi7wZmVkvoMjPWGrKk5BBbguaqxD6zotZ9Ag_hc34qViOdDdoiV_TluBnNvtLVU4p2K2nRA2sWLp46oRAnnvw49XVMk6iPUCz-L21WRMCyNQn4ImTMMi_yJn/s1600/farmhousetable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHVTEZvGKdr8KkE9IWX0nAi7wZmVkvoMjPWGrKk5BBbguaqxD6zotZ9Ag_hc34qViOdDdoiV_TluBnNvtLVU4p2K2nRA2sWLp46oRAnnvw49XVMk6iPUCz-L21WRMCyNQn4ImTMMi_yJn/s200/farmhousetable.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4Q9fPJjRg2UbCWcByGDwFoajrfvpxykVF7HzpkeGoOhpFOh61uXimgEWjvxnyKK8LmebLwr0C0VypJBSXXjk5FlYA5UAhDQCEpzZZQnyQOVX7OQPNeMnLiFzf1qgN5Bu09GuhLq314Jj/s1600/peytondrape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4Q9fPJjRg2UbCWcByGDwFoajrfvpxykVF7HzpkeGoOhpFOh61uXimgEWjvxnyKK8LmebLwr0C0VypJBSXXjk5FlYA5UAhDQCEpzZZQnyQOVX7OQPNeMnLiFzf1qgN5Bu09GuhLq314Jj/s200/peytondrape.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dsvWjgWHkhZX0LgGbpj80z5d0hp-_IRMKkGG3E-url0PeN2ZrGDzofmU4gjIUxmJzYN6Ut2ql1lySPSdD3jlU4K1XDPIl5QE6GwqjbFTePtWrID-0LlOp-vs20cCspPjlQvNt6KY1OT7/s1600/whitesofa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dsvWjgWHkhZX0LgGbpj80z5d0hp-_IRMKkGG3E-url0PeN2ZrGDzofmU4gjIUxmJzYN6Ut2ql1lySPSdD3jlU4K1XDPIl5QE6GwqjbFTePtWrID-0LlOp-vs20cCspPjlQvNt6KY1OT7/s320/whitesofa.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4fIBoyP1fbaFPMHbsaxWhs3CenLtOInvN5y06e_QC3tCB1OQneXh6e1gJCaMQX2feXHzIYvhHzp0Ewl9R8cCqA6fbZfiN4398mCgZg6zWeW1opkEf4ugWKKmlLp7Wv0sFPZTwcHAyw6W/s1600/wickerbasket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4fIBoyP1fbaFPMHbsaxWhs3CenLtOInvN5y06e_QC3tCB1OQneXh6e1gJCaMQX2feXHzIYvhHzp0Ewl9R8cCqA6fbZfiN4398mCgZg6zWeW1opkEf4ugWKKmlLp7Wv0sFPZTwcHAyw6W/s200/wickerbasket.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG2LYuWot1fPlr6XSQVHtQ9USMnPjOFU3VnO6R8rkmnMSdlR5crl5WqRc9BFrKWcWnCpt4OHnUJwCfvskk9-7dgLsgXPQZ1KElERAZORxBnGnhQBeuilMSBmUMkBfLeywRVE_TssXR30C/s1600/stripesrug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG2LYuWot1fPlr6XSQVHtQ9USMnPjOFU3VnO6R8rkmnMSdlR5crl5WqRc9BFrKWcWnCpt4OHnUJwCfvskk9-7dgLsgXPQZ1KElERAZORxBnGnhQBeuilMSBmUMkBfLeywRVE_TssXR30C/s1600/stripesrug.jpg" /></a></div>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-32468248150258991932012-02-12T12:16:00.000-08:002012-02-12T12:16:07.490-08:00Valentine's Day Cards and CraftsI'm Back! No other way to say it. A while back I stopped posting so that I could focus more on my online store, well...needless to say, that didn't work out so well. I had an amazing time starting the store up, finding clothes for the shop and setting it all up. In the end, though, I was losing more money then I was making. It was a great experience, and I continue to want to one day open up a children's boutique...but maybe this one an actual storefront.<br />
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Without further ado I'd like to say that I would love to start keeping up with this blog again. On top of writing about all things children, I would like to start writing and posting about home decor, fashion, good eats, and other things. I don't want to limit myself when I have so many exciting passions! I am toying with the idea of changing the blogs name...but I think it may just do. What do you all think??<br />
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Well, with my first post back I wanted to share a craft that I did with my children for Valentine's Day. Everyone in N's preschool class I feel like is doing something more than just picking up a pack of valentine's at Target, so I figured we would jump on the wagon. I didn't want to do anything too crazy so I just had him use a sponge cut into the shape of a heart and dab it in paint and then on craft paper. I think it is simple and cute.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJurt6NkNeZ44Hfwe7HV0hKEzI99K0XXRW9DXNKVuldFJq9rZtTT_fyrjlfJIdy42hKqo2AUhts_YIfYvG5CeyFLP1cbKMbLFS3slPZ1ct5J9yqUqkY9cajCgUzxpWEW9SmKf8nlWFZstT/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJurt6NkNeZ44Hfwe7HV0hKEzI99K0XXRW9DXNKVuldFJq9rZtTT_fyrjlfJIdy42hKqo2AUhts_YIfYvG5CeyFLP1cbKMbLFS3slPZ1ct5J9yqUqkY9cajCgUzxpWEW9SmKf8nlWFZstT/s320/057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pu9m1Py6_oq-nSXgHqfsZ9KJoHC0gb71O6vfFIB0l2RFrvD_brNkoBQs3e69EP8h0S6vxhOIZXLSFAax_EsdpJVMhdLqYvoRWvpfnvWnLg-xCn6PA_hr4sMz4uuoM9LSdoNzd8DCyers/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pu9m1Py6_oq-nSXgHqfsZ9KJoHC0gb71O6vfFIB0l2RFrvD_brNkoBQs3e69EP8h0S6vxhOIZXLSFAax_EsdpJVMhdLqYvoRWvpfnvWnLg-xCn6PA_hr4sMz4uuoM9LSdoNzd8DCyers/s320/059.JPG" width="320" /></a>Then while staring at my little guy, L, he looked so pitiful not having anything to do. So I painted his hand and had him make me a handprint! He didn't like it so much...but having his and N's handprints forever is just too priceless to pass up. Enjoy!Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-22781755078432884932011-10-23T17:39:00.000-07:002011-10-23T17:39:44.450-07:00The Time Has Come<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgWVYtQSqcpr9e19Mfsr4iAisz2rkmgIpUFqiB6C4A3YjLB2q3LdnDkhO9GahtFLD3-0KzyyfK4Px3NTw5-JHRIdUQmCXLpinLPYxCghXOZMK4hRWoxAchz2_SaAexCo_e-kjKV-0FkzA/s1600/poele.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgWVYtQSqcpr9e19Mfsr4iAisz2rkmgIpUFqiB6C4A3YjLB2q3LdnDkhO9GahtFLD3-0KzyyfK4Px3NTw5-JHRIdUQmCXLpinLPYxCghXOZMK4hRWoxAchz2_SaAexCo_e-kjKV-0FkzA/s320/poele.png" width="320" /></a>I know at one time I had a lot of faithful followers. At one point after my second son was born, I couldn't keep up. We all know the fatigue of the early months. I tried hard to update the blog as much as possible and eventually life got in the way. A few months have past since my last post and more sanity has come to my side! My wonderful baby boy is approaching toddler hood and finally I feel like I am in control! I couldn't be happier with my two little men and the craziness of it all.<br />
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In the last few months I have started up a wonderful online baby boutique! I fell in love with the retail process, mainly because of my love for children's products and tiny babies of course! My store is dedicated to handcrafted items created by other moms just like us looking for ways to explore their passions and share it with the world. So, right now my time is dedicated to making the most of my store! Luckily, I get to start another blog dedicated to the store. But I wanted to share my new store with all of you and update you all on where I have been and where I am going. I hope you will all stop by the new store and share the word!<br />
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<a href="http://www.polkadotelephant.com/">Polka Dot Elephant Boutique</a><br />
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Enjoy!Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-16224844052986816042011-09-15T12:50:00.000-07:002011-09-15T12:53:05.679-07:00Halloween countdown officially underwayI usually wait until last minute to go halloween costume shopping. This leads to a mess of empty bins at various stores because there is NOTHING left. Unfortunately, I, am not very good at sewing but I do have an awesome mother who will hopefully help me out this year. For those of you, me included, who are searching high and dry for some ideas, here are the picks that I think are super adorable! All of these can be found at <a href="http://www.infashionkids.com/">Infashion Kids</a> at very reasonable rates. <br />
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Stay tuned to see pictures of my two little men and what we decide! Also, check back shortly as I plan to catch up after a long, wonderful summer away! I hope you all had as much fun as we did and are ready for a wonderful school year!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbqGHExra-drk02_wqMTuFIsu2jdhM4YwbzzisGrQeWG7o0LbwaraJcDLV2LWRjpzTF5obSgN0jkTCBXAA0iHqKfSYanVRSGrKUuzEkcPYBdZvEVU7IDyJA9SfTQ_DJKmdyQ3PdRdh0mO/s1600/ragamuffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbqGHExra-drk02_wqMTuFIsu2jdhM4YwbzzisGrQeWG7o0LbwaraJcDLV2LWRjpzTF5obSgN0jkTCBXAA0iHqKfSYanVRSGrKUuzEkcPYBdZvEVU7IDyJA9SfTQ_DJKmdyQ3PdRdh0mO/s320/ragamuffin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-65424788210771235802011-05-18T06:56:00.000-07:002011-05-18T06:56:27.436-07:00Toddler Transitions, Part II: Potty TrainingIt's May 18th and I have been MIA for over a month. Well, I unfortunately can't say I have been on vacation, that would just be a dream. I have been doing a lot though. My mother came for a few weeks to visit and on her first day she decided it would be best if we went ahead and started potty training again. Yes, my mother. Well, it worked. Since our failure the first time around my husband and I realized that we were just being lazy. We knew that our son was definitely ready to try again as he knew full well when and how to hold it when it wasn't the right time to go. He knew how to use the potty and also hated his diapers more than ever. The first try at potty training went very well until one day we had a face off with the potty. N still hadn't figured out how to go number two on the potty. We don't know if it was fear, stubborness, or just laziness on his part. He went a whole hour of screaming, crying, and panicking one day because he had to go and didn't want to go in the potty or in his diaper. We realized it was probably time to take a potty training break.<br />
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I think we made the right choice. When we started up again N went full steam ahead. We didn't use stickers this time for going pee pee, we just used encouragement and this worked perfectly. For number two we used matchbox cars. That's right, matchbox cars. One dollar per poop. Unbelievable! But you know what, this sucker likes his matchbox cars, and it's worked! We haven't had one poopy accident! He loves going in his potty! He screams with delight when he sees what he has done and declares, "I get a new carrrr!" I am not happy about this, but you know what, whatever works. I will eventually have to figure out how to end this because our salary cannot afford to continue this expensive reward, but for now it is working. <br />
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The other thing that has helped this time around is instead of using a potty seat insert we tried the baby bjorn individual potty. This kid loves it! He loves being able to go through the whole process by himself rather than us boosting him on the big seat everytime. I should have went with my original instincts and stuck with this seat the first time around. I had a lot of people telling me that it would be an added step to transition him from the little potty to the big one, but you know what...I don't care. I am going to do whatever my son does best with. I don't have to potty train overnight. I don't mind it being a long drawn out process, I just want it to be a natural transition with him. Just like all of the other transitions that toddlers go through, it wears on them...and us. We have to do our best to make it as easy for them as possible. He is so much less stressed about it this time around and doing better at it! The reason this is, I think, is because I am less stressed about the process.<br />
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Our next transition, taking that lovely pacifier away. This transition, I am the one that is not yet ready for. We shall see. But I have a feeling that this will be more difficult for me than it will be for him. <br />
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So, for now, my question is, how did you stop with the rewards for potty training? I'd love advice!Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-75023080037646789712011-04-17T11:47:00.000-07:002011-04-17T11:47:16.916-07:00Toddler Transitions part I, continued...I LiedI utterly lied. This toddler transition thing can be even tougher than I had originally anticipated. It could be that or it could be the fact that I am the most indecisive person/mother on the planet. Not only did I think I made a decision, but I also told the whole world I had made a decision. Enter a few days later, this unmistakable feeling that I did not make the right one. I am sure you are all too familiar with this feeling. My very decisive husband thinks I have lost my mind and that this whole preschool debate is just an ongoing obsession of mine and clearly I will do whatever I want anyway so why continue to go on and on with the choices. Whew, sound familiar?<br />
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We all have our weaknesses, aleit, I may have more than the average person. I overanalyze every little thing in my life, why should the choice of sending my first son to preschool be any different? So, before I tell you that I have changed my mind and I have officially picked a more formal preschool setting than originally chosen, I will just tell you that is my newest development. I hope to send my payment in this coming week and secure a spot. Yes, N will only be 2 when he enters, turning 3 in December but the program that I am enrolling him in seems to be more play based and not so over the top into academics. Of course there will be the incidental learning through play but I thought long and hard about how much our child's brain grows and learns in the first few years of life, why not have him absorb as much as possible. I don't want an Einstein child, but I do want a child who has the chance to develop himself individually outside a 20 foot raidius of his mother. I have absolutely adored these 2 and a half years of having him by my side 24/7, but I am ready to allow him to feel confident with me not by his side. He still has some anxieties with being away from me, and this program is a co op, so I am hoping that this can foster his growth while still giving him the time and love to do it. Also, this will give L, my second son, some of the love and added attention that his older brother got for so long!<br />
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On a side note, we are finally getting over our bout of what I would like to call a failed flu shot. I am convinced what we have could have been nothing other than the flu. Who knows? See you this week to talk about the pacifier fairy, some cute finds I found at the J Crew outlets, and some other fun things.Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-89092977829263759772011-03-30T11:56:00.000-07:002011-03-30T11:56:27.300-07:00Toddler Transitions Mini Series Part I: Preschool, Not for the Faint of Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgc_dUp9APVa3ip1_3FiRf3q9m8AEOAl2bWmkR_F78uz_aVVxiU_UsSc6NMTyo9Rlw1oQWCg76e_50RniJSoG4IRrmyucTP9NbseOGuven2-mEfcXj7eF5jXX2EX1g-qrTG0piYOWxkt2/s1600/preschool-cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgc_dUp9APVa3ip1_3FiRf3q9m8AEOAl2bWmkR_F78uz_aVVxiU_UsSc6NMTyo9Rlw1oQWCg76e_50RniJSoG4IRrmyucTP9NbseOGuven2-mEfcXj7eF5jXX2EX1g-qrTG0piYOWxkt2/s200/preschool-cartoon.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
For the next few weeks I hope to do a little mini series on the transitions that our toddlers face and the way we as parents can make these transitions a little easier for our children and ourselves. The first transition I want to deal with is preschool. Preschool is not a mandatory transition as some of the others are. All children eventually have to learn how to use the potty, sleep in a bed that no longer offers the security of a side, and get rid of their beloved pacifiers. Most children will inevitably go into a school setting at some point, but not all will go to preschool. This is a decision in itself. We always knew that we would send Nick to preschool. Being that he has a December birthday and the cut off in Connecticut to go to kindergarten is December 31st, we already had a difficult decision to make. Will we send him when he is 4 turning 5 or wait an extra year? As of now we are pretty set that we will wait the extra year. Because of this, we now have to decide whether to send him to two or three years of preschool.<br />
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Nick is a pretty smart little man. Well, that's what we think...don't we all think that of our children? He knows many a song, knows how to count to 13 (why he stopped there we have no idea), knows a few colors etc. On the other hand he is also very tiny for his age, shy, and really really loves being around his mommy. If we started him in September he would be going to preschool with children who are almost over a whole year older than him. I was always dead set on sending him the day that they allowed me. That was of course before the decision was imminent and I thought of my little boy being devoured by a 4 year old who was double his size! Of course this is quite the exxageration but is definitely something to consider, aside from him actually being eaten by a four year old. My little guy barely knows how to defend himself against a nonsharer on the playground let alone a whole class of children who are most likely further along socially and academically because of their age and their advanced degree of pottyhood.<br />
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After months of going back and forth on this issue we have decided against sending him to a formal preschool in the fall. Two years seems like it is plenty enough. There are also numerous programs in the area that are similar to a preschool where we will send him. There is a local children's museum that offers a drop in preschool class a few hours a week and the local high school has a preschool class taught by the high school students every once in a while. This will give us the time we all need to adjust to the idea of preschool and take our time with potty training, separation anxiety, and of course, growing. Everytime I hear another mother talking about their child starting in the fall, though, I still wonder if we are making the right decision. Maybe he would excel and learn more at school than he would at home? Maybe he would learn how to better control his emotions and develop better socially? The truth is I have no way of knowing any of this. None of us do. As with all decisions that we have to make for our children, we just have to go with our gut and what we think is best for them and hope for the best.<br />
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What I have to keep reminding myself is that this decision will not make or break my son's future. He will be fine either way.<br />
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Next Wednesday we'll talk about the transition of potty training where you get to learn all about my son's regression and what we plan to do about it. Hopefully I have some idea by then!Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-15491746887732971582011-03-28T10:17:00.000-07:002011-03-28T10:17:38.043-07:00No Wonder They Go Through the Terrible Twos!I found myself getting a little anxious yesterday thinking about all of the transitions my two year old will be going through this year. We recently tried potty training, although it worked for a while we are taking a little break. I will talk about this another day, but he just was getting too upset over it. Nick is almost 28 months old and still uses a pacifier at night and naps, is in a crib, wears diapers, and doesn't go to preschool. That means that within the upcoming months we have some major decisions to make on which to tackle first, when to tackle each, and the biggest decision we've made up to this date, whether or not to send Nick to preschool in the fall.<br />
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Looking at all of these adjustments that he will have to go through there is no shock that he has been having a rough time lately. He has just recently gone back into a stage of severe seperation anxiety. He is no longer interested in spending time at the daycare gym or having his daddy put him down at night. He just wants me around 24-7. Many have commented that it must be the arrival of his younger brother. I am hesitant to believe that this is the case. Luke is almost 5 months old and I think that he is fairly adjusted to this by now. I think our little people all just go through stages and this is one of his. I have been trying to give him the extra love and attention that he needs and hoping that this phase passes sooner rather than later. All of these decisions have been putting a lot of stress on the two of us as I am sure he can sense my anxiety.<br />
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With that said, I have no idea what order we will tackle these transitions in, all I know is that they are impending and we can both sense it. Nick has been warned about the pacifier fairy, has started using the potty, and even tried breaking out of his crib. I hope to be able to deal with each of these in stride, slowly, patiently, and in their own time. These next few weeks I plan on posting on each of these topics and assessing the best ways to get through them with the least stress on all of us. Hope you will join me!Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-65534250737746326242011-03-23T10:49:00.000-07:002011-03-23T11:08:27.676-07:00Crucial Baby Products for those Early Months<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=coffe004-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00142UWGA" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />I find that after having my second son there are some items that were even more important to have around this time than the first. We were lucky enough to not have to buy much since our second was a boy as well. We had all the clothes covered, all the gender neutral gear in case we had a girl, tons of bottles which we didn't end up needing this time around (yay), but we did add a few things to the mix. Here's a list of some of the things that I found so very important this time around and also some of my favorites from our first.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/BabyHawk-Carrier-Gossip-Chocolate-Reusable/dp/B003TOZGT4?ie=UTF8&tag=coffe004-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">BabyHawk Mei Tai Baby Carrier </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOx4s8c8iNhGdmm5pwExtCt98JU6QsnbJ17YPsGeJcr6kdrhexCpCU396Q47JOvcyvRcPbYjES0NTw0Pxay-wWZWcBmc-t8bqsL0LEEhaqfA8cDHMLeC6jlVAuKetW_ZLfR3EN2RFKOKUr/s1600/meitai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOx4s8c8iNhGdmm5pwExtCt98JU6QsnbJ17YPsGeJcr6kdrhexCpCU396Q47JOvcyvRcPbYjES0NTw0Pxay-wWZWcBmc-t8bqsL0LEEhaqfA8cDHMLeC6jlVAuKetW_ZLfR3EN2RFKOKUr/s320/meitai.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Hands down this has been the most important thing in my collection since L arrived. N, my older son is still very much "I want my momma" kind of boy. When little L came along he didn't give up his thrown easily, or at all for that matter. This carrier saved me. I was able to rush around after N, cook him dinner, and still give L the attention and cuddling he needed. While out and about with N I had two hands to play with and make sure N wasn't running out into the middle of the street. It was so much easier than carrying L around with my hands or with a car seat! The best part is you can design your very own Mei Tai.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/anais-4-pk-Safari-Friends-Swaddles/dp/B002USE0Q0?ie=UTF8&tag=coffe004-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">aden + anais 4-pk. Safari Friends Swaddles</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=coffe004-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002USE0Q0" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTwV80C0B-_YYh89GflS2fYe19ELPyOjCThYf-YRI1EyguOejsgb0QB20JuwLjPiT5vabMsoVD4C7FnBWXyUi8qEEMS7SSWMJKWQp0FZz6IaQJIH_MtCKTX3Ld81-lqmSFTkvYiAl6K7f/s1600/swaddle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTwV80C0B-_YYh89GflS2fYe19ELPyOjCThYf-YRI1EyguOejsgb0QB20JuwLjPiT5vabMsoVD4C7FnBWXyUi8qEEMS7SSWMJKWQp0FZz6IaQJIH_MtCKTX3Ld81-lqmSFTkvYiAl6K7f/s320/swaddle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>No swaddle, no receiving blanket, no bib, no security toy, no nursing cover, no changing pad (you get the point) can compare to these swaddles. I honestly used these Aden + Anais swaddles for everything under the sun. They are super lightweight, breathable, HUGE, and on top of all that adorable. I get stopped everywhere I go from moms trying to find out where I got these adorable blankets. They are a tiny bit pricey but so worth it. I have had the same four since my first son was born and they are in amazing shape. We use them everyday, have washed them hundred of times and they are in even better shape now. They get softer each time you wash them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boppy-Noggin-Support-Brown-Wheels/dp/B001O9F6M8?ie=UTF8&tag=coffe004-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support, Brown Wheels</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=coffe004-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001O9F6M8" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVANzN_nJp4NNHwWUMWX9udx3s2OmA8uVMyspxrVxI5HWVOv_zEEzZMMDr18WSEhg2nq-Qacb6l1JrHD5WXNViTu3BvywntEQgl2n0IR5_yHyjtxHNlb4HPBN2251ILgzYNC_kB8K7-if/s1600/noggin+nest+cog+wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVANzN_nJp4NNHwWUMWX9udx3s2OmA8uVMyspxrVxI5HWVOv_zEEzZMMDr18WSEhg2nq-Qacb6l1JrHD5WXNViTu3BvywntEQgl2n0IR5_yHyjtxHNlb4HPBN2251ILgzYNC_kB8K7-if/s320/noggin+nest+cog+wheel.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>For those of you who don't remember, my first was diagnosed with severe plagiocephaly when he was a few months old. He was fitted with a DOC Band after strenuous repositioning for a few weeks and ended up wearing the band for 11 weeks. Although I do firmly believe a lot of the problem was how he was positioned in utero, I think it could have been helped if he didn't sleep on his back. Although I am a strong believer in back to sleep, I think there are definitely things you can do to ease the amount of time babies are on their backs the rest of the day. For one, the carrier, and two this noggin nest. It has been amazing this time around and I think it has definitely helped for times that L just has to be on his back, which is a lot when you have two young ones.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vulli-Sophie-the-Giraffe-Teether/dp/B000IDSLOG?ie=UTF8&tag=coffe004-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=coffe004-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000IDSLOG" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5oR6Gpf0Oa_UfVsVdrqs5FymQK40ifLylinxX7yI857LlKsZurOPuoSdPaZSZXE0PzH5ApwyB3XJvuIL9tuCgKlnIwlIVkkO4jslnTKX1ge5Y5mrl-X_y78Uap0TPg2kQyRU5ZO_hpoG/s1600/sophie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5oR6Gpf0Oa_UfVsVdrqs5FymQK40ifLylinxX7yI857LlKsZurOPuoSdPaZSZXE0PzH5ApwyB3XJvuIL9tuCgKlnIwlIVkkO4jslnTKX1ge5Y5mrl-X_y78Uap0TPg2kQyRU5ZO_hpoG/s1600/sophie.jpg" /></a></div>Oh yes, I said it. I never thought I would give into the craze but when I had a teething 3 month old who wouldn't take a pacifier, I did. This is literally the only thing, besides our fingers that L could get into his mount that young. Best part is he could even hold it. My husband became a believer the second I brought Sophie home. N, our older son, also took a liking to Sophie so she does double duty. My favorite part about Sophie is her handcrafted, nontoxic paint. It makes me feel so much better when L is chomping away.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Newborn-Rock-Sleeper-Yellow/dp/B002M77N22?ie=UTF8&tag=coffe004-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Fisher-Price Newborn Rock 'n Play Sleeper, Yellow</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=coffe004-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002M77N22" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUqm_Leci8UOPYxn40fjf9KpibFTIANg2PpJU5ZocdP1_f3Hszv70e7mzF2mxScFy8Cj53Mhqnm-k1WYiu6Fr6Hy_fQ7_IU5eQDRDMYE1ySgQaCPVFuVyjJOeiSHefhVungBmOEJ2sJmX/s1600/rock+and+play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUqm_Leci8UOPYxn40fjf9KpibFTIANg2PpJU5ZocdP1_f3Hszv70e7mzF2mxScFy8Cj53Mhqnm-k1WYiu6Fr6Hy_fQ7_IU5eQDRDMYE1ySgQaCPVFuVyjJOeiSHefhVungBmOEJ2sJmX/s1600/rock+and+play.jpg" /></a></div>By far the most used new purchase we made was this Rock 'n Play. Neither of our children were very big into their bassinets. N slept in his crib from 3 weeks on, but L was a constant nurser and waker (and still is). Because of this I was eager to find any solution that would result in L sleeping longer at night, for naps, which didn't just result in me being a pacifier/swing 24 hours a day. I read the rave reviews and bought this. It was amazing and still is. Although L didn't start sleeping any longer it did allow us to just rock him without continuously picking him back up during all the awakenings at night. It helps with extending naps and makes the baby feel snuggled because of the sides. It is very mobile so when staying other places we are able to bring this along. I am actually using my foot to bounce L right now while he is trying to wake up early from his nap! Did I mention how much I love this thing?!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bumbleride-Indie-Twin-Stroller-Seagrass/dp/B00142UWGA?ie=UTF8&tag=coffe004-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Bumbleride Indie Twin Stroller - Seagrass</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=coffe004-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00142UWGA" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1h-7CQUAkIXNMEKhN4YDFxh5fbuRfuqbIsIr36sehB3tzuYVIODkwtS3jKc-_uSR6BrsAGwk7H9VdQ6iVWA9gV9fVDDuyjsBJGYjzg9v0qxYFDtZ1FwouwEan0EKlYhLG8wQvyFrprHk/s1600/indie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1h-7CQUAkIXNMEKhN4YDFxh5fbuRfuqbIsIr36sehB3tzuYVIODkwtS3jKc-_uSR6BrsAGwk7H9VdQ6iVWA9gV9fVDDuyjsBJGYjzg9v0qxYFDtZ1FwouwEan0EKlYhLG8wQvyFrprHk/s320/indie.jpg" width="286" /></a></div> Expensive, but so worth it! It is so easy to push around and the kids love it. My older son loves riding around in it and I love pushing it! The colors are great and I have used it on runs, walks around town, and even in the mall. It is a little heavy when loading in and out of the car and does take up quite a bit of room, but I couldn't be happier with this stroller. I have a feeling it will last a very long time!<br />
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I hope I have lent some input into some gadgets you might consider before you first or next baby! Happy shopping!Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-80983971152069872092011-03-22T10:32:00.000-07:002011-03-22T10:32:19.287-07:00My Amazon Mom Savings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhw0Xs1XQGh5x5PuZmJIU0LlNJ6dUmbNDUk2KEfNVkOtr3NyMGzzhYZmYkB5NKaJwxTkjPsVrenIsIG7mMJQqSGSug8uZlj-TmMk4zKPw_CyGj2tpZ4s5xtrWxAKZiYHBspYVddW2Q6Ja/s1600/amazon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhw0Xs1XQGh5x5PuZmJIU0LlNJ6dUmbNDUk2KEfNVkOtr3NyMGzzhYZmYkB5NKaJwxTkjPsVrenIsIG7mMJQqSGSug8uZlj-TmMk4zKPw_CyGj2tpZ4s5xtrWxAKZiYHBspYVddW2Q6Ja/s400/amazon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Whew! After a much needed overnight away from my beloved kids I am finally back on my feet. You heard it right, I was more tired spending a night away from them then I am waking up three times a night with the little guy, but more on that tomorrow.<br />
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I promised you that I would tell you of the amazing deals that I was racking up at Amazon and I am here to do so. I heard from a few friends that Amazon Mom was worth looking into and you could save serious money shopping their for diapers, wipes, and other things for your child. I was hesitant since their was also mention of a prime membership. I am here to tell you there really is no scam. Here is how it works:<br />
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The key to understanding these deals is understanding the Subscribe and Save program. You can sign up for Subscribe and Save for anything from diapers and wipes to laundry detergent. Once you sign up, you will automatically begin receiving these items on a certain day every one, two, three, or six months (depending on what schedule you sign up for). Just for doing this you will automatically receive 15 percent off and free two day shipping. You can change your delivery schedule or cancel at anytime with no penalty. Right after you place your order, you can just cancel your next scheduled delivery at no charge. When you sign up for <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/mom/signup/info?&tag=melsbarblo-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=ur1&adid=1YW0D1AM1YMK9CRND96K">Amazon Mom</a>, you get a free 90 day subscription to Amazon Prime, which gives you free two day shipping. You also will receive an additional month of Amazon Prime for every $25 you spend on “baby” products. The $25 is BEFORE any discounts, including the Amazon Mom and Subscribe & Save discounts. Amazon Prime will make you eligible for all the greatest sales and the free two day shipping. Having both Amazon Prime and joining Subscribe and Save will automatically give you whatever you order under this program for 30 percent off.<br />
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A Huggies Snugglers 144 count for as little as 27.84! Wait, it gets better...so much better. If you subscribe to Baby Talk magazine (free), Parenting, The Early Years, and occasionally American Baby (also free), you will find either a 20 percent off Amazon diapers coupon or a 10 dollar off your Amazon Mom purchase which can apply to most purchases for your child. Last week I bought a huge pack of pull ups for my son for 3 dollars! I also bought 2 packs of 216 count huggie wipes for 7 dollars. That is what I usually pay for 1 216 count at Target, with coupons!<br />
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Some tips on using this:<br />
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-You can use more than one 20% off diaper coupon if the codes are different: some codes start with a YT and some codes start with a YJ. You can also use an additional 10 dollar coupon with the two 20 percent off coupons. If you manage to pull this one off you are really getting your purchase for free!<br />
-Look for Amazon coupons that you can clip for greater savings.<br />
-Babies R Us, Baby Depot, and USA Baby usually carry American Baby and Baby Talk magazines.<br />
-Sign up for Swag bucks where you can get gift cards to Amazon for even greater savings.<br />
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Happy Savings!!Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-70988091750137377392011-03-18T06:10:00.000-07:002011-03-18T06:18:48.567-07:00It's Official Coffee Mugs and Sippy Cups has Joined FacebookI am definitely behind on catching up with Social Media. Hey, I am still getting the hang of using Twitter as Coffee Mugs and Sippy Cups. Well, I finally added us to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Coffee-Mugs-and-Sippy-Cups/201616306524333">Facebook</a>. I hope that this will help others be able to stay more connected to my rants and raves. I am really excited about where this blog is going and would love for you all to join me by liking my facebook page. This will give you the opportunity to hear first hand when I have posted something new, added a new giveaway, etc. Add a link to your facebook page and I would love to follow you back!<br />
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This weekend for the first time I will be away for an overnight since my second son was born. I will be stressing like crazy but hopefully having an amazing, relaxing two days. Stay tuned next week to hear all about my trip and how both kids fared. Have a great weekend all!Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-65885939409498600612011-03-17T11:15:00.000-07:002011-03-17T11:15:27.751-07:00Hottest Tot/Baby Summer StyleIf you know me you know how much I love shopping for my children. My love for clothing was put to the wayside for the love of my children. Although I would never pass up a shopping spree on my own behalf, I much prefer shopping for my two sons. Although I have already done my older son's summer clothes shopping I scoured the internet for the most stylish finds for your children this summer.<br />
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Everyone is having great sales right now so hurry on over and scoop up these great finds! I would love to see pictures of your little men and little ladies in their finest summer attire once the time comes! Without further ado...<br />
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The Gap: Hurry up, The Gap is having a Give and Get event where 5 percent of your order goes to a nonprofit of your choice and you get 30 percent off!<br />
I love these adorable overalls. And they come in mini me sizes!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruz53lXzOKhElQVXnP6w5h0RQBB5c49hAeWuDwh2CdAWERKS1SXeioKxly1pr2l95x9TZYLG69Oa_LtYMckA3sIivlJvJ7_VjiJY9mv87XvtQ04gWglxOQlL7o2fr4Q3rtb7qkUQh2fzH/s1600/overallsgap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruz53lXzOKhElQVXnP6w5h0RQBB5c49hAeWuDwh2CdAWERKS1SXeioKxly1pr2l95x9TZYLG69Oa_LtYMckA3sIivlJvJ7_VjiJY9mv87XvtQ04gWglxOQlL7o2fr4Q3rtb7qkUQh2fzH/s1600/overallsgap.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1uIkrW4Y8KPiWjo_zX1ALWWCsiclvZ8ksJzMUeSJpWYXprEXbpTCUnPXbZlFmjd9SWdCkJOmBOXljcYbmqqqBXw9W2z-Z7HfOTF61LUEOf8tW2qujKsoUjT_MnF4N3DcOe3So27IfqUC/s1600/bathinggap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1uIkrW4Y8KPiWjo_zX1ALWWCsiclvZ8ksJzMUeSJpWYXprEXbpTCUnPXbZlFmjd9SWdCkJOmBOXljcYbmqqqBXw9W2z-Z7HfOTF61LUEOf8tW2qujKsoUjT_MnF4N3DcOe3So27IfqUC/s1600/bathinggap.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Seriously?? Look at this Romper.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0LlJqAYCiAGrq3tZPThyAm_P0VM65mBqQ2eTCpH71SOs_0s1CZqI0xIqs8kxZbwRpNzqU5McC2I1hwqq-FchXVXxgHCN_l2i2cNkwwUZ6BW44Y89XyQLyZEhOcg12WRtJil4pEjMITMr/s1600/rompergap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0LlJqAYCiAGrq3tZPThyAm_P0VM65mBqQ2eTCpH71SOs_0s1CZqI0xIqs8kxZbwRpNzqU5McC2I1hwqq-FchXVXxgHCN_l2i2cNkwwUZ6BW44Y89XyQLyZEhOcg12WRtJil4pEjMITMr/s1600/rompergap.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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My little guy has the green shirt, he loves it! <br />
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Gymboree: This season their styles are just adorable.<br />
They are also doing a 30 percent off fill your bag event. I am a big fan of the first few items and my son will be wearing them this summer!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150962438649808185.post-35171318059214396202011-03-14T11:41:00.000-07:002011-03-14T11:43:07.336-07:00Sibling Love: Getting your Two Year Old to Love your Newborn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiv0bZePJgrk0EYv1RA_o7AwZIG9thBnSam7ITEkg4zgVuv-0olGQuWDycMdrati492nzaFudD2pHNGLa-ClfeToIXxpTP3yhCuVmCkwG9t4fpCPtZFfx9vPCbE_mzwdenv9AbH9Upxc2/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiv0bZePJgrk0EYv1RA_o7AwZIG9thBnSam7ITEkg4zgVuv-0olGQuWDycMdrati492nzaFudD2pHNGLa-ClfeToIXxpTP3yhCuVmCkwG9t4fpCPtZFfx9vPCbE_mzwdenv9AbH9Upxc2/s320/036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I thought the day would never come. For those of you that read my earlier posts since my second L was born, you know that it was not an easy start. But, hey, what is easy about two under two. Not only was I an emotional roller coaster, hanging on dearly to my two year old who I had become so in love with that not even my new little bundle of joy could compete with, but N wanted nothing to do with his younger brother.<br />
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It wasn't as bad as it could have been. N wasn't beating, kicking, or throwing anything at his brother, it was more of just a tasteful disdain; he just didn't care. No matter how many times the other toddlers we know would drool over this cute little baby and want to grab and kiss him, N had no desire. I think he thought if he just ignored him we would get rid of him.<br />
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The hardest parts were when I would hold L and N would politely say and point, "put L here," and point to his bouncy or swing. Not only didn't he want to get close to his brother, he didn't want me getting closer either.<br />
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Let me not scare all of you who are expecting a second. These early months flew by. It was tough at first but I can honestly now say that N is in love with his baby brother. It started slowly with N just whispering sweet nothings to his brother and now he will do it anywhere we go. He loves looking at his brother, singing to him, taking pictures with him, and showing him his latest toys. I can't explain the joy that this brings me. Everyone told me that this would be the best feeling, but it was just something that I had to experience for myself. All it took was some patience. I prayed for the day when it would finally happen, and it did.<br />
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Last week my husband was giving L a bath, (yes he finally realized it was easier than giving our 2 year old his, so this is now my duty) and L started splashing around and giggling non stop. Older brother walked in and couldn't contain himself. He started bursting out laughing and staring at his brother enjoying his splash in the tub. Hubby and I were just in awe. This was the first actual brotherly connection between the two. Where they were each sharing a giggle with each other and it was just so sweet. It makes all those earlier months worth it, and I can't wait for moreAliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663093046865077138noreply@blogger.com5