tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44565164416437048982024-02-20T21:24:55.541-05:00Naptime TalesAshley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.comBlogger587125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-43291443351745700342015-10-15T14:44:00.000-04:002015-10-15T14:44:13.499-04:00First Dentist Visit<div style="text-align: center;">
Well I wish I could say that Jack surprised me and did awesome for his first dentist visit but the truth is, well...it didn't go as planned. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a new dentist office for us since we recently moved. Layla was sad that she wouldn't get to see our friend, Dr. Abby, but she perked up after seeing that the new place is geared towards kids. They had a cute aquarium and a couple of old school arcade games. It took a lot of restraint not to push them out of the way and let Mommy show them how it's done. Watching a 2 year old play Pac Man is torture. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI66fkc6NV_6FdEwPoidIw54gdr3gSosJbyblv3tXMJSE3XDmeB1Yc9nn4SgtdvbraMPRorQsutIWa3I3uQZ4OrhapBRaMFH0uxRNvQXtVhFrHH1N8EQKEAj6CnH27g0yxlKzGbePKpok/s1600/IMG_5275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI66fkc6NV_6FdEwPoidIw54gdr3gSosJbyblv3tXMJSE3XDmeB1Yc9nn4SgtdvbraMPRorQsutIWa3I3uQZ4OrhapBRaMFH0uxRNvQXtVhFrHH1N8EQKEAj6CnH27g0yxlKzGbePKpok/s400/IMG_5275.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course we arrived a couple of minutes late but we were still 20 minutes early for our 10:00 appointment time. I knew I'd have to fill out paperwork but apparently this office needs more than just a few signatures. It took me almost 40 minutes to fill out the paperwork for both kids which almost makes me hate becoming a new patient of ANY practice as much as I hate going to the post office. Why so many forms? Why do I have to fill out the EXACT same freaking information for both of my kids?! Why are things so inefficient everywhere I go?! The world may never know. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So after waiting an eternity we finally get back to our chair. The kids were actually great during their wait and seemed excited about getting their teeth cleaned and check. Layla went first to show Jack how easy and fun it was. He watched her with a smile on his face and climbed right up into the chair when it was his turn. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aoP03FTAhy75XO-safB1Hys1pxFFNrwwJlONh6R46dlUzIOIEwmSE106x2nxf2xt8zdhgI2ntxOAkw2WwIBeuta-VN0Jjp81VTI-cQzM9B6GZOv4sVYEOmZaHvfsTWZmlWUtHc955jA/s1600/IMG_5277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aoP03FTAhy75XO-safB1Hys1pxFFNrwwJlONh6R46dlUzIOIEwmSE106x2nxf2xt8zdhgI2ntxOAkw2WwIBeuta-VN0Jjp81VTI-cQzM9B6GZOv4sVYEOmZaHvfsTWZmlWUtHc955jA/s400/IMG_5277.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He wore the glasses like a boss and let the dental assistant count his teeth, put the bib on him and scrub with some gauze to get him used to texture. All smiles! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TsuXsJKVYcdJB7Yp8LufakApBgiHnnwTHcQWguJA6Gmul31amkqSmv9rKaRSJKMBOztNnd-PrKEium5C9j27DguJoeUNpTuQZosqAtO8N5o_i0qOTPuleYwXzqg-urtlyEHawHEQKW8/s1600/IMG_5278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TsuXsJKVYcdJB7Yp8LufakApBgiHnnwTHcQWguJA6Gmul31amkqSmv9rKaRSJKMBOztNnd-PrKEium5C9j27DguJoeUNpTuQZosqAtO8N5o_i0qOTPuleYwXzqg-urtlyEHawHEQKW8/s400/IMG_5278.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwI1QAqhhegKgjhxNV6zcPZmOXzuuBOs5Dfem-NXmbG21mbGU_6WwkiKMwVEcKH6Zzc58PwyXxZFk80WjZzwshhuapq5sF-Iv4v3WxqZqHpl87hvhYw_LIq8fcGSLF7g_e0VF7vVAPNY/s1600/IMG_5281.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwI1QAqhhegKgjhxNV6zcPZmOXzuuBOs5Dfem-NXmbG21mbGU_6WwkiKMwVEcKH6Zzc58PwyXxZFk80WjZzwshhuapq5sF-Iv4v3WxqZqHpl87hvhYw_LIq8fcGSLF7g_e0VF7vVAPNY/s400/IMG_5281.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then things came to a screeching stop when she pulled out the tooth polishing tool that makes a vroooooom sound. You are going to put THAT in my MOUTH?! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66uNtJO68a0pDJQkSuljq9WJDfC09FxTAxDWALku_yVSAx9BnhC8YSC2lmNJLEqf9_xD50R8dwr7Cv_NwSWtoJ9CeXlVbtS1h5gbmFHiw0KDWcl8l0j0q8puwQZ8oJdVH9DnRRuxfq00/s1600/IMG_5279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66uNtJO68a0pDJQkSuljq9WJDfC09FxTAxDWALku_yVSAx9BnhC8YSC2lmNJLEqf9_xD50R8dwr7Cv_NwSWtoJ9CeXlVbtS1h5gbmFHiw0KDWcl8l0j0q8puwQZ8oJdVH9DnRRuxfq00/s400/IMG_5279.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nope. See how tightly his lips are clenched in the picture below? That's how they stayed until we were safely in our van after the appointment. No teeth were polished. No fluoride was given. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOd95fG0xrKM5DGJ52H8C6pn8xfYs8Jbb_oOGz2wmK44gUPBcV3NKYumMBkb7av8HDerXNyUOMQtq8zvdBNnKPAHI7QU0ND81QQfJPIfK6we9nwRhePJ_g6GAgAc3Jg-czVWgrO9EzBgs/s1600/IMG_5280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOd95fG0xrKM5DGJ52H8C6pn8xfYs8Jbb_oOGz2wmK44gUPBcV3NKYumMBkb7av8HDerXNyUOMQtq8zvdBNnKPAHI7QU0ND81QQfJPIfK6we9nwRhePJ_g6GAgAc3Jg-czVWgrO9EzBgs/s400/IMG_5280.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Layla was SO sweet and trying to be helpful by holding his chin and head to the cold plastic chair while the dentist came in and tried to take a peek. Obviously that didn't go over well so we set Jack on my lap so we could make sure things looked OK and there were no cavities. That's when it happened-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My son BIT the dentist. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was horrified. I gave birth to a little hell raiser. He's out of control and I'm sure there is a nice big note in bold, red letters in his file. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">BITER</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have a biter. I have no idea what to do about it. I can only pray everyday for the next 6 months that he will allow the dentist to take a look in there without trying to take off an appendage. Are his teeth healthy? 99% sure they are. Will we go back in 6 months? Absolutely. Will he get kicked out of the practice for biting again? Don't rule it out. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s1600/ash+b+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s320/ash+b+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-92226172567502042192015-10-14T14:47:00.003-04:002015-10-14T20:45:10.553-04:00A POSITIVE Sleep Update and GIVEAWAY!! <div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 300; line-height: 23px;"><i>Products and giveaway prizes courtesy of Random House Kids. </i></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know, I know. I'm taking about that crazy <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/trwwtfa/" target="_blank">"Bunny Book"</a> again. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIhABKKR95iNnVHtxG6UIivOS5_dzxNLuV0ijOWQI2X62Cr97R4AGAQyGzWJcDJk7wFNZlSGG9R2y_mqir7iOgwYAzWJOffrMzXqs9gUUzkQi04Qce645uALJezZP9_cNa5pjBgcDQcA/s1600/RabbitWhoWantsToFallAsleepCOVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIhABKKR95iNnVHtxG6UIivOS5_dzxNLuV0ijOWQI2X62Cr97R4AGAQyGzWJcDJk7wFNZlSGG9R2y_mqir7iOgwYAzWJOffrMzXqs9gUUzkQi04Qce645uALJezZP9_cNa5pjBgcDQcA/s320/RabbitWhoWantsToFallAsleepCOVER.jpg" width="256" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You guys. This post is just shy of 3 YEARS in the making. I finally have a positive sleep update to share with you- the clouds are parting, the angels are singing and my son is FINALLY sleeping. Praise God, it is a miracle! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you need a detailed reminder about how much Jack SUCKED at sleeping you can see my posts from a few months ago <a href="http://www.naptimetales.com/2015/07/sleep-saga-part-1.html" target="_blank">HERE (Part 1)</a> and <a href="http://www.naptimetales.com/2015/07/sleep-saga-whats-with-rabbit-part-2.html" target="_blank">HERE (Part 2)</a>. I was worried about how <a href="http://www.naptimetales.com/2015/07/the-bartons-are-on-move.html" target="_blank">the move</a> would shake things up for us but actually, I think moving helped! Once we were settled it was a great start to lay down the law and practice a new routine. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I did not go back to reading the <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/trwwtfa/" target="_blank">"Bunny Book"</a> because Jack already knew that meant sleep and he wasn't having it. The book did help me understand that we needed to keep bedtime calm, cool and collected. Our new goal was to be consistent and firm with a routine and to take a few deep breaths before even starting bedtime. Almost 3 years of negative bedtime experiences was making things out of control and we needed to change our feelings about it if we were going to start getting better sleep. It might have taken <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/trwwtfa/" target="_blank">a book about rabbit</a> with an Uncle named "Yawn" to see it, but bedtime was stressing us all out and I'm grateful we figured it out. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So before I even announce bedtime, I give the kids 2 warnings- a 10 minute warning and a 2 minute warning. Nothing in between and no stalling after. When their 2 minute warning is up, my daughter goes upstairs without a fight to brush her teeth, get PJs on and grabs a book to read in bed (God love her) and the boy scatters in any direction but to his room. THIS is where my Rabbit training takes place. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It takes every single ounce of energy and restraint out of me but, when I finally catch Jack from his wild dodge bedtime rampage, I stay calm and collected. I will ask him nicely to go upstairs and if he doesn't, I will take his hand and tell him we will do it together. Most of the time this works but if it doesn't, then I will carry him kicking and screaming but I WILL keep a smile on my face and a sweet tone to my voice. You guys, this is one of the hardest things I have ever done. I freaking hate bedtime. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once we are upstairs we go potty, brush teeth and get in bed without much fuss. We read 2 books...no more, even if he begs and says please we stay consistent...then we tuck in and I turn the lights out but keep the door open. I leave our hallway light on and give him a couple of small toys to play with in bed. I make sure he has the same toys every night so the excitement of something new doesn't mess with our routine. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is where things usually go wrong. Jack used to scream and cry like someone was trying to kill him when we stepped out. Through trial and error I've learned that if we stay upstairs and say "I'll be there in 1 minute, lay down" when he calls for us...he tends to stay calm. Even if I don't pop in there in 1 minute...he stays calm knowing that he can easily hear me and I always pop in before he goes to bed. I ONLY go in if he is calm, this has been another change for us. If he's yelling, being mean or acting like his world is ending, I make him calm himself down before going in there. I will still tell him "I'll be there in 1 minute, lay down" nicely and sweetly but I will not go in until he's calm. I think that was a turning point for us, he now knows that if he stays sweet and calm in bed, we don't mind coming in to check on him. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jack still stays up pretty late. We start our routine around 8 and he tries to call me in his room every 5-10 minutes until around 9:15. I have been going in 2-3 times now, that is down from going in A LOT more when we first started this a few months ago. They are quick trips and most of the time I just peek my head in the door and say "good night Jack, I love you". I've been trying to keep consistent with what I say and do so that he knows what to expect and him calling Mommy in will ONLY result in me saying those words and walking right back out. Keeping it boring right? Right- So freaking go. to. sleep. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That last call around 9:15 always sounds different. I can tell he's ready for bed so I go in, sit next to him and tuck him in. I sing him 1 song of his choice (it's always "Take Me Out to the Ball Game") and I give him a kiss and leave. It's the best 2 minutes of my day and although we are probably delaying him going fully to sleep by himself by continuing that last trip in, I'm OK with it. I have fought the bedtime war for the better part of 3 years, no parent or child should dread bedtime as much as this family has. Jack going to bed with a smile on his face and my heart full has been a long time coming and I'm thankful for that stupid song and that sweet kiss.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm also thankful for this silly <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/trwwtfa/" target="_blank">Rabbit Book</a>. I'm not sure how much longer it would have taken us to figure out bedtime if it wasn't for this book and I'm SO excited to have the chance to give away not only another copy of the book, but also a $25 Carter's gift card so you can pick out some fun PJs for your little bedtime monster. See below to enter!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="c5cc756025" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c5cc756025/" id="rcwidget_y94c2hj0" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Good luck guys! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s1600/ash+b+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s320/ash+b+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Prizing & samples courtesy of Random House Kids. </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 300; line-height: 14px;"><i>Giveaway ends <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">at 12 AM on October 21st, 2015</span>.</span> Open
to Residents of the US only. Prizes cannot be shipped to
PO Boxes. Winner will be selected by random and be notified by email.
Winner have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Please
note that Naptime Tales is not responsible for sponsors that do not
fulfill their prizes. I have represented each sponsor with the
expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. I will
contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most
cases, are shipping their items to you directly. I will make every
effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a
sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 30 days for
assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you. The product
provided for the review was free of charge from the company. The product
offered for the giveaway is free of charge, no purchase necessary. My
opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation.
Facebook, Twitter and Google+ are in no way associated with this
giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing
your information to me and me alone. I do not share or sell information
and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the
winner.</i></span></span></span></span></div>
Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-10192669989167875572015-10-13T17:23:00.001-04:002015-10-14T13:39:51.781-04:00STORK OTC <span style="font-size: x-small;">This post is brought to you by The Stork OTC and The Motherhood. All opinions are my own.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<i>Are you thinking about starting a family? </i><br />
The Stork OCT is delivering hope to millions of Americans struggling to conceive a child. If you are diagnosed with infertility, have tried for months without success, or simply want to get pregnant more quickly. Stork OCT is also for couples you want to conceive without intercourse, including LGBT couples wishing to start a family. <br />
<br />
Take charge of your family planning, and act as a team while you do it! Whether you and your partner have low sperm count, motility issues, unfavorable vaginal environment (pH imbalance) or unexplained infertility Stork OTC could optimize your chances of conceiving. <br />
<br />
The Stork OTC is an innovative, home-use device that helps with becoming pregnant with at-home insemination. It is FDA-cleared and available at local pharmacies and <a href="http://www.storkotc.com/where-to-buy/" target="_blank">online</a>.<br />
<br />
It offers a relaxed and private way of conceiving in your own home using new technology based on cervical cap insemination. The Stork OTC is the only conception assistance device cleared by the FDA for over-the-counter sales to consumers, without a prescription. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RE1wnFT_iV8Dk-ltwVYY9H2VIsvBws9DUpNJmCbpgvswRDDuds91IwS_dziyZxEvrSMNQl0tBm8lomakAVPvCgLSCl4CcyRcCZHoaF7WFLbGtbNmMuVD8PS724L5qMSD5rrSeZ1FriE/s1600/STORK-UK-IFU.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RE1wnFT_iV8Dk-ltwVYY9H2VIsvBws9DUpNJmCbpgvswRDDuds91IwS_dziyZxEvrSMNQl0tBm8lomakAVPvCgLSCl4CcyRcCZHoaF7WFLbGtbNmMuVD8PS724L5qMSD5rrSeZ1FriE/s320/STORK-UK-IFU.png" width="309" /></a></div>
As I am a mist the baby season of my life I am surrounded by friends and family members who have endured months and years of infertility and struggling to conceive. I have friends who are teachers that really wanted to get pregnant during certain months so they could combine their maternity leave with holidays and summer break. How perfect would have Stork OTC been for each of these individuals. All different reasons, but all the same purpose. <br />
<br />
Use the code <b>STORKOTC</b> at <a href="http://cvs.com/">CVS.com</a> for buy one, get one half off on The Stork OTC for the entire month of October!<br />
<br />
Join us at 1p.m. ET on October 14th for a 30 minute mini chat to discuss how stress, vitamins, medical history and many other factors can contribute to fertility. We will not only be there to provide answers to some of your questions, but we will also be there to support you along the way! <br />
<br />
You will also have the chance to win one of three $25 gift cards to CVS/pharmacy by answering some trivia questions. <br />
<br />
For more information on The Stork OTC, please visit their <a href="http://www.storkotc.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio17d1Y49XnmpBUtH-2Vbswtb3_pfOIKDPfstUkbdBPAcI3vwHdJGzD2Wr06ZBoIHGkT-Q-8kl9LJS4lsRwf5fi_xExW1pst0QYmYdibwGygiz31OWTHL9lfq_HrbqkCUrCx-AOaTyrQ/s1600/ash+w+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio17d1Y49XnmpBUtH-2Vbswtb3_pfOIKDPfstUkbdBPAcI3vwHdJGzD2Wr06ZBoIHGkT-Q-8kl9LJS4lsRwf5fi_xExW1pst0QYmYdibwGygiz31OWTHL9lfq_HrbqkCUrCx-AOaTyrQ/s320/ash+w+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-89879016094550345292015-10-09T15:15:00.000-04:002015-10-09T15:17:39.821-04:00LISTERINE Brand--How clean is your mouth?? <span style="font-size: x-small;">This is a sponsored post. I received LISTERINE Brand products from Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc. as part of my participation in this project. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.</span><br />
<br />
How is your oral health care?? <br />
<br />
After reading the LISTERINE Brand and GFK's recent survey I did not realize the social impact of poor oral health. For example, while more than 8 in 10 people believe they have a healthy mouth (835), the truth is that nearly all Americans suffer from some form of oral disease.<br />
<br />
YIKES!<br />
Having poor oral health can impact aspects of your life that you may not expect. A recent national survey revealed the health of one's mouth has a surprising and significant impact on how others perceive many aspects of one's life-from opinions about success in romantic relationships and career, to assumptions about overall health and hygiene.<br />
<br />
<br />
Ever date someone with bad breath?? More than 7 in 10 Americans consider bad breath to be a "deal breaker" in new relationships (76%), more so than when spitting when talking (72%), chewing with an open mouth (62%), not offering to pay (59%) and texting in the middle of a meal (56%). <br />
<br />
A majority of Americans say it is common to avoid relationship-building gestures because of an unhealthy mouth, believing it is common for people with oral health issues to avoid smiling when talking to others (84%), being close to someone when talking (73%) and kissing/cuddling (72%) . I can totally relate to this!! If I know my breathe isn't smelling the best I am certainly not going to get close to someone to talk, will avoid smiling, and definitely won't be willing to initiating a kiss with my husband and will, in fact, avoid it at all costs. Just like feeling confident in how our body smells, feeling confident in our oral hygiene is serious! I smile more, laugh more, come across as a more confident individual in my personal relationships, as well as when in public for my career. <br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Is it time for you to feel more confident in your smile and oral care?? </i><br />
Then it is time to start using a therapeutic mouthwash, like LISTERINE Antiseptic. Brushing your teeth alone misses 75% of your mouth, leaving millions of germs behind. Left untreated, these germs can lead to oral care issues such as plaque and gingivitis. LISTERINE Antiseptic cleans virtually 100% of your mouth to achieve up to five times healthier gums in two weeks and up to nine times healthier gums in four weeks. (These stats alone have sold me!!)<br />
<br />
In order to ensure my children are following a healthy oral care routine I watch them brush their teeth in the morning and evening. I floss their teeth every evening and use mouth wash, specifically LISTERINE Antiseptic, to ensure their whole mouth is clean. I want my kids to feel confident in their smile and oral health care so they have every opportunity to carry themselves confidently within relationships and future careers. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOb3ZyP725AeAlDwQ8aQ6NrqaOYf3yr_gqlL7BDd8NxRGHjitEiz3is6W_7ydUjno_eR6bmr-S2wDW-Tt8DSkvGBPgmAFr8h43YS9HI3eAGTiM-34IySfdQLTDcy0y4aobdeFOOtw2xU/s1600/Listerine+infographic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOb3ZyP725AeAlDwQ8aQ6NrqaOYf3yr_gqlL7BDd8NxRGHjitEiz3is6W_7ydUjno_eR6bmr-S2wDW-Tt8DSkvGBPgmAFr8h43YS9HI3eAGTiM-34IySfdQLTDcy0y4aobdeFOOtw2xU/s400/Listerine+infographic.jpg" width="123" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Want to learn more about the LISTERINE Brand survey and the social impact of poor oral health care? </i></div>
Join us for a 1-hour Twitter party that The Motherhood will be hosting on behalf of LISTERINE Brand. Using the {hashtag} LISTERINE, whether it is during the Twitter party or in blog posts and additional social promotion, will trigger a $10 donation, up to $40,000, to support Oral Health America's Fall for Smiles campaign (October 1-December 1, 2015) to education communities about the importance of proper oral care. <br />
Twitter party date: <i>Tuesday, October 27</i>, at 12 p.m. ET/11a.m. CT/9a.m PT <br />
<br />
You can also learn more about LISTERINE Brand at <a href="http://listerine.com/">Listerine.com</a><br />
To learn more about the LISTERINE Brand survey, <a href="http://www.listerine.com/healthy-mouth-vs-unhealthy-mouth" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio17d1Y49XnmpBUtH-2Vbswtb3_pfOIKDPfstUkbdBPAcI3vwHdJGzD2Wr06ZBoIHGkT-Q-8kl9LJS4lsRwf5fi_xExW1pst0QYmYdibwGygiz31OWTHL9lfq_HrbqkCUrCx-AOaTyrQ/s1600/ash+w+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio17d1Y49XnmpBUtH-2Vbswtb3_pfOIKDPfstUkbdBPAcI3vwHdJGzD2Wr06ZBoIHGkT-Q-8kl9LJS4lsRwf5fi_xExW1pst0QYmYdibwGygiz31OWTHL9lfq_HrbqkCUrCx-AOaTyrQ/s320/ash+w+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-50397673232052890672015-10-06T14:53:00.005-04:002015-10-06T15:02:26.923-04:00Our Rainy NYC Trip<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Since
we have SO MUCH free time during 'nap time' and after the kids go to
bed, we like to make a little pocket change off our blog posts
occasionally...to afford lip gloss, wine, and boots=) So FYI this post contains a few affiliate links. </i></span></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have really enjoyed exploring the east coast over the last few months. One place that will never get old is New York City. We had the opportunity to meet up with my brother-in-law and cousin there last weekend. I've been <strike>scared of this</strike> looking forward to this trip for several months...it was our first trip to the big apple as a family! Layla and I went together<a href="http://www.naptimetales.com/2014/10/mommydaughter-trip-to-nyc.html" target="_blank"> last year </a>to visit my brother and sister-in-law but Jack was too little and out of control to try and attempt it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXrn7UGRvuGZoaXDlsqOJdemR6YZXDHUYoJg5dDFcLhlPTloEgvqMfSN-rEId1kC3tiJ5Er9v1199OIR8ZzMqsHRXNlTYM8Hq44vkUpcyXKm6Bm4Hu74jqitgHPxQssh4FmOq6Fq4KN4/s1600/what+to+do+in+nyc+when+it+rains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXrn7UGRvuGZoaXDlsqOJdemR6YZXDHUYoJg5dDFcLhlPTloEgvqMfSN-rEId1kC3tiJ5Er9v1199OIR8ZzMqsHRXNlTYM8Hq44vkUpcyXKm6Bm4Hu74jqitgHPxQssh4FmOq6Fq4KN4/s400/what+to+do+in+nyc+when+it+rains.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We made Layla's trip a complete surprise. I didn't prep her at all and my husband just told her "hey, you are going to NYC tomorrow!" when we broke the news. She didn't really get it and I wished I would have spent more time getting her hyped up about it. So for this trip we bought a really <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1452106193/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1452106193&linkCode=as2&tag=natita-20&linkId=HJ66EFEQJ3OQSWVN">cute book </a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=natita-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1452106193" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />to read to Jack. It has fun illustrations and talks about some of the main landmarks like Times Square, Empire State...etc. Jack really loves the book and wanted to read it every night before our trip. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihc2T8lR8J7S_qd9NMoyVQSA_IaCjgnZO12GO13D0nh2L1MFax7fP5RGST3PkxT1IYWtrGPcdLkCpXaSulDEkM4OIZSrU90Vi3uLCHKlX0ip9t_Qthgpy-sGnRLYXvMTSMbd6Kyuym5rM/s1600/new+york+book+for+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihc2T8lR8J7S_qd9NMoyVQSA_IaCjgnZO12GO13D0nh2L1MFax7fP5RGST3PkxT1IYWtrGPcdLkCpXaSulDEkM4OIZSrU90Vi3uLCHKlX0ip9t_Qthgpy-sGnRLYXvMTSMbd6Kyuym5rM/s400/new+york+book+for+kids.jpg" width="397" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1452106193/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1452106193&linkCode=as2&tag=natita-20&linkId=HJ66EFEQJ3OQSWVN">Available on Amazon for less than $10!</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=natita-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1452106193" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I didn't know what to expect when bringing both kids but I did know one thing that has been consistent with all my NYC trips...the weather was going to suck. Thankfully we didn't get the hurricane that was being forecast but we did get lots and lots of rain. The day before our trip I was trying to figure out what to do with our stroller. I thought this was a decent solution- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7irANLJL2pKDZkmD9vAkxbutY_DuVgHOeHlnZCwwSPa6bvSKOx0y3OTIdePTN1IbNhLmVWgbVcTtkdgE7WJVvaIZFOzAXhiRzbVWE2Omt8IZvvuR1ACXatyvznMSgnSpCv37smxFATdk/s1600/IMG_5317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7irANLJL2pKDZkmD9vAkxbutY_DuVgHOeHlnZCwwSPa6bvSKOx0y3OTIdePTN1IbNhLmVWgbVcTtkdgE7WJVvaIZFOzAXhiRzbVWE2Omt8IZvvuR1ACXatyvznMSgnSpCv37smxFATdk/s400/IMG_5317.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I used an <a href="http://amzn.to/1FSaD0g" target="_blank">adult size Totes poncho</a> with snaps to drape over the stroller. That's Layla crash testing it by peeking out the side. I thought this was pretty genius but the first time we tried it in the city Jack pulled the poncho down and it got caught in the wheels. So if you have a kid that sits still and listens well, this might be an option for you. Otherwise just do this- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY-RCqs4SCog99JuX7V5afopvoiYAsGNRmWzKrIGqMt3wXSFH7wtPEuMulFg1WzeuyxwgNWXFmLIry7FBEYlm-MGbZelVBxwjUxo6gj36zL2MZ-ZnaPA9OjI3qJW5ko5Ub_vSO7Uzgas/s1600/IMG_5330.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY-RCqs4SCog99JuX7V5afopvoiYAsGNRmWzKrIGqMt3wXSFH7wtPEuMulFg1WzeuyxwgNWXFmLIry7FBEYlm-MGbZelVBxwjUxo6gj36zL2MZ-ZnaPA9OjI3qJW5ko5Ub_vSO7Uzgas/s400/IMG_5330.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yep, that's him pouting because he was getting wet and couldn't hold his umbrella up. Maybe next time he'll cooperate with the poncho. Or better yet, maybe it won't RAIN!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The kids did have fun walking around the city with their umbrellas so I'm glad we packed them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SoXlN5nFqXieLDxYe61cEBiTpB946S1458p2cHB_iJFKDNAiGVNyGos7rDwf0xsTRxC3vamSUWcJXTBKXg9xWibYRooGy8bEJGW1_1P7oOqhV7GIMtpWkM38rHe1BNslIt5Dwfbw-IQ/s1600/IMG_5321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SoXlN5nFqXieLDxYe61cEBiTpB946S1458p2cHB_iJFKDNAiGVNyGos7rDwf0xsTRxC3vamSUWcJXTBKXg9xWibYRooGy8bEJGW1_1P7oOqhV7GIMtpWkM38rHe1BNslIt5Dwfbw-IQ/s400/IMG_5321.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our first stop was the hotel to drop off the car and our bags. Then we walked down the street to catch a train to the museum. Jack had the time of his LIFE taking the subway everywhere. It was nice to have family with us this trip because keeping him off the subway tracks was a challenge. Getting the stroller in and out of the stations was a challenge as well. We have a super light umbrella stroller but it was still rough. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAB1UFP_xoyd3TxuhgwxyYg50Jtgq7s7D24pGG4fhyir1l-Dlx9swuaqUy4XD4YSak3AdjmpxoBuDHSUtxI0lI0tFMJqIYCQsqLZ1ZPMUSvJFDSsunWgoLYoAhvWnWZBYzMxfk7gpsztM/s1600/IMG_5324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAB1UFP_xoyd3TxuhgwxyYg50Jtgq7s7D24pGG4fhyir1l-Dlx9swuaqUy4XD4YSak3AdjmpxoBuDHSUtxI0lI0tFMJqIYCQsqLZ1ZPMUSvJFDSsunWgoLYoAhvWnWZBYzMxfk7gpsztM/s400/IMG_5324.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We arrived at the <a href="http://www.amnh.org/" target="_blank">American Museum of Natural History</a> via train and saw a huge line to get in through the station. We opted to go outside and wait in the rain, the line seemed to move pretty quick and we were inside in no time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_n9CuH8hYSeIwls-Au_VwBs4AkSgdGbBIxhOhRKpSmcwDijJWwKbK7pQO2PUWXnqHQZl-XnAZiK9IoiITLyuf6O_o2pfXoPpt0WjDPv1W3p7MdQh7oLkXUcpva28GXktLSbs66xLR84/s1600/IMG_5329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_n9CuH8hYSeIwls-Au_VwBs4AkSgdGbBIxhOhRKpSmcwDijJWwKbK7pQO2PUWXnqHQZl-XnAZiK9IoiITLyuf6O_o2pfXoPpt0WjDPv1W3p7MdQh7oLkXUcpva28GXktLSbs66xLR84/s400/IMG_5329.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The guys waited in line for tickets while the kids and I walked around the dinosaurs in the lobby. Quick tip- general admission tickets are $22 which is honestly worth it if you will spend the whole day there. If you just want to just stop in or you have a large family and the $22 a pop is hard to swallow, wait in line at the ticket counter and tell them you want to pay for your ticket via donation. You can pay as little or as much as you want! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4AHFWbmPLMrDLsVl7HTlV1MnAxGFxW929YbXwwtTf83-DHW6M0awLp2KVm2xpZTK-Be9otl4ltOVAb1B68QynJZhI3HDP-hdXIm5pqIrrjHXcUeS2QHarOOqfFzeg4n7rz-uP58OmO4/s1600/IMG_5338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4AHFWbmPLMrDLsVl7HTlV1MnAxGFxW929YbXwwtTf83-DHW6M0awLp2KVm2xpZTK-Be9otl4ltOVAb1B68QynJZhI3HDP-hdXIm5pqIrrjHXcUeS2QHarOOqfFzeg4n7rz-uP58OmO4/s400/IMG_5338.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The kids had a ton of fun here, this museum is a great rainy day activity! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77mZIVDC7DMzpWoWvPvqprWDnwv2QjCT-bYd8cbIus9cCOIzPdzT5IhyRBY1vYl32oHAlzsxoL9fXpjvoA2Oija0SBD-oWV_5PUdqJbOMFH3q0A1-ZONR1UfDI9afUR1i5D-Je6yVE5g/s1600/IMG_5342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77mZIVDC7DMzpWoWvPvqprWDnwv2QjCT-bYd8cbIus9cCOIzPdzT5IhyRBY1vYl32oHAlzsxoL9fXpjvoA2Oija0SBD-oWV_5PUdqJbOMFH3q0A1-ZONR1UfDI9afUR1i5D-Je6yVE5g/s320/IMG_5342.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think their favorite exhibit was the dinosaurs. It was fun for the adults too!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLYS5do370MMkCve2Y9MdgUAABnpIJeBIUzyiYP5xhfIe9hcruvHdfg23B91__ghUmzrvOW3u5yjwVn7sOVnkBVe-SFC7ix-QSSbQCGBulY79PA4fcJH52tARbxI06qoT8gxWCNuh9ko/s1600/IMG_5346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLYS5do370MMkCve2Y9MdgUAABnpIJeBIUzyiYP5xhfIe9hcruvHdfg23B91__ghUmzrvOW3u5yjwVn7sOVnkBVe-SFC7ix-QSSbQCGBulY79PA4fcJH52tARbxI06qoT8gxWCNuh9ko/s400/IMG_5346.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzzzAQQIv-zQEOsdgRHyKjQUZLH-v3_JTDRPDbx3e5ermUIvncaoK8-dc5I6gU6iotM5pVTJ2HI9qQCziroR8czhd4TStFiAKQbgymisx1mui7ksqS2P1DsTEoj9_-y4KDz2Q5O3fAjc/s1600/IMG_5348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzzzAQQIv-zQEOsdgRHyKjQUZLH-v3_JTDRPDbx3e5ermUIvncaoK8-dc5I6gU6iotM5pVTJ2HI9qQCziroR8czhd4TStFiAKQbgymisx1mui7ksqS2P1DsTEoj9_-y4KDz2Q5O3fAjc/s400/IMG_5348.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jack looks scared in that picture but really he was VERY seriously telling me that the sign "says Dinosaur, Mommy". </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After the museum we decided to go across town and visit <a href="https://www.dylanscandybar.com/" target="_blank">Dylan's Candy Bar</a>. If you have kids this is a MUST visit spot. Warning- you will walk out with $100 worth of candy and have NO clue how it happened.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9zt2A2_6jOIjVnVemvKXjYBKTxlsrfrlMQsd2qfRm-BFHjNcmL2UBNOLDDOL9fdzwEDDd7jEPfphvGYths6Q5Fp39t7ic14ySVEKUNhpFfIjxcWYYIU0KjRTZKOCFWhBKH60Xv5sfvw/s1600/IMG_5357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9zt2A2_6jOIjVnVemvKXjYBKTxlsrfrlMQsd2qfRm-BFHjNcmL2UBNOLDDOL9fdzwEDDd7jEPfphvGYths6Q5Fp39t7ic14ySVEKUNhpFfIjxcWYYIU0KjRTZKOCFWhBKH60Xv5sfvw/s400/IMG_5357.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you visit, make sure to go downstairs and do the photo booth. We took a hilarious picture but the computer to share/print wasn't working. So instead I tried to get a cute picture of the kids playing with candy noodles...it turned into a battle and that had to end quickly. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2n2Lxm79h2mjesNCJMteNhme2QALV0-gDxvCnZK1z3iVt5w6-6Ah8Ysiyvm6DbGcJFjM09kBIrElYAaiElkwIABx7Xf25LeCOJ5vQJV_uYeO4DAPXvC1XTpvKOzGpkKhAqNsER9Okx0/s1600/IMG_5363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2n2Lxm79h2mjesNCJMteNhme2QALV0-gDxvCnZK1z3iVt5w6-6Ah8Ysiyvm6DbGcJFjM09kBIrElYAaiElkwIABx7Xf25LeCOJ5vQJV_uYeO4DAPXvC1XTpvKOzGpkKhAqNsER9Okx0/s400/IMG_5363.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just down the street from Dylan's is Serendipity 3 which is another must see place. It's adorable but I'll say I was a little disappointed in how not kid friendly they were. It was pouring down rain and they made us leave our stroller outside even though it would have fit under out table no problem. They said they'd help us bag it but never did. The frozen hot chocolate made up for it but if you are traveling here with kids, make sure to do it on either a nice day OR leave your stroller at the hotel. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5MOPNmqu32gEfKz6nChWTZUWFRRLYi5IMWXe54U6h8IgPIUAFoC8yCQQC6KfqR7AQKOuJfW4kW7JMMrYWKAF-1x2e9b2TWBKe2edazrBBBzBQvO8oj1isj0ygvqlgUqR-NEzrOsqJiU/s1600/IMG_5372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5MOPNmqu32gEfKz6nChWTZUWFRRLYi5IMWXe54U6h8IgPIUAFoC8yCQQC6KfqR7AQKOuJfW4kW7JMMrYWKAF-1x2e9b2TWBKe2edazrBBBzBQvO8oj1isj0ygvqlgUqR-NEzrOsqJiU/s400/IMG_5372.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The next day we decided to take the ferry over to Staten Island to have lunch with my brother and sister-in-law. The kids loved being on the train for more than a few stops. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNWKX13VF1DVwcMQhbgMzeMj1K1jLbG94vx5lnYuiqIQkrnhHeDmSYOmUJEyYkr0FI9jiQTRvjTqFxb78ACtl4slVE2WCFEiClsg8Dm2uoKYQ2stt_Im4OKvbZCCV8sAS2hG1itmbqE0/s1600/IMG_5375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNWKX13VF1DVwcMQhbgMzeMj1K1jLbG94vx5lnYuiqIQkrnhHeDmSYOmUJEyYkr0FI9jiQTRvjTqFxb78ACtl4slVE2WCFEiClsg8Dm2uoKYQ2stt_Im4OKvbZCCV8sAS2hG1itmbqE0/s400/IMG_5375.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This ferry is a best kept secret for NYC travelers. It's SO cheap, you get an amazing view of the city AND you go right by the Statue of Liberty. There are tons of people outside the station telling you that it takes over 2 hours and you don't get close to Lady Liberty and you should really pay $40 per person to get on their boat. Don't do it! The ferry runs every 30 minutes- just hop on and enjoy the views while you go to Staten Island. Once you dock get off the boat and go right back to the waiting area to board the next one back to Manhattan. Should only take you a little over an hour if you don't wait long for the first ferry. Bonus tips- the bathrooms are pretty clean at the station AND there is a snack bar on the ferry so get a cheap beer for you and some popcorn for your kids! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJkbDQdjvSD_wPd1t7glrzI2Kxa_FwkQtmEZb1vlG_62ZThLn4JmAzwscYCAgqkLIP00NQh08shISwn2DGDAEM95kc9Ybe6Z-SOoUxyo0sr86biymHl0fQBAx1F6XtRoqwDlOF9G1o5Q/s1600/IMG_5386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJkbDQdjvSD_wPd1t7glrzI2Kxa_FwkQtmEZb1vlG_62ZThLn4JmAzwscYCAgqkLIP00NQh08shISwn2DGDAEM95kc9Ybe6Z-SOoUxyo0sr86biymHl0fQBAx1F6XtRoqwDlOF9G1o5Q/s400/IMG_5386.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUEVlTGfiIBspbIe4E9TAWZdo7cV3qheOKyTx-kWD29gz5v5hzq2of17nGyvpjxQ5IBklzF9P9CYuRUZls30PbFKdJIOA2Lm29YYBwF_lwGGJn8jOctwFAMzFly_ZGlQOaAdThzQpKt0/s1600/IMG_5410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUEVlTGfiIBspbIe4E9TAWZdo7cV3qheOKyTx-kWD29gz5v5hzq2of17nGyvpjxQ5IBklzF9P9CYuRUZls30PbFKdJIOA2Lm29YYBwF_lwGGJn8jOctwFAMzFly_ZGlQOaAdThzQpKt0/s400/IMG_5410.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Try to avoid rush hour so the boat is empty. Then your kids can pretend they are NYC locals just commuting home after a long day at the office. LOL!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacW1o4nJJXu7rHwbl1TXm4QDSYMi-WrmI3xiMrvBrKD1t9YelcZ-sI1ygjEvALaPR8W-XAnvbGMReb7y3_nudhziRy-WvXlcg8Q_igx3T9c9J6xoninPoS7fpigq6ylGrDQalm1Jm48U/s1600/IMG_5411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacW1o4nJJXu7rHwbl1TXm4QDSYMi-WrmI3xiMrvBrKD1t9YelcZ-sI1ygjEvALaPR8W-XAnvbGMReb7y3_nudhziRy-WvXlcg8Q_igx3T9c9J6xoninPoS7fpigq6ylGrDQalm1Jm48U/s400/IMG_5411.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After lunch on Staten Island we went back to Manhattan to see the 9/11 Memorial. It was very easy to get to from the ferry station. The kids didn't really get it but they did think the water fall was cool. I'm glad our visitors got to see it before heading home. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wish the weather wasn't so cold and rainy but we made the most of it and squeezed SO much in during our trip. Thanks for coming and for ALL your help Uncle Chris and Nick!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSr9_Sz9KFoAIFVLc9jOP8gedeQcqQo3wvHMd06DCT33qNd7dQUmf_kk_OZGo23v-E2elFwa6C8YKTk3UPWVdzQwFWyiidvdwBRZsFHJY5yV-bQJl3jx6fm2U4PRtz9rzyc4QmTAhC_M/s1600/IMG_5395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSr9_Sz9KFoAIFVLc9jOP8gedeQcqQo3wvHMd06DCT33qNd7dQUmf_kk_OZGo23v-E2elFwa6C8YKTk3UPWVdzQwFWyiidvdwBRZsFHJY5yV-bQJl3jx6fm2U4PRtz9rzyc4QmTAhC_M/s400/IMG_5395.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please don't rain on us next time NYC! We want to come back during Christmas season...how much do you want to bet there will be a blizzard? </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s1600/ash+b+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s320/ash+b+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-31084543977540721352015-09-30T13:53:00.000-04:002015-09-30T13:53:30.070-04:00The Story of Diva and Flea - Book Review and Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">Since
we have SO MUCH free time during 'nap time' and after the kids go to
bed, we like to make a little pocket change off our blog posts
occasionally...to afford lip gloss, wine, and boots=) So FYI we were
given a product and/or compensation and partnering with Disney Publishing. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do your kids adore Mo Williams' pigeon books as much as mine done? </span></span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">They are the only books my kids ever want to check out at the library even though we've read each of them a million times. </span></span></span>I think our favorite is <i>The Pigeon Wants a Puppy</i>, that silly pigeon just gets us every time! </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A few weeks ago my family received a copy of Mo Williams' newest book. He teamed up with illustrator, Tony DiTerlizzi, to create an adorable tale- <i><a href="http://books.disney.com/book/the-story-of-diva-and-flea/" target="_blank">The Story of Diva and Flea</a>. </i> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFiECqu5Ym7m_I5ozHYGf0_DvrQJj1UH4I0yGgLV7GC08a5X8zm-cMYZcn-o1ZQKlTfpAE4H9XkVWv5SHKswBzs-Zp8vewq5AbRmRPQwr0DkE2fJaX0FNLquRJ1q5GAET8LWqyXNNE4E/s1600/image001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFiECqu5Ym7m_I5ozHYGf0_DvrQJj1UH4I0yGgLV7GC08a5X8zm-cMYZcn-o1ZQKlTfpAE4H9XkVWv5SHKswBzs-Zp8vewq5AbRmRPQwr0DkE2fJaX0FNLquRJ1q5GAET8LWqyXNNE4E/s320/image001.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unlike our beloved pigeon books, this is a chapter book and was perfect for my kindergartner who is getting more and more interested in longer stories. We read the book a few chapters at a time and it took us 4 nights. She couldn't wait to hear what Diva and Flea were going to do next. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnrSHQEM9Y5bNHuNYler35G3yrn0QnrFe8zhdKPk67N4ldC9uY0AVvF0Oji07mcZ0LqG_0QRCafZKWnJQnxWWB5c4UH48nmFRakJijTVUA0nE44sq6W9P39VMWdhWt6uis8Ey1Bz_Pw0/s1600/IMG_5123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnrSHQEM9Y5bNHuNYler35G3yrn0QnrFe8zhdKPk67N4ldC9uY0AVvF0Oji07mcZ0LqG_0QRCafZKWnJQnxWWB5c4UH48nmFRakJijTVUA0nE44sq6W9P39VMWdhWt6uis8Ey1Bz_Pw0/s400/IMG_5123.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">The book is based in Paris where </span>Diva, a small yet brave dog, and Flea, a curious streetwise cat, develop an unexpected friendship. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is cute but also teaches an important lesson- you can find a friend in unexpected places. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My girl loves the book because #1- it's based in Paris, #2- it's about a dog and cat becoming friends (she thinks that's hilarious) and #3- because it was "long and not boring". There you have it folks, a 5 year old's review of <i>The Story of Diva and Flea</i>! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I think my favorite part of the book was an unexpected surprise when reading the author and illustrators' comments- they both have lived in and explored Paris and Williams even based the book on a real life version of Diva and Flea! Layla thought that was really funny too and said she'd love to meet the real dog and cat behind the book. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Want to check out</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <i><a href="http://books.disney.com/book/the-story-of-diva-and-flea/" target="_blank">The Story of Diva and Flea</a></i></span></span></span> for your family? </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> To learn more about the book, <a href="http://books.disney.com/book/the-story-of-diva-and-flea/" target="_blank">click here</a>. We also have the opportunity to not only give a copy away, but also pass along a DIY friendship bracelet kit. Get your name in the bucket here (and see giveaway deets below):</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="c5cc756023" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c5cc756023/" id="rcwidget_pvop52zj" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Good luck guys!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s1600/ash+b+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s320/ash+b+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Prizing & samples courtesy of Disney Publishing. </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 300; line-height: 14px;"><i>Giveaway ends <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">at 12 AM on October 7th, 2015</span>.</span> Open
to Residents of the US only. Prizes cannot be shipped to
PO Boxes. Winner will be selected by random and be notified by email.
Winner have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Please
note that Naptime Tales is not responsible for sponsors that do not
fulfill their prizes. I have represented each sponsor with the
expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. I will
contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most
cases, are shipping their items to you directly. I will make every
effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a
sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 30 days for
assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you. The product
provided for the review was free of charge from the company. The product
offered for the giveaway is free of charge, no purchase necessary. My
opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation.
Facebook, Twitter and Google+ are in no way associated with this
giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing
your information to me and me alone. I do not share or sell information
and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the
winner.</i></span></span></span></span></div>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-85809261562522852022015-09-25T12:56:00.001-04:002015-09-28T15:42:13.752-04:00New Stonyfield Fruit Snacks are Adorable AND Delicious! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">Since
we have SO MUCH free time during 'nap time' and after the kids go to
bed, we like to make a little pocket change off our blog posts
occasionally...to afford lip gloss, wine, and boots=) So FYI we were
given a product and/or compensation and partnering with Stonyfield
YoGetters Brand. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We love our partnership with Stonyfield but I have to say I was a little nervous to find out we'd be reviewing gummies this month. My daughter is kind of a fruit snacks snob and if it doesn't taste like pure sugar, she won't eat them. If the word "Organic" is printed on the box...well forget it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A few days ago we received an awesome shipment of Stonyfield's brand new fruit snacks. The kids were pretty excited to open the boxes and couldn't wait to dig in!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMovRoP4xKFcnlqu9R2F0MDlzQWwJ1_-evJzLv90SD3ulivmnS756KvhCWzBV16oNcFp4muoOPnNtFamApVxHhpy_L6ytz9-k5msQe11oEatwWtTGyzVvd_8cTl-D4JuHnUH5buSJPASI/s1600/gummies5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMovRoP4xKFcnlqu9R2F0MDlzQWwJ1_-evJzLv90SD3ulivmnS756KvhCWzBV16oNcFp4muoOPnNtFamApVxHhpy_L6ytz9-k5msQe11oEatwWtTGyzVvd_8cTl-D4JuHnUH5buSJPASI/s400/gummies5.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HVXgyNXNDpMcwHIBEDPCKAHdTOR5IQJaqXUd_7DGWT138rN2MWtBZh4quR2uLo-LEP64y_ef_rXAgFviEUQqKvB8bzNcR0aof6fnDs5I_-v8tYum5XMfqx0tldywxvv94V1olI9TT5g/s1600/gummies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HVXgyNXNDpMcwHIBEDPCKAHdTOR5IQJaqXUd_7DGWT138rN2MWtBZh4quR2uLo-LEP64y_ef_rXAgFviEUQqKvB8bzNcR0aof6fnDs5I_-v8tYum5XMfqx0tldywxvv94V1olI9TT5g/s400/gummies2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The snacks come in two flavor packs- strawberry and mixed berry. The kids opened up a pack and could NOT stop laughing at this:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AZnXNucRPV263XprwOsgGlivZTMYGfhbAZuX20JSlj6rmryVoMozU_49uU1b8eJjbSot3RO9EpYhFzK6HFfp-9WicFwbGFjPMnBkzwzi-G9GL5cLqDbGFlpCNhmAbUhoY9ags0iw7nU/s1600/gummies3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AZnXNucRPV263XprwOsgGlivZTMYGfhbAZuX20JSlj6rmryVoMozU_49uU1b8eJjbSot3RO9EpYhFzK6HFfp-9WicFwbGFjPMnBkzwzi-G9GL5cLqDbGFlpCNhmAbUhoY9ags0iw7nU/s400/gummies3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Precious, tiny little gummy cows. I almost couldn't eat them, they are that cute. The kids laughed their entire way through their bags. It started out innocent but in a somewhat creepy, yet hilarious turn of events the kids decided to play farm with their cows. They stood all of their snacks up and then pretended they were tornadoes by picking the mini cows and throwing them in their mouths. Normal right?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc00Cux10QwOyySpptai4z04ouPbhsfYEkQLCvX5nBBsEGQxa7X67O68b1_MzZ3-US0kOMuPaAkIpgK-YQTnr9sWgu-9MgVk5D_hghzQyUIjpe5wxOwzBtuVhxWPjE1sLBTGap6_pcfM8/s1600/gummies4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc00Cux10QwOyySpptai4z04ouPbhsfYEkQLCvX5nBBsEGQxa7X67O68b1_MzZ3-US0kOMuPaAkIpgK-YQTnr9sWgu-9MgVk5D_hghzQyUIjpe5wxOwzBtuVhxWPjE1sLBTGap6_pcfM8/s400/gummies4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But just being cute doesn't cut it in this house. You know they tasted good otherwise the tornado would have been the trash can. Both kids love the taste of these fruit snacks and I love that they are made with real fruit AND vegetable juice. Plus at 70 calories a pack, I don't feel bad about digging in either. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZwnOYAKeLNJrNs8gggNmQ-Ofp9TwnRWibOnPAV96WKxUmmkJuMQE2xcQE78fT-41mrEdgMzcqw1f1kKLNtsnL9voiiUPlGYqOAEYPo1_BlGw3uajquJoWhVEoseJ-KTOjMuiuEBzS1k/s1600/gummies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZwnOYAKeLNJrNs8gggNmQ-Ofp9TwnRWibOnPAV96WKxUmmkJuMQE2xcQE78fT-41mrEdgMzcqw1f1kKLNtsnL9voiiUPlGYqOAEYPo1_BlGw3uajquJoWhVEoseJ-KTOjMuiuEBzS1k/s400/gummies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Definitely look for these on the shelves next time you are at the grocery store! These make a great lunch box addition, after school snack or class treats or even Halloween handouts. Bonus- They are also a little smaller than your traditional fruit snacks and I think these make a perfect "first gummies" for your little ones just branching out in that department. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s1600/ash+b+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s320/ash+b+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-63529203449758347752015-09-18T14:08:00.002-04:002015-10-03T21:07:23.259-04:00Finding My Confidence in Motherhood<div style="text-align: center;">
I always thought that life wouldn't change much after having kids. I would continue to work full time. I would have nights out with friends and finding a sitter would never be an issue. If the kids were sick, Grandma or Grandpa could pick them up from school. My husband and I, in addition to being able to afford yearly family vacations, would take an adults only vacation yearly. I would continue to wear heels to work until I was physically unable to walk in them (probably around age 90) and makeup was never an option. I would go to the salon every 8 weeks and attend other appointments with ease. I would always have weekends to catch up on sleep. My kids would never watch Dora and would always be dressed in cute clothing. If I had a girl, her hair would always be brushed and I would give my kids a warm bubble bath every night and snuggle with them anytime they wanted. <br />
<br />
My goals and priorities have changed greatly since being blessed with two kids who fill a hole in my heart that I didn't even know existed. I love them with every ounce of my soul but the reality of my current situation is that, while I wouldn't trade them for the world, I have no clue what I'm doing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXlvTHC8Kp8YhpuyDjxmkW6yV7FSbTFXenB7XA33wd2j5oZct-5ephyphenhyphenqHVFoNgux5bYyYijsFfOnv6OUIrmi6ALrlnCasJ7F0xzR6XrEwESe2-JTf4Q7NjuE2vdggMwSir7ec2nkctWw/s1600/motherhood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXlvTHC8Kp8YhpuyDjxmkW6yV7FSbTFXenB7XA33wd2j5oZct-5ephyphenhyphenqHVFoNgux5bYyYijsFfOnv6OUIrmi6ALrlnCasJ7F0xzR6XrEwESe2-JTf4Q7NjuE2vdggMwSir7ec2nkctWw/s400/motherhood.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I started staying at home when my daughter was 9 months old after we had just moved to another state. No Grandparents, no friends, no extra help. It was my choice to stay home, a decision I made in fear of having no family support outside of my husband in a town I knew nothing about. I didn't know who to ask for daycare referrals or if I would find a job that I loved as much as my previous work. Staying home was an easy decision because it was safe for me at the time. Besides, I could always go back to work... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I currently spend the majority of my days filling sippy cups, wiping noses and diffusing screaming matches. If my kids are sick, I'm also sick. And not just with a runny nose...like puking up my stomach, laying on the bathroom floor fearing the next fall out because my husband is flying first class to California and I'm alone with two sick kids and nothing is fair and the world is ending...you know, that kind of sick. Five and a half years later my husband and I have never been on our adult only vacation. In fact, we've only taken 1 family vacation because it turns out traveling is...expensive. (<span style="font-size: x-small;">Edit- we just had our first kid free trip last weekend and it was GLORIOUS!</span>)<br />
<br />
You know what else is expensive? A sitter. So instead of going on dates, I use my babysitter budget to attend doctor and dentist appointments which are always booked at least 3 months later than they should be. Another expense- women's clothing. My heels have long worn out and I no longer have the need to wear real clothing. Yoga pants and t-shirts have taken over my closet because they are cheap, easy to clean and I know exactly what size I need when I'm running into Old Navy to stock up while my son is screaming in the stroller for more snacks because he can't go 3 seconds without having something to chew. Makeup? You must be joking. <br />
<br />
The truth is, I'm totally out of my element. Most days I'm trying to keep my head above water in a life I never imagined for myself. I don't know how to do this Mom thing. It's like it's Opposite Day every day...wasn't I supposed to be at work this morning? Where did these stretch marks come from? Can't I call Grandma to help get Layla to her doctors appointment so Jack doesn't miss his beloved swim class? I love them dearly and wouldn't change it for the world but good grief, this is not what I expected. <br />
<br />
I am jealous of the confident moms. Motherhood comes so naturally to those women. I suck at this. I go to bed feeling guilty about something EVERY night. The kids watched too much TV, we didn't leave the house today, Layla's hair hasn't been brushed in two days, I didn't give them their vitamins (for the past 6 months), Jack needed me and I told him to "wait one more minute" so I could finish laundry and forgot about him so he moved on. I'm sitting here writing a blog about the fact that I feel out of my element while one kid naps and I'm making the other one lay down because she's grumpy? Yep, Guilty McGuilterson. <br />
<br />
I feel like my kids deserve more, I can never do enough. Maybe because they are growing up in an environment so different from how I was raised? My grandparents literally lived next door, the other set was a bike ride away. If I asked my mom for ice cream and she said no, I just marched over to Grandma's and got me some ice cream. My kids' grandparents live half way across the country now. Maybe if we had family in town I would feel more confident? Maybe I'd go out more or feel more energized just knowing free, yet loving, help was an option? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I DO enjoy my time with the kids. As I send my oldest to kindergarten, I am thankful to have had her with me for the last 5 years. But that doesn't mean I don't miss the interactions and responsibilities of working. Why can't raising 2 citizens of the future generation be enough for me? I know- because I secretly hate arts and crafts and can't stand the smell milk and/or pee soaked diapers. I still gag when I have to suck boogers out of my kids nose. Nothing prepares you for these things. <br />
<br />
Being a mom is hard when you have the expectations of motherhood NOT changing your life. So if you are a version of my former self reading this (I'm talking to you pregnant Moms sitting in an office eating lunch while you browse blogs with your heels kicked off) let all your expectations go. Life gets messy with kids, and I'm not just talking about all the poop. They will turn your world upside down and open your eyes to a love you can't even imagine. Don't underestimate your ability to handle it, but don't over emphasize keeping your life as you know it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In a world of Pinterest perfect parents, we like to share the best things in life but sometimes we forget about the importance of sharing the struggles. I don't think I'll ever find my confidence in motherhood. My kids are growing and with that comes new phases in life. Just when I think I have it figured out, things change. I can't be alone in this. Am I?<br />
<br />
Today I'll celebrate the fact that <i>because</i> I feel like I suck at parenting, I'm probably not.<br />
<br />
Probably. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So if you feel like a failure at Motherhood, welcome to the club. If you go to bed with Mom guilt every night, you are not alone. If you haven't left the house in 2 days because you just can't build the confidence or energy needed to deal with your traveling circus, that's OK. Your kids will never know and will love you unconditionally no matter what.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZseza6hbGoy47Cyh9DF0cJHuYTkDDLPSi3RsVy0qsPZSDrPDnR7QIivH38wNAPSRdsKirwX1c9OX2aNUucGkvayIe97O6DMDLRNKImRI3fUiH7ua0k-RbZeLNDXeXF78c7LM196Cv8u0/s1600/mom+with+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZseza6hbGoy47Cyh9DF0cJHuYTkDDLPSi3RsVy0qsPZSDrPDnR7QIivH38wNAPSRdsKirwX1c9OX2aNUucGkvayIe97O6DMDLRNKImRI3fUiH7ua0k-RbZeLNDXeXF78c7LM196Cv8u0/s400/mom+with+kids.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://katiehallcreative.com/" target="_blank">Katie Hall Creative</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You lose a piece of yourself when you become Mom. But maybe, as I'm
finding out, you needed to let go of that piece in the first place.
Turns out yoga pants are pretty comfortable. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In summary- My kids love Dora, I'm a hot mess whose doing her best and trying not to feel guilty about it. It's the story of Motherhood my friends. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s1600/ash+b+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s320/ash+b+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-87609845082036974632015-09-09T14:12:00.000-04:002015-09-09T14:15:07.928-04:00Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy - 18 months later<div style="text-align: center;">
We have had an overwhelming response to a post I wrote about a year and a half ago. "<a href="http://www.naptimetales.com/2014/02/how-we-squeezed-my-sons-head-to-avoid.html">How We Squeezed My Son's Head to Avoid a Helmet</a>" has triggered a lot of emails from you guys asking follow up questions and looking for advice on your babies' lopsided heads. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtweh2pfYnWMJLnP807OKgVmktiWcFfcDLfYUA8kRgC0gA3wasfnRzlVHQfdJXElzjavQz6yhuX-uTHxQzIKPZi5PMpclLY9rb_I-wyD-nwLZCdKV-IMO-Q4YYgijemjgy-P1HnLifLiU/s1600/jacksheadtitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtweh2pfYnWMJLnP807OKgVmktiWcFfcDLfYUA8kRgC0gA3wasfnRzlVHQfdJXElzjavQz6yhuX-uTHxQzIKPZi5PMpclLY9rb_I-wyD-nwLZCdKV-IMO-Q4YYgijemjgy-P1HnLifLiU/s400/jacksheadtitle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With that said, I thought I'd write a follow up post with some of our most frequently asked questions regarding osteopathic manipulative therapy. Sometimes it takes us a day or two to get back to emails and I know what it's like to be that Mom emailing questions to a person she's never met about a topic she's not even remotely familiar with. You want answers yesterday and you want to learn everything you can about your child's "head condition" right. now. I totally get it and I hope these FAQs will help:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>How much does the therapy cost? </b></i></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is tricky because it depends on a number of factors. Insurance is the biggest, then the cost of the initial consultation in addition to how many appointments you will end up having. You may also need to consider the additional cost of physical therapy should your child need it (not all kids do, mine didn't!). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd say your first step is to call insurance and see if there are any specialists in your area that are in your network, then ask what is covered for this type of therapy. Then contact the specialist and ask what they charge for the initial consultation, follow up appointments. You may also want to ask how many appointments a patient has on average (keep in mind this will vary depending on the severity of your child's misshapen head). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To answer the question more specifically, Jack's therapy in total cost us about $600-800 out of pocket. Our insurance did cover some of the therapy once we met his deductible but it wasn't covered fully. He had more sessions than average for our doctor's office (I think we ended up going around 8 times). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>How did your child do with the therapy?</b></i></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This will depend on the temperament of your child and how they do with strangers. Jack wasn't an easy case...at the time he was a MAJOR Mommy's boy. Our doctor was wonderful and able to distract him with toys while he worked on him. Out of all our sessions, Jack didn't cry a single time because he was in pain or uncomfortable. The only time he cried was when he wanted me. Our doctor even did some of the manipulation while Jack nursed! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i>How long were your appointments and how often did you have to go? </i></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Again, this will depend on the severity of your child's head. We went for one initial consultation and then around 7 additional visits. Our doctor's office was over an hour and a half away so we tried to only go once a month. He mentioned he'd love to see us sooner but he also understood that it was hard for us to get that far for a 20 minute appointment. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i>Did you have to do anything at home? </i></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In our case, there was no "homework" other than to get our son to stop favoring one side of his head. Some kids need additional physical therapy work to strengthen muscles and that may require some work at home. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i>Has his head changed shape since your last appointment? </i></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jack's case was extremely bad...his head was a total disaster. We went into this knowing that the doctor would get it as close as possible, but it wouldn't be perfect. Jack's head will never be perfectly round but it is WAY better than what it was. His pallet has been corrected, his ears are aligned and level (should he ever need glasses) but he still has a flat spot on one side. You'd never know unless you saw him before. Nothing has moved since his last appointment and I'm confident that it won't. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i> I live in Michigan, can you give me the name of the doctor you used?</i></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Absolutely!! We used Dr. David Grimshaw in Oskemos, MI (near Lansing). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i>Do you know any parents that chose therapy over a helmet and had success? </i></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
YES! In fact, several Moms that originally emailed me these very same questions have messaged us to give positive updates. I can't tell you how good it feels to know that we've help ease some of the worry that comes along with the phrase "your kid's head is misshapen". On of our readers recently sent us an updated picture of her little girl (they live in Georgia and used Dr. Richard Armond III out of Suwanee). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UZe7YyKFpKgBqjdCWRziKOKeUQt7geNPBAevjNPGhBtfgvUYcnZRv363dZcvy8-eK-sRVaVkaIRValg8f_GKvUMs12SKr7mOeZjU4J9KBXwixEKWWrzKETrg7ChwibEzW-tV2ih8BY8/s1600/IMG_3200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UZe7YyKFpKgBqjdCWRziKOKeUQt7geNPBAevjNPGhBtfgvUYcnZRv363dZcvy8-eK-sRVaVkaIRValg8f_GKvUMs12SKr7mOeZjU4J9KBXwixEKWWrzKETrg7ChwibEzW-tV2ih8BY8/s400/IMG_3200.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How amazing is that?!?! This child had only been around 4times to get those results. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think that covers most of our FAQs on the subject. That said, we LOVE emails. Let me repeat- we L.O.V.E. emails from you
guys. I have laughed and cried right along with every single Mom that
has sent us an SOS. Whether it is trouble with your milk supply, pumping
questions or head squeezing doctor recommendations, keep those
questions and emails coming. This is exactly why we do what we do! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s1600/ash+b+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s320/ash+b+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-90339597422796412972015-09-02T14:28:00.001-04:002015-09-02T14:28:28.548-04:00First Day of Kindergarten<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, we survived our first day of kindergarten. It went down a little like this-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Layla woke up late (thank you God for half day, afternoon kindergarten), came downstairs with her hair all a mess, went straight to the fridge where she pulled out a flour tortilla and a chocolate milk then plopped down on the couch to watch Magic School Bus. That my friends, is how you start the first day of kindergarten in our house. LOL. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />After girlfriend managed to wake up a little from her delicious and nutritious breakfast, she was excited to get going. She put on her new dress and wanted her hair in an "Elsa braid" complete with a flower. First days of school are so fun because you make time for this...we are on day three now and I don't think I brushed her hair this morning. Just keeping it real. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At 11:10 I realized it I'd better start feeding her lunch because we have to catch the bus down the road at 11:56. So I slapped a peanut butter sandwich together, threw a yogurt on her plate and told her "hurry and eat! We have to go to the bus soon!" 100 times as calmly as I possibly could. I was very anxious, I never in a million years have imagined starting kindergarten by sending her via bus. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmJBxFqRCNHFmdYyiEipSEsXTbFaB2TOegTq2CPURPWXzhMIxC0l7_t6FiYSKVXbncQYOjQH3RcBDwpWIhiFwP4a3Vi3WyTbKg_pKpMAnMX8znIB911fgNeYQj0doa7cJjy5NBXFHk3Y/s1600/lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmJBxFqRCNHFmdYyiEipSEsXTbFaB2TOegTq2CPURPWXzhMIxC0l7_t6FiYSKVXbncQYOjQH3RcBDwpWIhiFwP4a3Vi3WyTbKg_pKpMAnMX8znIB911fgNeYQj0doa7cJjy5NBXFHk3Y/s400/lunch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She ate surprisingly quick and we were out the door. Of course we had to make time for a couple of quick pictures!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This year she picked out this adorable peacock book bag from Pottery Barns Outlet. She scored a GREAT deal on it and she was very excited it was on sale. I love this child. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKyEKrIvtwnfy216LlvQSMbH1Nz_l9uVl_5KPyFY6C5mOJinI1MED0XfuX7dcOS0jsoXdeW-7rNmrQwpiFF-e10rBo5uYPFVAewJTSSpe68JkPye310PcNFIVwaEdzQtXyWRsfJnyBQw/s1600/backpack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKyEKrIvtwnfy216LlvQSMbH1Nz_l9uVl_5KPyFY6C5mOJinI1MED0XfuX7dcOS0jsoXdeW-7rNmrQwpiFF-e10rBo5uYPFVAewJTSSpe68JkPye310PcNFIVwaEdzQtXyWRsfJnyBQw/s400/backpack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrC3bptGZ-Hw4YNoD5xuWnRW0xkai3S6EEBBl5NCR_jcuwNl3FllmK8iGCoWOEorweuj1oKpFN-6nwfhETA3facRKJgviAqkrk2QLKuNkm58GiZFSxfQGkzpBSAB8kaMwIPOm-F7qySI/s1600/Layla+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrC3bptGZ-Hw4YNoD5xuWnRW0xkai3S6EEBBl5NCR_jcuwNl3FllmK8iGCoWOEorweuj1oKpFN-6nwfhETA3facRKJgviAqkrk2QLKuNkm58GiZFSxfQGkzpBSAB8kaMwIPOm-F7qySI/s400/Layla+bw.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWVYqDQVAn4muJ7nLvUynpqAD0sX5po30KCSlkKe1WJ1CbUj_bKF4QrGHzZ9cEZTcXSB5PP7NZGEuvlTAb9LOWUiDqeej4yQo9AjMCuKELzbOfHfeIbK82PZiezma9FqadQjH5ByhyhE/s1600/Laylas+first+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWVYqDQVAn4muJ7nLvUynpqAD0sX5po30KCSlkKe1WJ1CbUj_bKF4QrGHzZ9cEZTcXSB5PP7NZGEuvlTAb9LOWUiDqeej4yQo9AjMCuKELzbOfHfeIbK82PZiezma9FqadQjH5ByhyhE/s400/Laylas+first+day.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1898965569"></span><span id="goog_1898965570"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1898965569">After snapping a few photos it was time to head to the bus stop. I could tell she was a little nervous but more excited than anything. We saw the bus pull into our neighborhood and do a loop around. The second the bus turned down our street to pick her up next, my heart jumped clear into my throat. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyplAV-zDo8SoVKXTDenamkndNmqhwxqegyq5KTvx96PARQ8S8JgiBMXtF2lvC4MIC-hPMsrXWh3CaN9iHyzxiGlMlfP5D9Q_K0_tlD43I1TkoN6MoqFee6XekGMBjgnlhSxADj373DE/s1600/bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyplAV-zDo8SoVKXTDenamkndNmqhwxqegyq5KTvx96PARQ8S8JgiBMXtF2lvC4MIC-hPMsrXWh3CaN9iHyzxiGlMlfP5D9Q_K0_tlD43I1TkoN6MoqFee6XekGMBjgnlhSxADj373DE/s400/bus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1898965569"></span><span id="goog_1898965570"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1898965569">I watched her standing there with her ears covered (typical Layla) and it felt like my whole world was turning upside down. I'm sending my sweet baby to kindergarten on a BUS. That freaking bus just really got to me. I got so caught up in the moment that, before I knew it, she was pulling ME to the open bus doors. I heard her say "Mommy?" in a hesitant voice but when I leaned down to get my hug and kiss, she just kept walking. She dropped the one hand holding her ear, let her other hand loose from mine and climbed right into the yellow beast. It swallowed her whole. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1898965569"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Q28B09pPCC2dzqMM66-CD7EIElJWjRasEdchwamKc4GGSssd-m3aZ9RrKe7S0jYF6b9_xZKUO_EoqthSmIdZdekFncU-Q8Y7RNw5ZydNtGNa_uE5ahZ7lygbp91fz2Uyy6g6xWEufgc/s1600/bus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Q28B09pPCC2dzqMM66-CD7EIElJWjRasEdchwamKc4GGSssd-m3aZ9RrKe7S0jYF6b9_xZKUO_EoqthSmIdZdekFncU-Q8Y7RNw5ZydNtGNa_uE5ahZ7lygbp91fz2Uyy6g6xWEufgc/s320/bus2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1898965569"></span><span id="goog_1898965570"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She sat on the opposite side of the bus so I couldn't see her when the doors closed. I got a glimpse of her head when the bus pulled away, she was looking at the opposite window- the way to the school. I felt SO relieved that she was confident enough to get on that bus and find her way but my heart ached because she didn't need me. Like, at ALL. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I watched the clock all afternoon. It was nice to put Jack down for nap and not worry about Layla feeling lonely while I was busy. But I missed her asking me 100 questions, begging for a snack, and asking if she could play on my computer. I missed her but I know she's learning, school is the best thing for HER. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At 3:30 I rushed out to to bus stop to wait for her. The bus was late...I knew I should have expected it but it was horrible. All I wanted to know was if she got on the right bus and how her day went! She be-bopped off the bus like kindergarten ain't no thing and all I got out of her was that a little boy got in trouble in class plus she didn't learn how to read today. She was SO disappointed that she didn't immediately learn how to read. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Patience sweet girl, you are moving too fast. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s1600/ash+b+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s320/ash+b+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-55744751928794076632015-09-01T00:35:00.001-04:002015-09-01T00:35:30.531-04:00Back To School: Packing Lunch <div>
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">Since we have SO MUCH free time during 'nap time' and after the kids go to bed, we like to make a little pocket change off our blog posts occasionally...to afford lip gloss, wine, and boots=) So FYI we were given a product and/or compensation and partnering with Stonyfield YoGetters Brand. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is my first year packing lunch for my son. He is in first grade and a very particular eater. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What I have found he ALWAYS eats, though is Stonyfield YoKids yogurt. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That, along with a turkey and cheese sandwich, chips, a juice box, and grapes. Every. Single Day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not only will my son eat a YoKids yogurt for lunch, but also as a "side" for breakfast. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tAWu9Z8ujiiPiBYCyAhG4yt28LjpNf1CAfcG7V82GbPRT7EIPphA9541ceqJtMv3_Ju5Tez-d7D46GjDjaJLbMamnveRhH69kzo9_nzBdpJTdnFsziuN33bks6NJH9-KyYUGmG1zpg0/s1600/IMG_3515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tAWu9Z8ujiiPiBYCyAhG4yt28LjpNf1CAfcG7V82GbPRT7EIPphA9541ceqJtMv3_Ju5Tez-d7D46GjDjaJLbMamnveRhH69kzo9_nzBdpJTdnFsziuN33bks6NJH9-KyYUGmG1zpg0/s320/IMG_3515.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then there is my 1 year old…who isn't so picky and will eat anything! I feel like a supermom when I give him Stonyfield Baby Yogurt though because it has no added sugar. And he loves it so it is WIN/WIN!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rtE7WgbVAIWyh2D0kaRW91JO9TdJMuJd4txepqimFXfsaEIn2Z8TzFzAfPLHmCcKJiKh-1VDP2AeO87viaLO98GMTy3AY6_qKETv26y6p6PC0f4i17v_pNlFGotHTXG-J_ghQXX05Ng/s1600/IMG_3517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rtE7WgbVAIWyh2D0kaRW91JO9TdJMuJd4txepqimFXfsaEIn2Z8TzFzAfPLHmCcKJiKh-1VDP2AeO87viaLO98GMTy3AY6_qKETv26y6p6PC0f4i17v_pNlFGotHTXG-J_ghQXX05Ng/s320/IMG_3517.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_py024tdv1PjW7ePVpBtKM8B8QGwywO7D_357GmbtZOUFvYef3TIw8ifcZLwPDuATDx3hr7gd1yXswJPtS7mMD-qk8mu1bfwEajQqoaFAuo3cteAojvPShcm7pXU7cnZQ5XfXyeBtKQ/s1600/IMG_3519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_py024tdv1PjW7ePVpBtKM8B8QGwywO7D_357GmbtZOUFvYef3TIw8ifcZLwPDuATDx3hr7gd1yXswJPtS7mMD-qk8mu1bfwEajQqoaFAuo3cteAojvPShcm7pXU7cnZQ5XfXyeBtKQ/s320/IMG_3519.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdwauMLOYtigDS4xL3TN4Fkyavalx8h52Qe2bue8K-FXftL3dFYLIrE98v49sFHKONWMcRu20u9XNrnfMI9deFESAW12Blhpg9D3OtttGd_hxaKA8A7pVg7ujwHhtMm09OtayMOBx8vc/s1600/IMG_3522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdwauMLOYtigDS4xL3TN4Fkyavalx8h52Qe2bue8K-FXftL3dFYLIrE98v49sFHKONWMcRu20u9XNrnfMI9deFESAW12Blhpg9D3OtttGd_hxaKA8A7pVg7ujwHhtMm09OtayMOBx8vc/s320/IMG_3522.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Need healthy meal ideas? Snack ideas? Check out Stonyfield next time you are at the store!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What healthy snacks do your kids love? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio17d1Y49XnmpBUtH-2Vbswtb3_pfOIKDPfstUkbdBPAcI3vwHdJGzD2Wr06ZBoIHGkT-Q-8kl9LJS4lsRwf5fi_xExW1pst0QYmYdibwGygiz31OWTHL9lfq_HrbqkCUrCx-AOaTyrQ/s1600/ash+w+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio17d1Y49XnmpBUtH-2Vbswtb3_pfOIKDPfstUkbdBPAcI3vwHdJGzD2Wr06ZBoIHGkT-Q-8kl9LJS4lsRwf5fi_xExW1pst0QYmYdibwGygiz31OWTHL9lfq_HrbqkCUrCx-AOaTyrQ/s320/ash+w+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-47828020024510452842015-08-27T15:00:00.001-04:002015-08-27T15:00:48.652-04:00WHY Kindergarten? Why?!<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't cry. Do. Not. Cry. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've told myself those words probably 100 times over the last few days. It's our last week before my precious baby girl starts kindergarten. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My thoughts over the past week have ranged from "thank God school is starting, maybe the kids won't fight as much" to "no God, please don't make me send her to school!". </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm a complete mess. I don't know what to do without her. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, she's been in preschool part time for the last 2 years but that was optional. I didn't HAVE to send her, I wanted to. She loved it and I got to run errands with only 1 whining child a few days a week. I could pull her out whenever I wanted for appointments, vacation or just because. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kindergarten seems more concrete. This is like...well...it's the REAL deal. I might as well be sending her to college. Kindergarten will lay the foundation for her to function without me. They'll teach life skills like reading and writing but also, in a nutshell, how to live without your parents. She's thisclose to being able to tie her own shoes, next week she'll be able to drive. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2gxjoB0NwEDIt3R5NbccfkwwfJbVJbiQY_ems7mPD643KpEmc5sdgQoUOTPKECJyz9GVof9O4C5pFdPbp41LUgu7gCffCeRhVQZCzu9QjRBpiQsOJZwUTBkwXEmJ2mVufbIcloMJrXs/s1600/L+bus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2gxjoB0NwEDIt3R5NbccfkwwfJbVJbiQY_ems7mPD643KpEmc5sdgQoUOTPKECJyz9GVof9O4C5pFdPbp41LUgu7gCffCeRhVQZCzu9QjRBpiQsOJZwUTBkwXEmJ2mVufbIcloMJrXs/s400/L+bus.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hate kindergarten. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm having a hard time balancing my desire to see her succeed in life with my desire to want her home forever. I want her to explore, make friends, learn and have fun but I don't want her to forget about poor old mom at home playing trains with Jack and wondering what she's doing. And missing her because I know she's better at playing trains than I am. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope her teacher adores her and that Layla loves her back. And I pray like I've never prayed before that she has kind classmates. The world can be so cruel, please just let kindergarten be fun! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfY5Rvqu8slCDCPKXUiTSV02riq-WSCbAEwJWGhd2qocHHj4Y1y2F6an0XTZpLYgdmriCePqmQUsdozt8KGGwuEIfmzinYO72NRc15VCwk7LFLu1f9HKi0yKN36v-GxyAPKq1hneaUqk/s1600/kindergarten.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfY5Rvqu8slCDCPKXUiTSV02riq-WSCbAEwJWGhd2qocHHj4Y1y2F6an0XTZpLYgdmriCePqmQUsdozt8KGGwuEIfmzinYO72NRc15VCwk7LFLu1f9HKi0yKN36v-GxyAPKq1hneaUqk/s400/kindergarten.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So next week I'll put my baby on a school bus and ship her off into the great big world. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will try my best to be on time, keep it together complete with a smile on my face and wait patiently while she learns to concur the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then I'll cry like a baby for 3 hours until she comes home.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s1600/ash+b+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s320/ash+b+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1180870043"></span><span id="goog_1180870044"></span><br />Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-71250659937235403372015-08-26T18:17:00.002-04:002015-08-26T18:17:07.317-04:00Playskool Travel Toys<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently I received two of my sons favorite new toys.</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">STACK 'N STOW Cups</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXQuL-McgcQqZSycSlVk9GWVgQUQmK1he-01xoYgNlE4e8Ykt8SkmvmSOzuSUCkaLow2fLLKJwSLR0eVEOy_0hxCl2ufLpTNE-Y7EzFqLReHUvLuPxAvNdbXTFDqocC3NVg3FpVRC088/s1600/71uYMmjCWQL._SX425_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXQuL-McgcQqZSycSlVk9GWVgQUQmK1he-01xoYgNlE4e8Ykt8SkmvmSOzuSUCkaLow2fLLKJwSLR0eVEOy_0hxCl2ufLpTNE-Y7EzFqLReHUvLuPxAvNdbXTFDqocC3NVg3FpVRC088/s320/71uYMmjCWQL._SX425_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and ROLL 'N GEARS CAR Toy</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uyDl1rW0GnphxMoE4sXFVsPkCsEhsHBdphiiKHZtVpVVNN8yCiRE595edvyyuycnKxcrAoH_CZHF11M04Z9y_fh62FKzCA1Ctil1CTPsd96Shn8YB7b0gzXDF6u5-wnuFTjplrNcyIE/s1600/51JxUjBHPeL._SL250_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uyDl1rW0GnphxMoE4sXFVsPkCsEhsHBdphiiKHZtVpVVNN8yCiRE595edvyyuycnKxcrAoH_CZHF11M04Z9y_fh62FKzCA1Ctil1CTPsd96Shn8YB7b0gzXDF6u5-wnuFTjplrNcyIE/s1600/51JxUjBHPeL._SL250_.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These toys can make play-time happen almost any time! It is so easy to toss these toys into our diaper bag and give him something to play with at the soccer field, a play date, or when we travel. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGthMMDxiCJY1XL2RNQEKY_8_hHWZbmvgSaVZI9x7S7SkUTjSbtV6J-d6etq-dmtasSYbRvnGeXdKzqsqVdy5qJmtc-4fh1xpFbYAbs49S_kV9-75btlORGHZkE80jKCdVAYdfq9Y87G0/s1600/IMG_3445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGthMMDxiCJY1XL2RNQEKY_8_hHWZbmvgSaVZI9x7S7SkUTjSbtV6J-d6etq-dmtasSYbRvnGeXdKzqsqVdy5qJmtc-4fh1xpFbYAbs49S_kV9-75btlORGHZkE80jKCdVAYdfq9Y87G0/s320/IMG_3445.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmc0Sl9JlkonMf6DBQv5kHw7Sj6nj2arT6e3LmV6E8wV_y9bilB2W5VnsWkIGEyV2EL3ZNbHEGKF1wKl2KhQDOcJ7XpaPyBPXEfq7HRTbHI72XhtJhp1cAfhNO25jH0PQ-HcthMff6VHM/s1600/IMG_3446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmc0Sl9JlkonMf6DBQv5kHw7Sj6nj2arT6e3LmV6E8wV_y9bilB2W5VnsWkIGEyV2EL3ZNbHEGKF1wKl2KhQDOcJ7XpaPyBPXEfq7HRTbHI72XhtJhp1cAfhNO25jH0PQ-HcthMff6VHM/s320/IMG_3446.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXh3mik6sduJ_gchnfRWB1_R1LOjlET3XOV6167Ot43DNHUPzVRIujwmhcJuOO0RJ1ILx2HYbQ_5TKHfBk8SUE6Ceox4nf1N6Lb5imrw-wQhKLJ9q9FnRFgFtrqs_yvdSVPb-08JEEeA/s1600/IMG_3448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXh3mik6sduJ_gchnfRWB1_R1LOjlET3XOV6167Ot43DNHUPzVRIujwmhcJuOO0RJ1ILx2HYbQ_5TKHfBk8SUE6Ceox4nf1N6Lb5imrw-wQhKLJ9q9FnRFgFtrqs_yvdSVPb-08JEEeA/s320/IMG_3448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Get yours today! </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=natita-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00N3T3GSS&asins=B00N3T3GSS&linkId=3DKKPD4NWSYNJMTP&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=natita-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00N3T3JXU&asins=B00N3T3JXU&linkId=7BXU6SWQAKF4Q5E4&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe><br /></div>
Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-62220211311034515522015-08-17T17:48:00.003-04:002015-08-17T17:48:33.074-04:00First Day of First Grade<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My oldest baby is off to first grade!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Can you believe we are even discussing summer being over?!?)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_2t4z1b3fWJgVAekiVRbHiE11G_zNxJidYQSvI_X6uLVtAGUshtUYVQ9-gBbcPiw11XFSPU0b8IHZDxqYYpuF5lr56f2okkfP6Eh2t2kehM20Lo5BrxF4po8jPbtfiZebWHv7H9xesU/s1600/IMG_3371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_2t4z1b3fWJgVAekiVRbHiE11G_zNxJidYQSvI_X6uLVtAGUshtUYVQ9-gBbcPiw11XFSPU0b8IHZDxqYYpuF5lr56f2okkfP6Eh2t2kehM20Lo5BrxF4po8jPbtfiZebWHv7H9xesU/s320/IMG_3371.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In our school district kindergarten is half day. So sending my little man off to first grade was a big deal for us! He will be in school ALL day. Oh, and he REALLLLLY wanted to ride the bus to school this year. I loved driving him last year, but eventually I was going to have to cut the cord. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, off he went....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26SZMrzU2Dlt7vlqDZle_l7b1quI5eGRb0PwS1q6EoUmHglav2IoP2siM3zxEg18H9_8ODq2U8Bd8F_rh2wSi9L2_-p8OiGc8eUQ939rU-XSCU9KfMSLJq8oyjjSAPw4wfZimZtpRq3k/s1600/IMG_3367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26SZMrzU2Dlt7vlqDZle_l7b1quI5eGRb0PwS1q6EoUmHglav2IoP2siM3zxEg18H9_8ODq2U8Bd8F_rh2wSi9L2_-p8OiGc8eUQ939rU-XSCU9KfMSLJq8oyjjSAPw4wfZimZtpRq3k/s320/IMG_3367.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I counted down the hours till 4pm. I could not wait to see him!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkwE5L2p1RJf4iKwBsXoEB5hb35ETngWC9t6QQ7Ngr7tGi4ZM7io1EKabOic9esg6ECkcGydxLPdd4cbm5X8MbmlLdABpHTczsGwE8GAnDN38SJu75rMSmpAPvQX8aWeaE3uE2ozWEk4/s1600/IMG_3405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkwE5L2p1RJf4iKwBsXoEB5hb35ETngWC9t6QQ7Ngr7tGi4ZM7io1EKabOic9esg6ECkcGydxLPdd4cbm5X8MbmlLdABpHTczsGwE8GAnDN38SJu75rMSmpAPvQX8aWeaE3uE2ozWEk4/s320/IMG_3405.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall, he said he LOVES first grade!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfadkQ0u1DN_SKfHNRpZhTacQxyo_rI2W_EcKt4gDyISdXzc_mFIrnkqaK96Z7iwFBMIud6_qbIK7Dhb46K-DFoSQL6Wq4ij85EipXRi3gqRBuxHaxP6HKU-Doa55HZ2LhOaXLmqC4JhI/s1600/IMG_3347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfadkQ0u1DN_SKfHNRpZhTacQxyo_rI2W_EcKt4gDyISdXzc_mFIrnkqaK96Z7iwFBMIud6_qbIK7Dhb46K-DFoSQL6Wq4ij85EipXRi3gqRBuxHaxP6HKU-Doa55HZ2LhOaXLmqC4JhI/s320/IMG_3347.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stop growing up little love! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio17d1Y49XnmpBUtH-2Vbswtb3_pfOIKDPfstUkbdBPAcI3vwHdJGzD2Wr06ZBoIHGkT-Q-8kl9LJS4lsRwf5fi_xExW1pst0QYmYdibwGygiz31OWTHL9lfq_HrbqkCUrCx-AOaTyrQ/s1600/ash+w+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio17d1Y49XnmpBUtH-2Vbswtb3_pfOIKDPfstUkbdBPAcI3vwHdJGzD2Wr06ZBoIHGkT-Q-8kl9LJS4lsRwf5fi_xExW1pst0QYmYdibwGygiz31OWTHL9lfq_HrbqkCUrCx-AOaTyrQ/s320/ash+w+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-9060258488682665882015-08-06T14:06:00.001-04:002015-08-07T17:01:23.437-04:00Back to School - Car Pool Tips <div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Since
we have SO MUCH free time during 'nap time' and after the kids go to
bed, we like to make a little pocket change off our blog posts
occasionally...to afford lip gloss, wine, and boots=) So FYI this post is sponsored by Burlington and there are some affiliate links. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JZFj1M3bRp6B8vfxLCeCCdvS9WfHG4fF9WckdP8HCnHRkawqZ_46G1J4Y73DEwzlbJ1E_IovDsQdwxunifn7Kq3LfyYDefJPsBoQLaqAxKmDUqtE9pF7d5IfDp1ySmTimFSg6Hj93Og/s1600/carpool4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JZFj1M3bRp6B8vfxLCeCCdvS9WfHG4fF9WckdP8HCnHRkawqZ_46G1J4Y73DEwzlbJ1E_IovDsQdwxunifn7Kq3LfyYDefJPsBoQLaqAxKmDUqtE9pF7d5IfDp1ySmTimFSg6Hj93Og/s400/carpool4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kindergarten. My little girl is being signed up for KINDERGARTEN today. Not only is this the start of a new school year but we are also new in town. We haven't even lived here for 2 weeks and I'm throwing my baby girl into a brand new school/routine within a month. I'm feeling a little guilty about it.<br />
<br />
She wants to ride the bus to school but I'm nervous about putting her on for several reasons, my main concern being that this is still an unfamiliar place and she won't know when/where to get off. She gets easily overwhelmed and is so sensitive, I just don't want to put her through even more stress on top of everything else. <br />
<br />
Maybe I'll feel different about the bus as we get more settled in here and the first day of school approaches. I think possibly an even better solution for us will eventually be car pooling. We planned to do it with a few kids in our old neighborhood but <a href="http://www.naptimetales.com/2015/07/the-bartons-are-on-move.html" target="_blank">obviously our plans changed</a>. We know there are lots of kids in our current neighborhood but we have been so focused on getting unpacked and settled that I haven't had a chance to really introduce myself to anyone.<br />
<br />
Finding friends and other families will come with time, and when it does I will be the first to suggest an elementary school car pool. I'm less nervous about putting my child in another parent's car than I am the bus, but I still think about safety and exactly how easy (or hard?) car pooling will be. Luckily Ashley W participated in a car pool last year when Grayden started kindergarten and she has ALL the answers (what would I do with out her?). Car pooling with kids in car seats can be complicated but it IS doable. Here are some of Ash W's tips for a successful and safe car pool with car seats: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Get your car seat situation under control. </b>Layla is a tall kindergartener but has been in a 5 point harness until recently. She was finally starting to outgrow her old seat and ready for a belt. I scored this amazing <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=HWOXvkNbt*0&subid=&offerid=360803.1&type=10&tmpid=17149&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.burlingtoncoatfactory.com%252Fbabydepot%252FBaby%252FCar-Seats-63617.aspx%253Fh%253D" target="_blank">Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 seat</a> from our friends at Burlington via their <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=HWOXvkNbt*0&subid=&offerid=360803.1&type=10&tmpid=17150&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.burlingtoncoatfactory.com%252Fbabydepot%252FDefault.aspx" target="_blank">Baby Depot</a>. A few things I love about this seat- it has the 5 point harness option if your child isn't quite ready for the belt, it EASILY adjusts to a high back/belt only booster (but can be converted back to the 5 point if you have a younger sibling that will use it later) and...let's be honest...it has cup holders and a place for toys. Burlington has a <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=HWOXvkNbt*0&subid=&offerid=360803.1&type=10&tmpid=17149&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.burlingtoncoatfactory.com%252Fbabydepot%252FBaby%252FCar-Seats-63617.aspx%253Fh%253D" target="_blank">ton of other car seat options</a> so if you don't already have the perfect seat for your child, check out their <a href="http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/babydepot/Baby/Car-Seats/Convertible-Car-Seats-63630.aspx?h=63617&utm_source=HWOXvkNbt*0&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=AffiliateTraction&utm_content=1&ls_affid=HWOXvkNbt*0#pg=5" target="_blank">amazing deals</a>! Layla was THRILLED when we installed it:</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21nLIv98PJfRmLL7XvdqYeNflyTbeovuMB-OMZt-q0Kq-SFDEsAkqLYzlsqF0dZ1NKY7StIo0wLXA7-7g3wT4bbAqfMeVDelm773rJXrK316lR_ib7XOFEJD-hAEe0m8J41HS_OAL_VU/s1600/carseatsafety3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21nLIv98PJfRmLL7XvdqYeNflyTbeovuMB-OMZt-q0Kq-SFDEsAkqLYzlsqF0dZ1NKY7StIo0wLXA7-7g3wT4bbAqfMeVDelm773rJXrK316lR_ib7XOFEJD-hAEe0m8J41HS_OAL_VU/s400/carseatsafety3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
2. <b>Make sure your child can get in/out of the car safely.</b> True story- I was in a kindergarten car pool and I bit the tip of my tongue off when I fell getting into another family's van. You read that correctly...I bit my tongue OFF. Luckily a great plastic surgeon was staffed and I was perfectly fine after a few (lots) of stitches and Popsicles but the event was pretty traumatic for all involved. Layla has been taught to clear the floor of the car before she gets in/out and that she needs to stay seated and buckled until the car is off. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsu9r4H0OaVYY7loZzlRf1U7mcYXad-z_TSbsu37V8VTwBbSNsBsW9ViGuripkl6yx4xFlX1sT1YMBG1CEBz4ePZuA5kj7Eu2hgVCddCG8t3wt97w9SPNCWlIpl5P3aKVKN-XHLq4XbcU/s1600/carseatsafety.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsu9r4H0OaVYY7loZzlRf1U7mcYXad-z_TSbsu37V8VTwBbSNsBsW9ViGuripkl6yx4xFlX1sT1YMBG1CEBz4ePZuA5kj7Eu2hgVCddCG8t3wt97w9SPNCWlIpl5P3aKVKN-XHLq4XbcU/s400/carseatsafety.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>3. Have buckles accessible. </b>Our van's buckles are flimsy and get stuck easily between the seats, especially if we slide the seats or move them around to fit more people. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OZ82M4K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00OZ82M4K&linkCode=as2&tag=natita-20&linkId=KQSSBDMQYNVCR3QR" target="_blank">MyBuckleMate</a> is one of the best car investments we've made other than the car seats themselves. It stabilizes the seat buckle so kids don't have to wrestle with the straps. We have several of these installed in the car so that when we have buddies riding along, they can have access to their buckles easily too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTPykUxJwhwrG-Ei2mTHaFOOJJEK3r3Lb0KDrRLd-njqE0oMYDf__1Ct4MNxIPdQh3Flz191dHc-dU203hChjtprwolVonBdp9RH4DO4qqZbqgx5hQRx9wP1QMon0d6fiEq9pWmPw6ZU/s1600/buckle+mate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTPykUxJwhwrG-Ei2mTHaFOOJJEK3r3Lb0KDrRLd-njqE0oMYDf__1Ct4MNxIPdQh3Flz191dHc-dU203hChjtprwolVonBdp9RH4DO4qqZbqgx5hQRx9wP1QMon0d6fiEq9pWmPw6ZU/s320/buckle+mate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>4. Label your child's seat. </b>We plan to just use a permanent marker to put Layla's name on the seat, along with our phone number/contact info. That way her seat is labeled if we need to drop it off at school for a pick up, and our contact info is on there in case of an emergency. <br />
<br />
<b>5. Start a routine a few weeks before school. </b>We've talked about how Layla will need to start waking up early, but nothing will prepare her quite like her alarm clock going off for a few weeks before school starts. This will be a rough adjustment for everyone in this house, girl friend sleeps would sleep until 10 every day if I let her! I have a feeling attitudes will be out of control until she's adjusted but I want to start early and if you are car pooling, you may want to consider doing it too. I'd MUCH rather make some attitude adjustments at home than have another Mom deal with them in the morning. Not that this face could EVER give sass to anyone, EVER. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Et5Usjvm85v8JN5jBV25atdbqQuUwptDa4velGfc0Wpjjrv4Cn7RKXHKMDpa00-FrX4ANnzOZFO3fEoxMGbyLvtgJNY62KtsEht2HTtwHEIIVqt_h-ge4le8lqEz6s7kFA07-E9BSpo/s1600/DSC_9428color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Et5Usjvm85v8JN5jBV25atdbqQuUwptDa4velGfc0Wpjjrv4Cn7RKXHKMDpa00-FrX4ANnzOZFO3fEoxMGbyLvtgJNY62KtsEht2HTtwHEIIVqt_h-ge4le8lqEz6s7kFA07-E9BSpo/s400/DSC_9428color.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want to give a special shout out and thanks to <a href="http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/burlingtoncoatfactory/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Burlington </a>for working with us on this post. I had no clue they even sold car seats until I checked out their <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=HWOXvkNbt*0&subid=&offerid=360803.1&type=10&tmpid=17150&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.burlingtoncoatfactory.com%252Fbabydepot%252FDefault.aspx" target="_blank">Baby Depot</a>! They have amazing prices on their products so if you need anything baby or kid related, definitely check them out before you pay retail prices! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyone else out there a pro at car pooling? What other tips do you have for us newbies?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s1600/ash+b+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s320/ash+b+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: red;"><br /></span>
Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-73072188941254983802015-08-05T09:00:00.000-04:002015-08-05T21:17:54.871-04:00ZOKU mini pop maker review and GIVEAWAY!! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: 300; line-height: 23px;"><i>Since
we have SO MUCH free time during 'nap time' and after the kids go to
bed, we like to make a little pocket change off our blog posts
occasionally...to afford lip gloss, wine, and boots=) So FYI we were
given a product and/or compensation and partnering with Zoku. </i></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Did you know that Ashley B <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tinydreamsphotography?fref=ts" target="_blank">is a photographer</a>? Something I've been passionate about adding to my photo business over the last year are <a href="http://www.naptimetales.com/2014/10/a-different-take-on-family-photos.html" target="_blank">lifestyle sessions</a> and I was honored to do a handful of these in the last few months we <a href="http://www.naptimetales.com/2015/07/the-bartons-are-on-move.html" target="_blank">spent in Michigan</a>. One of my favorite parts of these sessions is just chatting to clients about life, their kids' favorite things and capturing those moments for my families.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
During my last lifestyle session, the family had a quick snack time where we shot images of their girls sitting in the kitchen eating popsicles. It was so cute and they had the COOLEST popsicle maker and I HAVE to share it with you guys. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So let me introduce you to <a href="http://www.zokuhome.com/" target="_blank">ZOKU</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLFB5VR107hdTLj2vH9WpDFGJ3kDVkitlJCw4soAN5S3hYzoZCQfH5zhP334KWJqZAS4jaw_bmQ5bt8AG0cNKgBmN7umyE8xgMIpvX-dUJTYCnqU84-kWOqUvSnoOl7ZeRZvIYZFShNg/s1600/popmaker10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLFB5VR107hdTLj2vH9WpDFGJ3kDVkitlJCw4soAN5S3hYzoZCQfH5zhP334KWJqZAS4jaw_bmQ5bt8AG0cNKgBmN7umyE8xgMIpvX-dUJTYCnqU84-kWOqUvSnoOl7ZeRZvIYZFShNg/s400/popmaker10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You guys, I'm OBSESSED with this company. I have major design envy, their products are so. much. fun., they are made for little hands and make amazing gifts. I want 1 of everything on their product list but I originally just contacted them about their <a href="http://www.zokuhome.com/collections/all/products/mini-pop-molds" target="_blank">Mini Pop Molds</a>. I emailed the company and they not only gave me one to test on
my own, but they are offering us one to <b>giveaway</b> (more on that in a
moment).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This little mini pop maker has been a life saver during our move. It's been our go to activity/treat when the kids have been good or helpful. It's SO easy to use! Here they are taking out the mini pop sticks and adding yogurt to the molds. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgOBUEt03gSwHgI_waxnIsFothDZVMwJme1MYL-menr9QK3X7EgFEMT0RUmFvnUtFO4Bh8uV5FQAzQ79_cI73dzHUKGgC3eVGycuTJublH-hy8PWxdCk19Lm2I5LoaJVAHyWoHNjY5I0/s1600/minipopmaker1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgOBUEt03gSwHgI_waxnIsFothDZVMwJme1MYL-menr9QK3X7EgFEMT0RUmFvnUtFO4Bh8uV5FQAzQ79_cI73dzHUKGgC3eVGycuTJublH-hy8PWxdCk19Lm2I5LoaJVAHyWoHNjY5I0/s400/minipopmaker1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlORD4eHwrBX47xoFHIzyAAd-fZl4S-0PUvSIbCsxFMNViz0Lsq5XmPgzjvoufX8ofN4UNc-j2YL7CsDXk15b5E4rMlo5NqS3nMa8e83-FTVtun-4a8sUCmuazMv9XAZ2fpBFzcp4a2q4/s1600/minipopmaker3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlORD4eHwrBX47xoFHIzyAAd-fZl4S-0PUvSIbCsxFMNViz0Lsq5XmPgzjvoufX8ofN4UNc-j2YL7CsDXk15b5E4rMlo5NqS3nMa8e83-FTVtun-4a8sUCmuazMv9XAZ2fpBFzcp4a2q4/s400/minipopmaker3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you spill (which I'm sure was a TOTAL accident), Jack thinks your best bet is to just lick it right off the counter! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-4-An_8LcnB69VE39zW59Pmp4aa5t86u617mSFiMhB9M4Mtg2nW9fyP-mgcGygRZqYNtFy_7YY6np5ulaN2dPeJciDcqtY0MccpZLqFajSi526fRXcLOfioIanKIfU7-T0Hyv5QNvOc/s1600/minipopmaker4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-4-An_8LcnB69VE39zW59Pmp4aa5t86u617mSFiMhB9M4Mtg2nW9fyP-mgcGygRZqYNtFy_7YY6np5ulaN2dPeJciDcqtY0MccpZLqFajSi526fRXcLOfioIanKIfU7-T0Hyv5QNvOc/s400/minipopmaker4.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When your molds are full to the "fill line", just place the sticks in and pop them in the freezer. The kids did almost this entire activity on their own, I just took pictures and opened the yogurt! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyz2FssrjGBGICIlcnxRcfk9jypiBf_GE-jI_ENFMDjpxoTmkuZUD3UrXjOdDDUiWwb0pXPStbilHIwzAdNIqZp4P6LUv3WER2KEOarFJTElFNBRW4TwWUutDJHJu1wKlVBsczWCwAj78/s1600/minipopmaker5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyz2FssrjGBGICIlcnxRcfk9jypiBf_GE-jI_ENFMDjpxoTmkuZUD3UrXjOdDDUiWwb0pXPStbilHIwzAdNIqZp4P6LUv3WER2KEOarFJTElFNBRW4TwWUutDJHJu1wKlVBsczWCwAj78/s400/minipopmaker5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That evening we had some fun treats! I'm not exactly sure how long it actually took for the yogurt to freeze but the kids can go right to the freezer and pop them out of the molds themselves. These molds are SO easy to use and you can see how beautifully the pop came right out! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIlTCCkLbr7T96uHiw-6jv-1JIGn0H68ofrvUz7DI_ovt7VYpSOMJrZBIWP-NHeDujUhxoiY3nQVLL3jew-UhqJUxshkhPaY6y6s9b0WoQ7TALkQ09ImWYUrjzX-jEDGK-_A5KkkPHxU/s1600/minipopmaker6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIlTCCkLbr7T96uHiw-6jv-1JIGn0H68ofrvUz7DI_ovt7VYpSOMJrZBIWP-NHeDujUhxoiY3nQVLL3jew-UhqJUxshkhPaY6y6s9b0WoQ7TALkQ09ImWYUrjzX-jEDGK-_A5KkkPHxU/s400/minipopmaker6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another thing that I love is the silicone stays popped up for easy washing. When the kids were done eating all the pops (this was in the first night I might add) I just filled my sink with soapy water and swished the handles and base around a few times. I let it air dry over night and guess what we did with it the very next morning? Made more mini pops of course!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDP-_tT1dAfU0N1ag4fzoqOUTqxT7h_uGHtPgZa18nSL_2LS2-T69qy_9kGALFdlA5evxFvUQwEDg2q4bb6RutATqI_w9OafsxkkgU9MObQ4j3rm1YeKWk91F49whK5XmBB-Tz3UjvjAY/s1600/minipopmaker7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDP-_tT1dAfU0N1ag4fzoqOUTqxT7h_uGHtPgZa18nSL_2LS2-T69qy_9kGALFdlA5evxFvUQwEDg2q4bb6RutATqI_w9OafsxkkgU9MObQ4j3rm1YeKWk91F49whK5XmBB-Tz3UjvjAY/s400/minipopmaker7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These pop makers make excellent gifts and I would LOVE to give one to all our fantastic readers. But because I'm not Oprah, I can't...but I CAN encourage you to enter our ZOKU mini pop giveaway which one very lucky reader will win. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="c5cc756022" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c5cc756022/" id="rcwidget_vf8cxgp2" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Good luck guys!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s1600/ash+b+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s320/ash+b+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Prizing & samples courtesy of ZOKU. </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 300; line-height: 14px;"><i>Giveaway ends <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">at 12 AM on August 21st, 2015</span>.</span> Open
to Residents of the US only. Prizes cannot be shipped to
PO Boxes. Winner will be selected by random and be notified by email.
Winner have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Please
note that Naptime Tales is not responsible for sponsors that do not
fulfill their prizes. I have represented each sponsor with the
expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. I will
contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most
cases, are shipping their items to you directly. I will make every
effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a
sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 30 days for
assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you. The product
provided for the review was free of charge from the company. The product
offered for the giveaway is free of charge, no purchase necessary. My
opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation.
Facebook, Twitter and Google+ are in no way associated with this
giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing
your information to me and me alone. I do not share or sell information
and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the
winner.</i></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-15891265375431740242015-08-03T14:26:00.001-04:002015-08-03T14:41:29.689-04:00Baby Registry - Our Favorite Places to Register<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Since
we have SO MUCH free time during 'nap time' and after the kids go to
bed, we like to make a little pocket change off our blog posts
occasionally...to afford lip gloss, wine, and boots=) So FYI there are some affiliate links in this post. </i></span> </div>
<br />
It feels like it has been FOREVER since we've written anything pregnancy/baby related. While there are no more newborns in our homes, our baby registry posts continue to be a hot topic here on the blog. So for our new Mommy readers out there- this post is for you!<br />
<br />
If you are looking for details on what to put on your baby registry (or what items to skip) you might want to check out these preview posts below: <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.naptimetales.com/2012/04/must-have-baby-registry-items.html" target="_blank">Must Have Baby List Items</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.naptimetales.com/2014/01/the-ntt-baby-registry-printable-is-here.html" target="_blank">Baby Registry Printable List</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.naptimetales.com/2012/04/items-you-and-baby-can-live-without.html" target="_blank">Items You (and Baby) Can Live Without</a></div>
<br />
Today we are talking about WHERE to register. Based on product selection, prices, return policies and accessibility, here are our favorite places to recommend starting a registry:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6huMg3VTLROW9sSV55yTVI3OSegYj-GHrTv4Rzf9xWogA_KndxDwgB-GrQjv_1NJ77_E_TMFfDRLhyphenhyphenz-X70XB9QG-HaHkIEZQX7gABrxYBtIC90qcBMLeZQbXoZI5by6Qb1ahQxq_qk/s1600/registry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6huMg3VTLROW9sSV55yTVI3OSegYj-GHrTv4Rzf9xWogA_KndxDwgB-GrQjv_1NJ77_E_TMFfDRLhyphenhyphenz-X70XB9QG-HaHkIEZQX7gABrxYBtIC90qcBMLeZQbXoZI5by6Qb1ahQxq_qk/s320/registry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
<a href="http://www.buybuybaby.com/" target="_blank">Buy Buy Baby- </a></h3>
HUGE in store selection and prices are very reasonable. They also host helpful in store events and have lots of items on display for you to see/try before you buy (great for the higher priced gear like strollers, car seats etc). You can also score some awesome coupons and even use the Bed Bath & Beyond mailer coupons! <br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="http://www.toysrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=2255957&ab=TRU_Header:Utility1:BRU-Logo:Home-Page" target="_blank">Babies 'R Us-</a></h3>
Another store with a huge in store selection and reasonable prices, these guys even price match! I have used their in store pickup several times which helps reduce shipping costs especially on those high dollar and heavy gear items. <br />
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<a href="http://goto.target.com/c/139434/79225/2092">Target-</a></h3>
Most accessible with a great in-store selection for your every day baby items. Their online registry is easy to use and you get an awesome coupon book with followups throughout your baby's first year when you register. <br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/baby-reg/homepage/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&tag=natita-20&linkId=TN2E3TTGZSIB2J6G" target="_blank">Amazon- </a></h3>
Registering at Amazon makes it easy for out of town friends and family to send you great gifts. And if they have Prime, shipping is free (if you don't have a Prime membership...do it NOW).<br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=HWOXvkNbt*0&subid=&offerid=360803.1&type=10&tmpid=17149&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.burlingtoncoatfactory.com%252Fbabydepot%252FDefault.aspx%253Futm_source%253Dbing%2526utm_medium%253Dcpc%2526utm_campaign%253DBing%252520-%252520RD%252520-%2525202015%252520-%252520Branded%252520-%252520Baby%252520Depot%2526utm_term%253Dburlington%252520baby%252520depot" target="_blank">Baby Depot at Burlington-</a></h3>
Did you know Burlington even HAD a Baby Depot? Me either until recently. They have a great selection of baby gear at low prices! If you know what you want, check here before you buy at full price with another retailer. <br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-5716614-11372733-1399316327000" target="_blank">Pottery Barn Kids-</a></h3>
Higher priced than the others on our list for furniture and nursery decor, but we love their quality and customer service. Check out their sales and clearance section for great deals on furniture! They have, hands down, the BEST black out shades and personalized gifts (their stroller blankets are amazing).<br />
<br />
Are we missing any favorite places on your list?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s1600/ash+b+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s320/ash+b+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-7095369928734515282015-07-31T16:07:00.000-04:002015-07-31T16:29:35.714-04:00Homemade Ice Cream<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: 300; line-height: 23px;"><i>Since we have SO MUCH free time during 'nap time' and after the kids go to bed, we like to make a little pocket change off our blog posts occasionally...to afford lip gloss, wine, and boots=) So FYI we were given a product and/or compensation and partnering with YayLabs! Brand. </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: 300; line-height: 23px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today we made homemade ice cream in a ball! It was actually more like frozen yogurt, but seriously delicious. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgA2ianIC3PNVZTWchPzZBb23bz7tBwIMbW8fhGFEt5ZepjKhyoCGOwAKgVyohJqEik8v7zNysqGBFXIScEUJCsZ0yhbCdOwkGQ5rcUoPIforQlUoK1n5n1rAiWmSlG6zBCJEcCOZse4/s1600/2015-07-30+12.33.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgA2ianIC3PNVZTWchPzZBb23bz7tBwIMbW8fhGFEt5ZepjKhyoCGOwAKgVyohJqEik8v7zNysqGBFXIScEUJCsZ0yhbCdOwkGQ5rcUoPIforQlUoK1n5n1rAiWmSlG6zBCJEcCOZse4/s320/2015-07-30+12.33.28.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6BlwrPThiEZOUNLCmqcoe_abryMhA7qesKa7Bzr2ecfyEGZS1InAJEp8KrlxagaSjT7iVkujxtAsirsJYLjRRfhrGxisMOG60LiCHXFfVIsL92fneKRD_6rz7JVNKZK_qU0hqI0wTig/s1600/2015-07-30+12.34.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6BlwrPThiEZOUNLCmqcoe_abryMhA7qesKa7Bzr2ecfyEGZS1InAJEp8KrlxagaSjT7iVkujxtAsirsJYLjRRfhrGxisMOG60LiCHXFfVIsL92fneKRD_6rz7JVNKZK_qU0hqI0wTig/s320/2015-07-30+12.34.30.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We used the SoftShell Ice Cream Ball by YayLabs! and literally rolled the ball around till ice cream was created.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To make this fabulous summer treat, all you need is natural ingredients. We used yogurt and strawberries in one end and ice and rock salt in the other. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VG4qBJOZk38kk6_I7Dgc2qo2rQuXiFytFloPJPFiCAt_O3KBZ011GEwedaoD9z4X7Jv1xy6uN07EispDXiWSPYi6j270FtK8sO6fBwZVmcZkqTNorIMd_RRSYQciBhB1IzQvT948rCo/s1600/2015-07-30+12.39.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VG4qBJOZk38kk6_I7Dgc2qo2rQuXiFytFloPJPFiCAt_O3KBZ011GEwedaoD9z4X7Jv1xy6uN07EispDXiWSPYi6j270FtK8sO6fBwZVmcZkqTNorIMd_RRSYQciBhB1IzQvT948rCo/s320/2015-07-30+12.39.38.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmfl3rkg1a3aFR8NVCR046mvlTMgX3BngNfoTeI8xNOcXaJk-8ULe-53Xz9HC9Ir1a-CwVcLjgqeH-hyEOedQ3pNzkn8zkDT2RhjRDWkzaLeW9zbLRbuviYfcmTC7l-cgXTSLA4GbsXU/s1600/2015-07-30+12.43.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmfl3rkg1a3aFR8NVCR046mvlTMgX3BngNfoTeI8xNOcXaJk-8ULe-53Xz9HC9Ir1a-CwVcLjgqeH-hyEOedQ3pNzkn8zkDT2RhjRDWkzaLeW9zbLRbuviYfcmTC7l-cgXTSLA4GbsXU/s320/2015-07-30+12.43.23.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VIxBX8f8ZkDyHD2aS_ojX_S8ibAfLw8gCcv591b0Cjb_g9sU1bOhCTzCAkAPKeQd0GXmUHMNBrrDyXt9-vD-pB2O8aHN0z5UPkAe8N1vPhxDSkMCmGtJbaptLJ6aRyWOuRMeyBFIyy8/s1600/2015-07-30+12.45.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VIxBX8f8ZkDyHD2aS_ojX_S8ibAfLw8gCcv591b0Cjb_g9sU1bOhCTzCAkAPKeQd0GXmUHMNBrrDyXt9-vD-pB2O8aHN0z5UPkAe8N1vPhxDSkMCmGtJbaptLJ6aRyWOuRMeyBFIyy8/s320/2015-07-30+12.45.49.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then, we took turns rolling the ball, playing passing games and shaking the ball outside for about 25 minutes. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcScNJKPH1B7VyLtjaQlWnrXaC7nS8ptBJABu86ycqwGeJp_098KDisyLIGpJ0KeCylyOGJepkc0XOJXOUzUF6PUOE8BsUbrPsWpMUYpQ21VKou5lt2lzpbMhjnUwBhZH5Q2rltseok5s/s1600/2015-07-30+13.00.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcScNJKPH1B7VyLtjaQlWnrXaC7nS8ptBJABu86ycqwGeJp_098KDisyLIGpJ0KeCylyOGJepkc0XOJXOUzUF6PUOE8BsUbrPsWpMUYpQ21VKou5lt2lzpbMhjnUwBhZH5Q2rltseok5s/s320/2015-07-30+13.00.56.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we were all finished, the final product was delicious.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimY_sr0FC0giwN4bSRPOMFWnbRAZ3kdk-yXn78NKJ4DrebrBIg9FpyDVMr1GbIEBHXZ_ipIXHaI7VTg_SGDZ2fT5wjDsOsjnmGOn73hs7I3l9OBOpMicGLcbxAwd5DizSg1PayccabMys/s1600/2015-07-30+13.19.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimY_sr0FC0giwN4bSRPOMFWnbRAZ3kdk-yXn78NKJ4DrebrBIg9FpyDVMr1GbIEBHXZ_ipIXHaI7VTg_SGDZ2fT5wjDsOsjnmGOn73hs7I3l9OBOpMicGLcbxAwd5DizSg1PayccabMys/s320/2015-07-30+13.19.25.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was also excited to know that the Today Show featured YayLabs! Ice Cream Ball as one of eight genius gadgets for the summer! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio17d1Y49XnmpBUtH-2Vbswtb3_pfOIKDPfstUkbdBPAcI3vwHdJGzD2Wr06ZBoIHGkT-Q-8kl9LJS4lsRwf5fi_xExW1pst0QYmYdibwGygiz31OWTHL9lfq_HrbqkCUrCx-AOaTyrQ/s1600/ash+w+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio17d1Y49XnmpBUtH-2Vbswtb3_pfOIKDPfstUkbdBPAcI3vwHdJGzD2Wr06ZBoIHGkT-Q-8kl9LJS4lsRwf5fi_xExW1pst0QYmYdibwGygiz31OWTHL9lfq_HrbqkCUrCx-AOaTyrQ/s320/ash+w+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-17557343383782539372015-07-27T13:14:00.000-04:002015-07-27T13:14:54.184-04:00Azul Hotels by Karisma<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Earlier this month the kids and I went to Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma in Cancun, Mexico.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had the pleasure of heading over to Azul Sensitori for the Nick Experience!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The kids got to play in their adorable splash pad and kids swim area!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyp8NPXvY-MNL_ZcRO4hfzTbcEVSbbKmskQDYXc-Kf4-cxaOQmaEnkZiD5iV8IL62MCndNxsVXXtD2HwpMtYRYfHMx2Gv7qMNAVa-SoyhcPIP1QKwS2Q11R_kArsO0_92-t9PpIyGejaw/s1600/IMG_2370_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyp8NPXvY-MNL_ZcRO4hfzTbcEVSbbKmskQDYXc-Kf4-cxaOQmaEnkZiD5iV8IL62MCndNxsVXXtD2HwpMtYRYfHMx2Gv7qMNAVa-SoyhcPIP1QKwS2Q11R_kArsO0_92-t9PpIyGejaw/s320/IMG_2370_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFx_GRukP6h37-zpNWdpBshvql3bC9Tbb26l4j9A75_O31qboyVb_ENqDFvPFq57YGu8JfVWCF3mVOhNQV7H8LhCGh_atflxZaI2rqTTMCP04dFgr-wLF9y2xOT7sXD_onDsmUic2pRP0/s1600/IMG_2377_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFx_GRukP6h37-zpNWdpBshvql3bC9Tbb26l4j9A75_O31qboyVb_ENqDFvPFq57YGu8JfVWCF3mVOhNQV7H8LhCGh_atflxZaI2rqTTMCP04dFgr-wLF9y2xOT7sXD_onDsmUic2pRP0/s320/IMG_2377_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then we enjoyed The Ninga Turtles Pizza Party....how could we not be in heaven?!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMF949L4LYPEGpgbpd_4nY9WgpptpzClQPcYN6jspFLW19uQCifsDEmyirTrm5021M1vhzO9wCLflWCDzz_DTA9vEVWw_Ad_u6Ci9PSjCWfc03CIrUcN2DjmHBeeIu6OQEYQZUjPkg1U/s1600/IMG_2405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMF949L4LYPEGpgbpd_4nY9WgpptpzClQPcYN6jspFLW19uQCifsDEmyirTrm5021M1vhzO9wCLflWCDzz_DTA9vEVWw_Ad_u6Ci9PSjCWfc03CIrUcN2DjmHBeeIu6OQEYQZUjPkg1U/s320/IMG_2405.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVnip0WkbqKbjmR412TNYUJkYjpYr0fx3l1vPRT32J0mQWKD-0dd_t2g38uyw-iDBZeOCMIrBoGUWsqWp-8sfSCRzTxaOlFPsPOS2e0pSfb53Tjrx9Ym4wgHnpXlyHq4v_iO5lgGezUQ/s1600/IMG_2403_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVnip0WkbqKbjmR412TNYUJkYjpYr0fx3l1vPRT32J0mQWKD-0dd_t2g38uyw-iDBZeOCMIrBoGUWsqWp-8sfSCRzTxaOlFPsPOS2e0pSfb53Tjrx9Ym4wgHnpXlyHq4v_iO5lgGezUQ/s320/IMG_2403_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back over at Azul Beach Hotels, we enjoyed the pools and relaxation!! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEfk8C7sos3vDDK-ZRgknoW-e6VR50qMxQH1DJ0plzM0mU_iv5M3_OsQeOUm__HWKo5I7g189J9skWDCxzoCEVDRa4x3UAey7v2KGQnLhh5c5SaF_gdVWsdNsutT3d5R5RK5iyDsbfv4/s1600/IMG_2894_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEfk8C7sos3vDDK-ZRgknoW-e6VR50qMxQH1DJ0plzM0mU_iv5M3_OsQeOUm__HWKo5I7g189J9skWDCxzoCEVDRa4x3UAey7v2KGQnLhh5c5SaF_gdVWsdNsutT3d5R5RK5iyDsbfv4/s320/IMG_2894_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_24kVDuDQjv46Ba2INIUT0nhzUdira0GrAQCG479eCYG-TBRWJ-psZlFVHMzZugzMl_SAS8t_hy1kOlBMItcHV589_5na66nuUKCgmu-5uJUTUVefq-jVWBS-beZmRfMoyGF5DVV8as/s1600/IMG_2366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_24kVDuDQjv46Ba2INIUT0nhzUdira0GrAQCG479eCYG-TBRWJ-psZlFVHMzZugzMl_SAS8t_hy1kOlBMItcHV589_5na66nuUKCgmu-5uJUTUVefq-jVWBS-beZmRfMoyGF5DVV8as/s320/IMG_2366.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9BQ4Xi0dgRqNVhverpDiECMtmiW8uMNwOokBrB7Wm2_H2hmMRTYkinG-l6uZ-99Nl7koU8s9yfZHo2YnSwT2HiUQZpstkGJL-PP2iIeMtp4svB0Tba7SyrouUCVBq7El4WSwS8wT3wc/s1600/IMG_2898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9BQ4Xi0dgRqNVhverpDiECMtmiW8uMNwOokBrB7Wm2_H2hmMRTYkinG-l6uZ-99Nl7koU8s9yfZHo2YnSwT2HiUQZpstkGJL-PP2iIeMtp4svB0Tba7SyrouUCVBq7El4WSwS8wT3wc/s320/IMG_2898.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The staff was so accommodating with our baby! They had Fisher Price high chairs at every restaurant, along with toys, and Gerber food!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbbK4tjsSBZGrA4E1pWpuR-nY_L3hW4PRkwkaHSGQY2tKr6qd2xlRFAzNdppz6YRdlB0KOHs5385-sjflHybxH2TCsMt9RC_4yJ1o6FdE8n_tY57Pj1fJ7qjb-5eCLd61ErPOAa6O2k0/s1600/IMG_2662_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbbK4tjsSBZGrA4E1pWpuR-nY_L3hW4PRkwkaHSGQY2tKr6qd2xlRFAzNdppz6YRdlB0KOHs5385-sjflHybxH2TCsMt9RC_4yJ1o6FdE8n_tY57Pj1fJ7qjb-5eCLd61ErPOAa6O2k0/s320/IMG_2662_2.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And we were so excited to have the Nick Experience back at Azul Beach, as well! The kids got to dance with the Ninga Turtles, Sponge Bob and Dora.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8X8Ttkwe-k-Juxu6d87Prdas4bOZQZ_78AEecYKUL28_YbKc7eJpGOpkxCns2GvvX5ScaAUVqhgx8lcvX4zsxB2ZMoL_2FUaHFGLdd0tORBqo3tDAqkIvXXWsEKSLGIS8yj7qkyu9kdY/s1600/IMG_2482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8X8Ttkwe-k-Juxu6d87Prdas4bOZQZ_78AEecYKUL28_YbKc7eJpGOpkxCns2GvvX5ScaAUVqhgx8lcvX4zsxB2ZMoL_2FUaHFGLdd0tORBqo3tDAqkIvXXWsEKSLGIS8yj7qkyu9kdY/s320/IMG_2482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCTQM1axAv39K2RlhtkEncXGLnfnE2SHUARobrxV2aiU56A8Rnva9B_dkMZDAOnQcnBL8Hbn-7jgvcZHp4CoRQVzMDSbPOW5sxcQApOKSBlyT7xTrTzD62hlthhPEZMDzU4FPwQ8nNA8/s1600/IMG_2861_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCTQM1axAv39K2RlhtkEncXGLnfnE2SHUARobrxV2aiU56A8Rnva9B_dkMZDAOnQcnBL8Hbn-7jgvcZHp4CoRQVzMDSbPOW5sxcQApOKSBlyT7xTrTzD62hlthhPEZMDzU4FPwQ8nNA8/s320/IMG_2861_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW5SNIQL3i5UuppnunnOgvxvO_MEcp_1A8jHHdFuNx2QIulRnyP3ohmw3VQOd3JpMWITevLd2oYakhdApVFAcfK2D8KIKREIs1pJX_HrwzcafGhQ9C633f6pf1GkdMXCdwkxKoO3Tb3w/s1600/IMG_2862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW5SNIQL3i5UuppnunnOgvxvO_MEcp_1A8jHHdFuNx2QIulRnyP3ohmw3VQOd3JpMWITevLd2oYakhdApVFAcfK2D8KIKREIs1pJX_HrwzcafGhQ9C633f6pf1GkdMXCdwkxKoO3Tb3w/s320/IMG_2862.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkwqARABd_8Egj6nCmn5JPjDHUn82qPG5jXbwkoUBofmpKxGZutjKVlaFnDyS1OXiZFiCjBFE6R1c8Bzj29pAP4MkMNZZmgnWVNFs6VCo7DkwN902FlopNbTE5wPH-_lRxnVf9xHfwYs/s1600/IMG_2869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkwqARABd_8Egj6nCmn5JPjDHUn82qPG5jXbwkoUBofmpKxGZutjKVlaFnDyS1OXiZFiCjBFE6R1c8Bzj29pAP4MkMNZZmgnWVNFs6VCo7DkwN902FlopNbTE5wPH-_lRxnVf9xHfwYs/s320/IMG_2869.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpQE0PEXnT74mBrbWSvqmV42SFMZA2rQPoeIyf5p9u8kQdbsruY5CHvGcgvq9-1E4kWq8HuEtcPS97CyAUXQu72g1OvkKUXaWlrsaCCe8py5aIKZmQHV84KmWVJqwhcClbvcPDcykDo4/s1600/IMG_2881_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpQE0PEXnT74mBrbWSvqmV42SFMZA2rQPoeIyf5p9u8kQdbsruY5CHvGcgvq9-1E4kWq8HuEtcPS97CyAUXQu72g1OvkKUXaWlrsaCCe8py5aIKZmQHV84KmWVJqwhcClbvcPDcykDo4/s320/IMG_2881_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Kids Club was Top Notch!! They had activities for the kids throughout the day, including face painting, a treasure hunt, ice cream, and movie nights while the parents got to have quiet dinner.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uuLJerMIKP7pSkKbQ1RgGRLjk63uLukjxYzxyAIZ4v3gJ-IhaxiswUFiLXA2N86gD7zAKO9-V7gRVFfeL2ae39pAwm8x-m6VOChrn3IkacTalebC9e8nx2gopgLKa5vv-7PD18YAsgo/s1600/IMG_2922_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uuLJerMIKP7pSkKbQ1RgGRLjk63uLukjxYzxyAIZ4v3gJ-IhaxiswUFiLXA2N86gD7zAKO9-V7gRVFfeL2ae39pAwm8x-m6VOChrn3IkacTalebC9e8nx2gopgLKa5vv-7PD18YAsgo/s320/IMG_2922_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP18WqdA8Fj2VFgvgPaU9BpsQJ2Sg2IOpoqfV4vjOYZUs5zDNYilGvLCRdNGblCkBPDnmi7c9cM9hiVSd8sdYDdkr-6oanPxSaDxaWaMxqw6ZlZpaNo2sqvfYe0fk7Y1Ak0KqZzVdKe1g/s1600/IMG_2423_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP18WqdA8Fj2VFgvgPaU9BpsQJ2Sg2IOpoqfV4vjOYZUs5zDNYilGvLCRdNGblCkBPDnmi7c9cM9hiVSd8sdYDdkr-6oanPxSaDxaWaMxqw6ZlZpaNo2sqvfYe0fk7Y1Ak0KqZzVdKe1g/s320/IMG_2423_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are looking for a relaxing family vacation for the whole family, Azul Hotels by Karisma is the way to go! We will be back!! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84Tzw9RnaEECS32AtQJvzBMPHRcWc5ieEec8BoGibpl3xTjh_QqJRRv2hAGsOzM8lnT_ClgAmk8zDARfGXBNshJT4y3HxbELxdkb9PqPVU0sYrYetHDZLu-QPADWZrQKc-Zo0ObcVWGs/s1600/IMG_2410_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84Tzw9RnaEECS32AtQJvzBMPHRcWc5ieEec8BoGibpl3xTjh_QqJRRv2hAGsOzM8lnT_ClgAmk8zDARfGXBNshJT4y3HxbELxdkb9PqPVU0sYrYetHDZLu-QPADWZrQKc-Zo0ObcVWGs/s320/IMG_2410_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio17d1Y49XnmpBUtH-2Vbswtb3_pfOIKDPfstUkbdBPAcI3vwHdJGzD2Wr06ZBoIHGkT-Q-8kl9LJS4lsRwf5fi_xExW1pst0QYmYdibwGygiz31OWTHL9lfq_HrbqkCUrCx-AOaTyrQ/s1600/ash+w+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio17d1Y49XnmpBUtH-2Vbswtb3_pfOIKDPfstUkbdBPAcI3vwHdJGzD2Wr06ZBoIHGkT-Q-8kl9LJS4lsRwf5fi_xExW1pst0QYmYdibwGygiz31OWTHL9lfq_HrbqkCUrCx-AOaTyrQ/s320/ash+w+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-32779445380439061622015-07-23T13:23:00.000-04:002015-07-23T13:23:51.501-04:00Braylon's First Birthday Party<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We celebrated Braylon's First Birthday last month.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First of all, I cannot believe my baby boy is ONE. We celebrated his birthday with a few close friends and family members. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In conjunction with how fast the year has flown by we decided to stick with the Plane theme.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Invitation was by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thelovelyapple">The Lovely Apple found on Etsy</a> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4tuEI1x-e79GzrQI8VRMilG5ZTWTjvwIpZdUCPlqG79OV-exz64cgbx-pR6H2QkWjFaB9dOZVRHdw6zJrecJx5eI_6IbvC3YblZlLMsaKn2ZArSi6nH3SHmuu6G4nrq8VqxkUCazpa4/s1600/il_570xN.585132922_fc83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4tuEI1x-e79GzrQI8VRMilG5ZTWTjvwIpZdUCPlqG79OV-exz64cgbx-pR6H2QkWjFaB9dOZVRHdw6zJrecJx5eI_6IbvC3YblZlLMsaKn2ZArSi6nH3SHmuu6G4nrq8VqxkUCazpa4/s320/il_570xN.585132922_fc83.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Decorations by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OwliePowlie">Owlie Powlie on Etsy</a>. AND my mother! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We created a photo booth for all the guest to get their picture taken in as soon as they arrived. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUeV5ciULzJHaQowc8LKtyw8VmppmlJomtci8fSYcawpNL-VM9V94K2VEtc-LrNTVmk_eLT-XgtIuRMZeeEUDG_jfAzPah0l2XQzATn0tmZWX78gC5yfMT9m8TpygN9tXAPKSP01ghCg/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUeV5ciULzJHaQowc8LKtyw8VmppmlJomtci8fSYcawpNL-VM9V94K2VEtc-LrNTVmk_eLT-XgtIuRMZeeEUDG_jfAzPah0l2XQzATn0tmZWX78gC5yfMT9m8TpygN9tXAPKSP01ghCg/s400/DSC_0059.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBfIYBjbJa2BVghMR_qM38OIIhFF3ZGl5d9FOOAEHSWyjJiKv3qmdFd0SXX_n34GzuinO3Mu7HAWMnTffrYALMaOAByrohIXTRDjQlgB8ZSNWQHLUegjisQ1gBJ9j35svQT5Aq804lqY/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBfIYBjbJa2BVghMR_qM38OIIhFF3ZGl5d9FOOAEHSWyjJiKv3qmdFd0SXX_n34GzuinO3Mu7HAWMnTffrYALMaOAByrohIXTRDjQlgB8ZSNWQHLUegjisQ1gBJ9j35svQT5Aq804lqY/s320/DSC_0062.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EsbnJwiyZyl3yCRewLzPC-nhpoQKy2d8Gna5QEXHXE1D5qnFPdmU1Q3wrjFhrFi8gdrFxTGreARsrAVf-9hs3-089RmBdgbXk8p69ZqIITocxhjy0cZ8ta3PJY9wdG285XrlHiQYHss/s1600/DSC_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EsbnJwiyZyl3yCRewLzPC-nhpoQKy2d8Gna5QEXHXE1D5qnFPdmU1Q3wrjFhrFi8gdrFxTGreARsrAVf-9hs3-089RmBdgbXk8p69ZqIITocxhjy0cZ8ta3PJY9wdG285XrlHiQYHss/s400/DSC_0063.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Cze40Qs1qgAlCHpAWpOgBI84Gx7qAs7cYkLsMIDZQmEQhLKP_iCbq_P4SEOPDvEgpp5efK-U1qx_s-b_ycOMUo9ZXg3Dg3tRDoUoVaT6n2K9dSTGDlovu-agsLzioyhHfcQNlQA3Ggs/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Cze40Qs1qgAlCHpAWpOgBI84Gx7qAs7cYkLsMIDZQmEQhLKP_iCbq_P4SEOPDvEgpp5efK-U1qx_s-b_ycOMUo9ZXg3Dg3tRDoUoVaT6n2K9dSTGDlovu-agsLzioyhHfcQNlQA3Ggs/s400/DSC_0070.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeL7f_RRDBF6l9UArgMG1-a7cSGHwH8s9M7zq5ydv6kWxVSPl-P4jZ6RNyI-fBSHKJGlVwWb0mtajh5pSIA_d4Tkp3AcyrRN5dtLumaYT9MQBT8EV7_oM4IUbUc_mGfJz47sATTHe8U84/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeL7f_RRDBF6l9UArgMG1-a7cSGHwH8s9M7zq5ydv6kWxVSPl-P4jZ6RNyI-fBSHKJGlVwWb0mtajh5pSIA_d4Tkp3AcyrRN5dtLumaYT9MQBT8EV7_oM4IUbUc_mGfJz47sATTHe8U84/s400/DSC_0080.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPHnFIAUEZXEr79_JbOluloy6YWD4iaBKlUDzTDmr5x4psOpl3JcZr9IiDCsBu7Eg5s6RVaHkK-4L8d7F-iFwaCSWDjbt5bjvsuWs9vIZUfQJzk3_iNuBtw8E3Ht1LFwmiIL-Z5H58zY/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPHnFIAUEZXEr79_JbOluloy6YWD4iaBKlUDzTDmr5x4psOpl3JcZr9IiDCsBu7Eg5s6RVaHkK-4L8d7F-iFwaCSWDjbt5bjvsuWs9vIZUfQJzk3_iNuBtw8E3Ht1LFwmiIL-Z5H58zY/s400/DSC_0082.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdb9H7XcWUb9WbxT4A9iQ2uDRHNjnLHTgBaObzm7iNsAgTkUxV0UOFWVvHQFnZd212Uvvtn9qROGWq0M2JP3S7bBLptQZhLPKnbCU3amKpukjnOGrEM5iFdywFNp_Fjqn_6odar5rGcg/s1600/DSC_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdb9H7XcWUb9WbxT4A9iQ2uDRHNjnLHTgBaObzm7iNsAgTkUxV0UOFWVvHQFnZd212Uvvtn9qROGWq0M2JP3S7bBLptQZhLPKnbCU3amKpukjnOGrEM5iFdywFNp_Fjqn_6odar5rGcg/s400/DSC_0102.JPG" width="264" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcN_FnQTQys3sK0C6No6kfWo1W_zkzpcZTaTA1mSwtoGw6IYvUkDeQERYmwMST3Q1xCcw7X7VC8kGrOqVfXCjP7yZ9yQz4ow_Jp70E8AJmIJtxO3X9oI7oFjs0tG8TQVs28B2AYMko8E/s1600/DSC_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcN_FnQTQys3sK0C6No6kfWo1W_zkzpcZTaTA1mSwtoGw6IYvUkDeQERYmwMST3Q1xCcw7X7VC8kGrOqVfXCjP7yZ9yQz4ow_Jp70E8AJmIJtxO3X9oI7oFjs0tG8TQVs28B2AYMko8E/s400/DSC_0105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1Y1C0bDT2iA1Qr4t1eaGRC3n9gOTq71P8vX5afnKjx_3mqQ3W-D_WwXe3sbj9g5YgVA4HTGscT4kJ33TwDgd7zzf3S43ae-WkejouxuQzm3FWWMHJLWUG_cdNYXpphcatEidzP7K2rg/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1Y1C0bDT2iA1Qr4t1eaGRC3n9gOTq71P8vX5afnKjx_3mqQ3W-D_WwXe3sbj9g5YgVA4HTGscT4kJ33TwDgd7zzf3S43ae-WkejouxuQzm3FWWMHJLWUG_cdNYXpphcatEidzP7K2rg/s400/DSC_0110.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1KZ0pIPYlzIneyS29NNcgxlTmZ7gouUM0y_aayxZkBT1UrcKYS0bYs3QX0Wk1AaExPfjzoasbmvCXzmH16oHASymQje7mICJYpb6PYPTyzxqjeoGMLncEWrh23j6r41otmdHXmN6JLk/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1KZ0pIPYlzIneyS29NNcgxlTmZ7gouUM0y_aayxZkBT1UrcKYS0bYs3QX0Wk1AaExPfjzoasbmvCXzmH16oHASymQje7mICJYpb6PYPTyzxqjeoGMLncEWrh23j6r41otmdHXmN6JLk/s400/DSC_0117.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPkrm9omee32c3isJp637qGx61x7_OnaKufiJ8ieD5PlEmIQVstKOEBweQ-GRFudUziJiMPJ2r9RVb1XEMU6ZqYF9JGArjZhZjC5mXeiYR-znB4om35uQMv-8-NkCVNW-lrdzsGKrnsM/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPkrm9omee32c3isJp637qGx61x7_OnaKufiJ8ieD5PlEmIQVstKOEBweQ-GRFudUziJiMPJ2r9RVb1XEMU6ZqYF9JGArjZhZjC5mXeiYR-znB4om35uQMv-8-NkCVNW-lrdzsGKrnsM/s400/DSC_0119.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BWC5cS2eJMxMe2bm9M5saMzHASRYM465aKPZ9rvdUDXdzwnE4-z615dT9ezrJ2N4WkbTGRQYv83hlJNDY6dcrZ9mMP-9-MbgHoZFQCpyWdwJ0BjodUdZGO2XXuZ4tPET0iWATK5QWzQ/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BWC5cS2eJMxMe2bm9M5saMzHASRYM465aKPZ9rvdUDXdzwnE4-z615dT9ezrJ2N4WkbTGRQYv83hlJNDY6dcrZ9mMP-9-MbgHoZFQCpyWdwJ0BjodUdZGO2XXuZ4tPET0iWATK5QWzQ/s400/DSC_0130.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9immaBcDhAO8U2BspgH8ZZZsA6HYs0LCOqOU5eh5Vv8E1qxxCsL_RLHraPwuLvMZQVtCvopUyxANvGEu5wSjwkp_sR_cDAuS-Zos6MMRr5H7pStYwTrxI5lBWXlyVsHQaGphT1eHhdw/s1600/DSC_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9immaBcDhAO8U2BspgH8ZZZsA6HYs0LCOqOU5eh5Vv8E1qxxCsL_RLHraPwuLvMZQVtCvopUyxANvGEu5wSjwkp_sR_cDAuS-Zos6MMRr5H7pStYwTrxI5lBWXlyVsHQaGphT1eHhdw/s400/DSC_0131.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJkent1EIx3AfLJ86NoJB6O-Wahr8SWUIDEQNGmcvtrWQ11l2Gf56waJu6kylpLYvPhwZYpWcBNtBebB6DM4nsMw_W_bchaUGCTEgNvoQPDxoqL_mBVMq60ql3NrwKdcJMIFLagBnkHU/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJkent1EIx3AfLJ86NoJB6O-Wahr8SWUIDEQNGmcvtrWQ11l2Gf56waJu6kylpLYvPhwZYpWcBNtBebB6DM4nsMw_W_bchaUGCTEgNvoQPDxoqL_mBVMq60ql3NrwKdcJMIFLagBnkHU/s400/DSC_0141.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMovmdtA8I1rOnlgn45hoiYkjjTbacEljO5zBcOGmFzzGPABBnxwJ2kFi1_6370gDWulVzNxpjyCXs_qJUn4C1RMdOCf2s-G556MqfDrc9kAlmQEHS9tMOmfTVNailtTNk-_mU61CgUEI/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMovmdtA8I1rOnlgn45hoiYkjjTbacEljO5zBcOGmFzzGPABBnxwJ2kFi1_6370gDWulVzNxpjyCXs_qJUn4C1RMdOCf2s-G556MqfDrc9kAlmQEHS9tMOmfTVNailtTNk-_mU61CgUEI/s400/DSC_0175.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> And of course the late night party crashers....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9y0KIxlmZt5CUsyXc2yYIfAJNEZRuOEiP75GotL7qLwk5BfQ3ZJdaERfjTE_aysAHqIYXuSdQ5RW1Vtfiq-opHdw6z4UQTltl05HgtplPD4A6DUjJlT1lO9xOiDOS8vCXo-zUcRZW-A/s1600/DSC_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9y0KIxlmZt5CUsyXc2yYIfAJNEZRuOEiP75GotL7qLwk5BfQ3ZJdaERfjTE_aysAHqIYXuSdQ5RW1Vtfiq-opHdw6z4UQTltl05HgtplPD4A6DUjJlT1lO9xOiDOS8vCXo-zUcRZW-A/s400/DSC_0204.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was an excellent birthday!! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio17d1Y49XnmpBUtH-2Vbswtb3_pfOIKDPfstUkbdBPAcI3vwHdJGzD2Wr06ZBoIHGkT-Q-8kl9LJS4lsRwf5fi_xExW1pst0QYmYdibwGygiz31OWTHL9lfq_HrbqkCUrCx-AOaTyrQ/s1600/ash+w+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio17d1Y49XnmpBUtH-2Vbswtb3_pfOIKDPfstUkbdBPAcI3vwHdJGzD2Wr06ZBoIHGkT-Q-8kl9LJS4lsRwf5fi_xExW1pst0QYmYdibwGygiz31OWTHL9lfq_HrbqkCUrCx-AOaTyrQ/s320/ash+w+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-43278711718422518992015-07-20T21:44:00.002-04:002015-07-20T21:44:23.228-04:00Braylon's First Year Pictures<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are my sweet baby boy's first year pictures!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And of course I had to add a few of the big dollies too! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you live in the Chicagoland area, I highly recommend Treffly Coyne Studios! PM me for more information! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjV0qCTHK3ClomX8oJa_TyAglAKHMRBS7TNZ_RitjoDWZd9J__h_ymGeaIlc6Ay9gl5sKCvx-maP_T4ZN2NMpUiN-Qryvg19N-P47W9zOKyYxFrfZGQ4zOV6nVKuae59WkjIdFYYARf38/s1600/4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjV0qCTHK3ClomX8oJa_TyAglAKHMRBS7TNZ_RitjoDWZd9J__h_ymGeaIlc6Ay9gl5sKCvx-maP_T4ZN2NMpUiN-Qryvg19N-P47W9zOKyYxFrfZGQ4zOV6nVKuae59WkjIdFYYARf38/s320/4b.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZybYMKcJp7gGVY-BFNbo3579Hqyc0gG2V9BM8k6sDqqjZph3CmDM6Fmiw0jSm4j_3bGupth3HO_jYJtuppgCtZYq-uOKmqCV6D9A26BIclx8OBujuF1wkr05fYcu6a7ZdBwwrA3gDFk/s1600/11-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZybYMKcJp7gGVY-BFNbo3579Hqyc0gG2V9BM8k6sDqqjZph3CmDM6Fmiw0jSm4j_3bGupth3HO_jYJtuppgCtZYq-uOKmqCV6D9A26BIclx8OBujuF1wkr05fYcu6a7ZdBwwrA3gDFk/s320/11-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvALeQ1JGMEdq7B5NactXWCdsog6UkXoqbssEcqCAF2qW0cbWFtkeSiRAcdY8hD-uGJ-18AETDVojnfJCcwdvyX40fKxNOuD0a1LxPq4x-MfipHjpzREMA3CnhE3ND6GZlxr_VfueJZ4/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvALeQ1JGMEdq7B5NactXWCdsog6UkXoqbssEcqCAF2qW0cbWFtkeSiRAcdY8hD-uGJ-18AETDVojnfJCcwdvyX40fKxNOuD0a1LxPq4x-MfipHjpzREMA3CnhE3ND6GZlxr_VfueJZ4/s320/14.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPF2oaa2xMvV0RHlDD8OQSB1SCZFhCMg4ThDGxRzFOsRh055dgnss3jO7W6tgqnyF1XImvoXEeWLACghUxcCtwsKaxcv7Ytaxlff-5hfRwRrK0ROlc-dOKChkLsHpa-zDCt8Sufdov90/s1600/15-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPF2oaa2xMvV0RHlDD8OQSB1SCZFhCMg4ThDGxRzFOsRh055dgnss3jO7W6tgqnyF1XImvoXEeWLACghUxcCtwsKaxcv7Ytaxlff-5hfRwRrK0ROlc-dOKChkLsHpa-zDCt8Sufdov90/s320/15-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NeuCrwsQXH5o5MCJIfPRWea86UkPEEzbwAwTBov44gtxhn-BEzs5bllDTbKB25xYHI2qbhTWOoFriu8rz6qiU55ltBpTL6MBtbfFXz_EVr-It5-yd9HY3gag87qK1Y2fKvxDmR9jwCY/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NeuCrwsQXH5o5MCJIfPRWea86UkPEEzbwAwTBov44gtxhn-BEzs5bllDTbKB25xYHI2qbhTWOoFriu8rz6qiU55ltBpTL6MBtbfFXz_EVr-It5-yd9HY3gag87qK1Y2fKvxDmR9jwCY/s320/16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH87Iu4Ezi8yWj2BqRfAnnJwi14Yuuv23k3CQzuGYe20vl5rD0o6EdWzc5Ko2Bre34PvBgglbN0qr82OWu83TmCqS3aazWbfWVNUGvLA6yUx9nxSgMPx0PnPrN-gu3ETvkN2m8M9J1vgY/s1600/28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH87Iu4Ezi8yWj2BqRfAnnJwi14Yuuv23k3CQzuGYe20vl5rD0o6EdWzc5Ko2Bre34PvBgglbN0qr82OWu83TmCqS3aazWbfWVNUGvLA6yUx9nxSgMPx0PnPrN-gu3ETvkN2m8M9J1vgY/s320/28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPovatYNC-Ug6sflWgr6QbH6PV8viZVuZP08jrdgNkK1eAV_t22MwCs0Fnk6B8nb-n6MgD6B_OyRGqbc0eu_XQbWGau5x3EOA09hjJwV__qd_9l3-RkzVstpqKvm0GQaiYCaAJpRUXoNI/s1600/34-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPovatYNC-Ug6sflWgr6QbH6PV8viZVuZP08jrdgNkK1eAV_t22MwCs0Fnk6B8nb-n6MgD6B_OyRGqbc0eu_XQbWGau5x3EOA09hjJwV__qd_9l3-RkzVstpqKvm0GQaiYCaAJpRUXoNI/s320/34-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfZN40Y-pO5-vJ-V6_s2zV534GZuVgLP3x_ANRcUnDBjCXf01T_6zlkYlfu8mTZW-OEp-uIpjswKrW5jww5V4wrXXZMPhDd9CLyOLHj0o0NnpKYyKtAiEZCx_D086Z4k9F_f7J6-LQ2A/s1600/37-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfZN40Y-pO5-vJ-V6_s2zV534GZuVgLP3x_ANRcUnDBjCXf01T_6zlkYlfu8mTZW-OEp-uIpjswKrW5jww5V4wrXXZMPhDd9CLyOLHj0o0NnpKYyKtAiEZCx_D086Z4k9F_f7J6-LQ2A/s320/37-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxjCRKTcS2TtBqOawEGLJR6nrykT8D6-qG0m4U5WcAV04w8bx32l2jgAQubPm_qSP1DeANGsRg6WZ68Or5YuJ1Oqx5EEA8qcknlhs0RRTmkT-P3lIpwtdcXj5QedoA6q6vbgCdlGaoHE/s1600/39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxjCRKTcS2TtBqOawEGLJR6nrykT8D6-qG0m4U5WcAV04w8bx32l2jgAQubPm_qSP1DeANGsRg6WZ68Or5YuJ1Oqx5EEA8qcknlhs0RRTmkT-P3lIpwtdcXj5QedoA6q6vbgCdlGaoHE/s320/39.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHvbxvpJKozuVXVbyKzNBq7B4RTkmd3PuZz5LoaaWKlI4XpYSZeXh1UJVgLIxMETWeZLDgXcEyWtTp7J9Ehy8hZvrYe90aN5aVGFPbQv4A44mG_qiIEjtWg4sP9z91oyzBKiCbhdV-J8/s1600/40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHvbxvpJKozuVXVbyKzNBq7B4RTkmd3PuZz5LoaaWKlI4XpYSZeXh1UJVgLIxMETWeZLDgXcEyWtTp7J9Ehy8hZvrYe90aN5aVGFPbQv4A44mG_qiIEjtWg4sP9z91oyzBKiCbhdV-J8/s320/40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-HueyuaWPvNRkui-5u8Ba-N1Pn5gb6wJNcZiOfr5mS1rlnsZpRrmsy7lUAhpQDvtJyMWyYQu9lkLcB0Hl9dou7FFCT9odgXflQQvqL5bl7jnxClP0x7yvc9keioyEoq6COp3bMOJaZs/s1600/41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-HueyuaWPvNRkui-5u8Ba-N1Pn5gb6wJNcZiOfr5mS1rlnsZpRrmsy7lUAhpQDvtJyMWyYQu9lkLcB0Hl9dou7FFCT9odgXflQQvqL5bl7jnxClP0x7yvc9keioyEoq6COp3bMOJaZs/s320/41.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DnSu9_DR-5zMfVJOX7jjWp_aaDv0BEXoRXGUJLfM6URTlzDtul1osDzGCK7fR4dAdz12Rl7TstnnXhLFXbRD8lP0P6Mb_Dv5JQTzz76s_6AZIQP5pHlutpNiRGOJo6DSpVyUrLb3VJ8/s1600/43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DnSu9_DR-5zMfVJOX7jjWp_aaDv0BEXoRXGUJLfM6URTlzDtul1osDzGCK7fR4dAdz12Rl7TstnnXhLFXbRD8lP0P6Mb_Dv5JQTzz76s_6AZIQP5pHlutpNiRGOJo6DSpVyUrLb3VJ8/s320/43.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_YY5vVYMMnXn3fby-3iNe5MnQC8ocakeTrOvArs21bfWp1q9uVLQXxb5iw3bMESAGAC2t0Wx4yIHkt2H3rmrrR3Nzf_TTA5DlAfSV5IvYburhwj22jJ5KnAZ5jvnPreuTdOuqYLGVYA/s1600/45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_YY5vVYMMnXn3fby-3iNe5MnQC8ocakeTrOvArs21bfWp1q9uVLQXxb5iw3bMESAGAC2t0Wx4yIHkt2H3rmrrR3Nzf_TTA5DlAfSV5IvYburhwj22jJ5KnAZ5jvnPreuTdOuqYLGVYA/s320/45.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx28Xo5yfF206YwqLS9kaXXKFMTEIK9bqCIWVj7cxLbboi5djxV1Wmv_B47ZvujuurvTSLClKMP8TCovI0zQDB9znvsLgqMvx1PJ9t3dUQ1-U09TtOMaSi5IdUWLZysC80jDPG-A0jRkE/s1600/49-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx28Xo5yfF206YwqLS9kaXXKFMTEIK9bqCIWVj7cxLbboi5djxV1Wmv_B47ZvujuurvTSLClKMP8TCovI0zQDB9znvsLgqMvx1PJ9t3dUQ1-U09TtOMaSi5IdUWLZysC80jDPG-A0jRkE/s320/49-1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio17d1Y49XnmpBUtH-2Vbswtb3_pfOIKDPfstUkbdBPAcI3vwHdJGzD2Wr06ZBoIHGkT-Q-8kl9LJS4lsRwf5fi_xExW1pst0QYmYdibwGygiz31OWTHL9lfq_HrbqkCUrCx-AOaTyrQ/s1600/ash+w+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio17d1Y49XnmpBUtH-2Vbswtb3_pfOIKDPfstUkbdBPAcI3vwHdJGzD2Wr06ZBoIHGkT-Q-8kl9LJS4lsRwf5fi_xExW1pst0QYmYdibwGygiz31OWTHL9lfq_HrbqkCUrCx-AOaTyrQ/s320/ash+w+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-87214473516902449942015-07-14T14:43:00.003-04:002015-07-14T14:46:04.465-04:00Sleep Saga - What's with "The Rabbit"? {Part 2}<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 300; line-height: 23px;"><i>Since
we have SO MUCH free time during 'nap time' and after the kids go to
bed, we like to make a little pocket change off our blog posts
occasionally...to afford lip gloss, wine, and boots=) So FYI we were
given a product and/or compensation </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>to review this item but all of the thoughts and opinions in this post are ours.</i></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>My <a href="http://www.naptimetales.com/2015/07/sleep-saga-part-1.html">last sleep post</a> was a bit of background about my son and his sleep habits. You might want to <a href="http://www.naptimetales.com/2015/07/sleep-saga-part-1.html">check that out</a> before reading on!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
_______ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We've been using "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/149617951X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=149617951X&linkCode=as2&tag=natita-20&linkId=CT2AC3QXHZC7HHL7">The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep</a>" for several weeks now. The story follows a little rabbit who has trouble sleeping, unlike his siblings. He asks his Mom for help and they go on a journey to visit some different friends to help him fall asleep. At the end of the book, the little rabbit is sleeping like a champ. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77024P71JtAF-gW4ROmd0CoGyjQbeZ6132mzhYX_RBTRwV1OzprK4Vgc_9f2ulQUHpRfHsv84aiWZxzyGmSe97kiFiswk8M06L7qVyxA9pMA3RWo40gRt_MmAijY1KLUuGEHJnZanGrc/s1600/bunny+book.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77024P71JtAF-gW4ROmd0CoGyjQbeZ6132mzhYX_RBTRwV1OzprK4Vgc_9f2ulQUHpRfHsv84aiWZxzyGmSe97kiFiswk8M06L7qVyxA9pMA3RWo40gRt_MmAijY1KLUuGEHJnZanGrc/s400/bunny+book.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are looking for a fun, sing song-y bedtime story to read to your kids, this isn't it. The "Bunny book" (Jack's name for it) is kind of boring. The book actually works by providing a routine to your reading/story,
and helps you use your tone of voice to calm your little one while
triggering sleepiness. Before the "Bunny book" a typical bedtime book for us was a seek and find or something Jack loved (trains, trains and more trains). I've learned that these things are alarms to his brain...he wants more of those books but when we are done reading, it's time for lights out. That's when he starts throwing his mega fits. The books we've been reading were TOO fun and stimulating for his little brain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because you are trying to trigger sleep, there is a very specific way the "Bunny book" needs to be read. My husband and I were cracking up the first few
times we read it...short of swinging a pocket watch back and forth, we
felt like we were trying to hypnotize Jack. It's better than
tranquilizing which I will admit I have Googled. FYI- You can tranquilize an
elephant but you can not tranquilize a toddler. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can tell the "Bunny book" it is written by someone that has a background studying behaviors. In my last blog I mentioned that Jack's sleep problems were NOT behavioral, I still stand by that (anyone that wants to challenge that can come on over and sleep train him...I DARE you) but we did need a change of pace for bedtime. We've noticed Jack is more sensitive to the way we speak to him and our actions before bed. After reading the book for a few nights, we noticed how much more relaxed he is listening to us use our voices in calm but stern tones. I'll be honest, bedtimes before the book were not fun. Years of sleep deprivation, screaming and all out wars have made every one of us dread bedtime. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So exactly how has it worked for us? Well...I was a hopeful skeptic that wanted a
magic sleep solution for Jack. The first night my husband read it he had to read it one and a half times.
This isn't a short book...it took a long time. But sure enough, Jack
fell asleep to it! The next night it was one time. The following night
Jack didn't fall asleep to the book but fell asleep shortly after. Then
things got messed up <a href="http://www.naptimetales.com/2015/07/the-bartons-are-on-move.html">with our move </a>and our progress has been interrupted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Although
we've been unable to keep a consistent pace with bedtime and the book
(moving is hard work with 2 kids...I can't wait to be settled!!) it has
helped us recognize some sleep triggers and practice a different
routine. We have a new approach to bedtime- stay calm and read the "Bunny book". </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Want to try the book out for yourself? It is available for purchase on<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/149617951X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=149617951X&linkCode=as2&tag=natita-20&linkId=CT2AC3QXHZC7HHL7"> Amazon </a>but our most gracious friend and author of the book has decided to giveaway books to <b>2 lucky readers!! </b>See entry details below-<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="c5cc756021" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c5cc756021/" id="rcwidget_dca2g9mb" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<br />
Good luck! Please see the boring, but necessary giveaway details below.
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Prizing & samples courtesy of "The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep". </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 300; line-height: 14px;"><i>Giveaway ends <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">at 12 AM on July 21st, 2015</span>.</span> Open
to Residents of the US only. Prizes cannot be shipped to
PO Boxes. Winner will be selected by random and be notified by email.
Winner have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Please
note that Naptime Tales is not responsible for sponsors that do not
fulfill their prizes. I have represented each sponsor with the
expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. I will
contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most
cases, are shipping their items to you directly. I will make every
effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a
sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 30 days for
assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you. The product
provided for the review was free of charge from the company. The product
offered for the giveaway is free of charge, no purchase necessary. My
opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation.
Facebook, Twitter and Google+ are in no way associated with this
giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing
your information to me and me alone. I do not share or sell information
and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the
winner.</i></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-53683247002269256112015-07-13T13:21:00.002-04:002015-07-13T13:22:21.374-04:00Sleep Saga {Part 1}<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me tell you guys a story about a little boy I know that never sleeps... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzv1JdY5AjJm60vOWKjR-DGBjB9Y_JmOFmwnsaLxWsV405piI_5yWAgzeEQotsINUwu9YMRnt4Jp_eus0qN4YC5UVSaLfC-3_OMeyoIS54tVQ0slWmXmRznSFj5IfwYBDdA-GiwxLf1I/s1600/terrible+sleeper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzv1JdY5AjJm60vOWKjR-DGBjB9Y_JmOFmwnsaLxWsV405piI_5yWAgzeEQotsINUwu9YMRnt4Jp_eus0qN4YC5UVSaLfC-3_OMeyoIS54tVQ0slWmXmRznSFj5IfwYBDdA-GiwxLf1I/s400/terrible+sleeper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My son. He S.U.C.K.S. at sleeping. He is the worst sleeper on planet Earth, I'm fully convinced he isn't human and being able to function on little to no sleep is his super human strength. His whole life, even from inside the womb he has never needed rest. Let me be VERY clear- this is NOT a behavior issue, this is just life with Jack.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have literally tried every sleep training method known to man and then some of our own techniques. I was a firm believer in cry-it-out and that's what we tried first. We did it with our oldest and she's the best sleeper I know. In fact, every time someone would complain about their kids not sleeping I was the first to suggest it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's just say, I have paid sorely for all my sleep training judgements. I've judged parents that said their 2 year olds were up at night. I've
judged people that said they rocked their 3 year olds to sleep. I've
judged Moms for tip toeing around the house because their child was
sleeping and, if woken up, wouldn't go back to sleep without going
through their whole routine again. I have now lived through every single one of those scenarios. At 2 and a half years old, we STILL live through those scenarios. Here is a quick snapshot of our sleep "progression" with Jack:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- From newborn to 14 months old Jack took 2- 15 minute naps a day. To get those naps I'd have to nurse and rock him for at least 45 minutes. He would sleep from 6:30 am-6:30 pm (would take me at least 45 minutes to get him to fall asleep at night) and wake up at least 4 times to nurse at night. When he woke up at night, we'd have to start all over.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- I weaned Jack around 15 months old, he also started walking. He dropped down to one nap a day, usually around 1 hour and it would take me 30-45 minutes of rocking to get him to sleep. He would sleep from 7:30 pm - 6:30 am (it would still take me at least 45 minutes to get him to sleep) and wake up screaming bloody murder 4 times a night. It would take us around 30 minutes to an hour to get him back asleep.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- At 2 Jack finally started napping easily. We converted him to a toddler bed and lay down with him until he fell asleep. It took about 30 minutes for nap and over an hour for bedtime. He would nap for 1.5 - 2 hours (FINALLY!!!) and sleep from 8:00 pm - 6:00 am. It was still taking us at least 45 minutes to get him to sleep at night.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- At 2.5 years Jack takes about an hour nap easily but won't go to sleep at night until almost 10 pm. His bedtime is at 8pm but he has a very hard time falling asleep forcing us to be in with him for the 2 hours it takes for him to settle down. We have tried cutting out nap only for him to be so over tired that he STILL can not fall asleep at even with an earlier 6-7 pm bedtime. He usually wakes around 7:00 am.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sprinkle in a WHOLE lot of days and nights of no sleep and you can somewhat picture our situation. And when I say a few hours of sleep...I'm not talking about just us, our CHILD is the one only getting a few hours. But somehow he's perfectly fine on those no sleep days. I'm not sure how I can fully voice my frustration with these sleep issues in writing. This has been the single most stressful part of being a parent for me. I can't get my child to fall asleep, and he can't get himself to fall asleep alone. It's stressful for our entire house.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
About 6 months ago (just after he turned 2) our pediatrician OK'ed melatonin. We gave him an extremely small dose- I will not go into how much because this will vary depending on your child's age, weight and the situation. I didn't think it would work but he was asleep within 20 minutes the first time we gave it to him. It was our miracle drug, our lives would finally be different and Jack would FINALLY sleep!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Except he didn't. He could fall asleep easily but would wake up with the worst night terrors I have ever witnessed. We kept adjusting the dose down until he was being given only a dusting on his tongue. He would still fall asleep with ease, but the night terrors would not let up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So we took him off of it and have been dealing with 2 hours of getting Jack to fall asleep every night. I have completely given up hope for a good night's sleep. Jack obviously doesn't need it- he's a very happy and healthy 2 year old. My husband and I on the other hand? We have no time to do anything. We are in the middle of a major move and there were 3 days last week where we couldn't even get 30 minutes to sit down and talk because one of us has to put Jack to bed from 8 - 10 pm.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Several weeks ago a sponsored ad came across my FaceBook feed. It was about a book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/149617951X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=149617951X&linkCode=as2&tag=natita-20&linkId=CT2AC3QXHZC7HHL7">The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep</a>". I normally don't click on ads but I was intrigued because...well if you need to know you should probably go back up and reread this entire post.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnjI0Fpq6M36sTUuhrJtmW58O5dOLF9J1P_RTH6mOL4TqjeZW02qzZH3L-glwOAM1Atzq1JXmDo6wUIMix2CEtfswPBPXZmmtRsK7KJf7wDQyjBmeYHLxJxbzp0f0N38I7Um-ggQn5lA/s1600/bunny+book.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnjI0Fpq6M36sTUuhrJtmW58O5dOLF9J1P_RTH6mOL4TqjeZW02qzZH3L-glwOAM1Atzq1JXmDo6wUIMix2CEtfswPBPXZmmtRsK7KJf7wDQyjBmeYHLxJxbzp0f0N38I7Um-ggQn5lA/s400/bunny+book.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I saw several comments from Moms saying the book helped their toddlers and preschools fall asleep. Even babies! I had to know more so I private messaged "The Rabbit" and got a respond right back from Carl-Johan, author of the book. He sent me a copy to review and I can't wait to share the results with you! We've been using the book for about a week but going on a house hunting trip threw a wrench into things. I have seen some positive changes in the way Jack falls asleep and have actually learned a lot just by reading the book. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check back later this week for a detailed book review, some tips I've discovered when reading the book and maaaaaaaaybe a chance to win a book of your own! :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s1600/ash+b+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s320/ash+b+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-44351673543047272372015-07-06T14:06:00.000-04:002015-07-06T14:06:19.930-04:00The Barton's are on the move!<div style="text-align: center;">
A few week ago I announced on FaceBook that my husband accepted a new job (within the same company) in northern Delaware. I figured it was time to finally make it blog official so here we go...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">WE ARE MOVING TO THE EAST COAST!!!!!!</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As you can see, I'm just a liiiiiittle excited about it. I'm thankful for the friends and adventures we've had in Michigan but I'm ready to leave the cold behind for a faster paced life on the East coast. A few reasons I'm excited:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. We will be living 2 hours away from my brother and sister-in-law in NYC. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. It's warmer there all year round but we will still have seasons. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. We have access to just about anything within a 1 hour drive. There is a Cheesecake Factory 20 minutes from our house...enough said. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4. We found a gorgeous house on a hill in Pennsylvania. The neighborhood is full of kids and the school district is amazing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5. Fall on the East Coast. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
6. Summer on the East Coast. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
7. Winter on the East Coast. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
8. Just having Spring in general, let alone on the East Coast. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
9. We will still be in the Big 10- looking forward to Illini vs Penn State football when the kids get older. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
10. Fresh seafood. Lobster bisque. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought about making a list of things I'll miss about Michigan but, let's face it...this state isn't for me. I will, from the bottom of my heart, DEEPLY miss the friends that we have made. Our family has grown so much here and it's thanks to the absolute BEST people we will ever meet. It is very hard to leave friends, it's the worst part of this move. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Things might be a little quiet over the next few weeks as we pack up, say good bye and head over to our new home. I am, however, actively looking for new friends so if you live in the Southeast corner of Pennsylvania...caaaaaallll meeeeeee! :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s1600/ash+b+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s320/ash+b+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4456516441643704898.post-37468260430032211372015-06-24T15:47:00.000-04:002015-06-24T15:47:49.374-04:00Elly's story <div style="text-align: center;">
I want to share with you guys the BEST story. It will make you cry, laugh and cry again. So grab a tissue! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have gotten to know Amber through my sister-in-law, Jessie. They have been best friends forever and I first met Amber when my brother and Jessie got married. She has to be one of the strongest people I know to have gone through this. I first met her daughter, Elly at the wedding. She was an adorable little toddler running around without a care in the world but her story was far more complex. I've asked Amber to share a bit about Elly and her battle here: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
______________________ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just after her first birthday, Elly was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). She lost her hair during treatment, which, to most people was hardly noticeable at her age; she looked natural bald. It tore my heart up though. I knew the difference. It's just hair, but it was just one of those things- It had FINALLY grown long enough for me to make her look like an adorable little Pebbles Flintstone. Then it was gone. The last lock literally fell into my hands as I was running my fingers through her hair, making her ailment look, and feel, so much more real to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3E2PMX2aYKz0map61LoH315AKBDo0LFg0CpNens_UfuuMI1CgkUYy5jxJ1yc4lKVuFtFagZkx6v2CM2bDqcTm2AkPGwHnaxufse83dI8u8js9YgZXOmZpO34EMWAAuQqodeUHW6dOMc/s1600/Elly1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3E2PMX2aYKz0map61LoH315AKBDo0LFg0CpNens_UfuuMI1CgkUYy5jxJ1yc4lKVuFtFagZkx6v2CM2bDqcTm2AkPGwHnaxufse83dI8u8js9YgZXOmZpO34EMWAAuQqodeUHW6dOMc/s320/Elly1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The day Elly was diagnosed, we made a trip to the ER thinking she had an ear infection at worst. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I shouldn't complain. She was one when she started treatment, so she couldn't talk (although, I'm guessing the screams she let out would NOT have translated kindly.) There were older kids that went to the same office she did. We could hear them sometimes. This may be awful of me, but I always felt so fortunate that I didn't have to try to explain anything to her. She just HAD to do what we put her through. No arguments, no opinions or fights... just treatment. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WSUj2RvlzgaRZAK2xTIEqCzAGrMcP0rEumkFY3vTuLXn80sqRVBrYwOhBn3WvqP5grGJ3n-rcxk1Mybgp60x_ZVMGXmN-QCtQanjR7g9QOOLRg0Cxtj0Fuvr1b1w8cNRBq40w4hooSk/s1600/Elly2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WSUj2RvlzgaRZAK2xTIEqCzAGrMcP0rEumkFY3vTuLXn80sqRVBrYwOhBn3WvqP5grGJ3n-rcxk1Mybgp60x_ZVMGXmN-QCtQanjR7g9QOOLRg0Cxtj0Fuvr1b1w8cNRBq40w4hooSk/s320/Elly2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Amber and Elly after she started chemo. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She battled through chemo like a champ. Had a few blood and platelet transfusions, and some sort of infection at her port site once, but never any major complications. They were unable to find any more leukemia cells in her blood within a few weeks of treatment, and never again since.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTJ7mYdW3hApG6p2-hU49eLCF_uzMy2qxZTZlJg33PZfC6nfOsRGl4P1C-cu-M53zgQp4LMANsj_m1KlXyshaChgPY1tVt7slfKOiNDfB-JNOneQg05ppJ9KjHHIYa2SkiVbMqX-_cx4/s1600/Elly3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTJ7mYdW3hApG6p2-hU49eLCF_uzMy2qxZTZlJg33PZfC6nfOsRGl4P1C-cu-M53zgQp4LMANsj_m1KlXyshaChgPY1tVt7slfKOiNDfB-JNOneQg05ppJ9KjHHIYa2SkiVbMqX-_cx4/s320/Elly3.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Waiting at the office to have her port accessed for therapy. She loved to be the doctor. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She still had to be treated for years... but it seemed so simple compared to other kids. That was another obvious blessing- so many people struggle through their battle. Some don't make it. We attended a funeral for a little boy, Travis, who Elly friended in her couple years of chemo at St. Johns. She was 3, he was 6, when he passed.There is a sense of guilt there. I know it's not my fault. I certainly didn't make that decision. I didn't want Travis to die. He was Elly's hero. Literally. He swore to "protect" her from all the "evil" staff that poked and prodded at her. She was HIS "ladybug". I'll just never understand why I got to keep my child, and his mom didn't.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamT1vrLDK3OnA6oskb4CY4EYVLW8yxS7pPHaEsqOfSRUQTKcDwKUepq_m8UiUJHVU9GgKwqd8O4q1ElYFeAPXyDlXcZtlt0JqsFc56etou8sfe5HkpwIRzP9OVtNGEvy13V2bFA5a7V4/s1600/Elly4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamT1vrLDK3OnA6oskb4CY4EYVLW8yxS7pPHaEsqOfSRUQTKcDwKUepq_m8UiUJHVU9GgKwqd8O4q1ElYFeAPXyDlXcZtlt0JqsFc56etou8sfe5HkpwIRzP9OVtNGEvy13V2bFA5a7V4/s320/Elly4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Elly and her buddy, Travis. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The older she gets, the more she learns about her past. She doesn't remember much of her cancer days, but she asks a lot of questions and tries to piece together what she DOES have memory of. It's something I'd like to completely forget, but I can't. Unfortunately, that was a huge part of her life (and ours)... and it will always be medical history that will affect her. Forever. We just try to teach her how we can make what was bad for us, better for someone else.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmBWwzcy9N80OPuaBoCDOERhPrHOE0oAkbZdEYzBV7gMUDgEotzT4w_nEg35MLOnekBgobE_ORGGZgKHb0Bhk0_VNT9cO8aDHTNijUhUVc_t1UAyBXbw6liQQ3Wcu5U541CaXmeCdmkc/s1600/Elly5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmBWwzcy9N80OPuaBoCDOERhPrHOE0oAkbZdEYzBV7gMUDgEotzT4w_nEg35MLOnekBgobE_ORGGZgKHb0Bhk0_VNT9cO8aDHTNijUhUVc_t1UAyBXbw6liQQ3Wcu5U541CaXmeCdmkc/s320/Elly5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Elly and her Daddy at her final spinal tap. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elly wasn't old enough to care that her hair was gone, but lots of other people aren't that "lucky". I brought up how I'd like to donate her hair when it was long enough to. In my mind, that meant her hair would be about down to her feet- that way it would still be long and I could admire it in all its glory haha. I thought she might agree to grow it so long- She has dreams of working at Disney World as Rapunzel when she grows up. But, she decided NOW was the time. My (almost) 7 year old is more selfless than I am. "Why wait, when I can help another kid NOW?" ::sigh:: She's something. As bad as I selfishly wanted to keep her long hair, how could I say "no"? And, of course, everything big sister does, Ry MUST also do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapfG2G8bT3L09ZEaWo672-_hO4JlmunWe-eaeEIgZdw5gRhpvkvkdQroSsdcmHtaYwsmpd2WKqiL6qytchNRjNWbhsqPbn04OTlB38-8a1yhOcLEk8mfZwjegWE1GHPVvC6T5LVTpKhM/s1600/Elly6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapfG2G8bT3L09ZEaWo672-_hO4JlmunWe-eaeEIgZdw5gRhpvkvkdQroSsdcmHtaYwsmpd2WKqiL6qytchNRjNWbhsqPbn04OTlB38-8a1yhOcLEk8mfZwjegWE1GHPVvC6T5LVTpKhM/s320/Elly6.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elly right before cutting her hair for donation. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So we took both girls to cut, and donate, their long, gorgeous hair. They're both beyond excited at the opportunity to share their locks, and brighten someone else's hardship. And, of course, I love their new short do's =] I know I may be biased, but my girls are the most beautiful people I know. Inside and out. Long hair, or short. ;) I couldn't be more proud.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIugB3MQKni8Mp9wmugRZx-uoHe6O0yZA-MSJp55JvJQUR6pyTMbzWwFSZAzkL90KPzXzNGCxhWsV5stKi9_se4X1VmTRWF1AYwI7IXQRLtmc_fSf2pqyVKh7kdr_qiuyxxh4ltZl3ZI/s1600/Elly7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIugB3MQKni8Mp9wmugRZx-uoHe6O0yZA-MSJp55JvJQUR6pyTMbzWwFSZAzkL90KPzXzNGCxhWsV5stKi9_se4X1VmTRWF1AYwI7IXQRLtmc_fSf2pqyVKh7kdr_qiuyxxh4ltZl3ZI/s320/Elly7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am sending the cut ponytails to Wigs for Kids ( wigsforkids.org ), along with several checks that people have written as a sponsorship. WFK provides FREE hair pieces to kids who have lost their hair due to any variety of causes (cancer, alopecia...). It costs over $1,000 to make just ONE wig- so, they depend on monetary donations also. I encourage everyone to take the time to at least educate yourself about the company, and pass the information along. If it is in your heart to donate, and you don't have long enough hair to do so, maybe you can spare even $5. Every small bit makes a difference.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
____________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If that isn't enough to make water flow from your eyes and your heart burst with love, you aren't human. What Amber DOESN'T tell you in all this is that on top of dealing with Elly's cancer diagnosis, her husband was deployed in Afghanistan for a year. He used his 2 weeks of R&R to rush home when they got the diagnosis but had to go back and serve another 10 months. Can you even imagine?! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amber and her entire family are such an inspiration. She doesn't know this but I think about her often when I have a bad day/week/month. My babies are healthy and I have my husband at home, I will always be very thankful and aware of those facts thanks to Elly's story. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are as inspired by Amber and Elly's story as I have been, please consider making a donation to wigsforkids.org. It is a wonderful cause. I would also encourage you to donate your hair! This is a BIG deal but if two sweet little girls can do it, why can't we? I'm seriously looking into this myself and will do a future post on organizations, length requirements etc. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you or someone you know has donated hair, please share with us! We'd love to hear about your experience, why you did it and which organization you choose. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you want to hear more about Elly's story, you can read her blog here: http://www.carepages.com/carepages/AnneliseJoy. Amber says it hasn't been updated in awhile, but I think that's a good thing! :) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s1600/ash+b+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofCnqe8QjAzE8T6rrQWyzCpv9BxYpGsGNYBY7ObiFLYXek9ES0TxksxMV6fli1kdupev4AZg7OyZxKVgNzKtwlksoRqMjqNVGN4fWOB2ZxBVtLp7OE-X0-UQJQAakfmRW07I4lAPrLFE/s320/ash+b+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ashley and Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18011469495869495903noreply@blogger.com0