Random news & updates! Yay!

Happy weekend, friends! I have a few things to share with you. And because using numbered lists makes me feel accomplished and organized, here you go...

1. On Monday with my weekly bumpdate post I am going to include a linky list! I will do this on the 1st Monday of every month for the foreseeable future. Please feel free to link up your most recent bumpdate or monthly/periodic baby update! If you're pregnant and do updates for your little one, feel free to link up both! I hope this will be a fun way for us to check out each other's cute bumps, pregnancy progress, and adorable babies.

2. I have had a couple people suggest that I publish my Toddle Along Tuesday posts on Monday evenings instead of Tuesday mornings, because they have difficulty linking up or posting while at work. If you participate in TAT regularly, please comment below and let me know which you prefer, or if it doesn't matter. I am definitely willing to change to Monday if it is more convenient for the majority of you.

3. The BlogHer conference is coming up! I can't believe it's only 5 weeks away. It will actually be the first time I've ever left Carina overnight (eek!) So while of course I have mixed emotions, I am mostly excited. I will meet some of my amazing bloggy friends for the first time, hopefully learn a lot from the sessions, and finally get to have some me-time. And? I just heard that one night there is a party with all the McDonald's fries you can eat. SERIOUSLY. So.excited. I'll be introducing my three wonderful sponsors in the coming weeks! It is because of them that I can afford to go, and in style! Will you be there, too? Please comment and let me know.

For those who don't blog or do bump/baby updates, don't participate in TAT, and don't care about BlogHer, here's some super cute sassy baby for you ;)

June Sponsor Love!

Meet my awesome June sponsors!

Aidan...with Eos

Aidan... With Eos is about the trials and tribulations of life with a Medically Challenging toddler. Aidan is sweet, funny, and louder than any tiny person should ever be. He's also tube-fed, severely allergic to all foods, and considered "a regular" in the Children's Hospital OR. Join us as we find our way forward!

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jenni from the blog

Hi. I'm Jenni. I'm a married, working mom of two adorable kiddos: Carter and Brynn. I'm the middle child of three girls and love it {this also explains a lot about me.} My family is my world and I just love that it continues to grow more and more with each passing year. I'm a Philly sports lovin', wine drinkin', hard workin' mama of 2. I grew up just outside of Philadelphia, in a beautiful town in South Jersey {go ahead... get your jokes in now, but I love being a Jersey girl.}

Blog | Facebook | Twitter

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voKIDulary

I have a 2 year old daughter and she always seemed to be very smart. We received the babycenter updates for child development and Alex was always way ahead of where they said she should be. Not trusting the data, I wanted a way to get "real" data for how much children should know. I came up with the idea of voKIDulary where parents could track their children's progress and compare that against other voKIDulary users. I haven't yet gotten to the comparing portion of the app but it will be coming over the next month or two.

I downloaded voKIDulary and started using it for Carina! I love documenting all the new words she is saying, and seeing that number rise {almost} every day! Today we added bagel and bacon (random!?) Would you like to try it out? Like voKIDulary on Facebook and post a comment, and Rick will give you a code to download it for free! Limited to the 1st 40 readers :)

Facebook | Twitter

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doTERRA

dōTERRA^® (meaning "Gift of the Earth") essential oils represent the safest, purest essential oils available in the world today. Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, and flowers of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant, eliciting profound emotional responses. Yet the use of essential oils goes well beyond their fragrant appeal. Used throughout history for their medicinal and therapeutic benefits, essential oils can be used as natural alternatives in holistic self-care practices. Their unique chemistry allows them to be used aromatically and applied topically to the skin, while other essential oils can be used as dietary aids to promote vitality and well being.

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Looking for some awesome new blogs to read or places to shop? Look no further!        

Return of Geeky Find Friday! Quantum Physics Dress

Last summer I posted my favorite "geeky find" on Fridays. I had so much fun scouring the interwebz for all things geek. Due to popular demand, I'll be bringing it back! It probably won't be weekly because most of the time I find myself with too many things to post about, but I'll try my best to give it a go at least once a month.

Quantum Physics Toddler Ruffle Dress by Waycooltshirts on Etsy

Here's the description:
Can you say "How adorable and brainy!" in the same breath?! Your little darling will light up the room with this bright and precocious dress with curly edges at bottoms of ruffles and sleeves.
This is our “Kids Chic-Ghic™”!

It’s never too soon to start teaching your kid about atoms and quantum physics—not if you would like the little tyke to grow up to become the next Albert Einstein (ok, the next Carl Sagan…ok, ok, the next Neil deGrasse Tyson)! So instead of warbling the usual macabre Mother Goose version of “Ring Around the Rosy” with those mysterious lines (what do they mean anyway? and what’s with the “ashes”?), you could be singing this 21st century version of "Rings Surround the Rosy" just as easily and your child will have just as much fun pretending to be the collapsing wave function! (Better than crumpling of the plague…no?) And then you can begin: “Now, Honey, everything, including you and me, are made of these tiny little bits called atoms….”

Cheat Sheet for Parents:
Rings surround the rosy: We are calling the center (nucleus) of the atom, where most of the stuff is (neutrons, protons, etc), the “rosy”. Elections swirl around the center in rings of differing energy levels (also called shells), creating a cloud of electron rings.

Electrons are supposy: The big change from Newton’s classical physics to quantum physics is that scientists can no longer predict the specific outcome of an experiment. At the sub-atomic level, all that can be predicted is the overall resulting pattern of elementary particles and the probabilities of where electrons will land, but not the actual destination of just one particle.

Dashes – Crashes: In an experiment, the particle, maybe an electron or a photon or an ion, is emitted from a source ("dashes"), like a flashlight or um, a Large Hadron Collider, and sent “crashing” onto some sort of measuring device, like a cardboard screen (our particle detector).

Wave function collapses: Once the particle has crashed onto the measuring device and we can measure its position, all the other possibilities of where it could have landed vanish. The wave function is an equation that represents all the possible places the particle could have landed, and has now “collapsed” into one reality.

OK, you real physicists out there, maybe this is simplified and controversial, but good enough to get the kids’ interest? Parents, this process is usually illustrated via the famous grade school double slit light experiment which I’m sure none of us properly respected when we first saw it. If we did, we would have spent our childhoods wondering how that other photon KNEW there was a second slit open?!


I love that Waycooltshirts goes so far as to explain the whole thing! I just might have to get this because I agree, it's never to soon to start teaching your toddler about atoms and electrons ;)


Have a geeky find to share? E-mail me at growingupgeeky@gmail.com

Don't think I'm cut out for this...

Growing up I was never certain of the career path I wanted to take. Even now, at 28 I'm still not sure what I want to do for the rest of my life. The only thing I've always known? That I wanted to be a stay-at-home Mom.

Maybe that's why it's so hard for me to admit that after getting my wish for almost a year now, I've come to the conclusion that I'm just not cut out for it.

I was feeling this way back in November, shortly before Mike defended his thesis back in Wisconsin. I thought it was just a situational thing, with Mike's long hours and the seemingly endless packing. I did feel better for a while shortly after the move to Connecticut, but then Carina's failure to thrive issues and the oh-so-welcome pregnancy-induced fatigue began to take much of the joy out of my days. It became {and still is} a constant struggle trying to get her to eat. At this point? I'm so tired I don't have the energy to chase her around with food or get down on the floor and play with her. I feel like a lousy Mommy most of the time.

How all this makes me feel

So...I'm entertaining the idea of returning to work shortly after Aurelia arrives. My non-compete agreement from my old job expires in two months and I've been getting quite a few calls from recruiters. I have even had some promising interview calls. I'm hoping to find something part-time, but there doesn't seem to be much in my field that allows that. I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.

I wish I could be happy being at home, and I feel like a failure that I can't :(

Look what the Stork brought!

The mailman and I have become friends. I eagerly await his arrival everyday, and so does Carina - she enjoys opening boxes as much as I do! Last week we received our Stork Stack.

What is Stork Stack?
Stork Stack is a monthly subscription service that delivers $50+ of hand-picked products for baby and Momma right to your doorstep, for only $28 per month. Stacks evolve with your child's age from 3rd trimester to 3rd birthday.

Shower stack

What makes Stork Stack different from similar services? 
Your stack comes with 5 full-size age-appropriate products, rather than samples - I don't know about you, but samples somehow always end up tossed aside and lost or unused in our home. Also? It's not just for your little one. There is always something included in each stack for Momma! Stork Stack offers a Shower Stack, too, which makes a most perfect gift for any Mom-to-be (look! A WubbaNub and an aden & anais swaddle blanket!) Just $40, it ships the same day you order it.

A little more about Stork Stack:
Stork Stack is committed to delivering the highest-quality products for both baby and mom, making it easy for you to incorporate the best new brands into your busy life. We also deliver on-demand Baby Shower Stacks, the perfect gift for an expecting mom. Our goal is to help our members experience new brands and products, and have access to exclusive deals and offers from companies we know they'll love. Join or gift a subscription to discover serendipity shipped monthly.

We received the 18 Month stack. Check out what's in it!

Boon snack container, BabyLegs, Banz sun hat, Earth Mama Angel Baby Happy Mama Spray & Body Butter

1. Boon Munch Snack Container
We've been having issue with Carina shoving anything and everything - really, you name it...donut crumbs, puzzle pieces, banana slices (eww) into her other snack catchers, so this bad boy was a much welcomed surprise. You can close the lid which makes it easy to keep snacks in, and prevent a Carina-led infiltration. BPA and PVC free, and dishwasher safe (woot!)

2. Babylegs Leg Warmers
I think by now you know of my love for BabyLegs. Even in the summer, these are such a practical and essential {for us} accessory. This pair is white with ruffly ends, green and pink stripes, and cute hearts and flowers. Made of organic cotton, they are machine washable and tumble dry.

3. Baby BanZ Reversible Bucket Hat
This reversible sun hat is adorable and functional. It has a wide brim which shields Carina's face from the sun entirely. The other side (not shown) is solid pink. It has a UPF rating of 50+ and is machine washable, and line dry. In addition to being reversible, it is also adjustable! Part of the brim contains velcro for a tighter (or looser) fit.

4. Earth Mama Angel Baby Happy Mama Spray
I'll admit that I am often a skeptic when it comes to aromatherapy, but I have to say that this spray has been awesome. Made of pure essential oils and flower essences, it smells great and has helped ameliorate Carina's giant diaper change tantrums. I spray it on and around our changing pad every other day or so, and she has not freaked out nearly as much come changing time.  

5. Earth Mama Angel Baby Earth Mama Body Butter
A product just for the Mommas, woohoo! I've been rubbing this on my big ol' pregnant hugeness since I received it and my skin feels soft and hydrated. In addition to relieving dry, itchy skin on those expanding areas during pregnancy, it also keeps skin hydrated and supple afterwards! It contains natural moisturizers including organic borage oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butter and red raspberry seed oil. Compared to the belly oil I used to use, the body butter has no greasy or sticky residue which means I can happily futz around on my iPhone after applying it in bed without smearing the screen (haha first world problems!) ;)

In all, we are loving our stack! And I did my due diligence and checked out the retail prices on the items and they are well over $50, even when I could find the items on sale. The hat itself is worth almost the cost of the entire stack!

Hat, snack container, and BabyLegs in action!

Why BabyLegs are sometimes a must with this little one ;)

Stork Stack is also unique in its mission to do good. They donate to two amazing charities: Operation Showers of Appreciation (military families separated by deployment) and Baby Buggy (families in need). For every 3 month subscription purchased they give 1 stack, 2 stacks for ever 6 month subscription and 3 stacks for every 12 month subscription!

How about a discount? Coupon code geeky10 will get you $10 off a 3-month subscription. Interested in a more long-term comittment? Code geeky25 will get you $25 off a 6-month subscription! And? Shipping is always free. Sign up by June 30th to receive the July stack!

If you have more specific questions about how Stork Stack works, please check out their great FAQ page! Be sure to stalk their Facebook page for discounts and giveaways, as well.


I was not compensated for this review. I received the item(s) free of charge for reviewing purposes. All opinions are honest, and my own.

Does your baby always match?

I posted a bunch of photos of Carina rolling around in dirty socks a handful of weeks ago.

One of the comments on the post stood out to me:

"Ummm, is her outfit supposed to match? Cause it doesn't...."

Upon reading it I just laughed to myself. My eyes function, so I was well aware that the outfit didn't match. The truth? She had just taken a giant dump and got poo on her jeans, so I changed her into the first clean thing I could find. But really...does it matter? So what if I had chosen this outfit on purpose?

Or...what if she had chosen it? Carina is just now starting to show preference for one item over another. If I tell her to pick out her clothes and she brings me this purple striped shirt and flower patterned navy skirt, do I risk crushing her little heart and/or the temper tantrum that might follow and tell her "No"? Encouraging her to exert her budding autonomy followed by telling her that the items she selected are not sufficient seems like a poor exercise in independence and self-esteem.

What do you think? Do your child's clothes always match? Do you let him/her select their own clothes? Does it matter if they match? I'm genuinely curious as to what all the parents out there think about this.

Yep, that's a cheerio in your bra - Toddle Along Tuesday

Dear carefree well-rested pre-baby Melissa,

We're 18 months in and all three of us are still alive, so I guess that's good news, right? Might I suggest that you prepare yourself for the inevitability of the following...

...you will sustain bodily injury courtesy of the babe. Don't get scared, it really hasn't been that bad. Just a little {nipple} bite here and there, a swift kick to the {pregnant again} belly, a deep scratch due to a fingernail that I should have clipped last week. Mike has not been so fortunate, though. He has been poked in the eye (both closed and open), had fingers jammed up his nose, his lip pulled, his unmentionables stomped, and numerous body parts bitten. Go ahead; it's okay to smile and snicker at his expense.

...you will find strange things in even stranger places. Today I found a cheerio in my bra. I didn't give Carina cheerios today...and can't remember the last time I did. Where did it come from and how long had it been snuggling my boob?? These are the mysteries. I also found a magnetic letter "Y" in the bath tub and and puzzle pieces in her snack catcher. All you can do is laugh.

...you will actually get excited by diapers. No joke. Cloth diapers have become a bit of an obsession for me. So fluffy and colorful and cute. Who would ever guess that you would geek out over something in which your baby takes a dump? Speaking of deuce, you will get pooped on. Sorry. No avoiding it. And after while it won't even gross you out that much.

But despite getting hurt on a regular basis, having strange bra fellows, and being covered in #2, you will love more than you ever imagined. You will experience more joy than you ever thought possible. Even when you're elbows deep in poop (and that happens), one big toothy smile and a wobbly run towards you accompanied by a spirited "Mommy!" will erase any and all frustration that you're feeling.

P.S. OMG can someone please turn these pregnancy hormones off? I couldn't even write the paragraph above without crying.



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My co-host for Toddle Along Tuesday this week is Jen from Home for Three and the topic is letter to your pre-baby self! What do you wish that you-now could tell yourself from years past? There are no rules here, except that you link up a relevant post (old or new) rather than your whole blog.

Next week's topic is summer fun! Share some photos or a post about anything fun you've done so far this summer, or something fun to come.

If you like advance notice for TAT, check out the bottom right of my blog - topics for the next couple months are listed. Would you like to submit a topic idea and/or volunteer to co-host one week? E-mail me!


P.S.S. Another question today! For those who participate regularly, do you like linking up on Tuesday mornings, or do you prefer Monday evenings? Way back when I posted TAT on Monday evenings. Just wondering what is better for you all :)

27 week bumpdate & our newest family member!

3rd Trimester is here. Commence freakout.

I didn't do it on purpose, but just realized I wore this same shirt for my 27 week update with Carina!


How far along? 27 weeks

Weight gain/loss: 130 lbs. Down 1 lb. from last week? This up and down is crazy. Up 12 total.

Feeling: Generally okay, except for fatigue. I am fighting to stay awake some afternoons when Carina refuses to nap.

Maternity clothes? I am in love with all of my maternity dresses and skirts. Summer clothes are just SO much more comfy than constricting pants and sweaters.

Sleep: I'm having trouble falling asleep, and staying asleep. I've been waking around 5 AM some mornings and for the life of me can't go back to sleep.

Food cravings: Tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad. And I had one for dinner yesterday and it was divine.

Movement? Little girl is certainly enjoying somersaulting these days!

What I miss? Rum & coke. And Bailey's. And wine. And uggh...

Best moment this week: Getting Mike his belated Father's Day present - a grill. He has wanted one for years but we were never allowed to have one in our previous apartment buildings. I saved up for months to get him the fancy one he wanted. I haven't had to cook since we bought it on Saturday afternoon. I call this a win-win ;)

Our newest family member!

What I'm looking forward to: Heading down to Philly again this weekend for my friend's wedding! I am so excited to see my friends from college; many of them I haven't seen since my own wedding back in 2009. It's been way too long.

Next Appointment: next OB appointment on July 11th at 29.5 weeks. My gestational diabetes screen is Wednesday ::gulp::

Milestones: Baby is about 2 lbs. now! I think hitting 3rd Tri is a pretty awesome milestone, too.


P.S. How many of you post weekly pregnancy updates on your blog, too? I'm wondering if a once-a-month (or so) linky might be a fun idea. I love seeing your bump pics, reading what names you've chosen, etc. Please comment and let me know if you would participate!

Aurelia's 1st baby gift from Beau-coup (And a giveaway!) CLOSED

When it comes to selecting favors, decorations, and gifts for special events in my life, I have always had such trouble! Maybe I'm too picky, or maybe everything I've found has just been blah or too expensive. Well? I recently discovered my new favorite site. Beau-coup is an online retailer offering a wide selection of party favors, decorations, supplies, and adorable gifts. Since 2002, Beau-coup has been assisting their customers in making their special events unique and fun - from baby showers to birthday parties, even wedding showers and receptions.

Cuteness abounds amongst the baby shower gifts. Stuffed animals, snuggle sacks, socks, blankets, bibs, gift sets, even growth charts - they have it all. My favorites include the Plush Octopus with Socks and Owl Snuggle Sack with Cap (both below).

I won't be having another baby shower with this baby, but if I were, I would for sure choose one of these baby shower favors. The Mini Jungle Animal Candles (below) are just too perfect to pass up. Hey, maybe Carina needs to have a jungle themed party for her 2nd birthday ;)

Beau-coup sent this adorable Giraffe Baby Gift Set for Aurelia. It comes with a fluffy giraffe stuffed animal with velcro on his hands and feet, and it so reminds me of my previous blog design! Also included is a soft fleece blanket with a cute embroidered giraffe and Aurelia's name. I think this set makes a perfect baby gift. I can't wait to snuggle up with Aurelia, the blanket, and giraffe. Only about 3 months to go! Whoa...3 months, really? Time is flying...

Giraffe baby gift set

Reminds me of my old blog design!

More about Beau-coup:
Our mission is to provide an unmatched selection of unique and quality products coupled with an exceptional online shopping experience delivered through a tasteful, feature-rich website and superior customer service. We believe in celebrating each of life's special occasions and strive to offer products and fresh ideas that help make every event extra special.

Shop
Beau-coup features baby shower favors and gifts, birthday party decorations and favors, and almost anything you could possibly need for a wedding or bridal shower. Returns are easy and free, and I really like that Beau-coup guarantees that their deliveries will be on time, or they will pay the cost of shipping.

Win

Beau-coup is generously offering one of my readers a $75 credit!

How to Enter:

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway. Click "Read More" below and then follow the instructions on the widget. Make sure to click "Enter!" after you complete each entry. All currents count! The giveaway is open worldwide and ends at 11:59 PM on Sunday, July 1st.

The first entry is mandatory - Visit Beau-coup and leave me a comment telling me how you'd spend your $75 credit! Once you complete this entry, the widget will give you the option of completing the rest. Complete more steps for more chances to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
I was not compensated for this review. I received the item(s) free of charge for reviewing purposes. All opinions are honest, and my own.

The bikinis I won't get to wear & summer essentials!

This post is underwritten by Old Navy. Whether you're looking for a tankini, bikini, or a one piece, Old Navy has you confidently covered at a great price.

During the summer of 2010 I was pregnant with Carina and had the worst time finding a swimsuit that didn't make me feel like a stuffed sausage. In 2011, I was working full time during the summer, and that coupled with Mike's scramble to finish his Ph.D, we were never able to get away to the beach. Sad panda :(

This year? Knowing that we were going to be back on the East Coast in such close proximity to the sand and surf, I was really excited about the prospect of squeezing myself into some cute bikinis for the first time in a few years. I pictured myself in something like one of these...

I love me some ruffles and plaid.

But then...THWARTED! Pregnant again. No teeny bikinis for me this summer. Fortunately I found a tankini that I love, but part of me is a little bummed I won't get to wear one of the above. I know what you're thinking; I could just rock the big ol' belleh in one of them anyway. I wish I had the confidence for that! ;)

Instead of lamenting the cuteness-that-I-won't-be-sporting, I've been focusing on all of the great beach accessories that I can still wear and bring. And of course? All of the adorable things I can put Carina in!

Some of my favorites:

For me:
Flip-flops | Hat | Bag | Sunglasses

For Carina:

Sandals | Swimsuit

What will you be wearing to the beach this year: bikini, tankini, one-piece, nothing (um..do tell?!?), or something else?


Thank you again to Old Navy for sponsoring my post. I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all my own.

A peek into our dining room! err...sort of...

This week I'm "showing off" our dining room, as part of our home tour.

I of course use the term showing off loosely, as there isn't much to show. Our dining room currently houses our kitchen table, media stands, and tons of Carina's toys. It's open to our living room, so we just let her commandeer the majority part of it as her playroom. Most days? There are toys strewn about the floor and it is much more playroom than dining room ;)

Looking in from the living room

Toys & windows

Play corner #1

Play corner #2

My favorite part of the dining room: our built-in china and stemware cabinet

Villanova tapestry - any fellow alums out there?

For now, in our small apartment, the dining room is really the most centrally located place. It opens up into the living room, kitchen, and even Carina's nursery. As a result it ends up being the dumping ground for mail, toys...just about anything and everything. I can't wait to have a house someday so we can have a real formal dining room ;)

Sense of dignity? Gone (TMI)

*Gross pregnancy alert; can't say I didn't warn you*

It was an otherwise lovely day at the Renaissance Faire a couple weeks ago, that is...until I sneezed.

I knew it wasn't going to be good. For a split second I lost control of those rather important muscles responsible for holding it in. I panicked, as I felt a little trickle of pee start traveling down my leg. I cursed myself for wearing a dress, and then made haste for the bathroom. Fortunately, it was only about 100 yards away.

Mike couldn't stop laughing at me as he just stared in utter disbelief that not only did I piss myself, but it was dripping and you could actually see it, clear as day. Remind me to never go out in public again?

~~~~~

It was an otherwise hilarious evening playing a board game with Mike's family last weekend, that is...until I laughed uncontrollably.

It just...wouldn't...stop. I'm pretty sure I peed through both my underwear and skirt. I'm hoping the couch was spared, but in all honesty I couldn't bring myself to investigate.

And I didn't tell anyone, including Mike. But oh, he'll know now! Sorry, babe.


Oh the joys of pregnancy. Methinks that Momma needs to work on her kegels...

Seriously, Mommy?

This is definitely one of those blog posts where I proofread and ask myself why on earth did I just share that with the internet? At least it will be nice to return to someday and laugh at myself, heartily.

SPILL IT. Who else is no stranger to the sniss?