Zion's First Haircut & $100 Visa Giveaway {Find Great Deals on SquareSpot}

Thank you to SquareSpot for sponsoring this post! 
Visit SquareSpot to find great deals and discounts on high quality family-centric products and services.

It was finally time to take Zion in for her first hair cut.  We've put it off as much as possible because her hair has been relatively easy to handle and beautiful, crazy beautiful even.  But Easter morning confirmed the need:

Luckily, I had just signed up to try SquareSpot, an online market providing great savings and benefits for busy urban moms on a wide range of high quality goods and services in New York City.  They just so happened to have a fantastic deal for a cute little children's boutique in Brooklyn called Mini Max.

I am always looking for reasons to go to new places and experience new things in the city, and haven't been to Brooklyn in who knows how long, so I new this deal was perfect for me.  For $15 I was able to purchase a $20 gift certificate which would cover almost the entire cost of Zion's haircut.  Plus, I knew they also carried a small collection of fun eco-friendly toys and couldn't wait to have Zion pick something out on our special date.

This morning, we ventured out in the windy but warm weather…on our special date to Brooklyn for her haircut.  We enjoyed the long relaxing train ride with relatively few transfers.  Getting to Brooklyn never felt easier!  We arrived at our destination where Zion was warmly welcomed and given her choice of kid show and salon chair.  She chose a Diego video and then a yellow cab to sit in for her cut.  (Such a NYC girl already!)  I, of course, hovered and took pictures like the paparazzi, just like any first time mom would do!

There have been so many big milestones this week, all blatantly screaming at me that my little baby girl is a full on little girl now…no baby at all.  It really hasn't all hit me yet, but I am sure it is just a matter of time, in fact I can feel the "they grow up so fast" tears just waiting to be released like a torrential Spring rain.  

After Zion's haircut we took some time to pick out a couple of new toys.  First she gravitated to the tea party sets, then to the musical instruments, but in the end we took home some cute animal bath toys and a new farm puzzle.  Prices were incredibly reasonable and we both had a great time.  My expectations were far exceeded for both Mini Max, for being crazy awesome, and SquareSpot for connecting me to such a great establishment through a great offer!

Shortly after I purchased the Mini Max offer on SquareSpot, I had to go back and check out the additional deals and discounts on high quality, family-centric products and services that were being offered to make sure I didn't miss out!  They rotate new deals in and out on a weekly basis.  

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As you know I've been working hard at losing weight and getting in shape in my weekly Meltdown series, so I simply had to purchase the Moms of Steel offer for three Fitness "Bootcamp" Stroller workouts in Central Park for the price of one!  I haven't booked my dates yet, because I am still finishing up my current program, but after such a great experience with the first offer I tried, I am sure this is going to be top notch!

One of the things I loved learning about SquareSpot was that they test each product or service so everything on the site is hand picked!  They also offer a SquareCard program that gives you discounts off hundreds of New York City services and programs!  From what I have seen so far they are constantly adding more partners to their list.  The website is super easy to use and thankfully I don't have a ton of offer emails flooding my inbox.  If you are a New York City mama I totally recommend you check them out and sign-up for an account!

Thanks to SquareSpot, one of my lovely readers is going to win a $100 Visa Gift Card!!  Will it be you?

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I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all my own. #CGSquareSpot #spon

Mothering a Daughter: What I Am Looking Forward To

When my dear friend Kristina asked me to write a guest post for her lovely blog, I was totally honored.  And when she asked me to write it about what I most look forward to as the mother of a daughter, I was delighted.  I hadn't actually taken the time or energy to really consider all that I am looking forward to, until now.  And honestly, writing this now as we've hit some rough patches lately, is the best thing I could have done.

It is such a privilege and a responsibility to raise a daughter.  I have always wanted to be a mom, and I can't tell you how happy I am that I had a daughter first.  She has opened my heart in ways I never imagined possible.  There are so many things I want for her to experience and enjoy in her life.

Head on over to From City Corporate to Suburb Mama to continue reading...

Having Each Other's Back...

In case you missed this when I shared it on Dominique's Desk a couple of week's ago, I wanted to include this in my regular Faith Filled Marriage series.

I recently watched an episode of Up All Night, where Christina Applegate's character Reagan goes on a mean-spree through the airport in her stress of traveling with an infant, all the while her husband Chris, played by Will Arnett, follows behind her apologizing for her and trying to play it cool.

Source

At one point, Reagan just looks at her husband Chris, and asks him, "Why can't you just have my back?" It is a really great episode, and any parent who has travelled with small children will find it hilariously accurate and entertaining.

So, the other morning I woke up and went about my normal morning routine: make coffee, get breakfast going, pack a lunch, attempt to keep my daughter from getting into everything at the same time.  My husband had just come out of our bedroom, dressed quite handsomely for work, and my daughter was waving around the Swiffer sweeper like a dangerous baton.

As I'm busy trying to get his lunch together, behind me I hear a frustrated snap at my daughter and instantly, without much hesitation, mama bear rises up in me.  "Don't yell at her.  What did she do?"  I put my husband on the defensive, my daughter is upset.  She had smacked his clean pants with the dirty sweeper.  The morning ends with this statement, "Why can't you just let me be a parent, too?"

Ouch.  As the hubs left for work, without our usual loving good-bye, I felt the sting of truth.  I was instantly reminded of the episode I had just watched.  Why couldn't I have just had my husband's back?

My husband is an awesome father, one who loves his daughter so incredibly much.  And it is clear in everything he does that this is the case.  I have no reason to deny him my support when he does what he is supposed to do as a parent: discipline, correct, etc.  If I want to him to flourish in his role as a father, I have to give him my backing and support.

My encouragement to you today is: to stand by each other; have each other's backs.  As parents, we have such a difficult job, one that has its own unique challenges for both mothers and fathers.  We need each other to make it work well.  It doesn't stop at parenting either.  It is important in maintaining a strong marriage as well.

When you don't feel supported in something that is important to you, especially by the person who is closest to you, it can be a huge discouragement. Feeling unsupported is an issue that can fester, and you don’t want to find yourself seeking out experienced counselors when it’s an issue you and your partner could have taken charge of on your own.

I don't know what I'd do if my husband didn't support my passion to write, or my desire to lose weight.  It is his constant support and affirmation that spurs me on and gives me that extra "push" to not give up when things are tough.

As I reflect on that morning, I realize that I need to show my husband that I do have his back, and that I support him as a father.  Lesson learned.

How do you show your spouse that you have their back?  In what ways does your spouse show you?

Solitude

I originally shared this post on MameMusings! But today, I'm feeling the need to remind myself...

Solitude.

Why is does it seem so elusive for us mothers?

Perhaps, we make it more complicated than it has to be.

What exactly does solitude require of us?

Aloneness.

via

Impossible.

My first reaction to the possibility of finding time alone.

[Insert list of reasons why here.]

Critical.

What can we possibly give if we are not taking the time to be refreshed?

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Possibility.

How can I give myself ten minutes of quiet each day?

If I start with five minutes is that okay?

Release.

I will not feel guilty for taking this time out for me.

Reflection.

My mind is finally free to be me.

Oh hello lovely thoughts, restful sighs and tensions eased.

Retreat.

Is this vacation for my soul?

Believe.

A content, rested mother (&wife) is one highly praised.

Today, take those five minutes…or even ten.

Set down your burdens.

Embrace.

Solitude.

I previously shared this post on MameMusings, but had to share this here as a reminder to take time out for quiet reflection.  

Guest Feature: Toothbrush Painting with Kids

Hey lovelies! I'd like to introduce you to a lovely and creative mama that I met through VoiceBoks, Dominique!  Today she is sharing a fantastic and fun activity to get you through those rainy Spring days when you can't get the little ones outside to play.  Enjoy!




Being cooped up in the house with the kids due to the rain need not be a bad thing. There are many different activities which one can do with the little ones to occupy them.

Spray painting is what I have been recently doing with my kids. All of us find it fun to do together on a rainy afternoon. Here are the items that are needed.

• Old tooth brushes
• Paints
• Cut outs/stencils. ( We used bread cutters as I have many around the house)
• Drawing paper
• Tape ( To hold the cut outs/stencils or drawing paper in position)

I made the kids wear aprons as it can be quite messy and also placed paper at the bottom around their table to prevent the paints from ending up on the floor during the spraying sessions.
 There are a few ways to do spray painting.
 1. Coat the brush with paint then make your child brush through a wire mash or kitchen strainer. This is good for younger kids who are not able to control the brush properly. The effect will be similar to the finished product shown in the first picture above.
 2. Let the kid try flicking the brush above the drawing paper to get the "spray" effect. Do note that the paint would have to be slightly wetter then usual to be able to flick the brush around. 3. Use your finger to spray the paint around. This is what I did with my 5 yr old and he really enjoyed it. It didn't bother him that his hands ended up multicoloured at the end of the activity.

Are you tempted to try out this activity at home with your kids?

Dominique Goh, Singaporean elementary school teacher, freelance writer and mom of three who is passionate about parenting and educating kids. In her free time you can see her dabbling in photography, cooking and cake decorating and blogging at Dominique’s Desk.

Girl Behind the Blog: What I Am Learning ♥ {A Vlog!}

Hey friends!  I have  a treat for you today!  My first video blog (vlog) ever!  I hope you will join me for a few minutes as I share what I have been learning lately…


I was inspired by the two lovely ladies below!

Go view the other Vlogs here or here!
I'm so glad you came by - make sure you enter my current giveaway for ad space in April!  XO

Having Each Other's Backs...

I recently watched an episode of Up All Night, where Christina Applegate's character Reagan goes on a mean-spree through the airport in her stress of traveling with an infant, all the while her husband Chris, played by Will Arnett, follows behind her apologizing for her and trying to play it cool.

Source

At one point, Reagan just looks at her husband Chris, and asks him, "Why can't you just have my back?"

What I didn't expect is that, a couple days after watching this show, I was confronted with a similar sentiment from my husband.  Find out how it all went down over at Dominique's Desk, where I'm guest posting today!

{Immediately} Improve Communication with your Toddler

The challenges and privileges involved in raising a child through the toddler years can seem endless.  On top of power struggles and picky eating, the most obvious challenge is communicating in a way that your toddler will listen.  

In the book, "The Happiest Toddler on the Block," Dr. Harvey Karp shares practical advice and tips to transform day-to-day life from a constant battle of wills, to an opportunity for learning and practicing better communication.  .  If you've never heard of him, I'd like to kindly nudge you to take a moment and glance at his bio.

 Today, on Green Eggs & Moms I am sharing two fantastic tips from the book, that will help you (immediately) improve communication with your toddler.

Unscripted: Any other night...

On any other night, I'd be sticking to my lists,
checking off items as I go,
being motivated and exhausting every last bit of energy.

But not tonight.
Today was very tiring.
I love my sweet little lady more than I could possibly put into words.
I don't love when she decides to disregard everything I say all day long.
Days like today wear on me.

I have no complaints really, I'm not upset.
Just worn out from saying too many "no's".
Too many time-outs.

I put a lot of energy into being a good mom,
being available, interruptible, and having lots of fun.
I guess it was just one of those trying toddler days.

Any other night, I'd be enthusiastic to share with you so many wonderful things going on here.
Just not this night.
I'm going to delay my post that I've waited all day to work on.

And I'm going to sit back and watch the Bachelor and then,
I'm going to muster up all the last bits of enthusiasm I can
to welcome my hard-working husband home from his job.

I'm going to give him the best hug I can, and plant a sweet kiss on his lips.
And then, I'm going to go to bed.

Yes. Yes. Yes. {Featuring Melissa from MaMe Musings}

“Did you know you were having twins?” “Were you surprised to find out you were having twins?” “Do twins run in your family?”
Yes. Yes. Yes.

People ask me all the time if we knew we were having twins. Yes, we actually knew we were having twins almost from the day we found out we were pregnant. After two solid blood tests, I wasn’t scheduled to go in for an initial ultrasound until I was 6 weeks. Even then, it would be extremely early. Until then, I just had to have faith that there really was something going on inside my body. It would have been a little easier to believe if I had some symptoms to prove it. As it was, I felt nothing. I felt great. Maybe a little tired, but nonetheless, great. Just when I thought I was having a symptom, it would fade away. 

In a twisted way, I wished I would feel bad just so I would know I was pregnant. I emailed my doctor and asked if he could run another blood test just to make sure things were still progressing since I had no symptoms to put my mind at ease. Surprisingly, he suggested we do a quick ultrasound instead. If all was well, at 5 weeks and 2 days, we should at least see a gestational sac. I was already in tears before the first circle appeared. Through the tears of joy and amazement, I saw a blurry circle—my baby! The doctor continued moving across, stopping briefly, before saying nonchalantly, “There’s one, and there’s another one.” I saw the second blurry circle—also my baby! He pointed out the specks inside each circles. We were seeing the gestational sacs and the yolk sacs. Both were right on track for 5 weeks and 2 days. Were we surprised? Yes. In that moment, I was speechless. We knew there was a possibility of twins. We knew our beta numbers were on the high side, but for it to actually happen to us? Amazing. My husband claims he saw the doctor scan by both sacs before he even pointed out the first one. What was odd is that neither of us mentioned the word twins until we left the office. Honestly, to this day, I find myself saying, “Twins. Really??” 

People want to know if twins run in my family. Yes. They do now. Actually, both of us have twins in our families, and there may be some genetic connection. But, I have come to be more open about the fact that we also used fertility medicine. I think many people who ask if twins run in our family are really wanting to ask that question anyway. 

 Some want to know if the twins are “natural.” I would argue that all babies are natural. Asking if my babies are natural sort of implies that they might be unnatural, supernatural, or preternatural. Touch them. Hold them. Feed them. Play with them. They are 100% natural babies. They are a gift from God regardless of whether I took meds to juice up my ovaries or not. I have also learned that by being open about my struggles I have allowed others to be open about their struggles. Infertility can be such a lonely road, and if one woman can find understanding through me then why would I hide my story? What’s the fourth most asked question? I’ll let you guess, but the answer to that question is also—yes.

You can connect with Melissa over at MaMe Musings, where she shares life with her beautiful twins and her husband!  


Twins run in my husband's family and my family, so I secretly hope that I'll have a set of my own!  Thank you Melissa, for sharing what it was like to discover you were expecting two babies…and for your daily sharing of how to live life fully with those two adorable tots.

Who of You by Worrying…{Featuring Carly from TexasLoveBirds}!

Hello, Baxtron{Life} readers! I'm Carly and  I blog regularly over here at a little place called Texas Lovebirds. My blog started as a series of "Dear Peanut" letters to our unborn son, but it quickly became a way for me to document this beautiful life and everything that comes along with it.  

With our son's due date just a few days away, our life is about to change in a big way and I hope you all will join us as we take our first steps into parenthood. 

Today I'll be sharing a post that I wrote several months ago; at the time I was about 26 weeks pregnant. Even though this experience seems like ages ago, I constantly go back to it and the lesson that I learned.  I hope you enjoy my thoughts and can learn something from it as well. Because let's be honest, momma or not, we all find ourselves caught in the trap of worry at one time or another.

 

Growing up I remember hearing adults (specifically my parents) talk about the worry that comes with being a parent. You know, followed by that very typical line.."you'll understand when you have kids someday." Okay Mom & Dad, you were right.  Last night while I was outside with the dogs, I took a little spill. My sweet Molly girl (you know, all 170 lbs. of her) got a little rowdy when I had her on her leash and pulled me a little too hard; thus, I fell. I caught myself on my hands and knees and got up unharmed. No belly hitting, or even remotely touching, the ground. Molly was distraught and quickly came to my aide, crouched beside me till I was on my feet. Once I was on my feet, my hand was covered in big, slobbery, Great Dane kisses.  I felt fine, I didn't ache, and I had no pains. 

But, of course, a little bit of me started to worry.

I promptly came inside, drank a big glass of juice, sat down, prayed, and waited for Gunner to move. I called Cody at work, and he assured me that I was fine as long as I wasn't hurting (in times like these, his medical knowledge really helps calm me). Shortly after getting some sugary juice in my tummy, Gunner began to kick up a storm. Each little movement, even the kicks to the ribs, made me smile. My boy was just fine.

"Thank you, Lord," I said. 

Followed by a thank you to Gunner as well.

Anxiety and worry are things I've always struggled with, and I'll probably write more about that later, but so many events have taught me that God is always in control. I think this will be a hard pill to swallow as Gunner comes into this world, but I know in my heart that it is true.

Gunner will always be most precious to me, but it comforts me to know that he is even more precious to God. He was knit in my womb for a reason, for a purpose. I don't even know what he will look like, but God knows the entire life that is ahead of him. God is so cool like that.

And do you know what's even cooler? 

That God allows little worriers like me to raise his children.

And when we worry, He grants us a flurry of movement and kicks.

Update!  Today Carly will meet her baby boy Gunner! :)  She is scheduled for a c-section based on his position.  Stop by her blog and give her a word of encouragement!! :)

6 Parenting Resources {Featuring Anne from Green Eggs & Moms}

Has this happened to you?

You’re watching TV in your room when all of sudden everything goes dark. It’s a black out. Even if you’ve walked in this familiar space a thousand times, you fumble through the dark looking for a flashlight. This is how parenting feels at times. You can prepare by reading a mountain of books and articles, and think you’re familiar with all there is to know. Then boom. You encounter situations that leave you scratching your head. Fortunately, the Internet is a treasure trove of useful parenting resources that can help you find solutions to parenting mysteries. What are these?

6 Parenting Resources To Pull You Out of the Dark

1. Parenting Science  If you’re the type who would rather believe in scientific research rather than guess-work or amusing old wives’ tales, this is perfect for you.  The author, a biological anthropologist, writes informative articles based on studies from different perspectives in psychology, neuroscience, anthropology and evolution.

What you get: Researched-backed information on how to improve your child’s development in the following areas: intellect, emotion and behavior.


   
2. Cute Food For Kids  If you want to elicit a few laughs from your child during meal time, this is one of the first places you should go to. It shows you how to make creative food ideas the easy way. Ridiculously easy.
What you get: Simple instructions for fun and interesting food ideas for kids - and sometimes adults too.


3. Ask Dr. Sears Who doesn’t love Dr. Sears? It’s sort of like seeing your pediatrician without the hassle of driving to the clinic and lining-up. You can find answers to common parenting questions such as why toddlers are picky eaters. The articles are written in a simple way that makes for easy reading.
What you get: Health related information from doctors. (Of course, it’s still best to consult with your pediatrician for serious questions you have. So yes, you may still have to drive to the clinic and line-up.)


4. Independent.ie This is a European-based news site that has a great parenting section. It’s a good way to keep up with what’s happening in their side of the world.
What you get: Latest parenting news in Europe, specifically in Ireland.


  
5. My Shae Noel If you want fun educational activities for your kiddo, this is where you should go to. The woman behind the blog used to teach children which is why she is able to provide engaging learning materials.
What you get: Fun educational materials and various DIY crafts for kids.


6. Voice Boks This is an online community of mothers. Need I say more? You can read countless books and articles on parenting but you can get the best ideas or solutions from moms who have learned through trial and error - which is what makes their insights valuable.


Parenting can be tough, confusing and can make you feel like you’re fumbling in the dark. Hopefully, these resources that cover: development, food and creativity, health, news, educational activities, and parenting tips and stories can help light your way through parenting. Does this parenting resources list lack your favorite site? Please tell us about it so other moms can benefit too.
Anne Mercado

Photos: Flashlight - Creative Commons form pulverizer_13 Others - hover over image for credits

Thank you Anne for this great list of resources!  I can definitely say Voice Boks has been a huge resource to me, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to connect with you there! :)  Friends, make sure to visit Anne's blog: Green Eggs & Moms for more great tips and resources!

Toddler Mealtime Magic! {Tommee Tippee Tableware Review!}

Does this look familiar?

If you have a toddler, like me, this might be all too familiar!

I have been so frustrated teaching my daughter mealtime manners, and cleaning up monumental messes.  I've been searching for a solution for a while, so when I was given the opportunity to try out a few items from the tommee tippee explora tableware line, I was really excited and hopeful!  

We received several different items to try out, including those pictured above, as well as spoons that I will share with you later in this post.  One of the things I love about the tommee tippee brand is that they have a science behind everything they make, and it really shows.  I'm going to share a little info on each of the products I received and then I'll share my thoughts on them!

   

The explora easi-roll bibs are made from a soft and light material, totally BPA free and roll-up for convenient storage!  They are the easiest to clean bibs I have ever used, plus they don't retain the smell of food or get mildewy like some of the other bibs we have.  The wide catch-all at the bottom of the bib is great and does a fantastic job of catching most food.  These bibs are best for tray-free/booster seat eating and restaurants because high-chair trays can decrease the effectiveness of the bib's catch all, depending on how they line up.

The explora section plates are designed with deeper sections and are angled for easy self-feeding.  I especially love that they keep food separate … great for my picky toddler.  One other fun thing about these plates is that you can make mealtime fun by using the side sections for "ears" and the center section to design a little "face" out of whatever food you are serving up.  With little effort these plates can make meal-time fun-time!  These plates fit perfectly on my new favorite toddler tool:

The explora easi-mat is pure magic.  If there was one tool I'd say you need to rush out and by from this collection, it would be the easi-mat.  This soft silicone mat sticks to almost any flat surface, and features a special suction circle that holds smooth bottom tableware securely in place.  In order to release the tableware you have to pull the special tab to release the suction, a trick most kids cannot figure out!  This means NO more plates and bowls tossed over the edge or dumped over on the table!  I was most excited to try this out and I've been very pleased with the result.  I would say that 95% of the time Zion cannot break the suction.  We use the easi-mat on our high-chair tray and I think the surface is not completely level which allows for the occasional break of the suction if it isn't optimally lined up. Overall, I have to say this is one of the most genius eating tools I've ever used!

A note about the explora tableware from tommee tippee's website:

All our products are made from hardwearing materials that can be put in the dishwasher, freezer or microwave. None of our products contain PVC and are all BPA free, so you can have complete confidence that your baby’s wellbeing is looked after. For less stress and mess at mealtimes, the tommee tippee® explora® tableware range has been created with both mum and baby in mind, and has those little extra touches that help make feeding an enjoyable experience.

The explora heat sensing spoons are soft, flexible and easy for small hands to use.  The special curved design makes learning to self--feed easy, while the shape of the head measures out the perfect bite size portions!  The coolest feature of this spoon is the heat sensing technology.  Remember those hyper-color t-shirts from back in the day?  That is exactly what this spoon reminds me of.  When food is hot, the color changes to let you know…and it doesn't just change one color…you can tell how hot it is by the intensity of the color.  When the pink changes to an orange-ish color food is warm, when the color changes to a bright yellow the food is hot.  Either way, any color change will let you know to test the food to make sure it is not too hot for you toddler to eat!  

We are very happy with our tommee tippee tableware, and hope you enjoyed learning about them!  For more information you can visit tommee tippee on the web or head out to Babies R Us/Toys R Us where they are sold exclusively!

The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  I received several product samples from the explora tableware line by tommee tippee to review.  Disclosure Policy