Sunday, November 30, 2008

Queen of the Road: Book Review

I have a book review up on my Miche Reviews page for Queen Of The Road-a humorous book that had me laughing so hard I cried. Oh yea, you are going to want to read it. And, even better, you can get it now at a discount and with FREE shipping (see Amazon for details)!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Total Cuteness

We had such a great Thanksgiving! It was so wonderful seeing so many of our family and friends and being home...I am on cloud nine and surrounded by total cuteness. Later today we are going to try a visit to Santa with the boys and THEN I might be getting a haircut; if there is time.





Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!!

I love the fall-all the lovely leaves, the crisp air, and all the holidays and food! Yummy! But you know, I don't know that I have ever truly celebrated Thanksgiving the way that perhaps I should. Or for that matter even thought of Thanksgiving in the way I should. Sure, I get excited about the food, the family-I even stress and moan about "how are we going to fit in visits to everyone..."

This year though, as I watch friends lose jobs, notice homes going up for foreclosure where families once played....I must say I am thinking of Thanksgiving a little differently. I am really quite humbled, and THANKFUL that my family is well, and we are able to live the quality of life we have. We are pretty darn blessed and lucky.

I often feel like I fail as a parent because the house isn't cleaned, I didn't make it to library time, dinner isn't ready in time....but I am able to afford staying home. And for me, that is a huge blessing.

All of us should be thankful, especially now as we watch people lose their jobs and homes. I should be thankful even for that dust up on the TV and the stains on my carpet I have yet to get out, simply because I haven't bothered to open the can of cleaner I bought months ago. All the toys my children have. We can pay the heating bill; we can afford for me to not work. Heck, I work from home just for the EXTRA money for me to spend however I want. HOWEVER I WANT.

And I find things to complain about, to NOT be Thankful for, like having to move to Alabama for my husband's job, and for that, I am rather embarrassed. Thank God he has a job, right?

So, this Thanksgiving, am going to focus on the giving, because I have SO MUCH to be thankful for.

You too can focus on the giving of today, by going through your home, cleaning out the items that are collecting dust, and give them to charities that help people and families that have hit hard times. Our local church here in NC AND in AL are involved in Catholic Charities, and even if you aren't Catholic, (or even Christian) Catholic Charities is a HUGE was to help others and you can even do all your giving anonymously, be it through money, food, or home items. Every bit can help.

And for those of you that enjoy outdoor work, Habitat For Humanity can use help right now as well, especially with winter coming quickly! How wonderful would it be to build a home for someone that otherwise wouldn't have one this Christmas? (And don't worry, you need NO experience-if I can do it you can too, TRUST me).

Yes, I am going to be Thanksgiving, and I hope you all do too.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Washable Poster Paint

Since I have two little kids that get up at the crack of dawn AND I stayed up all night trying to get caught up at work, I am re-sharing (is that a word? My brain stopped working around midnight...) one of my favorite WFMW suggestions. Enjoy!



It is another Works for Me Wednesday! Yay!

As you may not know, I have been a daycare provider for babies-toddlers and preschool ages 4-5, so I have a few tricks up my sleeves to share! Here is one of my favoirite, cost effecitive, easy clean, paint recipes:

Detergent Poster Paint

You will need:
small jars or plastic containers
1 tablespoon clear liquid detergent per container
2 teaspoons powdered tempera paint per container

In each small container, mix together 1 tablespoon liquid detergent and 2 teaspoons powered tempera paint. This recipe makes enough for one painting session.

For even every young toddlers and older babies (those that can sit up), this recipe is great AND EASY TO WASH OUT OF CLOTHES!!! Children usually love feeling different textures, and the intorduction to new textures is a GREAT sensory learning experience for kids of all ages.

I would undress the younger kids down to diapers, and the older kids I would request the day before that they being some old clothes to school along with wearing one of my kid oil cloth aprons while painting to keep the clean up as easy as possible. However, it never failed someone would get paint on someone else, on me, or the carpet.

This recipe has always been super easy for me to get out of my clothes, even after drying and staining all day long at the preschool before I could even think about washing it out. FANTASTIC! Also it is great because you can just make the amount you need, instead of storing jars and jars of different colors of wet paint just waiting to dry out or tip over.

The Tempera paint and some really great, sturdy paint jars you can get at Michaels Crafts and though the jars are a little pricey, for the fact they are so hard to knock over and stackable, they are well worth the extra money. Besides, you will save a lot buying the tempera powder colors as apposed to getting new Crayola paint all the time.

Keep in mind the age of your child, younger ones need thicker paint and brushes, and you can thicken this recipe up by adding a little cornstarch (melt it in some hot water first, like you would for gravy, and then, of course, don't let you kid paint until it has cooled).

Not all kids love sensory experiences, like painting, the first time (or even five) that they try it. However, keep trying, and perhaps, if you have been undressing the child for the painting session, try keeping old clothes on, or even just putting one of your husbands old t shirts over him/her because part of what may be upsetting your child is being cold. If your child still doesn't like it, keep trying to make it fun by getting in there and painting yourself, but certainly don't make your child do the project if they are super upset, just put it away for another day and try again, or move on to another sensory activity, like playing in a sensory box.

Well, that is what Works for Me! Head on over to Rocks in my Dryer for other great tips!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Oh Geeze

Well, we made it here safe and sound. It is so great to be back at our house, see our neighbors and catch up with friends! I am on cloud nine.

Almost.

You see, my computer isn't wanting to behave. OH GEEZE. The issue isn't really the computer, but more my mouse and keyboard. Since I have an office here in Raleigh with all my things, when we moved to AL, I only took the computer tower, and extra computer parts my brother in law had. THAT way (so I thought) I could travel back and forth with just the tower and not risk breaking screens, losing wires, etc.

My plan would have been perfect if my old tower had not died a few months ago. Thus, I got a new one. Thus, I am just now realizing that:

1-When I had the computer people transfer the data from my old tower to the new, I neglected to realize the wireless card would need to be transfered...thus it wasn't. So yesterday I bought a NEW wireless card, much to my bank account's dismay.

2-Once I got home and tried to set up the said wireless card, I realized my mouse AND my keyboard have different portal connections than the back of my new computer supports. And the kicker is that they are ALL Dell. ARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!

3-I have TONS of work to do that would be SO NICE to get caught up on before all the family comes; however, that won't be possible unless I now go buy a new keyboard AND a new mouse so I can TRY to install the wireless card and then get online to work.

4-The kicker that is killing me is this: I could just use my brother in law's computer (which I am right now) to get online and work; HOWEVER, a file a REALLY MUST HAVE to complete a project is saved on MY computer and I have no way of getting to it. SO I have to go spend a bunch of money I don't want to spend on items I already own IN ALABAMA.


I knew I hated Alabama. OH Geeze.

And if I ever get myself online again, I have some cute videos to share of the 15 hour car trip back to NC. Now I am off to get ready to go to Best Buy with my kids.

SIGH.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Letters to Mothers

Oh my, I think I want to cry. There is a husband and father out here in the blogosphere who, instead of buying a gift for his wife, is gathering up letters of encouragement and advice from moms to turn into a book to give his wife as a Christmas gift. OH. MY. GOSH. How SWEET!!!

So, I have given my advice and letter by submitting it here and you guys all should too, because, after all, this is so thoughtful and sweet!!

You can also see what Steph and Shannon have to say about this awesome hubby and you can read more about him and the wonderful reasoning behind his gift over at Shannon's blog, Rocks In My Dryer.

And for those of you wondering, here is my letter:

Dear Mother,

One piece of wisdom I got from my mother in law, that she got from her mother in law, is this:

"The hardest thing in the world is to tell your child no. The most important thing in the world is to tell your child no."

I have hit that time with my toddler-when I want so badly to give him everything he wants, (and since we have the money to do it, the temptation is especially hard to fight) but as I follow the advice, and say no, I realize I am teaching my son a far better lesson than just patience. I am teaching him that not everything will go his way all the time, and he must learn to accept that.

Because someday, he will be a man, and I certainly don't want to raise a man who thinks he should get everything he wants when he wants it; it would be a disservice to him and to me to allow him to grow up thinking that way.

And so, I follow the advice, and say no to things, knowing those tears and tantrums now will make him a better man, later.

Love,


Sunday, November 23, 2008

On the Road Again...

Well, we are on the road from Mobile, AL to Raleigh, NC right now. It is a 12 hour drive non stop, so with two little kids and my small bladder, it will probably take us forever. Sigh.

So, wish us luck, hopefully we will get back to Raleigh before the end of today. I'll be making a vlog, and posting on Monday the success (or mess..) of our trip!



Friday, November 21, 2008

Imagine, If You Will...

So we have a new member to welcome to our family! Yes, my hysterical toddler, Little Dude, has met an imaginary friend, who as of a few weeks ago begain making small apperances around our home.

Last night though, Little Dude's imaginary friend needed a cup of water though. And not an imaginary one, a real one. Because, as I was informed, he was thirsty.

So what do I know about this new friend of Little Dude's? Not much, but here is what I have learned so far:

*He is Orange
*His Mom is Orange
*His Dad is Purple
*His Baby is Orange
*He likes garbage trucks and trash(which is probably how my son and he bonded)
*He likes baths
*He likes Nemo, Clifford and Elmo
*He poops
*He does not like gross stuff (That does not include anything I would call gross. Gross is relative, apparently)
*He plays the drum
*He has a computer and a phone
*He is a water monster

Yes, I am one of the lucky few to have a rather talented, orange water monster living at my house. I am thinking next week will we invite his parents and baby brother over for dinner. I wonder what water monsters eat? I better go ask Little Dude...

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Granting Wishes

Christmas is my favorite time of year-for a whole two months, everyone gets into the spirit of giving and sharing and helping and I love that. How can you be in a bad mood when you hear some Christmas music? Or see little kids getting excited about Santa?

The main reason I love Christmas? The kids. Kids are just truly amazing and the glow of believing in Santa is so fun to watch. As Erma Bombeck said:

"There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child."

I agree; watching a child enjoy Christmas is so wonderful. Every Christmas, my family does our best to make sure that kids that may not have any presents to open get some from us and this year, we can do something extra special as well: We can make a wish come true.

Yes, I can be a Fairy Godmother this Christmas, just by writing a letter to Santa. My new-found wish granting powers come courtesy of Macy's, because for every letter you sent to Santa from their store mail box, they will donate money to Make A Wish Foundation and help make the wishes of many terminally ill children come true this holiday.

Wow, what better way to get into the spirit? And what an easy way to give a lifetime of memories to a family suffering with their child-just simply write a letter.

I, myself, am writing numerous letters with Little Dude's help. One of each of my children, myself and my husband and plan to take them to the Macy's near us every week. After all, you can never have too many items for Santa to pick from and since every letter counts, figured we should do our part. Besides, I am liking this role of Fairy Godmother.

To learn more, click below. I will also have the info over in my right hand sidebar all holiday season as well.





Tuesday, November 18, 2008

What if....

Fire Fighters Ran The World?

I saw this commercial the other night and thought it was awesome, so I am sharing it with all of you that may not have seen it yet:



I have always hated that most issues coming up for vote in Congress have all kinds of additions tacked onto it. Like a vote a few years back, (that was for a mostly education related bill), as a side effect of passing, resulted in a teapot museum being built in Selma, NC at the cost of a couple million dollars-my taxes at work, nice.

And, of course, if anyone had been against the waste of a few million dollars going to a teapot museum in the middle of no where (Yes I know. I grew up in the boonies of NC)Then you know when election time came around the other party would blow up how they "didn't vote for education" but leave out the part that voting that bill through wasted tax payers money. Yea, I hate politics.

Anyways, I always complain about it and what I would do differently; but wouldn't it be nice if fire fighters really did run the world?

Monday, November 17, 2008

The Secret Mountain Publishing Group

Do you guys have any reading routines with your children? I LOVE reading to my kids before bed, and we have recently added some new books to our reading list. I have a children's book review for The Secret Mountain Publishing Group up on my Miche Reviews page today.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Oh My Motrin

Wow, Motrin. You didn't have any moms on your test panel did you? Did you even realize that the week you released this ad was International Babywearing Week? Dang guys.

Here is a new ad Motrin is running that is very ANTI babywearing. Now, if you don't wear your baby-and I count wearing as ALL carriers, bjorn, snuggli, maya wrap, ergos...etc-then that is cool-you are the parent and thus you know what works to keep you and your baby happy. So, if wearing your baby isn't a happy thing, then don't do it, and that is OK. For example, I don't sleep with my baby-personal choice, my family's thing, and what is best for us; babywearing is what is best for us and I love it.

Now watch this commercial:



OK, so what did you think of the tone? I thought it was quite mocking, and downright negative about babywearing. Which, to me makes no difference, except I will probably just think twice about buying Motrin. After all, if they can't put some real effort and research into their ads, why should I trust them to put effort and research into something I ingest?

For moms that haven't tried it, or moms who have yet to welcome their babies homes, I feel this ad is very ANTI babywearing, and actually makes it seem like it is a "trendy pain in the back" that ranks up there with designer handbags and the latest runway fashion stilettos. Their commercial makes it sound like babywearing is stupid-and it even lays out a little guilt to those that don't by saying you have to babywear to be an "official" mom. WHAT? No way! EVERYONE with a child, awaiting a child, trying for a child, lost a child, adopting a child, caring for a child and LOVING a child is an official and WONDERFUL mom.

And beyond babywearing, does it not make you feel like they are saying women are dumb enough do anything to be trendy, even endure pain for which they must take meds for? Maybe a fashion model does, or a movie star, but last I checked the moms buying Motrin are pretty smart and far more practical. I personally love fashion, but I don't do anything or wear anything that is going to cause me enough pain I have to take medication for it. Actually, Motrin people, I came across babywearing by trying to find a way to avoid the pain of carrying my baby in my arms or a normal front carrier (I had a Snuggli, and I could not adjust it to fit my shortness AND at the 10lb mark, my back killed me; sorry Snuggli) and found my ring slings and pouch slings to be great and pain free alternatives.

My friend Steph here at Adventures in Babywearing has tips on how to wear your baby and points out: if wearing your baby is hurting, then you are doing it WRONG. Instead of buying Motrin you need to get some advice or have someone show you how to adjust your carrier to fit you so that the pain stops.

Also, the reason babywearing is more for wraps, slings, pouches, and mei tais and (sorta) excludes Bjorn and Snuggli type carriers is because those DO hurt your back. They put all they baby's weight on your upper back, so once your baby reaches a good weight (for me that is the 10lb mark) your back will hurt after more than a short walk. With a good sling, pouch, mei tai, wrap, ergo, beco, or what have you, the baby's weight is evenly distributed through your shoulders, hips and back, keeping you from having pain because you don't end up with one pressure point supporting your baby. Your whole body supports your baby.

So, Motrin, perhaps you should have a babywearing mom on your marketing panel? And don't forget to hire some people that research what is going on in the world at the time you release your ads. After all, an anti babywearing ad during International Babywearing Week, when TONS of Babywearing Moms are on the internet sharing pictures and chatting it up, is not the smartest PR move.

After all, ALL those moms do need pain medication. We are girls you know, so at least once a month we need something. And they may have bought Motrin, but now you have quite upset a lot of them, be them loyal customers or prospective customers of Motrin.

Thoughts? Questions? I myself sent a comment to Motrin letting them know I thought the ad was rather misleading for new moms considering babywearing and made a mockery of an ANCIENT, inexpensive, and easy (not trendy) way of caring for children.

Phthalates Not For US

Yes, so I just recently discoverd another parenting thing to worry about (like there isn't enough already): Phthalate.

Phthalate is a chemical used in MOST baby products that makes plastic soft.

It is not harmful unless ingested or absorbed through the skin; THUS my new thing to worry about: it is used in teethers. And baby wash. And baby shampoo. And baby toys.

When was the last time your baby didn't put something in his mouth? Yea, I thought so.

SO, I did some research, and found out that even if you are careful with selecting products, manufacturers aren't going to list the product because they aren't required to. Awesome. So, you can't even find out if that new teether or sippy cup you got is full of phthalates or not; but I guess we can go ahead and assume it is.

Starting in Feb 2009 the chemical will be banned from use in children's toys and items (like baby wash)

But until then, you need to look for items that specifically say they DON'T have phthalate. One baby wash I found is baby pHisoderm, so that is safe to buy! You can watch my vlog below for more info, or google phthalate yourself to see all the nice information on it.


You can see my review of baby pHisoderm body wash on my Miche Reviews page or by checking out my Newbaby.com video below!


Saturday, November 15, 2008

In Real Life

For the past year I have been making some really wonderful friends out here in the internet world. Some of them I talk about to my husband, others I tell other friends about, and many I turn to for questions, answers, and just fun chit chat.

And thanks to many of those great friends, I have gotten to: do product reviews, explore babywearing, learn about cloth diapers, join BLOG HER ad network and have a wonderful time sharing myself while getting to know them.

So, imagine my joy when I found out that the Blog Her '09 conference will be in Chicago in JULY. Heading north just as the summer gets crazy hot.. Whoo hoo! The hotel rooms are affordable, the plane ticket won't be too much if I can buy early, AND it is a city I have always wanted to visit!!! PLUS I could meet all these great friends I have made, IN REAL LIFE. Like, put a real hug to the virtual ones we exchange.

BlogHer '09 In Real Life

I'll get to meet some of the nicest, warmest gals I know while celebrating Blog Her. Oh, I am off to count the pennies in my piggy bank.....


Friday, November 14, 2008

Seal My SOUL

If you love Seal and some fantastic body grooving SOUL music, take a peek at my review of Seal's new ablum, SOUL, out in stores now. Read my Miche Review to see how you can win some great gear and the new SOUL CD for yourself!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Little Brother, Big Brother


Well, again, I have done my best to get pictures of the boys together. I was hoping I could capture a super cute image to use for our Christmas cards. Since no one is screaming or hiding their faces from the camera, I have to say these two might just be successes!

We might be trying again later with a better background-outside would be nice-but if all else fails, (or if I completely forget and run out of time) you guys might be seeing these again this Christmas...


And I must have been crazy tired when I wrote my post last night, because I read it again today and realized I typed my intro twice...nice going Miche...see what motherhood does to you?


Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Our Veteran's Day

We went to the USS ALABAMA this weekend to celebrate Veteran's Day. Gosh, it was just mesmerizing and breathtaking to stand there where so many brave men stood while fighting WWII. Inside the ship there was a huge flag that the battleship flew whenever they were under attack or in battle. We were so blown away by the symbolism and pride that flag represented I didn't even think to take a picture until we were leaving...so we will have to go back for sure!
We also got to visit a submarine, though we didn't get to go inside; it was getting late and JR was REALLY ready to eat....

While we were there we met some boy scouts and found out that each year they get to spend the night on the battle ship! WOW! Also, there was a wedding getting ready to take place-I love weddings so I thought it was so cute for a soldier and his bride to marry on the ship and celebrate in the airplane hanger! Everything looked so lovely; I wanted to take a picture but didn't want to be "that weirdo" either, so I didn't.



Here is a breathtaking statement that was on a plaque inside the USS ALABAMA. I love what it says and means, and the last line makes me so sad, even though it is true. In case you can't read my picture, here is what it says:

Remember
It is the soldier and the sailor
Not the reporter
who has given us freedom of the press

It is the solder and the sailor
Not the poet
Who has given us freedom of speech

It is the soldier and the sailor
Not the campus organizer
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate

It is the soldier and the sailor
Who salutes the flag
Who serves the flag
Who's coffin is draped by the flag
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

I don't know who wrote it, but gosh, that made me want to cry. Thank you veterans, for all you have given us, still give us, and I am sorry for those who don't realize all you have done and do.





Tuesday, November 11, 2008

One Step Ahead

Oh my goodness, I am in love with a new toy! Part of the fun of being a parent is getting to revisit childhood fun with your kids! And oh yes, I roll up my sleeves and jump right in.

One of the greatest toys I have enjoyed playing with (my kids think it is great too) is the What's Inside Box by One Step Ahead. Check out my Miche Reviews page to watch my video review AND to win one for the apple of your eye!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Sweetness is Babywearing

So this week starts International Babywearing Week! How fun! Check out the website for some great babywearing tips, facts and fun! Also, I just couldn't help but share some of my favorite babywearing photos:



Here is JR as a 2 week old in my pouch sling by infantino-I love this one for newborns and younger babies because it is padded and offers great head support. You can see how curled up and comfy he is-just like in the womb! It's also great as a first time sling because it is very easy to use. After the new born stage is over though, babies don't like is as much, since they can only lay down in it.




Here is Jr at about 8 weeks old in my ring sling. This is great for older babies, and you can wear them in hip, front facing, cradle or outward facing positions. (You can also do a back carry, but for toddlers and with help getting set up. Also,a Mei Tai is better for long term back carry)I personally love having him in the sitting up cradle position, or facing my chest (like in the pic). He loves sleeping this way.

You can get ring slings in all different fabrics, I have a thin one for hot weather and thicker one for cooler weather.



And here is my Bjorn. I love it, though it is not the most comfortable once your baby gets too heavy. JR is only 13 lbs right now, so for facing out front carry I love this carrier. He gets to face out and I feel secure he won't fall out! This one is great if you think you might be bending over some, like at the beach, and want to make sure he is doubly strapped in. In the picture we are visiting Dauphin Island (located in Mobile Bay) in Mobile,AL.

Here we are visiting the USS ALABAMA Battleship. Climbing around the ladders inside the ship was MUCH easier (and very comfortable for me) having him secure in the sling than trying to hold him or a heavy car seat. Yes, I even saw someone trying to get around the ship with a stroller....Slings rock.

All of mine I found really cheap on ebay or craigs list. If you keep your eyes out and act quickly you will find bargins-I have never paid more than 20 dollors for any of my carriers, and I have 2 ring slings, one pouch sling (that I also got with my diaper bag), and a bjorn. I would love to try a Mei Tai carrier for back carry, so I will have to get one when JR gets a little bigger!


And for a more fun in babywearing, check out my friend Steph's blog, Adventures In Babywearing for the chance to win a way to hold your baby close to your heart! You can also see Steph's vlog at newbaby.com, where she will show you how to use different kinds of slings and pouches!

And to win a great toy for your baby from One Step Ahead, watch my vlog and check back here tomorrow!




Saturday, November 8, 2008

Blogging Boot Camp

As many of you know, besides being a stay at home mom, blogger,vlogger, and new addition to the world of reviewing, I also work a really fun paying gig at Dakno Marketing.

Whew, my days are full!

So really, I don't have much time to work on simply trying to figure out this blog world I find myself enjoying so much! Enter: Blogging BootCamp offered by Dakno Marketing.

Granted, Dakno Marketing is geared more to creating real estate websites and blogs; however, when it comes to getting the most out of your blog optimization, increasing traffic, and reaching your full blogging potential, the lessons in Blogging BootCamp cross all blog categories!

And no, I was not paid to blog about Blogging BootCamp, and in fact my boss and co-workers don't even know that I have written about it-that is how much I love my job and our services! I am even writing about them in my free time! (Though I guess now they do, because they read my blog. Perhaps now is the time to ask for a raise?)


If you are thinking of trying to move your blog beyond the "information updates" to "respected blogger of your subject" then consider taking Dakno Marketing's Blogger BootCamp-you will be amazed at how quickly the inside tips, tricks and best practices will work to make your blog one of the best!


Friday, November 7, 2008

Linda Eder Giveaway: The Other Side Of Me

Love Music? Then you will want to check out my Reviews and Giveaways page, Miche Reviews, to read and hear what I think of Linda Eder and her new CD, The Other Side Of Me

There is a Great Giveaway at the end too....


Thursday, November 6, 2008

An Amazing Moment

Yes, I am proud to live in America. I didn't vote for him, and I am really skeptical of his healthcare plan and I worry about the Supreme Court Judges he might get to appoint; however, I have never been more happy to see my choice lose. Seeing Obama win the presidency was a great moment in history I am forever proud to have witnessed:



An amazing speech from an amazing man at an amazing moment.

Yes, Amazing.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Phthalates: More Toys to Worry About

Well, I thought we were good on toys now that we knew to keep away from BPA, lead and other such stuff from last years toy scares; however, it seems there is yet another product to be scared of: phthalates

I don't know what they are, but I do know that they are chemicals used to make plastic toys soft. Hmmm..that sounds like a lot of toys I own.

Here is a link to the new posted by my home town's local news source: WRAL

And here is more info from Baby Center

From what I understand, phthalates will be banned in baby products and toys staring in Feb of 2009...great, AFTER the Christmas season, meaning that toys made with this stuff will/might be on shelves as we start our shopping.

And it seems that pretty much any baby lotion, shampoo and teether is guaranteed to have it, though I have not finished researching this info yet.

Oh Geez.



Tuesday, November 4, 2008

I never got to go Trick or Treating as a kid, so now that I get to do it with MY kids, it is SUPER fun! And yes, I dress up. I usually would wear an old prom dress and b a princess, but this year, because of being in Mobile without a costume for a Mom's Night Out event, I decided the investment in a REAL princess costume was worth it. Esp since it was on a 1/2 off sale! Little Dude's dragon/dinosaur costume (Yes, it is a dragon, but he called it a dinosaur)I got on 75%off from Old Navy after Halloween LAST year. And JR's Pumpkin outfit? A gift I got when I was pregnant with Little Dude. Bill usually goes as a football player and wears his NC State Football jacket, but same as me, his usual costume was in NC. SO, he went as my prince charming by just wearing a dressy work outfit.



Little Dude showing off his frog candy basket
Miche, JR and Little Dude getting ready to go trick or treating-yes, Jr is crying and Little Dude suddenly decided to hide his face from the camera: "NO PICTURES!!"-even crazy moments like this are fun to look back on.

Our Little Dude all grown up and marching to another door for candy. I would've thought he'd be a little scared of the decorations in the dark, but once he learned of the candy he was getting, there was no stopping him!


Knocking on a door for candy.


Bill explaining the candy rules to the boys. They are listening attentively....

And so, later today I am heading out to look for costumes for the boys for next year and then to start on some Christmas shopping. Yes, I know it is early, but I really can't stand shopping after Thanksgiving, so I've got to hurry and finish all my shopping before the crazy crowds of Black Thursday.....

Monday, November 3, 2008

Baby Milestone-4 Months

Our little 34 week preemie, JR, is turning out to not be a "typical" preemie. After our few scares with his breathing and eating in the hospital, JR has taken off growing like a weed to catch up!

Well, I think he has passed the "catch up" stage, because he is rolling! Yes, he is only 4 months old (and technically should only just now be turning 3 months old) and he has started rolling. And not just one way either, he can go back and forth either way AND has started to scoot a little on his tummy by using his back legs to push. OH MY.

I am in amazement of how strong and healthy he is, because those first few minutes after he was born were so scary as they whisked him away to the NIC-U.

So, here is our new little mover!



Sunday, November 2, 2008

Wisdom

Bill Vaughn:

A three-year-old child is a being who gets almost as much fun out of a fifty-six dollar set of swings as it does out of finding a small green worm.

I couldn't agree more.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Where has the time gone?



JR has started rolling! Oh. My. Goodness. How has that much time gone by? He offically started on Monday night with one roll from his back to tummy, but now he is rolling every which way and even scooting a little on his tummy by kicking his back legs.



And major Uh Oh for me...I know have two mobile kids!! I have been spoiled in the safety of knowing that wherever I put JR down, he would stay....not anymore! I have a feeling I'm now entering the adventure part of parenting....



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