Crazy Casa K

Who is the Cutest?

2015-02-20T18:45:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah, my little guy. In case you needed some photographic evidence! I can't believe how fast it all goes the second time. He's almost 6 months old. Soon he'll be moving, talking, getting big. With Mr. A I wanted him to meet each new milestone quickly, with baby D, I want him to stay my baby as long as possible. He is my adorable baby!

Boxes are fun!

How come I didn't get to go sledding?

My twins!

Birthday Snow Day

2015-02-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

I had a birthday a couple weeks back - like every Monday this month, it was a snow day! We couldn't go too far from the house, so we snuggled in, took our time, enjoyed the day. I'm feeling younger this year, Mr. A says I must be so old since I'm 5 :) I'm apparently going to be so big and tall soon that I will be hitting my head on the fan! Of course, one must enjoy some birthday selfies too!

I've never had snow days before this year. There is a beauty in snow days with little ones. Finding new games to keep us occupied. Long naps, warm food, and lots of silly smiles. I couldn't ask for a better birthday.

I do know that I never had to shovel snow on my birthday before. I never had to chop wood or clean snow off a car. I never had to build a fire or really paid attention to Puxatany Phil before. The groundhog said there will be six more weeks of winter. I believe him 100%. I'm getting better at building fires and shoveling snow...new skills for a new year :)

Thanks to those who do the Hardest Jobs

2015-02-16T17:58:00.000-08:00

This post was inspired by Trapped Under the Sea by Neil Swidey. In Boston, five men were sent into a dark, airless, miles-long tunnel below the ocean to do a nearly impossible job that would help clean the once dirtiest harbor in America. Join From Left to Write on February 19th as we discuss Trapped Under the Sea As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.

This winter has been an eye-opener for me. Winter in New England is like nothing I ever imagined. It's beautiful. The blanket of snow over the earth is stunning, simply beautiful, peaceful. I love what the world looks and sounds like when it's snowing. When I'm at home...and don't have to go anywhere...

What I never even thought about was all the people it takes to clear that snow. Clear it from the roads, the sidewalks, public buildings. I never thought about how much effort it takes to make the world work again after feet upon feet of snow.

There are people out there plowing the roads for 24 hours straight. Guys (and girls) up all night, moving snow, clearing roads, making the world safe for the rest of us to go on with our lives. Yet, still, people complain. I hate driving in the snow - I can't imagine driving a plow, operating heavy machinery or clearing off roofs with shovels. I am so glad that there are those men and wome nwho will do the dangeruos jobs, the ones to keep the rest of us safe.

Thank you!

A Winter of Snow

2015-02-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

Snow.

The first snow was exciting. Novel. Beautiful.

It is still beautiful, but it is still there. Everywhere.

It hasn't melted - weeks. weeks. It keeps building on itself.

It will be really weird to see the street without backs of snow. To see the sidewalks again.

It will be nice to see my porch, to not worry about slipping!

More snow is coming, it will blanket the world again. It will be beautiful.

Snow.

Entering the Age of Sports

2015-02-12T17:20:00.002-08:00

I loved sports. Check that. I loved soccer growing up. I loved running. I loved running faster than the boys. I loved being good at sports. I loved the camraderie, the uniforms, the smell of freshly cut grass.

I loved that my parents supported me - my dad was my biggest fan. He was at every game and supported me no matter what. While playing softball, my least favorite sport, I once had to pitch an inning. It was horrible, torturous. I couldn't throw a strike to save my life. But no matter what, my dad was proud of me. I still remember that inning. I think it was as hard for him as it was for me, but he never let me know. I only remember him being supportive, and proud. No matter what.

So far, Mr. A has loved swimming lessons. He has no fear, which is amazing to watch. I want him to continue to love sports. I want to be the parent that he looks back and says - my mom was always there for me. I want him to look back and think, my mom was proud of me - no matter what. That I didn't push him, that I hugged him when he needed it, that I stood strong when he needed it.

I never realized how much love and strength and letting go a parent needs to watch their children grow up, play sports, to become their own amazing person. I can only hope I follow in my dad's impressive footsteps.

This post was inspired by The Matheny Manifesto by Mike Matheny. St. Louis Cardinals manager Matheny shares his tough-love philosophy for children's team sports that translate to everyday life. Join From Left to Write on February 12th as we discuss The Matheny Manifesto. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.

It's that time - Resolutions

2015-01-01T18:50:00.002-08:00

I want to keep it simple this year.

I want to be held accountable, so I'm putting it out to the universe :) Or at least to those of you that read my blog (thank you!)

1. Become a part of the community - For work and personally. We are already lucky enough to have friends who are introducing us to their friends. My friends are awesome, neighbors amazing, I want o give back and find a circle of amazing people surrounding my little family.

2. Enjoy my kids - They are only young for a little while. There smiles will only be mine for so long. I only get to tuck them in, kiss their boo boos, cuddle with them, carry them upstairs for a short breath of time. They are my heart, for now I keep them close, for one day they will take my heart away.

3. Be healthy - Starting with agreeing to walk/run 2015 miles in 2015 (in a group of three), so really only 672 :) Eating better, for me, for the kids, for my husband. Getting back in shape and running again! Yay treadmill...

4. Make a home - We have a beautiful historic house, but it is not yet our home. I just picked up a book on the Japanese art of decluttering...wish me luck! Rugs, decorations, paint, those touches that make it feel like home.

Wish me luck!

Four months old

2014-12-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

The little guy is four months old today. Time has literally flown by.

I'm not sure how we got to four months. It's been too busy. I didn't have the hours sitting on the couch relaxing with this one.

The second child is not the same, there is the first one to worry about. Life is just busier, faster, fuller.

For the first few weeks of Baby D's life, things were chaotic. We moved, lived out of boxes, installed appliances, painted, Mr. A started a new school, we had family visiting, our dog came back...it was just non-stop. And so I didn't have the time to slowly take in my son's face, his smell, his sweetness.

Then one day, I sat on the couch (we finally got one!), and I stared at his beautiful face, and my heart burst. Don't get me wrong, I've loved him from day one, but I didn't realize quite how much until I took that deep breath and smiled. He smiled back. I love this boy.

He is the sweetest baby. Smiles for mommy, for daddy, for his big brother. He loves to stand, loves raspberries and tickles. He's rolling over and making silly noises. He lights up my life.

Things are a little different with the second. With Mr. A I wanted everything to go fast, to get to the new clothes, to sit up, take his first step, get his first tooth. With this guy, my last, I want everything to go slow. Everything is the last time, I want to savor it. He's going to wear those 3 month pajamas until he's bursting out.

I can't even describe how lucky I am to have this little guy in my life. He makes my family complete. I am so thankful he entered my life this year.

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

Annie ~ It's here! ~ Giveaway!

2014-12-19T17:44:00.003-08:00

Do you remember Annie? Little orphan Annie? I loved singing Annie :)

Now? A new version is out! I'm very excited!

In case you don't know the story...Annie is a young, happy foster kid who's also tough enough to make her way on the streets of New York in 2014. Originally left by her parents as a baby with the promise that they'd be back for her someday, it's been a hard knock life ever since with her mean foster mom Miss Hannigan. But everything's about to change when the hard-nosed tycoon and New York mayoral candidate Will Stacks makes a thinly-veiled campaign move and takes her in.

Are you excited to see it? It's the time of year to spend with family - enjoy a family movie :) Check out the trailer below and check the website for more info http://www.annie-movie.com/site/.

Enter the giveaway here. Open to all US Citizens 18+. Prize is an Annie activity Pack. Kids shirt, activity book, sticker sheet and Scholastic poster.

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I received the same prize pack in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own

How did I get here?

2014-12-02T17:53:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wake up amazed.

My life has been turned on it's head. In a good way, but still, it's not the life I was leading just a few months ago.

I wake up curled up in my bed trying to stay nice and warm - because it's cold! I live in a beautiful historic home in Massachusetts. How did I end up in New England? I am a CA desert girl.

I live in an amazing community, with friendly people and friends that are always there to help.

There have already been three snow days - which thrills my son. He is learning about seeing your breath and mittens and warm hats :)

I have an amazing job. I am trusted with an amazing responsibility and am so proud to be doing what I am doing. How did I get here?

I am a mom of two boys. Two. Mr. A loves swimming, legos, hugs and Santa. He is thoughtful, smart, funny and loving. Baby D is mellow, sweet, cuddly and a mama's boy.

I wake up in a strange state as a mother of two with an amazing job in an awesome community with wonderful co-workers living in a beautiful house and think - how did I get here?

I am so glad I did.

This post was inspired by the novel The Mill River Redemption by Darcie Chan, about two estranged sisters who are forced to work together in order to uncover the hidden inheritance by their mother. Join From Left to Write on December 2nd as we discuss The Mill River Redemption and enter to win a copy of the novel. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.

Head on over to From Left to Write to win your own copy!

Leap into Gaming with #LeapTV

2014-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Disclosure: I received free products in order to host the LeapFrog sponsored MommyParty. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The very first video that A was allowed to watch was "Letter Factory" by Leap Frog. He still asks for it as his first choice the majority of the time. "Froggies," as we call it, did an amazing job teaching the little guy his letters and their sounds. Scout was also a staple in his life when he was smaller. So as you can see, Leap Frog products are some of our favorites.

Which is why I was so excited to have the opportunity to try out the new LeapTV, a new gaming console built especially for kids 3-8. The console and games are all about getting the kids into the action and teaching core skills like math and reading. With nine games currently, and an anticipated 100+ games and videos by the end of the year, there is something for everyone.

The system was very easy to set up, about 10 minutes total. In the box there just are a few simple components to set up. Once you have it set up, there are three ways to play:

Motion- Using the camera, the game senses movement and the kids don't even need a controller. Children become the controller! The child’s moves are captured on the motion-sensing camera and mirrored on screen. They can dance, run, hop, jump, karate chop, and more with their own body movement.
Classic Controller- This controller was built with a child’s small hands in mind. With an easy to hold shape and easy to reach buttons at their fingertips. In classic control mode kids can go on a high speed race car, tilt and shake to manipulate their vehicle.
Pointer- With just a twist and a press of a bottom the controller quickly transforms into a pointer. In pointer play kids can slice, swing, and snap all with the movement of their controller.

We had a fun time playing two of the new games:

LeapTV Dance and Learn: A's favorite game! In LeapTV Dance and Learn children shake, spin, flap and hop to the tune of nine dance games. Our favorite is the Dino dance :) Children learn reading skills while having a dance party.
LeapTV Sports!: Enter a whole new arena of sports fun with your favorite LeapFrog characters in LeapTV Sports. Children can bowl, block, chop, swing and swim through nine active games.

I do have to say that there were some challenges playing with kids on the youngest end of the spectrum. The loading time can take awhile - which doesn't work well for three year olds. Also, we found a glitch - which technical assistance was quick to respond to - where the camera didn't recognize the second player. That said - it is also great for the little ones. It wasn't too sensitive to less -than-precise movements, and they loved seeing themselves on the Television! Great for friends :)

Overall, it was a positive gaming experience. I recommend the LeapTV and think that it would make a fun Holiday Gift. You can see more about the LeapTV at www.leapfrog.com. I would like to e thank Leap Frog, Mom Select, and Mommy Parties for giving me the opportunity to play, review and share LeapTV with you!

To learn more go to Leap Frog LeapTV!

The Hardest Day

2014-11-17T10:03:00.000-08:00

It's that day.

The one I have been dreading.

The one where my heart breaks a little.

It isn't any easier with the second child.

He is so little. So snuggly. He is my heart.

I hand him over to someone else for the day. I drive away. I cry and cry and cry.

This is the hardest day.

Love.

2014-11-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

I almost didn't get photos done for Mr. D. I am so glad I did. I love them. She captured the love in my little family :)

Thank you to my awesome photographer!

One Race a Month...

2014-11-13T09:46:00.000-08:00

Back on the Bandwagon.

Going for one race a month - no matter the weather. hahahaha.

Ok, but really. Walk or run. I'm putting a race on the schedule each month.

We walked Grumpy's Cranberry 5k with the family a week ago. It was great to get back out there, to be part of the running community again, to feel that post-exercise happiness. Now I need to actually start running a bit! The rain has been a little intimidating - but I will find a way around it!

So my current ideas...

November - Fairhaven Turkey Trot 5k (gotta do a turkey trot)
December - New Bedford Santa 5k
January - ?
February - Newport Night Run (5k)
March - The Leprechan Run (5k) in New Bedford
April - Fairhaven West island 5k
May - Hazelwood Women's 5k
June - Day of Portugal 5k, Newport 10 miler?
July - Mattapoisett 5 miler
...too far out to plan :)

But 2016...hoping to do a Disney Princess run!

Anyway, any good runs in the RI/MA area I should try? I can't seem to find January runs - maybe there is a reason! Maybe some virtual runs are in order! I also need to find a 10k in there...

Well, keep me motivated, I'll need the help! My best motivation, these boys :)

Getting Ready for Daycare

2014-11-12T09:47:00.000-08:00

Less than a week.

Next Monday I go back to work. Baby D goes to daycare. I am not ready.

I need to figure out his schedule.

I need to pack a bag. I need to figure out what to put in that bag. I need to label his things. I need to brace myself. I need to pump. I need to breathe.

It'll be ok, right? He will be ok? I know I have done this once before. But last time we had a nanny, and it seemed easier to leave A at home. Everything he knew and needed (other than me), was there.

Now, it's a whole different thing.

Can I do it? Can I leave him? I am sure he will be fine. But will I?

Any tips on daycare? What to bring? What I need to know?

Not quite ready to leave my baby :(

Running - it's Cold Here!

2014-11-11T09:46:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I have to come to terms with the face that I now live in New England. And it is cold here. It has ALREADY snowed. It rains, a lot.

While I am a little worried about my own ability to withstand the cold, I am also worried about the kiddies in the stroller. I have a feeling the little guy might be running with me a lot.

How am I going to run this winter?

1) Gear - What do I need? I have a long sleeved tech shirt, a fleece headband, long sleeve pants. Good enough for CA, probably not for MA. My coldest run? Santa to the Sea Half Marathon - 34 degrees. I was very, very cold. Clearly I needed better layers...so what do I need? Help!

2) Gym - one option is to join the local YMCA. They have a 1/4 mile indoor track. Would I not go insane running n a small circle endlessly? But it is not a treadmill, and it is inside, and it is warm. Warm. Did I mention it is inside? It is also only one block from my office. So odds are I could actually make it to the gym.

3) Tread Mill - this might actually be the cheapest option (no fancy outdoor gear, no gym membership). I might be able to get a used one on craigslist. I can run in my house, with my children safely ensconced in warmth. I could set up a tv, do some laundry while running...and I don't even have to walk a block...Any suggestions on what kind? Do I need a fancy one?

My little guy seems not to mind the cold - guess I need to learn from him!

What do you recommend? Will I die in the cold, run to boredom in the gym, monotony in the basement?

Great Grandparents

2014-11-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

This post was inspired by The Goddess of Small Victories by Yannick Grannec. Join From Left to Write to discuss The Goddess of Small Victories. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.

My sons have three great-grandparents. I am so glad that they have the opportunity to meet them and spend time with them. I remember meeting my great-grandma once, I remember being nervous going to visit her in a nursing home. Seeing her in a wheel-chair, standing in the corner. I remember swinging in my school playground crying when I found out she passed away. It was the first time I remember someone dying, the first time I knew about a nursing home...

Now grandparents are entering nursing homes. My grandma sold her home, the home she's been in my entire life. I didn't even get to say good-bye. I can still smell the house, but it isn't really there anymore. It is not the same knowing my grandma is not there. That she is living in a different town, in a space that doesn't have memories. It is a wonderful home, she is near family, she is loved, she is being well taken care of. But it's a transition, for all of us.

I am glad they are being taken care of, that family is nearby to see them, but it is still hard to see aging. Aging is hard.

I am so glad A and D have the chance to meet their great-grandparents. I am so grateful that I have had so much time with my grandma. I am glad to have had time to get to know Mr. K's grandparents. I hope we still have lots of time left.

Baby Banana Brush Giveaway!

2014-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

I had forgotten about teething. It hasn't started for us yet, but the drool and hand sucking tells me it's coming soon...and look what I came across?

Yep, that is a small child using an ear of corn for teething (or you can have a banana!). I actually saw this on one of my friend's registry - and I bought it for them - because I thought it was the silliest thing ever! But now, I have to admit, I'm intrigued. I bought them the banana one :)

So I missed out on putting it on my registry (are you even allowed to have one for a second kid?). But now, you have a chance to have one (in case you missed out too!). I am giving one away - and will be trying one soon myself. Ok, Baby D will be trying it, not me :) So enter the giveaway below...

More information on it? It is a 100% silicone teething toothbrush for infants through 2 years old. The family owned and operated company strives to make brushing fun (and safer) with their flagship product, the Baby Banana Brush, and their brand new product the Cornelius Teething Toothbrush! Baby Banana Brushes have been wildly popular online (currently the #1 baby product on Amazon).

It might make a great stocking stuffer for the Holidays! Giveaway open to US residents over 18 years of age. End 11/20/14 at 11:59 pm.

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First Snow of 2014

2014-11-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

November 2nd.

It snowed here on November 2nd. Doesn't that seem insanely early?

Granted it wasn't a big snow. But it snowed for a few hours, and stayed on the ground until nighttime.

It sure looks beautiful in my neighborhood!

And how gorgeous is snow on red leaves? A was very mad at the snow for messing up his tree.

But he absolutely loved playing in the snow. He made snowballs, built a mini-snowman with Uncle Brandon, he played until his shoes soaked through (I just bought him some snow boots!) - and his mittens were dripping (also have better gloves on order...). I hope he continues to enjoy the snow, since I feel like there might be a lot more. Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowboarding in our future?

And of course at the end of the day, we curled up in the living room with a fire, s'mores and family. The first snow was kind of awesome.

I'm sure we won't have as much fun every time, but this one was awesome :)

New England Halloween

2014-11-06T17:00:00.000-08:00

Our first Halloween in New England. Baby D's first Halloween (he slept through it all).

Beautiful Colors. Lots of kiddos everywhere! Mr. A wore the same costume as last year (sneaky mommy), but it was so much more of a hit this year. You wouldn't beleive how many people (in an awesome Massachusetts accent) praised his costume. A was actually really into it this year!

My favorite out take

Of course, D looked adorable as a pumpkin. His first Halloween. At this point the seasons are off so he won't be wearing A's hand-me-downs. So I get to choose new costumes!

A had so much fun this year. He and his buddy we more than cute. Saying Thank you, Happy Halloween, sharing stories as they walked. His favorite candy? Crackers. :) Only a three year old!

Want a little walk through time? A's first halloween was in Hawaii, but all the others have the requisite candy picture :)

Will he forgive me for having him in the same costume two years in a row? Right after this picture he dumped all the candy on his dad - and laughed demonically. So funny!

Hope you all had a wonderful halloween!

Grumpy's Cranberry 5k

2014-11-03T19:41:00.001-08:00

My first 5k since, oh, I don't know when...

While we didn't run, it was a good walk! I even convinced my sister to join us :) It was both her and baby D's first 5k. A loved running with his Aunt and Uncle.

While we didn't win, we didn't come in last (all of three people behind us). We learned tons about cranberries (like if you strung all the cranberries harvested in North America together they would stretch from LA to Boston 565 times), we saw cranberry bogs, we laughed, we got muddy. Mr. A finished strong!

Not sure about all races in South Coast MA, but this one was awesome. I mean, the weather was a bit cold :) But the people were friendly, the swag was great - a shirt, a mug, a bag of goodies.

Even better - the post run FOOD. Cranberry everything. I wish I'd taken a picture of the spread. Cranberry sandwiches, bagels, desserts, drinks - including beer :)

I can't wait to run next year - and to find some other local races to try!

Time Flies

2014-11-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

I thought time flew by with my first baby. All of the sudden he was crawling, walking, speaking and becoming a real live boy.

His personality is awesome. He is awesome. Time is not linear anymore.

The little guy? Time is going by even faster. He is already 10 weeks old - 2.5 months. He is smiling and reaching and interacting.

He is growing up so fast. I only have two more weeks of maternity leave before I leave him every day. TIme needs to stop now. Right now.

Just in case you wanted to see the little guys side by side. I can't believe A used to be so small.

Teaching to Give

2014-10-30T18:38:00.000-07:00

Last week I was a little worried. As we move from Halloween into Thanksgiving, Christmas and A's birthday. It is the season of holidays. The season of family. And often - the season of gifts. I absolutely love how generous my family and friends are, they are so thoughtful and giving. I want A to be the same way.

So I started thinking about ways to get him into liking giving as much as receiving gitfs! We baked cookies for our neighbors, I solicited suggestions on how to get him to care more about giving, and worried about how to get him to be more caring. I worried.

Today A came home from school and was so excited about his Halloween loot. Mommy fail admission here - I didn't know I was supposed to bring candy and toys to share! A was telling me about how nice everyone was. He was so animated about wanting to call Madeline to thank her. To tell her how nice it was to give him a spider (the nicest spider in the world). And he so sweetly asked me if he could please bring his own toys to share with his class.

Tears came to my eyes I guess I don't need to worry so much. I think he's doing fine. He is a sweet, thoughtful, generous three year old. So his face lights up when he gets gifts, his face also lights up when he gives them too. He loves to say thank you and gives me little bits of paper with such love. He makes me bowls of pretend soup and sings me happy birthday on a daily basis :) He always gives me the biggest piece of the (pretend) pie.

I am so lucky to have the little (bigger) guy in my life.

This post was inspired by The 13th Gift by Joanne Huist Smith, memoir about how random acts of kindness transformed her family’s bereavement and grief during the holidays. Join From Left to Write on October 28th as we discuss The 13th Gift. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.

I love statistics, but...

2014-10-08T17:37:00.002-07:00

I took a statistics course for the first time in college. The professor had a stunningly monotone voice (though a great australian accent), the book was dense, the lectures long...but I loved it. It clicked right away, the numbers made sense, the data was fascinating.

I took another few classes in grad school - I loved the late nights at the computer lab trying to figure out what the data was saying. When I could tell a story with the data. A good story, one that made sense. My first job after grad school - lots of data, lots of statistics. What I discovered however? It made everyone mad.

Yep, mad. People hate being part of a data set.

Everyone is unique. Everyone defies statistics. You can't categorize people, or work places, or families, or groups, or anything, because that takes our individuality off the table. Everyone who is part of your data set, will swear up and down that they are unique can't be explained by statistics, don't fit for a long line of reasons.

Yet, the data is there - there are always outliers, everyone, everything has it's quirks, but the data tell fascinating tales. Just don't take it too personally. See the trends, enjoy the puzzle pieces, listen to the stories. You'll find fascinating tales.

This post was inspired by Dataclysm: Who We Are (When We Think No One’s Looking) by OKCupid co-founder Christian Rudder, where he analyzes online data to find out that people who prefer beer are more likely to have sex on a first date. Join From Left to Write on October 9th as we discuss Dataclysm. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.

First Matching Outfits ~ Very Hungry Caterpillar PJs!

2014-09-16T11:18:00.002-07:00

I had no idea how irresistible it would be to succumb to matching outfits. Granted I started with pajamas - but how much fun is it to dress up your boys alike? One itty bitty outfit and one adorable 3 year old???

Of course, the catalyst was seeing the line of Eric Carle sleepwear and playwear at Gymboree. Mr. A LOVES brown bear. He can recite the whole book!

Not only is he adorable (am I biased?) but so is his new little brother! I have always loved the Very Hungry Caterpillar and the incredible illustrations - so of course I had to buy them the adorable Caterpillar PJs.

I love that my son loves Brown Bear and the Very Hungry Caterpillar too - they were some of his first books. I had an entire conversation with his pre-school teacher about how great the artwork are for little kids imaginations.

The smallest size, 6-12 month is still too big for Baby Brother, but I had to try it on him anyway. He'll grow into it! I can't wait until the can both wear them together. They come in both girl and boy sizes 6 - 12 months, 12 – 18 months, 18 – 24 months, and 2 - 6T. I'm still debating buying the brown bear playwear for A.

In case my adorable pictures of my sons in their PJs aren't enough - feel free to enter your own photos in the photo contest inspired by Eric Carle’s Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See, from 9/2-9/30. The contest is to encourage parents to help little ones take a picture of what they see. Submit a photovia Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr or via a designated direct photo upload site, using the hashtag, #WhatDoYouSee.

Entrants of the #WhatDoYouSee contest will have the chance of winning one of ten Eric Carle gift baskets including: A House for Hermit Crab book, a signed copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar book, figurines, stickers, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Sippy Cup, Chunky Colored Pencils, Match and Munch Game, Place Mats Book, and Stage & Play (Approximate Retail Value $144.99).

The winners will be announced on 9/30/14. For even more fun, download the iPhone app so you and your little one can add some Eric Carle fun to your photos and play a caterpillar game!

The partnership between Gymboree and the World of Eric Carle brings two iconic, parent-trusted brands together and builds on Gymboree’s rich heritage in colorful, quality clothing that parents love and children never want to stop wearing.

This is a sponsored blog post. I received compensation from Gymboree. The opinions and text are all mine.

Fitness Matters to a New Mom

2014-09-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

Two weeks.

The little guy has been here two weeks now. Mostly eating and sleeping - but we've taken our fair share of car trips, walks to the beach, some tummy time, taking in the world and some bouts of crying.

I have to admit, that I am enjoying people telling me that I look great for it only being two weeks after having a baby. Definitely didn't feel that way last time :) I have to credit a few things for this - gaining less weight, a smaller baby, chasing around a 3 year old, starting out more fit to begin with, and staying active throughout the pregnancy.

I can't wait to start running again, can't wait to feel fit - that feeling of strength, good exhaustion, going all out, endurance, building muscle, eating right. That feeling of showing my kids what I can do.

So soon, soon, I'll be back into the groove, making my protein shakes (using soy milk :) of course) once I get my blender back! I'll be walking, running, lifting weights. I've been researching a treadmill for the dreaded New England winter!

I've already been walking to the beach! Eating healthier and building up energy to really get fit again when I'm cleared to exercise. I'm excited to start the journey again...

For more information on how to incorporate healthy eating check out these resources on facebook and at silk.com.

This conversation is sponsored by Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.