Hi there, everyone! I hope you guys are having a wonderful week so far. I wanted to let you know a bit about what will be going on for the next few months on the blog! I have many great events coming up, including the one going on right now, Getting Ready For The Holidays Extravaganza! So, here's a list of everything to expect. Believe me, you won't want to miss a minute of the action!
1. Getting Ready For The Holidays Event (Nov. 7-14th) - The current holiday kick-off event! My price package is worth $185 so, register today for your chance to win a gift pack with presents for the entire family!
2. Holiday Gift Guide Countdown (Nov. 14th-Dec.17th)- I am putting together a gift guide with over 50 wonderful gift suggestions! I'll be posting a master list for the gift guide and the items reviews and giveaways will be posted from November 14th until December 17th.
3. A Merry Fluffy Christmas (Dec. 1-5th)- A great cloth diaper event hosted by And Then There Were 4... with about 25 other blogs. There will be 1 cloth diaper package listed for giveaway on each blog every single day. Each giveaway runs for 24 hours so, you have over 100 possible chances to win some wonderful cloth diapers and accessories. Early Event Entries will be posted in a few weeks!
4. Holiday Gift Hop (Dec. 1-5th) - I'm also participating in his spectacular gift hop created by Simply Stacie at the same time as the Fluffy Christmas event. The Holiday Gift Hop features over 300 blogs so, it will be very huge!!! This 5-day event will be for cash prizes and gift card giveaways only! I've heard several blogs say they have hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards so, this will be great for the holiday season and to help purchase those last minute gifts! So far my gift package is worth $125!! Early Event Entries will be posted in a few weeks!
5. A Blogtastic Extravaganza (Jan. 18-22nd) - Hosted by My Silly Monkeys, this New Year's event features 150 elite blogs (similar to Blogmania), each with their own themed giveaway package. Mine will be "Baby, It's Cold Outside"! I'm still working on this package at the moment, but this, too, will be an event you don't want to miss! Early event entries will be posted at the beginning of January to help celebrate the new year!
9.11.10
6.11.10
Getting Ready For The Holidays Giveaway Extravaganza - Giveaway Prize Package (Ends 11/14)
Welcome to the "Getting Ready for the Holidays Giveaway Extravaganza"
This holiday how about we make it easy for you - there will be no need for you to go buy gifts for the family - you can win it all here - your prize pack will be shipped in time for the Holidays - all you need to do is wait for the nice mailman to deliver your prizes and then you wrap it. Or even better donate it to a family in need or Toys for Tots.
Win
"A Gift for Everyone" theme Prize Packs from each of the 4 hostesses
Plus you have a chance to win "A Gift for Everyone" theme Grand Prize Pack too.
Your Hosts are:
Here's my "A Gift for Everyone" theme Prize Pack
(A Total Value of Over $185)
1. Tonka Strong Arm Garbage Truck
($24.99 Value)
2. Kritter Kondo Original Pet Enclosure
($89.00 Value)
3. My Father's Hands Wooden Toys- Handmade Road Grader Truck
($40.00 Value)
4. Yankee Candle Company - A Light Of Hope Breast Cancer
Awareness Tumbler Candle (Mandarin Orange Scent)
($14.99 Value)
5. Barnes & Noble 4x6 Frame Laser-Cut Design
($16.95 Value)
Here's the "A Gift for Everyone" theme Grand Prize Pack
(worth over $160)
2 Febreze Set & Refresh Air Freshners (Scents of Your Choice)
The Family Dinner Cook Book
Novica $50 Gift Card
Turbie Twist
The Family Dinner Cook Book
Novica $50 Gift Card
Turbie Twist
HOW TO ENTER
Mandatory Entry for my Prize Pack
- 'Like' Children Teaching Mama On Facebook
**Remember to include your email address if it is NOT visible in your profile so I will know how to contact you!The initial entry is mandatory!
Be sure to answer that question before earning extra entries listed below! Each bullet is worth one extra entry unless specified. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you earn and include your email address is at least one entry.
Additional Entries for my prize pack
#Win A Holiday Prize Package worth Over $185 @ChildrenTeach http://tinyurl.com/holidayevent
#giveaways Event Ends 11/14
#giveaways Event Ends 11/14
- Register for the Children Teaching Mama Newsletter (on left sidebar)
- Follow me via Google Friend Connect
- Blog about this giveaway and post your URL link
**Would You Like Additional Entries For My Event Giveaway (only mine)?**
Go to the Tonka Review, Kritter Kondo Review, and/or the My Father's Hands Handmade Toys Review for Many Extra Entries (optional!)
Ready To Enter the Grand Prize Package Giveaway?
Mandatory Entry for the Grand prize pack
Must be a facebook fan of all 4 hostesses and then fill in this entry form HERE.
You must fill in the form once for us to validate your entry - do not leave a comment for the Grand Prize entry.
**You just need to fill out the form one time, after 'liking' each of the 4 facebook pages. No extra entries count for the grand prize package!**
**You just need to fill out the form one time, after 'liking' each of the 4 facebook pages. No extra entries count for the grand prize package!**
Don't Forget to Link Over to The Other 3 Blogs Participating In the Event!
Blog Hop Linky to the other hostesses prize packs:
Tatum's Family Reviews
Plenty of opportunities to increase your chance of winning! This Giveaway is open to US Residents and Ends November 14th at 11:59pm EST. Winners will be drawn by random.org. An announcement will be made on the all 4 blogs and the winners will also be contacted via email. The winners have 48 hours to respond to the email or another winner will be chosen.
Contest ends November 14th at 10 pm EST. Winners will be verified and contacted via email and have 48 hours to respond otherwise a new winner will be drawn. Good luck everyone!
Plenty of opportunities to increase your chance of winning! This Giveaway is open to US Residents and Ends November 14th at 11:59pm EST. Winners will be drawn by random.org. An announcement will be made on the all 4 blogs and the winners will also be contacted via email. The winners have 48 hours to respond to the email or another winner will be chosen.
Contest ends November 14th at 10 pm EST. Winners will be verified and contacted via email and have 48 hours to respond otherwise a new winner will be drawn. Good luck everyone!
Win A Fisher-Price Bigfoot On Mommy Katie's Blog
I usually don't write about other giveaways on other blogs, but I had to write about this one. My son is absolutely in love with the new Fisher Price Bigfoot Monster and wants one so badly for Christmas. Mommy Katie has one on review and for a giveaway until November 30th so, head on over and get your entries in... and if you win, send it to Josiah! Thanks! :)
Click HERE to Enter!!
5.11.10
The Family Dinner by Laurie David Review
From the Publisher
The producer of An Inconvenient Truth, Laurie David's new mission is to help America's overwhelmed families sit down to a Family Dinner, and she provides all the reasons, recipes and fun tools to do so.
Laurie David speaks from her own experience confronting the challenges of raising two teenage girls. Today's parents have lots to deal with and technology is making their job harder than ever. Research has proven that everything we worry about as parents--from drugs to alcohol, promiscuity, to obesity, academic achievement and just good old nutrition--can all be improved by the simple act of eating and talking together around the table.
Laurie has written a practical, inspirational, fun (and, of course, green) guide to the most important hour in any parent's day. Chock-full chapters include: Over seventy-five kid approved fantastic recipes; tips on teaching green values; conversation starters; games to play to help even the shyest family member become engaged; ways to express gratitude; the family dinner after divorce (hint: keep eating together) and much more. Filled with moving memories and advice from the country's experts and teachers, this book will get everyone away from electronic screens and back to the dinner table.
My Thoughts
We are part of the fast-food nation and, in this fast-paced world, it's hard to find a moment of peace and quiet. Children seem to grow up in the blink of an eye and, before you know it, they are in college. One of my most favorite memories as a child is that of eating dinner with my family. No matter how hectic our days, each night we came together to eat a fantastic homemade dinner. We very rarely ate elsewhere and it was considered a treat to do so. Looking back, I have fond memories of that simple, yet special time with my mom and dad. The busy world around us continued on while all was quiet, except our voices and laughter, at our family's dinner table.
I was excited to read this book because I've recently noticed the lack of time we (me, the kiddos, and the hubs) spend at our table. It's sad, actually, and we've often said we were going to eat more often there and failed to do so. The table has begun to be our mail sorter, unfortunately. After reading The Family Dinner by Laurie David, I was more compelled than ever to start eating dinner at the table once again.
Not only is The Family Dinner filled with delicious family recipes, but thoughtful stories from other writers, musicians, actresses, and more! Every page is filled with informative and intriguing articles, from Maya Angelou suggesting reading poetry at the dinner table to a conversation with Judge Judy, who spoke about table manners and life as a grandma. The Family Dinner is the perfect mix between a cookbook and a memoir. I love that each time I open the book, I learn something new, either about cooking, statistics and facts about eating dinner as a family, or about other people's family experiences. As a big fan of memoirs and cookbooks, this book really appeals to me.
The book doesn't come across preachy at all to me, but definitely makes you feel like more effort should be put into eating dinner at the family table, which, in my opinion, is a good thing. The only point with which I disagree with David, the author, is making rules to eating dinner as a family. She suggests several rules to eating at the dinner table, though I don't see that they are necessary. As a family, when you come together and sit at the table, the conversation, the laughter, and everything in between just seems to fall into place. Why should there be rules? Just enjoy your time together and don't worry about what you should be doing and what you are doing wrong.
All in all, The Family Dinner is definitely worth a read so, pick it up at your local library or purchase it at Amazon.com for only $17.99! That's a great deal!
Laurie David speaks from her own experience confronting the challenges of raising two teenage girls. Today's parents have lots to deal with and technology is making their job harder than ever. Research has proven that everything we worry about as parents--from drugs to alcohol, promiscuity, to obesity, academic achievement and just good old nutrition--can all be improved by the simple act of eating and talking together around the table.
Laurie has written a practical, inspirational, fun (and, of course, green) guide to the most important hour in any parent's day. Chock-full chapters include: Over seventy-five kid approved fantastic recipes; tips on teaching green values; conversation starters; games to play to help even the shyest family member become engaged; ways to express gratitude; the family dinner after divorce (hint: keep eating together) and much more. Filled with moving memories and advice from the country's experts and teachers, this book will get everyone away from electronic screens and back to the dinner table.
My Thoughts
We are part of the fast-food nation and, in this fast-paced world, it's hard to find a moment of peace and quiet. Children seem to grow up in the blink of an eye and, before you know it, they are in college. One of my most favorite memories as a child is that of eating dinner with my family. No matter how hectic our days, each night we came together to eat a fantastic homemade dinner. We very rarely ate elsewhere and it was considered a treat to do so. Looking back, I have fond memories of that simple, yet special time with my mom and dad. The busy world around us continued on while all was quiet, except our voices and laughter, at our family's dinner table.
 |
| our table- used only for special occasions lately! |
Not only is The Family Dinner filled with delicious family recipes, but thoughtful stories from other writers, musicians, actresses, and more! Every page is filled with informative and intriguing articles, from Maya Angelou suggesting reading poetry at the dinner table to a conversation with Judge Judy, who spoke about table manners and life as a grandma. The Family Dinner is the perfect mix between a cookbook and a memoir. I love that each time I open the book, I learn something new, either about cooking, statistics and facts about eating dinner as a family, or about other people's family experiences. As a big fan of memoirs and cookbooks, this book really appeals to me.
The book doesn't come across preachy at all to me, but definitely makes you feel like more effort should be put into eating dinner at the family table, which, in my opinion, is a good thing. The only point with which I disagree with David, the author, is making rules to eating dinner as a family. She suggests several rules to eating at the dinner table, though I don't see that they are necessary. As a family, when you come together and sit at the table, the conversation, the laughter, and everything in between just seems to fall into place. Why should there be rules? Just enjoy your time together and don't worry about what you should be doing and what you are doing wrong.
All in all, The Family Dinner is definitely worth a read so, pick it up at your local library or purchase it at Amazon.com for only $17.99! That's a great deal!
No compensation was received for the writing of this review. Only the book was received and read in order to properly review it. All opinions are completely and 100% mine and only mine.
Family Time At the Dinner Table
Growing up, we ate dinner at the kitchen table every night. There was no option to eat elsewhere; it was a given. We sat around, discussed our day, and enjoyed our dinner. It was the one time of the day we could sit back, relax, and enjoy each other's company without any other interruptions.
These days, more and more families fail to take this time to sit, as a family, and enjoy dinner. I have to admit, we often fail to do so, too. With activities, the Hubs working late, and other distractions, it's easy to lose track of time and eat with the kids on the floor. I know, I know!
Maybe something beautiful and ornate like this table would be great one day... you know, when the kids aren't ruining all of my furniture...
Or maybe something classy like this table would be perfect for our tastes: somewhat simple, but tastefully elegant. I love the carved chairs, too.
The past two months I have participated in CSN Stores Giveaways for $55, but this month I'm going to opt for a review! It's time to try out CSN Stores for my own home and find something great to show you guys! So, check back in the near future for my review post.
Getting Ready For The Holidays: Tonka Strong Arm Review & Early Giveaway Entries
Tonka was created in 1947 and has since grown into one of the best-selling toy truck brands in the US. All children know the name Tonka for a reason; Tonka trucks are well-made, durable, and always innovative and entertaining. I can't tell you how many toys have come and gone in our house, but several of our Tonka toys have withstood the test of time with my destructive toddler.
Tonka's Strong Arm Trucks come as Bulldozers, Garbage Trucks, Fire Trucks, and Dump Trucks. Each are free-wheeling vehicles with trigger-levers built in. Squeeze the lever to make the truck work, each with different features! These kid-powered trucks will entertain for hours and hours!
I was sent the Tonka Strong Arm Garbage Truck to review and couldn't wait to open up the box. One of Josiah's favorite toys is his Tonka bulldozer so, I was excited to see his reaction. Plus, Liam just received a garbage truck for his birthday and Josiah has wanted one ever since.Josiah is completely fascinated by garbage trucks and this truck is no exception! It's a very realistic replication.
What I love about this truck is that it incorporates the usage of so many different senses, which really engages children. It's a fun truck and durable for play inside and out. Unlike some of Josiah's toys, I wouldn't hesitate about taking this truck outside to play in the dirt and mud. I have no doubt that it will withstand a very high amount of heavy play. I'd have to say one of my favorite things about the truck is that it isn't loud unlike many other toys. It's a truck that is fun, entertaining, and will not wake up Liam during nap time.
The Tonka Strong Arm Garbage Truck is recommended for ages 3 and up. I'm pretty sure my 8 year old nephew would love this truck, too, so it's really appropriate for a wide range of ages and would make a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa present!
Buy It
Ready to buy the Tonka Strong Arm Garbage Truck? Purchase one on sale today at Toys R Us for only $24.99
Win It
One Lucky Reader Will Win Their Own Tonka Strong Arm Garbage Truck from Funrise Toys!
One Lucky Reader Will Win Their Own Tonka Strong Arm Garbage Truck from Funrise Toys!
**This giveaway is part of the Getting Ready For The Holidays Event, which begins on November 7th and ends on November 14th! So, mark your calendars! (Continental US only)
But Wait!!!
Would you like early entries to the giveaway?
Would you like early entries to the giveaway?
Don't forget, all of the prizes will be together in a package so, the more extra entries you put in, the bigger chance you have of winning the entire package! Plus, there will be a grand prize package listed on Nov. 7th along with more entry options, too!
How To Enter
(these early entries are for my prize package only! not for the other 3 blogs OR the grand prize package)
- Visit the Funrise Toys and Comment on Another Toy Your Kids would Love! That's it!
**Remember to include your email address if it is NOT visible in your profile so I will know how to contact you!The initial entry is mandatory!
Be sure to answer that question before earning extra entries listed below! Each bullet is worth one extra entry unless specified. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you earn and include your email address is at least one entry.
Additional Entries
• "Like" Funrise Toys on Facebook and leave a message that Children Teaching Mama sent you (I will be checking!)!
• Follow Funrise Toys on Twitter!
• Follow Funrise Toys on Twitter!
• Subscribe to the Funrise Toys YouTube Channel! (2 Entries)
Come back November 7th for more entry options! I'll be leaving all early entry options up until November 14th @ 11:59pm!
No Compensation was given for the writing of this review. Only the truck was received for the purpose of reviewing. All opinions written are completely and 100% mine and only mine.
3.11.10
Getting Ready For the Holidays: Kritter Kondo Review & Early Giveaway Entries
Recently, I was contacted to review something called a Kritter Kondo and when I looked at the website, I couldn't wait to receive it! So many pet carriers and shelters are so small and borderline cruel, in my opinion. I can't stand stuffing my cat into his carrier to go to the vet, muchless to precious little doggies that love to run around. The Kritter Kondo allows pet owners to take pets outside and keep them safe without a leash or small carrier. The Kritter Kondo is a large enclosed pet condo! Pets have the freedom to stretch, run around, and actually enjoy being outside without the worries of chasing them around the entire time.
Taking your pets outside or on a trip is very simply with the Kritter Kondo. There are also built-in pockets to carry your pets favorite toys, food, blanket, and/or bed. What more could you really ask for?
More Thoughts
When the Kritter Kondo was delivered, I was a little concerned with the size and weight. Getting it up our stairs was a challenge, though, once out of the delivery box, the contents were light and easy to handle. Big boxes can be very deceiving!
The Kritter Kondo was very easy to pull out and set up, just by affixing the outer shell joints together (what holds the enclosure together). That was it! I was amazed at the simplicity of putting the structure together and the end result. The enclosure was very sturdy and provided a huge amount of space for a pet. I've never seen one so large and open, allowing pets to see everything around them and get fresh air.
If you live in a condo or apartment, a Kritter Kondo would be great to put on your balcony or patio to create your very own catio! I can see so many instances in which the Kritter Kondo would be convenient and quite handy, such as going on vacation, picnic, or the beach. We are actually planning a trip to Disney World and you bet I will be taking the Kritter Kondo along for Jack and Lucy. They will love basking in the sun and hanging out on our balcony and my mom won't have a heart attack worrying about them every second.
 |
| Kritter Kondo Deluxe is also for sale! |
Buy It
Ready to show your pets some love and buy them a Kritter Kondo? The Kritter Condo prices start at $89.99. Other accessories are available also, including a nice shade!
Win It
One Lucky Reader Will Win Their Very Own Kritter Kondo!
**This giveaway is part of the Getting Ready For The Holidays Event, which begins on November 7th and ends on November 14th! So, mark your calendars! (Continental US only)
But Wait!!!
Would you like early entries to the giveaway?
Don't forget, all of the prizes will be together in a package so, the more extra entries you put in, the bigger chance you have of winning the entire package! Plus, there will be a grand prize package listed on Nov. 7th along with more entry options, too!
How To Enter
(for my prize package only! not for the other 3 blogs OR the grand prize package)
Would you like early entries to the giveaway?
Don't forget, all of the prizes will be together in a package so, the more extra entries you put in, the bigger chance you have of winning the entire package! Plus, there will be a grand prize package listed on Nov. 7th along with more entry options, too!
How To Enter
(for my prize package only! not for the other 3 blogs OR the grand prize package)
- Visit the Kritter Kommunity website and Comment on One thing You Learned OR Why Your Pet Would Love to Have a Kritter Kondo!
**Remember to include your email address if it is NOT visible in your profile so I will know how to contact you!The initial entry is mandatory!
Be sure to answer that question before earning extra entries listed below! Each bullet is worth one extra entry unless specified. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you earn and include your email address is at least one entry.
Additional Entries
• "Like" Kritter Kondo on Facebook and leave a message that Children Teaching Mama sent you (I will be checking!)!
• Follow Kritter Kondo on Twitter!
• Follow Kritter Kondo on Twitter!
•Make a Purchase from Kritter Kondo during this giveaway (5 entries!)
•Follow the Kritters that Twitter Blog
Come back November 7th for more entry options! I'll be leaving all early entry options up until November 14th @ 11:59pm!
No Compensation was given for the writing of this review. Only the wooden truck was received for the purpose of reviewing. All opinions written are completely and 100% mine and only mine.
Getting Ready For The Holidays Event: My Father's Hands Review & Giveaway
Marlon, the owner of My Father's Hands Wooden Toys, says that when he became a parent, his love of woodworking was completely renewed. A proud father of two, he always finds time to work on his passion, wooden toys! Marlon sorts through rough, uncut pieces of wood and carves them into pieces of toy art, fashioning each piece together perfectly and thoughtfully. His ultimate wish is to create safe handcrafted toys that inspire imagination and creativity for young ones. I'd say that is exactly what he does!
Being handcrafted, no two toys are exactly the same, making My Father's Hands Wooden Toys unique and even more special. Take a look through the shop and see some of their favorite toys listed, from dump trucks and open box haulers to log haulers and steam rollers! My son is in heaven every time we take a look through them.
In addition to all of the wonderful toy creations, My Father's Hands is also dedicated to giving back to the Earth and, therefore, plants a tree for each toy sold through Trees For The Future. What an absolutely wonderful idea!
My Thoughts
We received a Road Grader Truck to review, which was, I believe, intended for Mr. Liam, but Josiah had other plans! He fell in love with the truck as soon as we opened the box and couldn't wait to play with it. I told him we had to wait until Liam woke up from his nap and what did he do??? He snuck into Liam's room and woke him up, of course! To my surprise, they shared the truck and pushed it back and forth to each other on the floor. It was one of those moments you wish you could just freeze in time.
We haven't taken the road grader outdoors yet, but it will be absolutely perfect for play in the dirt, which Josiah loves. The blade can smooth out sand or dirt and then your little one can draw pictures in it or whatever other creative activity they come up with! It was apparent the day we received the road grader that My Father's Hands Wooden Toys encourage imaginative play, even in small children. Liam was making noises as he pushed the truck back and forth, twisted the grader back and forth, and was completely entertained. There's just something about handmade wooden toys that cannot be found in regular plastic toys.
Buy It
Purchase a Road Grader at My Father's Hands Wooden Toys for $40!
Win It
One Lucky Reader Will Win Their Very Own Road Grader!
**This giveaway is part of the Getting Ready For The Holidays Event, which begins on November 7th and ends on November 14th! So, mark your calendars! (Continental US only)
But Wait!!!
Would you like early entries to the giveaway?
Don't forget, all of the prizes will be together in a package so, the more extra entries you put in, the bigger chance you have of winning the entire package! Plus, there will be a grand prize package listed on Nov. 7th along with more entry options, too!
How To Enter
(these entries are for my prize package only! not for the other 3 blogs OR the grand prize package)
Would you like early entries to the giveaway?
Don't forget, all of the prizes will be together in a package so, the more extra entries you put in, the bigger chance you have of winning the entire package! Plus, there will be a grand prize package listed on Nov. 7th along with more entry options, too!
How To Enter
(these entries are for my prize package only! not for the other 3 blogs OR the grand prize package)
- Visit My Father's Hands Wooden Toys and Comment on One thing You Learned OR One Toy You'd Love to Have!
**Remember to include your email address if it is NOT visible in your profile so I will know how to contact you!The initial entry is mandatory!
Be sure to answer that question before earning extra entries listed below! Each bullet is worth one extra entry unless specified. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry you earn and include your email address is at least one entry.
Additional Entries
• "Like" My Father's Hands Wooden Toys, LLC, on Facebook and leave a message that Children Teaching Mama sent you (I will be checking!)!
• Follow My Father's Hands Wooden Toys on Twitter!
• Follow My Father's Hands Wooden Toys on Twitter!
•Make a Purchase from My Father's Hands Wooden Toys during this giveaway (5 entries!)
Come back November 7th for more entry options! I'll be leaving all early entry options up until November 14th @ 11:59pm!
No Compensation was given for the writing of this review. Only the wooden truck was received for the purpose of reviewing. All opinions written are completely and 100% mine and only mine!
2.11.10
10 Helpful Hints When Bringing Baby Home
When I brought home Josiah from the hospital, I was so excited to finally be home with my baby, but also a little nervous. What if I couldn't handle being a Mom? What if something wrong happens? It's a scary, exciting time and everyone has their own opinions of what the expect and what you should do. I sure wish I'd had a better idea so, here's a list of 10 helpful tips for bringing baby home!
Bring Baby Home- 10 Helpful Hints
10. Expect the Unexpected – So, you think you will get to sleep 6 hours tonight? Or you have to be somewhere at exactly 3pm? Your world will be turned upside down, but in a good way. Just don't expect things to always go as expected. Some days will go extremely well and other days will end with you crying in a pillow. This is absolutely normal!!
9. Guests, guests, and more guests! - Your friends and family will want to visit you, usually at the most inconvenient time for you. If it's a bad time for you, don't be afraid to put your foot down. It's your baby and your time! They will have plenty of time to get to know the baby so, they don't all have to show up the day you get home.
8. Guests = Germs – 'Anti-bacterial' will become a much more important word in your household! Before bringing Liam home (a preemie), we bought several containers of anti-bacterial hand sanitizer and placed them in just about every room of the house. We knew this would be great for guests and to remind ourselves to constantly wash our hands and keep them as clean as possible. It's not rude to request others to wash hands, take their shoes off, or anything else like that. Your baby will be most important and they will completely understand.
7. My New Best Friend, Coffee – Don't expect much sleep. Your baby will be feeding about every 2 hours and, if you are breastfeeding, those two hours will sometimes run into each other in the beginning. You may feel a little overwhelmed (also normal) so, sleep when you can. Seriously! If the baby is napping, run to the bed and get you an hour in. You will be amazed how much difference an hour can make. I wish I'd learned this lesson when I had Josiah.
6. I'm Sooo Bored – You may expect to bring baby home and have so much fun! Don't expect a party, especially at first. It's definitely true what they say about babies: all they do is eat, sleep, and poop. There really won't be much more going on in their world or yours for about a month or so. Just relax- sit back and enjoy the quiet. There will be a time when you dream about this time, believe it or not.
5. Consider Cloth Diapering - You remember cloth diapers, right? Maybe your own Mom used them, but, I promise, they aren't at all like they used to be. Do some homework, read up about how modern they really are. They can save you a bundle of money and are much, much better for the environment.
4. Get Your Priorities Straight! - So, your house isn't as clean as it was a week before baby was home. So, you've got clothes piling up for the wash. You still need to make dinner and take a shower for the first time this week? Take a deep breath and decide which is most important. I'd probably pick a shower or a nice, hot bath. Get your husband, boyfriend, or family member to pick up some take-out. You deserve it, regardless of what you may think. Parenting is hard work, especially in the beginning. You don't have to be supermom all at once. Take it one step at a time and it will all happen.
3. Baby Stuff Everywhere? - People will recommend so many different items for a new mom, some ridiculously expensive and others just ridiculous. When the baby comes home you will only need a few essentials: diapers, wipes, towels, bath wash, lotion, bottles (if you are using them), and formula (if using or supplementing). On top of that, you just need blankets, clothes, and somewhere for baby to sleep! Toys and other items are not essential at first so, don't go overboard. A few little rattles are all you need in the beginning and even those will not be used for at least a week or so.
2. Wipes & Wipes – You will need to kinds of wipes when you come home. Those for baby and the others for clean-ups. Lysol makes awesome anti-bacterial wipes, which are absolutely perfect for cleaning up messes quickly and efficiently. I use them quite often in our household and love them. It sure beats having to use a spray, get a towel, and go back and forth three times.
1. Don't Forget About YOU! - It's easy for you and others to focus completely on the baby. You have to remember to focus on yourself sometimes. Take time for yourself. Go out shopping by yourself or a friend, get a pedicure, or even just take a bubble bath. Whatever you do, just do it for yourself, without someone else in mind. I went an entire year before I realized none of my clothes fit, I hadn't worn my hair down in months and hadn't gotten a haircut in a year! Don't let this happen for your sake, the baby's and your husband/boyfriend's!
Like I said, you will hear a bunch of useless advice from other Moms, including your own Mom, but there is really only one piece of advice that should ring completely true- TRUST YOURSELF! No book or person can tell you what to expect or what you should do... it just comes instinctually. Don't let anyone make you feel like you are doing something wrong just because you didn't do what they did. Every child is different and only you will know what's best for your own! Lastly, enjoy every single minute because it goes by so very quickly. One minute you are bringing baby home and the next, they are having their 3rd birthday party. It's an amazing journey!
I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Lysol® Wee Wisdom blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link to: http://lysol.twittermoms.com/about)
1.11.10
Official Notice: Web Address Change This Week
Hi, everyone! I've been wanting to change my web address for a while so, by tomorrow the new official Children Teaching Mama web address will be: http://www.childrenteachingmama.com/
Hopefully that will make it much easier and I'll stop getting called stinkermama! :) I originally started this blog to post pictures of my sons and to write a few posts here and there. Who knew this would happen? lol!
If you accidently put in the old web address, it will automatically direct you to the new one, or so it says! Let me know if it gives you problems!
Get ready for the upcoming events, starting with the first, Getting Ready For the Holidays, on November 7th! Early entry options and reviews will be posted this week, starting today! So, read about the wonderful prizes and you all of your extra entries in for a better chance to win the prize packages!
and don't forget....
Hopefully that will make it much easier and I'll stop getting called stinkermama! :) I originally started this blog to post pictures of my sons and to write a few posts here and there. Who knew this would happen? lol!
If you accidently put in the old web address, it will automatically direct you to the new one, or so it says! Let me know if it gives you problems!
Get ready for the upcoming events, starting with the first, Getting Ready For the Holidays, on November 7th! Early entry options and reviews will be posted this week, starting today! So, read about the wonderful prizes and you all of your extra entries in for a better chance to win the prize packages!
and don't forget....
(starting on November 2nd)
