Friday, August 31, 2012

The Doctor Is In! Schylling Toys - Review & Giveaway! CLOSED



It was Carina's lucky week this week! She received not one, but two fantastic toys for imaginative play from Schylling Toys. Schylling specializes in classic toys; their philosophy is that toys shouldn’t be complicated and they don’t have to be trendy. They don’t have to talk to you, and you don’t need a computer to play with them. The best toys don’t even need electricity! They are powered by hand and imagination. We can certainly relate to this philosophy. While Carina has some electronic toys, Mike and I try to limit her time in front of screens and opt for imaginative toys whenever we can.

Schylling has had the same mission for more than 30 years: To create a unique collection of products that offer a variety and distinctive appeal to all. We focus on new products, new concepts and new play patterns with a variety of price-points to satisfy the ever changing appetite of the consumers. Continually updating our products allows them to never go out of style.

We received the Doctor's Bag and Musical Tin Tea Set.

Doctor's Bag

Carina has been having a blast playing with the Doctor's Bag. Made of vinyl, it snaps open and shut and houses 8 different doctor's tools including a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, medicine bottle, syringe, reflex hammer, auriscope, thermometer, and medical tongs. Carina's favorite thing to do is put the stethoscope around her neck and listen to her monkey's heartbeat. She also enjoys when I put it around my neck and listen to hers. She'll repeat the "ba-boom ba-boom ba-boom" sound I make.

She says "ba-boom ba-boom" while listening to Monkey's heartbeat
She also runs around with the reflex hammer yelling, "hammer!" and loves to move the stopper in and out of the syringe. As she grows and her motor skills develop I can only imagine the fun we'll have with this. Now how to get her from trying to bang on the baby with the reflex hammer? Haven't figured that one out yet...

Musical Tin Tea Set

I have to be honest. When I first found out I was having a girl, all those clichéd visions of tea parties, stuffed animals, and cute pink dresses swirled around in my head. If you had showed me this photo of my beautiful girl in a pink dress having a tea party with stuffed animals? ::mindblown::

At Carina's party, she served her imaginary tea with the Musical Tin Tea Set from Schylling to her best friend Monkey and other pals the Philly Phanatic & Violet. The tea set includes service for 4 (large plate, small plate, & cup), a serving tray, and musical teapot! At first, I thought the teapot was broken, as I wound it up and nothing played. Carina figured out that you have to tip it, as if you're pouring tea, and it plays "I'm a Little Tea Pot". She loves the music and will "pour" her tea for extended periods of time to listen to it ;)

Please don't tell anyone, but I've actually given Carina little sips of coffee in one of the tea cups. She tries to steal mine every morning and begs for it, "coffee! coffee!" I'm afraid I'm creating a monster...

Shop
Schylling has a wide variety of fun, classic toys. Some of my favorites include the Brio train collection (I had a Brio train set when I was little!), the Thomas Tool Box, the Musical Instruments, and the Sock Monkey.

Win
One lucky winner can choose either the Tea Set or Doctor Bag! Carina has so much fun with both; you just can't go wrong.
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 to residents of the US and Canada and ends at 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, September 6th.

The first entry is mandatory - Visit Schylling Toys and leave me a comment telling me your two favorite toys! Once you complete this entry, the widget will give you the option of completing the rest. Complete more steps for more chances to win!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Pregnant Problems: Exhibit D


Insomnia BLOWS.


YEOW. So much for sleep.

Laugh at my expense or commiserate --> more pregnant problems

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August Friends!


Check out my wonderful August 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!

Here are some of my favorite posts this month:

Meet Aidan's Medical Me - a doll to help explain the scary world of surgeries, doctor visits, and tests

Poor Aidan's scary surgery experience :(

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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.}

Here are some of my favorite posts this month:

Jenni is full term and is so ready to be done

She rocks a maternity swimsuit on vacation in OBX like no one else!


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For more on the Itzbeen Pocket Nanny, check out this post on how much we love it :)


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Blue breastfeeding maternity dress - part of my new wardrobe from Séraphine!


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For more on the Simple Wishes bra, check out my personal experience with it!


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


Adventures with Little Man: How potty training is going for Lauren.




It's a Vol: What's your take on Bloggers responding to comments? Some interesting discussion here.




Froggy & the Mouse: I roomed with Tottums at BlogHer12. Check out her great recap post!



My Slices of Pie: Heather discovers some great Dr. Seuss book apps!



The Winking of an Eye: I can really relate to Emily's thoughts on her post-baby body.



These Four No More: Ohhh the things kids say! Don't worry - a shark didn't actually eat their fake dog.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Mommy Fail: A {very} belated 18 Month Update


Carina -

You're 20 Months now, and I just realized I never posted an 18 Month update. So here's your 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 Month update...all in one :shakes head at self::


Milestones:
You are running around and climbing on everything these days. Your new favorite venture is to climb up on top of your tiny table and dance around like a penguin (think Happy Feet). I vow to get this on video soon. It's seriously the cutest thing I've ever seen.

Your eating is getting a little better since I weaned you at the beginning of July, but we've yet to see any real progress on the scale yet. Fingers crossed you'll pack on some pounds soon.

You are expanding your vocabulary daily! You're up to about 150 words, my favorite being "busted!" That's what Daddy says when you are doing something you aren't supposed to...and then you repeat it. You can put together very small sentences and few word phrases like "where did Daddy go?" "I got my binky" and "all gone turds" (when I change your diaper - this one cracks me up). Your favorite word is "shark". You have been quite taken with all of the Discovery Channel's Shark Week programming. Thank goodness for On Demand.

You can identify all of the letters of the alphabet, and are currently working on counting to 3 and colors. Whenever I start singing the ABC song you smile and try to since along. You can't really make it past "C" at this point, though. Yellow seems to be your favorite color, or maybe you just like saying the word "yellow".

I left you overnight for the first time, and it went surprisingly well. You had lots of fun with Daddy, and Mimi & Pepere. Mommy was even able to hold it together for the whole three days!


Loves:  
  • Your binky and monkey. You don't want to give either of them up...EVER. We tried to wean you off of the binky but it didn't go so well...
  • Food: black beans, peaches, blueberries, chocolate milk, cookies, yogurt-covered raisins, and DONUTS! You recognize the Dunkin Donuts logo from afar & even on coupons that come in the mail - I don't know whether to be proud of this fact, or embarrassed!
  • Riding in the backpack carrier with Daddy and going outside in general
  • Playing with your Calico Critters dollhouse and toys. Digging these out of the closet was one of the smartest things I've done in a long time.
  • Watching Super Why, Tangled, and Happy Feet. I'm hoping to catch your penguin dance on camera one of these days.
  • Spending time with family. You recognize your Grandparents, aunts/uncles, and cousins from their photos and ask to see them all the time.

Hates:
  • Brushing your teeth! You used to LOVE it, now when I try to get the toothbrush in your mouth it sounds as if you are being tortured :(
  • Getting anything taken away from you, like the cat's tail that you are trying to pull, your binky when it's time to eat, Daddy's keys or wallet, etc.
  • Being put in your highchair. Every now and then you're fine, but most of the time you go rigid and scream bloody murder when it's mealtime.

Height & Weight: At your last appointment on June 29th (at 18 Months) you were 19 lbs. 12 oz. and 31.5 inches. According to our growth chart you've grown a little since then, and our scale says you are 21.5 lbs. That would be AMAZING. I almost don't want to get my hopes up...we have a follow up with the Pediatric Nephrologist on September 10th. Still size 4 disposable diapers (just for overnight) and the middle setting on your One-Size cloth diapers. Your feet have grown! You are now almost outgrowing your size 4s. Most of your clothes are size 18 and 24 Months, although you have a few random 2T things that fit well.

16 Months
17 Months
18 Months
19 Months
20 Months
Time needs to slow down. These last 5 months have passed in the blink of an eye...and you get more beautiful by the day.

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Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Judge Away: My pregnancy confessions


I'd like to preface many of these confessions with the fact that I know they may be bad, unhealthy, pathetic, TMI, or any combination of the above. But? I just don't care! :P

Since this blog {first and foremost} is my pregnancy journal and baby book, I'd like for my future self to be able to look back and see truth. Even if it's ugly and embarrassing ;)

  • Exercise - I haven't exercised since a month before I got pregnant...with Carina. Unless of course you count lifting her up off the table (her new favorite place to climb) over and over again, or chasing/following her around at the playground
  • Food - I consider it to be a good day if I only have 2 of the following: ice cream, Nutella, cookies, Funfetti cake, Funfetti cake w/a side of frosting, frosting straight out of the can, french fries, one of these deep fried bad boys, Pizza Hut stuffed crust pizza
  • Shaving - I'm lucky if I shave my legs once every 2 weeks. I would blame the fact that I can barely reach them, except the frequency with which I've done it wasn't any different back towards the beginning of my pregnancy...
  • Sex - I had to verify with Mike that it's been about once a month since we found out I was pregnant and he quickly refuted that, stating with certainty that it has been about 5 times...total. Sorry, babe #wifefail :(
  • Cleaning - I've been keeping up with the laundry and the dishes - for the most part - but other than that? I couldn't tell you when I last vacuumed, scrubbed out the tub, or cleaned ANYTHING ELSE in this entire place. Last week Carina picked up a dust bunny and said "eww gross!" ::shakes head at self::
  • Wine - I've had a small glass of wine here and there throughout this pregnancy. I never ever did with Carina. I blame my Mother-in-law; she's always pushing it at me ;)
  • Bare belleh pics - I know they creep a lot of people out, but I love them. I see my {clothed} bump all the time, but bare? Only for a few minutes a day while showering and changing. I like to think that someday I'll want to look back and remember what the circus freak hugeness looked like when it wasn't covered up. So here's a couple more - enjoy. Taken at 36 weeks.
Pregnant bare belly, 36 weeks belly
Belly 36 weeks pregnant, bare belly pregnant
Ah-ha! The linea nigra has returned!

Now you! Can you confess to any of the above as well? Or something else as equally awful while pregnant? ;)

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Monday, August 27, 2012

Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Wraps - Toddle Along Tuesday


I'm pretty much in the drop zone now; this baby could come at any time! So, I'm on the lookout for some quick and easy meals to add to my list. Because hey, what new Momma (or Dad!) wants to spend hours slaving away over the stove? Here's one of my favorites. So good and so easy. It has been one of my top pregnancy cravings throughout this whole 9 months.

Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Wraps 

Pin It!Printable Version


Ingredients:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (we use Ken's Marinade)
3/4 cup ranch dressing
sprinkle of salt
tortillas
shredded lettuce
shredded cheddar cheese (optional - I lurve me some cheese)
diced tomatoes (optional)

Place chicken in crock pot and sprinkle with salt. Cover and cook 5-6 hours on low. Sometimes we use smaller chicken tenders and these usually only take 3 hours or so. Basically, you want it tender enough to shred with a fork. After discarding the liquid in the crock pot and shredding the chicken, put it back in the crock pot and add the buffalo sauce and the ranch dressing. If you like yours really spicy, you could add more buffalo sauce.

Buffalo chicken
Mixing chicken with ranch dressing and buffalo sauce
To serve, place an amount {to your liking} of the chicken mixture, lettuce, and cheese on the tortilla and wrap it up. Sometimes we add fresh tomatoes, too.

Crock pot buffalo chicken, buffalo chicken
YUM


This week's Toddle Along Tuesday co-host is Victoria from Smiles 'N' Snuggles and the topic is easy go-to meals! Victoria and I are due just a few days apart and are looking for some quick & easy recipes we can make when baby is here. 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 Mommy and me! Show off some cute photos of you and your little one, and/or write about your relationship!

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!

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Sunday, August 26, 2012

36 week bumpdate!



{Insert a Joey Lawrence-style WHOA right here, please} I'm HUGE.

How far along? 36 weeks

Weight gain/loss: Still 142 lbs...same as last week. Up 24 lbs. total. I was up 30 at this point last pregnancy.

Feeling: Can I complain now? Tired, crampy, incontinent, BLAH. Just blah in general. But somehow? I'm not in a rush for this pregnancy to come to an end yet. I am very excited to meet her, but I'm not feeling mentally ready.

Maternity clothes? I'm sporting that awesome "tenting" look with most of my tops. In the photo above my hand is where it is because otherwise you'd see part of my belly. Why doesn't anyone make tops that will fit for the whole 9 months?!?

Sleep: I'm up to waking about 3 or 4 times a night to pee, so, uh, not well ;)

Food cravings: Back to McDonald's fries, once again!

Movement? I feel like she is bouncing on my bladder and cervix as I walk. Otherwise I'm not actually feeling her much. I think she is running out of space in there.

What I miss? Not needing help...for everything! Mike has to push me out of bed, off the couch, help me up out of the car, put away the heavy pots and pans, bring the laundry bags downstairs and back up, etc. I don't like being dependent upon him to do everything.

Best moment this week:  Sleeping in yesterday morning. It was only until 8:30 but it was GLORIOUS.

What I'm looking forward to: Getting all of Aurelia's things set up this week. We dug her clothes and gear out of the closets today, and are planning on putting it in its place this week or weekend.

Next Appointment: Thursday, September 6th at 37.5 weeks. Not sure why they scheduled it for 2 weeks out from last appointment, as they told me only 1 week should lapse between appointments from here on out...hmm....

Milestones: Baby is now about 18.5 inches and 6 lbs!

Since I realized I'm wearing the same shirt that I was in my 36 week update last time, I thought it would be fun to see the pics side by side. I'm a little bit closer to the mirror in the 1st photo, but I think on the whole they look really similar.

Pregnant belly, 36 weeks

Check out the bellies and cute babies linked up with my 33 week post!

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Saturday, August 25, 2012

Pregnant Problems: Exhibit C



Want more? past pregnant problems

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Friday, August 24, 2012

Caring for the expanding bump: Love Munchkin - Review & Giveaway! CLOSED


Stretch marks. ::shudder:: Two words that make pregnant Mommas live in constant fear ;)

While stretch marks may be genetic, I figure why not help out my sad, sad stretched-to-the-limit belly skin if I can? While I was pregnant with Carina I used a few different types of belly oil daily, and am happy to say {please don't hate me} that I emerged at the end of the 9 Months of pregnancy completely stretch-mark free. But? I never found one I really loved. I just used whatever came my way...mostly gifts from family and friends. This time around, for the last month or so I have been using Love Munchkin Belly Oil and have been so impressed!

Love Munchkin, Belly Oil, Newborn Sensitive Skin OilHere's why:
  • It is made from natural plant based carrier oils and essential oils so it is pregnancy-safe, vegan, and paraben-free
  • It smells great and absorbs quickly
  • My belly feels moisturized and hasn't been itching anymore! 
  • It can be used after birth as well - the poor saggy skin deserves to be taken care of, too, right? ;)
  • Shelf life is 2 years. So if this {crazy} Momma is pregnant again in the near future, I can use the remainder next time around!
  • You can add some to your bath for aromatherapy. I plan on doing this...just as soon as I get Mike to clean out the bathtub ;)
  • Containers are BPA-free

 
More about Love Munchkin & founder/owner, Linda:
I am a Holistic mommy with sensitive skin and sensitive children striving for all natural products to nourish their skin. With a background in nutrition, and all things natural, I researched and studied ingredients that would feel good and are good.

I have an amazing Belly Oil which I feel to be the best out there. It prevents stretch marks, pampers mommy, treats existing marks and is all natural. 

Pregnancy is an important time to be wary of what goes on and into your body. We also have Newborn Sensitive Skin Oil, appropriately fragranced by essential oils that serve a purpose, as well as smell good. This can also be tailored to treat Eczema and Colic. Reviews prove that it has helped significantly with eczema in people of all ages.

I am really excited to try out the Newborn Sensitive Skin Oil on baby Aurelia once she arrives. Part of my nightly routine with Carina was a little infant massage, and I think the oil will be just perfect for continuing the tradition with Aurelia. It includes Sweet Almond Oil, Olive Oil and Jojoba, which moisturize and soften. Other essential oils include Dill, Roman Chamomile, High Altitude Lavender & Mandarin Green. I am most interested in the oil's ability to help clear up newborn acne. Carina had her fair share, so I'm guessing Aurelia might have some, too. Oh those sad baby pimples broke my heart :(

I think that the Love Munchkin Belly Oil & Newborn/Sensitive Skin Oil gift basket would make an awesome shower gift! In addition to the oils, it includes rubber duckies, bubbles, a board book, and Love Munchkin Samples for traveling or sharing. It is packaged in a wicker basket on soft blue blanket.

Shop
Until November 15th, enjoy 20% off of your order with promo code ecomom

Win
Linda is offering one of my readers a full size bottle of Belly Oil and Newborn & Sensitive Skin Oil!

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 to residents of the US only and ends at 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, August 30th.

The first entry is mandatory - Visit Love Munchkin and leave me a comment telling me one thing you like about their products! Once you complete this entry, the widget will give you the option of completing the rest. Complete more steps for more chances to win!

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