tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71368158825864394132024-03-13T07:24:34.641-04:00Tuesdays with JacobRachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.comBlogger464125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-51480341204926292042024-03-03T17:43:00.006-05:002024-03-03T17:44:23.640-05:00For the Easter Basket <p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;">Easter is coming up quickly and we wanted to round up a few of the sweetest goodies for baskets! We love to put the kids to bed the night before in matching Easter jammies & then wake them up to their filled baskets. We usually do an egg hunt in the backyard as well!! Our kids always get new books, swimsuits and sandals</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"> in their baskets, plus a few other things. Here are some of the fun things we've found this year! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6x1flC3UKPyg6ODqbKeWGYj_J8vV503zLf6RuqpeaKuwYpiahWwt_HFA4ag0K9YfQWkBlO8Ozag_9a9dfEY7q1nnXNdXyNTNDoFEEXAUWZs2-bDlDWG7HsNUsAkCSBXS0hAiBVtX9_ymLsyaIR-HVve8rQBJPBUJG3LV1gEbmXL6SW7XVwk2104JTk9my/s1200/toddler%20girls%20easter%202024.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6x1flC3UKPyg6ODqbKeWGYj_J8vV503zLf6RuqpeaKuwYpiahWwt_HFA4ag0K9YfQWkBlO8Ozag_9a9dfEY7q1nnXNdXyNTNDoFEEXAUWZs2-bDlDWG7HsNUsAkCSBXS0hAiBVtX9_ymLsyaIR-HVve8rQBJPBUJG3LV1gEbmXL6SW7XVwk2104JTk9my/w426-h640/toddler%20girls%20easter%202024.png" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Work Sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"><a href="https://www.target.com/p/toddler-girls-39-rainbow-unicorn-bracelet-and-necklace-set-cat-38-jack-8482/-/A-88449799#lnk=sametab">ONE</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/3TkGIHy">TWO</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/3v1Jd8c">THREE</a> // <a href="https://www.target.com/p/easter-crossbody-terry-fabric-bag-brown-spritz-8482/-/A-88768472#lnk=sametab">FOUR</a> // </span><a href="https://www.target.com/p/spring-bunny-bait-trail-mix-8oz-favorite-day-8482/-/A-89021895#lnk=sametab" style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;">FIVE</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"> </span><a href="https://amzn.to/3wKSPEQ" style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;">SIX</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"> // </span><a href="https://www.carters.com/oshkosh-toddler-girl-swim/V_2Q461910.html" style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;">SEVEN</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"> // </span><a href="https://www.sunnylife.com/products/water-squirters-dolphin-lilac-s41asdol?_pos=1&_psq=dolphin&_ss=e&_v=1.0" style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;">EIGHT</a> // <a href="https://www.target.com/p/toddler-reagan-footbed-sandals-cat-jack/-/A-83480975?preselect=89254030#lnk=sametab">NINE</a> // <a href="https://www.jellycat.com/us/blossom-jasmine-bunny-bl4bnl/">TEN</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Work Sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxGqcbA0LLMJsOPs53RUYSa-QEvGqoj_N27QmT_ROVaRpYXdSRqLVMbs-9yfcG5KApszjaSzuxLlVhMgJOGY_3rK1N4vO7EiIhIZvQvYAItO9cyBNXkbZGfo4qC6hNAQihiQwfwH5IcHN0grH3QMQf5GZz_p6HhYGeKNpmZK8oKKpM-nNWREqvNm6xOZm/s1200/boys%20easter%20baskets.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxGqcbA0LLMJsOPs53RUYSa-QEvGqoj_N27QmT_ROVaRpYXdSRqLVMbs-9yfcG5KApszjaSzuxLlVhMgJOGY_3rK1N4vO7EiIhIZvQvYAItO9cyBNXkbZGfo4qC6hNAQihiQwfwH5IcHN0grH3QMQf5GZz_p6HhYGeKNpmZK8oKKpM-nNWREqvNm6xOZm/w426-h640/boys%20easter%20baskets.png" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Work Sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"><a href="https://www.target.com/p/s-39-mores-trail-mix-9oz-favorite-day-8482/-/A-81426161">ONE</a> // <a href="https://www.vans.com/en-us/accessories-c00083/kids-checkerboard-crew-sock-pvn000ez3y28">TWO</a> // <a href="https://www.fivebelow.com/products/prime-hydration-drink-169-floz_2">THREE</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/48UaY0F">FOUR</a> // </span><a href="https://www.sunnylife.com/products/underwater-camera-sea-seeker-24?_pos=1&_sid=2ec4b5a50&_ss=r" style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;">FIVE</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"> // </span><a href="https://www.target.com/p/boys-39-plastic-square-sunglasses-art-class-8482-crystal-blue/-/A-89318978#lnk=sametab" style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;">SIX</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"> </span><a href="https://amzn.to/49VS0Yb" style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;">SEVEN</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"> // </span><a href="https://www.target.com/p/kids-39-drew-footbed-sandals-cat-38-jack-8482/-/A-89295853?preselect=89254261#lnk=sametab" style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;">EIGHT</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/3v2hDHV">NINE</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/3T2M9JH">TEN</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/4bZlIx9">ELEVEN</a> </p>Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-42153310701801098572023-08-08T18:10:00.004-04:002023-08-08T18:11:11.579-04:00Birthday Gifts for Two Year Old Girls <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another year has flown by and we're in party planning mode. I've rounded up some of our favorite gifts for this fun age! </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/AVvXsEgnwAMIMHPiTR-GZ23LIE0R--w4tMPtk5D0XCBVCByJ7uwgGxc2d8jLFareUdodKQkmJrNw_ELlR12trsBTilB_E_ZWcdr2CZJaolAzdTo6s4oB-5AzdIoQsG9ojlZGFOniOpw-_CM8IsaqpqJrWTfAbWRx53a8_1tVBk0oBCiHW8fS4tCXNVw4N7JJzomC/s1200/second%20birthday%20girl.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwAMIMHPiTR-GZ23LIE0R--w4tMPtk5D0XCBVCByJ7uwgGxc2d8jLFareUdodKQkmJrNw_ELlR12trsBTilB_E_ZWcdr2CZJaolAzdTo6s4oB-5AzdIoQsG9ojlZGFOniOpw-_CM8IsaqpqJrWTfAbWRx53a8_1tVBk0oBCiHW8fS4tCXNVw4N7JJzomC/w426-h640/second%20birthday%20girl.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>one: <a href="https://amzn.to/47rUHAv">book</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/47mVYss">water bottle</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3Yvo40v">tutu</a> </div><div>two: <a href="https://amzn.to/3KzEwaq">dump truck</a> </div><div>three: <a href="https://amzn.to/45hC4x6">coloring book</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/45jiHnh">chunky crayons</a> </div><div>four: <a href="https://amzn.to/443L0Fn">mega blocks</a> </div><div>five: <a href="https://amzn.to/3QDU4gW">purse</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3YpWEcq">accessories kit</a></div><div>six: <a href="https://amzn.to/3DPwtlU">flashlight book</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/44V0uwC">lion plush</a></div><div>seven: <a href="https://amzn.to/3OJGaIV">play kitchen</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3DMxGKL">broom set</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/3qqKJyz">play food</a> </div><div>eight: <a href="https://www.americangirl.com/pages/bitty-baby">bitty baby doll</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3qnO55n">doll stroller</a> </div>Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-61507647603932560302023-03-21T14:43:00.000-04:002023-03-21T14:43:02.023-04:00Easter Goodies 2023 <p><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Work Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;">Easter is coming up quickly and we wanted to round up a few of the sweetest goodies for baskets! We love to put the kids to bed the night before in matching Easter Jammies & then wake them up to their filled baskets. We usually do an egg hunt in the backyard as well!! Our kids always get new books, swimsuits and flip flops in their baskets, plus a few other fun things to play with. How do you celebrate?!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0S_RaJ_oRLibcIS93PlkIXywNOMKO5L-fjiH6xXo_3U5n_GC5XxChbtqF4EnfaOgqLF1MfFAHg1AfmodWpO-VrTCy19RTFCeeGxXvOzX0QsacWCQLejRyelk8L8YpyISkFuVNc1m1QEaFf5TNJC_N4VfhwxVtTmw8JBBc4l9rNXhrEy9z7-dacXoyA/s1200/toddler%20girls%20easter%20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0S_RaJ_oRLibcIS93PlkIXywNOMKO5L-fjiH6xXo_3U5n_GC5XxChbtqF4EnfaOgqLF1MfFAHg1AfmodWpO-VrTCy19RTFCeeGxXvOzX0QsacWCQLejRyelk8L8YpyISkFuVNc1m1QEaFf5TNJC_N4VfhwxVtTmw8JBBc4l9rNXhrEy9z7-dacXoyA/w426-h640/toddler%20girls%20easter%20.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Work Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Work Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"><a href="https://www.target.com/p/carter-s-just-one-you-toddler-girls-3pc-floral-gingham-pajama-set-pink/-/A-87408895?preselect=87232155#lnk=sametab">ONE</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/40r9Hua">TWO</a> // <a href="https://hazelandfawn.com/products/bajo-small-white-hopping-rabbit-childrens-wooden-push-pull-toy">THREE</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/42tdPeG">FOUR</a> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Work Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3FBtAGP">FIVE</a> // <a href="https://www.maisonette.com/product/twee-duckie-s-fluffle-handmade-sidewalk-chalk-set-pink?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=wp_g_conv_ff_pmax_all_craftsandstem_0&utm_content=g_conv_ff_0_pmax_all_craftsandstem_0_0_0&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjwq-WgBhBMEiwAzKSH6JO9w0WyqhQx-dZoVLCpBJWK3RacDHeGflpul904Cy_sT94LYNB7nhoCMR0QAvD_BwE">SIX</a> // <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Carter-s-Child-of-Mine-Baby-and-Toddler-Girl-Rashguard-Swimsuit-One-Piece-Sizes-0-3M-5T/1306220496">SEVEN</a> // <a href="https://cuddleandkind.com/products/eloise-the-elephant?variant=31043626926182">EIGHT</a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Work Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLQTFZQIHWPlkqixRkHi9S71R81X7Ntg6QoTDKp69VxutgaXzmMTFzY_j0hIPJxTrnpR62BY0h8PFSJ7armFn2ncumeANQuBgaF3DzPJoDrUM4BOIEuvVrXMXGl6H2T17sys6CyeZKL-qb2M4DgrfhYNQacwLAC028JKMbi7S3bA2nQR8R9d-cZS5LA/s1200/boys%20easter%20baskets%20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLQTFZQIHWPlkqixRkHi9S71R81X7Ntg6QoTDKp69VxutgaXzmMTFzY_j0hIPJxTrnpR62BY0h8PFSJ7armFn2ncumeANQuBgaF3DzPJoDrUM4BOIEuvVrXMXGl6H2T17sys6CyeZKL-qb2M4DgrfhYNQacwLAC028JKMbi7S3bA2nQR8R9d-cZS5LA/w426-h640/boys%20easter%20baskets%20.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Work Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"><a href="https://factory.jcrew.com/p/boys/categories/accessories/ties-and-accessories/hats/boysapos-sunset-trucker-hat/BE630?display=standard&fit=Classic&color_name=dude-topiary-white-mult&colorProductCode=BE630">ONE</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/3lwgML4">TWO</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/3n8TdIF">THREE</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/3Z9VUa6">FOUR</a> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Work Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.75px;"><a href="https://factory.jcrew.com/p/boys/categories/accessories/ties-and-accessories/sunglasses/kids-metal-aviator-sunglasses/G3837?display=standard&fit=Classic&color_name=green-blue&colorProductCode=G3837">FIVE</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/3JqYUsU">SIX</a> // <a href="https://www.hannaandersson.com/boys-clothing-swimsuits/80282-241.html?dwvar_80282-241_color=241&cgid=boys-clothing-swimsuits">SEVEN</a> // <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Feastables-MrBeast-Milk-Chocolate-Bar-2-1-oz-60g-1-bar/247191629?athbdg=L1600">EIGHT</a></span></p>Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-7144106085251949302022-07-17T12:24:00.000-04:002022-07-17T12:24:03.157-04:00Birthday Gifts for One Year Old Girls <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> <span style="text-align: center;"> I can't believe we've got only a month left of babyhood. Those first three months in the NICU seemed to stretch on forever, and then the last few have just flown by! I asked around for gift ideas as I'm starting to plan her birthday, and I've compiled some of the ideas here. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJE0qX862tHPpHDmFqMSJAmg1_SoKK6Z8b5CLdIm2Fl6SO0fO3ZBakdKybWN8X5SytsfFQFf2V7gABbOzv80lCgUasizEhfASTc23c7i06JSvRyF39N0u8E9Z4zgF_bsBCjX5-nLfva9-8nnzfSdOge9PNuQ4rxlg3zvUK_ZmA77ABprjltxXMlesqFw/s1200/first%20birthday%20girl.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJE0qX862tHPpHDmFqMSJAmg1_SoKK6Z8b5CLdIm2Fl6SO0fO3ZBakdKybWN8X5SytsfFQFf2V7gABbOzv80lCgUasizEhfASTc23c7i06JSvRyF39N0u8E9Z4zgF_bsBCjX5-nLfva9-8nnzfSdOge9PNuQ4rxlg3zvUK_ZmA77ABprjltxXMlesqFw/w426-h640/first%20birthday%20girl.png" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3bXxEF7">ON<span face="Lora, sans-serif"><span>E</span></span></a><span face="Lora, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424;"> // </span><a href="https://www.thetot.com/product/tender-leaf-toys-sunshine-baby-activity-walker/?tot-i18n-country=US&gclid=CjwKCAjwiJqWBhBdEiwAtESPaFqruY3LyhqJ7P5rnsOUP6PsqSEhhCbKR0b3CErdDDRXx_Tu-Gms1xoCtUAQAvD_BwE">TWO</a><span face="Lora, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424;"> // </span><a href="https://www.teacollection.com/product/22s12701/in-your-dreams-pajama-set.html#popsicle%20parade">THREE</a><span face="Lora, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424;"> // </span><a href="https://amzn.to/3RaUtW6">FOUR</a><span face="Lora, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424;"> // </span><a href="https://www.maisonette.com/product/musical-lili-llama?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Smart%20Shopping%20-%20Arts%20&%20Crafts%20/%20STEM%20Toys&utm_content=Smart%20Shopping%20-%20Arts%20+%20STEM&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjwiJqWBhBdEiwAtESPaKgfaiSwl684wjg5ZZPhTVq932vYPtIuzIKWXKPdO6Nt1MiBXlqHmhoCmk8QAvD_BwE">FIVE</a><span face="Lora, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424;"> // </span><a href="https://amzn.to/3yl9iwR">SIX</a><span face="Lora, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424;"> // </span><a href="https://www.juneandjanuary.com/products/scrunch-scrunch-pail-and-shovel?variant=41715767279814">SEVEN</a></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3c6zbsx">EIGHT</a> // <a href="https://slumberkins.com/collections/snugglers">NINE</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/3nLuCXn">TEN</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lollaland-Weighted-Straw-Sippy-Lollacup/dp/B009LL61LG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=ZDAAGTHWQ6L1&keywords=weighted+straw+cup+lollaland+pink&qid=1657223886&sprefix=weighted+straw+cup+lollaland+pink%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-4">ELEVEN</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/3ank3Xq">TWELVE </a></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">One // <b><u>Snack Cups</u></b>: We're still working on that pincer grip, but <a href="https://amzn.to/3bXxEF7">these cups</a> are perfect for cheerios or puffs. I love that they have a lid and collapse down for easy storage in your diaper bag or drawer. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Two // <b><u>Walker</u></b>: We're big fans of tenderleaf toys and love the classic wood look of their toys. This <a href="https://www.thetot.com/product/tender-leaf-toys-sunshine-baby-activity-walker/?tot-i18n-country=US&gclid=CjwKCAjwiJqWBhBdEiwAtESPaFqruY3LyhqJ7P5rnsOUP6PsqSEhhCbKR0b3CErdDDRXx_Tu-Gms1xoCtUAQAvD_BwE">sunshine one</a> is top of my list. This <a href="https://amzn.to/3P7hEyM">primary colored one</a> and this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1182478334/haus-projekt-baby-walker-safari-wooden?click_key=2e56cbeb09c0daabd412df2d8b380c17080d4162%3A1182478334&click_sum=42d904df&ref=hp_rv-2">Etsy one</a> are good picks too! </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Three // <b><u>Popsicle Pjs</u></b>: The summery colors on <a href="https://www.teacollection.com/product/22s12701/in-your-dreams-pajama-set.html#popsicle%20parade">these</a> are what hooked me, but if you're looking for a classic birthday print we love <a href="https://littlesleepies.com/products/pink-party-animals-bamboo-viscose-zippy">these</a> from Little Sleepies. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Four // <b><u>Water Table</u></b>: This was one of the most frequently recommended gifts and I loved the double layers on <a href="https://amzn.to/3RaUtW6">this one</a>. I also love <a href="https://amzn.to/3nM9Si8">this one</a> that has a bubble machine. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Five // <b><u>Musical Llama</u></b>: <a href="https://www.maisonette.com/product/musical-lili-llama?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Smart%20Shopping%20-%20Arts%20&%20Crafts%20/%20STEM%20Toys&utm_content=Smart%20Shopping%20-%20Arts%20+%20STEM&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjwiJqWBhBdEiwAtESPaKgfaiSwl684wjg5ZZPhTVq932vYPtIuzIKWXKPdO6Nt1MiBXlqHmhoCmk8QAvD_BwE">This llama</a> is full of fun musical activities like a xylophone, maracas, and drums. Perfect for introducing little ones to music! </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Six // <b><u>Crib Shoes</u></b>: These classic <a href="https://amzn.to/3yl9iwR">Adidas sneakers</a> have soft soles for beginning walkers. We also love Freshly Picked <a href="https://freshlypicked.com/collections/soft-soles-1">moccasins</a> with their soft leather! </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Seven // <b><u>Sand Toys and Bucket</u></b>: If you have any beach trips in your future a <a href="https://www.juneandjanuary.com/products/scrunch-scrunch-pail-and-shovel?variant=41715767279814">beach pail</a> and <a href="https://www.juneandjanuary.com/products/scrunch-sand-toy-set?pr_prod_strat=copurchase&pr_rec_id=d1e5fbe37&pr_rec_pid=7181084033222&pr_ref_pid=7181079773382&pr_seq=uniform">sand toys</a> are a perfect gift. I love that this pail can be rolled up for easy storage in your beach bag. The sand toys (sold seperately) come with their own little mesh bag. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Eight // <b><u>Unicorn Bubble Machine</u></b>: What baby doesn't love bubbles? This <a href="https://amzn.to/3c6zbsx">unicorn one</a> is such a fun shape! </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Nine // <b><u>Slumberkins</u></b>: Each <a href="https://slumberkins.com/collections/snugglers">animal shaped lovey</a> comes with it's own character building book. The unicorn and narwhal are at the top of my list! Some of our other favorite loveys include <a href="https://amzn.to/3yANHAx">taggie</a> blankets, and <a href="https://warmies.com/collections/warmies">warmies</a> stuffed animals. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Ten // <b><u>Baby Balance Bike</u></b>: Another highly recommended item. I loved the soft pink of <a href="https://amzn.to/3nLuCXn">this one</a>. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Eleven // <b><u>Weighted Straw Cup</u></b>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lollaland-Weighted-Straw-Sippy-Lollacup/dp/B009LL61LG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=ZDAAGTHWQ6L1&keywords=weighted+straw+cup+lollaland+pink&qid=1657223886&sprefix=weighted+straw+cup+lollaland+pink%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-4">These</a> were our favorite sippy cups with Jacob, the weighted straw making it easy for him to get even the last bit of water out. The <a href="https://amzn.to/3aqEW3R">munchkin ones</a> work great too! </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Twelve // <b><u>Flamingo Rocker</u></b>: The little seat makes <a href="https://amzn.to/3ank3Xq">this rocker</a> more suitable for our littlest ones. I also love <a href="https://amzn.to/3bRdk8t">this swan version</a> from our Christmas List. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><b><u><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">More Ideas: </span></u></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Playroom Goodies</b>: The <a href="https://nuggetcomfort.com/">Nugget</a> Couch, <a href="https://www.thetot.com/product/lily-river-birch-climber/">Pickler Triangle and Ramp</a>, and this indoor/outdoor <a href="https://quadrotoys.com/collections/quadro-home/products/adventure-home?variant=40445137780906">climbing structure</a> would all be great additions to a playroom if you've got the extra space. We've also really enjoyed the developmental toys from Lovevery. Their <a href="https://lovevery.com/products/the-play-kits">subscription boxes</a> are broken down by age. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Feeding Essentials</b>: <a href="https://amzn.to/3AxgFno">Divided plates</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3AzCpPz">utensils</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/3yodmwi">bibs</a> are all great to have on hand as baby continues to explore table food. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Books</b>: Just a few we have our eyes on - <a href="https://amzn.to/3RhcOki">baby lit</a> board books, <a href="https://amzn.to/3bYz2HR">Bunny Roo and Duckling too</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3akPqC6">What are Little Girls Made of?</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3OQm6SJ">Flora and the Ostrich</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3akTh1Q">A New Alphabet for Humanity</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3yPtPer">10 Little fingers and 10 Little Toes</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3Pal043">Pearl</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/3yQTKT4">The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear</a>.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Hope this round up gives you a few ideas and that you have fun putting together gifts for your little ones! Happy shopping friends, XO.</span></div></div>Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-64683373678800530082022-03-02T20:32:00.000-05:002022-03-02T20:32:04.038-05:00Easter Basket Goodies <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXyTYFswK6oWo4w4IxqF1E9y_w0NWNjxAB5vQAhriNJH7pKJZEmQdHrybmlwe7Q1Awji6jyMEUBVBA9aCdh87ztfz4ZdXpiUUGGcqX9-W7PIPKba4HFK83SbatuZwu-y9YwpRoNWfzDrycjAddm5w2c3m-tTVrLJ18zvIyi9A0Vrfb7MlU7nzQA0-tYA=s940" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXyTYFswK6oWo4w4IxqF1E9y_w0NWNjxAB5vQAhriNJH7pKJZEmQdHrybmlwe7Q1Awji6jyMEUBVBA9aCdh87ztfz4ZdXpiUUGGcqX9-W7PIPKba4HFK83SbatuZwu-y9YwpRoNWfzDrycjAddm5w2c3m-tTVrLJ18zvIyi9A0Vrfb7MlU7nzQA0-tYA=w640-h536" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">It still feels a little surreal friends. I get to put together two Easter baskets this year. Assembling baskets is a task I look forward to all year and I used to dream of two matching baskets on Easter morning. In the past when I bought Jacob a new basket I'd buy a second one, just in case. I did it once his first Easter, and again the Easter he was four. Last year I got him a new basket from Hearth & Hand and for the first time I didn't buy a second basket. I had given up. I should have known then I guess. One of the first things I did once I found out I was pregnant was start hunting down an additional matching Easter basket and Christmas stocking. Turns out Hearth & Hand has the same baskets out this year and you should definitely grab them for your little bunnies because they are the perfect size! You can find them <a href="https://www.target.com/p/wire-easter-basket-white-hearth-hand-with-magnolia/-/A-83725655?preselect=83031227#lnk=sametab">HERE</a>. Let's get down to the fillers shall we? I usually put a pair of PJs in there, but I think we might go with swimsuits this year. Lots of fun goodies, but also some things they need like new flip flops and an eating set for introducing solids. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilTWKNdHsDFtLkoYcvLL94-xMwJO0C78w3rGpSQFY1JoHh4lQ8j_Tfgk3QHc-TNueWoiTh-EwAwFApta4icf32HOVLB8fDZRarBcsLF54niY_tPcx1e8O4Opv4dVOnKfD1Gv1zlVj_kMppj08blbbm179D5nZVlJS4VN_zqmN6yWbUi0WPI0pIZ1zVKg=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilTWKNdHsDFtLkoYcvLL94-xMwJO0C78w3rGpSQFY1JoHh4lQ8j_Tfgk3QHc-TNueWoiTh-EwAwFApta4icf32HOVLB8fDZRarBcsLF54niY_tPcx1e8O4Opv4dVOnKfD1Gv1zlVj_kMppj08blbbm179D5nZVlJS4VN_zqmN6yWbUi0WPI0pIZ1zVKg=w426-h640" width="426" /></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://www.target.com/p/miniature-four-in-a-row-game-44pc-hearth-38-hand-8482-with-magnolia/-/A-83042881#lnk=sametab">ONE</a>//<a href="https://www.zappos.com/p/reef-kids-ahi-little-kid-big-kid-bolt-up/product/9121920/color/943677">TWO</a>//<a href="https://amzn.to/3vDfJeP">THREE</a>//<a href="https://amzn.to/3szEG9a">FOUR</a>//<a href="https://bling2o.com/collections/the-full-collection/products/lockness-nelly">FIVE</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3MgVE3Y">SIX</a>//<a href="https://www.teacollection.com/product/22s23604/shortie-swim-trunks.html#macaw%20march%20in%20blue">SEVEN</a>//<a href="https://www.papersource.com/gifts/chocolate-confetti-bar-10018018.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=acquisition&utm_content=10018018&CAWELAID=120031300000086563&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=79347555738&CATCI=pla-327810401673&gclid=CjwKCAiAyPyQBhB6EiwAFUuakjrH69g5QhNJheoJ9FVqMZNZypQ7LNn-wXJXNv51VEBobvarEN_GwhoCmyEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds">EIGHT</a>//<a href="https://amzn.to/34bj3Tg">NINE</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/a/AVvXsEhQZo3rpi9UDh3ZhH6r60_9Yq5B7d6jJ8h-EZFe-GSx6lAWItOGsvU0TW-I4BHLtnkmg7XDIqrF1qh2vobBSiAWPVBQC2XL4J_LcSTA6_R5J6HcP3BT_6rQQo4asJjQPoThR9dcEDJ3AiTISlQSIKYZm__s5bxkZ3QINcNYmMiq7ZsKkLByrciBft722A=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQZo3rpi9UDh3ZhH6r60_9Yq5B7d6jJ8h-EZFe-GSx6lAWItOGsvU0TW-I4BHLtnkmg7XDIqrF1qh2vobBSiAWPVBQC2XL4J_LcSTA6_R5J6HcP3BT_6rQQo4asJjQPoThR9dcEDJ3AiTISlQSIKYZm__s5bxkZ3QINcNYmMiq7ZsKkLByrciBft722A=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.target.com/p/ezpz-first-food-set/-/A-79565867?preselect=78136492#lnk=sametab">ONE</a>//<a href="https://amzn.to/3pxhJBH">TWO</a>//<a href="https://amzn.to/3HCtD3g">THREE</a>//<a href="https://www.target.com/p/baby-girls-faux-leather-slip-on-shoes-cat-jack/-/A-82531812?preselect=82113726#lnk=sametab">FOUR</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3MuhukL">FIVE</a>//<a href="https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=826585002&cid=54738&pcid=54738&vid=1&nav=meganav%3ABaby%3AShop%20Baby%20Girls%20Categories%3ASwimsuits%20&cpos=7&cexp=2223&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D54738&ctype=Listing&cpid=res22030217661316920845451#pdp-page-content">SIX</a>//<a href="https://maisonbabyandkids.com/products/jellycat-cordy-roy-bunny-activity-toy?variant=42383394177237&currency=USD&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google+shopping&gclid=CjwKCAiAyPyQBhB6EiwAFUuaknt_Vu-lmVd2kMpIm_lrcvp3FA4s53FVNzFxdnkBXsb4rObgLypo-xoC1EsQAvD_BwE">SEVEN</a>//<a href="https://amzn.to/3pwDbXt">EIGHT</a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-59692539598840952872021-10-23T20:59:00.001-04:002021-10-23T21:07:19.735-04:00Raina's Birth Story, Part 2<p> </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy-gwb6LWpIGCgwswmpLfP_Zx2rkkIRbrDfyOg1nx3JSIq4KTLp9JW_v8HLrJZmNfzYNzF12cop-1kafVCHy4tqCE7X0DcsLH6djYkvhOJmU2zX8ObYeEttFZ1dn11Nn2Fl_Uab9ehOtJ_EIflEAR_cIn86rkUQQ0PT7CNCH40Qi8_M9PZKWIV73BGRg=s2048" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy-gwb6LWpIGCgwswmpLfP_Zx2rkkIRbrDfyOg1nx3JSIq4KTLp9JW_v8HLrJZmNfzYNzF12cop-1kafVCHy4tqCE7X0DcsLH6djYkvhOJmU2zX8ObYeEttFZ1dn11Nn2Fl_Uab9ehOtJ_EIflEAR_cIn86rkUQQ0PT7CNCH40Qi8_M9PZKWIV73BGRg=s600" width="600" /></a><b>August 2021</b><div>When we left off we had just found out we were 22 weeks pregnant with a baby girl. Everything had checked out ok on the ultrasound and my bloodwork and we were sent on our way with instructions to return in four weeks for my glucose test. We set up an ultrasound appointment for our anatomy scan for two days after the glucose appointment. I wouldn't make it to that ultrasound appointment. Those four weeks were... interesting. They started out fine. I felt tired and achy, nothing out of the normal for a woman in her second trimester. I helped out at Jacob's summer camp in the morning until it got too hot and I had to rest at home. I went back to work to prepare for the upcoming school year, and then the year started. That first week back to school I felt AWFUL. I must have looked it too because I got comment after comment about how miserable I looked and how I wasn't going to make it until November. (little did they know just how right they were) By the time my 26 week glucose test appointment rolled around four weeks later I was barely sleeping. I'd prop myself up with a dozen pillows and sleep for an hour before getting too uncomfortable and moving to our rocking chair. Dan would cocoon me in there with another dozen pillows and blankets and I would try to sleep sitting up. I'd get maybe an hour. Rinse, repeat, all night long. My back ached, my ribs ached, I felt generally ill. I could hardly stand up long enough to cook Jacob dinner and I had to make him push the cart at Trader Joes one day becuase I physically couldn't do it. I couldn't remember ever feeling so awful with Jacob, but maybe I had just blocked it out. After all, it was seven years ago. I voiced my concerns to my midwife and she suggested magnesium supplements, an abdominal support band, plenty of fluids, all things I was already doing. I was beyond miserable and felt like surely I was dying. Little did I know, I slowly was. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>August 17, 2021. The Doctor's Office</b></div><div>I went to school that Tuesday morning like normal. Dan met us in the parking lot after school because Jacob forgot his tablet and we had my lengthy glucose appointment. He gave Jacob his tablet, kissed me goodbye, and we went on our way. Neither of us expecting anything out of the normal to happen that day. My appointment started off normal enough. I got Jacob settled with his tablet, I drank the glucose, I had a telehealth appointment with my midwife who was unable to come into the office (likely a Covid exposure) and then the nurses tried to take my blood. It took three of them and four attempts, but they finally got what they needed. I expressed how awful I had been feeling. They said my vitals (including blood pressure) checked out ok and to keep hydrated and rest as much as possible. They'd let me know about the glucose results. I never did find out those results... I got Jacob settled on a couch in the lobby and then checked out. Right before we left I thought I ought to use the bathroom real quick because my bladder wasn't holding up too well this pregnancy and we were heading to cub scouts after. When I went to wipe, the toilet paper was pink. I had never had any spotting with Jacob or this pregnancy so I was immediately alarmed. I let the desk staff know what happened and the nurses assured me that as long as it wasn't bright red blood, I was fine. As they were explaning this to me I felt what I can only describe as a gushing feeling. I excused myself to the bathroom where I found bright red blood everywhere. I came back out, panicked and explained. One of the practices Obgyn's overheard me and suggested we go back to the ultrasound room to take a look. I was the last appointment of the day and my visit was telehealth with my midwife so there really was no reason for this doctor to still be there, but by some miracle he was. We grabbed Jacob and went back to the ultrasound room. The same room where I saw our tiny daughter on the screen for the first time four weeks ago. I sat Jacob in a chair and prayed he'd be too engrossed in his game on his tablet to notice what was going on. They had me change into a gown and I cringed when I sat down on the exam table, as it too was now covered in blood. The doctor studied the ultrasound for a while and then said that he thought he saw something, that it might just be a low lying placenta, but he wasn't sure. He wanted me to go to the hospital to get checked out, stay overnight for monitoring and then mentioned that I'd probably be put on bedrest for a week or two to make sure the bleeding stopped. They gave me the choice of two hospitals, but strongly suggested I go the closer of the two. I asked if I had time to go home first and get my things, they said not to. I figured it wasn't a big deal, I could survive one night without my things. I took Jacob to the car where I thankfully found a towel to sit on and then sent a bunch of texts. I told Dan I was being sent to the hospital and he should come home from work. I text my mom, then our cub scout leaders to let them know Jacob wasn't going to make it that night. Weeks later I would find his cub scout uniform and struggle to even remember why it was in the car. I drove to the hospital ten minutes away and my father in law met me there to take Jacob. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhczt7dBR_jMErNs1QU9OYzRcgG_HtYYngHNu6zHYNWU_r3LI-4PCWAvDWu6Z6Er5NQxpOZwb8c3CDytbTcqYKSLSgm34yPOn1IEFcPj3d5Q-DmwlSA046XZX7zks3TnZ83Vwk5rZIrKTP3hnzSeh_TforjZTNrmuUERJ4RAWfoI6da_bUDo5Qiz8puZw=s1560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhczt7dBR_jMErNs1QU9OYzRcgG_HtYYngHNu6zHYNWU_r3LI-4PCWAvDWu6Z6Er5NQxpOZwb8c3CDytbTcqYKSLSgm34yPOn1IEFcPj3d5Q-DmwlSA046XZX7zks3TnZ83Vwk5rZIrKTP3hnzSeh_TforjZTNrmuUERJ4RAWfoI6da_bUDo5Qiz8puZw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>August 17, 2021. The ER</b></div><div>Once Jacob left I tried to walk into the ER as calmly as I could. I was stopped at a desk and told to change my mask and fill out a Covid questionaire. The receptionist had several other people to help first and told me I could take a seat until my turn if I liked. I declined, too afaid I'd leave blood all over the seat. Once it was my turn and they were satisfied with my answers they sent me in to the ER. I waited in line to check in and prayed I wouldn't drip blood all over the floor. Once I was checked in and my license was checked and entered into the system they called over a security guard who walked me down to triage. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>August 17, 2021. Triage</b></div><div>In Triage I was given a bed and a gown and told to change. I expressed concern about all of the blood and was told not to worry about getting it on the gown or the bed. (why was I even worried about that?) Once I was changed I laid down on the bed and tried to take some deep breaths to calm down. Dan called, he was at the hospital but they wouldn't let him in unless I was going to deliver, Covid rules. He said he'd wait in the parking lot. I prayed I wouldn't have to deliver. 26 weeks was way too early. I text my team leader at school and my principal and told them I wouldn't be in the next day. And then I heard the lullaby. Does your hospital play a lullaby every time a baby is born? I never gave it a second thought before, but lying in Triage bleeding everywhere not knowing if I was going to have to deliver, or if I even could safely deliver and then hearing that lullaby and knowing someone else had safely delivered their baby was too much. I couldn't stop the tears from falling down my face. I heard it a total of three times in Triage and once in recovery and my anxiety grew each time. To this day I can't hear it without tearing up. Things started to pick up in triage. They put in an IV, which again took several nurses and several pokes. They took numerous vials of blood and sent them to the lab. An ultrasound technician came in and did an ultrasound. I knew by her constant searching that it wasn't good. She explained that the placenta had started to detach and that I had a blood clot the size of the baby and the placenta themselves. I asked nervously if she thought I would have to deliver and she said she didn't know, it would be up to the doctor. Bloodwork results started to come back from the lab and they weren't good. My blood pressure which had been on the high side of normal at my appointment a few hours ago had skyrocketed into dangerous territory. Noticably missing from the labwork was my platelet count. No one could tell me if I'd have to deliver, the doctor would decide. But the doctor wouldn't come in until all the labs were complete. A nurse came in and and I winced as they put in a catheter. Then another came in and I screamed as they put a steroid shot in my thigh. They explained it was for the baby's lungs and I started to feel an impending sense of doom that I was going to have to deliver that night. They finally got the doctor in and explained that the platelet count was taking so long because there were so few that they were having to hand count them. The doctor came in and talked to me about what was happening. He explained Pre-eclampsia, Hellp syndrome, and what an abruptured placenta was. He said we were going to have to do an emergency c-section right away. I tried to stay calm and just nodded. An anesthesiologist came in and explained the procedure to me. He explained an epidural and a spinal but then let me know there was a good chance they'd have to put me under general anesthesia if my platelets were too low. I thought that I would probably prefer that. I wasn't sure I could handle a spinal and being awake and knowing that there was emergency surgery going on on the other side of a curtain. I wasn't sure my heart would make it if she didn't survive. Then a neonatologist came in, and explained to me how sick I was and how sick my baby was going to be once delivered. I'll never forget her taking my hands, looking me in the eye and quietly explaining "If we don't deliver, neither of you are going to make it through the night." </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghy3QAkwLF60JGAKLCuejznD-h8OkDdIpRfGF67gd8AQj23A5OLdyxjjwwmxfFjyD5jHMA4ZjKuRMldsaTvT4UbaFcqnYnTW3i7RNaeGRP3z-Xh2lgIuxICbbAyMiFpHJjfuMcA66CYoaqOFoKRMe9WeOjl88FHG-IF9WHPlJXSC9CwctS_825b18yfw=s1560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghy3QAkwLF60JGAKLCuejznD-h8OkDdIpRfGF67gd8AQj23A5OLdyxjjwwmxfFjyD5jHMA4ZjKuRMldsaTvT4UbaFcqnYnTW3i7RNaeGRP3z-Xh2lgIuxICbbAyMiFpHJjfuMcA66CYoaqOFoKRMe9WeOjl88FHG-IF9WHPlJXSC9CwctS_825b18yfw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>August 17, 2021. The OR</b></div><div>Finally they let Dan in and gave him a gown and hair cover to put on. I'm not actually sure why as he was never let into the operating room. They told me I needed to take off any jewelry or risk getting burns. My rings had been cut off weeks before but I still had in my earrings which had locking backs like screws. My numb hands struggled to get them out for a long time and I started to panic, but we did eventually get them out and into a little bag. Neither Dan nor I remembers what happened to that little bag but it didn't go with us and the diamond earrings he got me for Christmas were never seen again. They wheeled us down to the operating room where they gave Dan a seat out in the hall. I can only assume they feared our daughter might not survive delivery and thus didn't want him in there. The room was sterile and cold and they helped me move from the triage bed onto the operating table. Then the anesthesiologist explained that he was going to take off my Covid mask and put on the anesthesia mask. I could feel someone shaving my lower stomach and pubic bone, and then, nothing. Raina was born at 9:22 pm, weighing 1 pound, 15 oz. and measuring 13 inches long. She was a fighter. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9z6EOz7zAoyLZyHm7TjcoUZqE79PBw0PwKCCFTyNL-KO2DmJkPxULK7WQqperYUFBl_UVf8zuLwwoDp-fGC84BT_dmm4XMQz81N6tuksKBXI6rR6Ry352CbUib8ulGfMovCt3ZM6Ant08zEF0Zh3Ks7PbQp6MpnPrPRZBKrq7FzP8_s7-PNqJ6-pjWg=s1170" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1170" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9z6EOz7zAoyLZyHm7TjcoUZqE79PBw0PwKCCFTyNL-KO2DmJkPxULK7WQqperYUFBl_UVf8zuLwwoDp-fGC84BT_dmm4XMQz81N6tuksKBXI6rR6Ry352CbUib8ulGfMovCt3ZM6Ant08zEF0Zh3Ks7PbQp6MpnPrPRZBKrq7FzP8_s7-PNqJ6-pjWg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>August 17, 2021. Recovery</b> </div><div>I remember waking up slowly, and being afraid to open my eyes. I heard voices and didn't want them to know I was awake. I didn't know if our daughter had survived delivery and was afraid for them to tell me. I coughed and it hurt and then everyone knew I was awake. Dan told me right away that Raina was in the NICU, that he had gone with her when they admitted her and that he had declined to cut the cord. He said that she was tiny, but hooked up to machines and doing ok. Phone calls were made to family and I was finally allowed to have some ice chips for my throat which ached from being intubated. It made me cough, which made my incision and stomach burn so I took as many ice chips as they'd let me as often as they'd let me. They showed me how to press a pillow to my stomach to help with the pain of coughing, sneezing, or laughing. I heard the lullaby again and while I could barely talk, tears fell silently down my face. At some point they decided I was awake enough and they rolled my bed down to an individual recovery room. It had no windows and they kept the lights and tv off. They said my blood pressure was still really high and that lights and noise could increase it. We tried to rest. Someone was constantly checking on me and taking vitals, but we tried to rest. At some point, might have been hours later, might have been the next morning (time meant nothing in a dark room) they started trying to get me to move a bit. First they just had me roll onto my side so they could change my bedding and gown and give me a sponge bath. Both Dan and a nurse helped me and it was still nearly impossible from the pain. I never realized before how much you use your abdominal muscles for absolutely everything. Later they tried to get me to sit up and I'm not sure I've ever felt pain like that. Eventually the next day they were satisfied with my embarassing attempts to sit up and they helped me into a wheelchair and moved us down to a regulary maternity room. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>August 18, 2021. The Maternity Wing</b></div><div>They got us settled into the room to rest and I couldn't help but notice our room was missing the standard bassinette that all the other rooms had. It made the room feel bigger and emptier than it should. Before leaving the recovery room they had taken out the catheter which meant I now had to go through the agonizing work of sitting up, getting out of bed and walking everytime I needed to go to the bathroom. I then had to walk again and get back into bed which was somehow even harder than getting out of bed. I couldn't do any step of that process on my own. Bless Dan who helped me just about every hour, all night long. The next day, after some food and vitals they brought me a breast pump and helped me try to get comfortable enough to use it. (impossible!) We got a tiny bit of colostrum and Dan helped me into a wheelchair to take it down the hall to our baby. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM5kjdAfoInOpZTwYB-aYjra-NOdaKLIMg9BTQOqP0ywRS_x-fkIFRGFqcWptId1Nmz0gDgBTb05JrfVeUg5Ufis-pTyLP4tpdmhAKDffJpIIvZmr1_-EiwsqUdyK2pygvb0aBW8iQwlWw4g144QYivvNnQHjAVi493LbXBFhhN6pecPzb1w9b7_Dv9Q=s1558" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1558" data-original-width="1169" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM5kjdAfoInOpZTwYB-aYjra-NOdaKLIMg9BTQOqP0ywRS_x-fkIFRGFqcWptId1Nmz0gDgBTb05JrfVeUg5Ufis-pTyLP4tpdmhAKDffJpIIvZmr1_-EiwsqUdyK2pygvb0aBW8iQwlWw4g144QYivvNnQHjAVi493LbXBFhhN6pecPzb1w9b7_Dv9Q=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>August 18, 2021. The NICU</b></div><div>Being wheeled into the NICU was a little unnerving. I remembered it vaguely from Jacob's few days there for Jaundice, but it looked different. Or maybe my memories are just hazy. I remember entering a different way, so maybe it's been remodeled since. There are machines everywhere and one of them is almost always beeping. I used hand sanitizer on my hands since I still had an IV, and dan scrubbed in. We gave the colostrum to our nurse and then Dan pushed me over to her little isolette. I was afraid to look in, she was the tiniest baby I had ever seen. The nurse said we could reach in and touch her, but both Dan and I were afraid she was too fragile for that and chose not to. I sat there for the longest time, just watching her, watching all of her machines that she was hooked up to. I marvelled at the fact that she had been in my stomach just hours before, and that somehow, even 14 weeks early, she had made it out and survived. The nurses called her feisty and we knew that would serve her well in the days ahead.</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVuc5-zD49_xLb5jMD5AkwXMQb-y4Porcar_UqEraN7rrxBJ2V8vxAqZtieO7z9FpHWzgmI6dGNCBkPphV1zhIpyIPmoglCYTcj_CX6gtl5C_qNFZwGflXy7igusP9k7ScfwHo2h1MKBIELII7s2Gl2DaWrqljW-f9PW1sPMM1oCPzNPky-Ucy4agPQw=s1560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVuc5-zD49_xLb5jMD5AkwXMQb-y4Porcar_UqEraN7rrxBJ2V8vxAqZtieO7z9FpHWzgmI6dGNCBkPphV1zhIpyIPmoglCYTcj_CX6gtl5C_qNFZwGflXy7igusP9k7ScfwHo2h1MKBIELII7s2Gl2DaWrqljW-f9PW1sPMM1oCPzNPky-Ucy4agPQw=w480-h640" width="480" /></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/a/AVvXsEgzIlFfWDl7ptV4jUrJstVIsk0xBxc75pXX96IZF5rwutvFK0aIt4HEXT2gWON-xoSIq-JgSBZDdB6zVi1nH7bMk4VwajT3ePWjM2WmoQZJ3nhEywhjVz27UnkNVuAq1eXlmNAluaJMjgKNbovRV6IvEdm0MDunGIr7wELQcJ7-4XC3wmtgwjaOw5H0SA=s1560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzIlFfWDl7ptV4jUrJstVIsk0xBxc75pXX96IZF5rwutvFK0aIt4HEXT2gWON-xoSIq-JgSBZDdB6zVi1nH7bMk4VwajT3ePWjM2WmoQZJ3nhEywhjVz27UnkNVuAq1eXlmNAluaJMjgKNbovRV6IvEdm0MDunGIr7wELQcJ7-4XC3wmtgwjaOw5H0SA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5hedNrakih98H8OKB0ra4lER0CjtG5vIM7OwGPi821TzhXClyDMMCwC727QUA4JgAIwP9bjPRP3AKNo0HwCWm_4e9Yr51cMsAUBf66w3dawbdbftEOR_1FiPMiKjzze0dUzspRX6IB-yJ8pltCR6wyKMllSlLTzi77lLY0s8eXrCCzRIvLxSlmmVPfQ=s1560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5hedNrakih98H8OKB0ra4lER0CjtG5vIM7OwGPi821TzhXClyDMMCwC727QUA4JgAIwP9bjPRP3AKNo0HwCWm_4e9Yr51cMsAUBf66w3dawbdbftEOR_1FiPMiKjzze0dUzspRX6IB-yJ8pltCR6wyKMllSlLTzi77lLY0s8eXrCCzRIvLxSlmmVPfQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAIm9I1CL50p5TAgu-Wqv5VIoswC_Yq56o4-_yPAzKkhHdvQC9NUBVO4edB_rf5iTZ88VOBHZTHiB9czEjGrNGDCtsYGBXGMJt6Ga_VdM5IgTEs4IWSBF79vxc3JDls8np7O7MI-Hq1QR4vMIoE2MIZN9LAIrmaN0i7ljmpe_k-vCI2yLfPDiFpWSFDA=s1560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAIm9I1CL50p5TAgu-Wqv5VIoswC_Yq56o4-_yPAzKkhHdvQC9NUBVO4edB_rf5iTZ88VOBHZTHiB9czEjGrNGDCtsYGBXGMJt6Ga_VdM5IgTEs4IWSBF79vxc3JDls8np7O7MI-Hq1QR4vMIoE2MIZN9LAIrmaN0i7ljmpe_k-vCI2yLfPDiFpWSFDA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We spent a grand total of six days in the hospital and all the days were pretty much the same. We'd try to rest in our room, even though it was quiet enough to hear all the babies in the other rooms crying. While all the other moms were probably wishing their babies would stop crying, we were wishing ours was with us doing so. I'd pump every few hours and we'd take it down and visit our baby. Every few hours someone would come in and take my blood pressure and temperature, check my incision scar. At least once a day or night my blood pressure would sky rocket again so we couldn't be discharged the next day. Finally on the sixth day things were under control enough that we were given discharge papers. We visited our baby in the NICU one last time and then left the hospital empty handed. It is without a doubt the hardest thing I've ever had to do. We've visited her every day since and she continues to grow and get stronger. She's up to 5 1/2 pounds and we're hoping that if she starts taking bottles better that we can have her home for Thanksgiving. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikaRhXB8ssMdgPGNzZNWrs7WQJ2V0UF39aoGAw2kL32Gxc7NfZUken2y1T5vF-KpEeImTKHfWkOgsYD_DY0Xuz-RxE7YC9YBLwok2WK9IqB5u0qm7DjC5_C2kKGwmUtELBOpGXmwZrVi4UBOReM0oFmk-L2ds06AIw3J1hoKZRywKpMV3aHtf9o6G96Q=s1560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikaRhXB8ssMdgPGNzZNWrs7WQJ2V0UF39aoGAw2kL32Gxc7NfZUken2y1T5vF-KpEeImTKHfWkOgsYD_DY0Xuz-RxE7YC9YBLwok2WK9IqB5u0qm7DjC5_C2kKGwmUtELBOpGXmwZrVi4UBOReM0oFmk-L2ds06AIw3J1hoKZRywKpMV3aHtf9o6G96Q=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZjQH-N5j2mkpemfWWF-0faGPNp6Na2HDaZal1fW5bMc6MmbDbkBKx3J113ODDnDFzjYVPO29O4wpz7YdxeiGb2kbsj8WKRitRD0Mp7gm1FGLYeh4_SAd1NfytK-4GBi57ufG2vn0DIuRmO0CrIj7Lx5TRs9cKL7D25ziuXeyaBAVvxp6tZBuMfxdDAg=s1170" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1170" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZjQH-N5j2mkpemfWWF-0faGPNp6Na2HDaZal1fW5bMc6MmbDbkBKx3J113ODDnDFzjYVPO29O4wpz7YdxeiGb2kbsj8WKRitRD0Mp7gm1FGLYeh4_SAd1NfytK-4GBi57ufG2vn0DIuRmO0CrIj7Lx5TRs9cKL7D25ziuXeyaBAVvxp6tZBuMfxdDAg=w640-h434" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYTGPX9QpWygXglZMqwSj6sfis3P5JENR6UAeF_xMvb0UyAS909BNS4Y4PcSPiLF1gyA-cYBhMsjiJfJ7ozv6ruvkZSaEPstDw1P3S-iHOv0O1cofiJTI9bZwwxJIvsNcluCsLNFanp7a741QthbuOiTfhT8hnw1GyNP2TO2z9fkClz9pu9_oLpM8h5g=s1560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYTGPX9QpWygXglZMqwSj6sfis3P5JENR6UAeF_xMvb0UyAS909BNS4Y4PcSPiLF1gyA-cYBhMsjiJfJ7ozv6ruvkZSaEPstDw1P3S-iHOv0O1cofiJTI9bZwwxJIvsNcluCsLNFanp7a741QthbuOiTfhT8hnw1GyNP2TO2z9fkClz9pu9_oLpM8h5g=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXKDxk45Q2Frz42qu3eFK1ublHf4CJS2YM13Jbj980NWPF6Fcnw1_HohcSx1D_UPI7YMYELONBpOAhuORTwP7mK_Rno7RsHoRVoT2ujOQdsvDkU3kawoq3E9OtvW_yLIpOh5ytrYitgksnUQ1RAO1Qf2P3ZgGWe06JHSq30rsGbJzGt4Fd-QqlHh6hKw=s1560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXKDxk45Q2Frz42qu3eFK1ublHf4CJS2YM13Jbj980NWPF6Fcnw1_HohcSx1D_UPI7YMYELONBpOAhuORTwP7mK_Rno7RsHoRVoT2ujOQdsvDkU3kawoq3E9OtvW_yLIpOh5ytrYitgksnUQ1RAO1Qf2P3ZgGWe06JHSq30rsGbJzGt4Fd-QqlHh6hKw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm8bitlc2ekDQFf8KFsc17gxdcYG4bG5idgSz1XZrHfIdjs0qfRo8Jkx5MLzdiJDeSeyzuGTh9oW1xkloG6TCosVWHFx6YZru1RBWIYoY1TnaiicqwdcF946XAc6XMw3RJHTlff9dAHJhAYNvAdZxO-w56piwh6UWEOllELhqsoPytLqhcszV6UxyJgA=s1560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm8bitlc2ekDQFf8KFsc17gxdcYG4bG5idgSz1XZrHfIdjs0qfRo8Jkx5MLzdiJDeSeyzuGTh9oW1xkloG6TCosVWHFx6YZru1RBWIYoY1TnaiicqwdcF946XAc6XMw3RJHTlff9dAHJhAYNvAdZxO-w56piwh6UWEOllELhqsoPytLqhcszV6UxyJgA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><div>Our little miracle babe, conceived against all odds. </div><div>Our little chameleon, hiding out for 22 weeks undetected. </div><div>Our little warrior, fighting for her life at just 26 weeks. </div><div>Our little grand finale, making absolutely sure she's the last of her kind. </div></div><div>We love her so. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV1XyYFiGke2HJrUGgaGeJilZ7E86E0iMJYNfcnFDtGh6B8lECQZ7d9tYnB5DI2BELQDKPu9tuwhYFyNYt3QaLA9gEvngdRlRiqozjL2i6U6slhmJpcAlViyx5WhA0t87kEM_vsfFSdAT7e39vIRTcUrfzhZSEI9LtM5Q4o7c2-SKoMjdB-aGlJpdwhA=s2508" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV1XyYFiGke2HJrUGgaGeJilZ7E86E0iMJYNfcnFDtGh6B8lECQZ7d9tYnB5DI2BELQDKPu9tuwhYFyNYt3QaLA9gEvngdRlRiqozjL2i6U6slhmJpcAlViyx5WhA0t87kEM_vsfFSdAT7e39vIRTcUrfzhZSEI9LtM5Q4o7c2-SKoMjdB-aGlJpdwhA=w640-h320" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-54246310414873313402021-10-21T20:33:00.001-04:002021-11-18T15:34:40.252-05:00Kids Christmas Guide 2021 <p style="text-align: center;"> Jacob's turn! This list includes some of his personal favorites that have stood the test of time as well as some new things from this years wishlist. I'm stumped on stocking stuffers for him, so send them my way if you've got ideas! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeDgmjmm4uNgfv7OUst9NeX_FKTmleKbiGVSt4Sei6eeR-g4fIADyMpK2KDiR8TwSVL0yW0t9PDggaW-vP6AWmKF5kBwZctQ6TnLQj-tyweHY7Afig-2PQxnlj3zs1t7pc2FQ_r0wWds8C3FWBJ6eV09Rj97nTHmYJAcx5jA5UkHPrLZdpw2JmSFYBGA=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeDgmjmm4uNgfv7OUst9NeX_FKTmleKbiGVSt4Sei6eeR-g4fIADyMpK2KDiR8TwSVL0yW0t9PDggaW-vP6AWmKF5kBwZctQ6TnLQj-tyweHY7Afig-2PQxnlj3zs1t7pc2FQ_r0wWds8C3FWBJ6eV09Rj97nTHmYJAcx5jA5UkHPrLZdpw2JmSFYBGA=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>ONE</b> // Jacob's favorite gift ever, his <a href="https://amzn.to/3maM7AB">Nintendo Switch</a>. Throw a few games in with it so they have something to play on their new favorite toy! </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>TWO</b> // We try to always gift a <a href="https://amzn.to/3C4ecPb">board game</a> or two so we have something to play as a family as the day winds down. We'll be sticking close to home this year and not travelling with a newborn so we may gift a few! This Disney one based off their Jungle Cruise ride looks fun! <a href="https://amzn.to/3aXfnnO">Astro Trash</a> is another favorite from last year!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>THREE</b> // Do your kids go through <a href="https://amzn.to/3AYguhG">water bottles</a> like mine does? Stainless steel is a must when I'm looking for water bottles. Jacob's due for a new one and I know he'll love the masks on this one as we are currently superhero obsessed. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>FOUR</b> // Every kid needs a classic set of <a href="https://amzn.to/3vwbks8">Walkie Talkies</a> at some point during their childhood, right?</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>FIVE</b> // Dad's favorite thing to do is take Jacob fishing and gear makes a great gift! A <a href="https://amzn.to/3vy4T7Z">fishing pole</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3vy4UJ5">tackle box</a> filled with accessories like bobbers and extra fishing line and your little fisherman is ready to go! </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>SIX</b> // A <a href="https://amzn.to/2Z5bF8Z">new Cat Kid Comic Club book</a> (among Jacob's favorites!) is coming out just in time for the holidays. Grab the <a href="https://amzn.to/3aXBPgL">first one</a> too if you don't already have it, and a <a href="https://amzn.to/3EjCndx">blank comic book</a> so your kids can dream up their own comics. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>SEVEN</b> // I always, always, always gift <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/p/boys/categories/clothing/pajamas/kids-printed-pajama-set/BC664?display=standard&fit=Classic&color_name=blue-aloe&colorProductCode=BC664">new PJs</a> and <a href="https://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/suede-slippers-tan-brown/sty-c0682-tan">slippers</a> for the cozy winter months. These dog slippers were too cute to resist and the Jammies are super soft. They work for boys or girls but I also love <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/p/girls/categories/clothing/pajamas-and-underwear/sleep-sets/girls-glittery-printed-pajama-set/BC922?display=standard&fit=Classic&color_name=ski-pals&colorProductCode=BC922">these glittery ones</a> for girls! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Happy shopping friends! </p>Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-75459225708373071552021-10-21T10:16:00.002-04:002021-11-18T15:35:38.155-05:00Baby girl's first Christmas<p style="text-align: center;"> You know I've just been dying to write this post right? I can't believe I get to write my first gift guide for girls! First Christmases are a little challenging (or easy peasy depending on how you look at it) because baby probably doesn't actually need much and won't know what's going on. If you've got older kids you may need gifts to keep up appearances in the Santa department. Necessities and toys they can grow into are always winners in my book. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1pZWFE92cURJ1YTpxtU2fgjTe5W1E796E4RkyQDHykow92QZs38bwLYXTY0lBm1-uqWxkpO6h65_g0ogOc57bFoTQA4J4ZmNL3tLQPxR32u6maMobbSTWYwbtHCvph8v77RIqrb9wQs7a2GbJqqh39wf-nLyUmK3Vq_lw07eseMK34fFh34zSfBn0EQ=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1pZWFE92cURJ1YTpxtU2fgjTe5W1E796E4RkyQDHykow92QZs38bwLYXTY0lBm1-uqWxkpO6h65_g0ogOc57bFoTQA4J4ZmNL3tLQPxR32u6maMobbSTWYwbtHCvph8v77RIqrb9wQs7a2GbJqqh39wf-nLyUmK3Vq_lw07eseMK34fFh34zSfBn0EQ=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3aYBkml">ON<span face="Lora, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px;">E</span></span></a><span face="Lora, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: 14px;"> // </span><a href="https://amzn.to/3lZJcub" style="font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">TWO</a><span face="Lora, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: 14px;"> // </span><a href="https://www.crateandbarrel.com/janod-tumbling-koala-wooden-baby-toy/s341582">THREE</a><span face="Lora, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: 14px;"> // </span><a href="https://amzn.to/2Z7i8AP" style="font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">FOUR</a><span face="Lora, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: 14px;"> // </span><a href="https://amzn.to/2Z9xggl" style="font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">FIVE</a><span face="Lora, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: 14px;"> // </span><a href="https://amzn.to/3jkjhM2" style="font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">SIX</a><span face="Lora, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: 14px;"> // </span><a href="https://amzn.to/3jmrgbq" style="font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">SEVEN</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cuddleandkind.com/collections/the-baby-animal-collection">EIGHT</a> // <a href="https://www.nordstrom.com/s/three-hearts-rainbow-silicone-stacker-toy/6464165?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FBrands%2FTHREE%20HEARTS&color=620">NINE</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/3Gamg3I">TEN</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/3vtKYH8">ELEVEN</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/3pqY8Uj">TWELVE</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/2Z6UfJH">THIRTEEN</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">One // <a href="https://amzn.to/3aYBkml">Sit-Me-Up Floor seat</a>: Depending on how old baby is, this may fall into the "grow into" category. There are several different patterns to choose from and I love that it comes with attached toys. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Two // <a href="https://amzn.to/3lZJcub">Cat teether</a>: Firmly in the necessities category as your little darling will be cutting teeth soon if she isn't already. Also comes in other versions: a green or khaki bear, a khaki dog, or a gray koala. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Three // <a href="https://www.crateandbarrel.com/janod-tumbling-koala-wooden-baby-toy/s341582">Koala Stacker</a>: A cute wildlife take on a classic toy. I love that it's wood instead of plastic. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Four // <a href="https://amzn.to/2Z7i8AP">Fill and Dump Picnic Basket</a>: It's actually quite amusing how long a simple fill and dump toy can entertain a baby. Gund makes several styles, but I love this little picnic basket with the cute food. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Five // <a href="https://amzn.to/2Z9xggl">Wrist Rattles</a>: Also comes in a <a href="https://amzn.to/3G9AfXd">Monkey and Elephant version</a>. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Six // <a href="https://amzn.to/3jkjhM2">Pre-spoons</a>: Another necessity, perfect for little hands just starting to figure out this eating thing. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Seven // <a href="https://amzn.to/3jmrgbq">Think Big, Little One</a>: A board book to grow with your girl, full of empowering messages. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Eight // <a href="https://cuddleandkind.com/collections/the-baby-animal-collection">Baby Animal Collection</a>: We are huge fans of Cuddle and Kind and their dolls that are hand knit in Peru. Their pint size baby collection dolls are too cute for smaller hands. Each doll purchase provides meals for five kids in need. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Nine // <a href="https://www.nordstrom.com/s/three-hearts-rainbow-silicone-stacker-toy/6464165?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FBrands%2FTHREE%20HEARTS&color=620">Rainbow Stacker</a>: Also comes in a <a href="https://www.nordstrom.com/s/three-hearts-rainbow-silicone-stacker-toy/6464142?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FBrands%2FTHREE%20HEARTS&color=450">blue</a> colorway. Made out of soft sillicone, it can serve as toy, teether, or shelf decoration. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Ten // <a href="https://amzn.to/3Gamg3I">Bow Headbands</a>: Just the perfect size for little heads. They come in a couple different colorways. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Eleven // <a href="https://amzn.to/3vtKYH8">Swan Rocker</a>: This will probably be one of Ray's birthday gifts in August, but if you have an older baby this would be such a sweet present under the tree with a huge bow. Also comes as a <a href="https://amzn.to/3E07jPM">set</a> with a stuffed animal. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Twelve // <a href="https://amzn.to/3pqY8Uj">Wool Hat</a>: Also love this <a href="https://www.target.com/p/toddler-girls-gingham-sherpa-bonnet-hat-cat-jack-oatmeal-heather/-/A-82531789?preselect=82113785#lnk=sametab">sweet gingham version</a> from Target. Can't resist those cute poms on the top of a little head. Would look so cute with a little sweater like <a href="https://amzn.to/3aTrYIN">this one</a>. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Thirteen // <a href="https://amzn.to/2Z6UfJH">Pull Toy Fox</a>: A classic. Every baby needs a pull toy. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Hope this round up gives you a few ideas and that you have fun putting together gifts for your little ones! Happy shopping friends, XO.</div></div>Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-48030428020998351462021-10-06T20:50:00.002-04:002021-10-06T20:52:49.105-04:00Raina's Birth Story, Part 1 <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy-gwb6LWpIGCgwswmpLfP_Zx2rkkIRbrDfyOg1nx3JSIq4KTLp9JW_v8HLrJZmNfzYNzF12cop-1kafVCHy4tqCE7X0DcsLH6djYkvhOJmU2zX8ObYeEttFZ1dn11Nn2Fl_Uab9ehOtJ_EIflEAR_cIn86rkUQQ0PT7CNCH40Qi8_M9PZKWIV73BGRg=s2048" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy-gwb6LWpIGCgwswmpLfP_Zx2rkkIRbrDfyOg1nx3JSIq4KTLp9JW_v8HLrJZmNfzYNzF12cop-1kafVCHy4tqCE7X0DcsLH6djYkvhOJmU2zX8ObYeEttFZ1dn11Nn2Fl_Uab9ehOtJ_EIflEAR_cIn86rkUQQ0PT7CNCH40Qi8_M9PZKWIV73BGRg=s600" width="600" /></a></div>
Raina's birth story actually begins seven years ago, if you can believe that. I can recall vividly sitting in my Obgyn's office late July, 2014. A newborn Jacob was at my feet in his carrier. He asked me about birth control options. I told him confidently that I didn't need it. It had taken four years and quite a few fertility treatments to get pregnant with Jacob. We couldn't get pregnant on our own, and I didn't need to waste money preventing something that wasn't going to happen anyways. And for seven years, I was correct. <div><br /></div><div> <b>Fast forward to spring 2021</b>. </div><div>It's the end of the school year. We've been teaching both in-person and virtually all year. I am EXHAUSTED. But it's the end of the school year and aren't we all exhausted? I can't be the only one who goes home from school and naps for several hours. I go on two strenuous weekend camping trainings and can barely keep my eyes open all weekend. I start to develop swelling in my hands and slowly carpal tunnel pain starts to build until it's unbearable and I'm wearing wrist braces and taking pain killers around the clock. Surely it's just from being on the computer so much. I haven't had a menstral cycle since November, but I have pcos and often go months without. We spring break in Longboat Key, Jacob starts tennis and soccer, we celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary, Easter comes and goes. I'm nearly done with my first trimester of pregnancy, and I suspect nothing.
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Fast forward to June 2021</b>. </div><div> We've celebrated Jacob's 7th birthday at the beach and headed to Michigan for the summer. I am still exhausted but I'm determined to make the summer fun for Jacob. We take him to the Great Wolf Lodge in Ohio as a belated birthday trip. We go on adventures in the morning - we hit the farmers market, the splash pad, the petting farm, the pool, the flower farm and more. And then I can't help but nap for several hours in the afternoons. I wake up feeling like I've been run over by a truck and I'm ready to cut both hands off to get away from the carpal tunnel pain. I make a mental note to call and schedule a doctor's appointment with an orthopedic doctor when I get back to Florida.
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Fast forward to July 2021</b>. </div><div>We're headed to the lake with my whole family for the week. I'm super excited for Jacob to have his younger cousin to play with for the week because maybe he won't depend on me so much to entertain him. We boat, we cherry pick, we swim and hike and do all the Northern Michigan things. My hands are still swelling and my stomach has started to feel funny too. I get random lower abdominal pains when I move certain ways. Maybe I'm just getting old. I remember that jolly ranchers made my stomach feel better when pregnant with Jacob, so I buy a few bags and keep them on me. Peanut butter crackers seem to settle my stomach too, so I make sure to keep them in stock. Dan arrives part way through the week and I give voice to my concerns. My feet start to join my hands in the swelling department and he mentions off hand that maybe I'm pregnant. I think it's not possible. Both my sister and sister in law are pregnant. There's no way I am too. I still haven't had a menstral cycle since November, maybe I'm going through early menopause. I look up menopause symptoms, and I have quite a few. Ignoring the fact that many are also pregnancy symptoms, I'm convinced it's menopause.
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July 15, 2021</b> </div><div>Dan and I head into the charming little town (Frankfort!) near lake Michigan so I can show him around the downtown area. We take Jacob with us. We window shop and buy a few books, including one that reminds us of the lake house, grab lunch and ice cream. We make plans to visit the brewery that night after taking maternity photos of my sister at the beach. Then Dan and Jacob wander into a toy shop and I pop into the pharmacy next door. I grab a two pack of pregnancy tests for $22. Yikes for small town prices! If we're going to the brewery that night then I should just make sure I'm not pregnant. I hide the tests from Jacob and we head back to the lake house where I immediately take one. At first, nothing shows up and I feel like I've taken a faulty test. I take the test back to our room and set it near the window where two lines immediately appear. I'm in shock, but in the back of my head I remind myself what I've read about menopause - it can rarely cause false positives on pregnancy tests. This is probably the case. I shove the test in my pocket and ask Dan if he wants to take a walk. We wander down to the lake and sit on the dock with Jacob and I show him the test. He's happy, but in disbelief also I think. It's worth noting that Dan has always been more positive that I about us someday getting pregnant on our own. We ditch our plans to visit the brewery and just visit the beach to take photos of my sister. Leaving the beach Dan, Jacob and I stop at the little grocery store under the guise of getting road trip snacks for the trip home. I stock up on Jolly ranchers, peanut butter crackers, and prenatal vitamins, just in case. We leave the lake the next day (but not before I take the second test and again see two lines) and drive back to my parents house. We debate baby names on the way back, just in case. We're settled on a girl name, Raina, but more undecided on boys names - we add Asher, Finn, and Joshua to our tentative list. We both agree it would be easier if it was a girl, and then we'd already be set on a name. We stop outside Lansing for lunch and I excuse myself to go outside and call my obgyn. I explain the entire situation and request an appointment to figure out what is going on. They initially tell me they can't see me until August, then notice a last minute cancellation in four days after the weekend. I take it and then return to lunch. We drive the rest of the way back to Detroit, prep for my sisters baby shower, throw her shower the next day, and then return home to Florida.</div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMKhbrSOTDXGQ2ztkpBHQR6-9l1jdPr8gSbhoC0jHqspZf_uo7A97d0Cxl3HJfN8OlLfMxcEQ7pJdfMJF5C_DLmvrRIumHvQjm8PBgED5R1jzavt7DJRI_m0Y_OQdq7xGTeNRp59PXtvxJacBRrvmYSdvP9hN-XtkWlsHFJzPgmfghfCTr-euwmlQGAA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMKhbrSOTDXGQ2ztkpBHQR6-9l1jdPr8gSbhoC0jHqspZf_uo7A97d0Cxl3HJfN8OlLfMxcEQ7pJdfMJF5C_DLmvrRIumHvQjm8PBgED5R1jzavt7DJRI_m0Y_OQdq7xGTeNRp59PXtvxJacBRrvmYSdvP9hN-XtkWlsHFJzPgmfghfCTr-euwmlQGAA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6F0W3egexEcqQj9ARKixjEQxCy_JHOY14QUQhPHv0ep18D38q9b1MnYFQFZOfZnHp7KEU5H98heY_A5wNctfrKdMjmdfZu9egNhTHKnyUbjmBK8nsqB9DPMe60wAl7EKwMbhdyxcKjPm_ntRghbbMCobqEwiyfJKAspIyRR6QKeWF2Cq7JF8MyaEFwg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6F0W3egexEcqQj9ARKixjEQxCy_JHOY14QUQhPHv0ep18D38q9b1MnYFQFZOfZnHp7KEU5H98heY_A5wNctfrKdMjmdfZu9egNhTHKnyUbjmBK8nsqB9DPMe60wAl7EKwMbhdyxcKjPm_ntRghbbMCobqEwiyfJKAspIyRR6QKeWF2Cq7JF8MyaEFwg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhH3ZrPXurQN_Je7L6HRD9oGBsej2oPQovPcORvxyTxuRAJktYqtaa7zcGPjXABhuRGp1Z3B4IvMh91ZMQ7JnzHFXA3oyAeuOH26eHVtXXeYMS-UHLpt2o5jlsrz2DPPims2RqdrbuQBCQSlh8FZg4xC9Fi0AyTEyFXHrc1zk2tKtqqRqn03j08aR2SKg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhH3ZrPXurQN_Je7L6HRD9oGBsej2oPQovPcORvxyTxuRAJktYqtaa7zcGPjXABhuRGp1Z3B4IvMh91ZMQ7JnzHFXA3oyAeuOH26eHVtXXeYMS-UHLpt2o5jlsrz2DPPims2RqdrbuQBCQSlh8FZg4xC9Fi0AyTEyFXHrc1zk2tKtqqRqn03j08aR2SKg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div> <b>July 19, 2021</b> </div><div>It's Monday morning and I'm a stressed out mess. We get Jacob packed for his first day of cub scout summer camp and he heads out the door with Dan to get dropped off. I sit in the quiet house for a few minutes, my mind racing, before I work up the courage to drive myself to the obgyn's office for my appointment. Dan's going to meet me there after drop off, but I feel twice as nervous walking in without him. What if it really is just menopause and all of these pregnancy hopes are just in my head? Dan can't find the drop off point and I'm frantically trying to call and text with him but not getting hardly any reception in the office to help him. If nothing else it takes my mind off things. I get lead back to a room where I'm given a urine pregnancy test and a form to answer a bunch of questions. The test comes back positive, like the two home tests, so I'm asked to change into a gown and lead to another room with an ultrasound machine. The doctor starts the ultrasound and as soon as the wand is on my belly I feel that funny feeling in my stomach again. The same one I'd been feeling since the beginning of the week at the lake. She asks if I felt that and I nod. And then I hear it. I recognize it instantly from ultrasounds with Jacob. There's a heartbeat. A loud, strong heartbeat and I start to cry. She shows me our baby and then after my go ahead tells me it's a girl. Somewhere along the line I start to take a video (with permission) because Dan hasn't made it yet and I know he'll want to see our daughter. Our daughter. We have a daughter. The midwife starts to take some measurements and then tells me I look to be about 22 weeks along. I ask her to repeat herself thinking surely I heard her wrong. 22 weeks. This baby is more than halfway cooked. I've been pregnant since February and had no idea. She prints some sonogram photos for me, gives me a bunch of information and then sends me on my way with another appointment in four weeks to take my glucose test. I meet Dan in the parking lot and we sit in my car and marvel at the photos and videos. We have a daughter. We tell our families we're expecting a baby girl in November and then head into a nearby restaurant to get some lunch, over the moon excited.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB103qpGspf4YXhmJaDLl6YHGE0025nhRMlWbDufxRdJBtWnMlybEj0nXakJTjvJuKpSxVzj-9BfazPQk8wvuZzp9LXnHAxONXpMq9VxJKaD3mUBXM7H4PW2zPOdtA77vmsW8VRAbJuL-jH4vRb599wo30ruckUo8peFvGHGnGwc-lK8t0ZzQ2mJMOfQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB103qpGspf4YXhmJaDLl6YHGE0025nhRMlWbDufxRdJBtWnMlybEj0nXakJTjvJuKpSxVzj-9BfazPQk8wvuZzp9LXnHAxONXpMq9VxJKaD3mUBXM7H4PW2zPOdtA77vmsW8VRAbJuL-jH4vRb599wo30ruckUo8peFvGHGnGwc-lK8t0ZzQ2mJMOfQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjteeUFndQ8MfMc03t63orX4onRGHvNZgTtTtK7wQlgLVMNWSlHuIPkj_7u7-wePRY_hIdoVSU1EueIVMeU1pxSnmp9CP-R-C0iiBTYIUW7xN5b9KY1fujhnbzTxgeqi4abOm98LAHKAzJbc1NHweLVSD-iW8JwblHjKg9hfkYT2ca90GeE9vxTB0pIJw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2047" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjteeUFndQ8MfMc03t63orX4onRGHvNZgTtTtK7wQlgLVMNWSlHuIPkj_7u7-wePRY_hIdoVSU1EueIVMeU1pxSnmp9CP-R-C0iiBTYIUW7xN5b9KY1fujhnbzTxgeqi4abOm98LAHKAzJbc1NHweLVSD-iW8JwblHjKg9hfkYT2ca90GeE9vxTB0pIJw=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhphbD5AwtjwK-jlGS_IBkxf6ahKHwJJ7vpyIxeb8leDbmcuQmJXXG2eiRl2nmCSrKT1lYTES7W5f9NL7l70H_MB4BtViuRkcTuPcmUhrdcCgkq-uAHGxIXihGICIARX6HJrtiPEVzAkNvKAzF4Ngx_DAKFkRGjuI72Ab0nTv2WED8dESZ1mJ8F6ul1NQ=s2048"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhphbD5AwtjwK-jlGS_IBkxf6ahKHwJJ7vpyIxeb8leDbmcuQmJXXG2eiRl2nmCSrKT1lYTES7W5f9NL7l70H_MB4BtViuRkcTuPcmUhrdcCgkq-uAHGxIXihGICIARX6HJrtiPEVzAkNvKAzF4Ngx_DAKFkRGjuI72Ab0nTv2WED8dESZ1mJ8F6ul1NQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>to be continued...</div>Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-3882728718810666482021-02-22T21:15:00.002-05:002021-11-18T15:35:58.797-05:00Easter Goodies<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">All right friends, this is your official warning that <b>Easter comes early this year</b>. I swear this task gets harder and harder as our boy gets bigger and bigger and wants nothing but video games. I've been grabbing a few things here and there since the after Christmas sales... always planning ahead. I'm not 100% sure what's going into the eggs this year but I couldn't pass up those bunny shaped ones! </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">There's a few staples that always end up in our baskets - a new pair of pajamas, a family game, a few sweets, and always a new book. We've tried to scale down the basket a bit this year after going hog wild in quarantine last year. Anyone feel me? Rounding up all of the goodies I am loving for baskets this year, some of which will find their way into Jacob's basket on Easter morning. What can I say? The Easter Bunny has good taste!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iu_H96R2Ir8/YDRV8gV9XHI/AAAAAAAAxsI/vy6bollySegzl9IKey7QhR-AtyyuWPu_gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/easter%2Bbaskets%2B2021%2Bwith%2Bnumbers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iu_H96R2Ir8/YDRV8gV9XHI/AAAAAAAAxsI/vy6bollySegzl9IKey7QhR-AtyyuWPu_gCNcBGAsYHQ/w427-h640/easter%2Bbaskets%2B2021%2Bwith%2Bnumbers.png" width="427" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078HW84MZ/ref=twister_B078HZHBCK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">ONE</a> // <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/p/boys_category/pajamas_underwear/slipperssleep/kids-fauxshearling-lodge-moccasins/F8571?color_name=melted-caramel" target="_blank">TWO</a> // <a href="https://dabbleanddollop.com/products/bath-bombs-dabble-dollop-droplets" target="_blank">THREE</a> // <a href="https://reytoz.com/" target="_blank">FOUR</a> // <a href="https://www.target.com/p/33pc-pick-up-sticks-game-hearth-38-hand-8482-with-magnolia/-/A-80176898#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">FIVE</a> //<br /><a href="https://www.target.com/p/micro-led-lantern-embark-8482/-/A-80555933#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">SIX</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.com/World-Needs-Who-Were-Made/dp/1400314232/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=who+you+were+made+to+be&qid=1614042835&sr=8-1" target="_blank">SEVEN</a> // <a href="https://www.swoozies.com/product/326324" target="_blank">EIGHT</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wilson-Junior-Tennis-Racquet-Black/dp/B07MBQSKHB/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=tennis%2Bracket%2Bwilson%2Bprime%2B25&qid=1614042727&sr=8-5&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank">NINE</a> // <a href="https://cottonon.com/US/bailey-board-short/7340274-19.html?dwvar_7340274-19_color=7340274-19&cgid=boys-1-8-swimwear&originalPid=7340274-19#start=13" target="_blank">TEN </a>// <a href="https://www.nordstrom.com/s/american-atelier-copper-finish-easter-basket/4897438" target="_blank">ELEVEN</a> // <a href="https://www.target.com/p/3ct-shaped-bunny-character-easter-plastic-eggs-spritz-8482/-/A-79811444#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">TWELVE</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">One //<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078HW84MZ/ref=twister_B078HZHBCK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank"> PJs</a>: These Amazon Pjs are amazing quality, come in all sizes from babies to big kids, and have tons of patterns and colors for both boys and girls. They're a home run for sure. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Two // <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/p/boys_category/pajamas_underwear/slipperssleep/kids-fauxshearling-lodge-moccasins/F8571?color_name=melted-caramel" target="_blank">Mocassin slippers</a>: How cozy do these look? The men in my family have worn this style for as long as I can remember, so I love dressing Jacob in them too. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Three // <a href="https://dabbleanddollop.com/products/bath-bombs-dabble-dollop-droplets" target="_blank">Mix & Match Bath Bombs</a>: I've yet to meet a kid who doesn't like bath bombs and these are our favorite because you can mix and match them to make "recipes" with different fruity smells. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Four // <a href="https://reytoz.com/" target="_blank">Monogram Hat</a>: Our favorite hat comes in a whole rainbow of colors and in baby to adult sizes. We have the camo version too!</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Five // <a href="https://www.target.com/p/33pc-pick-up-sticks-game-hearth-38-hand-8482-with-magnolia/-/A-80176898#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">Pick Up Sticks</a>: We always include a game in the basket, but our board game shelf is overflowing so I'm opting for this classic instead. It's much smaller and packaged similarly to the <a href="https://www.shopbop.com/moon-dominoes-fredericks-mae/vp/v=1/1597737882.htm" target="_blank">dominoes</a> we got at Christmas. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Six // <a href="https://www.target.com/p/micro-led-lantern-embark-8482/-/A-80555933#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">Camping Lantern</a>: Jacob's last camping lantern, <a href="https://www.target.com/p/coleman-kids-39-adventure-led-camp-lantern/-/A-13681182#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">a kids Coleman</a>, melted. Yes, <i>melted</i>, when a can of bug spray spilled in our tub of supplies. He's been overdue for a new one and I like this slightly more grown up version. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Seven // <a href="https://www.amazon.com/World-Needs-Who-Were-Made/dp/1400314232/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=who+you+were+made+to+be&qid=1614042835&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The World Needs Who You Were Made To Be</a>: A book is another one of our staples. I love the sweet message of this new one from Joanna Gaines. Some of my other favorite picks are <a href="https://amzn.to/2PWbZiP">Cat & Bunny</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2Tv6HwS">Gaston</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2wAfHrG">The Little Island</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2v0EMeU">Marshmallow</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/2TurJfi">Lovely Beasts</a>. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Eight // <a href="https://www.swoozies.com/product/326324" target="_blank">Sugarfina Jelly Bean Bar</a>: Every basket needs a little chocolate ;)</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Nine // <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wilson-Junior-Tennis-Racquet-Black/dp/B07MBQSKHB/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=tennis%2Bracket%2Bwilson%2Bprime%2B25&qid=1614042727&sr=8-5&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank">Tennis Racket</a>: We recently started tennis lessons, so it felt like it was time for our own racket. We've been making a point to get outside more this year with <a href="https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/" target="_blank">1,000 hours outside</a> and tennis is great for outdoor exercise. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Ten // <a href="https://cottonon.com/US/bailey-board-short/7340274-19.html?dwvar_7340274-19_color=7340274-19&cgid=boys-1-8-swimwear&originalPid=7340274-19#start=13" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Swim Trunks</a>: We rarely include swim trunks in our basket because we always get new ones for spring break which is almost always BEFORE Easter, but these would be my pick! I know lots of people love them in baskets in anticipation for summer, we just happen to have summer year round. This sweet <a href="https://cottonon.com/US/polly-ruffle-tankini/7340760-04.html?dwvar_7340760-04_color=7340760-04&cgid=girls-1-8-swimwear&originalPid=7340760-04#start=12" target="_blank">floral tankini</a> would be my pick for girls and if you get the boys suit in the lilac stripe they'll match! If you need a good pair of swim goggles, we love <a href="https://www.maisonette.com/product/prehistoric-times-goggles-carnivore-brown" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">these</a> (boys) and <a href="https://www.maisonette.com/product/cake-pop-goggles-angel-cake-pink" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">these</a> (girls) from Bling2o!</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Eleven // <a href="https://www.nordstrom.com/s/american-atelier-copper-finish-easter-basket/4897438" target="_blank">Basket</a>: We got ours at <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/american-atelier-copper-finish-easter-basket/4897438/lite" style="background-color: transparent;">Nordstrom</a>, (in the kids section, on an Easter display table - the brand is American Atelier) but it looks like it's sold out. I've linked it in case it comes back in stock, but I'm also loving this <a href="https://www.target.com/p/wire-easter-basket-with-handle-white-hearth-hand-with-magnolia/-/A-81243635?preselect=80183156#lnk=sametab" style="background-color: transparent;">white one</a> from Hearth & Hand. Something about that wooden handle is so sweet and timeless. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">Twelve // <a href="https://www.target.com/p/3ct-shaped-bunny-character-easter-plastic-eggs-spritz-8482/-/A-79811444#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">Bunny Eggs</a>: I still have no idea what I'm going to put inside these, but I couldn't pass up the bunny shape. Boys are so hard! What are you putting in your kids eggs? G</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Hope this round up gives you a few ideas and that you have fun putting together baskets for your little ones! Happy (almost) spring friends, XO.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tuesdayswithjacob.com/2020/03/for-easter-basket.html" target="_blank">2020 basket (5 years old)</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tuesdayswithjacob.com/2019/04/easter-baskets-for-little-guys.html">2019 basket (4 years old)</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tuesdayswithjacob.com/2017/03/easter-basket-goodies.html">2017 basket (2 years old)</a></div></div>Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-90647282824312827432020-12-15T17:01:00.002-05:002021-11-18T15:36:21.653-05:00Gift Guide for Kids<p style="text-align: center;"> Better late than never? This list is full of Jacob's personal favorites, as well as a few items off his wish list! Most of these are awesome for girls or boys. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7ry-Krmc-g/X9kt_14CZsI/AAAAAAAAxYQ/oNJIoaJtwPMZJ4Hta1DEUVwwzXTdJ6KfACNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/Copy%2Bof%2BGift%2BGuide%2B2020.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7ry-Krmc-g/X9kt_14CZsI/AAAAAAAAxYQ/oNJIoaJtwPMZJ4Hta1DEUVwwzXTdJ6KfACNcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/Copy%2Bof%2BGift%2BGuide%2B2020.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.freepeople.com/shop/fredericks-and-mae-moon-and-stars-dominoes/?color=040&countryCode=US&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2uH-BRCCARIsAEeef3nb7AVd0AEr7SMRV9OMYgE51FhYp38MXG3Td3aQRrwGtC_Tim1E3i8aAvUBEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&inventoryCountry=US&size=One%20Size&type=REGULAR&quantity=1">ONE.</a> Who doesn't love a classic set of dominoes? Jacob has recently become interested in the night sky (thank you cub scouts!) and would love this set with moon phases instead of dots. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Penny-Australia-PNY-COM-0087-Skateboards-Chevron/dp/B084P8Z3ZT/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=penny+board+chevron&qid=1608069130&sr=8-2">TWO.</a> The cutest little penny board for new skateboarders. I just love those little stripes underneath. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-Switch-Neon-Blue-Joy%E2%80%91/dp/B07VGRJDFY/ref=pd_ybh_a_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=P2JKWK6N4EXGW09R1EY3">THREE.</a> Nintendo Switch. He's obsessed. Enough said. His favorite games are Mario games, if you're looking for some recommendations. He asked Santa for Super Mario Brothers All Stars. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://warmies.com/">FOUR.</a> Jacob's Sammy. Warmies are stuffed animals with lavender scented beads inside for a relaxing sleep. They can even be warmed up in the microwave for ultimate comfort. We just sent a polar bear one to our new nephew. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tinywhales.com/products/pnw-trucker-hat">FIVE.</a> A classic trucker hat. Inspired by our summer travels to Washington. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Tree-House-Boxed-Books/dp/0375813659/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=magic+treehouse+set&qid=1608069465&sr=8-1">SIX. </a> Magic Tree House books are our current bedtime read aloud. Jacob loves Jack and Annie's adventures and there are so many you'll probably age out of them before you run out of them. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jcrew.com/p/boys_category/shoes/sneakers/kids-new-balance-x-crewcuts-roav-sneakers-in-larger-sizes/AR804?color_name=camo-multi">SEVEN.</a> Am I the only one who's kids feet are growing at super speed? We love the bright colors and camo print on this pair of trainers. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/F1TNERGY-Foldable-Premium-Portable-Carrying/dp/B074JBVGDP/ref=sr_1_27?dchild=1&keywords=soccer+goals+orange&qid=1608069582&sr=8-27">EIGHT.</a> A little something to get kiddos playing outside. We gave Jacob <a href="https://www.nordstrom.com/s/tangle-nightball-soccer-ball/4812113?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=white">THIS</a> glow in the dark soccer ball for Easter and it was such a hit we're adding some goals to his equipment collection. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Have you finished all your shopping or are you team last minute?? </p>Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-15293882910308050122020-08-31T06:46:00.001-04:002020-08-31T06:46:52.448-04:00First Grade Interview<p> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIWme58Whq0/X0Rbb144WOI/AAAAAAAAxJI/gDJ6Nc8TqvYIZVijzZSHkxGl--kAV4iIACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3Z4A7036-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIWme58Whq0/X0Rbb144WOI/AAAAAAAAxJI/gDJ6Nc8TqvYIZVijzZSHkxGl--kAV4iIACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/3Z4A7036-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">FIRST grade! This feels like such a "big kid" year. This will be Jacob's second year in the same grade as mommy, since I'm moving up too! We're starting our year virtually, and we'll see how long it takes us to get back into the classroom. It will be an interesting and challenging year for sure!! Here's a little snapshot of Jacob as he heads off to First Grade: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>How old are you? </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacob: Five... I mean six...I'm six</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Who's your best friend?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacob: All my friends are my favorite </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What's your favorite food?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacob: Bacon and dessert</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What's your favorite color?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacob: blue and red and golden</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What's your favorite toy?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacob: My Mario toys</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What's your favorite book?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacob: Dog Man</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What's your favorite tv show?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacob: Mario</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What's your favorite movie?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacob: Trolls World Tour </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What do you like to do outside?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacob: Go swimming and camping</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What do you like to do inside?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacob: Play Nintendo and watch TV</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What's your favorite holiday?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacob: Halloween and Christmas </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What's your favorite animal?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacob: Dogs and sloths </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What do you want to be when you grow up?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacob: A Florida Panther hockey player and a dad</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4JKT0lO0lU/X0RZlbuhsjI/AAAAAAAAxI0/FNNtIbw-yrAO4lK9L1frGpVpphlChDS3QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3Z4A7026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4JKT0lO0lU/X0RZlbuhsjI/AAAAAAAAxI0/FNNtIbw-yrAO4lK9L1frGpVpphlChDS3QCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/3Z4A7026.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZUSiEOi-_Y/X0RZlO3JeBI/AAAAAAAAxIw/XVrr7gBccWIpnCPg1T6qDH8z_sUVBFV1wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3Z4A7039.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZUSiEOi-_Y/X0RZlO3JeBI/AAAAAAAAxIw/XVrr7gBccWIpnCPg1T6qDH8z_sUVBFV1wCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/3Z4A7039.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vmbwTIoK1M/X0RZlpRj0FI/AAAAAAAAxI4/doXGQInsP_of2ODW4jdsNDYURVdymioYgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3Z4A7040.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vmbwTIoK1M/X0RZlpRj0FI/AAAAAAAAxI4/doXGQInsP_of2ODW4jdsNDYURVdymioYgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/3Z4A7040.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-12527334553944723472020-06-10T20:51:00.000-04:002020-06-10T20:54:34.221-04:00SIX.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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Today you are one inquisitive kid. You love knowing how things work, ask endless questions about "why" and "how" and love to interrupt us with "wait a minute, wait a minute...." when you need to clarify something you've heard. We swear your brain is working a mile a minute absorbing everything and it takes you quite a while to fall asleep at night because you just can't relax and let your thoughts go. </div>
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Today you are as playful as they come. You love to run around and chase, dance, sing, and be silly. You like to make up new rules to games - always calculating and making sure things will end up in your favor, even if it's not quite fair. Nothing makes you happier than getting to spend time with your friends, and you can talk all day long and never run out of words. </div>
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Today you are cautious about new things but getting braver by the day. You still prefer to watch others try first to see how things will go and need lots of encouragement if you think something might be hard or scary. You conquered your fear of water this year and are growing stronger and stronger as a swimmer. You love to dive down to the bottom of the pool to retrieve objects, jump in the deep end, get thrown in the air to make a big splash, and try to knock people off pool floats. </div>
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Today you are a kindergarten graduate, who ended the school year virtually and is so excited for first grade. You still dislike writing and coloring but you love math and science, especially anything having to do with space. You are now a tiger scout who's made so many new friends, tried so many new outdoors things, and become an expert at camping. You sleep better in a tent than you do at home! We've diagnosed attention issues this year and we can't wait to see how much you grown when you are able to give proper focus. </div>
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Today you are a lover of loungewear, only wanting comfy pants or shorts without buttons. You like socks but never want to wear shoes, preferring to wear flip flops for all occasions like the Florida boy that you are. You'll stay in your pajamas all day if we let you and you love to cuddle in on the couch or bed and watch a movie together. Your lion sleeping bag and shark tail blanket can usually be found on our couch with you snuggled up inside. </div>
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Today you are obsessed with bad guys, even preferring music and stories that feature them. Bad Guy by Billie Eilish and Circles by Post Malone are a few of your faves, as well as quite a few Lady Gaga tracks like Telephone and Bad Romance. You love to listen to us read you kids comic books, the Bad Guys and Dog Man Series are your favorites.<br />
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Today you are on your way to being a professional gamer who is beyond competent at all things Nintendo Switch. You've grown to love hockey this year after attending your first and second NHL games and think you might want to be a hockey player when you grown up. You'd also like to be an astronaut - you've been watching rapt attention every time Florida sends up another shuttle. And it none of those work out, then you'd like to be a fireman who works at Uncle Joe's fire station. </div>
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Today your appetite is on the decline thanks to your new medicine, and you frequently skip lunch, but you still love all your old favorites - pizza, bacon, popcorn, mozzarella sticks, donuts. You are slowly getting better about eating new foods especially if we mix them in with favorites. You love to wait until bedtime and then tell us you are still hungry. </div>
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You survived another hurricane this year - Dorian, as well as COVID-19 and three months of quarantine and virtual school. You've continued to be quite the little traveler - making trips to Atlantic City, Detroit, Long Boat Key, Nashville and up next - Seattle. You are the chillest traveler ever, and we've got flying together down to a science. You gained a new baby cousin Silas this year, as well as a new Uncle Vince. </div>
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Today we love you more than we ever thought we could. </div>
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Today you are SIX.</div>
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Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-33169280323732227722020-06-09T10:02:00.000-04:002020-06-09T10:02:57.579-04:00Jacob's Episode VI { a STAR WARS birthday pool party}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oooh boy, I can not believe this kid is almost SIX!! Thanks to COVID-19 birthdays look a little different this year. South Florida is in phase 1 which means we were able to skip the drive by birthday and plan an intimate get together with his just a few of his friends and family. We hosted a pool party at his grandparents with a few kiddos that he had mostly been in contact with (in a roundabout way) anyways. This kid was beyond pumped to swim and play with his friends after so many months in quarantine. He knew exactly what he wanted - STAR WARS, so we made that happen. </div>
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I knew that the kids would swim for most of the party so I ordered a few STAR WARS inflatables and we made some light sabers out of pool noodles and duct tape, which were a huge hit! For favors we wrapped up bubble wands with spray painted handles (to look like light sabers!) with pool towels. </div>
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I set up just one table as a focal point using a banner and balloon garland from Amazon. The table held snacks for the kids - teddy grahams as ewoks and applesauce pouches as Chewy, as well as the favors, plates, pinata and book. We have always purchased a new book for each of Jacob's birthdays and had all of his party guests sign it - it's such a sweet momento to have after the party is over. </div>
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We ordered Jacob's favorite food - pizza for dinner, and then let everyone have a crack at the pinata before they hit the pool again. I filled the pinata with non-chocolate candy like pixie sticks, lollipops, etc. The heat would have melted any chocolate! I also threw a few toys in there like bouncy balls, mini slinkys, star wars stamps, and mini planes. We ended the night with cake and Millennium Falcon ice cream sandwiches for dessert. </div>
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We love you sweet boy, and we love watching you grow!!</div>
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<u>LINKS</u></div>
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<a href="https://www.publix.com/pd/star-wars-darth-vader/RIO-THC-519631">cake</a> // <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/fancyfreefinery">cake topper</a> // <a href="https://www.target.com/p/cabana-striped-beach-towel-sun-squad/-/A-76595042?preselect=54657125#lnk=sametab">towels</a> // <a href="https://www.michaels.com/bubble-wand-by-creatology/M20001467.html?dwvar_M20001467_color=Turquoise">bubble wands</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.partycity.com/star-wars-darth-vader-balloon-25in-603133.html">Darth Vader balloon</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/37cli5Q">six balloon</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/2MVtoXj">balloon garland</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2YlIF97">Star Wars backdrop</a> // <a href="https://www.partycity.com/foil-silver-star-pinata-478458.html">pinata</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/2MI6lyP">forks</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2APtpJw">Death Star beach ball</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/2AhVXvb">BB-8 float</a> // <a href="https://www.target.com/p/star-wars-millennium-falcon-ice-cream-cookie-sandwich-6ct/-/A-78431220">ice cream</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.target.com/p/12-x-12-letterboard-room-essentials/-/A-76524486?preselect=54251922#lnk=sametab">letter board</a> // <a href="https://www.partycity.com/clear-plastic-candy-jar-599657.html?cgid=candy-containers">candy canister</a> // <a href="https://www.partycity.com/star-wars-cups-8ct-742159.html">cups</a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.target.com/p/star-wars-party-supply-collection/-/A-51931793">tablecloth, plates, napkins</a> //<a href="https://amzn.to/2BPIfjD"> book</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2XMhlBR">plastic cutlery caddy</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/30onfdT">light saber dive sticks</a></div>
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<u>PAST PARTIES</u></div>
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Jacob's Space Mission <a href="http://www.tuesdayswithjacob.com/2019/06/jacobs-space-mission-5-outer-space.html">FIVE</a></div>
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Pizza <a href="http://www.tuesdayswithjacob.com/2018/06/jacobs-4th-birthday-pizza-party.html">FOUR</a> Jacob</div>
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Jacob is a <a href="http://www.tuesdayswithjacob.com/2017/09/jacob-is-three-rex-dinosaur-birthday.html">THREE</a>-Rex </div>
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Jacob is <a href="http://www.tuesdayswithjacob.com/2016/06/jacob-is-two-wild-where-wild-things-are.html">TWO</a> Wild</div>
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Jacob's <a href="http://www.tuesdayswithjacob.com/2015/06/jacob-parties-with-mickey.html">FIRST</a> Birthday </div>
Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-81863839376906614812020-03-26T17:13:00.003-04:002021-11-18T15:37:42.908-05:00Quarantine Boredom Busters <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What to do when there's nowhere to go? I'm rounding up all of the resources we've ordered or pulled out of storage to keep the kiddo occupied during this strange time of quarantine: </div>
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<b><u>Educational Picks</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/33PLilN">Sight word flash cards </a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Ulkvux">Egg carton veggie garden</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.kiwico.com/kiwi">Kiwi Crate subscription box</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/39kHfPt">Primary journal</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Un6agU">Bob books </a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2vRHR1j">Star Wars workbook </a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/39kHvhp">Mini Motor math activity set</a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.insectlore.com/collections/butterflies-butterfly-kits-with-live-caterpillars/products/the-very-hungry-caterpillar-butterfly-growing-kit-with-live-caterpillars">Butterfly kit </a></div>
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<a href="https://www.littlepassports.com/subscription/world-edition/">Little Passports</a> </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/3am6HFN">Mental Blox critical thinking game </a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2xnnzx7">Volcano kit</a> </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Un6GLS">Habitat sticker pad</a> </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/33OzboZ">Phonics game </a></div>
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<u><b>Arts and Crafts </b></u></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2WLnMVn">Frozen 2 Aquabeads</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2WJAmEM">Jello Play edible block kit</a> </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/39j5ZHJ">Tie Dye kit</a> </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2WSqwQO">Sidewalk chalk</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2UKraNY">Hidden Pictures</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2xwVOlF">Jello Play edible slime</a> </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/33Na6La">Pottery Paint set</a> </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/3bwTABQ">Dino Excavation set</a> </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/33LGVbt">Paint by Sticker</a> </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/3bucNnv">How to Draw Animals</a> </div>
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<u><b>Read Alouds</b></u></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2WPtVzZ">Calendar Mysteries series</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/3apHsCu">Critter Club series</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2JgCQm5">Mercy Watson series</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2UmlJ8X">The Bad Guys series</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/3bqJGl1">Magic Tree House series</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2QQ2wdz">Nate the Great series</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2UROysX">Little House series</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2xpTWLC">Boxcar Children easy readers</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/39ms5sQ">Junie B. Jones series</a></div>
Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-82487507804380183332020-03-11T20:27:00.001-04:002021-11-18T15:38:01.293-05:00For the Easter Basket<div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
It's just about that time of year, time to fill up that festive Easter basket!! I know I always post this way far in advance but that's because I start stock piling so far in advance. I love to spread out purchases instead of buying all at once... just a little easier on the wallet. I honestly start right after Christmas, shopping the post holiday sales and keeping my eyes peeled all winter long for little goodies to stuff into eggs. </div>
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There's a few staples that always end up in our baskets - a new pair of pajamas, a family game, a few sweets, and always a new book. We've always added a stuffed animal too but I think this may be the year we've outgrown that. Don't ask me about it - I am not ok. But also, I cannot handle one. more. stuffed. animal. in. my. house. Please tell me you understand?<br />
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Rounding up all of the goodies I am loving for baskets this year, some of which will find their way into Jacob's basket on Easter morning. What can I say? The Easter Bunny has good taste!</div>
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<a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/glo-pals-alex-water-activated-light-up-sensory-toy/5421869/full?origin=coordinating-5421869-0-1-PDP_1.PDP_1_DEFAULT-recbot-also_viewed&recs_placement=PDP_1.PDP_1_DEFAULT&recs_strategy=also_viewed&recs_source=recbot&recs_page_type=product&recs_seed=5421868">ONE</a> // <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tangle-nightball-soccer-ball/4812113/full?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FKids%2FToy%20Shop&color=white">TWO</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Peaceable-Kingdom-Lemonade-Shake-Cooperative/dp/B07BNW3HSG/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=lemonade+shake+up&qid=1583197886&sr=8-1">THREE</a> +<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mudpuppy-Ocean-Swim-Travel-Game/dp/0735359849/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ref_=ast_sto_dp&linkCode=sl1&tag=tuesdayswithj-20&linkId=b0a26e71b6a48538dbb3108913f95ec5&language=en_US">TRAVEL GAME</a> // <a href="https://www.thenaturalbabyco.com/products/twee-narwhal-sidewalk-chalk?variant=31483228815447&currency=USD&utm_campaign=gs-2018-11-02&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=CjwKCAiA-vLyBRBWEiwAzOkGVHXUXaSCoXCXyW3Nt2-G5YK_zBMHXO3CGoBlHVI4HKFMxqa8r-QY9RoCuasQAvD_BwE">FOUR</a> +<a href="https://amzn.to/2v3idq7">MARKERS</a> // <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/iscream-silicone-earbuds-with-case/5549002/full?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FKids%2FToy%20Shop&color=aqua">FIVE</a> //<br />
<a href="https://www.sugarfina.com/bunny-bark-milk-chocolate-bar">SIX</a> +<a href="https://shopsweetlulu.com/collections/sweet-shoppe/products/dolphin-buddies">GUMMIES</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jabari-Jumps-Gaia-Cornwall/dp/0763678384/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=jabari+jumps&qid=1583197553&sr=8-1">SEVEN</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Candylab-Toys-Woodie-Surfboard-Vintage/dp/B07BGDCXYH/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=candylab+cars&qid=1583197521&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-6">EIGHT</a> // <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rocket-Construction-Toy-Set-Craftsmanship/dp/B078Z37KV9/ref=asc_df_B078Z37KV9/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312062319564&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9908172229972792997&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012034&hvtargid=pla-570371743389&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=62847940260&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312062319564&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9908172229972792997&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012034&hvtargid=pla-570371743389">NINE</a> // <a href="https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/2512363/jay-import-copper-wire-basket?color=COPPER">TEN</a> // <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/p/boys-category/pajamas-underwear/longsleevesleepsets/kids-pajama-set-in-neon-stripe/AI391?color_name=grey-kiwi">ELEVEN</a> // <a href="https://www.abercrombie.com/shop/us/kids/p/logo-swim-trunks-38490320?categoryId=6316514&seq=04&faceout=prod">TWELVE</a> +<a href="https://www.maisonette.com/product/prehistoric-times-goggles-raptor-blue-grey?gclid=Cj0KCQiAqY3zBRDQARIsAJeCVxMngqa-VbehJQVlNvskHtn99V_-CPxXc2Vev7_scBD0dRnsa9YckosaAm7xEALw_wcB">GOGGLES</a></div>
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One // <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/glo-pals-alex-water-activated-light-up-sensory-toy/5421869/full?origin=coordinating-5421869-0-1-PDP_1.PDP_1_DEFAULT-recbot-also_viewed&recs_placement=PDP_1.PDP_1_DEFAULT&recs_strategy=also_viewed&recs_source=recbot&recs_page_type=product&recs_seed=5421868">Glo Pals</a>: Bath toys have been in our baskets ever since the first year! Some Kindergartners may have switched over to showers already, but Jacob still loves playing in the tub and prefers a bath. </div>
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Two // <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tangle-nightball-soccer-ball/4812113/full?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FKids%2FToy%20Shop&color=white">Light Up Soccer Ball</a>: Perfect for night time parties or even camp-outs, the latter of which may be the reason this one will find it's way into Jacob's basket. </div>
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Three // <a href="https://amzn.to/3aEo58r">Lemonade Shake-up</a>: I love including a game the whole family can play in the basket and Peaceable Kingdom has some of our favorites. We also love the <a href="https://amzn.to/3aAFjmT">travel games</a> from Mudpuppy. The pieces come in a canvas pouch that doubles as the game board - perfect for passing time on airplanes. Last year we put <a href="https://amzn.to/3ayxcay">Hoppy Floppy's Happy Hunt</a> in Jacob's basket which we loved - it's great for fine motor skills in the toddler and preschool ages! </div>
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Four // <a href="https://www.thenaturalbabyco.com/products/twee-narwhal-sidewalk-chalk?variant=31483228815447&currency=USD&utm_campaign=gs-2018-11-02&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=CjwKCAiA-vLyBRBWEiwAzOkGVHXUXaSCoXCXyW3Nt2-G5YK_zBMHXO3CGoBlHVI4HKFMxqa8r-QY9RoCuasQAvD_BwE">Narwhal Chalk</a>: Anything that gets kids playing outside, am I right? When it comes to art supplies we're also big fans of <a href="https://amzn.to/2v3idq7">Ooly markers</a>, Jacob got their <a href="https://amzn.to/2Twzpxr">ice cream scented set</a> last year! </div>
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Five // <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/iscream-silicone-earbuds-with-case/5549002/full?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FKids%2FToy%20Shop&color=aqua">Silicone Earpods</a>: Designed just for kids, we love these on car trips so we aren't battling noise from the Nintendo/iPad/DVD player while trying to listen to the radio. </div>
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Six // <a href="https://www.sugarfina.com/bunny-bark-milk-chocolate-bar">Bunny Bark Chocolate bar</a>: Every basket needs a little sweetness. We try not to go overboard on the candy but this bar is too cute! We're also crushing hard on these <a href="https://shopsweetlulu.com/collections/sweet-shoppe/products/dolphin-buddies">dolphin gummies</a>. </div>
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Seven // <a href="https://amzn.to/39xO3Ky">Jabari Jumps</a>: A book is another one of our staples. I love this one because it's all about confidence, being brave, and overcoming your fears - big themes for us this year! Some of my other favorite picks are <a href="https://amzn.to/2PWbZiP">Cat & Bunny</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2Tv6HwS">Gaston</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2wAfHrG">The Little Island</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2v0EMeU">Marshmallow</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/2TurJfi">Lovely Beasts</a>. (Last year's pick!)</div>
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Eight // <a href="https://amzn.to/2TtC8b4">Wooden Surf Wagon</a>: I love toys that can pull double duty. This car will fit in perfectly as decor in Jacob's surf themed room, and will also be fun to play with. There's also a little yellow camper that can be bought to attach to it as well. </div>
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Nine // <a href="https://amzn.to/2xdVzfe">Rocket Construction Set</a>: A fun STEM set for kiddos who love space, like mine! </div>
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Ten // <a href="https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/2512363/jay-import-copper-wire-basket?color=COPPER">Copper Wire Basket</a>: We got ours at <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/american-atelier-copper-finish-easter-basket/4897438/lite">Nordstrom</a>, (in the kids section, on an Easter display table - the brand is American Atelier) but it looks like it's sold out. I've linked it in case it comes back in stock, but I'm also loving this <a href="https://www.target.com/p/easter-basket-hearth-hand-with-magnolia/-/A-79633193">white one</a> from Hearth & Hand. You can find some other options <a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0628805001.html?ef_id=CjwKCAiA-vLyBRBWEiwAzOkGVOqRkYM2I9Eq5Zj39FSCjvXZiOV50esFVFTz2muQhf4QOwG9Fe64FRoCeMAQAvD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!860!3!340452652249!!!g!732722146557!&gclid=CjwKCAiA-vLyBRBWEiwAzOkGVOqRkYM2I9Eq5Zj39FSCjvXZiOV50esFVFTz2muQhf4QOwG9Fe64FRoCeMAQAvD_BwE">here</a>, <a href="https://www.hobbylobby.com/Spring-Shop/Storage-Planters/Baskets/Round-Metal-Wire-Basket---Large/p/80922001">here</a>, and <a href="https://www.target.com/p/metal-wire-storage-basket-sour-cream-hearth-hand-153-with-magnolia/-/A-54416712?preselect=54211802#lnk=sametab">here</a>. </div>
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Eleven // <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/p/boys-category/pajamas-underwear/longsleevesleepsets/kids-pajama-set-in-neon-stripe/AI391?color_name=grey-kiwi">Stripe Pajamas</a>: A new set of pajamas goes in our basket every year! I love this bright set and the quality from J. Crew is among my favorite. <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/p/girls_category/pajamas/sleepsets/girls-pajama-set-in-stripes/AA288?color_name=ivory-dusk">These</a> would be my pick for girls! </div>
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Twelve // <a href="https://www.abercrombie.com/shop/us/kids/p/logo-swim-trunks-38490320?categoryId=6316514&seq=04&faceout=prod">Swim Trunks</a>: We rarely include swim trunks in our basket because we always get new ones for spring break which is almost always BEFORE Easter, but these would be my pick! I know lots of people love them in baskets in anticipation for summer, we just happen to have summer year round. This sweet <a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0805808001.html">ruffle trim suit</a> would be my pick for girls. And if you need a good pair of swim goggles, we love <a href="https://www.maisonette.com/product/prehistoric-times-goggles-raptor-blue-grey?gclid=Cj0KCQiAqY3zBRDQARIsAJeCVxMngqa-VbehJQVlNvskHtn99V_-CPxXc2Vev7_scBD0dRnsa9YckosaAm7xEALw_wcB">these</a> (boys) and <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bling2o-sprinkle-swim-goggles-kid/5502477/full?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=rainbow">these</a> (girls) from Bling2o!<br />
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Hope this round up gives you a few ideas and that you have fun putting together baskets for your little ones! Happy spring friends, XO.</div>
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<a href="http://www.tuesdayswithjacob.com/2019/04/easter-baskets-for-little-guys.html">2019 basket (4 years old)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.tuesdayswithjacob.com/2017/03/easter-basket-goodies.html">2017 basket (2 years old)</a></div>
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Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-61697971832331039842019-12-15T15:28:00.002-05:002021-11-18T15:38:48.864-05:00Gift Guide for Kindergarten Boys <div style="text-align: center;">
I'm so excited to share with you this year's gift guide for little guys - aka. Jacob's wishlist. We're really trying to cut back on toys this year and zone in on things that he loves and will help him with his academic and athletic development. His big gift this year is going to be a desk for his room - for creating and exploring, and for homework! </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2LUE5sH">ONE.</a> One of our on-going goals from Jacob is to get him outside more. He seems to have taken a liking to hockey and lacrosse, so we grabbed him a street hockey kit that he can use outside with Mom and Dad. We're still on the hunt for a good lacrosse kit for kids! </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Eml3aI">TWO.</a> We're just a teensy bit Star Wars obsessed over here and I kind of see these as a Barbie alternative. (I know I loved those at this age!) Perfect for pretend play. The set comes with six 12-inch dolls, featuring all the major characters.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2rOahY4">THREE.</a> Board games have been a huge hit over the last year, and this one looks like so much fun! Some of our other favorites are <a href="https://amzn.to/36JpdFT">Candyland</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2Ei2x3a">Sorry!</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/36zNLRx">Trouble</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/2LVzYww">Shark Bite</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2LYa9w9">FOUR.</a> The Osmo is a tablet attachment (tablet not included) with learning games for kids that came highly recommended by several of my friends. We got the Genius starter kit to use with our iPad mini, and I love that there are additional games you can purchase - this makes future gift giving easy!<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2PrEMw9">FIVE.</a> Camping gear! We camp several times a year both with cubscouts and as a family. While we have most of the basic gear Jacob was pining for a headlamp like many of his friends had on our last trip. A sturdy <a href="https://amzn.to/2RUcuM9">water bottle</a> is a must for hikes as well! Some other ideas are lanterns, mess kits, sleeping bags, and camp chairs.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2qYq6eo">SIX.</a> The Instax Mini is a perfect size for little hands. Jacob is only into picture taking if he can see the photo afterwards, so I know he'll love being able to take his own photos and getting to see them print out right after.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2PmV09I">SEVEN.</a> Science kits are awesome for this age. Experimenting really gets those little brains working. Jacob saw this specific one at our school science night being raffled off. He didn't win it that night but he will find it under our tree Christmas morning!<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2LXJTC6">EIGHT.</a> We always pick up a few books to add to Jacob's collection each Christmas. Elephant and Piggie are a huge hit with the kindergarten set and always make Jacob laugh.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2PLUwsF">NINE.</a> A sports Jersey and tickets to a game are one of our favorite "experience" gifts. Some of our others are fair tickets, museum or zoo passes, lessons for music or sports, or passes to local play places. We always like to pick some thing for Jacob to unwrap that represents the experience - we've done a mini stuffed tiger with zoo tickets for example, and a jersey is perfect because they can wear it to the game!<br />
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The best news is that every one of these gifts is available on Amazon with delivery before Christmas! (as of right now anyways.) Most of last years gift ideas are still perfect for this age too, check those out <a href="http://www.tuesdayswithjacob.com/2018/12/gift-guide-for-little-guys.html">HERE.</a> Can't wait to surprise little man on Christmas morning with some of these gifts - we also love to gift practical items like new shoes, winter wear, or pajamas. What do your little ones want for Christmas?<br />
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Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-16405202487138670132019-08-14T17:02:00.004-04:002019-08-18T19:13:34.610-04:00Treat Your Teacher <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post is sponsored by 3M but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. This post is sponsored by Post It but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.</span></div>
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Oooh friends. August already. Seems like summer just started, but here we are loading up on crayons and pencils, glue sticks and hand sanitizer. One of my favorite things to do while I'm out shopping for school supplies is to grab a little gift to give to our teacher on the first day. Just a little something to let them know how excited we are to be in their class and how we're looking forward to a great year. </div>
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Since I'm already shopping for supplies, I usually pick up extra as part of our gift. But the key here is that we like to pick out special supplies just for the teacher. The fun stuff that's just for them. This year I found a cute zipper pouch with "World's Best Teacher" on it and we loaded it up with colorful supplies. You'd be so surprised how something as simple as a pretty pen can brighten up a teacher's day!<br />
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Here are some ideas for filling:<br />
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<u>Post-It's® & Scotch® Tape:</u> Teacher's use these for EVERYTHING. We love both lined and unlined Post-It's® in all the bright, fun colors. 3M are offering a great deal this season! Purchase $10 worth of participating Post-it® and Scotch™ back to school supplies in one transaction at Walmart stores or at Walmart.com between 7/22/19 and 9/8/19. All you gotta do it take a photo of your entire receipt showing the qualifying items starred. Visit the program landing page either on your mobile device or your desktop computer and enter your information and submit the image of your full receipt by 9/30/19. Once your submission has been validated within 2-5 business days, you will receive an email with a <a href="https://ooh.li/4cb63ff">$10 Fandango Promo Code</a>*. Hurry while supplies last!<br />
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<u>Erasable pens:</u> possibly the greatest thing since sliced bread. It's so nice to be able to erase mistakes and not have to get out the correction tape which can be messy!<br />
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<u>Mini Calculator:</u> Perfect to keep on hand for calculating grades.<br />
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<u>Colorful markers and highlighters:</u> Nothing makes teacher's happy then writing with a nice pen! Pretty pastels and bold brights make our hearts sing!<br />
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<u>Favorite candy:</u> If you know your teacher's favorite candy slip a few in, if you don't - slip in a popular candy anyways. Teacher's love to stash away candy in their desks for when they need a little energy boost!<br />
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<u>Painkillers:</u> Mini containers are perfect for headaches. Enough said.<br />
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<u>Gift card:</u> A gift card for a popular store, restaurant, movie theater, etc. Even better if you know your teacher's favorite spots! (Hint - ask parents who had kids in the class last year, they probably know!)<br />
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We jazzed our pouch up with some pretty ribbon, slipped in a hand written note in a pretty notecard and we're all set for back to school and meet the teacher!<br />
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Don't forget to grab your <a href="https://ooh.li/4cb63ff">$10 Fandango Promo Code</a>* when you purchase $10 worth of any $10 worth of any Post-it® and Scotch® Back to School stationery products from your local Walmart*. By the time the first Friday of school rolls around, kids are usually exhausted and needing to decompress a bit. A movie night would be the perfect way to relax and celebrate making it through the first week of school!<br />
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*Visit <a href="https://ooh.li/4cb63ff">www.activaterewards.com/3Mbacktoschool</a> for full details<br />
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Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-81607144328742669242019-08-13T05:00:00.000-04:002019-08-13T05:00:11.982-04:00Kindergarten Interview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, here we go. After fourteen years of teaching kindergartners, I officially have one in my home. I'm not crying, you're crying. We've entered the land of homework and projects and <i>someone hold me. </i>I'll now spend 8 hours a day with 5 year olds and then go home to my own.<i> </i>Here's a little snapshot of Jacob as he heads off to Kindergarten: </div>
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<b>How old are you? </b></div>
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Jacob: FIVE!!!!</div>
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<b>Who's your best friend?</b></div>
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Jacob: Joshua</div>
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<b>What's your favorite food?</b></div>
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Jacob: Mozzarella sticks and ice cream and cheetos</div>
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<b>What's your favorite color?</b></div>
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Jacob: blue and red</div>
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<b>What's your favorite toy?</b></div>
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Jacob: Paw Patrol Teeny Tys </div>
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<b>What's your favorite book?</b></div>
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Jacob: Pete the Cat</div>
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<b>What's your favorite tv show?</b></div>
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Jacob: Booba</div>
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<b>What's your favorite movie?</b></div>
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Jacob: Wonder Park</div>
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<b>What do you like to do outside?</b></div>
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Jacob: Play at the playground</div>
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<b>What do you like to do inside?</b></div>
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Jacob: Watch TV</div>
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<b>What's your favorite holiday?</b></div>
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Jacob: Halloween and Christmas and Thanksgiving</div>
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<b>What's your favorite animal?</b></div>
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Jacob: Monkey</div>
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<b>What do you want to be when you grow up?</b></div>
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Jacob: An astronaut and Santa Claus</div>
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Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-2773987365232046332019-06-10T16:40:00.000-04:002019-08-06T16:41:35.847-04:00FIVE. <div style="text-align: center;">
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Today you are the silliest guy we know. You love singing silly songs, making jokes, and seeing what funny sounds you can come up with to make us laugh. You insist you aren't the silliest kid in your class, but your teachers say otherwise. </div>
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Today you are full of questions, always wanting to know how and why. You start chatting the minute your eyes open in the morning and you don't stop until you've fallen back asleep at night. You can talk a mile a minute, always have a story ready, and never run out of words. </div>
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Today you are cautious and calculating, always weighing the risk against the reward. You don't like to try new things even though you usually love them once we make you try. You are afraid of deep water (swim class), bugs, the dark, swings, and quite a few other things. </div>
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Today you are a pre-K graduate who made so many new friends, loved his teachers, and showed tremendous growth over the last year. You dislike homework and writing, but love to read books, play in centers and do circle time. You've learned so much this year from sight words to how to write your name, and you are so excited for Kindergarten in the fall. </div>
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Today you still prefer your hair long, only like slip-on shoes, and want to change out of your uniform into "home clothes" every day as soon as you walk in the door. You like wearing baseball hats just like Daddy and are never opposed to a good pair of sunglasses. On the weekends you like to stay in your pajamas for as long as possible. </div>
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Today you are a music lover who has very specific opinions when it comes to the radio. Imagine Dragons, and Panic! at the Disco are some of your favorite bands, and we can almost always find you singing along and playing air guitar or drums in your car seat. You strongly disagree that the driver should get to choose the radio station.<br />
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Today you are a technology whiz who probably knows more than we do about the tablet and all the games on it. You can easily navigate netflix, hulu, and google play on your own and don't like watching anything that isn't a "Jacob show."<br />
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Today you love building with blocks or legos, playing "bad guys" and are obsessed with villians despite your strong morals - you are always quick to point out when something is "not nice." You are quick to apologize and quick to forgive, always eager to keep the peace. </div>
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Today you are eating us out of house and home, always hungry but only for the foods you deem acceptable - chicken nuggets, pizza, hamburgers, strawberries, cheese, fruit snacks, goldfish, and yogurt are some of your favorites. It takes some convincing to get you to try new foods, especially fruits and veggies that you've already decided you "don't like." </div>
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Today we love you more than we ever thought we could. </div>
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Today you are FIVE.<br />
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Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-23426812910634272312019-06-05T17:36:00.001-04:002019-06-05T21:16:18.160-04:00Jacob's Space Mission 5 {an outer space birthday party}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year's party might have been my favorite yet. Although, I'm fairly certain I also said that about his <a href="http://www.tuesdayswithjacob.com/2018/06/jacobs-4th-birthday-pizza-party.html">pizza party</a>, <a href="http://www.tuesdayswithjacob.com/2017/09/jacob-is-three-rex-dinosaur-birthday.html">dinosaur party</a>, <a href="http://www.tuesdayswithjacob.com/2016/06/jacob-is-two-wild-where-wild-things-are.html">wild things party</a>, <a href="http://www.tuesdayswithjacob.com/2015/08/jd-under-sea-1st-birthday-party.html">ocean party</a>, <a href="http://www.tuesdayswithjacob.com/2015/05/jacobs-1st-birthday-puppy-paw-ty.html">puppy party</a>, and <a href="http://www.tuesdayswithjacob.com/2015/06/jacob-parties-with-mickey.html">Mickey Mouse party</a>. Jacob wanted a "rocket ship party" and since we're going to be out of town on his birthday we planned it for one week earlier. I stuck with a loose outer space theme in black, white, and metallics. </div>
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We picked a morning slot at a local play gym <a href="http://www.happyplacekidsgym.com/">Happy Place Kids Gym</a> and invited all his friends, including his classmates which made this years party larger than all of his previous parties. Having a morning party let me serve simple brunch foods like bagels & cream cheese, muffins, donuts, coffee, etc. I ordered a white cake from Publix as usual and added sprinkles, stars, a rocket ship and an astronaut on top to create a space theme. We filled the goody bags with astronaut ice cream, rock candy, moon pies, space alien water guns, and astronaut lollipops. I always pick out a book to match Jacob's theme and have all his guests sign it as a momento from his party - this year's book was <a href="https://amzn.to/2MtclhG"><i>If You Decide to Go to The Moon</i>.</a> The little moon cups might be my favorite detail, but it's a toss up with the astronaut ice cream.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HappyPlaceKidsGym/?ref=br_rs">Happy Place</a> made the whole process super easy for us. They helped with both set up and clean up and kept things running smoothly. The kids loved playing in the air conditioned gym and there was plenty of space for parents to sit and talk. We learned our lesson two years ago to never plan an outdoor party in June in Florida, and we haven't looked back since. </div>
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<b><u>Sources:</u></b> </div>
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Invitation // <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrintsForEvents?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=593416413">Prints for Events</a></div>
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space background // <a href="https://www.shindigz.com/">Shindigz</a> </div>
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solid balloons, gold moon balloons // <a href="https://shop.ohhappyday.com/">Oh Happy Day</a></div>
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rocket balloon, 5 sparkler // <a href="https://merimeri.com/">Meri Meri</a></div>
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Star Confetti Balloons // <a href="https://amzn.to/2JZrJ3f">Amazon</a></div>
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Silver Moon and star balloons // <a href="https://amzn.to/2JYzTcf">Amazon</a></div>
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5 balloon // <a href="https://www.michaels.com/">Michaels</a></div>
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White table cloth // <a href="https://stoweyjoey.com/product/coloring-tablecloth-color-wash-repeat/">Stowey Joey</a></div>
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Rocket cupcake stand, gold candles // <a href="https://www.partycity.com/">Party city</a> </div>
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If You Decide to Go to the Moon // <a href="https://amzn.to/2WN0j6G">Amazon</a></div>
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Silver cake stand // <a href="https://amzn.to/2WOAhju">Amazon </a></div>
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Disco Balls // Amazon <a href="https://amzn.to/2XrKsrx">large</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2XqFDyl">medium </a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2JZyemy">small</a></div>
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Black tablecloths // <a href="https://amzn.to/2MvMZQ8">Amazon</a></div>
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Astronaut cake topper // <a href="https://amzn.to/31axssp">Amazon</a></div>
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Astronaut ice cream // <a href="https://amzn.to/2Ikyqda">Amazon</a></div>
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Rock candy // <a href="https://amzn.to/2EU6k7r">Amazon</a></div>
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Light up 5 // <a href="https://amzn.to/2WHZ493">Amazon</a></div>
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Space Helmet // <a href="https://amzn.to/2WrIk6k">Amazon</a></div>
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Astronaut Backpack // <a href="https://amzn.to/2XvGeiy">Amazon </a></div>
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Black Goody Bags // <a href="https://amzn.to/2MuxJDb">Amazon</a></div>
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Ribbon on goody bags // <a href="http://www.michaels.com/">Michaels</a></div>
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Thank you Tags // <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PinkPaperTrail">Pink Paper Trail</a></div>
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Star Garlands // <a href="https://www.target.com/p/3ct-gold-silver-star-garland-spritz-153/-/A-51506676">Target</a></div>
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Gold and silver star cupcake toppers, cake toppers, confetti // <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GlitterPartyCo">Glitter Party Co.</a> </div>
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Moon cups // <a href="https://www.orientaltrading.com/">Oriental Trading </a></div>
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Plates, cups, napkins, striped forks // <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CrankyCakesShop">Cranky Cakes Shop</a></div>
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Five is a Blast tee shirt // <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyLifeParties">Happy Life Parties</a></div>
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Star Dress // <a href="https://amzn.to/2JWN11H">Amazon</a> </div>
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NASA Tee Shirt // <a href="https://amzn.to/2WqxxcW">Amazon</a> </div>
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Cake and all food & drinks // <a href="http://www.publix.com/">Publix</a> </div>
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Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-78717442392517783632019-04-07T19:23:00.001-04:002021-11-18T15:39:19.926-05:00Easter Baskets for Little Guys <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, one things for sure... 2019 seems to be stuck on permanent fast forward mode. It's almost Easter and that's really saying something because Easter is<i> super </i>late this year. I've rounded up some of our favorite Easter basket ideas in hopes that you find something perfect for your little guys. SO many Easter and Spring goodies are geared for girls with soft pastels and sweet bunnies and rainbows... so I always love finding hidden gems for boys! We've already had our Spring Break so Jacob has already received and used his swimsuit, cap and sunnies, but he'll have a few of these goodies in his Easter basket, along with little eggs filled with treats, dinosaurs, and army guys! We use a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg6FivqjNBX/">copper wire basket</a> from Nordstrom (sadly not online, but we found it in the kids section on an easter display table last year) and because I know some of you will want to know... these cute bunny jammies are last year Gap and no longer sold. I may shed real tears when we outgrow them! </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Expressions-Embroidered-Baseball-Monogrammed/dp/B07PRMVG9T/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=kids+monogram+ball+cap&qid=1554678613&s=gateway&sr=8-1">Monogram Ball Cap</a> // <a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0725270002.html">Sunglasses </a></div>
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<a href="https://cuddleandkind.com/products/sebastian-the-lamb?gclid=CjwKCAjwv6blBRBzEiwAihbM-aDvd7f6JkVidWX9NTvQrHj_Ogxoh4Ge3IfRrBAswY4fpG84TIqnhxoCVngQAvD_BwE">Sebastian the Lamb</a> // <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Educational-Insights-Hoppy-Floppy-s-Happy-Hunt-Game/43357467?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-51320962143&wl5=9012034&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=43357467&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjwv6blBRBzEiwAihbM-XVK6beMYSDsb9weX-XR057hnLr9UWQeyavU92vcJfOmlSIP5eCz4xoC94IQAvD_BwE">Happy Hunt Game</a> // <a href="https://www.target.com/p/yoobi-star-chalk-holder-with-1-chalk-holder-and-12-chalk-pc-multicolor-13pk/-/A-51459636">Chalk</a> // <a href="https://tubbytodd.com/collections/all-1/products/hair-body-wash">Bath Wash</a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/kids-printed-umbrella?category=SEARCHRESULTS&color=040&quantity=1&size=One%20Size&type=STANDARD">Space Umbrella</a> // <a href="https://www.target.com/p/toddler-boys-swim-trunks-cat-jack-153-blue-5t/-/A-53928551?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Baby%2BShopping_Brand&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=s&device=c&location=9012034&ds_rl=1242884&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1246978&gclid=CjwKCAjwv6blBRBzEiwAihbM-U-5oZGyWGm71kECiIFJ4nC_BdiJpm9KfJZSVMv35HPvEaHdHDhLFRoCYaoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds">Swim Trunks</a> // <a href="https://www.target.com/p/hershey-s-milk-chocolate-speedy-easter-bunny-5oz/-/A-53960535">Chocolate Bunny</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.target.com/p/toddler-boys-henry-camo-flip-flop-sandals-cat-jack-153-brown/-/A-52988372?preselect=52731708#lnk=sametab">Flip Flops</a> // <a href="https://amzn.to/2KuIjt9">Lovely Beasts</a> // <a href="https://basin.com/water-lily-easter-egg-bath-bomb-spring-exclusive/?gclid=CjwKCAjwv6blBRBzEiwAihbM-YqEUwKVLBYMqm7BnlCnAnN6b5TbaH91WO8Gnva5FkdkM06db-DzrBoCFmsQAvD_BwE">Easter Egg Bath Bomb </a></div>
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Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-19636853698937782572019-01-07T18:13:00.000-05:002019-01-07T18:13:13.789-05:002019 Intentions <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dusting off the little old blog (It's been a bit huh?) and hoping you all had a cozy, relaxing winter break full of fun and family memories. We took a little social media break to focus on just that but now we're back and ready to put our 2019 goals out there because we're much more likely to get things accomplished if we've got a little bit of accountability. First, I'm calling our 2019 goals intentions and not resolutions because resolutions were made to be broken and then we're left feeling like failures if we don't accomplish them. Instead, I'm calling them intentions. They're things that we <i>intend</i> to do. And if we do, even partially do them, then we've accomplished something. So without further ado here's our 2019 list: </div>
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<b>1. Cook more at home:</b> Like everyone else, we eat fast food and processed food far too much. I'm not saying I'm going to cook every meal at home but I'm aiming for 3-4 nights a week of good, home cooked meals full of fresh ingredients. My 9-5 (7-3 really) is working against me here as I arrive home most afternoons exhausted, but I've got <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/TWJblog/">pinterest</a> and a new app called favoreats on my side, so I'm feeling good about this one. </div>
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<b>2. Travel more:</b> We've got our normal spring and summer break trips planned, as well as a few weekend trips here and there, but both of my siblings moved to new cities this year and we're really hoping to make trips to both Seattle and Nashville this year to visit. We've never been to either city and now that hubs has more vacation time we're hoping to make some new family memories! </div>
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<b>3. Practice Photography:</b> And by practice I mean, get my business off the ground - get in more shoots, design a website, build a client base, etc. I've been practicing my photo taking skills on Jacob for a long time and just barely started to photography other people's kids near the end of the year but I'm hoping to really grow the business side of things this year. I'd like to upgrade my equipment and get out of my comfort zone in 2019 too! </div>
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<b>4. Get outside more:</b> I am so, so, guilty of coming home and crashing on my couch and then never getting back up. We want to get into the habit of getting in our vitamin D on a daily basis - going to our neighborhood pool and playground more, going for walks, meeting up with friends, etc. If you're local and want to help us out with this let us know!</div>
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<b>5. Document the little things:</b> I've gotten into a little bit of a rut with the blog - only blogging when something big comes up, or I find a fabulous product to share, and not documenting our day-to-day life which was the goal when I started .... 8 years (and 460 blog posts) ago! I want to be more consistent in my writing this year but also to focus in on the little things that make up our daily life together and not just the big stuff. </div>
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What are your goals for the New Year?</div>
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Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-85996002741007800412018-12-24T08:34:00.001-05:002018-12-24T08:34:27.018-05:00Christmas Cards 2018 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDs4-gxNv4U/XCBAyPAiajI/AAAAAAAAhIY/WuDxZdbNdPcSmL8bCz5Qtjy90P0t9S3DQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDs4-gxNv4U/XCBAyPAiajI/AAAAAAAAhIY/WuDxZdbNdPcSmL8bCz5Qtjy90P0t9S3DQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1875.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of my very favorite parts of the Christmas season is all the happy mail that arrives in our mailboxes. I just adore all the cards with everyone's kids and seeing how much they've all grown! I keep all of our own Christmas cards from past years together in a box and it's so crazy to look back and see how much Jacob has grown and changed from his first Christmas back in 2014. </div>
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We ordered from <a href="https://www.tinyprints.com/holidays/cards-invitations.htm">Tiny Prints</a> this year and it could not have been easier! We first ordered from Tiny Prints back in 2010 when we were putting together the Save the Dates for our wedding, and I've always been impressed with their quality and selection. I browsed their site for days before finally selecting a design. </div>
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The gold stamped foil is what really sold me on <a href="https://www.tinyprints.com/product/73328/foil_stamped_holiday_cards_countless_fun.html#trim/1">t</a>he design, but they also have glitter, laser cut and gate fold cards too! I love how the simple design lets Jacob's photo be the star of the show.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ThYgnkBZJeU/XCDeyIDcz1I/AAAAAAAAhIo/dUBYVtV0aeI5prY28Gei-k_OcKHU_qfqwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ThYgnkBZJeU/XCDeyIDcz1I/AAAAAAAAhIo/dUBYVtV0aeI5prY28Gei-k_OcKHU_qfqwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1890.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are so many different ways to personalize Tiny Print's card designs. You can add an envelope liner in various prints, (I just love the little trees on ours), and the back of every card has multiple options of different prints, photo configurations, and text designs. We picked a contrasting gold stripe design that perfectly complimented the gold foil on the front of our card. </div>
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Tiny Prints will even address your cards free of charge with their FREE recipient addressing. You simply add all of your addresses to their online address book on your account and every year they are in there ready to go! All of ours were saved in their from last year so it couldn't have been easier and I didn't have to hand write them all!</div>
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Many of you will have these beautiful cards arriving in your mailboxes this week, keep your eyes peeled! If you dropped the ball on ordering Christmas cards this year Tiny Prints also has a big selection of <a href="https://www.tinyprints.com/new-years-cards">New Year's cards</a>.<br />
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Christmas Cards: <a href="https://www.tinyprints.com/holiday-cards/brilliantly-joyful-holiday-stationery-card?productCode=1339719&categoryCode=1244080&productOptions=number_of_photos%3a1%20photos&skuCode=1339720">Tiny Prints Brilliantly Joyful</a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post was sponsored by Tiny Prints, but as always all thoughts and opinions are my own and I only endorse products I love!</span></i></div>
Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136815882586439413.post-49148564423465702712018-12-17T19:07:00.001-05:002018-12-18T16:03:41.954-05:00The gift that keeps on giving <div style="text-align: center;">
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Thank you <a href="https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/">Goldfish Swim School</a> for sponsoring this post!</div>
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I know, I know... I just shared a gift guide full of things Jacob is hoping to find under the tree. But I must confess, my favorite things to give at Christmas are not "things" at all. I much prefer giving (and receiving!) experiences. Every year we ask for a zoo membership and tickets to the fair but I thought I would share a few more ideas for both kids and adults! </div>
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<u><b>For kids: </b></u></div>
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<b>Sport lessons:</b> Soccer, basketball, gymanstics, you name it. Kids learn so many important skills through sport. From coordination and balance, to teamwork and sportsmanship. Jacob's been taking swimming lessons at <a href="https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/">Goldfish Swim School</a> these past few months and a gift of lessons is perfect for the holidays! Even when it's cold outside the pool is heated to a balmy 90 degrees. Students work their way through the levels of the Science of SwimPlay<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">®</span> curriculum learning both safety and swimming skills under the watchful eye of both their teacher and a lifeguard on duty. (No such thing as too many eyes on little ones in the pool!) Everything at Goldfish is designed to delight little ones and the brand new facility in <a href="https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/pembroke-pines/?L=true">Pembroke Pines</a> is no exception. If you're familiar with Goldfish you'll recognize the cute cabana changing rooms, the surfboard hair drying station, the seating area for parents to watch, and of course the pool and colorful murals surrounding it. Think how much more confident little swimmers will be this summer if they start now! Goldfish Pembroke Pines hosts free family swim events which are a great way to check out the facility!<br />
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<b>Movie tickets:</b> So many good movies coming out this year! We can't wait for Toy Story 4 and Dumbo. </div>
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<b>Zoo membership:</b> We go several times a month with our membership and it also gets us a discount at zoos around the country. </div>
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<b>Mini golf vouchers:</b> Such a fun day for the family, you can even include coupons or gift cards to grab ice cream after the course is complete!</div>
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<b>Fair tickets:</b> Is there anything more fun that a day at the fair? Don't forget to include ride tickets or wristband vouchers! </div>
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<b>Bowling or Skating tickets:</b> Ice or Roller rink, your choice. You could even wrap a pair of ice skates, roller blades, or a bowling ball to represent the gift. </div>
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<b><u>For Adults:</u></b></div>
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<b>Restaurant gift cards:</b> I'm not talking about those restaurants you can find anywhere.... I'm talking about those special unique places you can only find in your city. A special meal out is the perfect gift. </div>
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<b>Tickets to a play/symphony/musical:</b> If you live close to your gift recipient, throw in babysitting coupons too! </div>
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<b>Lessons:</b> Not just for kids! Cooking, golfing, gardening, photography, allowing them to pursue their passions is the ultimate gift. </div>
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<b>Park Passes:</b> For the thrill seekers among us. This works for families too - think Legoland, Disney, etc. </div>
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<b>Camping gear:</b> Our little family of 3 have recently become camping fanatics, but it's also awesome for couples! I think tents, sleeping bags, outdoor cookware, or even a campsite reservation would be such a fun gift. </div>
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<b>Spa Day:</b> I can't think of a single mom that wouldn't want this... Can you???<br />
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Hope these give you some good ideas, and get you thinking outside of the box! </div>
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Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08340533081666379581noreply@blogger.com3