Pez Factory Easter Egg Hunt

It seems that the Pez Factory Easter Egg Hunt this weekend made National News. We were there and we had a fabulous time.  We did not experience the melee although it was very crowded.  What apparently did ensue is a result of overzealous parents who do not follow directions and feel overly entitled.

Here is the setup.  In the field outside the factory, three section were cordoned off.  One with a sign for kids from 9-12, one for kids 5-8 and one for 4 and under.  The website had indicated that there would be a staggered start time for the 3 hunts.  The youngest group would start at 10:30 and then each age group was staggered by half an hour.  They had the Easter bunny at the Visitor's Center with whom you could take a photo and get a free candy dispenser.  You had to pay regular admission to enter the center which was only $5 for adults and $4 for kids 3 and up.

We arrived at the location at about 10:15 and found a spot along the edge of our assigned field, the 4 and under area.  Prior to the start, a Pez employee informed us that the turn out was far greater than expected and so if anyone didn't get an egg, they would have candy in front of the lobby that they could get.  At 10:30 the hunt started.  T had his eyes set on a green egg, his favorite color.  Once he got it he totally stopped searching for eggs.  Even with that he was able to get 4 eggs for himself.  We then took a few pics of T with his eggs and then headed to the Visitor's Center.  As we were well aware that the other fields were for older kids based on the signs and the website we didn't see any reason to stick around.  Apparently, this is when the melee ensued on the field.  We missed it, happily.

My son was perfectly content with his 4 eggs.  He picked them all himself.  We didn't experience any pushing or shoving by kids or parents.  We actually had a good time.  Upon heading to the Visitor's Center there was a healthy line.  This was a combination of people looking to get the candy if they didn't get eggs or if they didn't feel like they got enough and those wishing to enter the Visitor's Center.

We got on line which moved pretty well and entered the center.  It was definitely crowded, but not overwhelming.  We browsed all the old dispensers on display, we did the Pez Scavenger hunt and we got to take pictures with our head as a Pez dispenser.  Once we were satisfied, we headed to the second level and got on a shot line for a photo opp with the Easter bunny.

The line moved well, and yet no one was rushed to take a picture and move on.  T got to hug the bunny which was actually pretty cute and got a few photos as well as a free Easter bunny dispenser.  We then headed to the checkout line with a few dispensers from the gift shop.  This line was probably the longest and slowest, but not terrible.  The staff was kind and courteous and all in all we had a great time.  We didn't experience any of the unpleasantness.

While we have every intention of returning when there is less of a crowd, we had a great time and were very appreciative of Pez for putting on this event for the community.  I was not even aware of the melee that occurred until someone commented on pictures I posted from the event and mentioned it.  I feel bad for Pez for having to deal with some of the parents that apparently took matters into their own hands and did not follow directions.  I especially feel bad for any older kids who came at their assigned time only to find all the eggs had been taken.  It truly was a situation of a few bad eggs (pun intended) ruining it for the bunch.

Hope you had a fun Easter Weekend!!

Cheers,

Emily

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Easter Egg Wreath Craft

In preparation for Easter, Tyler and I of course had to do an Easter craft. Since T liked painting so much for our St Patrick's Day craft, we decided to paint again for this craft. This time we made an Easter Egg Wreath for the occasion.

Materials

Paper Plate

Washable Paint

Cotton Swabs

White Paper

Paint Brush

Scissors

Glue

Plastic Egg that Opens sideways 

How to Make

1. First we took our white paper and painted multicolored polka dots using our cotton swabs.

2. Next we painted the border of our paper plate green with our paintbrush.

3. Now we had to wait until our paint dried. We decided to have a snack while we waited.

4. Once our paint was dried, we used our plastic egg to trace egg shapes on the back of our polka dotted paper.

5. Next we cut out our eggs as well as the center of our paper plate.

6. Then came T's favorite part: gluing our eggs onto the paper plate wreath.

7. Finally, you can use a hole punch and ribbon to tie a loop through the wreath to make it easy to hang.

T and I had a lot of fun creating this craft. For older kids, you can cut out the eggs first and have them decorate them like they would a real Easter egg. I like the randomness of the eggs we made however.

This project was extremely helpful in entertaining T on the days leading up to Easter. He is highly anticipating the painting of Easter eggs, but this project allowed him to have some Easter fun in the days leading up to painting eggs with his cousin.

This craft is perfect for toddlers. We hope you try it out!! Share your finished product on our Facebook page!

Cheers,

Emily

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Tips for Enjoying a Day at the Zoo

Yesterday, Our family enjoyed a trip to the Bronx Zoo.  My office happens to be closed for St Patrick's Day, so it was the perfect day to enjoy with family.  The weather was perfect, not too hot and not too cold.  Based on this and our many other trips to the zoo, I thought I'd compile a list of tips to get the most out of your day at the zoo.

1. Get a Membership: If possible, having a membership to the zoo is a wonderful thing to do.  If you plan on going several times during the year, it is definitely worth the money.  It also takes a lot of pressure off any individual visit.  If you just spent a ton of money on admission, you want to see you money's worth of animals and activities.  If on the other hand, you know you can come back as many times as you want at no additional cost, you can relax and really enjoy your visit.  You also have the peace of mind knowing that if it rains or your child has an unprovoked meltdown, you can always come back.

2. Pack a lunch and snacks: While zoo memberships generally provide a discount for food purchases, it can still be pretty expensive to eat there.  Packing a lunch greatly reduces the cost of your trip.  Additionally, you have your food with you wherever you are in the zoo.  This means you can provide instant gratification when your child(ren) gets hungry.  This can totally prevent a meltdown or a shortened trip.  It is also important to have snacks and water.  You will be doing a lot of walking around so having snacks and water available is important for both you and the kids.

3. Let your kid(s) lead: You have had many years to explore the zoo and see the animals you want to see.  Now, it's your kids turn.  Other than preventing them from going into restricted areas, let your kids take the lead or tell you what animals they want to see.  This trip after all is for them.  They will be happier and will relish the opportunity to be in charge.  Their happiness is your happiness, isn't it?!

4. Encourage interaction with the exhibits: At just a few weeks past his 3rd birthday, my son is definitely not reading the signs associated with each exhibit.  He is also not excited by sleeping animals.  Try to help your kid interact with the exhibits.  If the sea lion is "talking", see if your kid can make the same sound.  Can he squawk like the birds? Can she make the face the gorilla is making?  Can he stretch his neck like the giraffe? Can he spot the red bird?  How about the green one? Especially for little ones, the exhibits are only as fun and exciting as you make them.  So have fun.  Start hopping like a kangaroo and practicing your lions roar!

5. Arrive early and/or go on an off day: By arriving early, you can avoid a lot of hassles that come with outings to popular locations.  You can hope to avoid at least some of the crowds.  Your kid will have the most energy at the beginning of the day.  You can avoid the constant questioning of, "When are we going to see the animals?" You can avoid lines at your favorite exhibit.  Another good idea is to go on a random weekday.   Our trip yesterday was perfect since schools were in session.  We didn't have to worry about a lot of other kids running around and it allowed us to give T more freedom walking around.  He also didn't have to fight for a spot to see the animals.

Here are some pictures from our visit.

I hope these tips are helpful for your next trip to the zoo.  They really make our zoo trips a ton more enjoyable.  Do you have any zoo advice?  Leave it in the comments!

Cheers,

Emily

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St Patrick's Day Craft Project

This weekend T and I spent a lot of time together. He was sick Friday night so we spent the whole weekend home.  It was a great opportunity to sit down and create our St Patrick's Day craft project.  This was a quick and easy project that allowed T to paint, so he really enjoyed it.  We hope you do too.

Materials

Construction Paper

Crayons

Glue

White Paper Plate

Orange Paint

Instructions

1. The first step is to paint the border of your plate orange.  This will serve as the hair and beard of your leprechaun.  T was pretty good about staying within the border.  If your kid is not so neat, no worries! You can always cut out a white piece of construction paper in a circle and paste it into the center of your plate for the face.

2. While your paint dries, you can let your toddler create a new painting.  At least, that's what T did.  In the mean time, I cut out a hat shape from green construction paper, a band for the hat out of black paper, and a buckle out of yellow paper. For the buckle, I cut out a square, bent it in half, and then cut out a smaller square from the center.

3. Once the paint has dried and the hat pieces are cut, it's time to start gluing.  Tyler loves to help squeeze out the glue and put the pieces in place!

4. The final step is to draw a face onto your leprechaun.  We used a black crayon for this.  If you want to add more to this project, you can also make arms and legs for your leprechaun. You can cut 4 strips of green construction paper long ways and fold them accordion style.  Glue them around the plate for the arms and legs.  You can cut out hands from white paper and shoes from black paper and attach them as well.

Here is our final project!

We hope you try this project yourselves.  It's fun and easy and doesn't require many supplies!

Share your finished project on our Facebook page!!

Cheers,

Emily

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5 Steps to Start Your Day Right

We've all had days where we wish we never got out of bed. You get dressed and then spill coffee on your shirt right as you are heading out the door. Or you leave home without the diaper bag. Or anything else that sets you up on the wrong foot. Here are 5 steps to help you start your day right and be able to overcome obstacles.

Get a good night's sleep. It may seem like I do a lot, and I do. Between work, grad school, teaching dance, blogging, my non-profit and family life, I have a lot on my plate. But I always try to get between 7-7.5 hours of sleep each night. That means going to bed by 10:30 to be up at 6.

There's no way around it. Getting a good night's sleep provides you with energy for the day, helps keep your mind clear, and even helps prevent the munchies. When you are well rested, you don't need snacks to keep you up! This is key for a productive day. A good night's sleep is never a waste of time!

Make your to do list. If you read last Friday's post, you know that I am a big proponent of to do lists and I showed you just how I make mine. Whether you do it in the morning or the night before, having a to do list ensures that you know what you need to get done that day.

It helps keep you focused and feel less stressed. You can even split the process. Do the brain dump the night before and then choose your 3 to dos in the morning when you are clear headed.

Exercise in the morning. Does that sound like torture? It shouldn't. Find an exercise you love and do it. I like a mix of weights and cardio. It makes me feel strong and helps me work up a sweat.

Exercise should make you feel energized when you are done, not exhausted. This sets you up for burning extra calories throughout your day, helps clear your mind, helps you fall asleep better at night, reduces your hunger and is great for your figure. You really can't beat that.

Even at 32 weeks pregnant, I'm working out daily. I've modified my workouts of course, but I work out and feel empowered for my day.

Eat a healthy breakfast. I’m not telling you what time your first meal of the day is, but whenever it is, it should be healthy. Some healthy proteins and fats can set you on the right track. Maybe even some oatmeal, or a green smoothie, or how about egg and avocado on whole wheat toast! There are plenty of options that taste good and are good for you.

Spend some time each morning playing with your kids. I get up at 6 am have my workout, shower and get dressed. Then it's time for breakfast with Tyler. He gets up around 7 am so we have a good 1.5 hours before I have to leave at 8:30 am.

Now part of that time is making and eating breakfast and doing my hair possibly. However, I make it a point to have some time where we just play together. Then when I head off to work, knowing that we already had some quality time together no matter what the rest of the day has in store does wonders for me.

Things may change when #2 comes and later when Tyler starts school, but for the past 3 years we have played together every morning and it's a great way to start my day.

What to you do to get yourself on the right track in the morning? Share your tips in the comments!!

Cheers,

Emily

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Healthy Pancake Recipes

Did you know?  Today is National Pancake Day!  I learned this from IHOP which of course is the authority on pancakes.  In honor of this day, I decided to share with you some healthy pancake recipes which you can share with your family today, or any other day.

We start off with a healthy alternative for the typical flour pancake.

Quinoa Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon course salt

• 1 large egg, plus 1 large egg white

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted, plus more for skillet

• 1/4 cup low-fat milk

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, plus more for serving

• Fresh fruit or fruit preserves (optional) for serving

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together quinoa, flour, baking powder, and salt. In another medium bowl, whisk together egg, egg white, butter, milk, and syrup until smooth. Add egg mixture to flour mixture and whisk to combine.

2. Lightly coat a large nonstick skillet or griddle with butter and heat over medium-high. Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls into skillet. Cook until bubbles appear on top, 2 minutes.

3. Flip cakes and cook until golden brown on underside, 2 minutes. Wipe skillet clean and repeat with more melted butter and remaining batter (reduce heat to medium if overbrowning). Serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit or preserves if desired.

Makes about 12.

From PopSugar

Here's a delicious pancake that also allows you to get your fruits and veggies in!  I love sweet potatoes!!

Banana Sweet Potato Pancakes With Honey Nut Yogurt

Ingredients

Pancakes:

• 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1/2 cup mashed baked sweet potato

• 1 egg 1 1/4 cups skim milk or soy milk

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 banana, diced

Yogurt sauce:

• 1 6-ounce container of plain nonfat Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons skim milk

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (or almond butter)

• 2 teaspoons honey

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar. Then add the sweet potato, egg, and milk, and mix until smooth. Add the cinnamon. Stir in the diced banana.

2. Place a skillet over medium heat, and spray lightly with cooking spray.

3. While the pan is heating up, make the yogurt sauce. Mix together the yogurt, milk, peanut butter, and honey in a small bowl. Set aside.

4. Drop large spoonfuls of batter onto the pan, making pancakes that are about three-and-a-half inches in diameter. Cook until bubbly, about two minutes. Flip and continue cooking until golden brown. Makes about 12 pancakes.

5. Place three pancakes on a plate, and pour one quarter of the yogurt sauce on top. Add some slices of banana or other fresh fruit, sprinkle on some chopped nuts, and enjoy!

Makes about 12.

From PopSugar

This final recipe is for those who can't live without good old fashioned pancakes.  Here the recipe is modified for a healthier version of the classic.

Healthier Good Old Fashioned Pancakes

Ingredients

•  1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon white sugar

• 1 1/4 cups nonfat milk

• 2 egg whites

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

1. Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar together in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and pour in milk, egg whites, and melted butter; mix until smooth.

2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake, pour or scoop batter onto griddle. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

From All Recipes

I hope you enjoy these recipes and Happy National Pancake Day!!

Cheers,

Emily

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Why I Take My Kid Everywhere

It started when T was 5 months old. I was getting pretty close to my pre pregnancy weight and started putting myself back out into the dance world. I got a call from a music artist at around 6pm asking if I could attend a rehearsal later that night. I explained that I had a 5 month old and would have to find someone to watch him. She said bring him. This is the impetus that caused me to take my kid everywhere.

Since having Tyler, he has come with me when I choreographed numerous musicals for high school, college, and community theater. He had come with me when I teach dance class.  He recently went to see Star Wars in the theaters.  He comes out to dinner, parties, weddings, and various other events.

This is great for me! I don't have to always find a baby sitter. I get to spend time with my son and expose him to what I do. He has been able to experience live music and theater at a year old.  On breaks, we get to eat and play together. And I of course get to show him off.  What can be better than that?!

This is also great for T. At an early age he has been observing how to act around adults. He doesn't shout or scream.  He isn't climbing on tables or running around restaurants.  He doesn't disturb fellow movie goers.  He has learned how to act with adults in social situations.

Now I won't tell you he is perfection. There are times when mommy is teaching that he wants mommy now. And there a few occasions when he hasn't napped and can then be super fussy. I can count on one hand the number of times we have had to take him outside to calm down.  But he has learned that if I say wait and then I will help you, I actually will.  So he has slightly more patience than he would otherwise have.

He has also learned to be more comfortable around strangers. Of course, if he walks into a room full of loud college kids at rehearsal, he starts out shy. But he quickly warms up. If we get to rehearsal early and the kids trickle in, he is a ham. He also plays with the people I teach. If I'm working with one group of dancers, he is OK playing with the rest without me having to be there playing with him.

I truly believe that exposing him to adult social situations early on has taught him how to act around adults. We don't have melt downs in restaurants, we don't have talking in movies, and we have a kid that friends actually want us to bring to parties and social gatherings.

An added bonus is that my 3 year old is now also very cultured. He sings show tunes, has been to various museum exhibits, he quotes movies, and makes various pop culture references. He understands humor and makes conversation with adults. We couldn't be happier or more proud.

Tell us how you expose your kids to proper behavior around adults.

Cheers,

Emily

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How Sole Savers Saved My Feet

If you have read my latest blog post, then you know that my son had his 3rd birthday party on Sunday. While it was a ton of fun, it was a long day for mommy at 29 weeks pregnant. Read on to find out how sole savers saved my feet.

So upon getting up at 6am, I put on some leggings and my brand new black sole savers. I knew I was in for a long day, so flats were the way to go! Here they are in their adorable little canister and then on my feet.

Then it was on to start birthday prep. I started with making jello molds and then started frosting the cupcakes and topi g them with our brick candies and brick toppers. Then upstairs to make sure the birthday boy and the hubby was up. Then getting T dressed and getting him breakfast. Then back to the cupcakes. When that was finally done, it was time to hand streamers and the brick photo wall. Then the hubs put up the folding table so I could put all the tableware and plates and everything on display.

Next it was back to Tyler. We went potty and had some playtime. Then time for lunch! Then on to making food for the party including mini pb&j sandwiches, bagel bites, and pigs in a blanket. We put out the chips and finally it was 2pm, time for the party to start.

By this time I had already been running around for 8 hours. My feet did not hurt a bit. I was sure by this time I was going to have that pain in the back of the heel. You know when shoes have that elastic in the back that digs into your heel so that eventually you have to pull the heel part off and wear them like slippers? Well that never happened! After 8 hours they were as comfy as ever.

Then it was on to mingling and playing with our guests. Then running around with Tyler, presents, cake.... You know the deal. It was 6:30 before the last few guests were heading for the door. Now it was party clean up time, still in my sole savers.

Once that was done, there was still one more task to go. My living room is pretty tight, so in order to make room for guests, my husband had moved some larger toys and and items up to the bedrooms. However, in order to get to bed, these had to be moved back down. Now my hubs was off driving his family home, so there I was bringing all them items back downstairs. Finally, I ended the day playing with T and some of his new toys. By 8:30 I was as ready for bed as Tyler was.

However, my feet never hurt all day. At 29 weeks pregnant, that's a feat any day but especially on a day running around as much as I was. Their simple and cute design was easy to match and they come in a variety of colors. I have the black and gold, but I am anxiously awaiting the new collection coming out next month!

Another awesome feature is that they come with a little pouch and roll up easily. They are meant for when you go out on the town but then your feet are dying and you have to change out of your heels.  Here's a picture of everything they come with.

They will really save your feet! That's why I support this brand! Think about all those weddings and parties where these will come in handy.  Another bonus, a portion of each sale goes to charity and the charities change each month. So you save your feet and support a good cause. Win-win!!

You can check them out here: Sole Savers I am a brand ambassador so I do make a small commission if you make a purchase.

I hope you check them out!

Cheers,

Emily

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Relaxation Apps Perfect for Busy Moms

On days like today, I am glad that apps like these exist.  After a full weekend of freezing temperatures, an insurance adjuster dreads heading to the office.  You will be bombarded with claims of roof leaks and frozen pipes.  Today we had no less than 10 claims in all areas of the region with varying degrees of damage.  It is times like these that I am so happy that I have have found these relaxation apps perfect for busy moms.  They help me take a few minutes and relax during busy stressful days.

The first one is perfect for days like today when I'm running around like a chicken without a head.  The second, will come in hand when I have to spend long hours in the office writing up reports for all these claims.  Either way, they are perfect for busy working moms!!

OMG I Can Meditate

OMG. I Can Meditate ! - Meditation and Mindfulness Techniques Made Easy - OMG. I Can Meditate! Inc.

This app was created to help the typical busy person relax and remain calm. You don’t have to be an expert yogi with years of meditation training to take advantage of this meditation app. The app teaches some really simple relaxation techniques that you can use wherever you may be, and whenever you need them. In just 10 minutes, meditation coach Lynne Goldberg guides you through a simple meditation to help you relax and reduce stress.

If you think that spending 10 minutes a day meditating with this app is a waste of time, think again. When you are calm and relaxed you are prepared to accomplish more than you ever could when you are overburdened and stressed. That 10 minutes of meditation can actually save you time! Plus, you will be happier, more relaxed, and energized!! Meditation is used by many of the best and most successful minds out there from businessmen and women, to actors to athletes. If they can benefit from it, so can you. Best of all, this app is free for iPhone and iPad!

Office Yoga MD Lite

Office YogaMD Lite - Physical Medicine Associates This app came to my attention after it was named a Top 20 App for Working Mom's by Working Mother magazine. It is an essential app for any mom who works an office job, or just needs to reduce pain in general. Office YogaMD Lite is the ideal app for relief from computer-related pain and fatigue. The app presents various yoga moves that can be performed right in your office. These movements are presented in a clear and detailed audio-visual format.

Office Yoga teaches you easy yoga poses and practices that immediately improve your posture, breathing, and stress levels at work or at home. The application was created by Mary Schatz, M.D., a graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and is certified by world-renowned yogi B.K.S. Iyengar to teach his method of yoga. Through the app, Mary provides instructions on how to reduce eye, wrist, neck and back fatigue, stretch, and relax. It also includes a built-in reminder system that you can set to encourage regular breaks. If you have any of the following pains or issues, you need this app.

Great for: back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, wrist pain, eye strain, fatigue, and stress relief. This app is available in the iTunes store for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

Everyone has busy days now and then. These apps are perfect for helping you relax and decompress.  I hope you try them out!! What do you do to de-stress on busy days?? Let me know in the comments.

Cheers,

Emily

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Picking a Third Birthday Theme

With my son's third birthday quickly approaching, it was time to pick a theme for his party. For the past two years, this job was pretty easy. During the time prior to his parties, T was pretty much gravitating to one thing. For his first birthday, that was Sesame Street. For his second birthday, he was mad about Toy Story. Now that his third birthday was rolling around, picking a birthday theme was not so easy.

We obviously wanted to pick something that he liked, but unlike prior years, we had too many choices. This year he has various interests including Avengers, WWE, Lego, Star Wars, and more. Picking one of these to be his theme would not be easy.

We also had a second dilemma. We do not want to repeat birthday themes. He only has a certain amount of years of throwing birthday parties and we want him to get to celebrate with all different themes. With that in mind, themes like the Avengers were ruled out because when he is older he may want that theme to play with his friends. We considered a Muppets theme, but there just wasn't much available for Muppets. If I wasn't in grad school, I'd consider diy-ing it, but I just don't have the time.

What to do, what to do...

Luckily, we received an Oriental Trading catalog in the mail just as we were discussing matters. They had a bunch of fun but generic party themes one of which is perfect for Tyler. We found that the color brick party would be perfect for Tyler. All the items in this set have building blocks resembling Legos. They have tableware, accessories, favors and more. And we can supplement with his own Legos and Duplos. Need a utensil holder? Build it from blocks!

The best thing is, we can gear it to duplo versus Lego, which is more his speed anyway. If he wants a Lego party when he's older, we can always do a party at the Lego Discovery Center which would be totally different.

We found a cool vendor on Etsy, Blaked Potato Press who made custom invites for us. You can see the top portion of the invite in the cover photo. You can find them here: Blaked Potato Press Check out their other themes as well.

So in conclusion, here are my tips for choosing a third birthday theme.

1. Make a list of all the things your child is into at the moment

2. Remove items that may be more appropriate for older kids

3. If there are items remaining after step two, find the theme that had the most items available

4. If step 2 cleared your list, see if there is a generic version or a toddler version of your theme. So instead of Disney Princess, think generic princess or instead of Avengers, think generic super hero. At this age, what matters is how fun you make it!

Good luck in your party planning!!

If you could use a planer to help put together your birthday festivities, check out my birthday party planner here!

Cheers,

Emily

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Pregnancy Progress and Humor

Pregnancy Progress and Humor

I don't know about you, but this year seems to be the year of pregnancies for practically everyone I have ever gone to school with. Clearly, I am not an exception to this. At 24 weeks, I am well past the halfway point. I have been very lucky in that both of my pregnancies have gone pretty smoothly. Other than a few days of upset stomach/nausea in the first trimester, I haven't really been sick at all.  I was exhausted 1st trimester, but that's about it as far as symptoms.

This trimester has been going very well.  I'm showing a lot more than I did with T, but I'm still all belly.  In fact, people are often surprised when I tell them I'm having a girl.  At least those people that believe in old wives' tales. Ever since Christmas week, I have been back to working out 5-6 times a week.  Although it is sometimes hard to get up and workout, and it is easy to think I have any awesome excuse why I shouldn't have to, I also know I have any awesome reason to workout. A healthy mommy and baby!! I also feel 100 times better on the days I do workout so that is also motivating.

Tyler loves telling people where the baby is and he will sometimes talk to and kiss the baby.  However, I don't think he has fully grasped what is going on and he just likes to follow daddy's example.  Both of my boys have felt the baby kick. Well, sort of. I put Tyler's hand on my belly one day while we were watching Sesame Street together.  Baby Hailey gave 2 really good kicks so I look to Tyler for a reaction.  However, he was so distracted by watching Mr. Hooper surf (it was a very old episode) that he had no reaction at all.  At this point, the kicks are often sporadic and it's hard to get Tyler to keep his hand there waiting for a kick, especially since he doesn't know what he's waiting for. But, I hope to get a reaction out of him soon.

What Tyler really does love is taking the belly pictures every week.  As soon as he sees me write the number of weeks on the paper he is ready with his shirt up for a picture. Below are some of our more recent progress pics. After delivery, I will definitely do a post with every pic from when we first found out til the end so you can all see the progress.

22 weeks pregnant

23 weeks pregnant

24 weeks pregnant

Luckily, I still have my energy up since this is the first week of the spring semester of grad school.  Even though my professors have been forewarned about my pregnancy and due date, and they have promised that accommodations can be made, I can't help but be a little worried about the end of the semester.  This is especially true if this little girl decides to come early.  But we can only take it day by day.  So to relieve some stress, I have a few more pregnancy poems for your enjoyment!

The Battle

I have a foe who is always with me, always on the attack. They’re quick and smart and stealthy, never to be seen when I look back. I cannot seem to loose them, wherever I may go. When I try to fool them, they always seem to know. They kick and punch and jab me every time I take a ride The funny thing about it is it's coming from inside The creature that’s inside me, will never let me rest Despite all that I do for it (I really try my best) I feel you punch my kidneys, I feel you jab my spleen I have to be quite honest, I think it's very mean When I try to go to bed and get a little sleep I sense you calmly lying there lurking in the deep As soon as I lie down at night it’s like an alarm just rung You don’t want mommy to relax, you go and kick my lung I love you little peanut but you need to understand I need to go to sleep sometimes, it's something I demand So please get off the defense and lower down your guard Let’s call a truce, at least at night, so sleeping is not so hard

My Newest Love

I have fallen in love for the third time The excitement of it makes me rhyme They come with me when I go to the gym They make my bottom feel so slim They come with me when I go to work They never make me look like a jerk These leggings are my new best friend My time with them should never end They look like tights when under skirts They’re also great under long shirts They never bother my growing bump Nor fall down when I move or jump If possible they're all I'd ever wear Without a worry or a care I wear leggings nearly everyday And that's the way it's going to stay Until this little babe is born It's the only bottom that will be worn

Cheers,

Emily

Let me send you a whole list of tips to help you make more time for yourself and your goals! Plus you will get weekly emails with more tips and advice.

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