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.

2015 Warriors in Pink Collection #Giveaway #MoreGoodDays

In May, Ford introduced the 2015 Warriors In Pink collection of apparel and accessories. The Warriors in Pink collection provides an opportunity to raise funds for breast cancer research and aid in developing resources that are vital to providing more good days to those dealing with breast cancer. 

Warriors in Pink supports, not one, but four breast cancer charities:

• The Pink Fund
• Susan G. Komen
• Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation
• Young Survival Coalition

Some of my favorite apparel items include the Fightin' Words Tee and the Warrior Love Hoodie. I'm all about comfort and fun design! It's heartwarming to know that the purchase proceeds support such an important cause as well.

 Over 20 years and $128 million dedicated! Ford Motor Company has been in the fight against breast cancer for 21 years. From raising funds through Warriors in Pink apparel, to raising awareness through unique media content, to giving breast cancer patients and survivors more good days.

enter to win this gorgeous scarf

GIVEAWAY! 
Ford has also generously provided me with several Warriors in Pink scarves to give away to you! The pattern is made with beautiful navy blue, orange, and fuchsia in a design fit for any lovely warrior! I have a lot to give away, so enter to win!  (Giveaway begins midnight, 7/24)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  Ford provided the scarves in exchange for this informative post. 
 

Blogger mama friends!

I have a love-hate relationship with blogging. I hate when I have writer's block, when I am short on time, or when other bloggers are using their platforms to sell, sell, sell -- or attack other moms.

The pros are so much more, however. This 5+ year adventure as BalancingMama has created a lot of joy in many ways. I enjoy writing when I am inspired by something and when I have a topic that will be useful to fellow parents. I am thankful for all the amazing experiences I have been able to enjoy, especially the Social Media on the Sand conference at Beaches Turks and Caicos and media days at numerous family-friendly Atlanta attractions.

Most of all, I am genuinely thankful to have met a couple hundred fellow moms who blog. These ladies are writers, business owners, parents, pet owners, and wives. Several are now also real-life friends.

Remember #FF? Follow Friday on Twitter? Well, this will be my own version of Follow Friday today. If you haven't had the pleasure of checking out these ladies' blogs, click and read. 

InTheKitchenWithKP - Karen is a fun-loving, never-met-a-stranger kind of mama who cooks everything and brings bundt cake to blog conferences

RedheadBabyMama - Lindsey was a mom of one until just a week ago! Her redheaded preschooler is now a big brother to a sweet baby girl (with brown hair)

JaMonkey - Meghan is a mom of two girls who crafts, organizes, and decorates.


Really, Are You Serious - Krystyn is a mom of four redheaded girls and a former science teacher who shares tales from her busy household and tests a lot of baby gear

 
Happy weekend!

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.