Atlanta Baby and Child Expo - April 2016

The 2016 Atlanta Baby and Child Expo is the annual "premier party for expectants and new parents in Atlanta." The expo has been referred to as “the best baby expo event we’ve attended” by TheBump.com’s area representatives.  Parents and grandparents can find “all things baby” for new moms and moms-to-be, as well as their friends & family.

I attended the expo last year and it was an enjoyable experience. The venue is on the small side, so it has a very intimate feel. Brand and product representatives are friendly and helpful, offering giveaways, coupons, and advice about the latest and greatest baby and small child gear. Alas, my kids are ageing out of the need for most of the products featured, but I absolutely recommend the expo to any expecting or brand-new moms (and grandmas!) in the Atlanta area. You will go home with great ideas, a baby registry wishlist, and a few goodies and surprises. Don't forget to enter to win all of the giveaways!  The list of partners, sponsors and vendors from 2015 can be found by clicking here.

If this is the can't-miss event for you, be sure to buy tickets for the 2016 Atlanta Baby and Child Expo, and visit their website for more information.Advance tickets do sell out and you can purchase them now!

Some great baby/newborn advice

Now that my little active guy is a running, jumping, opinionated, finicky - but fun - toddler, my baby advice days may be over. I am personally not a fan of the newborn stages; it can be really difficult!

If you are a new mom looking for some tips or expecting a second child and wondering how he or she will change your family, I have a few useful newborn advice posts to share from my friend Meghan over at JaMonkey.com.

Do's and Don't on how to boost your milk supply

Preparing for a Second Baby

Protect your infant/preemie from RSV

The Proper Way to Wear Your Baby

In addition to parenting stories, product reviews, and advice, Meghan often shares really fun craft ideas and simple video tutorials. So click on over to JaMonkey.com and see what she's sharing this week!

Mommy and Me: Baby!

So many firsts this week...

My little guy tried out his very first day of his new all-day daycare. He will be attending once a week beginning in August. I'm thrilled for a bit of a break and the ability to focus on my rapidly-growing workload for several uninterrupted hours. I am also sad. And I feel guilty. But it's needed at this point in my mommyhood.

Amelia made us lunch all by herself this week also. Nothing fancy, but she used the microwave (for our hot dogs) like a pro and selected a fruit and a snack side. She was proud that she needed no help, and I'm proud of her too!

Also, my newest nephew was born! Welcome, Mason (a.k.a. Super Cutie Pie)! Amelia and I went to the hospital to visit my sister and brother-in-law and snuggle this cute little 9-pound bundle of sweetness:

Linking up with Really, Are You Serious for today's Mommy and Me Monday.

The terrible 18 months

Our little guy is a few days shy of 18 months old. We are right smack in the middle of "the terribles". He is becoming more vocal each day, making different sounds and perfecting his pointing, grunts, and a few words and signs. Unfortunately, it still isn't enough for us to understand what he desires. He gets extremely frustrated!

 Apparently, "the terribles" do not have to begin at age two. 18 months is just about right.

Reasons to meltdown include...

• Mommy gave me a fork instead of a spoon (with my chicken nuggets)
• Mommy won't give me her iPhone
• Mommy is trying to wash the dishes
• Mommy is trying to cook dinner
• Mommy walked three feet away from me
• Mommy won't turn on the TV
• Mommy won't give me a sip of her coffee
• Mommy is trying to work
• Mommy is sitting on the couch (instead of the floor)

Yep... it's basically all MY fault!

Whew, all of that crying can be exhausting! Sometimes the TV is a life saver. No apologies here.

Linking up to Mommy and Me Monday with Really, Are You Serious - who happens to be enduring some 18 month "terribles" herself! Baby B and A just might be conspiring against us.

 

Snips and snails and sugar and spice? #kids

Do you remember "sugar and spice and everything nice" and "snips and snails and puppy dog tails"? Cute rhyme, but my sweet girl and baby boy are so much more.

My boy is made of grins and squeals and lots of meals. He loves to laugh and make others laugh. He has about twenty face/body movements that will crack the grumpiest of grumps. He runs everywhere with pounding little feet and squeals with joy all day long. He also eats a lot. Meals and snacks and more meals and snacks for that guy!

My girl is made of stories and flips and clever quips. She is a writer and teller of magical tales. She spends a lot of time moving, flipping and bouncing in her own hilarious ways. And she has a quick wit that gives us the giggles out of nowhere.

Kids are the best little creatures on earth, aren't they? They simultaneously make me happy and exhausted, and I cannot imagine what I ever did without them!

What's it like in your house? What would your poetry be for your child?
 

Baby-proof your iPhone with Guided Access: locks home button and screen for videos and apps!

Sometimes, parents need to resort to technology to keep babies, toddlers, and even big kids happy in certain situations (long dinners, road trips, or lengthy waits at a doctor's office, to name a few).

Am I the only one who had no idea you could lock the home button on an iPhone and iPad for uninterrupted videos for baby/toddler? About six months ago, I found an app called Baby Lock, which allows me to pull up various YouTube videos and lock the screen so Andrew couldn't pause the video. It worked for a while... until he found the home button. Since the home button is the only button on the face of an iPhone or iPad, it captivates the attention of small inquisitive children and, apparently, they cannot stop pushing it! This rendered my Baby Lock app somewhat useless.

I recently discovered Guided Access, a setting in iOS6 or greater. This is the best iPhone (or iPad) find for a mom so far! I can open any app on my device and set what I'd like to lock. For apps where he needs to touch the screen (like my favorite Fisher Price Laugh & Learn app), I can allow touch but lock the home button. For a video, I can lock everything so he cannot manipulate the screen, the home button, or even the volume. Best iOS discovery yet!

Why I let my toddler watch TV... #parenting

Judgmental moms, get out your pitchforks! I am about to tell you something shocking...

I let my one-year-old watch TV. Every day.

Sometimes, he watches TV while wearing a big hot pink hat.

I acknowledge that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no television up to age two.  I have the utmost respect for the parents who are able to live up to this standard, but how on earth do you do it?

Andrew watches an episode of Sesame Street each morning.

• It is educational and entertaining 
• It has totally safe content for his little eyes
• He enjoys the variety within one episode
• It makes him happy
• It allows me to get my older child off to school with shoes tied, a packed lunch, and any important papers signed

And, honestly, one of the biggest reasons of them all

• I need a few moments each day of peace.

Otherwise, he literally clings to my leg.

He is content watching his educational programming and I can begin my day with a little bit of sanity. Because, honestly, I will have little sanity remaining by bedtime.

Yes, the television is also on when Big Sister gets home from school. She usually wants to relax for a bit with a PBS or Disney Junior show while having a quick after-school snack. She is totally adored by her little brother, so keeping him in a separate room isn't going to happen. He smiles and giggles and climbs on her, watching whatever she happened to turn on.

• I love their sibling camaraderie

In this household, we try to limit television and other screen time. The television is not turned on unless we are actually watching something. It is never background noise, unless it's on a music-only channel. I give both children my attention as often as I can; the television is not a substitute for human, family interaction. It's just a tool to take a break sometimes. Or a couple times a day.

We spend a lot of time during the day doing other things too. We do chores. He plays in the kitchen cabinets. We get fresh air outside in the yard or on the deck. We go to playgrounds. It is a busy and fun life... and a little TV never hurt anyone. That's my humble opinion, anyway.

A supervised dexterity exercise for baby/toddler

We stumbled upon a great dexterity and coordination exercise for baby last Friday.

Andrew's curiosity about our slide-out recycling bin drawer finally got the best of him, so he dug right in. He happily pulled out empty milk jugs and a few 20-ounce bottles. One bottle still had a lid screwed on and after a few minutes of trying to remove the lid, Andrew handed it to me with a grunt (which meant, "open this!").

So as it turns out, older babies are fascinated by lids and things that can open and close. Andrew spent a solid ten minutes trying to put the little lid back on the bottle. (Note: do not let a baby or toddler have a 20-ounce bottle lid unsupervised, as it may be a choking hazard!) It was a fantastic exercise in using his hands and improving dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

I watched him as he turned the little gray lid over and investigated the top and bottom. I observed as he brought the lid to the bottle mouth and tried to figure out which way it should go. Finally, I saw him get the lid on to the bottle - and he broke out in a huge grin. He learned how to manipulate a small object with his hands and he learned a bit of cause and effect (once I get the lid turned the right way, it will stay on the bottle). A useful baby dexterity exercise!

Here's a short clip of Andrew hard at work:

Atlanta: 2015 Baby and Child Expo - May 2nd

Are you a mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, aunt or uncle to a baby or small child - or expecting one?

Are you in or near Atlanta on May 2nd?

If so, you should not miss the annual Baby and Child Expo at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. The Atlanta Baby and Child Expo is considered the premier event for expecting and new parents in the Southeast. It is a celebration for expectants, new parents, grandparents and other loved ones.

When is the 2015 Baby and Child Expo? 
May 2nd, 11am-2:30pm (VIP ticket holders get early entry, starting at 10:30am)

What will I see at the 2015 Baby and Child Expo?
This event features a Maternity Fashion Show, Red Carpet Photos of attendees as they enter, awesome baby gear to buy and try, thousands of dollars in giveaways and so much more! 

Where is the 2015 Baby and Child Expo?
 Fox Theatre Ballrooms, 660 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

How do I attend the 2015 Baby and Child Expo? 
Just visit this website: www.atlantababyandchildexpo.com for details and tickets

I will receive tickets to the 2015 Baby and Child Expo in exchange for sharing this information. Any opinions remain 100% mine.

Mommy and Me Outtakes: Selfie with a baby

Taking a selfie with a baby? It is a challenge amidst plenty of giggles.

Mommy and Me! 

 

Beyond the flashes,

Beyond the countless clicks,

They are windows unto the past,

A tour unto our own heart.

-from 'Who Can Forget These Windows' by Ravi Panamanna

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Linking up to Really, Are You Serious for another Mommy and Me Monday!

Consignment season! Tips for first-time selling

In the Atlanta area, consignment sales are generally a pre-spring affair occurring in late February to late March. I have shopped consignment sales in the past but have just begun to navigate the tips and rules for selling. Andrew has grown out of several newborn and young infant items and I would love to make a few dollars back while passing along a great deal to another mother, father, or grandparent. I have not yet signed up to sell, but here are a few helpful consignment sale tips I've found in my mission to become less intimidated by it all!

Don't wait until the last minute
Sales are starting all over the Atlanta area in the next few weeks and registration is generally open at least a few weeks in advance. Search now for consignment sales in your area then peruse the sale website for registration information. Most want sellers to register online and they will provide all deadlines on the web page. Seller spots are often limited so don't investigate too late. Like I did in a few cases.

Gather your items and know exactly what you have 
I assumed I would just haul a carload of items to the sale location one day and start making some cash. Not so. Again, at least a few weeks in advance, gather all of your items. Find all missing parts and any instruction manuals you may have. You will likely need to enter your items into an inventory system for the consignment sale. Take time prior to this to understand what you have. Use the right terms for the items (is it a jumper, a bouncer, or a bouncy?). If you don't have a box or manual with brand information and item description, get online and find it. Buyers will appreciate correct information.

It has been one year... #happybirthday

Dear baby boy,

Today marks one full year since my title changed to "mom of two". One full year since your sister shed her title of "only child" and instead became the best big sister ever. It has been one year since the snow and ice rocked our plans for bringing you home and since Grandma and Granddad managed to get your sister safely home from school that crazy afternoon. One full year has passed since Daddy nervously watched you come into the world in a way we had not experienced or planned; in an operating room.

Upon seeing your little newborn face, my first words were, "oh, he's CUTE!". And little guy, you have certainly lived up to that assessment! Your sister refers to you as the cutest baby in the entire world and your smiles and chatter ensure that we make new friends everywhere we go.

Your face is cute and your personality is strong. One day in the future, you will learn that we called you "Hurricane Andrew", so named after the third strongest hurricane in US history. But we nicknamed you lovingly, amazed by your ability to investigate absolutely everything. You keep me on my toes daily, but your inquisitive nature means you will learn and grow and become someone great. 

You changed our lives forever very early in the morning one year ago. You are a shining star that we cannot imagine our world without. Thanks for being silly and sweet and happy and even difficult at times. Keep being you throughout your life and you will go far.

We all love you so much! Happy birthday, my baby boy. Wishing you many, many more years of joy and wonder and giggles.

An unforgettable Cars birthday via #DisneySide Home Celebration (and @MariettaPizza)

I received party supplies and other free products to host a #DisneySide @Home Celebration from Disney Parks and MomSelect. All opinions are 100% my own.

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Our little one is almost... one! He had quite the celebration over the weekend with 40-some guests in our home, Disney Pixar's Cars décor galore, cake, and twelve hot, gooey pizzas from a delicious local shop.

One secret to making your themed party really "pop" is to concentrate all décor in one main area. The teams at Disney Parks and MomSelect generously sent a 20-pound box of #DisneySide Home Celebration goodies which arrived just in time to incorporate into our personal festivities for the little guy. I originally had plans to place decoration in the foyer, basement, and kitchen. I am so glad that I opted, instead, to focus everything in the kitchen area which is really the heart of any home party. It was really quite the Cars extravaganza!

 Some of the party supplies included in my shipment were these themed cups:

Also in the complimentary supplies were the Lightning McQueen cupcake stand and cute little snack buckets. Since I was getting a large sheet cake, I did not have cupcakes to place on the stand. Instead, I filled the treat buckets with candy that served as a little take-home treat for the kiddos.

Baby boy's current favorite toys - 11 months old

Do you need a last-minute gift idea for a 10-18 month old? We celebrated "Thanksmas" with my family after Thanksgiving dinner, so my kids received a few of their gifts several weeks ago. Andrew, currently just shy of 11 months old, has some very clear favorites.

This post is not sponsored, but these toys for 10-18 month olds are life savers right now! So I thought I would share, as some of you may still be finishing up your gift shopping. I have the Fisher-Price Go Baby Go Poppity Pop Musical Dino in my master bathroom so baby boy can entertain himself while I get ready in the morning. And the Bright Starts Having a Ball Cluck and Learn Barn is downstairs so he can play most of the day.

If you need a gift idea for Christmas, Hanukkah, an upcoming birthday, or any other occasion for a 10-18 month old, I recommend these. My nephew also loved both of these toys around his one-year birthday.

The Fisher-Price Go Baby Go Poppity Pop Musical Dino is a popper toy dinosaur that bounces six colored balls (and any other lightweight objects) inside a cute blue dinosaur. The balls also drop into a hole and roll out the dino's mouth, so baby can continue to put the balls back in. I think Andrew could probably do this for at least 30 minutes, consecutively. That's an eternity in baby concentration! The dino plays music while it pops and the moment I turn the "on" switch, Andrew begins to clap and bounce. He truly loves this toy.

The Bright Starts Having a Ball Cluck and Learn Barn was a bit more difficult for baby boy to master, because it takes coordination to get the little chicken head balls into the top of the chicken head. He still misses quite often, but that makes it all the more exciting when he gets one in and it rolls out toward his feet! The balls randomly roll out one side or the other, so he never knows where to look next. The toy barn also has three large easy-to-press buttons on the side that play tunes and make animal sounds. We like it a lot!

Any affordable toy that can entertain my on-the-go little guy for over 10 minutes is my favorite too!

Sleep, baby. Please?

This mama went to bed at 8:30pm Sunday night. Halloween on Friday night, the busy weekend, and the time change - added to a baby who still wakes once per night - and I just could not take it anymore.

It has been a long few weeks.

Amelia was my overachiever baby when it came to night sleep. She was a horrible napper, but slept through the night - until at least 7:00am - by about 10 weeks old. Andrew is nine months and eight days old, and he continues to wake. He had a week or so of uninterrupted 11-hour sleep. Every now and then he will make it all the way through. But not so much lately. He is back to being up once per night, usually about three hours after he goes to bed. Often, he is wide awake and wants to play OR he is angry that he's awake and screaming his head off.

Not fun at all. He wakes his sister who needs to be rested for school. He frustrates me because I just do not understand why the waking occurs. I feel like I am following all the "rules"!

Snug & Dry for the speedy baby on the go! @Huggies #MC #sponsored

Note: I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central for Huggies and Target. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

 

 

The baby boy in this house is now over eight months old and a total speed demon. He kind of reminds me of Turbo, that racing snail from the animated children's movie. He's a little guy on all fours, scooting around the room, but scooting really FAST. It seems no obstacle can contain him; he is a baby on the move with lots of things to see (and taste).
 

With all of that zippy crawling, I have recently noticed red marks around his legs from diaper chafing. Not all diapers fit the same way. Some are more of a rectangle shape and fit more loosely around his little squishy thighs. Looser = more chafing, it seems.

Enter Huggies Snug and Dry diapers with the Sure Fit design. This diaper has more curve to its shape and a thinner feel. It hugs baby's soft and sensitive skin and stays with him as he moves and races throughout his busy baby day. We have been testing Huggies Snug and Dry for a few days now, and no chafing! Before, I was using baby lotion or petroleum jelly to soothe the red marks. Not needed anymore! So far so good, and he seems as happy as can be on his daily quests for adventure.

 

When you are diaper shopping, don't forget the wipes! All wipes are not created equal.

#WW Siblings playing together

It's the best thing about having more than one kid: watching them love each other.

#WW: The calm before the shots

Six-month check-up at the pediatrician yesterday!

The paper on the exam table was a huge hit! He probably pulled half a roll before we were done. I should have asked them for a to-go roll! Unfortunately, his visit ended with a couple shots which wiped that precious smile off of his face.

 

 

Baby boy is a big guy, 89th percentile for height and 54th percentile for weight. He has a big head too - 95th percentile! I'll assume that is because he needs room for all of his genius in there.

Diagnosis: healthy guy!

5 months... did I blink?

This big man turned five months old on the 26th. He joined our lives just before an Atlanta snow and ice storm. Spring has already come and gone, and now we are officially into summer! Every parent says it: time goes by too quickly.



Looking at the world with wonder

He has mastered basic grasping, "plays" with toys, and chews on everything. He is beginning to enjoy the exersaucer. He eats stage 1 baby food, and he is as sweet as can be. I have heard that boys love their mamas and so far, he is definitely a mama's boy. Sometimes, he will only accept me (and I love it).

Sharing his contagious smile

Generous with his cuddles